What a week! A lot of action at home as usual! Lauren, where are your senior pics?! I would love to see a sneak peak of my big little sister! Sure does sound like a lot of movement at home between baseball, graduations, homecomings, family and more baseball! I do love you ALL!
Haha, well you stole my thunder- I AM BEING TRANSFERRED! I was pretty surprised- I expected to be here for at least several more months, but am nevertheless sure that where I am headed will be full of amazing people. These past couple of days have just made my stomach upset with trying to give all my good byes, writing letters, and packing! I worry for the people that I can't keep up with, but hope that in giving them my testimony and memories and a piece of my growth that they will remember the change they have made and want to continue to draw nearer to Jesus christ! I do have full faith that this next area will bring me much happiness and that I will work very hard. But man, if just leaving my area is hard, I am dreading having to leave the mission field.
I feel so grateful to have witnessed Ed and Brenda begin to come closer to Jesus Christ and progressing towards baptism. This week we have had some super neat experiences- particularly with Brenda. We actually went on a temple tour with her, bishop and sis Mixon, and even bro makinson joined us a little later! It was so wonderful Friday night Orlando traffic was insane, but somehow we got there just in time. There was a one hour orientation given by a member of our mission presidency where the restoration, plan of salvation, and process/why temples are built was discussed. We then went over to walk around the temple. It was beautiful. Brenda was beaming. She was so open in asking questions, and was recognizing the spirit. She felt it to be such an honor that Bishop came to accompany us.
One other highlight of the week was when we were able to bike all up down and around lake Helen. It is such a quaint little town that we don't go to very often because so most of our work is done in the northern part of Deltona- but in between all of our biking we gained 4 new investigators, had a wonderful discussion with a less active sister in our Ward, and had several really neat contacts. It was such an enjoyable day. It was lightly raining for most the day, we were able to eat our lunch at a nearby canopy, and ... even took pictures!!! Haha, but I am so glad that I have been taking pictures this week- Deland 2 South has meant everything to me! A perfect first area!
Quick Highlights:
This week was also interviews with President! It was so refreshing to speak with him. I really have gained a testimony of the authority and discernment of priesthood leaders in these last 4 months. He asked me so many inspired questions. He said the things that I knew I needed to hear.
One other fun thing we were able to do was service for this wonderful single sister in our Ward. She is such a staple for us and this ward, so we were thrilled to finally be able to do something for her. We spent a very enjoyable Saturday afternoon weeding, painting, and raking. It's funny how things (scripture study, cleaning etc.) once a chore, now are a huge relief to do on a mission. I loved to be outside and getting to work with her!
Yesterday was pretty much spent going from house to house and taking pics, trying to eat one more desert that each member would inevitably offer us- haha, and saying the temporary farewell. I love this Ward, and am so pleased to leave it knowing that I have invested everything here. I am very excited to see where I will be serving next- wahoo! We will see tomorrow morning and let you know next week!
I have come to be comfortable in biking this area, in building relationships with Ward members, having edifying interactions with gators. As I reflect on the use of my time and results of my effort, I can see that because of the success I have experienced in developing relationships and seeing people change, it's time for a change myself! I am grateful that I can again experience the growing pains of becoming completely unfamiliar, because it forces me to dig my heels even deeper and try to bloom faster in new ground. Lately we have shared Alma 32:34 -For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors. I know that the Lord blesses those that desire to work with Him in his field- I feel trusted and strengthened. And so so blessed!
According to Princess Diaries, "a picture is worth more than one thousand words" :) So I am going to try to spend the remainder of my time trying to download pictures. The computer is very slow, but will try try try to send you as many as I can.
Press forward! Be steady! Be excited! Keep on keepin' the faith!
Monday, April 27, 2015
Monday, April 13, 2015
Preachin' Readin' 'n Prayin'!
FAMILY!!!
BIG D! Happy Birthday bro! I can't believe your 15! AND preparing to get a permit! Don't do what I did, and make life harder on yourself by having to get it twice :) Seriously, I can't believe what a stud you are- look for something in the mail soon. As I have just glanced at the emails sent from home, I can sense the up-roar over the latest Baseball tourney- shoot, well Dad the lesson you have been learning about not trying to dwell on things you can't control- because you just relinquish your power and energy to the opposing force has been a lesson I have been learning as well! The victory will just be even sweeter next time! Dad- I sure did love the pictures- I have been chuckling to myself for the last 30 minutes. And also, the song I was hoping you could send me was “Homeward Bound” by the BYU Singers- but really, I am getting pretty used to my music- if you have free time, I would love a couple of your most recent favorites (mission appropriate obviously). No worries to get it done quickly.
