tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65790064149815349292024-02-07T21:45:58.701-08:00GWACK - DADDYAlex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.comBlogger690125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-1007696283550526472017-04-05T13:56:00.001-07:002017-04-05T13:56:08.712-07:00Church Callings and AssignmentsAs a member of <a href="http://www.lds.org/">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints</a>, we are given <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings?lang=eng">callings</a> in different organizations to help our particular Stake, Ward or Branch where we live. Unlike assignments, such as being a home teacher, "callings" are when you are set apart by the laying on of hands and given a specific calling. So I decided to stop and think about all of the various callings and assignments I have had through the years.<br />
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<u><b>RICHMOND WARD (1986-1993)</b></u><br />
Growing up in the church, the first official calling that comes to mind was extended when I turned 12. I served as president of the Deacon's Quorum in the Richmond Ward of the Concord Stake. I also served as president of the Teacher's Quorum and assistant in the Priest's Quorum of the Richmond Ward prior to leaving on a mission.<br />
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From the time I was a Deacon I remember home teaching with my dad. In particular, I remember home teaching Dean and Ann Jensen. Dean was an older guy and he was the chorister during priesthood meeting. He loved singing as a barbershop quartet, and often Ron Hunt, Dean and I would join our voices to sing one of the men's arrangements, such as <i><a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/brightly-beams-our-fathers-mercy-mens-choir?lang=eng">Brightly Beams</a> </i>and/or other arrangements. Those home teaching visits would take up at least an hour or so. Dean and Ann would talk to my dad about their trips and so forth. I had the head / neck bob in full effect on occasion, and probably even fell full on asleep with snoring. Who knows? But ... I remember faithfully home teaching the Jensens.<br />
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There was one other elderly sister with emphysema who we would go and visit. She never was out of the bed she was in when we visited, to my knowledge. But we visited her often enough. My dad was definitely a great home teacher to the families he was responsible for. I remember at the time that I would join him often enough, but there was probably some resistance on occasion because I knew I would be in for a long afternoon. From my vantage point now, I have more of an appreciation of what was happening.<br />
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I suppose I should also mention that I was called and set apart to be a full-time missionary as a member of the Richmond Ward before I went to Philadelphia.<br />
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<b><u>HILLTOP WARD (1993-1997)</u></b><br />
Upon returning home from missionary service, I believe my first calling was to be a Gospel Doctrine teacher in the Sunday School organization. I don't remember everything about the calling, but I do remember the new chapel and ward and some new faces while serving there. It was short-lived though, because I was also back and forth to Rexburg, ID, for college.<br />
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<b><u>RICKS COLLEGE (1993, 1996-97)</u></b><br />
At Ricks, I do not recall any specific assignments to teach or serve in any presidencies. I vaguely recall having assignments to play the piano, or possibly being called to the be accompanist for Sacrament Meeting when the ward I was in was meeting in the Hart Auditorium at the time. Nothing stands out though in terms of significant church callings while I attended Ricks College. I also completed home teaching assignments.<br />
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<b><u>UNIVERSITY WARD (1997-2000)</u></b><br />
I began attending the University Ward and had assignments to play the piano for Sacrament, Priesthood, and other meetings I attended. That may have been a calling for me to play for Sacrament. I was going to be in the Elder's Quorum presidency there, but then I wound up leaving the Ward to pursue a relationship which proved to be a disaster.<br />
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<b><u>HAYWARD 1st Ward (2000-2007)</u></b><br />
My records transferred to Hayward prior to my marriage in December of 2000, my service as a member of the First Ward began. Callings I had in Hayward included teaching Primary. I remember preparing Mitchell Stanford for missionary service. He's long since completed a mission. I also served in the Young Men's presidency in Hayward and spent many a week at mutual completing various activities, such as an etiquette dinner.<br /><br />
I was a home teacher and companions with Robby Partridge. We home taught the Roehner family, I recall. I also worked with Greg Brown at the time I was in Hayward. We had some good conversations at mutual on occasion.<br />
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Then I remember going into the Ward Mission organization under the direction of Glenn Beecroft. He typically had meetings or gatherings at his home on a weekly basis, which included food and non-members and socializing. I attended correlation meetings pretty regularly. That was my first experience as a Ward Missionary.<br />
