New Guest Room

This was Jessica's bedroom for the past 10 years, but it was time to change it into an appropriate GUEST room for visitors.  Considering that we don't get visitors very often, it will most likely be Jessica and Tate's room, when they come to visit so I wanted to do something super fun with it.  I had a few different ideas but the one that stood out was ENGLAND.  When I talked to Jessica and Tate about a Theme - they suggested PARIS, so I knew I was on the right track!  

Welcome to ENGLAND in KENTUCKY

We painted the walls a soft gray to accent the royal/navy blue and red tones!  I'm so excited to finish decorating this room!

HARROD's Bear with BUILD-A-BEAR

To Devon from Mom

Hi Devon,

Wow, it sounds like last week was a super great week for you.

Can you send me the dropbox address again?  THANKS!!!!

I thought of you this week almost with every scripture I read.  Then our home teachers came and they shared D&C 84!!!  I'm sure you know it.  It's all about how your life will stay in order even if you serve a mission ...

D&C 84:33 - "For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing their bodies."

D&C 84:38-40 - "And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father's kingdom, therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.  And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.  Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved.

You are so blessed to to receive the priesthood and to receive the blessings the Lord promises from being a righteous priesthood holder.  You have the SPIRIT with you at all times!  

D&C 84:65-68:  And these signs shall follow them that believe - In my name they shall do many wonderful works ... cast out devils, heal the sick ... 

D&C 77-   :  "And again I say unto you, my friends, for from henceforth I shall call you friends, it is expedient that I give unto you this commandment, that ye become even as my friends in days when I was with them, traveling to preach the gospel in my power;

For I suffered (allowed) them not to have purse or script, neither two coats.  Behold I send you out to prove the world, and the laborer is worthy of his hire.  And any man that shall go and preach this gospel of the kingdom, and fail NOT to continue faithful in all things, shall NOT be weary in mind, neither darkened, neither in body, limb, nor joint; and a hair of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed.  And they shall not go hungry, neither athirst.  Therefore, take ye no thought for the morrow, for what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or wherewithal ye shall be clothed.  ... For your Father, who is in heaven, knoweth that you have need of all these things.   Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the things of itself."

Devon - I'm so proud of you, for you honor your Heavenly Father, and he blesses you with HIS spirit.  I am so proud of you for trusting in the Lord to sacrifice your time to serve him, and in return the Lord will bless you that the things (schooling) will take care of itself - meaning you will be able to go back to school and retain or relearn all that is needed!  I'm so proud of you for being a senior-companion which means you have earned the trust and respect of your Mission President.  We are most proud of you for keeping yourself worthy of the priesthood and keeping the commandments.  I bet you feel the Love of the Lord everyday!  He loves you so much - you are a valiant servant!  I'm so proud of you for honoring your Scout Law and Oath.  Your character speaks for itself.  

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH DEVON!!!!

Have a great day,
love 

Mom!!!! 

Devon - week 58

We had another lesson with Veronica and taught the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We set a date for Veronica baptism on the 15th of Aug.  She is super awesome. She has not been to church yet so we challenged her to come even though she has work on Sunday. She said she would ask to get some Sundays off and told us that she wants to be more committed to the church.  Most of the time we ask people to church they give us some excuse why they can't come.  It was quite astonishing when you don't get a similar response to a question that you ask most people especially the church Question.  I was so happy to hear that she had a desire to do what is right and feel the spirit all the time.  The only thing that is a hindrance is that she needs two Sundays off to go to church and the funny sad thing is that her main fellow-shipper that works with her, works on some Sundays. 

Side note they changed all of the bishopric last week.  So there will probably a lot of changes in the ward these next weeks. I am excited for leadership exchanges coming up this week!! 

