So this weekend was spent helping Kay my colleague move into her first Alaskan house. I am staying with her until my apartment is ready for me. She is an amazing momma; so patient. They have two adorable girls 8 and 2 the youngest one calls popcorn cockcorn. I about fell out laughing the first time I heard her say that. I took two breaks from the move to help. 1 for a baptism and another one for church.
The Spirit is always so powerful at baptisms. I was asked to speak and I spoke on Christ's love for us. I used my favorite scripture in Isaiah. Can a mother forget her sucking child? ..She may forget but I will not forget thee I have engraven thee upon the palms of my hands. I love the imagery in that verse. His love for me motivates me to do and become a better person. I am so happy for Mary and her decision to follow Christ's footsteps to be baptized so she can "enter the kingdom of God." John 3: 5
Sunday we got a new Bishop. (the priesthood leadership of our congregation they usually serve 5 years. Not one cents pay) Our old Bishop and his wife were so kind and loving to all of us. You could just tell that he loved you by the way he shook your hand and looked into your eyes. So kind. I will miss Bishop Kent Jackson. Normally the Bishop is still in your congregation but in a singles ward not so much plus our Bishop is moving to Idaho.
Our new Bishop was a couselor to our old one and he was a Stake President here before. He has a totally different leadership style and I am excited to learn from this gospel scholar. The change is always bitter sweet..this one was no different.
Monday my homeroom is 2 students. 1 was absent for home room and then I have them for 2 period and the other one decided to go truant..leave school grounds. So I had an extra prep period. I also have them for a 30 min social emotional class and they were not there either. My 4th period class did not feel like working so they spent the class period with their heads down. My 3rd period class was one student. Who know's what 5th period will bring. 1st period was normal 7 students. Harriet Tubman and Underground Railroad was the lesson.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Seminary Room
New glasses..don't know how to rotate these pictures..any bloggers that can help let me know.
Seminary
Expectations
Seminary is going ok. I love the Book of Mormon and am so excited to share that love with the youth here. They are trying to be good kids
All my expectations 1 focus on seminary 2 Invite the Holy Ghost to be the true teacher.
- If I am focused on seminary & love the Lord then I will make sure my phone is off
_ then I will hold my talking until sem. is over
You get the idea.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Hodge podge
A few gripes. 1) Public bathrooms a) stall doors..why do they always swing in instead of out? I am a big girl and can barely get in and then have room to swing the door out. I mean I virtually have to stand on the toilet and then shut the door. b) no hooks for coats or purses or diaper bags..really? women don't have anything to carry! give me a break. esp here in AK I mean we have coats, hats, scarves I don't like to pee on my outer wear kinda gets frozen when I go outside.
On a positive note I did find a bathroom on the way to AZ this summer that had a toddler seat made by the diaper changing table people inside the stall on the wall. Simply buckle in your little person and then you have free hands and don't wonder where are they crawling? I thought that was a genius idea; not having kids myself I never thought about what to do when you got to go with an infant in your arms..put them on the floor NO ...leave them in the buggy..I think NOT..so a one handed job.. buttons are hard one handed. I was in MANY MANY bathrooms this summer and only saw 1 of these. Geeze people consult a female when you are building a building we will help you with the bathroom!
Kay Papakristo is my dear friend here at my nameless school. She is moving and has offered for me to stay at their new place. How sweet is that. We went and got Sushi Tuesday night and once over the weekend. I LOVE IT.!! We had a roll that was tempuraed and it was yummy and one with melted cheese on top with salmon. MMMM I went and took her girls to the park while she packed. They are 8 and 2. It was just what I needed some time outside enjoying this last few weeks without snow. Plus having little fingers wrap around mine and say pwease swing me 'gin is soo nice to hear. I love to push them and hear their little laughs; OH it does so much for my soul!
A good friend is getting baptized this weekend and I am so excited for her. She was worried that she just wanted to be a "Mormon woman" and make homemade bread, sew, quilt, scrapbook, can you own food and all the other neato stuff Mormon women are known for. She found that the Book of Mormon is a record of the people here on the American continent whom Christ visited after His Resurrection. She knows now that they are sheep of His "other fold" that He said he would visit and that it was translated by a prophet of God-Joseph Smith. I am happy that she has found what has brought me much JOY.
