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We will be in the Salt Lake City/Provo area from July 20th to July 25th (2006). I would love to see anybody from the Winwood era who still remembers Sister Rivera. E-mail or call (951)544-5306. See ya!!
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I am a writer for the Ensign magazine and am writing a story about the Temple Square Mission, and I am looking for historical information that seems to be unavailable.
I am trying to find the year when the mission changed from having men and women as volunteer tour guides to having full-time, only female, sister missionaries.
If any of you know, please e-mail me at cargalat@ldschurch.org. Thanks!
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Today, I got a huge lesson in preparedness...
I was sitting at a Trax station, reading my Book of Mormon while waiting for a bus. A woman came up to me and, pretty loudly asked, "What are you doing?" I'm afraid I judged her wrongly, because I get used to jack-mormons scoffing. I brusquely said, "Going to see my wife for lunch."
I didn't even look up at her. I kept my nose buried, sadly, thinking, "Hey! I'm trying to study about Jesus!" (how ironic, no???)
She said, "I'm not a Mormon... are you?"
I said (still with my nose buried), "yes".
"Is that the Book of Mormon?"
"Yes" (thinking, duh!)
"How easy is it to become a member of your church?"
If I hadn't have been sitting down, I would surely have fallen over. (In my mind... "What? You're kidding, right???")
(to her) "It's not difficult. You just need to take some lessons on the beliefs and be baptized." (Then the salesman training kicked in - go for the close!)
"I can call the Elders right now and have them meet you and begin your lessons..."
"I won't be in today. Can they come tomorrow night?"
(Still freaking out. It can't be this easy... can it???)
I had three pass along cards. I gave her the Finding Faith in Christ video request card; the one with the Salt Lake Temple on the front and one with Christ on one side and the Articles of Faith on the other side.
After she boarded her train, I called the elders. They will hopefully begin teaching her tomorrow.
Preparedness. Yeah. I've been looking at a stack of Book of Mormon copies sitting in my room for a week thinking I should put one in my backpack. Silly me - not listening to the Spirit.
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Today, I got a huge lesson in preparedness...
I was sitting at a Trax station, reading my Book of Mormon while waiting for a bus. A woman came up to me and, pretty loudly asked, "What are you doing?" I'm afraid I judged her wrongly, because I get used to jack-mormons scoffing. I brusquely said, "Going to see my wife for lunch."
I didn't even look up at her. I kept my nose buried, sadly, thinking, "Hey! I'm trying to study about Jesus!" (how ironic, no???)
She said, "I'm not a Mormon... are you?"
I said (still with my nose buried), "yes".
"Is that the Book of Mormon?"
"Yes" (thinking, duh!)
"How easy is it to become a member of your church?"
If I hadn't have been sitting down, I would surely have fallen over. (In my mind... "What? You're kidding, right???")
(to her) "It's not difficult. You just need to take some lessons on the beliefs and be baptized." (Then the salesman training kicked in - go for the close!)
"I can call the Elders right now and have them meet you and begin your lessons..."
"I won't be in today. Can they come tomorrow night?"
(Still freaking out. It can't be this easy... can it???)
I had three pass along cards. I gave her the Finding Faith in Christ video request card; the one with the Salt Lake Temple on the front and one with Christ on one side and the Articles of Faith on the other side.
After she boarded her train, I called the elders. They will hopefully begin teaching her tomorrow.
Preparedness. Yeah. I've been looking at a stack of Book of Mormon copies sitting in my room for a week thinking I should put one in my backpack. Silly me - not listening to the Spirit.
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Hello Everyone!
I just want to share with you a really joyfull news about Hungary! Soon, (in 3-4 of June) there will be a Stake (orginization) Conference!
The church is here 19 years ago and now we can have a great blessing to have a Stake!
I'm really happy and can't wait for it!
God bless you!
Gabriella Kocsis (Sister Mari)
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"Elder Orson F. Whitney described the purposes of trials and suffering in a way that links us with the Savior's experiences in Gethsemane and on the cross:
'Is not this God's purpose in causing His children to suffer? He wants them to become more like himself. God has suffered far more than man ever did or ever will, and is therefore the great source of sympathy and consolation.'
