Joe Craig

A Miracle to us: E. Longmore has called Joe Craig, a Visitor Center Referral from 2003, one of only a half-dozen people in our area book, 50+ times, no exaggeration. E. Longmore has felt strongly that he needed to talk to him and he has not given up. Sunday, en route home, we also stopped by his house in Auburn (we have stopped several times before and found no one at home). There were several cars there, so we drove on down the street and called him. “Miracle of miracles’ he answered the phone. At first he said he had things to do around the house etc. E. Longmore felt that he should leave a spiritual thought with him. He brought up the Book of Mormon and said that it was a second witness of Christ. Joe said it was more than that; it contains ‘plain and precious truths’ that were left out of the Bible. After talking for a while, Joe said we could come and meet him. He needed about 30 minutes to shower. We had a great visit. He said that he really liked the Book of Mosiah where the prophets talk about justice etc. This led into a brief discussion about justice and mercy in conjunction with the Atonement. He said it was not hard for him to believe that God has spoken to other of His children in addition to those in the Bible. When we opened the Book of Mormon to read where Nephi talks about this in 2 Nephi 29 (we had brought a media center copy with us), he immediately stepped over to an end table where, next to the phone, was his own copy of the Book of Mormon. It is amazing what he know so much about the Book of Mormon and has such a strong testimony of it when he knows virtually nothing else about the Church. We asked how he knew it was true. He had kind of a blank look on his face. When E. Longmore said that it was the Holy Ghost testifying that it was true, he said, “like the feeling when I talked to you on the phone.” His son died when he was twelve years old (he would now be 28, the same age as our own son, Danny). E. Longmore and I both felt that his son was anxious to share the gospel with his father. He is a bit reticent about scheduling more visits, but said we could call. That is an invitation we won’t pass up!

Sebastian's Baptism Poem

SEBASTIAN’S BAPTISM

Baptism is a witness of
A promise that you make
To follow Jesus, do his will,
His name upon you take.

You witness that you love him
And that you will obey
As you repent and are baptized
On this special day.

Then as a member of his church
You’ll serve and love and pray
The Holy Ghost will be with you
To help you every day.

Obedience will bring you peace
True happiness within
Joy will be yours while in this life
As you follow Him.

On the earth you walk by faith
Yet one day you will see
Your Heavenly Father face to face
And with Him you will be.

Sister Connie Longmore
NH Manchester Mission

Sebastian's Baptism

July 12, 2009 Journal

Yesterday, Sebastian, a nine-year old boy Elder Gonzolas and Elder Kessler taught, was baptized. He was confirmed today. He is such a good boy. During the baptismal program, he looked right up at Dean (the whole time) when Dean talked to him for a minute about the Holy Ghost. We wanted to give him something for his baptism that would mean something to him. I got on line at Deseret Book, but that was a frustration. The items were few and expensive and I couldn’t open a picture of a book to see what it said. So I thought maybe we could give him a double frame with his picture in one side and a poem about baptism on the other. I called a friend to get a copy of a poem I wrote for her grandson when he was baptized, but she didn’t return the call until Friday night. In the meantime, I prayed that I might be able to write another poem. The thoughts began to come Wednesday night. I wrote it out and Dean was pleased. So we took his picture when he was in white at his baptism, and we gave it to him today (Sunday) just before he was to be confirmed. He was pleased and Dean heard him say, “It rhymes too.” Dean assisted in his confirmation.

Tutoring of the Spirit

July 9, 2009

I have had an insight that will help me to progress and not be held back by focusing on my shortcomings and mistakes. I learned that if I think about the promised blessings I have been given that my thoughts and focus will chart a course to have those blessings realized. If, instead, I focus on the hardships or challenges I have, it binds me mentally and spiritually.
NH Manchester Mission Secretary

Christine, Levi & Boys Came To See Us

It was a tender mercy of the Lord to send us Christine, Levi, Gideon & Joseph on the same weekend our new little Hyrum Daniel Carver was blessed (28 Jun'09). It would have not just been sad, but also lonely if they had not come. We had such a good visit. Saturday we went to the beach, played in the surf, and built sand castles. On the way home we stopped at Hampton each to see the annual Sand Castle competition exhibits. After we went home, we cleaned up and had dinner at "Out Back". Sunday we went to church and on the way home we stopped at the Robert Frost farm. The time went by way too fast. When Christine and Levi were loading the kids up. Gideon said, "I want to stay with Grandma and Grandpa Longmore forever. That made my day!

What a blessing our family is.

We missed being at Hyrum's blessing, but what a blessing it was to hear how our children have rallied together.
Danny brought the boys (Keri had committed to take care of her sister's children while her sister was out of town,or she would have come). Deana & Deanna came with their families and they were a great help. Cara & Dustin were hosting some of the family in the middle of their move. All helped and sustained one another with the move, and with the new baby. We have an awesome famiy!