Really cool week.  We were trying to go and contact Monica a referral from Bishop for the 5th time and as we were about to cross the street a man yelled out to us a said "Hey Missionaries." That’s is always a foreshadow to a good conversation.  We went over and to our surprise he (David Page) told us his life story/conversion story. Then he went on a rampage of how great missionaries are and the good they do across the world.  We basically stood there hearing his testimony about the Book of Mormon and other Scriptures. It was a really cool experience.  We invited him to come to church especially a fast and testimony meeting so that he can share his testimony there.   

We also cover a Married student ward but the work is really slow but I am excited to announce that we contacted a Less Active and they invited us to come back!!!  That has not happened since I have been here in this area and we got a ward missionary Leader in that ward.  

Robert goes to Rough River Lake

Robert was invited a few weeks ago to go to the Rough River Lake with his friend, Aaron Green.  Aaron's parents bought a lake house a few years back (probably 4 or 5 years ago) and Robert has enjoyed going to the lake with them every year.

This year with the wedding and receptions, it has been hard to find a weekend where the boys could go together, finally they found a weekend where it would work.

Aaron's family picked Robert up from practice on Friday at 9:00 pm and left for the lake from there.  They stopped at DQ to get him food on the way down.

Robert and Aaron have been friends since they were 3 years old, and have always maintained that friendship.  I love that my children have had that opportunity!  To have a friend and keep them is a treasure!

Saturday, Robert go to go wakeboarding with Aaron, Alex and the Greens.  He had a great day.  Maureen (the mom) sent me some amazing photos of Robert doing tricks and jumps on the wakeboard.  AMAZING!!!

Robert Receives Varsity Denali

On Thursday, July 23, 2015, Robert Lowe was presented with the Varsity Denali Award from his Varsity Scout Leader, Rusty O'Brien.  He had actually earned the award back in July of last year, but the previous ward didn't get the award ordered in time to present it to him at the October Court of Honor.  Then the ward split, so this is the first Court of Honor since.

Robert is now the third scout in the State of Kentucky to receive the Varsity Denali Award.

The requirements for the Varsity Denali are:

1. Be a registered Varsity Scout team member.
2. Advance at least one rank in the Boy Scout program (or earn a Palm for those who are already Eagle Scouts).
3. Hold leadership positions in a Varsity Scout team for at least six months.
4. 1. While serving as team captain or program manager, act as primary leader on at least two activities. Program managers should choose activities in their the field of emphasis. Team captains may serve as primary leader any of the five fields of emphasis.
   2. While serving as program manager or team captain, demonstrate shared leadership skills in supporting roles in each of the three remaining fields of emphasis.
5. Demonstrate that you possess Scout Spirit by understanding and living by the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived each of the twelve points of the Scout Law in your everyday life.
6. Complete a progress review by a review board that includes a district or council representative and is lead by the advancement program manager.

Receiving the award

Robert with his parents

Week 57 - Elder Lowe is on a high

We had a really cool experience with Lisa Montgomery this week.  Long story short.  Lisa was going through major depression and no one would reach out to her and help.  God sent her PSR worker to get her to the hospital.  Lisa called us for help and we went.  The first Day she was spiritually and emotionally weak. She was constantly saying that nobody cared about her and that her son hated her.  She said that she felt helpless, Hopeless, afraid.  We taught her about Jesus and the Atonement and how those things are very important and can apply in our life.  We comforted her and reassured her that God and people Love her.  We told her that she can be changed by the Atonement just like a caterpillar into a butterfly. We left not knowing the impact of our words until two days later.  The next time we saw her she was HAPPY and trying to serve others that were depressed.  She was excited to see us and told us that we had saved her life.  She told us that someone told her that she was glowing.  This is why we serve missions to change people's lives by helping them come unto Christ. 

We had another Great Lesson with Veronica.  We taught the Plan of Salvation and she understood and believed it.  I asked her to be baptized and she said yes!!!  The next time we go over and teach about the gospel of Jesus Christ we will set a specific day.  It is always reassuring to ask God if you should ask them to be Baptized and he lets you know by the spirit Yes and you ask them and they say yes.  