"Why would anyone choose to ignore the bitter cup? Why would anyone choose not to embrace the Savior's Atonement? Why would anyone think it more advantageous to go it alone in the world or think it advisable to try to pay for one's own mistakes and sins? President Joseph Fielding Smith flatly stated that if we are rebellious and ignore the Atonement, 'we will have to pay the price ourselves'
"But more than that, there is an infinite difference between mere repayment and complete redemption. The Savior's experience in Gethsemane not only satisfies the demands of justice by returning us to the level of non-sinfulness required for entrance into God's kingdom but actually makes justice our friend. The Savior's Atonement is able to bring us back into a right relationship with God - which we call the doctrine of justification - and set us on the path of sanctification until we actually become like God."
(Gethsemane, Andrew C. Skinner, p. 146-147)
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Captained by Christ, the second in a series of three, is now finished.
"Embraced by Christ - Essays to Heal the Bruised Soul" is now being written.
Thanks for ALL your prayers - and please continue.
Follow the mission rules and remember... you may never know which seeds grow - but they do.
I am evidence of that.
James Hofheins
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It has taken a long time...but book 2
"Missionary Moments on Temple Square" will be available within the next three weeks. It sat on different publishers desks for about six months at a time and finally we have done it ourselves. If you want a copy and live in the U.S. mail $15. to
Maurine Winters
1010 Madison Ave.
Toppenish, WA 98948
and it will be sent to you within the month.
If you live in another country send $20. That figure includes postage to you.
Thank you one and all for your patience and your encouragement. I think you will be happy with the book. There are missionary entries from 1995-2005, plus some info about Temple Square and the major happenings there over the past several years.
With love to all of you who have served in that sacred place....Maurine aka Sis Winters
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If You Have a Loved One Struggling from Addiction
Because of my writings, I have been approached by others who often share heartrending stories of what addiction has done to them or their loved ones. Wives tell of the infidelity of their husbands, wishing they would return. Mothers tell of the overwhelming pain and shame of watching their children stray, wondering if they’ll ever return. Many times, these good people speak of forgiveness and the burning desire to help – but have no idea how.
Some fear they’re doing too much and enabling the addict in their lives. Others feel they’ve not done enough and have abandoned their loved one. They struggle mightily to strike a balance between loving the sinner while despising the sin.
The tales I read and hear are so individual, yet have so much in common.
It is for you, who have a loved one struggling with addiction, that I write today’s essay.
Before you go on reading, I urge you to stop, close your eyes, and ask your Father in Heaven for the Holy Ghost to be with you - to allow you the inspiration you need to help bring your loved one back to your family – back to the fold…
Jacob, the ancient prophet, was to give a sermon to the people of Nephi. In his own words, he tells of how sad he was that he had to forgo speaking words of peace and instead, testify of their wickedness (see Jacob 2:2-9)
From this you can know that you are not alone. The sins and bondage of addiction has been one of the adversary’s greatest tools since Cain killed his brother. Jacob’s congregation was no exception. What did he say to the people? How did he think they could be consoled?
Read his words:
“BUT behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
“O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.” (Jacob 3:1-2)
Though there are times you and I may want to give up the battle, from Jacob’s sermon, it is clear we must never concede. He exhorts us to look unto God, having our minds firm and pray to our merciful Father with great faith. I can promise you, He will console you in these, your most difficult times.
Your Savior not only suffered for the sins of your loved ones who have strayed, He also suffered the pain you feel right now – so that He could help you through your pain.
Jesus Christ, the Master of all, really does plead your cause (see also D&C 29:5), and, in His due time, really will send down justice upon those who are seeking your destruction, and the destruction of your loved ones.
From verse 2, it appears that Jacob is asking his listeners to do more than just worry and pray for the deliverance of their loved ones – he reminds them of the positive things they can do that can really make a difference. He reminds them to lift up their heads and not be ashamed. He reminds them to receive the pleasing words of God and to feast upon (not nibble – not sample – not just take in the aroma of) His love. He actually promises that you can do this!
