Christlike Attributes

Vision - Missionaries who are becoming like Christ

As a mission we have dedicated some daily personal study time to the study of the four Gospels in the New Testament looking for ways we can emulate the Savior. We desire to develop Christlike attributes, the gifts from God, “one action and decision at a time.” (Preach My Gospel, 123) help each of us fulfill our purpose as a missionary and throughout our lives.

We have chosen many of these photos from those of the Blain and Heidi Wilkey family who visited us in early July (JOYFUL!)  Indeed, we must "[become] a saint through the atonement of Christ...and [become] as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."  Mosiah 3:19

FAITH

Christian is holding one of the few existing
 original copies of the Book of Mormon,
 another witness of Jesus Christ.
  This copy is in the Dartmouth College Library.


One of our deepest sorrows and greatest
challenges is the illness of missionaries that
necessitates that they return home for treatment.
We always hope for their recovery and for
their return to the mission.

“…faith will increase through diligent study, prayer, dedicated service…”  (Preach My Gospel, 116)

    HOPE “Hope is the anchor of our souls…”  James E. Faust  (Preach My Gospel, 117)

This rock carving is called HOPE
and was made by a man
whose brother is fighting cancer.

CHARITY

“Charity, the pure love of Christ, leads to action.”  It motivates each of us to “look for opportunities to serve others” and give of ourselves.  (Preach My Gospel, 118)

A father striving to emulate the Savior

Love in family so completely shown in the love of mother and son

    

VIRTUE

How sweet it is!

“[Virtue] is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards.” (Preach My Gospel, 118)

Looking for 'treasures'  sea glass and shells below Fort Constitution.
But the best treasure was in the shared family experiences
"Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly"  Doctrine and Covenants 121:45

Christian is becoming a confident pianist.
We need pianists!! Keep practicing.

Addy is teaching Lauren, a very willing student
At Camp Joseph

KNOWLEDGE
“Seek learning, even by study and also by faith”  Doctrine and Covenants 88:118

Christian and Heidi have discovered their own "fan" of ancestors.
They are appreciating the patient labor of many who have preserved and recorded genealogical records.   createfan.com is a fun experience in finding your ancestors.

PATIENCE

Elder Neibergull is updating the area book,
 a work of patience that will greatly
bless missionaries and leaders.

“Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious.”  (Preach My Gospel, 120)

  

Lia, four months-meeting her for the first time.
 She earns her nickname, Smiles

HUMILITY

“[Humility] includes gratitude for [the Lord’s] blessings and acknowledgement of…constant need for His divine help."  (Preach My Gospel, 120)

DILIGENCE

“Diligence is steady, consistent, earnest, and energetic effort …”  (Preach My Gospel, 121)

Lauren age four!!

Lauren by herself made not one but some rocks cairns
Along the Marginal Way, Ogunquit, Maine

 OBEDIENCE

Jackson sits in front of a portrait
 of the prophet Joseph.

“When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, then …God will endow you with power.”  Ezra Taft Benson

Following exactly--
We were instructed to walk in the blue line
 on the way to Fort Constitution
 which is located on a Coast Guard Base

In Family Home Evening -a lesson taught by elders Sommerfeldt and Esplin--Lauren blindfolded
 was instructed to avoid all the crocodiles.
Addy was giving her instructions.  As we are obedient to a prophet's voice, we can avoid spiritual crocodiles.