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blessings of missionary service 31 Oct 2006
Brothers and Sisters,
Recently I made a visit down to Mesa, Arizona for a job interview. While I was in Mesa I made a visit to a family I know in the Mesa South Stake. I haven’t seen this family since I was transferred out of that stake in February 2002. When I was visiting with this family we started talking about families that I was teaching when I was in that area. I asked how the Gallegos family was doing. I was really pleased to hear the response. They told me that the oldest daughter who was baptized with her mother and sister is engaged and is getting married in the temple. After I heard that I felt a tremendous joy.

As we have returned from our missions we still think of those whom we have taught the discussions. We often wonder what happened to them. We know what has happened to a few and we don’t know what has happened to the others. Everyday I ponder and think about those I met while serving a mission. I think about my companions who where with me through the joyful times as well as the trying times. I thank all of you who I spent some time with while serving in Arizona. I continually pray for your success.
Remember to pray for those who you met while in Arizona. These can be missionaries, converts, people you met through OYM (open your mouth, GQ), Members in the stakes. Our mission experience was a large part of shaping who we are. I have many fond memories of serving in the Arizona Mesa Mission as we all should. I was called of God to serve in the Arizona Mesa Mission, I labored without ceasing for the souls of men, and I did not give into murmuring, ceniszm, sarcasm, critiszm, or sloth. I was a good solider of the lord in the spirit of Zion’s camp.

I have been home for three years now fully adjusted to life after mission. And I look back on all the great memories and I thank you all for all I have learned from you. Thank you President and Sister Wappet for all you have done for us.

Thank You,
Bill Loski
Bill A. Loski Send Email
 
November Update 30 Oct 2006
As winter comes to Alaska
As the seasons change in Alaska our souls are stirred with thoughts of the future and memories of the past. The snow of the past week has reminded us that we are not alone in this mortal sojourn. One week ago today our little acreage was coated with the season’s first snow. It has come unusually late this year, but with its arrival has come the revelation that we are surrounded by life. The clean, untouched surface had only been on the ground a scant few hours before it was criss-crossed by the tracks of a mother moose and her yearling calf. They enjoyed the branches of our fall foliage and disappeared to forage in another yard. By morning 3 more moose had visited, two rabbits, and a fox. All were unseen and undetected, but we know that they were there by their tell-tale identifiable tracks. We are never alone on this little piece of ground. We must always have visitors and guests. It took the snowfall to remind us.

Wherever we are, whatever we are doing we are not alone. We may not recognize the tracks, the trails, or even see them, but we are surrounded by an encouraging, loving, and ever supportive network. “...again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.” (2Nephi 32:5)

This summer we had the opportunity to widen our horizons and learn a few techniques to explore the glaciers of the North. We acquired the essential gear, crampons. We discovered that their sharp spikes were indispensable when crossing the ice of the millennia. With crampons strapped to our boots and some knowledge of crevasses and moulins we could roam for miles atop ice fields hundreds of feet deep and amid streams of clear glacial water flowing across its face. The sharp, hard teeth of the crampons gave us confidence in our ability to traverse the ice.

Each of us are in the middle of such a hazardous traverse of life. We are eager to return to our Heavenly Father. The path is frequently slippery, the route unclear, and the environment threatening but with the aid of our “spiritual crampons” the way is negotiable. It has become clear that we must never be caught improperly dressed for the occasion. We must always have our crampons strapped on and firmly planted on the path for them to hold us securely. Each spike must be sharpened and strong.

A personal and daily discussion with our Father in Heaven is necessary to keep the spike of personal revelation sharp and effective. “Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand.” (Jacob 4:10) Prayer is an opportunity to open your heart and soul to revelation. It is the opportunity you have to truly seek what the Lord would have you do in your life. “But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally’ and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me.....” (D&C 46:7)

The spike of testimony is sharpened by a daily spiritual experience. We each have that opportunity if we simply open our scriptures and allow the words of the Prophets to fill our hearts and minds. We should develop a relationship with the scriptures that enables us to join with Nephi in a feeling of “feasting” whenever we open their pages. Think back to your mission experiences and consider the tenor of your days. Somehow you could deal with companionship issues, disappointments, long days of tracting, 110 degree weather, bicycles, and homesickness because each day you spent hours immersed in the scriptures feeding your souls and sharpening your spike of testimony. You may not have that same ability to study the scriptures for 2 hours a day, but you do have the ability to open their pages and seek their comfort and strength every day regardless of the pressures of life. In D.&C. 33:16 it reads, “And the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your instruction; and the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things.” We were once counseled by Elder Spencer Condie that this scripture teaches us that if we take the time to study the scriptures each day that the Spirit will help us accomplish the tasks of the day. In other words if you have a lot to accomplish you simply cannot afford to miss reading your scriptures.

To avoid slipping on the path our spike of obedience needs to be intact and sharp. There is simply no substitute for simple obedience. First and foremost on the list of “to-do’s” for obedience are the words of the living Prophet. President Hinckley has been direct and clear in his call. “We cannot indulge in unclean thoughts. We must not partake of pornography. We must never be guilty of abuse of any kind. We must rise up above such things...Some of you young men seem to delight in dressing in a slouchy manner. I know that it is a sensitive subject, but I believe it is unbecoming to young men who have been ordained to the holy priesthood of God. Our language at times matches our dress. We indulge in profanity, taking the name of the Lord in vain. God has spoken plainly against this...Rise up and discipline yourself to take advantage of educational opportunities. Do you wish to marry a girl whose education has been far superior to your own. We speak of being ‘equally yoked.’ That applies, I think, to the matter of education. In addition, your education will strengthen your service in the Church. A study was made some years ago that indicated the higher the education, the greater the faith and participation in religious activity.” (October 2006 General Conference, Priesthood Session) 6 specific areas of your lives that you can sharpen up by simply obeying the words of the Prophet. “O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.” (Isaiah 48:18) 

And now for the conundrum of our crampons. It is a matter of our hearts. They must be soft. (We must be rigid and unrelenting in keeping them soft!?) We must recognize the “condescension” of our Savior and emulate his humility, his charity, his example. We must open our hearts to the world and respond to the needs that we can impact. It requires getting down in the trenches and getting our hands dirty in service at all levels. We must reach out to those who are troubled, tired, dirty, and feeble. We must stretch to the rebellious and the sick. All mankind needs our service and strength. Our hearts should value all of humanity. We must appreciate diversity and encourage dialogue. We can be a force for good, but only after we open our hearts to the needs of the world. Analyze where you are now in your life and improve your ability to address these issues by preparing educationally and economically to make a difference. Cultivate and care for that portion of your heart, keep it soft and responsive.

And now for the portion of your heart that deals with your own life and affairs. We must never fail in keeping it soft and open to the gentle tutoring of a loving Heavenly Father. We must recognize His hand in our life and embrace it. We must be willing to allow him “on our acreage” and to follow His path although we may not perceive it as the path we might desire. We must trust Him and then simply muster our resources to march forward in confidence.

Each of us are traveling on our own “ice field”, but each of us can all safely traverse their faces with our crampons firmly strapped on our boots and their spikes sharpened and engaged. We have confidence in you. We know that many of you are in a very “slippery” stage of the traverse and we pray for your safety and your persistence. It is frequently not a matter of simply doing the right thing, it may be a matter of doing the right thing for long enough. Winston Churchill is quoted as saying, “Never flinch, never weary, never despair.”

Glacier travel is filled with wonder. Enjoy the journey, the beauty, the constantly changing landscape, and revel in the intense light it produces. There is a reason that glacier travelers are always sunburned even on cloudy days the reflected light is always providing its energy. Jesus Christ is the light of the world. Even on the cloudy days we can be “sunburned” by the light and energy He can produce in our own lives. “And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.” (D.&C. 84:46)

We love you and have confidence in your abilities as travelers. May God continue to speed you on your journey!