But, knowing my own weaknesses, I can only imagine some may not feel their minds are “firm forever”. That’s another reason we can rely on The Master to be our advocate – we can trust Him to plead with our Father to help us be firm and faithful and allow ourselves to feel His peace – even in the midst of great trials and affliction.
Another point I’d like to make comes from personal experience.
My father felt like a failure because some of his children strayed from the gospel. We, his children, wandered off onto forbidden paths, and it shook his faith. He, this stalwart man of great faith and love for God, stopped attending church because he reasoned he failed God by allowing his children to go astray.
A kind and patient bishop helped my dad to see some very important truths – that dad had done his very best. He had taught us from childhood the lessons we needed to learn. Our falling away was not his fault. We had our agency, and we used it.
You, my dear brother – and you, my dear sister –
You are not alone. You are not a failure. Adam had a close, personal and intimate relationship with both Heavenly Father and Jehovah. Yet, one of his sons killed another.
Father Lehi was a man of great faith. He followed the Lord’s direction in every respect. Yet, he had two sons who, even after seeing angels, rebelled and remained in their wickedness.
And the father I would like for you to remember most was Alma the Elder. His son, along with his friends, went about with the intention of literally destroying the church. How much more heartache can a parent feel?
His son was saved because of the prayers of a faithful father. Not only did Alma the Younger turn his life around and begin doing good, he actually went back out into his previous social circle and told them that he had been wrong – he was sorely persecuted, but he did it.
I cannot promise that you will have an experience like Alma the Elder.
What I can promise you is this:
Your Heavenly Father knows.
He knows your pain. He knows your faith. He knows the love you have for your loved one.
That’s why He allowed His little boy to come to earth – to temporarily give up His riches and kingdom – to be mocked and abused, tortured and finally killed… all so He could be your advocate –
To understand what you’re going through. To feel the frustration, anger and depression you now feel.
And to help you overcome.
Part of His mission is to redeem your loved one and to save them and to free them from bondage.
We may not understand the “why”. We may find it incredibly difficult to not know the outcome. We may find it nearly impossible to want to wait for His timing and for His will to be done.
But it’s the only way.
He is the only Way.
Trust Him.
Trust that the person you love the very most is in the care of One who loves far more perfectly than you or I could love them.
Trust that, in His own way and in His own timing, He will allow you to use this experience for your good.
Trust that He can do all that He says He can do.
Trust Him to help you do it His way, instead of the other way around.
Trust that it will turn out all right.
Trust that He knows and cares, and that He can help you find peace.
Trust.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Captained by Christ © 2006 James Hofheins – For more information, please email jameswhofheins@yahoo.com Or call (801) 835-9715
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Hello Everyone!
I will be leaving to seve on Temple Square in a a couple months and I'd like to know if any returned missionaries would like to impart some advice, stories, experiences, and words of wisdom for me. I'd like to know all I can about the mission: what your day is like, how P-day works, what the dress code is like, what type of experiences you have, etc. Anyone who has some free time can e-mail me. Thanks!
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Teaching His Way
We have been commanded to share the truth we have with all others. The Master told the elders of His church, “the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.” (D&C 42:14)
When I was first converted to the gospel, the sister missionaries on Temple Square would often challenge me to share the gospel with someone else. I didn’t really know anyone who hadn’t already heard of the gospel or the LDS Church, so I hesitated. I mistakenly presumed that it was completely up to me to find someone who wanted to hear about Christ and His mission. It took me awhile to realize that I was to do so as directed by the Spirit.
Because of this fear I had, I rarely opened my mouth about the gospel, especially to strangers. It had nothing to do with the fact that I realized I was not to teach unless by the Spirit – it was more my fear and trepidation of other people ridiculing what I believed.
One spring afternoon on Temple Square, I sat on one of the flower planters when I saw two missionaries approaching. One was familiar to me but the other was not. Sister Pena was about to go home to Chile and had played a pivotal role in my conversion. Sister Carter had not long ago arrived from the MTC and was from Great Britain.
