Food for Thought: A Message from the Houston Texas North Stake Presidency

With Hurricane Ike making a beeline toward us, Pres. Tolman sent this out to our stake. I thought it topical to us all and well worth sharing.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Randy Tolman
Date: Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 8:34 PM
Subject: Message from Houston Texas North Stake Presidency
To:


Note: Priesthood and Auxilliary leaders, please ensure your members that don't have email receive a copy. Thank you!

September 8, 2008


Dear Brothers and Sisters,

During this hurricane season here on the Gulf Coast, our thoughts and attention are turned to the impending physical danger and potential destruction that seems to come at us in rapid succession. We are reminded of how powerful and unpredictable these threats are, and how powerless mankind is to change their course or stay their influence.

It is altogether appropriate to reflect at times like these, on the gospel principles that apply to the various seasons of our own lives and families. We are all spiritual sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father who loves us and cares for us. He has revealed that we are here on this earth ?that we might have joy.? He created this world, complete with earth quakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, as well as bright sunny days and beautiful spring mornings. For Him, as it should be with us, all things are spiritual in nature. Floods and pestilence, heartache and joyful exhilaration, are all part of life?s great experiences that we looked forward to from our pre-mortal state.

There will always be storms in our lives that should strengthen us and turn our hearts to God.

It is our hope that all of us who are members of the Houston Texas North Stake will be ever vigilant in watching for, preparing for, and then enduring the various challenges in our lives. We want to remind you of the great blessing you have to receive revelation from the source of all truth and light, that of our Heavenly Father. We are each promised and entitled to personal revelation. Most often, that revelation comes to us as we keep our covenants, study, ponder and pray. There can be no substitute for diligent study of the scriptures. It is the key to this light. Our Heavenly Father will reach out to us and guide our paths and extend to us ample spiritual warnings through the gift of the Holy Ghost.

We are fortunate to live in an age of modern technology that can bless and warn us of impending dangers of all types (health, weather, safety, etc.) May we use all of the tools available to us and then look to Him to be the guiding beacon in our lives.

We express our love for each of you. We look forward to seeing you and sharing more about His doctrine at our Stake Conference, October 11 & 12.

Your Brethren,


President Randy Tolman
President Dennis Larsen
President Kent Chamberlain

Re: Matt's Missionary Shower

Web sites:

The table below is best viewed on the OORS Google group site, at Matt's table.  Ladies, if you have not already done so, you must create a password to access this site.  Gentlemen,  take it up with the RS.

I have also posted the table at http://oorsweelyupdate.blogspot.com.  However, it doesn't quite translate into the formatting of the site, and I don't know enough HTML to fix it.  However, I'll keep it up so that people not on the mailing list (or on my contact list) can view it.

Again, if you want to contribute and are not yet on the list, contact me via or leave a comment on either one of the Relief Society sites.

Thanks,

Penny

On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 3:27 PM, Penny Freeman <freemom@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear Friends:
    The following table includes the official list sent to Matt with his mission call (unless otherwise noted), and includes all those items/needs which have been pledged as of Monday, September 8, 2008.  Please review the whole table carefully to ensure I have not omitted your pledge or assigned you something for which you have not volunteered.
    Matt really appreciates your generosity and desire to help him get out on his mission.  Thanks so much for helping him feel he matters to us.  Given the complicated calendar surrounding his departure date, we felt the best day left to us is Saturday, the 20th of September.  That's less than two weeks away.  Matt will be leaving for Utah in just under four weeks.  Also, I have yet to establish a venue, so if you're interested in having it at your place and/or would be willing to help with the refreshments, etc, please contact me.  As always, I can use all the help I can get!
    Finally, once you have made your purchase, please inform me so I can record it and not hassle later.  If you are not planning on attending the shower, just get your gift to me and we'll see Matt gets it.