Gladys called me Last night :).  She told me that she had started the Temple Prep class and that she is going to the Temple late August.  She Invited Elder Bodine and I to her Endowment, I am so excited to go. 

Kentucky Kingdom

For the first time this summer, Robert and Marissa were been able to go to Kentucky Kingdom to enjoy a day of rides!!!

Seriously,

This was the first day that was good enough to go... they were gone in early June for the wedding and Robert's BYU Soccer camp.  Then we had the Barb's kids here for a week (longer) and so they couldn't go that week (too expensive to take everyone).  Then, it was time to go ... but NO!!!! the weather hasn't cooperated until now.

Robert and Marissa went on Wednesday for the first time - and so did almost everyone from Louisville.  The rides had lines that were over an hour wait - but they really enjoyed the roller coaster rides!!!  They got to ride the two new rides as well as an old favorite!

I was just so happy that they finally got to go to Kentucky Kingdom - I bought their season passes back in MARCH!!!

- I hope Marissa wills send me some photos!!!

AGAIN

They loved it so much they went the next day too - and the weather cooperated!!!!  This time they did the water park.  They said there were a lot LESS people there on Thursday and they had a blast!  That makes me so happy!

I wanted them to be able to enjoy the summer - especially with this being the last summer Marissa is home before she goes off to BYU!

- need photos!!!

Violent Storm

Monday was yet another rainy day, but as the day went on the weather warnings became more intense and rapid.

First the watches - then the warnings.

Severe Thunderstorms with winds at 60 miles per hour, hail, damage to roofs, etc.

I called the kids at home and had them bring in all the cushions, then I called back and had them bring in all the chairs so they wouldn't blow away.

It was a terrible storm - one that wouldn't end.

It started around 2:00 pm and continued until the next morning around 6:00 am ...  Lightning, rain, thunder, everything - all night long.

When it was over we had over 12 inches of rain in our rain bucket - incredible!!!

I'm so thankful Robert and Marissa were home to take care of our outside furniture.  Nothing at our house was damaged, however, several neighbors and friends had 3" of flooding in their basements, trees down, stuff missing, etc.

Devon made Senior Companion

13 July 2015

Elder Devon Alexander Lowe844 S

Curtis

5BBoise, 83705, ID 83705USA

Dear Elder Lowe:

Congratulations on your call to serve as a Senior Companion in the Idaho Boise Mission.  Your faithfulness and contribution as a missionary has been exemplary and this calling is a further expression of the Lord's trust and confidence in you.

As a Senior Companion, you must continue to be exemplary in every area of

missionary service. You must show absolute loyalty to the Lord and to your

mission leaders. You must continue to keep all mission rules and encourage the

same within your companionship.  It will be your responsibility, with your

companion, to set and achieve realistic goals and to demonstrate effective

planning and execution skills.

Senior Companions have the responsibility to "lead" their area and companionship towards excellence in all areas of missionary work.  You must love and reach out to your companion, set expectations and account-abilities, and produce results in your area that support the goals and vision of the entire mission.  You  must work and pray to have your area reach its fullest potential.  Use the scriptures and "Preach My Gospel" to improve your teaching and deepen your testimony.

May you feel the Lord blessing you in this new responsibility.

Sincerely

yours,

President John Q. Winder

IDAHO BOISE MISSION

Enclosure CC:

Parents

Devon - week 56

Elder Schulka is now transferred to Boise North and will be a Zone Leader. 

I got a new Companion named Elder Belden from Texas. We are co seniors together.  I am super excited to go out and work with him.  I found out that he has a bone spur on his hip, (extra bone growth on his hip) which causes him a lot of pain good thing we have a car so that he is not as much in pain as he would be if he was walking.  

Last week we got a new investigator that we are super excited about.  Her name is Veronica.  We found her through a referral from her friend, Jennifer.  This was Jennifer's first time being a member missionary so she was really stressed; then Veronica was even more stressed out.  She was stressed during most of the Lesson which made the beginning tough but it ended beautifully.  She is going to read the Book of Mormon and try to get Sundays off so that she can go to church.  The spirit overcame her stress. :)  We will try to set a date with her a soon as possible.  We felt that if we had asked her that she would say no because of all the stress she was in.  She is 47 divorced and has kids. Really nice lady. Elder Belden and I will pray to know the will of God for her. 