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I believe that I played the piano during Priesthood Meeting each Sunday and I sang in the Ward Choir. I also served as a home teacher. I remember making a few visits with Vance Rasmussen while he was the EQ President, and after Kari and I had moved over to Highland Blvd.<br />
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For a short while I was a counselor in the Elder's Quorum presidency with Jonathan Monte as president. Then, Kyle Goodman was called to the EQ presidency and I was out. It was around this time that our home was recovering from the New Year's Eve flood and the rats and what have you, that in the Spring of 2007, we moved to Castro Valley.<br />
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<b><u>CASTRO VALLEY 2nd WARD & 1st WARD (2007-present)</u></b><br />
Originally, there were two wards in Castro Valley. For a short time, I served in the Young Men's presidency with Ed Jensen and I forget who else. Maybe Dave Salisbury. Not sure. That didn't last too long.<br />
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Then, I was called to be a Sunday School teacher for the 12-13 year-olds. I had Grace Hancock, Josh Perry, Amanda, and so forth. I really enjoyed the calling and preparing lessons each week for Sunday School. Great experience.<br />
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I was then called as a counselor in the Elder's Quorum presidency with a guy who's name I cannot remember, but he was only briefly our EQ president in the 2nd Ward. Then, President Teuscher met with me and I was called to serve as the Elder's Quorum president. I chose Chuck Michaux to serve as a counselor. As EQ president, I remember that our Wards were then combined into the C.V. 1st Ward and I was no longer in that calling. It went to David Swenson.<br />
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From there, I was called in by the Stake and extended a calling as Membership Clerk. This was truly the first calling where I felt the weight of responsibility. I learned the Church software system, kept a VERY organized list of membership records, and worked closely with families to make sure they had information they needed for child of record baptisms, baby blessings, etc. I also submitted updates regularly to Salt Lake City. This was an involved and time consuming calling but one that I really enjoyed. I credit Dan Termini for training me very thoroughly on the church software.<br />
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I also have served with various companions as a home teacher in Castro Valley. Also, I have been playing piano in Priesthood Meeting, for several years with Doyle West, the conductor. Rest in peace. I continue to play in priesthood meeting. Also, I sing in our Ward Choir from time to time, and stake choirs. I got an assignment to lead a Stake Choir for the Saturday Evening Adult Session (<i>School Thy Feelings</i>) and recommended a song for a Stake Conference General Session (again <i>Brightly Beams</i>).<br />
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I was then called to served as Executive Secretary to the Bishop after Membership Clerk. This seemed very similar in terms of time consumption. I worked with Bishop Passadore, Dan Hoover, Stan Stadelman, Chuck White, and did a little training with Brian Strodtbeck, who replaced me as Membership Clerk. The Bishopric meetings seemed to take a lot of time each week, I recall. 10:45pm; 11pm.<br />
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After Executive Secretary I was called in a much different direction: Seminary Teacher. I taught the D&C and Book of Mormon as a Seminary Teacher. I taught for two years. Loved, loved, loved teaching seminary. I was a team teacher with Chris Termini. Excellent calling. In-service trainings and scripture chases and mainly, just preparing and teaching the lessons was the most fun in this calling.<br />
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At the end of the year after finishing teaching the D&C, I was called in to the Bishop's office and extended a calling to serve as Ward Mission Leader. That was in the summer of 2015. I am presently still serving in the same calling.<br />
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I have always enjoyed the various responsibilities and interrelationships in the church callings I've been given. I have gained an appreciation for what it means to be a part of a voluntary army, if you will. There is no glory in these callings or assignments. Personally, I do them to the best of my ability - or "magnify" them - because I have always felt like it was the right thing to do. If you're going to do something, do it well, basically. It is also something that makes membership in the church more enjoyable for me.<br />
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I look forward to future callings and opportunities to serve where and when I am called, and I encourage others to do the same.<br />
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<br />Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-9118846752251460232016-05-15T20:54:00.001-07:002016-05-15T20:54:46.833-07:00Book of Mormon 365 - Mosiah 29:33-47In tonight's reading of <i>The Book of Mormon</i> we read about the ending of the kingdom of Mosiah, the son of Benjamin, and the beginning of the reign of the judges. And we learn that in transitioning to more of a democratic society from a monarchy, the burden falls upon the people. In verse 34, we read the words of King Mosiah: "<i>that every man might bear his part</i>."<br />
