Guest Post -- Grandpa Fish

Note from Mom:  In response to Briana's letter, I received this from my dad:

I like, too, that she is “finding” the scriptures.  Great joy therein…

Here is a favorite of mine to share when times don’t go quite like it seems they should.  We learned this in childhood and I found it again in college.

If you can’t be a pine on the top of the hill,

Be a scrub in the valley – but be

The best little scrub by the side of the rill;

Be a bush if you can’t be a tree.

If you can’t be a bush be a bit of the grass,

And some highway happier make;

If you can’t be a muskie then just be a bass –

But the liveliest bass in the lake.

We can’t all be captains, we’ve got to be crew,

There’s something for all of us here,

There’s a big work to do, and there’s lesser to do,

And the task you must do is the near.

If you can’t be a highway then just be a trail,

If you can’t be the sun be a star;

It isn’t by size that you win or you fail –

Be the best of whatever you are.

I know it doesn’t capture the spirit of Mormonism where you’ve got to keep pounding away until the walls of Jericho fall down and you have overcome the world and set it on its ear … but at my age and viewpoint it is about being the best at whatever you are. Latter-day Saintdom seems to align.  For Brannah, that’s being a good missionary and it appears she’s caught on….

Daddy

Some Pictures

Growth -- 25 June 2012

Note from Mom:  I don't know if this is the email that got lost last week or if Breezy wrote again, but I LOVE this letter from our Sister missionary!

Did you know:

That sometimes life is HARD?

Sometimes you don't get what you want. Sometimes the answer is: Yes. Sometimes it's: Wait. Sometimes it's just flat out: No.  And those times are not so fun.

But it is amazing how if you sit and wait, and look for the reasons that you got that particular answer, it starts to make sense, and life doesn't seem so hard anymore. 

This week one of my personal things that I am studying is Charity. The Pure Love of Christ. Have you ever studied Charity? It is a truly interesting subject. I especially love the Bible Dictonary's definition of Charity: 

"Charity The highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection; the pure love of Christ. It is never to be used to denote alms or deeds or benevolence, although it may be a prompting motive"

How cool is that? I think those are the best adjectives I have ever heard to describe love. And just think! That is how our Father and our perfect older Brother feels about us! Me and you! But not just us! He loves those that hate, and persecute, and despitefuly use you. We are all His children and he loves us all so much!

We have a man who is getting baptized this Thursday! He has changed his habits and some of his attitude to make this important step! The most impressive thing is that Satan has hit him HARD. He is throwing whatever he can at Brother, and Brother is taking it in stride and choosing not to pay him any attention. He has truly grown and the righteous desires of his heart have shown through, and he is taking that first step to eternity this week!

I am so excited for him, but mainly I am proud of who he is! And proud of the decisions he has made to get to this point!

We have several others who are preparing to take that step in their lives. Again Satan likes to get in the way. BUT: "The standard of truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble and calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent; til it has penetrated every continent, swept every country, sounded in every ear, and visited every clime; til the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done!"

Tell satan to leave you alone, and go away! He only has as much power as we give him!

Next time you write me, please tell me about a time you experienced a hard time, and came out on top, and also about your study of Charity. Either how you have felt it, how you applied it, or something you would like to apply more fully in your life.

Love always,

Sister Hill

Ouch! An Email Conversation -- 25 June 2012

An email conversation of sorts:

     Bri: 

My feel goods are HURT!!!! No letter, or e-mail this week? OUCH! :) I knew this was coming, but I didn't think it would be this soon!

Well, here comes your letter anyway... 

And I did send one last week, the dumb mailer demon just caught it and sent it back to me! Rude! <3

     Mom:

Your letter went out late.  You should see it today.  :) 

     Bri:
 

Mail already came today, should be here tomorrow I guess.

**Meanwhile, earlier this morning I had sent Briana an email.** 

     Bri: 

Ok, this just redeemed you! I love you so much! and miss you terribly! You seem so close yet so far away right now...