On a positive note I did find a bathroom on the way to AZ this summer that had a toddler seat made by the diaper changing table people inside the stall on the wall. Simply buckle in your little person and then you have free hands and don't wonder where are they crawling? I thought that was a genius idea; not having kids myself I never thought about what to do when you got to go with an infant in your arms..put them on the floor NO ...leave them in the buggy..I think NOT..so a one handed job.. buttons are hard one handed. I was in MANY MANY bathrooms this summer and only saw 1 of these. Geeze people consult a female when you are building a building we will help you with the bathroom!
Kay Papakristo is my dear friend here at my nameless school. She is moving and has offered for me to stay at their new place. How sweet is that. We went and got Sushi Tuesday night and once over the weekend. I LOVE IT.!! We had a roll that was tempuraed and it was yummy and one with melted cheese on top with salmon. MMMM I went and took her girls to the park while she packed. They are 8 and 2. It was just what I needed some time outside enjoying this last few weeks without snow. Plus having little fingers wrap around mine and say pwease swing me 'gin is soo nice to hear. I love to push them and hear their little laughs; OH it does so much for my soul!
A good friend is getting baptized this weekend and I am so excited for her. She was worried that she just wanted to be a "Mormon woman" and make homemade bread, sew, quilt, scrapbook, can you own food and all the other neato stuff Mormon women are known for. She found that the Book of Mormon is a record of the people here on the American continent whom Christ visited after His Resurrection. She knows now that they are sheep of His "other fold" that He said he would visit and that it was translated by a prophet of God-Joseph Smith. I am happy that she has found what has brought me much JOY.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Earthquake
So I finally felt my first earthquake today teaching. I was introducing myself and it sounded like the wind was blowing the ceiling really hard..like a trailer in a thunderstorm. The kids asked what was that I said just the wind but my new Teachers Assistant said no that was a earthquake. I can't say I felt it in my feet or body but I definitely heard it and that my friends is counting in my book..a 5.0.
No one threw anything at me or had any major incidents so I am calling it a good first day. My TA got in there like a pro and was super. She is older and has 3 kids so she knows how to get in and help. My schedule is homeroom-- I am doing an Idiom of the day to get us started and will move into social studies/history info. 1st period is 6th grade SS reconstruction to present, 2nd period is 8th grade SS Colonial days to Present 3rd period is 6th grade SS again, 4th 8th grade SS, 30 min lunch then 30 minutes of WHY TRY a social emotional program then 5th period is 7th grade world geography, 6th period is my prep period. I like my schedule and hope to build some strong relationships with my homeroom kids. They are 8th graders and don't know me at all. They barely tolerated me in HR and 3rd period then back at Why Try they both students ended up in the practice hall. Tomorrow is a new day though.
Got to go pack my clothes and remaining items and store them until the evicted tenants move out of mine and Laney's new place. So I will get to move my stuff twice JOY! I guess I shouldn't complain my summer rent was cheap! and the new rent will be cheap too. I will be staying with a friends parents for a week or so. Thank you Jaspers!
No one threw anything at me or had any major incidents so I am calling it a good first day. My TA got in there like a pro and was super. She is older and has 3 kids so she knows how to get in and help. My schedule is homeroom-- I am doing an Idiom of the day to get us started and will move into social studies/history info. 1st period is 6th grade SS reconstruction to present, 2nd period is 8th grade SS Colonial days to Present 3rd period is 6th grade SS again, 4th 8th grade SS, 30 min lunch then 30 minutes of WHY TRY a social emotional program then 5th period is 7th grade world geography, 6th period is my prep period. I like my schedule and hope to build some strong relationships with my homeroom kids. They are 8th graders and don't know me at all. They barely tolerated me in HR and 3rd period then back at Why Try they both students ended up in the practice hall. Tomorrow is a new day though.
Got to go pack my clothes and remaining items and store them until the evicted tenants move out of mine and Laney's new place. So I will get to move my stuff twice JOY! I guess I shouldn't complain my summer rent was cheap! and the new rent will be cheap too. I will be staying with a friends parents for a week or so. Thank you Jaspers!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Ak state fair -classroom
I spent the entire day at school. The last few days so frustrating doing all these "trainings" that I've been through before..when all I really want to do is be in my classroom getting it ready to go. I think I have it almost there. A few minor things to get ready in the morning and then at 7:30 they show up.