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Alma, the son of Alma who was in King Noah's court, was selected as the "first Chief Judge" and "high priest" which basically means this was the government of God. Elder Bruce R. McConkie writes, "He gave direction in all things both civil and ecclesiastical; there was no separation of church and state." (New Witness for the Articles of Faith, 35)<br />
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King Mosiah and Alma the Elder passed away at the end of Mosiah 29 and a new era in <i>The Book of Mormon</i> is underway where the state has now basically adopted the Church for its governing laws. It's a promising situation because it makes me think of the Millenium when the Savior will reign on the Earth and we will live in peace and harmony. However, it also causes me concern, because we see how societies around the world have enforced religious beliefs as the rule of law to the dismay and death and destruction of large numbers of people.<br />
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What will ultimately happen to the Nephites and Lamanites now that we are in the reign of the judges? Looking forward to the next book in <i>The Book of Mormon</i>. We begin <i>The Book of Alma</i> tomorrow.<br />
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<br />Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-46826868317974229722016-05-01T20:56:00.001-07:002016-05-01T20:56:40.754-07:00Book of Mormon 365. Mosiah 20:12-21:8We are just a little bit late to the 365 challenge for reading <i>The Book of Mormon</i>, but our bishopric challenged the ward to commit to reading the scriptures this year and so ... better late than never. Today during testimony meeting, several people bore their testimony about reading the scriptures and participating in this initiative from the bishopric which was announced at Ward Conference in January. So, we missed 121 days which covered 1 Nephi 1 through Mosiah 20:11. Now we have 244 days to go and we started as a family tonight on verse 12 of Mosiah 20.<br />
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My goal on this blog will be to share out any insight from the kids or Kari or me each day as we read. I may also summarize and reflect on the verses we have read.<br />
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Basically, this passage tonight seemed to focus on a huge misunderstanding between King Limhi and the Lamanites. Several of the Lamanite daughters were abducted into the wilderness by the priests of King Noah (Limhi's dad) and the Lamanites assumed Limhi had something to do with this. They came to battle.<br />
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But, Limhi was a righteous king who knew full well of the wickedness of his father's ways. Once his men had captured the leader of the Lamanites, instead of just killing him, he asked to see the man. That's when he discovered the situation about the abduction, and he realized that slaying this man would simply escalate the situation and prolong the conflict that already existed between the two sides. In fact, he let the man and his troops retreat with a promise to get to the bottom of what had happened and to continue to serve the Lamanites as basically a fulfillment of the prophecy made by Abinadi to King Noah from the Lord.<br />
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As it happens, the Lamanites continued to antagonize Limhi and his people by smiting them on their cheek and instigating violence. They tolerated the abuse as long as they could stand it before it became too much and finally Limhi, in chapter 21, gave permission for his men to organize themselves to retaliate.<br />
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So, they went off to challenge the Lamanites and the scripture records, "the Lamanites did beat them, and drove them back, and slew many of them." (v. 8)<br />
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I guess what I take away from this on one hand is the idea that sometimes we are in bondage and must simply accept the consequences of our actions. We don't necessarily have to like the consequences, but the Lord is going to carry out His will. It will be interesting to see what Limhi decides to do next.Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-79791606602446014112015-09-08T21:15:00.000-07:002015-09-08T21:15:06.738-07:00September 8, 1995Sept. 8th - <i>I am sitting on an airplane on the runway of the Philadelphia Airport. The flight has been delayed to St. Louis, MO, for 20-minutes because of a "traffic jam."</i><br />
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<i>This morning we ate a delicious breakfast with Pres. and Sis. Wagstaff and then headed to the airport along with Elders Garner and Gillespie. Now we are on the plane to St. Louis.</i><br />
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<i>The flight went well. I sat next to Jeanie Saleau, the president of a travel agency, from St. Louis to SF.</i><br />
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<i>Dad, Mom, Bridet, and Mary were at SF waiting for me. How sweet. We hugged and laughed and talked.</i><br />
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<i>I came home and saw Dallas and Leslie. Dad drove me to Martinez tonight and Pres. Farr released me as a missionary. I felt the mantle lifted. You can totally feel it. I felt the Spirit very strongly.</i><br />