Love,
President and Sister Wappett
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
Brennan Larsen Video Link 27 Sep 2006
Dear Missionaries,
Thanks to a friend of Brennan's we have been supplied with a link to a video produced by his single's ward in Provo. A friend of Brennan's emailed us with the link, plus the correction that Brennan had not married before his untimely death. We think that you will enjoy this tribute to a life filled to the brim! We have all been blessed by Brennan's ability to live life fully and whole heartedly.

The address is http://www.google.com and click on "videos" (at the top) and then type in
"For Brennan" and it should be the first thing that appears.

We send our love and continued interest in each of you. Enjoy Conference and simply feast on the words of the Prophets.

Love,
President and Sister Wappett
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
Check the Website 31 Jul 2006
Dear Missionaries,
There has been a bit of housekeeping on the Website thanks to our great Webmaster Tyler Nay! Hopefully everyone is now receiving notification of new postings. It is great to know that Tyler is in charge! This is just a note to let you know that we posted 2 messages and a few pictures last week in case you aren't checking the web site regularly.

We send our warmest love to all of you. As most of you are in the midst of a heat wave we send a few cool Alaskan winds. This morning it was 46 and our high today might be 60. It is absolutely beautiful, green, and wonderful.

Love,
President and Sister Wappett
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
Announcement 25 Jul 2006
Announcement

Dear Elders and Sisters,

It is with mourning and sorrow that we announce the recent death of Elder Brennan Larson. He will not be familiar to many of you who began your mission after 2002. Elder Larson was an outstanding elder with whom we first became acquainted in 2001 as he entered the Arizona Phoenix Mission. When the Arizona Mesa Mission began in July 2002, Elder Larson remained in the Arizona Phoenix Mission and subsequently served there as District Leader, Zone Leader, and Assistant to the President. He has since married to a wonderful young lady and was living the Gospel in an outstanding way. Earlier this month, while climbing a 19,000 foot peak in Peru, he and his two companions fell into a crevasse while roped together and perished. That sense of adventure so apparent as a missionary led Elder Larson to Peru to a fateful destiny. We mourn with his family and spouse at this season of grief. We are buoyed up, however, by the knowledge of his faithfulness and worthiness and feel certain that the Lord has yet many “adventures” awaiting him. His family may be contacted at:
130 Oxford Court
Vacaville, California 95687
Phone (707) 447-4857
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
July Update and Newsletter 25 Jul 2006
President’s Message
Arizona Mesa Mission
July 2006

Dear Elders and Sisters,
Your summer has probably been very much like ours—busy with work, family, social activities, and trying to cram as much recreation as possible into a pleasant time of the year. In Alaska we are now 1 month past the Solstice and we are losing 7 minutes of daylight every day and perhaps we notice it more than others! John Greenleaf Whittier said of young people enjoying the world that “..they are crowding years in one brief moon!” (The Barefoot Boy). Every year in Fairbanks we enjoy the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival where artists from all over the world come to town and conduct workshops in music, dance, art, and theater. Sister Wappett and I have enjoyed a wonderful round of classes this past week and a terrific concert on Friday evening. We happened to ride our bikes to the concert and as we left feeling uplifted it was a beautiful sunny evening, the hills green, fresh from a new rain, with bright clouds and clean air. As we rode home with the wind in our face I consciously thought, “I am completely content---we live in such a beautiful place!”

That feeling of contentment is one I would like to discuss in a few paragraphs. When I was younger I was anything but content! It always seemed that there was something to do, some event to plan, some paper to write, some obligation to complete. We live in a hard-driving society, and it rubs off. Perhaps it is exemplified best by these words:
“Every morning in Africa, a Gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a Lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest Gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter whether you are a Lion or a Gazelle... when the sun comes up, you'd better be running.”

True as this is about ambition and accomplishment and goal-centered striving, it is also reflective of a society where pressure, “burn-out”, and wishing for something beyond survival are rampant. We are impressed at the blessings and achievements that are flowing into each of your lives. Daily we receive wedding announcements, birth announcements, letters, and good wishes from many of you who are “running” the race of life and winning so far. Indeed this is your season to prepare, to become educated, and to begin your families and careers. My counsel would be to enjoy the journey and to enjoy exactly the place you are right now and be content with your current lot in life. I remember beginning my first year at BYU and consciously thinking, “I have THIRTEEN YEARS of education left!” and wishing those years away. I wanted to be a physician but I wanted it right now! To me, the years were an obstacle and something to be passed by as quickly as possible on my way to my ultimate goal. Thankfully, my mission taught me the joy of the moment and that each day lived fully and enjoyed was the real achievement. Someone has said that, “Happiness is not a destination but a means of traveling”. How easy it is to be single and wish that you were married; how easy to be married and wish that you had children; how easy to be poor in school and wish that you were established and independent. Yet there is something to be learned in the hour in which you live.

I remember well attending a baptism in the Scottsdale North Stake when Don Bluth (of The Land Beyond Time) spoke of his early years. He said as a child he loved roses and mourned every year when fall came and the petals fell. He said the next summer he saw the rosebuds begin to develop and in his haste to see the full flower, he opened the bud to find the flower. To his dismay, there was not only no flower but also he had destroyed the very thing that would have eventually blossomed. He taught on that occasion why not everyone receives the Gospel at the same time or in the same way and why in the “time and season” of the Lord, all of us are meant to blossom. In the meantime, there is also beauty in the bud and in the promise. Job teaches us, “Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? Are not his days also like the days of an hireling?” (Job 7:1) And in Ecclesiastes we hear the familiar, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven” (Eccl. 3.1).

There is an urgency to complete our missions on earth but remember that “..the Lord hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation (Acts 17:26) Those times of our flowering and blossoming cannot be hastened. Experiences come and go and they can be endured or savored. My counsel is simply to be content with where you are and whatever you are going through, good or bad. Elder Spencer Condie has wisely said, “Our use of time, especially leisure time, reveals our dispositions toward good or evil. The Lord declared, “For he who is faithful and wise in time is accounted worthy to inherit the mansions prepared for him of my Father” (D&C 72:4). Some individuals fill weekends and free evenings with television, whereas others visit the temple, study the scriptures and read other great books, teach young children how to read and write, visit patients in hospitals, share the gospel with neighbors, work on their family history, and become involved in community improvement projects and countless other worthy activities. Theirs is the disposition to do good continually.
Our attitudes also reflect our dispositions toward good or evil. Chronic criticism and persistent pessimism and their fellow travelers—sarcasm and cynicism—often reflect a lack of faith and trust in the Lord and a gnawing impatience in awaiting for His great plan of happiness to unfold in our lives. (“A Disposition to Do Good Continually, Ensign, August 2001)
Beware of that “gnawing impatience”! Your dreams will come true as daily you live life calmly, faithfully, enjoying whatever experience comes your way. Matthias Cicotte recently wrote us a wise letter with the observation that “..life occurs in increments not monuments”. There will be plenty of monuments too, but be content with your current lot and consistently keep at it! President Boyd K. Packer has also observed, ..“It was meant to be that life would be a challenge. To suffer some anxiety, some depression, some disappointment, even some failure is normal.” He then adds: “Teach our members that if they have a good, miserable day once in a while, or several in a row, to stand steady and face them. Things will straighten out. There is great purpose in our struggle in life” (“That All May Be Edified” [1982], 94).

Paul taught Timothy, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (1 Tim. 6:6-8) Also he taught the Hebrews, “..be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5)

That doesn’t mean settle back and quit the struggle! It is simply counsel to enjoy the time, place, and circumstances where you currently find yourselves and daily ask, “What does the Lord want me to learn or appreciate today?” There is a story in Church history of a time when the Saints were struggling and all the Prophet Joseph Smith had to eat for himself and his family was some flour for a johnnycake. In humble circumstances, he blessed the food and said, “Lord, we thank thee for this johnnycake and pray that you would send something better!” Shortly, a good brother arrived at his cabin door with a ham he felt prompted to give to the Smith’s. That is a good prayer for all of us: “We thank thee for our current circumstances and pray that our hearts will be softened and that our minds and souls will be receptive to whatever today’s lesson will be”. I have a firm conviction that if we have to go someplace else to feel happy that we never will be.