The Alaska state fair is coming up in the next few weeks. David Archuletta is coming and a big group of us Young Single Adults are going. I am so excited. I have not been to a concert in awhile. And to see David I mean; YAY!! That was the year I made momma watch American Idol with me and she is now addicted and it is all my fault. When he sang" Imagine" I cried it was so powerful!
I am sooo excited to be teaching social studies. I have been to 40 states and canada on the west and east. I have been to Mexico twice and so it will be nice to add some personal stories into the mix. I hope I will be able to share my love of our country --despite our current president...which sentiments I can't share at school...although I found a fellow conservative on campus a rarity for sure!!! and she teaches language arts and ss and la go so well together. We are definitely going to be collaborating and intergrating our curriculums.
We actually had a social studies team meeting with all the teacher and we came up with some Middle School rules and expectations and I felt like I was doing exactly what I was made to do. Elementary school is for the truly angelic!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
New School Year
So I thought before I start jabberin about how freakin excited I am for this new school year..I wanted to List Poem last years adventures
08 School Year
* Moose almost walking in the automatic doors
* Black bear in the playground
*asking where is the bathroom, my class room, um..the library
*no math curriculum 'til Christmas
*getting stabbed with a pencil, bit, hit by my own podium-- yes I am back for year two
*getting called Fat A## B*&^$ so often I got nicknamed FAB-ulous
* having my desk completely swiped clean by a student
* getting sweet notes from my students
*getting a letter at school from Gma and pa Sherwood--made my week--I wrote them first
* fighting with Ms. E
*Coach D health lessons oh my! adolescent boys
* calling a student my sister's name in exasperation
*field trip good times!
*field day
* feeling like a success because of my student's growth
*getting a mentor
* the sunshine coming out again and having class outside to soak it ALL up!
*daily hugs from my toddler like Fetal Alcohol Student so dang cute!!
*feeling lonely the last day after the kids were gone and wondering if it always feel like that
*seeing the excited on the face of a student when we met on the coastal trail
So I am really excited for school to start and meet the 8th graders. Social Studies is going to be so much better than Elementary. All the content areas and trying to intermingling all the subjects was quite a chore. God bless elementary school teachers!!!!!!!!!!!!
My classroom is coming together and I have found some cool techno websites..like voicethread and loc.gov; flippin sweet the library of Congress!! Gonna be amazing! Someone gave me some free demo Putaymo CD's the world music ones. Got some cool stuff from my summer travels to make a bulletin board out of . I have an entire wall that is magnetized and one entire wall of whiteboard and a bathroom in my class. A teacher gave me a mini fridge to use for the year. Now I need a couch in there to nap on in between school and my busy social evenings. Getting up at 5 am to be at the Church at 5:50 is gonna be an adjustment.
I am also going to be teaching early morning seminary. (LDS youth do 4 years of "seminary" 9-12th grade we rotate old testament, new testament, book of Mormon, and doctrine and covenants)This year is the Book of Mormon. I still have most of the scripture mastery scriptures memorized. I hope that all will go well there too! I have the sophomores. I love the Book of Mormon and how it clarifies so much of the Bible. It truly is another Testament of Christ..that He lived, and Lives now and has the power to heal us.
Just as a random thought for guys who clearly need some help with that whole thinking thing-- ..guys should always tell close "friends" they are getting married over the phone or some other direct method. Another tid bit for the fella's if you are dating multiple girls that is great but don't let them find out on Facebook you have committed to one of them.
08 School Year
* Moose almost walking in the automatic doors
* Black bear in the playground
*asking where is the bathroom, my class room, um..the library
*no math curriculum 'til Christmas
*getting stabbed with a pencil, bit, hit by my own podium-- yes I am back for year two
*getting called Fat A## B*&^$ so often I got nicknamed FAB-ulous
* having my desk completely swiped clean by a student
* getting sweet notes from my students
*getting a letter at school from Gma and pa Sherwood--made my week--I wrote them first
* fighting with Ms. E
*Coach D health lessons oh my! adolescent boys
* calling a student my sister's name in exasperation
*field trip good times!
*field day
* feeling like a success because of my student's growth
*getting a mentor
* the sunshine coming out again and having class outside to soak it ALL up!
*daily hugs from my toddler like Fetal Alcohol Student so dang cute!!
