You Feeling Lucky, Elder? It's Friday the 13th!

I am a tad bit behind on the blogging.  I started this post in October (because it's scary-wooOooOOoooo) but since it is Friday the 13th perhaps we can continue the theme...

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This month is Halloween.  The time of the year where we try and scare each other in a never-ending quest for candy.   So as the pumpkins and ghosties start appearing on our porches, let's talk about something really scary--getting a mission call to the good old USA.  (insert cackling laughter here)

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Or as I saw on Facebook,"USA missions are not as hard as the rest. They spoil the missionaries and they don't do a thing!" 

Recently we were at a fireside with a member of the Seventy. He had some time for Q & A and the very first question was, "will treatment for a mental health condition keep my child from serving foreign?"

Now it's an honest question and I am sure she meant no disrespect to those of us serving "not foreign" but, there were two disturbing subtexts to that question.  (Keep in mind these are my  reactions to the question, not necessarily her intentions)

1. Foreign missions are better.
2. If the treatment would prevent serving foreign, then should my child have the treatment?
(We'll deal with 2 in a different post, shall we?)

Our daughter is serving in upstate New York and let me tell you, it's nice knowing she is in the land of the free and the home of the Walmart. When she was packing we never had to worry about "can you find X in New York?"  We've been to upstate New York. Her father grew up three miles from her mission office.  It's a known quantity, as it were. She speaks the language, has the driver license and knows the laws.

Or in other words, she could hit the ground running.  Was I disappointed that she would serve in her native country and speak her native language? Nope.  

Look, I get it, I do.  Paris sounds so much more something than Pittsburgh, and that is without the bonus of learning a language.   

I'll let you in on some insider secrets.

1. A mission is not a vacation.
2. A mission is not language training.
and most importantly
3. God loves His children in Pittsburgh as much as the ones in Paris.  

You don't have to be a missionary very long until you come to a profound knowledge that God loves His children.  All his children.  He loves ALL of his children.  ALL of HIS CHILDREN.  

Once you understand that you don't care where you serve.  All you see around you are brothers and sisters who desperately need to know that they have a loving Heavenly Father and a Savior who made it possible to return to that loving Father.   

And as for the facebook dude who thinks we're "spoiled" and "don't do a thing,"  it is true that we take things like electricity and clean water for granted.  Is that spoiled?  Probably.  Here in Southern California we even won the weather lottery--it's sunny and pleasant almost every day.  Is that spoiled?  I don't know, to us it feels more like a blessing.  We are grateful to have these tender mercies because the second part of your accusation is that we don't do a thing.  That is just flat out wrong.  

We do the same things every one of the 86,000 missionaries do every single day.  We invite everyone to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. We may not have the highest contact to member ratio but we don't even care.  Do you know why we work ceaselessly every single day with not much outward success?  Because we know that God loves all his children.  We are not going to risk missing even one door, one street contact or one guy at the park who may not know that God loves him.

There are hard things and there are blessings in every single mission in the Church.  Have the faith that the Lord knows what is best for all his children and will put you as a missionary where you as a child need to be.  It is really that simple.

There is one exception, if you get called to The Great California San Fernando Mission, then you really have been called to the best mission on the planet.

Just saying.

What Does the Handbook Say?

Calvin the future missionary:

Sometimes I joke around that the only thing people will remember about our mission tenure is that we were the mean ones who made the missionaries eat in their areas.  At least I hope it's a joke, but maybe not.  That subject has probably had more hours and phone calls devoted to it than any other single missionary topic.  Entire ward councils have been obsessed/possessed with a fervor usually only reserved for stake basketball rivalries.  Since the increase in missionaries, the English units are finding out what the Spanish units already knew--the rule is you stay in your area.

The irony is, at least to me, that there are no mission specific rules.  We are strictly a white handbook/Preach My Gospel  mission.  So when you call me to tell me how it isn't practical/fair/good/easy/whatever that the missionaries have to/aren't allowed to/should be able to do,  I don't really know what you want me to say.  Because I'll tell you now, I am not about to say, "yes, I'm sure the missionary department/church/apostles/prophet who gave that rule didn't really mean it, do what you want."  