Shakespeare perhaps says it best:
“My crown is in my heart, not on my head;
Not decked with diamonds and Indian stones,
Nor to be seen. My crown is called content.
A crown it is that seldom kings enjoy” (Henry VI, iii,I,62)

Our blessings to each of you! We are proud of you! You are wonderful examples of the “working out of the Lord’s purposes in your lives”. May you know of our continuing allegiance to the Gospel and the Savior. Though content, there is much we all have yet to do to fully fulfill our lives’ mission. May we be happy in doing so!

Love,
President and Sister Wappett
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
Lost Coat 18 Apr 2006
Hey all-
Joe Deim wanted me to post a message that he lost a black coat at the mission reunion. It is a liner of a Columbia coat, if any of you picked it up just email him at two_nickle@hotmail.com, thanks
Mark E. Babcock Send Email
 
Reunion Follow-up 16 Apr 2006
President’s Message
Easter 2006

Dear Elders, Sisters, Spouses, and friends,

Today is a brilliant, sunny day in Alaska with a deep blue cloudless sky. The mountains reach to the heavens and the air is filled with birdsong and flights of geese returning for their yearly nesting pilgrimage. It is a good day to be alive. More than externally, however, we thrill even more as we return from a wonderful Stake Conference session celebrating the resurrection and Atonement of the Savior. It is always an uplifting experience to see old friends and to freely share hugs and gratitude to those who have meant so much to us through the years.

It is just two weeks ago that we met together, at least some of us, for our Second Annual Arizona Mesa Mission Reunion. It was a meaningful event for many reasons, some of which I wish to briefly discuss with you. The anticipation and eagerness for this event, and, yes, even some anxiety, do present some adrenaline to race our hearts. Yet I think we will all agree on one thing: It is simply good to be together again. As Sister Wappett and I sort out our feelings, let me share with you some of our feelings.

1) Perhaps our biggest frustration with reunions is the inability we have to spend meaningful time with each of you. I am afraid in a large setting like a reunion it is easy to only have a few moments with some of you and no time with others. As I looked out into your faces again, I saw once more the quality and the purity of each one of you and the Spirit again whispered, “They are OK”. Despite that prompting, we loved seeing each and every one and only regret that your time and ours did not permit a more in-depth “interview”. Our fondest wish is that the day may come when we may sit, one-on-one, and really catch up on what is unfolding in your life. Please know of our individual love and support to each of you. We appreciate the e-mails, letters, invitations, announcements, and phone calls, but they will never substitute for really being together. Thanks for the short time we had
2) Prior to the reunion we tried to gather as many of the senior couples as we could and attended the Timpanogos Temple together, had a group picture, and a wonderful lunch. I never cease to marvel at the sacrifice of our “senior warriors” and the depth of experience and humility they bring to the Church. Our special love to each of these couples who represent lives tried and true. May we all aspire to future missions in their foot steps.
3) It was a tender experience to have the wife and baby son of Elder Kevin Timm with us as well as his parents. Life is a fragile and delicate thing and none of us really know what is in store tomorrow. As we looked into the fresh face of Kevin’s new son, we saw there the light that always shone in Kevin’s eyes in Arizona. I thought of the legacy that Adrienne will teach her son and what Kevin perhaps taught him in the pre-mortal realm. Knowing Kevin, it was hard for him to let go of his son for mortality, yet trusting as we all must, life goes on. I salute the courage of the Timm family and particularly Adrienne.
4) We were thrilled to see Seth Loughmiller and his lovely wife, Kiersty. The wheelchair has swelled Seth’s arms to bulging and his spirit to an increased degree of refinement. Since his accident, he moves on with courage and vision. Since he has lost the ability to walk, he now desires to be a neurologist and be trained to help others with similar problems. He is a great example of making lemonade when life gives you lemons. We salute the Loughmiller’s.
5) It was thrilling to hear of the Mission’s success from President Riding. It is a great lesson that no matter what our stewardship, when we leave it, it gets better. The Work of the Lord expands and grows exponentially no matter who carries the Torch.
6) We submitted to you a brief plea to keep in touch with former companions, friends, and converts. All of us have our share of struggles and a kindly hand lifts us all. I carry in my Scriptures from the days of my first mission a little poem by Charles Hanson Towne:

Around the corner I have a friend
In this great city that has no end;
Yet days go by, and weeks rush on,
And before I know it a year is gone,
And I never see my old friend’s face,
For life is a swift and terrible race.
He know I like him just as well
As in the days when I rang his bell
And he rang mine. We were younger then,
And now we are busy, tired men:
Tired with playing a foolish game,
Tired with trying to make a name.
“Tomorrow,” I say, “I will call on Jim,
Just to show I am thinking of him.”
But tomorrow comes-and tomorrow goes,
And the distance between us grows and grows.
Around the corner!-yet miles away…
“Here’s the telegram, Sir…
‘Jim died today.’”
And that’s what we get, and deserve in the end:
Around the corner, a vanished friend.
7) I thought deeply at this reunion of some lines penned in 1855 and published in 1871 by Walt Whitman:

“There was a child went forth every day,
And the first object he looked upon, that object he became,
And that object became part of him for the day or a certain part of the day,
Or for many years or stretching cycles of years”

What has happened to all of us since we first met has changed each of us forever. My gratitude is unbounded as I see the temple marriages, the repenting and changing, the children, the careers unfolding, the families developing. I see the hope of the Church and the foundation of the future. I see “the hopes and dreams of all the years” stretch before each of you. We love each and every one and there is not a day that passes that we don’t thank the Lord for the privilege of knowing you. Hold to the Rod! Our allegiance to the Gospel will change us and our families for “stretching cycles of years”.

On this Easter Sunday, Sister Wappett and I bear testimony of the goodness of God and the mercy of His Beloved Son. One of you wrote to us this week these impressive lines: “ I think that on my mission I was a very uptight, unhappy person. My view of God and religion was based on lots of false notions, many of which have since been overturned. God has gone from being a stern, demanding and unforgiving Being to a kind, patient, loving and "liberal" Being (see Elder Holland's talk: The Grandeur of God). “ A marvelous perception and a great example of how we mature spiritually. The best is yet ahead!

The Savior lives and will be part of the adventure that is each of our lives. May this Easter Sunday bless your life. We love you.

President and Sister Wappett
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
Mission DVD Slideshow 04 Apr 2006
Alrighty. So if you haven't yet gotten your very own beautiful copy of the Reunion DVD just send $6 to myself at:

Jesse Davison
34 E 700 N #15
Provo, UT 84606
USA

The $6 merely covers production costs (blank DVDs), equipment rental (projector at the reunion), and shipping costs.

I've got a fat stack of them, and if I run out I'll just make some more.

Any questions, just send me an email at jessedavison@gmail.com

By the way, by late August 2006 I'll probably have moved, so if you'd like one after that time just send me an email to get my new address.

***P.S. - Keep in mind that DVD-R discs are much more susceptible to damage due to heat, scratches, etc. Please be careful not to scratch either the top OR the bottom of the DVD. Keep them stored at room temperature. I've had home-movie DVDs go bad because of this in the past.
Jesse Eugene Davison Send Email
 
The Mission Reunion!!! 13 Mar 2006
Hey everybody! Is there anyone else that would like to submit pictures for the slideshow? We need maybe 20 more. Thanks to everyone who's sent pictures so far! We've already got a ton!

By the way, copies of the DVD will be available to all who want them. Probably $2 each, plus shipping (if you can't make it to the reunion). Just send me an email if you want one or two or three.

So hurry and send some pictures!!!

jessedavison@gmail.com

- Jesse
Jesse Eugene Davison Send Email
 
March Message and Reunion Refresher 06 Mar 2006
March 2006
Missionary Message

This month brings increased daylight to the Northern Climes. We are celebrating in the returning warmth of the sun and the excitement that it brings to anticipate spring and all that it holds. Part of that excitement revolves around our upcoming opportunity to reunite and share together. What a wonderful event to gather once again and renew our friendships and bolster one another’s faith and courage.