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<i>I saw Karyn Calkins at the football game. Her man is Tristan Flores now. And I talked with Marcia Osborne, Danielle Roger, Maya. We went to ECHS football because Leslie is cheerleading. I talked with Officer Small, Art Pangelina; a lot of folks. It feels WEIRD!</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-46196750933567555032015-09-07T08:15:00.000-07:002015-09-07T08:15:21.840-07:00September 7, 1995<i>WOW!!! We visited the Newmans and they gave me a hoagie for the road. I took my picture with them. Said good-bye. Elder Decker drove us to Vet Stadium. I can't say I'll miss him too much, it's a shame.</i><br />
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<i>Said good-byes to some elders - Elders Tillack, Rock Brooks, Mordecai. And Graeme was there with Taylor. He had to run an errand so I went with him. He is a great man. I hope to be able to see him next Spring.</i><br />
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<i>Elders Yan, Bailey, Boren, Condie, Rumsey, and Drake, plus, Sister Kirkendall all came with Hermana Brown and Elder Garner to the Mission Home for dinner. And we had a special testimony meeting. I accompanied Elder Bailey on "I Heard Him Come" and "Each Life..." (Hymn 293).</i><br />
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<i>Elder Drake's parents came during the meeting. I got a taste of what tomorrow would be like.</i><br />
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<i>Tomorrow who would've thought it would've ever come? Incredible. I am amazed at how many feelings go through my mind. The good: Neutermans, Chelsea, Don Buckley, the Rodriguezes, I know the Lord has blessed me. I <u>have</u> served an honorable two-year mission. I had my temple recommend renewed and was given a blessing by Pres. Wagstaff. Until I see him and Sister Wagstaff again, I will miss them. Again, I am anxious to see my family and to be at home. My next entry will be in California. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S <u>OVER</u>!</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-37608371402597476182015-09-05T10:13:00.001-07:002015-09-05T10:13:31.105-07:00September 6, 1995Sept. 6th - <i>P-day. My <u>last</u> P-day that is. Wow. Today we played ball at 39th Chapel. I did OK, too. Won a few games. Said some good-byes to a few elders.</i><br />
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<i>This morning I GQ'd the woman at the local laundromat, Anna. She's always kind to us when we visit. Gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon to read.</i><br />
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<i>Tonight was simple. We ate a delicious Spanish meal with the Roberts and their grandparents, and conversed for awhile afterwards.</i><br />
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<i>Today, Cal Ripken, Jr. played in his 2,131st consecutive game for the Baltimore Orioles, passing a 50+ year old mark set by Lou Gehrig. A piece of history.</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-21831120806524470672015-09-05T10:11:00.000-07:002015-09-05T10:11:22.648-07:00September 5, 1995Sept. 5th - <i>We tried service today, but Amy told us that this was maintenance week before school began. Clean up time.</i><br />
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<i>So we dropped in on Kathryn Fonseca and scheduled a discussion with her for next week.</i><br />
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<i>We tracted in Morton, and a bedridden older woman invited us in to talk. She had a stroke in January and has been laid up ever since. But she thanks God for all of her blessings. Her nurse, Valerie, came to visit while we were there. She told us she had spoken with a missionary from our church while at the hospital. We were able to place two Books of Mormon!</i><br />
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<i>This evening we ate with the Patriarch and his wife and mother. They are a sweet family.</i><br />
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<i>Just before dinner, we taught Dianne Harris, a media referral, in Clifton Heights. She is a recovering drug addict and has many distorted views of the gospel. She asked many questions and our conversation was quite a wild trip. We did give her the video and Book of Mormon.</i><br />
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<i>Tonight, we came home to make further phone calls. Romualda called me. She is going to England for school on Thursday. And Holly and Rachel called also. We talked about next week. How nice of them to call. Good night!</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-57311839808706365962015-09-05T10:08:00.000-07:002015-09-05T10:08:07.724-07:00September 4, 1995Sept. 4th - <i>Labor Day. We spent most of today with Ernest and Michelle Newman and their family. It was Ernest's birthday today, too! We ate BBQ and had fun. A nice day.</i><br />
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<i>Chelsea had a 3rd discussion tonight and she called me to tell me she is moving back in real soon with the Fitzsimmons. Her baptism is 9/17!</i><br />
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<i>Crys also called real late. She's back from the trip she took to her mom in Connecticut. It was great o hear from her. </i><br />
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<i>Good night!</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-56024765233085314222015-09-03T16:31:00.000-07:002015-09-03T16:31:28.494-07:00September 3, 1995Sept. 3rd - <i>My last Sunday and church on the mission. How sad. I was able to bless the water during Sacrament Meeting. And I felt very sustained by the Lord in my fast today that I would be able to overcome all thoughts, etc. that would in any way be destructive to me. Today was testimony meeting.</i><br />