*feeling lonely the last day after the kids were gone and wondering if it always feel like that
*seeing the excited on the face of a student when we met on the coastal trail
So I am really excited for school to start and meet the 8th graders. Social Studies is going to be so much better than Elementary. All the content areas and trying to intermingling all the subjects was quite a chore. God bless elementary school teachers!!!!!!!!!!!!
My classroom is coming together and I have found some cool techno websites..like voicethread and loc.gov; flippin sweet the library of Congress!! Gonna be amazing! Someone gave me some free demo Putaymo CD's the world music ones. Got some cool stuff from my summer travels to make a bulletin board out of . I have an entire wall that is magnetized and one entire wall of whiteboard and a bathroom in my class. A teacher gave me a mini fridge to use for the year. Now I need a couch in there to nap on in between school and my busy social evenings. Getting up at 5 am to be at the Church at 5:50 is gonna be an adjustment.
I am also going to be teaching early morning seminary. (LDS youth do 4 years of "seminary" 9-12th grade we rotate old testament, new testament, book of Mormon, and doctrine and covenants)This year is the Book of Mormon. I still have most of the scripture mastery scriptures memorized. I hope that all will go well there too! I have the sophomores. I love the Book of Mormon and how it clarifies so much of the Bible. It truly is another Testament of Christ..that He lived, and Lives now and has the power to heal us.
Just as a random thought for guys who clearly need some help with that whole thinking thing-- ..guys should always tell close "friends" they are getting married over the phone or some other direct method. Another tid bit for the fella's if you are dating multiple girls that is great but don't let them find out on Facebook you have committed to one of them.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Great Uncles and Aunts testimonies of gospel of Jesus Christ
I ran out to get my notebook and was soon feeling like I was going to die in that 8,000 ft elevation and missed Aunt Anita's remarks but asked a few of my aunts and they said she was really brief but here are her highlights and my uncles remarks. I will write them as if they are speaking but know that I am filling in a word or two here and there.
Aunt Anita Gwen
The most important thing to me are my family and my brothers and sisters here and the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that it is true.
Milton Ray
I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is true. I am so grateful for the heritage we have in the church. Paul (his son) recently made it possible for me to go to the Sacred Grove, Pageant (Hill Cumorah Pageant) , the Book of Mormon press (Grandin Bld). I don't know how they made the sacrifices they did. The gospel of Jesus Christ is true; the older I get the more I appreciate the atonement of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to be here. I know the Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith as well as I know ANYTHING. I know Jesus is the Christ.
Families, Church, and to be an American..I don't know how to separate them. When I see people disrespect the flag it hurts me down to my bones. I am proud to be an American. I love my family and not just the ones I live with- you are All my family. I am so grateful for Jackie and Katie ( John and Barbra's daughter and granddaughter--me and mom) who made it possible for me to be here. I testify of the divinity of Christ I do so in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
John Delwin
My Brothers and Sisters I am grateful to be with you here today. I am grateful for Barbara and all she does- to bring 12 children into the world. She is a mother to 65 grandchildren and 65 great grandchildren we have. Several years ago why I said to her," They are gonna call me to be Stake Patriarch." She said, " well John how do you know that?" , I told her ," I just know." Friday night I got the telephone call Brother Sherwood Mark E. Petereson wants to visit with you and he did. I am grateful for opportunity of serving my Father in Heaven. I know God is my Eternal father in heaven that Jesus Christ is His only begotten son that they appeared to Joseph Smith on that Spring Day in April of 18and20. The Angel Moroni appeared and gave him the plates that would be translated into the Book of Mormon-it is TRUE. It testifies that the Bible is true and brings us closer to Father in Heaven than any other book -said the prophet Joseph Smith. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet as well as the 12 we sustain as prophets seers and revelators. I know if we are obedient to teachings and example of the prophet and the teachings in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and in the Old and New testament we will have joy and happiness and without it we won't have joy and happiness.
Wayne
Many are called and few are frozen (after walking stiffly from his seat where he had been sitting for an hour and a few min. already) I mean chosen. I am happy to be here. I love each and everyone of you. I know this gospel is true it gives us the opportunity to find our way home..if we follow example of Savior. "For behold how long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? (he struggled to get this going from his memory but waited for a minute and said it might be slowing in coming but it must come, so cute) As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints. Behold there are many called but few are chosen.
