Friday Happiness no.3

A look at yesteryears!

Kona Hawaii Temple

Chapter 21

 Our Stake Relief Society Presidency asked the sisters in our stake to attend the temple in preparation for the General Women's Meeting that will be broadcast on March 29th.

The temple grounds look calm in this picture but I can assure you of the flurry of activity inside was well, let's say bursting at the seams! A stake from Maui is here for the week. I cannot imagine the sacrifice these dear brothers and sisters along with families make to attend the temple. They are not idle. They are a true definition of Deseret. It wasn't long ago that faithful members from our island would make the trek to the Laie Temple on Oahu.

 When Philip A. Harris was the Stake President of the Kona Hawaii Stake he prayed and pondered what the Lord would have him accomplish in his service as the Stake President. He had a dream that he saw a small temple built on a hill behind the Stake Center. His dream impressed him so much that he woke his wife. He knew that he needed to get his people temple ready even though there was no possibility logically that a temple would be built in Kona. When the announcement was made that smaller temples would be built he nearly jumped from his seat in excitement. A dream became a reality.

We are so blessed to have a temple on the Big Island. It sits on top of a little hill right above the Kona Stake Center. Children can roll down the slope and make the most wonderful memories. Behind the temple is a rock wall and a pasture with horses. The horses occasionally come and let you pet them. To the left out of the picture is a group home for teenagers. I often think, "Do they have any idea that they live in the shadow of Gods house?" LUCKY!!!!  Also, to the left is a busy highway.  There is a newly built pavilion where we can enjoy picnics. I will never forget what President Hee said during the dedication. He said, that he loved the murals on the walls. He meant the beauty of the ocean the temple the sunsets the palm tress since there are no walls only nature.  I would say the temple is snuggled in a perfectly beautiful spot. If I wasn't a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I would wonder what goes on in that building?

So here is a short Mormon Message about Why Mormons Build Temples.

Enjoy! And lots of LOVE!

Elders and Frozen

Chapter 21

Today was an incredibly busy day as always. The girls and I have been looking forward to FROZEN coming out on DVD since we have embarrassingly seen it 7 times in the movie theater. And every song is memorized and LOVED! We love FROZEN! I should have signed up for the Regal Crown card and earned lots of free popcorn but I didn't:(
  We had our AMAZING Waikoloa Elders over for dinner, Elder Downey and Elder Seremai.

They taught a lesson on the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ before heading to Missionary Coordination Meeting.
I think you will enjoy this Bible Introduction Video. You can watch all of them at LDS.org

 

After the Elders left we should have started to get ready for bed BUT since it is Spring Break this is what happened next!

FROZEN PARTY!

 Nivee is telling us to please turn off all cell phone devices and welcoming us. Winter, I'm not sure what she was doing? Other than being her cute self! Ed made popcorn than we ended up falling asleep half way through the movie. NO WORRIES....I'm sure it will be playing NON-STOP for a week!

A Day of Rest

Chapter 20

Sundays are a day of rest...... Unless, you are a missionary. Let me explain.

Here is a little sneak peak into a typical missionary Sunday.

 6:30 AM- Rolled out of bed and said prayers. 

6:45 AM- Got ready for the day and ate breakfast. 

8:00- Headed out of the apartment for the morning. 1st stop-  Dropped off an ironed white shirt to an investigator who said he would be at church if he had something to wear. Talked to some people working on their car outside his apartment and invited them to go to the Spanish Branch at 11 AM. They both seemed interested. We got their contact info and texted it to the Spanish Elders. 2nd stop- Ran by an investigators house to remind him about church. He told us his car broke down but he would try to go to the Spanish Branch later in the day. 

8:50- Finally arrived at church. Waited by the door for our investigators to arrive and greet the ward.

9:00- Took a seat by Amanda (one of our recent converts) and waited for Sacrament meeting to start. No investigators yet.

9:20- Went and checked the foyer to see if any of our investigators were waiting outside. No one.

10:00- Went to Sunday School. accepted assignment to teach next week. 

