Dudley, Michelle

CHOOSING THE RIGHT, PART 2 Last post indicated the sadness we feel when we see our young friends using their gift of ‘agency’ recklessly.  We will continue to love, encourage and teach them. We also have an abundance of Welsh friends ‘choosing the right’!  This is the JOY of the gospel. Kev and Alicia Cooney -  This special couple has never looked back since their baptism!  They are the first ones to get to church each Sunday (waiting for us to unlock the gate!) with huge smiles on their faces. Kev gave his first talk in sacrament meeting, helps bless and pass the sacrament, and serves as an adult leader in the young men program.   Alicia serves in the young woman program, loves the girls, and teaches with confidence.  Last Sunday, she brought a bag to church with a brand new coat she had bought for an older sister.  Although the Cooneys live quite modestly,  She has a heart of gold.  Other ward members are inviting them for tea, helpin...

CHOOSE THE RIGHT This past Sunday I was teaching a gospel principles class for the young adults in Sunday school.  This is the general makeup of the class: Chloe Cooney, investigator, two Elders serving in our ward, one ‘returning’ member with his unmarried partner and baby, a single mom, missionary age young man who comes sometimes, new member, Eliza, baptized in January, three returned missionaries - two of which are struggling, a newer member trying to maintain her testimony while living in a dark environment, and a bi-sexual convert. We were discussing the principle of AGENCY, the freedom to choose. (Moses 3:17 Thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee) I have always been so grateful for this gift, even with the opposition that accompanies our choices.  Having been ‘around the sun’ quite a few times now, it is clear to me to see how making good choices increases our power to make more good choices and we find it easier. Looking at the group above, these peo...