As they spoke with me, they challenged me to share my testimony with someone that day. I don’t know why it was at this time I spoke up, but I let out my little secret.
I was too afraid.
As often happens with missionaries, the Spirit spoke to Sister Carter and challenged me to do something that, up to that point, I hadn’t even considered. She challenged me to go to my Heavenly Father and tell Him of this fear of speaking to others, and to ask Him to make me into the missionary He needed me to be.
That challenge stands out in my mind as one of the singular shining points of my conversion. Where I was once too timid to speak up about the gospel, I came to a point where it was hard to get me to stop talking about it.
When I saw Sister Carter months later, I thanked her for listening to the Spirit and telling me what I needed to hear that day. She didn’t remember our conversation, but it didn’t stop her from realizing Heavenly Father had used her as a powerful instrument in His hands.
I will ever be grateful for her challenge and the many other challenges I received during my seed-tending time on Temple Square.
Teaching by the Spirit is such an important aspect of the gospel. So many times we feel pressure to go and find converts all on our own and present them to our local missionaries, neatly packaged and ready to be baptized.
I don’t think that’s how it’s supposed to work.
While we have been commanded to be missionaries, we also must remember that this is not our work. It is His work, and we must be willing to allow Him to direct us to those who He already knows will listen to our testimonies and message. We must be willing to become the disciples He wants us to be – and not the disciples we want ourselves to be. We then can say with Mormon that we are His disciples and that we have been called of Him to teach His people and share with them everlasting life (see 3 Nephi 5:13)
Captained by Christ © 2006 James Hofheins – For more information, please email jameswhofheins@yahoo.com Or call (801) 835-9715
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It seems I was a little careless in the announcement of the mission reunion, in that I neglected to mention that this particular reunion is for those of us who were so blessed as to serve under the leadership of President and Sister Crouch.
Hope that clears up any confusion.
Thank you kindly!
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So, Saturday the 11th of March, my friend and I were married. In attendance was half of the companionship who first took me on a tour of the Square - Britt Johnson. She and Meg Ross (now Meg Barry) planted the seed and refused to let it die. Many sisters afterwards kept the weeds pulled, the water going and the sun shining - I can't tell you how much that meant to me - to know that you gave up 18 months of your life to save me and others like me.
Marriage was a great step - a right step - and I am very much in love. Got to talk to Meg on the phone, too - that was cool!
Keep up the good work, and remember to stay worthy of the Spirit. It's especially critical in today's world.
James
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The joyous news you have all been waiting to hear is that we have a reunion! It will be on Saturday 1st April 2006 in the year of our Lord, from 1900 hours until 2200 hours(7:00pm - 10:00pm in case that confused anyone). Those astute amongst you will know that this is during Priesthood session, but it will also run afterwards so any significant others can join us at that point. It will be held
at Brigham Apartments 201 East South Temple, Salt Lake City. Spread the word abroad my good friends. See you then. Any questions, just email me, or call - my number is 801 735 6947. Please bring $3 to cover the cost of this gala (or not so much) event.
Thank you kindly. Samaroo
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I have been asked by the Young Women's president of Oklahoma City to speak at a youth fireside. This will be my first (see what you sisters started???)
Don't know how I'll get from Utah to Oklahoma but if you will pray for it to happen - and we trust that it will happen - it will happen!
If any of you are in or will be in Oklahoma in May (the tentative time for the fireside), please come and bring an investigator or three!
I shall keep you posted...
Love,
James Hofheins
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Needing my Savior
I often wonder how different my life would have been had I not found myself compelled to be humble (see Alma 32:13).
Since coming back to the gospel, I have heard some say that they were more blessed because they didn’t need to be humbled – they realized it themselves and came back on their own. That may be very true, and I will not dispute another’s feelings or testimony. All I can tell you is how I feel about being compelled.
I never thought I would become an addict. Who plans for that as a goal? As far as I could tell, my life was going smoothly and well. But that easy path just wasn’t meant to be.