Thanks

Penny Freeman

Matt's Missionary Shower Sign-up Sheet

Matt's Measurements            Neck:            15½"            Sleeve:         32"            Chest:           33"            Waist:          35"            Inseam:        31"            General:       M-L	Date: Saturday, Sept. 20th (time & venue TBA)
Things to remember: •This is the official list, except where noted. Double-check list to ensure accuracy. •Bookmarks lead to special instructions at the bottom of the chart. •Yellow-shaded rows indicate not further pledges required for that item •Green-shaded rows indicate the item has been purchased •Contact Penny Freeman via email or by posting a comment on the web pages. The list is absolutely still open for any and all who wish to participate. Pledge and item (or change your choice) and I will update the list. •Shower is less than two weeks away. Please let me know as soon as you have purchased your pledge so I won't hound you needlessly. •Matt will make himself available to anyone who wishes to take him along for fittings, etc.
Item	Ward Family:	Number:
2 suits (3 would be better)	Hatch	1
8-10 white shirts (5-6 long-sleeved, 3-4 short-sleeved)	Stern	3
	Erickson	2
	Bowcutt	3
	Mangum	1
5-6 ties	Ricker	~
(a missionary can never have too many ties)	Mixa	~
	Del Papa	1
2-4 extra pair of slacks
1-2 belts	Bea Santana	1
8-10 pair of garments (missionary discount)	Bullock	10
(perhaps divide between regular & thermal)	Erickson	5
2 pair shoes	Freeman	1
1 shower sandals	Miller	1
1 pair water-resistant boots	Keller	1
8-10 pair of socks	Bowcutt	12
(perhaps divide between regular & thermal)	Reidel	12
overcoat (with zip-out lining)	Hunt	1
down jacket	Hunt	1
good winter gloves of conservative appearance
scarf	Freeman	1
ear bands	Freeman	1
winter hat	Freeman	1
1 pair pajamas	Paruszewski	1
1 set baptismal clothing	Brighton	all
Gym clothes: knee length shorts, t-shirts, supportive undergarments, tennis shoes, and socks
	Ireland	shorts
1 umbrella	Antezana	1
1 package handkerchiefs	Schadler	1
2 bath towels, hand towels, and wash clothes	Ricker	all
2 twin-size sheets (flat)	Ricker	2
2 pillow cases	Paruszewski	2
1 small first aid kit: (may be donated seperately)
thermometer
decongestant
fever reducer
pain reliever
antibiotic ointment
anti-itch cream
anti-fungal cream
band aids
hand sanitizer
antibiotic cream
2-3 non-aerosol containers of mosquito repellent with 30% or more DEET	Necka Beck	3
moisturizing lotion for dry & chapped skin
lip balm with at least 30% SPF protection rating
3 tubes of sunscreen with at least 30% SPF
multivitamins
1 small sewing kit	Schadler	1
1 shoe shine kit	Rucker	1
1 wind up or battery alarm clock	Rucker	1
1 laundry bag	Joe & Tena Jones	1
1 flashlight, batteries	Pont	1
1 inexpensive watch	Pont	1
luggage
Books: (unofficial)
True to the Faith	Riedel	1
Jesus the Christ	Pont	1
Our heritage: A Brief History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints	Riedel	1
Our Search for Happiness	Riedel	1
Detailed instructions:
Suits: Tailored suited should be in dark, conservative colors (black, dark brown, dark gray, or dark blue), made of fabric that does not wrinkle easily. Good affordable sources include J&G Men's Store (corner of Stuebner & Veteran's Memorial), missionarymall.com (these are guaranteed to last two years), and Mr. Mac (in Utah) who offers discounted prices to missionaries, as well as carry two-pant suits. Visit their website for toll-free number to contact and place an order.
Ties: Ties should be conservative in color, pattern, width, and length. They should not contain pictures or caricatures. String or bow ties are unacceptable.
Slacks: The extra slacks are not specified in the official list. However, anyone with missionaries knows 2 pair for is not enough. They should be purchased at the same time or after the suits have been purchased to best match the suit coat.
Garments: Ideally, a missionary should have enough garments to get him from one P-day to the next. For complete coverage, Matt would need 7-8 pair of summer and 7-8 pair of winter garments.
Shoes: Conservative style, black or dark brown, durable, comfortable, sturdy, good arch support for lots of walking. (Dr. Martens went out and came back with all three of my boys. They are initially more expensive but do not have to be replaced). No sandals.
Boots: Conservative style, black, water-proof, durable, comfortable, sturdy, good arch support for lots of walking (should also look appropriate with Missionary appearance)
Socks: Conservative style, dark color to match the suit. Commentary: A person can get ten pair for $12 or spend $20-30 on a single pair. However, after Elder Freeman's experience last year, we know first hand the difference socks can make. Ideally, Matt should have thick, warm socks of high quality which wick the moisture away from his feet, as well as repel any incoming moisture. Especially if he is tromping out in the snow, he will need to change socks regularly to keep his feet dry and prevent problems with chafing, cracking, or fungus. Toe socks yield the very best results. It sounds trivial, but bad feet can lay up a missionary for days, or weeks, or even send him home. We are eternally grateful to Pres. Tolman and an anonymous family who did the research for Paul and purchased socks for him which allowed him to return to the field and remain trouble-free for over a year. Matt definitely needs quality footwear that will keep him on his feet.

Matt's Missionary Shower

Dear Friends:
The following table includes the official list sent to Matt with his mission call (unless otherwise noted), and includes all those items/needs which have been pledged as of Monday, September 8, 2008. Please review the whole table carefully to ensure I have not omitted your pledge or assigned you something for which you have not volunteered.
Matt really appreciates your generosity and desire to help him get out on his mission. Thanks so much for helping him feel he matters to us. Given the complicated calendar surrounding his departure date, we felt the best day left to us is Saturday, the 20th of September. That's less than two weeks away. Matt will be leaving for Utah in just under four weeks. Also, I have yet to establish a venue, so if you're interested in having it at your place and/or would be willing to help with the refreshments, etc, please contact me. As always, I can use all the help I can get!
Finally, once you have made your purchase, please inform me so I can record it and not hassle later. If you are not planning on attending the shower, just get your gift to me and we'll see Matt gets it.