This week has been ALL about E and B! We have had almost daily interaction with E, and double the interaction with B! B is doing so well! The gospel is becoming her whole lifestyle! We teach her twice a week, but she is our ride everywhere! She comes to at least 3 activities a week, she has so many friends in the ward that she is taking the initiative to call herself and ask questions and set up appointments with- and she has been asking and asking to go see the temple- so we will go on a tour with her this Friday! Wahoo! LOVE B.
E is no less amazing- he has such a strong desire to find truth that has drove him to study like crazy! He has been reading at least 5 chapters in the BOM every day, practically memorized our pamphlets, and been asking the Schaeffer family in our ward many questions. Unfortunately, (with an intent to find truth from only “biased” sources), he has also taken up looking on wikipedia all about prophets. To our surprise he gained an incredible testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet, but now has serious misgivings about our current prophet. Oh brother. He is beginning to have questions that are irrelevant to him becoming closer to Jesus Christ, and because they are ridiculous, we can't satisfy him with “good” answers. Nevertheless, he often asks us if we are still planning on meeting with him- he is a very smart man that wants to change his life. I have really gained a very good relationship with him- he has even said that he wants to buy me a plain ticket back out to Florida when I get home so we can go to St. Augustine (?) :)
I have developed so many amazing relationships in my ward, with my leaders, and investigators. I love my rural DeLand! I really hope I am not transferred- but with Sis Young being close to going home, it may be time to leave. Either way- I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY. I don't bound around always beaming grateful to be tracting, eating another tuna sandwich, or biking home- but actually, I really do love it. I feel my spirit changing, I see others changing, and I know that I am doing all to work with the Lord in his vineyard.
Haha, MOM- the email you received was from my District Leader. He has been my district leader as long as I have been here and serves with me in the DeLand 2nd Ward- we have a really good relationship! But… no. Nothing you were hinting. Haha, I almost burst out laughing when I read that innuendo.
We have some exciting things this week- tomorrow is interviews with President. For that reason, our District Meeting (normally Thursdays) will take place tomorrow as well, at which I will do another training. I have done so many trainings! And if I am not doing a training, I am usually doing a musical number. Oh well, I know I always come out feeling stronger after having studied and bore testimony rather than listened. But regardless, I always love District Meetings. Also on May 4th (aka Star Wars Day, and Ellie May's B-day), Elder Clarke from the 70 is coming to speak to the mission. I feel so blessed to have been sent to such an incredible mission. It is a very social mission where I am able to have so much interaction with missionaries including district p-days. (Oh, by the way- last week we played sand volley ball…. Wasn't my shinning moment haha, but way fun). And with Orlando being such a hot spot of America, where many flights leave from to go to other countries, we have a privilege of hearing from general authorities more so than I think some other missions do. President Berry is so wonderful. I admire him and his wife so much. He is kind and trusts us. And these FLORIDIANS are crazy! Very colorful, quirky, Christ-lovin' people from many backgrounds.
Well, I try to be very positive in these emails- because so many great things are happening and I love my calling. I dread the time when I will not be a missionary for Jesus Christ. But, for any one that may read these emails and considering the experience a mission may entail- it can be hard. I have never fallen asleep so quickly so consistently than on a mission. You have to be very flexible- and reliable- and rely on others. Some days we don't teach anyone- some days we teach 8 people. Some days I look so sweaty. But in every instance, I feel the spirit. I know Heavenly Father is proud of me. Even when I am tired, I still feel energy. When I am about to become very nervous for things panning out- things usually fall apart- but then a better plan becomes so evident- like it was right in front of me the whole time. I have never had a really bad day- nor do I think I will. Because there are some hard moments, but they are just moments. The majority of my day is never boring- we can be very creative and have a lot of fun as we talk to so many people. It is a blast. I feel so powerful. I feel so loved.
Please read and pray at home. I have seen families become very disjointed and quickly unraveled by forgetting the little things. Recently I learned that when our stake presidency was changed just 6 months ago, Elder Godlen from the 70 came to interview the possible candidates for the stake president. The only questions asked in the qualifying interview were- do you read the scriptures every day, do you read the scriptures with your family every week, do you say a kneeling prayer every night and every evening, do you pray as a family, and do you have family home evening. That was it. Only 5 people qualified. Though this area is mostly made up of fairly recent converts, I still wonder- really, how different is it all around the world? Please read and pray, even if it it is short! It brings confidence, clarity, and power in my life. We are supposed to find peace- and prayer and scripture reading is how it is accomplished.
Can you tell what I have been teaching and testifying of lately? Haha, don't mean to over do it- it's just that good!
Hope you have a week that is full of good!