But we don't think of it like that.  Of all the calls I have received (and I only get a small fraction of what Ken does) no one has ever, ever, said, "could you please just not follow the rules you promised to follow."  Even the people who tell the missionaries not to be so rigid/not to worry/it's not a big deal to do X/everyone does that/I did that as a missionary, even then, no one ever says, "don't worry about breaking the rule you promised to obey, integrity is over-rated."  But that's what it is.  You are asking someone to put their integrity on the line. 

So knock it off.

Look, it's hard to be a missionary.  We have really weird rules.  They don't all make sense to us all the time.  But every single missionary signed his or her name and said they would follow them. Furthermore, we are in the business of miracles and we want to demonstrate to the Lord that He can trust us.  If He can't trust us with the small things, why would He trust us with the large things?

Missionaries have a stewardship over an area.  It is not just a logistical exercise.  They have a right to, and an expectation of revelation concerning the people in their area.  Does this mean they can never leave their area? No.  Can they ever teach outside their area? Yes, for example the Bishop can ask them to do so, or if there is a member family outside the area that would be a good fit with an investigator.  So it isn't like jail? No, it isn't a punishment to stay in your area.

But it's just food!  Who cares?  

It isn't just food.  The purpose of feeding the missionaries is not just food.  It is missionary work, and if you are not in your area then you don't have the revelation for that area. Bishop Smith can't wander over into Bishop Jones's ward and start receiving revelation about a different ward.  The Lord's house is a house of order. Please don't put pressure on the missionaries to do something they have said they would not do.  Please don't ask anyone's son or daughter to give up their integrity.  I know it seems like a small thing, but small and simple things bring great things--great good, or great bad.

So why am I bringing this up?

Facebook.

In the next few months, our missionaries will be authorized for facebook proselyting.  There will be rules.  LOTS of rules. Rules that we did not make-up, but rules we will follow. Please help them keep the rules.  If you aren't sure, ask the missionary what the handbook says.  Don't guess. 

Missionaries will soon be taggable.  Don't tag them unless they are acting like missionaries. Nothing makes my heart sink faster than when someone posts a picture of a missionary not acting like a missionary.  They may not have done what they ought, but someday they will want to have those blessings that obedience brings and would rather the world did not have a digital copy of their weakness.   

Handbooks are not set in stone, they change from time to time (Handbook 2 just changed last month, for example). But we follow what they say, now.  President Henry B Eyring said this about the handbooks of the Church: 

The handbook will become a treasure to you as you use it to help you lead others to choose the way to eternal life. That is its purpose. When you see the joy which the gospel brings to those you serve and feel the loving appreciation from the Savior, you will come to love the handbook for what it helped you feel and do. And you will find yourself drawn back to it for the light you feel as you read, understand, and follow what you learn from it.

I am so excited at the oncoming digital possibilities in missionary work.  I have been keeping tabs on several test-pilot missions and their different rules and experiences.  When we get the new rules, they will be a product of practical experience and inspiration.  I'm so excited!

I'm going to end this post with a lesson from David McConkie:

Soon after I was called to be a stake president, our stake presidency received training from an Area Seventy. During the training, I asked a question to which he responded, “That is a good question. Let’s turn to the Church Handbook of Instructions for the answer.” We then went to the handbook, and there was the answer to my question. A little later in our training, I asked another question. Once again he responded, “Good question. Let’s turn to the handbook.” I did not venture to ask any more questions. I thought it best to read the handbook.

I have thought since that the Lord could give a similar response to each of us as we go to Him with concerns or questions. He could say, “That’s a good question. If you will review Alma chapter 5 or Doctrine and Covenants section 76, you’ll remember that I have already spoken to you about this.”

Brothers and sisters, it is contrary to the economy of heaven for the Lord to repeat to each of us individually what He has already revealed to us collectively. The scriptures contain the words of Christ. They are the voice of the Lord. Studying the scriptures trains us to hear the Lord’s voice.

So the next time you feed the Elders (when you secretly wish you were in the Sisters' area) or when you see this

Mission rules--we back each other out of parking spaces.

Smile and know that you just witnessed a miracle--a missionary who has put his/her trust in the Lord and in whom the Lord can trust. 