I am grateful for my mom and dad and brothers and sisters we are quite the gathering of the posterity of Dan and Sophronia Sherwood. I appreciate their great example to me and their teaching me the gospel. I would/could be ready to go on another mission in 10 minutes. Each one of you look forward to a mission. Spread the gospel message through the world. Which side we are on depends on us..then he proceeded to quote these verses pretty good for an 80 something?! Be ye doers of the word and not hearer only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a herere of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass For he beholdeth himself and goeth his way and straightway forgettheth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perect law of liberty, and continueth therein he being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart this man's relgion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widow in their affliection, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
May the Lord bless each of us. I know Jesus Christ is the Son of a Living God. I know Joseph Smith restored the gospel to the world. I know this!
Norvall
So grateful to belong to this people. I remember bailing hay-we used to have to do that on Sunday when we did we did Sunday on the next day. We are what we are because of our parents. We didn't have opportunity to go to primary or priesthood we were only taught by our parents. They took the honeymoon trail and were gone 6 weeks to go to the temple. Then he told a story that I missed the details of about how Dan met Sophronia and then they settled in St. Johns. 10 years ago we were called as temple workers. My good wife joined at 10 years old; she went to mutual one night and stayed with a non member friend. I decided to go visit with her and her friend. 67 years ago we got married on a 72 hour pass from the military then I left on a 2 year mission.
Greatest joy of all is working in the temple and to see you (my family) in the temple. It was so nice to have you stop by and say I am so and so's nephew or kid. My 2nd Friday home (after being released) tell Barbra if they need me I'll go back (to the temple).
So grateful for my wife who helped me do those things I needed to be about. Be of service in the church. I was called to serve as an Elder's Quorum President and I was not endowed the person extending the call said guess that is an opportunity for serving and growth. How fortunate we are to be called and to answer those calls. I am grateful for the 3 couples who served. We're proud of you. We now have 3 patriarchs in the family (lds position). Go forth strengthen one another. May the Lord bless us and our children and grandchildren. This Sherwood name is know throughout the world. I am so grateful for gospel in our lives and the lives of our families. May the Lord be with us in our efforts to be about what we need to be about.
Larry
3 older brothers and 3 older sisters and 6 younger bothers and sisters. I am in the middle. You know what that means squeezed in the middle. Above me they achieved in everything below me they were cute and achieved in everything. But I had A first. I was the first one to serve a mission. It was the one time in my life I was first. I think this was a great influence on my younger brothers; they all served missions. And the older ones served with their wives when they were older. In my opinion we are a missionary family. At my missionary homecoming I was visiting with a fellow I knew he asked, "how many did you convert?" I told him "none" he responded " well what did you do then?" I planted seeds and helped them desire to learn. The Spirit converts. We must want to do good before we do good we must desire to grow before we grow. My testimony to you is the gospel properly lived gives us that desire to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Each one of us has a great responsibility to share the gospel. We have set backs and disappointments that gives us strength and makes us go on. We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and members of this family go forward and carry out the desire of our parents and grandparents by living and sharing the gospel both spiritually and physically. I say physically because if you don't adhere to the laws of the gospel then bodies won't have the desire and power to do the Lord's work.
Bill
We love our family. It is good to be here. Whether by my own voice or the voice of my servant it is the same. President Hinkley 4yrs ago in general conference spoke about Joseph sold into Egypt and the 7 good years and 7 bad years. I suppose we are in the beginning of those 7 bad years. Savior said there will be tribulation but be of good cheer I have overcome tribulation. My counsel to you today is that there will be tribulation but be of good cheer. The one safe path is to follow those called as prophets.
In 1929 we drove about 100 head of cattle in the fall of that year. Dad said sell all but 8 cows to milk CJ and I drove cows to the rail road to McNary. Dad drove the food wagon. We were paid 10 cents a pound for that bunch of cows. We paid off all debt; in October of 29. Then the great Depression happened. The twenties were called the roaring twenties. There were plenty of jobs and money. President Hinkley in his talk was warning us that the time had come when there would be not so many jobs. We needed to prepare just as Joseph of old commanded to prepare to store food. We know Joseph worked his way from slave to manager
Brothers and Sisters I suggest with all my heart we as a family begin to prepare and become a Zion people. That we work together to support and strengthen love one another. I think we will have tough times--Follow the prophet he will lead us through these times if we listen and obey. Our Father has promised he will lead, guide, protect us if we will be obedient. Each of us that are baptised covenanted to always remember Him and keep the commandments which he has given. The Lord told Abraham we will go down and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell and we will prove them herewith to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them : And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon ...and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.