As we anticipate this reunion we cannot help but reflect on the past and experiences that we have shared, but this reunion is an opportunity to feel true joy in growth and change. We have all had the opportunity to put into practice the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that produces great progress and development. Sharing in that process is the true excitement of meeting once again.

In the “immortal words of Matthias Cicotte”:
“Missionary work is much like the vegetables that we always had to eat before we could have dessert. Before we reach success on our missions (baptism, a full teaching pool, etc.) we must pass through a great deal of what could be deemed drudgery (tracting, riding bikes in 120 degree weather, PEC), “for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” (Ether 12:6) I believe that most missionaries more or less comprehend this principle. From this comparison I draw two pieces of advice, one a lower, and the other a higher law.

The lower law: Sitting and staring disgustedly at the vegetables doesn’t make dessert arrive any faster. Quite to the contrary, delay will only stay the hand of the Lord in pouring His blessings down from heaven. Slowing down because no success is in sight is akin to climbing halfway up Mt. Everest and saying, “I’ve spent days climbing and still no sight of the top. Obviously climbing upwards isn’t the answer, and there’s no point in continuing until the situation improves.” The Lord will improve the situation primarily through us, so if we aren’t making things better, we can be certain that no one else is either. If we are slothful in this most precious time of our mission, it will serve only to vacate what could have been the fullest time of our lives.

The higher law: Learn to love the vegetables. Success in the mission field is a momentary breather in the sweaty, bloody draining battle that is a mission. To serve a mission is to see miracles happen. If however, you are only happy when you are bolstered by a miracle, then you are getting but a fraction of the fulfillment that this time can bring. Only a small part of our time is spent teaching people preparing for baptism. The rest of our time is spent making that possible. If you don’t enjoy trying to interest the disinterested, teach the unlearned, or activate the inactive, you essentially say that you don’t enjoy missionary work, because that is the greater part of what we do.”

These very basic principles that he so eloquently described as keys to success as missionaries can be applied to life in the real world and produce great results. Matthias’s wisdom not only armed us for missionary service, but gave us a glimpse of eternal principles that would provide success in our day to day lives. As we hear from each of you we see miracles unfold as you apply the eternal principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for sharing with us both your highs and your lows in the journey, both are significant to the process of becoming.



Elder Maxwell says it this way;
“While the Master repeatedly said that we are to follow in His footsteps, it is not as if we were headed toward some geographical destination but, rather, toward a developmental destination.”

“God is more concerned with growth than with geography. Thus those who marched in Zion’s Camp were not exploring the Missouri countryside but their own possibilities.” (Neal A. Maxwell)

We love watching many of you “explore your own possibilities”. It is not always pain- free or flawless, but it is a miracle in progress if we simply persist. It takes great courage to march through this life. It takes great candor and honesty to realize that most of our roadblocks are of our own creation.

“Change and improvement are . . . blocked by an inordinate fear of the unknown and the risks of change. This kind of fear can immobilize us; it can block us from accepting challenges that might permit us to grow. Significantly, the pioneers did not constantly look over their shoulders out of nostalgia for Nauvoo; they moved into the unknown—but guided by God.” (Neal A. Maxwell)

The Saints emerged from Nauvoo armed with the power of the Restoration and steeled for the trails ahead, just as you emerged from your missions. Now our gaze is forward and our future is bright.

The Doctrine and Covenants tells us what we can anticipate if we remain firm in our resolve for righteousness.
“Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.” (D.C. 121:45-46)

If you ponder that scripture you recognize that you are not alone and there are no limitations to what blessings you will receive from the Lord. He is ever ready to provide, enlarge, and magnify if we are willing to receive His provisions, His enlargements, and His magnifications. (Sometimes it can be painful to stretch! Being open to our true potential can be blinding!)

Everyone expresses this concept of growth, progress, development, and becoming in a little different way. Perhaps a more homespun approach is shared by Edgar A. Guest in his poem, “It Couldn’t Be Done”.

“Somebody said that it couldn’t be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That ‘maybe it couldn’t,’ but he would be one
Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.
So he buckled right in with a trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it.

Somebody scoffed: ‘Oh, you’ll never do that;
At least no one ever has done it’;
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he’d begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That ‘cannot be done’, and you’ll do it.”

We look forward to sharing with you all of the things that you have “tackled” and “done”. It will be a great opportunity to strengthen one another and to look ahead with great anticipation to the wonders of tomorrow.

See you at the Reunion. Please pass the word on all of the former missionaries in both the Phoenix and the Mesa Missions.

March 31, 2006
Ernest Wilkinson Center
BYU Provo Campus
Rooms 3280-3290
7:00-7:15 p.m. Gathering Time
7:15-7:45 p.m. Formal Program (The doors will be closed and we will be seated to share a few moments together to exchange ideas as a group and to watch a DVD of your lives since your missions. Don’t forget to send your submissions to Jesse Davison.)
7:45-9:00 p.m. Visiting and Dessert Buffet (There will be a simple Dessert Buffet catered by BYU, it will be at a cost of $2.50 per person or $5.00 per couple.)

We send our love to each one of you. You enrich our lives as we watch you in your journey of becoming.

Love,
President and Sister Wappett
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
Reunion Slideshow 04 Mar 2006
Alright, I'll admit it. The whole picture submission deadline thing was meant merely to terrify everyone into sending pictures before March 30th, allowing me time to put things together, and giving me an idea of how many pictures I'd be working with.

That said, please don't hesitate to send any more pictures. But you must know that any late-senders may find their photos to have been humorously altered in PhotoShop. Just kidding. Actually, if they arrive late I'll probably still be able to fit them in. Just know that the closer we get to March 31st, the less likely they'll be in the slideshow (the DVD will probably be finalized by the 25th).

Thanks, and adios!

- Jesse
Jesse Eugene Davison Send Email
 
Mission DVD Slideshow 01 Mar 2006
The deadline for submitting pictures for the Mission DVD has been extended to March 3rd. Please send all pictures right away to:

jessedavison@gmail.com

Thank you much, and I'll see you on the 31st!
Jesse Eugene Davison Send Email
 
Mission DVD Slideshow 23 Feb 2006
!!!
Please send all pictures to me if you want them to be in the DVD for the mission reunion!

My email is jessedavison@gmail.com

See you all there!
Jesse Eugene Davison Send Email
 
Mission Reunion Notice 07 Feb 2006
Arizona Mesa Mission/ Arizona Phoenix Mission….President Nigel G. Wappett
Reunion Notice:
March 31, 2006
Ernest Wilkinson Center
BYU Provo Campus
Rooms 3280-3290
7:00-7:15 p.m. Gathering Time
7:15-7:45 p.m. Formal Program (The doors will be closed and we will be seated to share a few moments together to exchange ideas as a group and to watch a DVD of your lives since your missions. Don’t forget to send your submissions to Jesse Davison.)
7:45-9:00 p.m. Visiting and Dessert Buffet (There will be a simple Dessert Buffet catered by BYU, it will be at a cost of $2.50 per person or $5.00 per couple.)
Looking forward to seeing you there.
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
Mission Reunion DVD 28 Jan 2006
Mission Reunion Notice:

March 31, 2006
Ernest Wilkinson Center
BYU-Provo Campus
7:00 p.m.
Rooms 3280-3290

In preparation for this annual event we are producing a DVD to be shown that evening. (It will also be available for purchase) We would ask that everyone send a current photo that represents life since their mission. Babies, spouses, activities, weddings, or anything that gives us a glimpse of your life since the mission would be appreciated. Please send these photos to Jesse Davison at jessedavison@gmail.com. An electronic format would be by far the best. If you do not have digital pictures Jesse’s address is:
Jesse Davison
34 E 700 N #15
Provo, UT 84606

Also if any of you have new and current original musical recordings that could be used on the DVD they would be great as well.