Companions, Not Clones

Quiz time!  You've just wandered into Zone Conference and there is a PowerPoint slide on the screen.  By looking at only one slide, tell me who is training--Sister Hall or President Hall?

Isn't that a great slide?  It has the San Fernando Valley on the bottom, it's easily read and professional.  The template is perfect for Zone Conference or Mission Leadership Council.  So whose slide is it? Need another hint? (I know you don't, but stay with me) Instead of that slide, you see this one:

All your doubts have fled, haven't they?  While I might use the first one, the chances of Ken using the second one are next to zero.

      Bad Guy: President use the fluffy tree template or I'm dumping glitter all down the hall.  

      Ken:        I'm thinking, I'm thinking....

      

 To be honest, the second one is a little over the top for even me, but it is indeed my slide.  

So who is the better teacher? Which slide is better?  Which presentation is going to increase the effectiveness of missionaries post-conference? Shouldn't we have figured out our optimal template in companionship study and then presented the one true template?

Sometimes missionaries look at all the rules and schedules and outlines and expectations and come to the conclusion that all we want are robots.  

In fairness, it is not just the missionaries who sometimes think this way.  Members sometimes think that keeping the commandments and "following the handbook" will turn us into robots. 

President Dieter F Uchtdorf said The Atonement is meant to help us all become more like Christ, it is not meant to make us all the same. Sometimes we confuse differences in personality with sin. We can even make the mistake of thinking that because someone is different from us, it must mean they are not pleasing to God.

    This line of thinking leads some to believe that the Church wants to create every member [missionary] from a single mold—that each one should look, feel, think, and behave like every other. 

    This would contradict the genius of God, who created every man different from his brother, every son different from his father. Even identical twins are not identical in their personalities and spiritual identities. It also contradicts the intent and purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ...

The missionary companionship of Alma and Amulek taught that when we die we are still the same people (that same spirit which doth possess your body now, etc).  

Joseph Smith taught that "same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy." That is going to be a pretty good trick if we are all the same.  

The Lord needs YOU.  Not you, generically, you specifically.  He needs your strengths, your weaknesses, your personality, your all.  You are not a surprise to Him.  You were created by Him as an individual.  The Savior atoned for us individually.  You were never meant to be indistinguishable from a collective of robots.  To requote President Uchtdorf, "it would contradict the genius of God."

So, missionaries and members, yes you have to keep the commandments, follow "the handbook" and behave yourselves.  But you aren't the same.  You'll never be "the same."  Play to your strengths, allow the Lord to help your weaknesses become strengths.  But remember to be you.  The best you you can be, but still you.  

When Christ was on the earth he asked us all a question. "What manner of men ought ye to be?"    

What's the answer?  How do we do that?  Why can't we just copy our neighbor?  

Because it is personal.  It has always been personal. 

What manner of person should I be? 

Even as Christ.  

You have to Promise not to Wig Out

I am about to post something that will make some people extremely happy.  It may make more people extremely something else.  I shall explain.

First, the rules--missionaries are not supposed to use the video settings on their cameras.  I suppose this is because they are a. not tourists b. as representatives of the Church, we don't need a Missionaries doing Dumb Things youtube channel. Or  Missionaries Teaching or whatever. There are also privacy issues with people we teach, etc, etc. The short answer is you need to have your President's approval to film.

Second, the background--I kept the San Fernando and El Camino zones after zone conference to sing their musical number again.  So I could film it for Mother's Day.  I don't know why, or for whom but I felt impressed that I should.  El Presidente gave the OK and he did the filming (I can't hold a camera steady to save my life).

Third, the apology-There are 9 zones in this mission.  Only two zones are highlighted here.  I am worried that this will hurt some feelings of the other 7 zones of parents. Even if your missionary is in the video, you may not be able to see them well (or at all). The musical numbers in their conferences have been outstanding.  I wish you all could hear them all.  I really do.  But we won't be recording them, they are bringing the Spirit to the meeting in an amazing way.  It isn't a talent demonstration--it's worship.

Fourth, the summation: We love the missionaries of The Great California San Fernando Mission!  All of them!  If your missionary is not in the video, please remember that these missionaries represent all missionaries all over the world.  Please don't ask your missionary to film themselves. Ask them to tell you what they are doing, what they are learning, how they have grown.