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<i>And Len Wiegel taught on baptism in Sunday School, which John Traverso spoke on member-missionary work in Elder's Quorum. </i><br />
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<i>I won't miss coming to church here very much. They certainly are a "different breed," as Sister Brown told me. By the way, last Wednesday, President and Sister Brown finished their mission as 1st Counselor to the President. I will miss him. He was a wonderful man!</i><br />
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<i>This evening we visited Linda Jensen and she gave us some info on the ward members. Actually, we went to her home because we stopped by Joyce Baldridge's home which is on the ward list, and she is one of those who was born and raised in S.L.C., UT, and has gone inactive for whatever reason. Too bad.</i><br />
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<i>I turned in numbers for the last time tonight and E. Gillespie called and gave us 100 more miles for the month.</i><br />
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<i>We got to bed tired early tonight. For dinner, I forgot to mention, Ada Collings had us over. She fed us rice. I guess I was in a weird mood from the fast. I threw it up in her bathroom. I am OK, though.</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-34139853394483327762015-09-03T16:27:00.001-07:002015-09-03T16:27:39.124-07:00September 2, 1995 <i>What a long day. We power-trailed and tracted and power-trailed and tracted. Still nothing. We are about ready to fast and pray and to get the September-Member Program going! We visited Dolores tonight. She is still in the process of landing a job as a rock'n'roll promoter. Not a very eventful last Saturday. I did begin my fast tonight in order to avoid and eliminate substances, ideas, and feelings that would be destructive to my mind and myself. I know that I am a good missionary and a good man. I simply need to be more willing and obedient! Let others think what they may.</i><br />
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<i>We visited our friends next door to us at Our Lady of Fatima tonight for Mass. Rituals and recitation galore. The parking lot emptied within 5 to 10 minutes of Mass. Incredible!</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-24508702238544086102015-09-03T16:23:00.003-07:002015-09-03T16:25:17.514-07:00September 1, 1995September 1st - <i>Imagine that, September again. We visited with Clyde and Fran Ard so E. Decker could send some money home by check. Then we went to the Yue's and the other elders drove us to my final-<u>final</u> District Meeting.</i><br />
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<i>E. Olson had a workshop on the "Do You Like To Read?" approach and challenged us to begin using it.</i><br />
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<i>I hosted a "Family Feud" type skills game. And I gave E. Olson a little wooden piano I've had for a month now, as a token of friendship to the elder I was lucky enough to train.</i><br />
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Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-15754565056542090282015-09-03T16:21:00.002-07:002015-09-03T16:21:13.929-07:00August 31, 1995<i>Our final summer camp day of service was a blast! We went back into Ashton rollerblading / skating. How fun. Pat (the director) and Dave thanked us before leaving for helping out this summer. I will never forget the fun and friends and opportunity to share this gospel this summer at the Ridley YMCA with Mary Ann, Nicole, Randy, Howard, Dave, Neal, Pat, Amy. We will switch to volunteering in the pre-school and kindergarten next week.</i><br />
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<i>Tonight we tried visiting media referrals and stopbacks.</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-52729917267728167732015-08-30T08:20:00.003-07:002015-08-30T08:20:40.594-07:00August 30, 1995Aug. 30th - <i>We did our laundry at the Robert's home. I watched most of the video that Rachel and Holly made for me. This afternoon, we drove the U.D. elders to Drexel Univ. and the Metro Zone was there playing volleyball. But I wanted to play football. And did I ever do great! We played on the turf field across he street. I threw 3 TD passes, caught 2 of my own TDs, and had an interception. 35-7 rout! Fun! Fun! Fun! We played a little soccer, too.</i><br />
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<i>All the while, our car was parked by a meter. When we arrived, I put even change in for almost 2 hours. I warned E. Decker. He didn't think we'd get busted. We did! $15. E. Mills and E. Decker are paying for it.</i><br />
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<i>Fun P-day. Best I've enjoyed in a <u>long</u> time!</i><br />
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<i>Tonight, J-Edward Kirk cooked up the most delicious fondue dinner! I was <u>stuffed</u>! And we had chocolate fondue for dessert! Umm. What a <u>delicious</u> dinner! They wanted to treat me before I left.</i><br />
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<i>Their neighbor, Verne, ate with us. She works in the complex. E. Decker arranged to have us meet with her to teach the 6 discussions. The September-Member program has begun!</i><br />