Don’t delay. The deadline will be February 28! Do it today while you are thinking about it. We look forward to seeing your lives unfold on the big screen of the mission reunion.

Warmly,
President and Sister Wappett
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
January Missionary Message 28 Jan 2006
Missionary Message
January 2006

It is 46 below 0 and the valley and town are encased in a dense ice fog. The cars literally “grind” and “bump” as they make their journeys. Square tires, hard seats, and ice fog trapping the returning light are the menu for today. Could this ice encrusted landscape ever boast green and unencumbered growth? Is this truly the land of the “midnight sun” where there is no night? These are some of our more entertaining thoughts on a day in January in Fairbanks, Alaska. Perhaps you share some of these sentiments with us, but expressed in another context. “Will I ever get out of school?” “Is there a knight in shining armor in my future?” “Will I ever find the girl of my dreams?” “Where am I going to find a job?” “How will I ever make it through graduate school?”

We all can be encompassed by dense ice fog that refuses to let the light penetrate. Our Heavenly Father knew there would be days like that in our earth life. Because of that knowledge of the realities of mortality and living by faith He blessed us with some tools and knowledge that are better than a light saber to pierce the darkness and flood our hearts with light.

The first line of defense is simply knowing who you are. Moses was taught that he was “in the similitude of mine Only Begotten” ( Moses 1:6). Repeatedly Moses was addressed in a personal and endearing fashion as “my son”. He was lifted by an understanding of who he was and his eternal capabilities. When Moses was tempted he understood completely his own power in standing against Satan. His response to Satan was strong and unequivocal, “Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten. . . Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not; for God said unto me: Thou art after the similitude of mine Only Begotten.” (Moses 1:13, 16) Remember you too are created in that in image, you too have divine nature, and you too are spirit children of a loving Heavenly Father. You have served a noble and righteous mission that enables you to call upon the powers of heaven as you wend your way through the paths of life.

The second line of defense is an understanding of the purpose of “ice fog” in your life. Joseph Smith was taught repeatedly throughout his short life that trials, questions, persecutions, and hard work were all part of the plan. Not only are they part of the plan, but they are essential. “Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son. For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified.” (D.C. 101:4-5) “…know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.” (D.C. 122:7) The Prophet Joseph Smith wrote: “Deep water is what I am wont to swim in. It has all become a second nature to me.” In the midst of his “swimming” he was described as one with a “native cheery temperament”. He was vigorous, robust, hearty, and happy. He loved engaging in games and challenges and would frequently say, “You must not mind this. When I am with the boys I make all the fun I can for them.” He was described as “a hail-fellow-well-met, easily inclined to laughter, sociable, animated, the life of the party”. Joseph Smith in his “deep water”, Alaskans in their “ice fog”, or returned missionaries in their “walk by faith” can all adopt an attitude of understanding that gives meaning to the dark and joy in the challenge.

With an understanding of who you are and the nature of the challenge comes an intrinsic change of attitude. Perhaps that change is best reflected in a book entitled, “Learned Optimism, How to Change Your Mind and Your Life” by Martin E. P. Seligman, Ph.D. Dr. Seligman says it this way when you are faced with a failure. “…whenever you notice yourself ruminating on a theme like I am worthless and this latest setback just confirms it, you can consciously substitute This setback is just something that happened; I will get through it, because I am capable and resilient. The theory behind this work is simple: it is impossible to hold opposite thoughts in mind at the same time, and the impact of a negative thought on feelings can be canceled by thinking a positive one.” Joseph Smith said it to George A. Smith in this way: “Never be discouraged. If I were sunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia, with the Rocky Mountains piled on me, I would hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage, and I would come out on top.” You can change your life by simply changing your approach. It is up to you to “define” yourself in terms of your situation or to let your divine understanding drive your strong and resilient response to the circumstance. Remember everyone has setbacks, hard days, poor test scores, bad hair, and grumpy roommates. They are not all reserved personally for you.

Years ago a most profound experience came in our lives as Sister Wappett was dealing with an illness and physical diagnosis that could leave her blind and severely crippled by arthritis. Sitting in a University Hospital waiting room watching other patients come and go the question of “Why Me?” quickly changed to “Why not me?” The world is filled with pain, sorrow, disease, and illness. It is part of the journey we agreed to take, can we ask to be spared from the bumps and jolts while all around us others are building resilience and strength as they encounter each rock in the road and each boulder in the path. A great feeling of peace engulfed us as we understood more clearly the “common lot” of man and joyed to be counted a full participant. This experience allowed all of us to grow, stretch, and for miracles to occur in our lives.

The “common lot” of man teaches us charity and empathy. It stretches our soul and exercises our heart. It helps us to love all men, in all walks of life, and in all circumstances. It blesses us with patience. As we watch the experiences of life press in upon all of in our “civilian” lives we are blessed by your examples and strengths. We are amazed by the Jeremiah and Courtney Wheeler’s resilience in welcoming Logan into their family. We are humbled by the dedication to excellence and goals displayed by Sam and Kirsten Stone. We are strengthened by the sensitivity of Rod and Kylene South as they reach out to lift those “whose hands hang down”. We are blessed by the example of the Harwoods, the Adams, the Seeleys, the Britts, and the Carliles that march forward in increasing their family circles. Your example and warm influence pierce the “ice fog” and illuminate the goodness of mankind.

This year the trees and homes of Alaska are captured in anunusual hoarfrost. Everything is coated with beautiful patterns of ice crystals. Each branch of each tree is weighted by their burden of frost. Even the tall birches are bent with their load of frost. This ice -encased world is simply awaiting the warming rays of sunshine that shake it free of its excess weight and burden. If you are bent and burdened, look around, recognize who you are, recognize the purpose of this mortal journey, and embrace the strength of all those around you. The healing rays of the atonement will then begin to lift that weight that may be pressing upon you and the light will pierce your heart with peace, hope, and an abiding faith.

We have often been asked how we endure the cold and the ice fog. Our answer has always been, “It is not something to be endured—it is something to be dressed for.” May each of you grow where you are planted, prosper amid the storms, and rejoice in the privilege of being alive at this unique time in the Restoration.

We send our love to each of you. We are looking forward to the reunion. March 31, 7:00 p.m. Ernest Wilkinson Center on the BYU-Provo Campus, Rooms 3280-3290. Please keep posted on the plans.

Love,
President and Sister Wappett
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
Holiday Greetings 09 Dec 2005
Christmas Message
December 2005

Dear Elders and Sisters,

Two weeks ago Sister Wappett and I emerged from a long flight to arrive home in the wee hours of the morning. It was a true Arctic night, 20 degrees below zero, and we put on our parkas as we prepared our car for the ride home. The sky was clear, millions of stars, and the sky was ablaze from horizon to horizon with the green shimmering curtains of the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights. We watched in awe, as we frequently do, as this marvel of nature danced and flickered and turned the snowy landscape a brilliant green. I thought of a poem by William Henry Davies:

What is this life if full of care
We have no time to stand and stare?
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep, or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this, if full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

The Christmas season is upon us and once again we find our lives embroiled in obligations, baking, cards and presents, parties, etc. Somehow as the years pass I long more and more for time for meditation, companionship, and quiet. I long for the quiet moment to tell those I love how much I love them when there are no distractions. I long for “silent nights” where I may look up to the sky and try to imagine how the new star must have looked over Bethlehem, or Zarahemla. I think more and more of a quiet stable with common animals where a little family settled out of necessity, yet found peace and fulfillment in simplicity. I somehow think the Savior had something to do with the circumstances of His birth—simple, no fuss, no fanfare, surrounded by loved ones.

One of my more memorable Christmases (and I have experienced many with excited children rushing to packages accompanied by squeals of delight) was spent in a little country village in northern England as a missionary. Christmas Eve was damp, snowy, and no one wanted to invite us in. There were no members to invite us in. I remember walking to our apartment that night beneath a starry sky with the local cathedral bells pealing out Christmas carols. My companion and I were lonely but we quietly expressed our love for each other and for the Gospel on that special night.

