Out of Commission

Elder Castleton Sick!

He has run a high fever, and has been shaky and weak.  It is always surprising to me to see how quickly these bouts come on.  One day he is fine, and the next night, he is spiking a fever, and needing medicine and rest.  This time, we got in to a clinic, and were sent to the local hospital for x-rays.  They showed he had pneumonia in both lungs, so . . . he has been given mega medicine and was told to behave himself and head to emergency if things didn't seem right this weekend.  I think he seems much better, but am encouraging him to stay in, as the Doctor said he should not be out visiting in this cold weather (73 degrees) Ha!, especially where anyone was sick.  I have kept a few appointments myself with some of the widow ladies we visit, but we have needed to cancel some "hard to get" meetings, so we have been sad about that.

So - what do I write on the post - when we have not left our apartment for what seems like days . . . oh wait - it has been days!

I can always find things to do as long as there is a book and something I need/ want to study, so I have been busy and happy.

I have had time to clean the apartment really well.  I always feel a need to do that before we go into the Young Sisters and Elders' places.  I can't ask them to clean up the mold in their tubs, and shower curtains unless I have already seen to it here.  I haven't dared to make any teaching appointments until we see how Doug feels, but I figure he can go for a car ride with me, and I can do the apartment checks the first part of the week.

We have made cookies to take to the young Elders and sisters and other places we visit with children.  Doug gets them started when he can't stand to be down any longer, and I usually finish them when he needs a nap.  Today he made Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip.  They are really yummy - unfortunately for me.  I eat too many!

Elder Castleton to the Rescue

Note:  Elder Castleton gets ready each day as if he is going to appointments.  By the time he showers and gets dressed,  he has lost all his enthusiasm, and needs to go back to bed.

These cute little lizards get between the window and the screen.  I would just leave them, and hope they find their way out.  Doug spent 45 minutes one day trying to help this little guy.  We weren't willing to chance letting go of his tail so you could see it, in case he disappeared somewhere in the house, but I thought the grandchildren might like to see a bit of our Georgia lizard.

Surprise for our Daughters!

We took this to show you that after many years of gnawing at my nails, I have finally grown them out.  It took two months they were so short.  One of our nursing home friends told me I should quit biting them.  I decided it was about time I did that.  The funny thing about this picture is that it makes my hands look so old and wrinkly.  I wasn't aware that they looked like that.  I'm sure it must be the way I am stretching them out.

Book of Mormon Reading
Last, we should report that we have just finished our 5th reading - this time with the Georgia, Macon Missionaries.  This time, we were to pick a subject and underline only things that pertained to that, as we read.  I chose to read about the heart as in meek and lowly of heart, and having a contrite heart.  It was one of the things mentioned in my patriarchal blessing from D&C Section 64, where it says that the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.

So much of our happiness truly depends on our willingness to offer up our hearts to God, and submit to the things he has asked us to do.  Throughout the Book of Mormon, there are so many examples of those that harden their hearts to the word of God, and because of their pride, seek for the material things of the world above the spiritual blessings He is waiting to give.  I especially like Helaman 3:35 which talks of the purifying and sanctification of  hearts.

Elder Castleton decided to mark all the references to Christ or words spoken by him.  It is easy to see a visual of the truth that this book is actually another witness of Christ.  As it says in 2 Ne 25:26 - we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophesies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

 So many people outside the church think that we don't even believe in Christ, but as they flip through this copy, there can be no doubt.  We have had some remarkable discussions with the people we visit regarding these words of Christ given to the people here in the Americas, just as he spoke to those who lived around Jerusalem as recorded in the Bible.  Each time we read, I am more convinced of the truthfulness and power of this book.  The things written so many years ago by those ancient prophets are all meant for us today.  Each reading, there are things that jump out to me that I had never noticed before, that help me to understand better the mission of Jesus Christ and his plan for us.  May it be so for each of you.  We love you so!