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<i>We visited with the Newmans. Deb was over again. She thinks I'm cute. She <u>likes</u> me. Uh-oh. Naw, that's cool. But there's nothing I can do about it.</i><br />
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<i>Ernie came home from New York today. Back from the service! So we'll be able to meet with him again.</i><br />
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<i>We stopped in also at the Ewell's to see Trish, but she was asleep.</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-1150694742713673422015-08-30T08:16:00.000-07:002015-08-30T08:16:18.436-07:00August 29, 1995<i>This afternooon we were "saviors" at service. Mary Ann quit to prepare for school. Nicole is done after today. Summer's over, folks.</i><br />
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<i>We went to 39th / Chestnut and talked to President Wagstaff this afternoon. He truly helped me understand that I am not alone when it comes to concerns like self-abuse and control of thoughts. 80% of all missionaries have these problems. It is recognizing that there is a problem and stopping it that counts, he counseled. I felt like a real friend talking to him. And the concern with E. Decker is settled. I continue to apologize for my misbehavior. We had a wonderful interview today.</i><br />
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<i>Tonight I thought we could tract in Clifton Heights. Our evening appointment hd a C.H. mailing address. I felt good about it. And as we tracted, a tattooed man asked us to talk to his wife. I thought for sure that E. Decker would get the Bible-bash he was waiting for, it seemed.</i><br />
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<i>But, as it turns out, Diana was praying all week that God would send her someone to teach her. Amazing! Her husband does not claim to be Christian, but he participated with us in a great first discussion! She wants to check out the church!</i><br />
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<i>We raced to the next discussion and met Reda and Susie Mahfouz, from Cairo, Egypt. He's a doctor of medicine at Fitzgerald-Mercy. She is also a doctor. They are very orthodox, and so they weren't too thrilled about the Book of Mormon. In fact, Reda said that if we came telling him that the BofM was a good book, <u>then</u> he would read it. But because we treat it as scriptures, then he could not read it. But it testifies of Christ, and I testified that it is true; E. Decker always wants to not offend or leave a bad impression, so it felt like he was maybe apologizing, but I persisted because <u>now</u> is the day and time. But he has his agency to choose. He thanked us kindly for visiting. We left the book and "On the Way Home" video. What a <u>great</u> evening!</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-88031192007940844762015-08-30T08:10:00.001-07:002015-08-30T08:10:56.257-07:00August 28, 1995Aug. 28th - <i>This morning, John Roberts and I destroyed E. Decker and Sarah, 6-1, in doubles tennis.</i><br />
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<i>We tried another power-trail unsuccessfully, after a long planning session.</i><br />
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<i>Tonight, Luis Garcia brought us out home teaching, but Nancy Burnett wasn't home. So we took Luis to Roy Hill's home. He talked with us about selling his home, his moving to the mountains; the BofM. He asked us to call him on a Friday.</i><br />
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<i>E. Decker and I got into a serious disagreement tonight. The issue it was on was non-related to the work. It was very mundane, but typical of us to disagree. We are so alike, and it clashes. So I called Pres. Wagstaff because I wanted to resolve the problem now, but was losing my temper and cutting on E. Decker so much, that he wouldn't say a word. Rather than resolve the problem, he went "to sleep."</i><br />
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<i>Pres. Wagstaff agreed that it is best to "resolve a concern" than to "let it fester." He gave me some advice.</i><br />
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<i>I proceeded to apologize and take responsibility for the way I acted and the things that I said. He still seemed to harbor some bitterness. I will continue to try to make up for offending him.</i><br />
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<i>And to make this an even more memborable day; and perhaps the <u>most</u> memorable day of my life: Chelsea called and told me how she met the Elders: Benson and Thompson, and now she is being baptized on Sept. 17th into the true church! <u>SWEET!!</u> I have kept in touch with her for that single reason: that she may accept the gospel! How great shall be your joy. I truly love her and can't wait to come back and be with her.</i><br />
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<i>But wait, there's more: Elder Jagerson sent an invitation to his wedding on Aug. 31st to Wendi Garr in Bountiful, UT! <u>And</u> Holly + Rachel sent gifts in the mail. What a horrible day! What a great day!</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-2011243366881319762015-08-30T08:05:00.001-07:002015-08-30T08:05:56.933-07:00August 27, 1995Aug. 27th - <i>Church today was good. Marlon and Kim Burt spoke on the importance of seeking the Spirit, in sacrament meeting. Len Wiegel taught Gos. Ess. on repentance. Again. But there are numerous aspects of this most important principle. I learned some new ways of understanding repentance. It means change. I need to realize this now to change.</i><br />