11:00- Went to Relief Society. There were snacks today, so I guess that almost makes it ok that no one came to church:(

12:00- Missionary Coordination Meeting. Coordinated teaching appointments for the rest of the week. Yay for full planners!!! 

1:00- LUNCH! Contacted all our investigators and figured out why they weren't at church. I guess being called into work at the last minute is a good reason there is always next week!

2:00-4:00- Made up studies for the day. Practiced and planned lessons. 

4:00: Work time!

5:00- Dinner!!! Ribs, yum:)

6:00-9:00- Taught a lesson. Invited someone to church. Dropped by the person we took the white shirt off too, wasn't home. Met with a former investigator and made plans to do yard work with her later in the week. *Her:" Exactly how serious are you Sisters?? You know you will have to wear pants, right??. Us: "Never been more serious. sounds great!" Talked to everybody in between.

9:00- Confirmed plans for the next day.

9:30- Not done yet, updated records. 

10:00- Refrained from eating a late night snack... Ok, I might have had a couple chocolate eggs. Got ready for bed.

10:30- Good Night!!!

Rear and Love

Chapter 19

There are times in my life that stand still. Times that I am so thankful for Heavenly Father and my family.  Times that I look upon and say, Yes! Father what do you want me to learn? What do you want us to learn?

I am willing! We are willing!

We are thankful to have Elder Harris home. He is home for the time being and is anxious to serve again when the time is right. There is nothing more precious and wonderful than being a mother and helping our children to become the best they can be through this earthly journey. It's my job and it is mine forever!

President David O. McKay said, " No nobler work in this world can be preformed by any mother than to rear and love the children with whom God has blessed her. That is her duty."

Oh, and how I LOVE this young man!!! And I wish everyone could see the proud badge on my heart!

Voice of the Spirit

Shar-Pei Cookies

Chapter 18

Today was another great day!!! I'm pretty sure I would like to share the gospel with friends, strangers, family on Wednesday. Hopefully, everyday we share what we believe through example and kindness. Baking goods to deliver for me seems to break the ice. Who doesn't love bake goods? I wasn't too happy when these little puppies came out of the oven. They reminded me of the breed of dog, Shar- Pei. (Get it, little puppies) Hahaha.... I'm funny! Is that funny? Hhhhhhmmmm...

 I really wanted to make new ones but there was no time.  Last week delivering bread and sharing my testimony was such a highlight! Today I went back and checked on one of the families I visited last week. Their sweet little boy wanted me to play in his homemade fort. I crawled under and didn't fit very well. He had a bunch of play cars. It nearly brought me to tears. YES!!!! this is what life is about! Taking time to be like a little child. 

I was more than delighted to run out to my car and make another cookie delivery.

 

YES I HAPPENED TO BE MUNCHING ON STORE BOUGHT COOKIES FROM COSTCO I FORGOT TO TAKE IN THE HOUSE LAST NIGHT:)

It worked out perfect! You NEVER know when extra cookies will come in handy! 

Today four families were visited with only one closing the door on me. Yikes! I wanted to cry! 

I didn't see the NO SOLICITOR SIGN! SORRY!!!

Elder Harris and Sister Harris

Keep up the great work!

I love you!

Extra Thanks

Chapter 17

The week after Walker returned home from his mission all the kids were sitting together at church. This is one of my favorite pictures of all time. Nothing more perfect than having all your children together. Today I am going to give Heavenly Father extra thanks for letting me be their Mother. My Dad always says extra enthusiastically, "Heavenly Father must really love me because he sent you to me! What did I do to deserve you!" As I write it I can hear my Dad's voice:)  That's exactly how I feel about you Walker, Echo, Alema, Timbe, Nivee & Winter!!!

All Smiles

Chapter 16

Winter, "Is this her companion? She's pretty!"

You know it's been a long day when it is only 2 o'clock in the afternoon and you find your self referring to something that you did that same morning as if it happened yesterday. It is good to be busy but it just get's plain confusing when you can't get things straight. To say the least, this last week was long. Not in a bad way, but long all the same.  A little bit of everything happened. There was rain, there was shine.Some people slammed doors, and some people opened doors. Some appointments fell through and some happened unexpectedly.

