Heed the Warning!

"The Manchineel tree, is known as the most poisonous tree in the world. In places where it grows, it is often marked with a red band to warn passersby not to get too near it.  The tree is poisonous on so many levels that if you ever spot one, it is better you stay at least a few yards away from it. Its fruit resembles a small apple, but eating one could land you right in the emergency room. It was supposedly named ‘manzanita de la muerte’ (little apple of death) by Christopher Columbus. But it might just be the least dangerous part of the tree."

"The manchineel’s milky white sap is incredibly caustic and poisonous as well – even a drop could cause skin blisters, dermatitis, swelling or burns. This happens a lot with unsuspecting travelers who use the tree for shelter from the rains. The sap is so caustic that even the rain drops coming from the branches can cause burns. The bark is poisonous too – burning it releases a smoke that causes temporary (and in some cases, permanent) blindness. Considering all the ways it can hurt you, it’s no wonder the manchineel currently holds the Guinness record for world’s most dangerous tree."

http://www.odditycentral.com/news/the-manchineel-worlds-most-dangerous-tree-for-several-reasons.html

 

 

The other day, we went to a beach and saw many of these trees with the red stripe on them.  We even saw this woman laying under the tree and hanging her clothes and towel on it!  We spoke to her two friends and told them the tree was very dangerous.  They replied that they knew it was dangerous if it rained, but they did not feel it was dangerous now.  We felt bad that they did not listen to our warning but felt helpless!  There was nothing else we could do.  I wonder if the sap got on her clothes and if she suffered the pain that it would cause.

Does Heavenly Father feel the same way?  He warns us about dangers in our lives and how to avoid them, but sometimes we choose to suffer the consequences.  In Alma 3:26-27  we are told: "26 And in one year were thousands and tens of thousands of souls sent to the eternal world, that they might reap their rewards according to their works, whether they were good or whether they were bad, to reap eternal happiness or eternal misery, according to the spirit which they listed to obey, whether it be a good spirit or a bad one.

27 For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey, and this according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore let it be according to the truth."

 

"The Manchineel trees have shiny green, oval leaves and can grow over 50 feet tall. They apparently lure people into a trap – providing shade and fruit that tastes sweet at first but later has devastating effects. Fortunately, injuries have been rare thanks to the warning signs about the tree’s dangers."

We pray that you will not be lured into a trap by the shiny things of the world.  Stay safe!  Be obedient!  We love YOU!

Bats or Birds. Truth Revealed?

There was another beautiful sunset tonight and the bats/birds were out in full force again.  We got a good picture of one.  It kind of looks like the Batman symbol, don't you think?  (I still think they are birds.  It helps me sleep better at night!)

 Is that Batman swooping in?

Another beautiful sunset from our back window.

Recipe for Success

The other day at District Meeting we were taught what the recipe for success is.  It is found in Alma 26:22:  "Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing-unto such is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance."

How does this apply to you and me?

1. We must repent.  (Just change something bad for something good.)
2. We must have faith.
3. We must do good works.
4. We must pray continually.

And what do we get in return?  We get to know the mysteries of God!  And have things revealed to us!  And convert people to the gospel!

This recipe is good for other parts of our life, too.  We will always be blessed when we do those four things.

And since we are talking about recipes, I want to show you this picture of a "salad" that a couple from our Branch made and fed our whole zone.  All 12 of us!  We had this beautiful salad and fish and chicken and rice and three kinds of ice cream and chocolate cake!  Imagine how awful this food would have been if she hadn't followed a recipe!  We are given recipe's, or commandments, to make our life easier and more enjoyable.  We pray that you will always choose to keep the commandments and have a happy life!

 

 Our beautiful salad

 The Laquembie's.  They have a beautiful home and are beautiful people.

We Love YOU!

Learn while you can!

Today's thoughts are about preparing for a mission while you are young.  This young man just turned 12 and is sooooo excited to pass the sacrament!  He comes from a wonderful family.  His mom and brother and sister are strong in the church but his father is not a member.  Therefore, he has never been taught how to tie a tie.  Grandpa offered to teach him.  Arik still struggles with it and really needs someone to show him how every Sunday until he gets it.  All of you are lucky enough to have two parents who are happy to teach you things.  For the boys, it's as simple as learning how to tie a tie.  For the girls, it's listening when your parents teach you to dress modestly.  That is a big problem for the girls who are not members of the church.  It's a lot harder to learn when you are older.

It is our hope and prayer that you will listen and learn from your parents.  You will find life so much easier if you do!

We Love YOU!

Birds or Bats?

Every evening as the sun goes down, the sky fills with these UFO's.  They are swooping around eating flying insects.  (I hope mosquitoes!)  I think they are birds, Grandpa thinks they are bats.  What do you think they are?