Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Warm News from Chile


President Duncan told us about an interesting experience he had this past week. He received a phone call from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. The Chile Area Presidency gave the annual report to the Quorum of the 12, Presidency of the seventy, and the Presiding Bishopric. The Area Presidency of Chile gave great praise to the Chile Santiago North Mission. Our mission has become a model to all the other missions in Chile. Elder Holland said that when he saw the results of our missionary efforts from this mission, he wanted to get up on the table and dance... So we are setting the example to all the other missions, which is exciting to think about. This past week we were blessed to have many investigators attend the church. Luis said that he was going to arrive to his work late so that he could go to sacrament meeting. It really was incredible, and I hope that his testimony can keep growing along with that of his wife Hortencia.

Anyhow, the Chilean tidbit for the week. Well, this week I cant really think of anything. So ill just share something I like about Chile. I really like Chile in the fact that the people here dont have an abundance of stuff. The houses here are not big, well at least in the area that I am working. I just like the standard that the people have here. They are well off, but they dont have an abundance of stuff like food, clothes, accessories. It really is a great balance. I think Chile is a great example of "temperance in all things." But still living with a comfortable standard.Love you all, and am grateful for your support. Love, Elder Schneider













Thursday, January 24, 2008

Marcia Kross

So Marcia Kross came into gymboree with her twins the other day- i don't know if i told everyone, just keeping you up on the start spotting.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

hey!!!!


Whee!!!!!  This was the funnest ride!  I love space mountain!!  It is my favorite!!!!  we got to do splash mountain too!!  twice!

Sunday, January 13, 2008

ON OUR WAY HOME

Hey everyone - It's been a year since the Schneiders all met to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. This year, it was great to have the Aberdeen, Edmonton and one of the LA contingents of the family visit over the holidays. After New Year's we had an FHE focused on OMWH (On My Way Home). Just to refresh everyone's memory, this is an attempt to focus on the essential activities we need to navigate the treacherous shoals of life and lead us to safe harbor with Heavenly Father. These include daily scripture study, daily prayer, and regular temple attendance.

For our FHE, we decided to focus on scripture study, since this is the most essential part of individual worship. We thought that the discipline needed to continue scripture study daily would lead to discipline and strength in other areas of our lives.
Nano related how daily scripture study builds up reservoirs of peace and calm and that these reservoirs can be drawn upon in times of stress or turmoil. She related how her friend, DiAnn Hirsche, taught her this, as she needed to draw on this reservoir at the time of the death of a loved one. Our spirits need to be nourished just as our physical bodies need to be nourished, and one of the best ways to nourish our spirits is through scripture study. The word has great power and the words of the prophets, revealed through the Holy Ghost, have the greatest power of all.

During our discussion, Gramps made the observation that the only two times that would work for consistent long term daily scripture study were first thing in the morning or last thing at night. The middle part of the day was just too variable and unpredictable. Jordan observed that the morning worked best for him because it allowed him to ponder the scripture during the day and filled his mind with uplifting thoughts.

Nano made the comment that scripture study was like an investment that grows over time and pays big dividends down the road. Char noted that using different approaches helped to maintain interest in the study, and Rach said she sometimes used the topical guide to study different gospel topics.

We decided that the best way is to try different approaches and find what works best for you. It is a marathon, not a sprint. Tryyour new approach for a month, or even a week, and see what a difference it makes in your spiritual well-being. This will have beneficial effects on all areas of your life. This is our challenge and this is our testimony.

Luv to all,
Nano and Gramps

Monday, January 7, 2008

The Diva returns

So my voice is again being heard in this dusty apartment.  I decided to warm up the old vocal chords today and see what they can do.  It was great to try out some new repertoire here in my living room.  I started with a simple Handel piece, and we'll build up from there.   No sense singing the childrens songs they're having me do at Gymboree without throwing in a little operatic flair, eh?  So, yea, the technique is coming back.  Just as I was getting warmed up, our neighbor upstairs began to stir around, so I knew I had at least one in the audience. I had not noticed she was home until I started to sing.  I sure enjoy music, and hopefully she'll convert to it too!  At this point, she doesn't have a choice!

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Santa Cruz Christmas



We had such a great time in Santa Cruz for Christmas! Aside from the boys' colds everyone had a super time. Sorry we didn't get to spend time with you guys, but it was great talking to you all and Elder Schneider on Christmas Day! Had to share the picture we took with Santa at the Santa Cruz lighthouse. Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the new year!