We had a couple people at church this week but it's hard to get people to church consistently in this area.  In total we have many less actives, actives and some investigators that can come to church but they usually come once a month.  Consistency is the key to lasting conversion.  If they aren't consistent in keeping the commandments and consistent in feeling the Spirit then they cannot be reactivated in the Gospel.

Elder Jones my old companion is now my district leader which is super exciting!!!

Youth Conference in Kirtland, OH

Marissa and Robert had a wonderful time on the Stake Youth Conference trip to Kirtland, OH

Marissa and Meg were together 

Robert and Marissa got to do a lot together

Meg and Marissa with our Branch President Stevens

Robert and Marissa

Best friends, Meg and Marissa

My Trip to Spokane

My trip to Spokane, Washington started off soooo very early.  I didn't get to bed until after 1:00 am because me sister called (missing her train), and then I woke up at 4:19 because my sister called (trying to find her hotel).  I was getting up at 4:30 am anyway to get ready for my flight that left Louisville at 6:30 am.

I had a long day - 3 hours sleep and traveling to 3 different airports.  UGH!!!  I flew from Louisville to Dallas, Dallas to Phoenix and Phoenix to Spokane!

If that were the worst of it - I'd be happy!

Upon arriving at the airport I realized I needed to upgrade my rental vehicle to a bigger car so that I could fit everyone and their luggage in because my dad had already let me know that he wanted me to give him a ride to the train station Saturday night.  Luckily they were able to make the change.  Directions were easy!

The only problem was - if you can believe this - my dad (who) my dad changed my hotel reservation from the Davenport Grand to the Davenport Tower.  I never gave anyone permission for my dad to change my reservation.  He moved me several blocks away!!!!  At least now I am in the same hotel as Sandy and Hunter and Dad and Alison, but in all honesty I was looking forward to having space and some freedom.  Later on I learned why it was so important to him to move me - he only had the hotel for one night - so he wanted to move into my room for the entire day Saturday (store his luggage is how he put it - but I'm getting ahead of myself.)

Friday, Jessica and Tate came into Spokane and came to the hotel.  Sandy, Hunter and I walked down to the mall and then to the River front park with them for a fun time, only to find out that most of Tate's family was already there and we wouldn't be able to have "alone" time.  We had a wonderful time together, but Jessica was off with Tate and his family.  She loves his nieces and nephews and plays with them often.  They took me to the carousel and the trash eating goat, and then over the the giant Ryder wagon.  It was a beautiful day, and it gave me a chance to catch up with Sandy and Hunter.  Sandy and Hunter left to go back to the hotel to get ready.  She, Hunter and I are taking Dad and Alison out to dinner for Alison's birthday.  We wanted to have Tate and Jessica join us, but they didn't tell us they were with all of his family so that didn't work out.  BUMMER!   I stayed a little while longer so I could have time with Jessica and Tate, but they were preoccupied with his family so I left.

It was disappointing not to have time with Jessica and Tate, but there would always be tomorrow (or so I thought).

We all dressed up fancy and took Alison to a very nice steak restaurant for her birthday dinner.  We had a wonderful time.  It was a four course meal.  We started with bread and appetizers.  Sandy, Hunter and I enjoyed a variety of bruschetta while Dad and Alison enjoyed escargot.  Dad and Alison split a steak and enjoyed their spirits, while Sandy, Hunter and I enjoyed our dinner.  I had a delicious but very filling filet minion.

Saturday morning I went for a jog.  The weather was cloudy with sprinkles, but it was more appealing to me than running on a treadmill.  I actually really enjoyed my run.  I ran to the River front park where there are paved trails.  I ran along the falls and saw some amazing natural sights.  It was very enjoyable to have some time to myself.