     Mom:

Stupid USPS.  I didn't see any pictures on your email.  Did you attach them and they just didn't send?  Love you!

     Bri:

Yes.  I will try again.  You may be getting lots of e-mails with only one picture.

     Mom:

K calls this kind of email spree an "email date" (when she does it with C).  It doesn't seem quite so naughty when it's just a mother-daughter thing.  :)

     Bri:

Haha!  Not quite!

Email -- 25 June 2012

Can you believe this transfer is halfway gone?! (I was trying to think of how to word it in a glass-half-ful kind of way, but nothing sounds right, so this is what you get!)

Life could not be going faster! It is so amazing to me because a lot of the people we see on a weekly basis. I e-mail on Monday, go to S on Tuesday, service and Brother F on Wednesday, planning on Thursday, Friday is a catch up day, Saturday we see the Ns, Sunday is Church and S again, and the week starts all over again! So when I have or haven't seen someone for 2 or 3 of their appointmentS, while it only seems like 2 or 3 appointments, it's really 2 or 3 weeks! How does the time fly like that?!

Someone pointed out to me that at the end of this coming transfer (9 more weeks) I will have 1/3 of my mission behind me! WHAT?! All I can say is live now and do the best you can, cause time is short and you don't know when it is going to end.

On a happier note:

I did get my package this week! And I totally love it!!! I am encLosing a pictures of my Sunday Cute-ness! (Its a word!) I also (Hopefully) am sending one funny one, and one of Sister C and I...  It looks like it (the email system) is going to cooperate today ;)

Landon: You and I need to talk!

Other than that, life is good here! We get a new car tomorrow! She is going to be a red Toyota Corolla! I am not sure what year. We saw a poster in Subway the other day for the new Disney movie *Brave* and thought: "She has red hair, maybe that's what we should name our car!" The only problem
is...We don't watch movies, so we need your help! What is the name of that girl?

Love you all! Have a good week! I think and pray for you all the time!

-Sister Hill

Movies -- 24 June 2012

I'm sorry to tell you that "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" is rated R. So, so sorry.

Avengers -- PG13
Battleship -- PG13
Brave -- PG
Hunger Games -- PG13
Madagascar 3 -- PG
Men in Black 3 -- PG13
Rock of Ages -- PG13
Snow White and the Huntsman -- PG13

I Can't Think of Anything Creative -- 11 June 2012

Another week in the life of this missionary. (How's that for creative?)

It has been a really good week! Sister C. and I are still getting adjusted to one another and trying to get used to each other's teaching style. It is diffrent, but it is good.

At our transfer meeting President C. talked to us about trials and how once (as a lawyer) he had to learn how steel was made. He walked us through the process, and at the end, the last furnace the liquid steel goes through is the hottest, and burns off the leftover imperfections. When he asked how hot it has to be for it to work the person taking him through responded: "As hot as I can make it."

President then went on to tell us how the steel would not be nearly as strong if it didnt go through that process, and it is one that needs to happen for the steel to reach its true potential. The hotter the furnace the purer the steel.

Do you remember: "Anyone can run a mile!"?

Well now it has become: "The hotter the furnace the purer the steel."

Darn inspiration! Why does it have to be so right and so annoying all at the same time?! :)

We have a young man who is leaving tomorrow morning for the MTC. His farewell was yesterday, and he did such a nice job! I came to North Vernon right after he had gotten his call, and we have had him come for a few lessons. It has been so fun to watch him learn and grow! He is going to tear it up in Guam!

Trisha was baptized on Thursday!!!! It was so special to watch her enter into that covenant and know that SHE KNOWS! what she is doing and she will continue doing it the rest of her life!

Our other person who was going to be baptized this Saturday will have to be pushed to a later date. But that is okay, because it WILL happen, it just needs to be in the Lord's time.

Well I love you all! Hope all is well, and know that you are all in my prayers!