Cheri and Curt hosted everyone for lunch. Grandma Wake enjoyed being there too. It was a time to celebrate Hyrum's birth and blessing and to say good-by to Cara, Dustin, and Spencer. Cara & Dustin are moving to Texas the first week in July. Thanks to all of our children. You have made sacrifics to help each other. We can't put into words the joy your service to each other brings to us. It is a great blessing indeed.

Hyrum's Blessing, A great compliment from Grandma Wake

You would be proud of your kids if you saw them today. Deana, Deanna,Danny (Keri was tied up with helping others and couldn'tcome. I missed her.) Cara and Cheri and all their "kids" and not an unkind word. Cheri had a feast for us. I held Hyrum for a long time. I have never known such a good baby. Only once did I hear a bit of a whimper. And beautiful? yes. Cheri and Curt have done a great job in the outside and inside of their home.

Canterbury Shaker Village Dormitory

Happy 68th Birthday Elder Longmore

We have enjoyed the calls from family the past two days for Dean’s birthday and Father’s Day. The kids are so much fun to hear and the little ones sing us little songs. The gift of the song is precious to us and so is the fact that our children are teaching their children the gospel in song. We love the updates of the older kids and to be a part of all of your lives.

Elder Longmore's Birthday & Father's Day

Sunday June 21st.
Dean’s birthday was yesterday. We had planned to go to a Fisher Cats baseball game, but as it turned out, it was raining, and Dean thought I would be happier at home preparing a RS lesson I was asked to give Sunday, rather than sitting in the rain for four hours at the ball game. I reluctantly agreed. He enjoyed the game and we enjoyed some time together before he left. We had his birthday dinner / Father’s Day dinner today.
After church we made two visits on the way home. One visit was to Brother Low. He is probably about my age and has never been married. We haven’t seen him at church for a few weeks. It was a good visit. We felt that we lifted his heart. Then we visited the Perez family. We love them. They are kindred spirits.

June 20,2009
Today is Dean’s birthday!! We began the day with a nice breakfast. Dean has gone to get a haircut while I do some chores and then the day is his. We will go where he wants to go and do what he wants to do. Elder Longmore just called and we are going to Baseball game.
As always, we think of our family. We pray for you, express gratitude for you, and miss you. The Church of Jesus Christ has been restored and will be on earth when the Savior comes again. May we all be there together to meet him is our prayer.

Transfer Week Experiences

June 19, 2009
This past week has disappeared in thin time. We just look at each other and ask, “Where has this week gone?” We have had arriving missionaries, transfers, departing missionaries, and a Senior Couples Conference. There is quite a bit of financial, housing, transportation, and paperwork involved during transfer week.
One of the highlights of transfer week is going to the temple with the departing missionaries and having dinner with them at the Mission Home. It is always a sweet “linger longer” kind of experience. Because of the spiritual nature of the time and place, it is a gift that keeps on giving.

Callum's 15th birthday

It was great to talk to Callum on his birthday. He told us about his Dad and he and his brothers riding bikes to a park to ride bike jumps. It was 100 degrees outside, but did that stop them? No way! Jeff ended up with a few bumps and bruises, but a closer bond with his sons and some happy memories.
Callum told us about his High Adventure coming up. They will see a gun demonstration and some military stuff at Fort Hood(?), go canoing, and biking. He needs to finish one merit badge and his project to get his Eagle. He got a cell phone for his birthday.
All of our grandchildren are wonderful blessings to us. So are all of their good parents.

Our oven cooks a litte hot!

We went to Glouchester May 23rd. It is a charming little town on the coast. It is full of antique shops and lobster traps. It reminded us a little of San Francisco.

May 14,2009

Jeff, Jennifer, Hannah, Leah, & Elisa stopped to see us. Jeff attended a conference in Boston. A little bit of home and family was a little bit of heaven! We were so glas to see them.

Robert Frost Farm

Elder Smith & Elder Sullivan

I got a note from one of the Assistant’s to the President, Sweet Elder Smith. Now there is a good catch for a husband who would be respectful and good. The note said:

Sister Longmore,

This [money] is for the miniature copy of the Book of Mormon. Thank you for all that you do for us. Thanks for always making us smile when we come to the office. (Smiley face)

Elder Smith

P.S. The church is true!

Mother's Day

I have had a wonderful Mother's Day. I have had flowers, emails, calls, and an Idaho primary sing to me. It made my day!!! ThankYou! We are so fortunate to have such a family. We watch you perservere and help one another. You are not only a good example, but a great blessing to us. Just hearing a loved one's little voice or getting a colored picture means the world to us!

Look what got delivered to our office!

Cleanliness is next to Godliness

Here we are after cleaning an apartment where missionaries had lived. The Elders were transfered and they didn't know that no other missionaries would be moving in, so they left food in fridge and cupboards, etc. etc. We cleaned out the cupboards, fridge, stove (not self cleaning), and bathroom. We should have played carols while we cleaned!