All of us have seen our share of Temple lights, crowds, and excitement. Perhaps this Christmas you will share it for the first time with a new love or a new child and discover the wonder of the Season all over again. But in all the excitement of Christmas perhaps this year you could:

• Create a special moment to express your feelings for your family—tell them “thank you” and “I love you”
• Take an evening walk when you can look up to the Heavens and express your gratitude to your Heavenly Father
• Write or call those precious souls you led to the Tree of Life in Arizona
• Call your old companions and cry a little together
• Create a new tradition of serving the less fortunate
• Make an extra visit to the less active families in your ward just to say “I’m thinking of you”
• Spend less money and more time together
• Finish the Book of Mormon by the Prophet’s deadline
• Contemplate, in quiet moments, your life’s purpose and how the Lord can help you fulfill it
• Repent of a weakness and really give the Savior a meaningful gift
• Learn something about the Atonement you didn’t know
• And, this year especially, remember a cold winter morning in Vermont in a drafty log cabin where another special baby was born 200 years ago.

Sister Wappett and I would like to express our love for each of you. Our experience together grows and grows in meaning as the time passes. We have found that in so many ways our lives have never been and never will be the same since we met each of you. We see your faces and hear your voices daily in our dreams and thoughts. May this Christmas season find you at peace. Please know that somewhere near the North Pole you have friends that love, remember, and appreciate you!

Merry Christmas!
President and Sister Wappett
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
Getting Married 02 Dec 2005
Attention everyone: I finally bribed a beautiful girl marrying me. I wanted to let everyone know that I will be getting married on January 6th in the Winter Quarters Temple to Emily Ray Shehorn. She and I met my first Sunday home from my mission, this also happened to be the day that she got baptized. Emily is currently going to school to be a Dental Assistant; she graduates in June (and will then make me a lot of money!!) haha She took her endowments out the day after Thanksgiving, what a blessing it was to witness that.
Things are going great for me. I continue to work full time for a grocery store, until I am able to get up and running with photography.
Life in Iowa is wonderful! We have been getting some snow recently. The snow is beautiful, but it's rarely above freezing. Oh well....it beats 80 degrees in the valley. I hope all is going well for everyone. My best wishes and prayers to Elder Timm's family. I love you all!
Daniel Jensen

Dan Jensen
Daniel John Jensen Send Email
 
Getting Married 30 Nov 2005
Hey whats up everyone?!? Hope life is well! Mine is. Well I wanted you all to know that I am getting married on Dec 17th in the Mesa Temple.

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Phil Blue Send Email
 
what else happens at BYU? 29 Nov 2005
you guessed it, im getting married. december 30th 2005 in the mesa temple to elizabeth whiteley : )

email me if youd like an official invitation sent to you and/or would like directions to either the reception in arizona or the open house in houston. check out my profile for a digital invite.

hope to see you all there!
Tommy Hyatt Send Email
 
A Time to Mourn 21 Nov 2005
Dear Elders and Sisters,
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the untimely death of Elder Kevin Timm on the 11th of November 2005. Kevin had bought a home and was working in Idaho Falls, Idaho, when a motorcycle accident claimed his life. Kevin was married in August 2003 and his wife, Adrienne, is expecting their first child in February 2006. Sister Wappett and I happened to be in Idaho Falls for her father's funeral a few days after Kevin's services and we had a wonderful visit with Kevin's parents and Adrienne in American Falls. Although there are sorrow and tears there is also testimony and faith. All of us are aware of the united power of prayer and expressions of love and support. This would be a wonderful time to call or write Brother and Sister Timm and particularly Adrienne with remembrances of Kevin and the example he set of diligence and obedience. The Timm's and, for the present Adrienne, may be reached at:
Bob and Carol Timm
575 Hillcrest Avenue
American Falls, Idaho 83211
(208) 226-9990

The Gospel and the Plan always shine more brightly in times of tragedy and the gift of Hope strengthens all of our hearts. May each of us reach out at this time to the Timm's with whatever we may offer of words of kindness and love. All of us give thanks for the privilege of knowing and working with Elder Timm and look forward to seeing him again. I'm sure he is training his future son to be the same type of missionary he was
Love, President and Sister Wappett
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
Message from the North 28 Oct 2005
October 28, 2005
Message from the North
As all of us return to the “world” we are asked to find our place and to make a contribution. It is sometimes challenging to leave behind the mission field with its strict schedules and close supervision. We return to a world where we must be self-disciplined, self-motivated, and unselfish! We return to a world that needs us to step up and make a difference. We must be brave in our preparation and bold in our contributions.

Each one of us left the mission field better prepared to change the world. As we hear from each of you we can see many of you doing that in a quiet yet dramatic fashion. We are proud of you and congratulate you on your efforts.

You are blessed with an ability to identify worthy causes and to pursue a course of activism and change. We applaud each of you for your insight and courage and want you to know with our deepest sincerity that we encourage you in your quests. Those who live meaningful lives continually prove their critics wrong! Develop sensitive hearts which respond to those who are oppressed or to right wrongs which are fundamentally and ethically flawed. Strive to develop what I consider one of the greatest of gifts --an appreciation of the daily wonders and the intrinsic beauty of our old world. Become like Thoreau, and "suck the marrow out of life". Don’t be discouraged by defeat, don’t be overwhelmed by the odds, don’t give up! What you are doing, thinking, dreaming, and working for all comes to pass in its time. Remember John F. Kennedy at his inauguration said, "Some men look at the world and say 'Why?' I dream of things that never were and say, 'Why not?'"

Just this week I have finished another volume in my study of the establishment of this nation, Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis. I have also read this summer another of his books, His Excellency, George Washington. It is apparent from an in-depth study of how the US came to be that it occurred primarily by persistence and divine intervention. In the Declaration of Independence, largely credited to Thomas Jefferson, when they verbalize their intentions and pledge their "lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor", Ellis makes the rather dramatic point that these were not mere words. They were a group of disorganized, under-funded, and under-motivated "rabble in arms" who were challenging the greatest land and sea power in the world. Ellis says that they estimated their chance of success as 1 in 10,000. They all fully expected that in case of failure, which they all anticipated, that they and their families would be hung or shot and their land and property seized. Those words did not just roll off the tongue; they represented an all-out commitment in the face of probably failure. I guess this is what you call integrity or character--standing for something when all appearances lead you to think it is hopeless. No one was more surprised than Washington when events fell into place.

But never underestimate the role of divine intervention in all causes. The bright moon on Dorchester Heights allowing the Continental Army to entrench and drive the British from Boston, the fog on Long Island allowing them to escape, the sudden arrival of the French fleet when the British were trapped were all serendipitous events, yet all were likewise turning points. Never forget that the Restoration empowers us with Light. When Joseph Smith was 5 years old, Thomas Jefferson penned his last public document on the 50th anniversary of the 4th of July. He said,

"May it be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all,) the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government...All eyes are opened or opening to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few, booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of God. These are grounds of hope for others; for ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them"

The "general spread of light" affects all aspects of our lives if we let it! Remember, in all your ideals and causes what Joseph F. Smith said: "After we have done all we could do for the cause of truth, and withstood the evil that men have brought upon us, and we have been overwhelmed by their wrongs, it is still our duty to stand. We cannot give up; we must not lie down. Great causes are not won in a single generation. To stand firm in the face of overwhelming opposition, when you have done all you can , is the courage of faith. The courage of faith is the courage of progress. Men who possess that divine quality go on; they are not permitted to stand still if they would. They are not simply the creatures of their own power and wisdom; they are instrumentalities of a higher law and a divine purpose."

In short, we are proud of your convictions! Do not let anyone diminish the fervor of what you feel and don't let discouragement diminish it within yourself. BAM is a great motto for life. The world needs more men and you have been prepared to fill that role as you step forward in confidence.