-Sister Hill

Movies -- 11 June 2012

Avengers -- PG13
Battlefield America -- PG13
Battleship -- PG13
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel -- PG13
Crooked Arrows -- PG13
Dark Shadows -- PG13
Darling Companion -- PG13
Hunger Games -- PG13
Madagascar 3 -- PG
Men In Black III -- PG13
Snow White and the Huntsman -- PG13
What to Expect When You're Expecting -- PG13

P.S. -- 4 June 2012

A P.S. about Sister C.: 

She and Elder G. (from our ward) were in the same district in the MTC.  Small world in the Church!

Movies -- 4 June 2012

The Avengers (PG13)
Battlefield America (PG13)
Battleship (PG13)
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG13)
Crooked Arrows (PG13)
Dark Shadows (PG13)
Darling Companion (PG13)
Hunger Games (PG13)
The Lucky One (PG13)
Men In Black III (PG13)
Snow White and the Huntsman (PG13) -- Saw this one and liked it a lot, which surprised me.
What to Expect When You're Expecting (PG13)

Does anyone else wish there was a fun family movie out?  Everything either PG13 or R.  Bleh.

Response to Taylor's Mission Call -- 4 June 2012

On 5/31/12, Taylor Hill  wrote:
Hey Sis,

Canada Calgary Mission. August 1st. English :D Love you.

***

From: Briana Hill
Subject: Re: My Call
To: Taylor Hill

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THAT IS SO COOL!!!!!! I AM SOOOOOO EXCITED FOR YOU!

What did you think when you opened it?! What do you think now? Any questions, thoughts, concerns? I am so excited for you! Congrats, Little brother! You are going to be so great! I just know it! Your testimony is so strong, and the prople of Calgary aren't going to know what  hit them! Work hard!

Remember to talk to your best friend! He can answer any question, doubt or fear! Remember to keep reading and studying the Book of Mormon. You will find life's answers in there!

I love you so much and am so proud of the choices that you have made that have made you into the man you are today!

I am so excited for you!
-Sister Hill

Week 2 -- 4 June 2012

Crazy story: It is the start of week 2 in my 3rd transfer! How did we get here?

It has been a difficult week this last week. Sister W. packed up and left, (RUDE!) and Sister C. came back with me. She is a sweetheart, but we are still getting used to each other's habits and teaching style, and trying to find a groove that fits us both; but with Heavenly Father's help we are getting there.

So that I don't make the same mistake again (;p) I will tell you a little bit about Sister C.

She has long brown hair, tall, brown eyes and glasses. She hails from Washington State. She is one of 18 kids. (Not all from one family.) She doesn't have anybody waiting for her back at home.

Congratulations to my AMAZING younger brother, Taylor! He has been called to the Canada Calgary Mission! He leaves on August 1st! I am so proud of him for the choices that he has made and the man he has become! (Tay and Jesser, make sure you say hi to one another in the

cafeteria!)

Also congrats to my awesome sister, Sassy! I love you so much and am so proud of your accomplishment of graduating high school! I know it hasn't been an easy path with teachers who weren't very helpful, but you did it! You are an amazing woman, and I love you so much!!

More congrats to my other STUDLY brother, Landon, for pulling straight A's! Don't cwash da caw!

Mommy, I know you can do school, too!

Daddy, don't get hooked on energy drinks with your new shift!

You are all in my prayers consistently! I love you so much!

Things here in North Vernon are progressing! We have a baptism this Thursday, and another one next Saturday (the 16th). They are 2 amazing people who have gained their own testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel! We are so excited for them to enter into that covenant with our Heavenly Father and begin to live their lives completly clean!

We also have a couple that wants to be baptized and go to the temple together, but first have to work out their living situation. They are so ready to begin this chapter of their lives and can't wait to get started!

Well it's time for me to log off! I love you so much, family! Hope things are going well, and remember you are in my prayers, and if there is anything else I can do for you (from North Vernon) I am more than happy to! Have a good week!

Much love,

-Sister Hill

PS-We go to the library to e-mail, and you can just send Sister W.'s letter to the mission office and it will get to her.