My testimony is the only sure way through these times is to follow the prophet. The time will come when all you have to eat is what you have stored or can grow. Tighten your belts be valiant in the testimony of Jesus. Do all things we are commanded if we do we are promised we will receive the blessings. If you almost keep the commandments then you almost get the blessings. We don't want almost. Keep the commandments therein lies safety.
I am so grateful for my heritage, for my parents who taught me in 3 ways: Example, Example, and Example. Only time I remember dad talking about the church is when---- I missed where he was or what the circumstance was but Dan said--- he said Bill I have always known Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. He taught me the rest(of the gospel) by his life. I knew he believed what he said. I am grateful to you. I love you . I respect you. Remember Remember, the Book of Mormon is full of those two words, Oh my son remember God lives and loves each of us individually. He is bound by law to bless us if we keep His commandments. I leave this testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I learned so much at reunion about the originals. I didn't realize that 6 of the 14 served in WWII. I didn't know that each of the boys had two names and most went by their middle name until they entered the millitary. Uncle Larry was so humorus telling my cousin Valerie about her husband David he could have done better on his own (finding david). Uncle Bill gets along the best out of all the originals and he is the oldest. He was teasing Larry that he couldn't open up a gatorade bottle because "I shut it tight." The older ones were teasin' the younger ones about who did what work on the farm.
It was so neat to be there and to feel of their love for me and for our family. I think there was a larger gathering on the other side of our great great great grandparents and family wondering how we will turn out and hoping we will be valiant and make good choices that honor them and their sacrifices and honor our Father in Heaven and His Son.
Aunt Anita Gwen
The most important thing to me are my family and my brothers and sisters here and the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that it is true.
Milton Ray
I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is true. I am so grateful for the heritage we have in the church. Paul (his son) recently made it possible for me to go to the Sacred Grove, Pageant (Hill Cumorah Pageant) , the Book of Mormon press (Grandin Bld). I don't know how they made the sacrifices they did. The gospel of Jesus Christ is true; the older I get the more I appreciate the atonement of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to be here. I know the Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith as well as I know ANYTHING. I know Jesus is the Christ.
Families, Church, and to be an American..I don't know how to separate them. When I see people disrespect the flag it hurts me down to my bones. I am proud to be an American. I love my family and not just the ones I live with- you are All my family. I am so grateful for Jackie and Katie ( John and Barbra's daughter and granddaughter--me and mom) who made it possible for me to be here. I testify of the divinity of Christ I do so in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
John Delwin
My Brothers and Sisters I am grateful to be with you here today. I am grateful for Barbara and all she does- to bring 12 children into the world. She is a mother to 65 grandchildren and 65 great grandchildren we have. Several years ago why I said to her," They are gonna call me to be Stake Patriarch." She said, " well John how do you know that?" , I told her ," I just know." Friday night I got the telephone call Brother Sherwood Mark E. Petereson wants to visit with you and he did. I am grateful for opportunity of serving my Father in Heaven. I know God is my Eternal father in heaven that Jesus Christ is His only begotten son that they appeared to Joseph Smith on that Spring Day in April of 18and20. The Angel Moroni appeared and gave him the plates that would be translated into the Book of Mormon-it is TRUE. It testifies that the Bible is true and brings us closer to Father in Heaven than any other book -said the prophet Joseph Smith. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet as well as the 12 we sustain as prophets seers and revelators. I know if we are obedient to teachings and example of the prophet and the teachings in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and in the Old and New testament we will have joy and happiness and without it we won't have joy and happiness.
Wayne
Many are called and few are frozen (after walking stiffly from his seat where he had been sitting for an hour and a few min. already) I mean chosen. I am happy to be here. I love each and everyone of you. I know this gospel is true it gives us the opportunity to find our way home..if we follow example of Savior. "For behold how long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? (he struggled to get this going from his memory but waited for a minute and said it might be slowing in coming but it must come, so cute) As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints. Behold there are many called but few are chosen.