We send our love to all of you. We are thrilled with your courage to pursue life fully and with intensity. We appreciate each of your letters, emails, phone calls, wedding announcements, and birth announcements. We are delighted with your opportunities to grow, stretch, and become. We are grateful that the world is a brighter place because of you.

Our warmest love from Alaska.

President and Sister Wappett
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
Mission Reunion 03 Oct 2005
Mark Your Calendars! Our next mission reunion will be held on March 31, 2006 in conjunction with April General Conference. It will be held in Provo on the BYU campus. We are interested in your input as we begin the planning phases for the event. Would you prefer a sit down catered event with a cost attached, an informal gathering for visiting only, a program, a multi-media presentation from the mission, or ???????? Please share your thoughts and ideas. The last reunion seemed to be consumed with the need to reconnect as the driving force. Perhaps for the next couple of years that should remain as the number one emphasis. We look forward to hearing from you.
We send our love to you. We are blessed by your continuing excellence and desire to do what is right.
Love,
President and Sister Wappett
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
Update 29 Sep 2005
Just wanted to let you all know that my father went through some very extensive surgery over the past 2 days, where they cleaned him up and removed his gall bladder. He is still in very critical condition and will be in the hospital recovering for at least 2 more weeks.
Stephen James Moyor Send Email
 
I don't know! 20 Sep 2005
Wazzup! I broke my leg really bad...shattered my "tibial plateau". Really fun to go thru...also tore all four of my ligaments in the knee...really fun.. getting better now and I'm on my feet again. Just thought I'd let you all know:) -Jimmy
James Ray Tigert Send Email
 
President's Musings 28 Aug 2005
President’s Message
September 2005

The leaves in Alaska are a warm gold and the air crisp and clear as I sit this evening to share a few thoughts with my favorite people. Having just completed a summer with family, children and grandchildren, the joy and importance of why we are all here has been re-emphasized over and over again as we have laughed and cried together. I have thought, perhaps somewhat simplistically, of the purposes for our earth life. I think I can categorize them as:
• Receiving a physical body
• Being taught the Gospel in the home or by missionaries
• Receiving the ordinances of baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost
• Receiving the endowment
• Forming eternal family relationships
• Enduring to the end

It is the forming of eternal family relationships whether in our family of origin or our family of creation that I would like to emphasize. We live in a world that increasingly tries to isolate us emotionally from each other while the Gospel teaches us that all we take with us back to our Father in Heaven are our character, our good deeds, our ordinances and covenants, and our loved ones, sealed to us eternally. All of us can do something to cement our relationships in our family of origin and all of us must form new eternal commitments to those we come to love. Let me share with you some thoughts on impediments to emotional attachments:
• Television has been described as best as a waste of time and at worst as a “technologically toxic” medium. Vast amounts of time can be idled away here while our opportunities and our brains literally shrink
• A lack of creativity in our activities. How many times when we have the chance to spend time together do we say, “Let’s go to a movie!” We can do better! Sunsets, fall walks, games, great art shared are missed in a dark theater. When I was called as stake president the General Authority who set me apart said, “Teach your people to avoid packaged entertainment!”
• An attitude of cynicism. Look it up for a full meaning and then ask, “Lord, is it I?” Elder Condie has phrased it like this, “Our attitudes also reflect our dispositions toward good or evil. Chronic criticism and persistent pessimism and their fellow travelers, sarcasm and cynicism, often reflect a lack of faith and trust in the Lord and a gnawing impatience in awaiting for His great plan of happiness to unfold in our lives”
• Beware of “Neverland”! In the classic story Peter Pan, the author describes Neverland where the Lost Boys live, a place of no responsibility where young men never have to grow up. Your generation is threatened by “Neverland”! I tell young women to be careful of a young man who is “….taking a year off”, “..I’m trying to find myself”, “..I’m thinking about school”, or “I want to travel before I am tied down”. There was recently a movie entitled “Finding Neverland”—our job is “Leaving Neverland” and entering the world of grown-up responsibility.

May I now offer some positive suggestions for forming intimate and personal relationships? I would suggest the following for those searching and those who are seeking to enrich a rapidly growing and recently cemented union.

• Build relationships of trust (No, this is not a mission reprise!). However, you do know how to do this. You are unlikely to find a person of worth at a jello-slurping contest. Concentrate on activities that define and reveal who you and everyone else really are. Activities that involve service, sacrifice, personal giving, and acts of kindness are really the best.
• Cultivate the gentle art of conversation. I am touched by the example of the Savior of the world, recently crucified, welcomed home to the Spirit World to choirs of angels and eternal adoration, receiving His crown of glory, who then returns to a morning on the seashore with friends. In the early sunrise, He calls out, “Children, have ye any meat?” The apostles return in their ships to find “..a fire of coals there and fish laid thereon, and bread.” (John 21:4-14) The Savior, with all else He could have done, on that occasion preferred a quiet campfire, a morning sunrise, and breakfast with friends. Think about it.
• A few years ago I asked my college daughter one Sunday morning what her plans were for the day. To my surprise she said, “I going to church and plan to throw a little love around!” We can all use that! Joseph Smith said, “Nothing is so much calculated to lead people to forsake sin as to take them by the hand and watch over them with tenderness. When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O what power it has over my mind, while the opposite course has a tendency to harrow up all the harsh feelings and depress the human mind”. Let’s be a little better about “throwing a little love around”.
• Avoid “no-risk” relationships. Remember that eternal connections are not formed in “packs”. Groups and packs are for the teenage years—leave them behind in favor of one-on-one connections. Even after marriage, the highest adventure is doing things together and building memories rather than continual comparisons with friends. Dates before marriage do involve risks and after marriage involve deepening the relationship. Stick your neck out!
• Be ready to change. I have a little blond grandson, Chandler, age three, who was tackled by his father one evening as his dad returned home from work. His father quickly went to work tickling him until he was breathless. Chandler, exhausted and with only enough energy for a quick message, said, “Dad! Repent!” Remember those two great rules:
o If things don’t change, things remain the same
o If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got

• Have a little faith! Remember the Lord said, “For I am God, and mine arm is not shortened; and I will show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name” (D&C 35:8) Remember that the Lord is comfortable with impossible odds and difficult cases. With the Lord, all things are possible and you are His son or daughter and He loves you and wants you to experience all the goodness and richness that life has to offer.

This time of life is high adventure! Everything experienced is better with a traveling companion, temporary or permanent. May each of us savor the privilege of coming closer to a loved one as we form or deepen the intimate personal relationships on our eternal quest. May the Lord bless each of you and may you feel of our continuing love and interest.

Love,
President and Sister Wappett
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
Called on next mission 23 Aug 2005
LaMar passed away Sunday evening, Aug. 21, 2005. He was excited to be able to serve another mission, this time without health problems. Services held Thursday, Aug. 24 at the Hagerman Ward chapel.
So happy to hear that Seth Loughmiller is back in school.
Cristi Jean Thompson Send Email
 
Seth is getting stronger! 03 Aug 2005
August 3, 2005 We just spoke with Seth Loughmiller last night and are thrilled to report on his progress. He is still in Colorado at one of the nation's top rehabilitation centers for spinal cord injuries. He and his wife will be there until August 18 when they return to begin school in Provo. Kiersty will begin Law School and Seth will also be attending BYU continuing to major in Biology. He is currently mastering some new skills in life. Although life has taken a new turn for Seth and Kiersty, they remain strong and optimistic. Seth is learning navigational skills, but has found great satisfaction as he has mastered the ability to live independently. Yesterday, he had learned to drive a car using hand controls. He tells us that cooking, cleaning, and shopping are tasks he already had perfected and that he hasn't needed much practice in those areas. He was most excited about his ability to shower privately and independently! He remains Seth. You can hear his smile on the telephone. You can also feel his deep love for Kiersty. She has been right by his side pushing and prodding him along. Be sure and watch for him on campus. You will always be able to recognize him when you see his smile. If anyone would like to call him his cell phone number is 208-420-8509. He would love hearing from you.
Love, President and Sister Wappett
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
July Update from Alaska 17 Jul 2005
Wappett Update and Greetings
Over the past couple of weeks we have had the opportunity of exploring the footsteps of the goldminers that stormed into the Interior of Alaska by way of the Chilkoot Pass. It is an amazing journey through time and geography. It traces a people filled with desire for money and adventure over a landscape filled with extremes and unforgiving harshness. It is a tale of the foolhardy and the brave, fueled by dreams of wealth and fame. It is a story that is told and retold throughout the millennia of time as man marches through different chapters of conquest and revolution. It is a seeking for the glories of the world at the price of life itself if necessary and frequently upon the forfeiture of the joys of eternity.