I was very disappointed the rest of the day (I'm sorry to say).  Dad and Alison decided they were checking themselves and Sandy and Hunter out of their rooms and moved all of their stuff into my room by 12:00 pm.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME!  If it were only their stuff, I wouldn't have minded however, it was all four of them - moved into my room - ugh!!!  Dad decided he was going to take a NAP!  (are you serious)  So essentially I'm kicked out of my own room that I'm paying $199 a day/night for.  Oh well - make the best of it.

I needed to take Hunter to purchase some dress pant since he didn't bring any and we will be attending a wedding reception that night ... so I wanted to treat him to a nice pair of pants and a shirt to go with it, since he also didn't bring a nice shirt...

Well, it was a very upscale mall so the only stores were Macy's and Nordstroms.  Alison didn't want to walk out in the rain to Macy's so we ended up at Nordstroms (the most expensive store in town).  We found some pants in his size, hand them altered, found a shirt, belt, socks, and shoes.  $398 dollars damage but he looks amazing!  What's crazy is that I would never spend that much on Mark, me or any of my boys ... but it was more about the experience.  Hunter really looked great and I hope he liked what I got him.

Jessica and Tate were busy decorating for the reception all day so we didn't get any time with them.  I'm so sad!  I've flown all this way and I haven't seen them but for one hour.  After shopping, I meet up with Dad and Alison in the lobby while Sandy and Hunter go to work out in the facility at the hotel.  Dad and Alison enjoy too much alcohol and become "under the influence."  YIKES!!!

While enjoying time with them, Dad tells me "you were so aggressive."  What did he mean?  I have no idea ... so I probe the issue ... "What do you mean?"  Then he proceeded to tell me he thought I wanted him to love me like I was JUDY!  OH MY GOSH!!!  ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!  I immediately had to put a stop to any and all thinking along those lines.  I clearly let him and Alison know that that was preposterous.  The problem with my childhood is that I was unloved ... so it created two emotions towards my dad - 1) I hate you - stay away from me, and 2) why don't you love me?  My actions regarding #1 were that I came home, prepared dinner and then immediately went to my room - I avoided contact with my dad at all costs.  The actions regarding #2 were that given the opportunity to be with my dad, I just wanted him to show an ounce of love for me.  He misunderstood my "Reaching out to be loved as a daughter" as romantic love!  That's absurd.  My day has gone from bad to worse...

Then, we enjoy appetizers for dinner and dad suggests I pick up the bill.  SURE!!!  They ordered shrimp cocktail for everyone and Sandy had Thai chicken.  Worse - Dad and Alison are still drinking.  I excuse myself to get ready for the reception.  Everyone follows in 10 minutes or so.  Alison is crying because Dad is being mean.  Dad is yelling because Alison can't find things.  Oh - my - gosh - what a nightmare.  Sandy gets Hunter ready as fast as possible and they leave!  Now, it's me, Dad and Alison.  Time is ticking by and we should be leaving for the reception, but Dad and Alison aren't ready yet!!!  They are killing me.  I can't take it.

In the hotel with Sandy and Hunter

Sandy and Hunter at the temple

Sisters love is forever

Betsy and Hunter

At the reception with Jessica and Tate

Love this special girl!!!

Betsy, Jessica, Tate and Sandy at the reception

We finally made it to the reception.  We parked right next to the Spokane temple - it's just like Louisville ... a temple next to the chapel they attend.  On the other side of the temple is a "Temple Pavilion"  this is where the reception was held - in the outdoor pavilion (covered).  They had decorated it to the hilt - out did themselves!  Jessica had a candy bar, milk bar, donut bar, etc.  It was all desserts.  The cake was in the middle.  Jessica and Tate greeted people but the night was very informal.

After the reception we went back to the hotel.  Their train isn't due out until 3:00 am.  I went back to bed and took them to the station at 2:30 a.m.  Then I went back to bed.