I became an addict.
Some ask why I talk about addiction so much, and I suppose for them, I can only say that I need to talk about it, not because the addict label defines who I am, but because I realize I can help others understand there is a way out. There is freedom from addiction.
There is freedom through Christ.
You see, if I had continued on the path of my youth, going to church because it was expected of me, I never would have felt the need for a Redeemer. How can a Savior save someone who doesn’t think he needs to be saved? How can a Redeemer buy someone back who doesn’t know he’s sold himself into spiritual slavery?
When do you realize how important a firefighter is? When you’re sitting in your comfortable home, playing games with the family? No. You don’t realize how important firefighters are until you’ve faced the stark reality of an out of control fire!
It was the same with me.
When my life was going smoothly, I could happily think that God was in His Heaven and all was right with the world. But later, I became acutely aware that I didn’t want God to be in His Heaven – I needed Him here. I needed Him with me – in hell – to first show me that there was a way out, and then to take me by the hand and lead me out.
As I look back to when I first gained that realization, I also became aware that Satan had been telling me the most horrible lies. He told me that I could never be forgiven. He told me that I could never again feel pure and clean – that I would never be invited back inside the Kingdom.
He lied.
He lies to all of us. I know this because even now, I remain completely unable to fight my addictions on my own. I remain absolutely dependent on my Savior to stay with me and keep saving me. I hope I shall always realize that I need Him in my life to lead me, guide me, save me and redeem me.
I hope I shall always realize my utter dependence on Him to protect me from the temptations, lies and half-truths Satan throws at me.
I hope I shall always be able to declare that my heart is swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of many tears, because of the great goodness of God in delivering me out of the hands of my enemies (see 3 Nephi 4:33). As it is now, “I cannot say he smallest part which I feel (see Alma 26:16)
Captained by Christ © 2006 James Hofheins - For speaking engagements or other information, please email me.
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Hello Angeles and friends,
I hope all of you are doing great and that the spirit of the Lord continue to bless your lives. I love to hear from you, I find great joy on all of your wonderful acomplishments from marriage, to graduations, to babies, to college and engagements. Congratulations to all for everything you have achieved and for standing strong in the Church.
Dear Angels and friends, I would like to know if any of you are living or have lived at Geneva, Switzerland and/or surroundings. My younger brother Vicente (Fresno, CA mission) will be going up there for an intership in May, and his wife April (Spain mission) and Him realy need help, they need clues and tips regarding places to stay, how to move in the city, etc. Any iformation you can provide to them will be truly appreciated. Please contact me @ 719-213-8181 (sarahiac@yahoo.com) or contact my brother @ 801-427-5850 (chentemania@yahoo.com)
As for us, Ryan and I moved to Twin Falls, ID in August. Ryan has enrolled on the RN program at CSI College, and he has been called as the Sunday School President in our branch. I have been called to serve as the YW President. We are loving the oportunity to serve and teach in Spaish. Our goal as a branch is to become ward by the time the new Temple is dedicated. The work continues to move forward, there is no doubt about it, it is wonderful. Take care..
Love,
Sis. Sarahi (Armendariz) George
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It's this beautiful time of year when we are so much more aware of all those who have touched our lives for good. We think of the time we spent with the wonderful sisters on Temple Square and are so mindful of the blessings we have received because of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the opportunities we have as a result of our membership in the church. To those of you who we served with and to those who have served in that sacred place...we send our love and wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
With love.....Bob and Maurine Winters aka
E/S Winters
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Diane and I have finally decided on a date - we'll be getting sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on Saturday, March 11, 2006.
If you can make it, or are even considering it, or would just like an invitation, please contact me =-)
James Hofheins
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Hello! Just wanted to post a quick message to let you know that my family and I are living in England this school year. We hope to travel around a bit and would love to see any of the sisters that are in other parts of Europe. Of course, if anyone happens to be in the Cambridge area of England we would love to see you here too! Let me know :-)
Hope you all are well.
Laura (Newsom) Nielson
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