I am grateful for my mom and dad and brothers and sisters we are quite the gathering of the posterity of Dan and Sophronia Sherwood. I appreciate their great example to me and their teaching me the gospel. I would/could be ready to go on another mission in 10 minutes. Each one of you look forward to a mission. Spread the gospel message through the world. Which side we are on depends on us..then he proceeded to quote these verses pretty good for an 80 something?! Be ye doers of the word and not hearer only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a herere of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass For he beholdeth himself and goeth his way and straightway forgettheth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perect law of liberty, and continueth therein he being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart this man's relgion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widow in their affliection, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
May the Lord bless each of us. I know Jesus Christ is the Son of a Living God. I know Joseph Smith restored the gospel to the world. I know this!
Norvall
So grateful to belong to this people. I remember bailing hay-we used to have to do that on Sunday when we did we did Sunday on the next day. We are what we are because of our parents. We didn't have opportunity to go to primary or priesthood we were only taught by our parents. They took the honeymoon trail and were gone 6 weeks to go to the temple. Then he told a story that I missed the details of about how Dan met Sophronia and then they settled in St. Johns. 10 years ago we were called as temple workers. My good wife joined at 10 years old; she went to mutual one night and stayed with a non member friend. I decided to go visit with her and her friend. 67 years ago we got married on a 72 hour pass from the military then I left on a 2 year mission.
Greatest joy of all is working in the temple and to see you (my family) in the temple. It was so nice to have you stop by and say I am so and so's nephew or kid. My 2nd Friday home (after being released) tell Barbra if they need me I'll go back (to the temple).
So grateful for my wife who helped me do those things I needed to be about. Be of service in the church. I was called to serve as an Elder's Quorum President and I was not endowed the person extending the call said guess that is an opportunity for serving and growth. How fortunate we are to be called and to answer those calls. I am grateful for the 3 couples who served. We're proud of you. We now have 3 patriarchs in the family (lds position). Go forth strengthen one another. May the Lord bless us and our children and grandchildren. This Sherwood name is know throughout the world. I am so grateful for gospel in our lives and the lives of our families. May the Lord be with us in our efforts to be about what we need to be about.
Larry
3 older brothers and 3 older sisters and 6 younger bothers and sisters. I am in the middle. You know what that means squeezed in the middle. Above me they achieved in everything below me they were cute and achieved in everything. But I had A first. I was the first one to serve a mission. It was the one time in my life I was first. I think this was a great influence on my younger brothers; they all served missions. And the older ones served with their wives when they were older. In my opinion we are a missionary family. At my missionary homecoming I was visiting with a fellow I knew he asked, "how many did you convert?" I told him "none" he responded " well what did you do then?" I planted seeds and helped them desire to learn. The Spirit converts. We must want to do good before we do good we must desire to grow before we grow. My testimony to you is the gospel properly lived gives us that desire to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Each one of us has a great responsibility to share the gospel. We have set backs and disappointments that gives us strength and makes us go on. We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and members of this family go forward and carry out the desire of our parents and grandparents by living and sharing the gospel both spiritually and physically. I say physically because if you don't adhere to the laws of the gospel then bodies won't have the desire and power to do the Lord's work.
Bill
We love our family. It is good to be here. Whether by my own voice or the voice of my servant it is the same. President Hinkley 4yrs ago in general conference spoke about Joseph sold into Egypt and the 7 good years and 7 bad years. I suppose we are in the beginning of those 7 bad years. Savior said there will be tribulation but be of good cheer I have overcome tribulation. My counsel to you today is that there will be tribulation but be of good cheer. The one safe path is to follow those called as prophets.
In 1929 we drove about 100 head of cattle in the fall of that year. Dad said sell all but 8 cows to milk CJ and I drove cows to the rail road to McNary. Dad drove the food wagon. We were paid 10 cents a pound for that bunch of cows. We paid off all debt; in October of 29. Then the great Depression happened. The twenties were called the roaring twenties. There were plenty of jobs and money. President Hinkley in his talk was warning us that the time had come when there would be not so many jobs. We needed to prepare just as Joseph of old commanded to prepare to store food. We know Joseph worked his way from slave to manager
Brothers and Sisters I suggest with all my heart we as a family begin to prepare and become a Zion people. That we work together to support and strengthen love one another. I think we will have tough times--Follow the prophet he will lead us through these times if we listen and obey. Our Father has promised he will lead, guide, protect us if we will be obedient. Each of us that are baptised covenanted to always remember Him and keep the commandments which he has given. The Lord told Abraham we will go down and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell and we will prove them herewith to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them : And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon ...and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.