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<i>The U.D. elders and us split the donated food from the MISSIONARY FOOD BOX, and came home. We ate with Bill, Barbara, Nana, and Laura Winds. Very nice family. We read some inspiring stories after dinner. Nice folks.</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-65635460012497105402015-08-30T08:03:00.001-07:002015-08-30T08:04:07.470-07:00August 26, 1995<i>Elder Decker created a power trail of homes to visit today. We attempted visiting stopbacks and uncontacted media referrals. One lady threatened to send her dogs out after us. Needless to say, we didn't find many people to teach. Our miles were up and gas was thin, so we didn't travel too far today.</i><br />
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<i>We went to the Newman's and played with Michelle's nieces, Nys and Ryan. Debbie, her neighbor stopped by to show off her wedding gift for a friend (lingerie) and as we laughed and joked about it, Ernest called from New York.</i><br />
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<i>But suddenly, Michelle put the phone down and her whole countenance changed. She was having a seizure. Her body convulsed and her mouth foamed. She huffed and puffed. I quickly grabbed the phone and called 9-1-1. So we had the paramedics assist her to the hospital and Debbie watched her children until she returned in the evening.</i><br />
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<i>Tonight we ate a delicious ravioli dinner at Linda Jensen's. And tried in vain to get a discussion tonight with some more new media referrals.</i><br />
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Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-57601483477937216202015-08-30T08:01:00.000-07:002015-08-30T08:01:00.527-07:00August 25, 1995Aug. 25th - <i>My final Dist. Dev. Meeting at 39th + Chestnut today. I can't describe how time flies.</i><br />
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<i>Elder Mills, Decker, and Keep shared their feelings about the August Attack.</i><br />
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<i>And Elder Decker and I won Elder Gresko's "trunky" game where the winner flies home first on the game board. We won "Butterfinger" chocolate bars. And our Distr. except for Olson/Sommers ate at McDonald's.</i><br />
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<i>After lunch, we we went to the hospital where Elder Keep had a doctor's appointment. They drove us back to our car. We met them at Frank Yue's home this morning.</i><br />
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<i>We tracted a bit below Chester Pike this afternoon. All Catholic. What a rut we're in.</i><br />
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<i>We visited Dolores. Her friend Mary Ann called and I talked to her while we visited. She's interviewing for a promoting job at a local club tonight.</i><br />
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<i>We also visited John, Gail, and Sarah Roberts tonight. They are a fun family.</i><br />
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<i>I called Reda Mahfouz; a doctor, and more importantly, a media referral. He wants a video to send to his family in Egypt. We scheduled an appointment to meet with him on Tuesday. He said he's interested in the church!</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-68678710617253884732015-08-24T18:26:00.000-07:002015-08-24T18:26:40.621-07:00August 24, 1995Aug 24th - <i>Service. What did we do today? To give an idea of a regular day ... we meet in the gym and shoot the basketball and/or go outside for lunch. Most of the children are wild and some are on medication because they have chemical imbalances. Mary Ann and I have about 14 children in our group. She is a sweet girl. Very friendly.</i><br />
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<i>This afternoon we tracted for hours after being "lunched" by Mark Brody. The apartment complex in which he lives is full of immigrants from Poland, China, and the Ukraine. Nice folks. We may have to get a few foreign BofMs.</i><br />
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<i>Tonight, a small group including Neal, Nicole, and Mary Ann plus 2 other friends came to Bennigans for a birthday dinner in honor of Mary Ann's 21st! It was a blast.</i><br />
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<i>I'l sure miss them when I leave!</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-76843702415009206752015-08-24T18:24:00.000-07:002015-08-24T18:24:28.247-07:00August 23, 1995Aug. 23rd - <i>What a relaxing P-day. We played SEGA with Linda Jensen's grandchildren, Jesse and Joe. We really conserved our miles, because we did not want to go too far.</i><br />
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<i>We did go to the Springfield Mall. Participated in a taste test survey for a chocolate "low-fat" treat.</i><br />
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<i>Tonight we went to Debbie Raymond's for a 2nd discussion - lunched! Ugh! So we tried some media referrals in Morton. There we visited the home of Barbara Johnson, but she was unavailable. Her roommate George Howard was there and was willing to talk to us. He goes to a Christian school in Media - like seminars or something. So we left the BofM and 1st disc. pamphlet with him. He seemed mildly interested in talking to us. Nice guy!</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-60795695312002295572015-08-24T18:21:00.002-07:002015-08-24T18:21:57.284-07:00August 22, 1995Aug. 22nd - <i>Service at the YMCA first thing. Poor Mary Ann had immediate plastic surgery yesterday after plastic slipped into her eye while she was shopping. She was in a lousy mood. It was too bad.</i><br />