Sister Anderson and I are having a lot of fun together. I am teaching her Spanish (haha) and she is indirectly helping me to lose weight through her intolerence to gluten. We have a ton of awesome people that we are working with right now too. Last night we took one of our investigators to Oakland to see the temple and go to a testimony meeting. It was awesome. I love being on temple grounds. There is a sense of peace there that I know can only come from our Heavenly Father. Our investigator felt it too. One of my favorite things as a missionary is teaching people how to recognize the spirit. I know that the spirit can touch each of our hearts. We met a guy walking to an appointment the other day who told us that he didn't believe he could be forgiven. He could hardly look at us as he said that he doesn't think that he would ever be able to change his life. I know he felt the spirit as we testified of Christ and the love he has for each of us. I want everybody to know that there is hope and love for them. We can look for this in many different places but when we truly look towards our savior is when we find it. It's true. If you aren't quite sure how to do that or help others do that, the missionaries are always a good place to start :)

Friday Happiness Photos

 Chapter 15
Each and everyone of my kids answer to Happiness. Yes, even Ed. I love it! When Coca-Cola came out with the advertisement (Happiness) I was like, Hey! Wait, that's mine!!!!

So on Fridays I thought it would be fun to show pictures throughout our week of what really makes me happy as a mother. The fabulous the aaarrghhh..... and sometimes eeekkk! But mostly fabulous!

Elder Harris in the loving care of his Mission President

Sleeping Princess

Sister Harris and Sister Anderson. It looks like they are in a hurry!

I finally framed my favorite candid picture of Nivee. Good thing the camera was in reaching grasp. I can't take credit for this shot. I'll give it all to Ed

Nivee found a new love! Piano

Kids who can cook!

And beautiful sunsets!

Bread

Chapter 14

 

Sister Harris,

I have a plan!!! A great Plan!!! I'm going to deliver baked bread to the families I want to share the gospel with. Do you think that is a good idea?

 

Hi Momma!!!

That sounds like a great plan. If it comes from the heart, it is a wonderful plan.

Today is a very exciting day!

 Yay!!!!!

 I am baking bread to deliver to non-member friends and neighbors. Okay, one neighbor I see all the time from a distance and friend of Sister Harris from high school. She has a large family so extra bread for them. I'm hoping they will remember me. If they don't I'll remind them of the time I was famished and needed a drink of water while huffing and puffing up their steep hill. The uncle was standing outside and I asked, Excuse me sir, do you mind if I can get a drink of water? With a smile on his face he handed me a water bottle and I was on my way.  Hopefully, my heartfelt message and aroma of homemade bread along with two smiling Elder's at my side they will accept to hear the gospel. 

Elder Harris is doing well. I know that he is still homesick but working hard. I'm not getting many pictures so this will have to do. 

 Love and Aloha!

Short and Sweet

Chapter 13

SHORT and SWEET

 

Sister Harris looks pretty short and sweet to me:)

Dear Family and Friends,

I have about 16 minutes before the Elder's come and take over the computer so this is going to be short and sweet. Let's see …... This last week was crazy! Tuesday morning we drove to the mission home. Sister Losi hopped on the transfer van back to the big city. I got together with my new companion. We hit the ground running and haven't stopped since. Sister Anderson is from Kaysville, Utah and she is great! I am learning so much from her, it is awesome! 

Just a thought for the day. Somebody said this in church yesterday and it really stuck with me “Persistence trumps talent". This has been the story of my mission. There have been many times on my mission when I have felt inadequate and unable to overcome my challenges. Sometimes it is easy to think that my weaknesses are bigger then my strengths. It is not true!!!!  There are something’s about me that hold me back as a missionary and others that make me a great missionary! I have to believe that I can improve daily. My parents taught me from the time I was small that I am a Child of God. This means so much to me! I know who I am.We are all His children!

The Elders are standing at the door.... This was short I don’t know about sweet, but just a little bit of my thoughts. This week is going to be full of miracles. I know it. To be continued.... 

Love, Sister Harris