My testimony is the only sure way through these times is to follow the prophet. The time will come when all you have to eat is what you have stored or can grow. Tighten your belts be valiant in the testimony of Jesus. Do all things we are commanded if we do we are promised we will receive the blessings. If you almost keep the commandments then you almost get the blessings. We don't want almost. Keep the commandments therein lies safety.
I am so grateful for my heritage, for my parents who taught me in 3 ways: Example, Example, and Example. Only time I remember dad talking about the church is when---- I missed where he was or what the circumstance was but Dan said--- he said Bill I have always known Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. He taught me the rest(of the gospel) by his life. I knew he believed what he said. I am grateful to you. I love you . I respect you. Remember Remember, the Book of Mormon is full of those two words, Oh my son remember God lives and loves each of us individually. He is bound by law to bless us if we keep His commandments. I leave this testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I learned so much at reunion about the originals. I didn't realize that 6 of the 14 served in WWII. I didn't know that each of the boys had two names and most went by their middle name until they entered the millitary. Uncle Larry was so humorus telling my cousin Valerie about her husband David he could have done better on his own (finding david). Uncle Bill gets along the best out of all the originals and he is the oldest. He was teasing Larry that he couldn't open up a gatorade bottle because "I shut it tight." The older ones were teasin' the younger ones about who did what work on the farm.
It was so neat to be there and to feel of their love for me and for our family. I think there was a larger gathering on the other side of our great great great grandparents and family wondering how we will turn out and hoping we will be valiant and make good choices that honor them and their sacrifices and honor our Father in Heaven and His Son.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
More Reunion
Close to Nutrioso, round valley, eager az.
Virgina Reel, auction, volleyball in the dark and during the day, cooking, eating, holding and playing with babies, listening to stories from the early 1920's, so much fun! Seeing cousins, 2, 3,4,5 cousins, great uncles, serving family, all equals a great time.
It was so funny this one little girl wanted to play volleyball with all us john sherwood kids and we said sure. Who are you..Daisy..who is your dad..john..oh i don't know him ...who is your grandpa...um steve..don't know him who is your great grandpa..wayne oh ok I know him come play. we had to go back to her great grandpa before I knew how she fit into the gang. I had a blast!
The stagecoach was in Santa Roasa NM. The pic above is my cousin Tyler Slade and some of his gang.
Below is my granpa calling the virgina reel in our sherwood forest family lodge. He is just behind me in the red shirt.
The one below that is all of us waiting for the program to start. we have a talent show fri and sat night. the dean of the byu viloin dept was there and man was it amazing to hear him play.
Cody hancock was not there but he is a world champion bull rider and Matt sherwood a world champion team roper. we have some talent family.
Reunion Trip
Uncle Ray mom and me at the Oklahoma City Memorial and Museum. It was so powerful! I would highly recommend it for anyone.
Well did I have a great trip to Arizona! It was so much fun getting to know some of my Sherwood and Jones cousins and great uncles better. Momma and me drove out with Uncle Ray my grandpa's brother. Ray has always been like a second grandpa to me and ever since I was a little girl he has called me his Katie dibs..why I don't know. It was awesome. He did great traveling there and back.
We drove strait through on Wednesday. Thurday we went to Grandpa Sherwood boyhood ranch and had a good time listening to stories of when he was little.
Friday and Saturday was full of games and fun for everyone involved.
Sunday was the highlight though. 3 missionary couples reported in on their missions and all the remaining original 14 bore powerful testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, of their families, their love for country, and gave some very good advice. I wrote down what they said and will try to get it typed and published soon. Will write more later.
Well did I have a great trip to Arizona! It was so much fun getting to know some of my Sherwood and Jones cousins and great uncles better. Momma and me drove out with Uncle Ray my grandpa's brother. Ray has always been like a second grandpa to me and ever since I was a little girl he has called me his Katie dibs..why I don't know. It was awesome. He did great traveling there and back.
We drove strait through on Wednesday. Thurday we went to Grandpa Sherwood boyhood ranch and had a good time listening to stories of when he was little.
Friday and Saturday was full of games and fun for everyone involved.
Sunday was the highlight though. 3 missionary couples reported in on their missions and all the remaining original 14 bore powerful testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, of their families, their love for country, and gave some very good advice. I wrote down what they said and will try to get it typed and published soon. Will write more later.
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