Our avenue back to civilization and the 21st century tells us a tale that marks our own lives and can change our own destinies. At the end of a 33 mile backpack through rain forests, arctic tundra, lodgepole pine forest, and sand dunes we boarded the White Pass Railway to begin our journey back into Skagway. We joined others in that journey pressing onward together to warm showers and hot fresh meals. It may not have been the joys of eternity that we were envisioning, but certainly the joys of mortality beckoned us onward after a week in the wilderness. As the train steadily moved South we enjoyed beautiful mountain vistas, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and fields of wildflowers. But in the midst of this amazing journey we were enveloped by the thick blackness of train tunnels: the darkness so deep, so impenetrable, so moist and damp that it could be felt. One could not see anything in this deep darkness, unless one turned forward peering far into the distance at a small sliver of light that penetrated the black from the opening of the tunnel. That light kept us moving steadily forward along the track. It became brighter and larger until we emerged from the depths of the earth into the light of the sun.

Our lives are just the same type of journey, Jenkins Lloyd Jones was quoted by President Hinckley in speaking to young adults just like you as saying, “Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.” My concern is that as young adults it is easy to get lost in the tunnels of our journey and fail to emerge into the warmth of the light. We are all on the train. We are all suited up in our armor and we will all steam forth to encounter a few tunnels. Some of us will turn forward and spot the light and keep moving toward that beam, while others of us might enjoy the coolness of the dark and relish the anonymity of the tunnel.

One of those tunnels in the lives of single adults that we might find comfortable to sit in while our armor rusts a bit might be “despair and discouragement”. “I’m just not good enough, I don’t measure up.” Rather than try and fail, it is safer to simply not try at all.

President Boyd Packer teaches us;
“I do not think it pleases the Lord when we worry because we think we never do enough or that what we do is never good enough.”

In 2 Nephi 4:16-35 Nephi is the perfect example of a man clad in armor in a tunnel pressing forward to the light. He cries;

“O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me. And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins… why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?”

He chose not to molder in the tunnel, but to press forward;

“Rejoice, O my heart and give place no more for the enemy of my soul. Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions. Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever…”

Three essential keys to Nephi’s response that can keep all of us from rusting in our armor are:

1. Rejoice or in English “Be happy!” If you aren’t happy pretend and soon you will be filled with happiness. Look around you and start counting your blessings and the wonder of the world. Participate in the out of doors. Go for a walk, run down the block, have a picnic. Enjoy the wonder of your body, make it sweat and feel some joy of self mastery.

2. Remove contention and anger from your life. In simple terms, quit complaining and criticizing. Don’t allow yourself to see the negatives in the world about you. President Hinckley is a perfect role model. He is celebrating his 95th birthday. He no longer has his beloved companion at his side. His body may have a few aches and pains and his balance may be somewhat impaired, but he moves forward with optimism as he begins a world tour to mark the ending of his first 10 years as the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator and the beginning of his next.

He counsels us:
“ Criticism is the forerunner of divorce, the cultivator of rebellion, sometimes a catalyst that leads to failure. In the Church it sows the seed of inactivity and finally apostasy.
I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we “accentuate the positive.” I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort.
What I am suggesting is that each of us turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another’s virtues more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears. When I was a young man and was prone to speak critically, my father would say: “Cynics do not contribute, skeptics do not create, doubters do not achieve.”
Looking at the dark side of things always leads to a spirit of pessimism which so often leads to defeat.”

President Hinckley frequently cites Winston Churchill’s words as examples of what optimism can do.
“Do not let us speak of darker days; let us speak rather of sterner days. These are not dark days: these are great days—the greatest days our country has ever lived; and we must all thank God that we have been allowed, each of us according to our stations, to play a part in making these days memorable in the history of our race.” (Address at Harrow School, 29 October 1941.)
“We shall not flag or fail … we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.” (Speech on Dunkirk, House of Commons, 4 June 1940.)
It was this optimism, this lack of anger and contention that provided victory for the free world. It is this same attitude correction that will keep you moving toward the light even in the tunnels of life that we all encounter.
3. Work Hard! Don’t slacken the pace. Keep your mind engaged and your body empowered. Work hard at everything that you do. Be the best employee in your company. Lift the heaviest loads, volunteer for the hardest assignments, complete your tasks with excellence. Scrub your apartment with enthusiasm. Sweat a little bit as you clean the bathroom, clean out your closets, organize your drawers, mop the floors on your hands and knees, wash the windows. Play a whole hearted and competitive game of tennis, racquetball, or basketball. Run further and longer than you think you can, bike to your destination, climb the stairs. Volunteer at the food bank and work up a sweat carrying boxes and organizing shelves.
Procrastination is not allowed in the life of a hard worker. If you have been putting off applying for the University, do it now! Put it in the mail and know that the Lord will open the necessary doors. If you have been delaying a meaningful relationship, it is time to step up, stop playing, and start seeking. If you have been putting off any decision, today is the day to make it and move forward. Remember the Lord cannot drive a “parked car”. That also goes for “parked railroad cars”. Don’t stay in the tunnel trapped by procrastination. They can be dark and paralyzing if we remain within their grasp for too long.

Tunnels, Tunnels, Tunnels. There are tunnels of improper friends and associates. It is always more fun when there is a crowd to discuss the joys of tunnel dwelling together. You can keep your armor on for a while, but by and by it begins to get rusty and uncomfortable and you might find yourself removing the breastplate or the shin guards “for just a moment or two”. Just to “stretch” a bit. There are tunnels of inappropriate “hang-outs” and activities. They too have a numbing affect in our lives. Before too long we find that we are not longer able to walk about in our armor due to corrosion and we lay it aside in order to merely move about in that environment without “clanking” too much. Sometimes that armor rusts into the shape of desk chair before a computer screen, trapping us, leaving us at the mercy of the images that flash on the monitor, blinding our eyes to the light at the end of the tunnel. Then there is the tunnel of mediocrity. It is okay to be like everyone else. If your armor squeaks it is okay because so does everyone else’s. It isn’t cool if yours is freshly oiled and shiny. You might stick out in the crowd. You might be perceived as “no fun” or even “old fashioned”. Because your midriff is covered by your shield, others might think that you might think yourself “better than everyone else.”
There will always be trains and there will always be tunnels. But there are also “watchmen” to warn us and help us prepare. D.C. 101:45…”that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower.” There have been the warning calls of watchmen in the past months pointing out the dangers of pornography, gambling, immodest clothing, the fallacy of “repent later”.
There will always be trains and there will always be tunnels. But there is also “moral agency” which gives us the right to determine how we travel through those tunnels of life. D.C. 101:78 “That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.”
There will always be trains and there will always be tunnels. But every tunnel has a light gleaming at its end. The light of the world is waiting for you. He is reaching out to you as a friend, brother, and physician. 3 Nephi 9:13…”will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?” He is merely waiting for you to come to your appointment. Don’t delay.
“Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.” May our vistas be those of the eternities and our bursts of speed those of the spirit of our Savior and Brother that allow us to become worthy to return to Him someday.
We send our love to you. Thank you for being our friends, keeping in touch, and staying true to the light of the gospel. Great things are happening throughout all of your lives. We love every wedding announcement, every phone call, and every email. Your lives fill our hearts on a daily basis with love and gratitude.
Love,
President and Sister Wappett
Nigel George Wappett Send Email
 
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