Thanks

Penny Freeman

Matt's Missionary Shower Sign-up Sheet

Matt's Measurements Neck: 15½" Sleeve: 32" Chest: 33" Waist: 35" Inseam: 31" General: M-L	Date: Saturday, Sept. 20th (time & venue TBA)
Things to remember: •This is the official list, except where noted. Double-check list to ensure accuracy. •Bookmarks lead to special instructions at the bottom of the chart. •Yellow-shaded rows indicate not further pledges required for that item •Green-shaded rows indicate the item has been purchased •Contact Penny Freeman via email or by posting a comment on the web pages. The list is absolutely still open for any and all who wish to participate. Pledge and item (or change your choice) and I will update the list. •Shower is less than two weeks away. Please let me know as soon as you have purchased your pledge so I won't hound you needlessly. •Matt will make himself available to anyone who wishes to take him along for fittings, etc.
Item	Ward Family:	Number:
2 suits (3 would be better)	Hatch	1
8-10 white shirts (5-6 long-sleeved, 3-4 short-sleeved)	Stern	3
	Erickson	2
	Bowcutt	3
	Mangum	1
5-6 ties	Ricker	~
(a missionary can never have too many ties)	Mixa	~
	Del Papa	1
2-4 extra pair of slacks
1-2 belts	Bea Santana	1
8-10 pair of garments (missionary discount)	Bullock	10
(perhaps divide between regular & thermal)	Erickson	5
2 pair shoes	Freeman	1
1 shower sandals	Miller	1
1 pair water-resistant boots	Keller	1
8-10 pair of socks	Bowcutt	12
(perhaps divide between regular & thermal)	Reidel	12
overcoat (with zip-out lining)	Hunt	1
down jacket	Hunt	1
good winter gloves of conservative appearance
scarf	Freeman	1
ear bands	Freeman	1
winter hat	Freeman	1
1 pair pajamas	Paruszewski	1
1 set baptismal clothing	Brighton	all
Gym clothes: knee length shorts, t-shirts, supportive undergarments, tennis shoes, and socks
	Ireland	shorts
1 umbrella	Antezana	1
1 package handkerchiefs	Schadler	1
2 bath towels, hand towels, and wash clothes	Ricker	all
2 twin-size sheets (flat)	Ricker	2
2 pillow cases	Paruszewski	2
1 small first aid kit: (may be donated seperately)
thermometer
decongestant
fever reducer
pain reliever
antibiotic ointment
anti-itch cream
anti-fungal cream
band aids
hand sanitizer
antibiotic cream
2-3 non-aerosol containers of mosquito repellent with 30% or more DEET	Necka Beck	3
moisturizing lotion for dry & chapped skin
lip balm with at least 30% SPF protection rating
3 tubes of sunscreen with at least 30% SPF
multivitamins
1 small sewing kit	Schadler	1
1 shoe shine kit	Rucker	1
1 wind up or battery alarm clock	Rucker	1
1 laundry bag	Joe & Tena Jones	1
1 flashlight, batteries	Pont	1
1 inexpensive watch	Pont	1
luggage
Books: (unofficial)
True to the Faith	Riedel	1
Jesus the Christ	Pont	1
Our heritage: A Brief History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints	Riedel	1
Our Search for Happiness	Riedel	1
Detailed instructions:
Suits: Tailored suited should be in dark, conservative colors (black, dark brown, dark gray, or dark blue), made of fabric that does not wrinkle easily. Good affordable sources include J&G Men's Store (corner of Stuebner & Veteran's Memorial), missionarymall.com (these are guaranteed to last two years), and Mr. Mac (in Utah) who offers discounted prices to missionaries, as well as carry two-pant suits. Visit their website for toll-free number to contact and place an order.
Ties: Ties should be conservative in color, pattern, width, and length. They should not contain pictures or caricatures. String or bow ties are unacceptable.
Slacks: The extra slacks are not specified in the official list. However, anyone with missionaries knows 2 pair for is not enough. They should be purchased at the same time or after the suits have been purchased to best match the suit coat.
Garments: Ideally, a missionary should have enough garments to get him from one P-day to the next. For complete coverage, Matt would need 7-8 pair of summer and 7-8 pair of winter garments.
Shoes: Conservative style, black or dark brown, durable, comfortable, sturdy, good arch support for lots of walking. (Dr. Martens went out and came back with all three of my boys. They are initially more expensive but do not have to be replaced). No sandals.
Boots: Conservative style, black, water-proof, durable, comfortable, sturdy, good arch support for lots of walking (should also look appropriate with Missionary appearance)
Socks: Conservative style, dark color to match the suit. Commentary: A person can get ten pair for $12 or spend $20-30 on a single pair. However, after Elder Freeman's experience last year, we know first hand the difference socks can make. Ideally, Matt should have thick, warm socks of high quality which wick the moisture away from his feet, as well as repel any incoming moisture. Especially if he is tromping out in the snow, he will need to change socks regularly to keep his feet dry and prevent problems with chafing, cracking, or fungus. Toe socks yield the very best results. It sounds trivial, but bad feet can lay up a missionary for days, or weeks, or even send him home. We are eternally grateful to Pres. Tolman and an anonymous family who did the research for Paul and purchased socks for him which allowed him to return to the field and remain trouble-free for over a year. Matt definitely needs quality footwear that will keep him on his feet.