Fifth, and most importantly, HAPPY MOTHER'S and FATHER'S DAY  Your missionaries are SO excited to skype/talk with you this weekend.  They love you SO MUCH! And we are grateful to all the Mothers and Fathers of our missionaries.

Sometimes You Just Have to Deal

One of the very best sermons I ever heard was from an 8(?) year old girl and was only one sentence long.  She said, "Sometimes you just have to deal."

She was right.  You may not want to, you may try not to, but sometimes, my friends, you just have to deal.  As in deal with whatever it is that life has thrown your way.  The key, I suppose, is how we deal.  Last week President Dieter F Uchtdorf  put it this way,

"Everyone’s situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious.

We can be grateful!

It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding."

I don't know too much about the goblet of gratitude (I tend more towards the cookie jar of comfort) but I have learned a thing or two about the attitude of gratitude.  

1.  Attitude matters.  Mosiah 24: 15 says the people of Alma did "submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."  When it comes down to it, we all have to submit to something (see, above--sometimes you just have to deal) but cheerfully and patiently are optional.  They are also pretty tough to do sometimes.  

In our family, we refer to this verse as "the brain tumor" verse.  We decided to take the Lord up on the challenge that if we were cheerful and patient, he would strengthen our backs so we would not feel the burdens.  Turns out there was a lot to be cheerful about with a brain tumor--like the fact that it was 1994 not 1894, or that Exxon had one of the premiere insurance plans in the country (brain surgery for $5 copay--score!).  Also, the looks on people's faces when you told them.  The neighbors and friends who helped and prayed, the parents that came and stayed.  The young man in our Violent  Valiant 11 class who fasted for me. 

Patience also played a role--but it was much easier to be patient when we were cheerful.  I often say, you haven't lived until you've had to have you mother-in-law help you to the bathroom.  Patience with learning to walk un-assisted. Patience in trying to get your body to move correctly.  I am still working on that--I am excited for the resurrection to get my nerves back in working order, though it does make for some amusing and clumsy moments here.  

2.  It's not a surprise to the Lord.  It may be to you--Surprise!-- but it isn't to the Lord. 

As many of you know, our 17 year old has been suffering from terrible and chronic migraines.  Those of you who have not had a migraine are thinking, "that's too bad" and those if you with migraine experience are clutching your heads and weeping.   Besides the pain (she says casually) his whole life has shut down.  We had to withdraw him from school and put him on home study.  He has been to church once in the last two months.  As the doctors work with him everything takes time (patience).  In fact, if you really want practice with patience, get yourself admitted to the hospital--and then try and get discharged.  Took us 8 hours to get discharged because so many doctors had to sign off.  

So Thomas's life is not going according to our plan.  But it is going according to The Plan.  It wasn't a surprise to the Lord that Thomas would go through this.  As surprising as it is to us, we are sure, absolutely sure, that for whatever reason this is the plan for Thomas--and we just have to deal. So we are dealing.  Maybe someday we will be able to see more clearly what the blessings are from this, but until then we are confident that there are blessings.  Some are obvious (modern painkillers, anyone?) some are tender (helping a sick child) and some are amazing (hearing Thomas talk about the peace he has felt through the whole ordeal).  

Patience and Cheerfulness.  Gratitude not bitterness.  

Maybe someday I'll relate this concept to missionaries and their struggles, but it looks like Tom's medicine has just kicked in and he is once again vertical.  I think this calls for a cookie. 

Our Very Favorite Missionary

First, I must explain how phenomenally awesome this picture is.  On the left is Sister Lucille Hall, serving in The Great California San Fernando Mission in the office, outside of the office we call her Mom/Grandma.  Center is Sister Katie Hall, newly set apart as a full-time missionary and now serving in the New York Rochester Mission.  Lastly, there is me--the original San Fernando Sister Hall (but not the only, we also have two Hermanas Hall, which reminds me--please put your missionary's first name on any letters or packages, we have multiple sets of same named missionaries).  We have a picture with Elder and President Hall, too, but we're way more cute :)

So, in case you couldn't guess, Sister Katie Hall is our very favorite missionary.  Elder and Sister Hall run a close second.  The rest are all tied :)

January Zone Conference Pictures