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<i>We did a great deal of tracting this afternoon and evening. No one was interested. We did talk with one gentleman near our appointment tonight. Very Baptist. We tried to explain the importance of the Book of Mormon, but he was not truly desiring to know the truth.</i><br />
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<i>We ate dinner at the Scheubly's. Jeff Bates and the U.D. elders joined us. </i><br />
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<i>Carolyn Gilchrist lunched us. =(</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-65080629702782103432015-08-24T18:20:00.001-07:002015-08-24T18:20:17.091-07:00August 21, 1995Aug. 21st - <i>This morning we spent our time tracting right around our neighborhood, but everyone recognized us; so it wasn't like the first time the elders have tracted here.</i><br />
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<i>One the way home, we bumped into Henry and Randy from the Y on their way to Wawa.</i><br />
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<i>In the afternoon, we taught Mark Brady, very much in physical therapy from a tragic car accident in which 4 people were killed. He is devoted to the Lord now and has changed his "wild" ways. He is a great man and accepted the Book of Mormon.</i><br />
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<i>Tonight, we had to take it easy because our mileage is so low. We made some phone calls.</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-80409308797169159982015-08-20T12:47:00.000-07:002015-08-20T12:47:43.130-07:00August 20, 1995Aug. 20th - <i>Church. We had the high councilman speak on temple work in sacrament meeting.</i><br />
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<i>I was asked to teach Sunday School this morning by Nelson. Seems like everyone was away on vacation. I taught on repentance with Jeff, Dolores (she's surviving) and Ada, and the Lawrence's grandma, in class. It went very well! "I really appreciated everything you said. You have a natural ability. This is something you should do when you go home." Jeff was full of compliments. I really enjoyed the opportunity to teach class today - we only taught <u>one</u> discussion this week. Ugh!</i><br />
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<i>We ate fondue (can you believe it?) with Mary DeMott and Angela. They are such a fun family!</i><br />
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<i>Got numbers done tonight. I believe we can achieve our goals this week. It'll take more effort personally and spiritually than last week.</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-49761468063718987672015-08-20T12:45:00.000-07:002015-08-20T12:45:06.785-07:00August 19, 1995Aug 19th - <i>We really had to conserve miles today. We ate a Spanish breakfast with Estella Marroquin and the U.D. elders. Yummy.</i><br />
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<i>This afternoon we visited with Michelle Newman and her children. Ernest is with the National Guard until September. We talked with Michelle. She wants Ernie to be baptized, but they still have to work on him.</i><br />
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<i>Tonight we ate dinner with Jeff Bates. He cooked up a delicious meal: chicken parmesan, casserole, and pasta. Ice cream for dessert. Lots of storytelling and laughing. Just us men! </i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579006414981534929.post-52730992712233978082015-08-18T21:48:00.003-07:002015-08-18T21:48:21.493-07:00August 18, 1995<i>Zone Development Meeting this morning - my last one. =( Elders Gillespie and Fochtman conducted the meeting - very light-hearted; it was a wonderful meeting. E. Olson + Sommers did a talk on prayer and fasting - excellent! And I gave my final words - basically I spoke on repentance and unity; two themes of my service as a missionary.</i><br />
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<i>The U.D. elders were given one of the older Cavaliers from off of the sales block. So they drove us to and from the meeting. </i><br />
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<i>We tracted in Springfield this afternoon. One old lady gave us a piece of her mind for knocking on her door, because her sick husband was woken up from having finally fallen to sleep.</i><br />
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<i>How am I supposed to know the goings-on (good or bad) in someone's home? I can imagine her being upset. We left a written apology on her doorstep.</i><br />
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<i>We drove into Folcroft and tracted a neighborhood there. Frank, a middle-aged fellow, was interested to receive a copy of the Book of Mormon, and invited us over during the week to teach him about it.</i><br />
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<i>We ate dinner with Ada Collings tonight, if you can believe that. She's doing better now. We ate chicken and pasta. </i><br />
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<i>Because of miles, we had to come home early and make phone calls. Stinks being so low on miles.</i>Alex McMurrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12636281520429497427noreply@blogger.com0