Apr 26 We seek after these things

We're humbled and GRATEFUL at the number of resources we have to study and learn.  People have shared their talents and we have benefited from them.  While right now, I simple write to communicate with friends and family, I seek any suggestions for better online communication. There are talents we wish to gain, learn and strengthen in ourselves.

 ‘If there is anything virtuous, lovely, 

of good report or praiseworthy, 

we seek after these things.’  

Philippians 4:8

During this Lockdown/Quarantine we've seen people learn new talents, computer skills, improved fitness, rediscover board games, crocheting/knitting, and lots of sewers making face masks.  We've walked to the river a lot, communicated more with family, read books online with them, watched short videos, shared puzzle accomplishments, shared recipes, and shared church discussions.

Some of our current sources of learning include:

https://scriptures.byu.edu/  Citation index full of links to talks and searchable topics cross referenced with scripture

https://www.agospelcenteredhome.com/  Good suggestions for family or individual study, short or long.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media-library/video?lang=eng&clang=ase    Limitless Spiritual Video topics

https://speeches.byu.edu/most-viewed/  Past Devotionals and Speeches

https://rsc.byu.edu/  Religious studies center Articles, videos, podcasts .... AMAZING

One I studied this week that impacted me deeply "Spiritual Rebirth":

https://rsc.byu.edu/book-mormon-message-four-gospels/spiritual-rebirth-have-ye-been-born-god

We're enjoying Fall and Harvest in New Zealand.  We're grateful for the abundance of fresh fruit and learning to enjoy new ones like feijoas.  

The fall colors are beautiful and the walks along the river are fresh and stunning.   We're grateful that we're close enough to enjoy the beauty and peace of this area.

A lot of homes have bears in windows for us to spot as we go by.   On one of our walks we captured a picture of two bears in a vehicle that entertain walkers.   

We continue to have online district meeting and even had a flu clinic this week where we observed social distancing, but were able to get half our missionaries protected with a "flu jab" as they call it here.    The other half look forward to it in the coming weeks.  

Since we are in New Zealand, we took time this week to watch the three Lord of the Rings movies for entertainment.  April 25 is Anzac Day (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps)  We acknowledge those killed in war, and honor returned servicemen and women.  It is commonly celebrated the following Monday with festivities and parades.   This year, at midnight, we celebrate going from Level 4 to Level 3, which enables to expand our "bubble" slightly and have some restaurants open for take out and drive through.   We've been preparing our own food for over a Month since restaurants were closed and we DID IT successfully, but we're looking forward to some good Fish and Chips!

We're grateful for the peace we feel.  We're grateful for family and friends to talk to, We're grateful for love and direction of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Find the personal direction for your own life.  Seek the knowledge gained from studying the doctrine of Christ.   And compile your own list of sources to share with others. 

Seek, and ye shall find  (Matthew 7:7)

With Love, 
The Despains