BIG D! Happy Birthday bro! I can't believe your 15! AND preparing to get a permit! Don't do what I did, and make life harder on yourself by having to get it twice :) Seriously, I can't believe what a stud you are- look for something in the mail soon. As I have just glanced at the emails sent from home, I can sense the up-roar over the latest Baseball tourney- shoot, well Dad the lesson you have been learning about not trying to dwell on things you can't control- because you just relinquish your power and energy to the opposing force has been a lesson I have been learning as well! The victory will just be even sweeter next time! Dad- I sure did love the pictures- I have been chuckling to myself for the last 30 minutes. And also, the song I was hoping you could send me was “Homeward Bound” by the BYU Singers- but really, I am getting pretty used to my music- if you have free time, I would love a couple of your most recent favorites (mission appropriate obviously). No worries to get it done quickly.
This week has been ALL about E and B! We have had almost daily interaction with E, and double the interaction with B! B is doing so well! The gospel is becoming her whole lifestyle! We teach her twice a week, but she is our ride everywhere! She comes to at least 3 activities a week, she has so many friends in the ward that she is taking the initiative to call herself and ask questions and set up appointments with- and she has been asking and asking to go see the temple- so we will go on a tour with her this Friday! Wahoo! LOVE B.
E is no less amazing- he has such a strong desire to find truth that has drove him to study like crazy! He has been reading at least 5 chapters in the BOM every day, practically memorized our pamphlets, and been asking the Schaeffer family in our ward many questions. Unfortunately, (with an intent to find truth from only “biased” sources), he has also taken up looking on wikipedia all about prophets. To our surprise he gained an incredible testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet, but now has serious misgivings about our current prophet. Oh brother. He is beginning to have questions that are irrelevant to him becoming closer to Jesus Christ, and because they are ridiculous, we can't satisfy him with “good” answers. Nevertheless, he often asks us if we are still planning on meeting with him- he is a very smart man that wants to change his life. I have really gained a very good relationship with him- he has even said that he wants to buy me a plain ticket back out to Florida when I get home so we can go to St. Augustine (?) :)
I have developed so many amazing relationships in my ward, with my leaders, and investigators. I love my rural DeLand! I really hope I am not transferred- but with Sis Young being close to going home, it may be time to leave. Either way- I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY. I don't bound around always beaming grateful to be tracting, eating another tuna sandwich, or biking home- but actually, I really do love it. I feel my spirit changing, I see others changing, and I know that I am doing all to work with the Lord in his vineyard.
Haha, MOM- the email you received was from my District Leader. He has been my district leader as long as I have been here and serves with me in the DeLand 2nd Ward- we have a really good relationship! But… no. Nothing you were hinting. Haha, I almost burst out laughing when I read that innuendo.
We have some exciting things this week- tomorrow is interviews with President. For that reason, our District Meeting (normally Thursdays) will take place tomorrow as well, at which I will do another training. I have done so many trainings! And if I am not doing a training, I am usually doing a musical number. Oh well, I know I always come out feeling stronger after having studied and bore testimony rather than listened. But regardless, I always love District Meetings. Also on May 4th (aka Star Wars Day, and Ellie May's B-day), Elder Clarke from the 70 is coming to speak to the mission. I feel so blessed to have been sent to such an incredible mission. It is a very social mission where I am able to have so much interaction with missionaries including district p-days. (Oh, by the way- last week we played sand volley ball…. Wasn't my shinning moment haha, but way fun). And with Orlando being such a hot spot of America, where many flights leave from to go to other countries, we have a privilege of hearing from general authorities more so than I think some other missions do. President Berry is so wonderful. I admire him and his wife so much. He is kind and trusts us. And these FLORIDIANS are crazy! Very colorful, quirky, Christ-lovin' people from many backgrounds.
Well, I try to be very positive in these emails- because so many great things are happening and I love my calling. I dread the time when I will not be a missionary for Jesus Christ. But, for any one that may read these emails and considering the experience a mission may entail- it can be hard. I have never fallen asleep so quickly so consistently than on a mission. You have to be very flexible- and reliable- and rely on others. Some days we don't teach anyone- some days we teach 8 people. Some days I look so sweaty. But in every instance, I feel the spirit. I know Heavenly Father is proud of me. Even when I am tired, I still feel energy. When I am about to become very nervous for things panning out- things usually fall apart- but then a better plan becomes so evident- like it was right in front of me the whole time. I have never had a really bad day- nor do I think I will. Because there are some hard moments, but they are just moments. The majority of my day is never boring- we can be very creative and have a lot of fun as we talk to so many people. It is a blast. I feel so powerful. I feel so loved.
Please read and pray at home. I have seen families become very disjointed and quickly unraveled by forgetting the little things. Recently I learned that when our stake presidency was changed just 6 months ago, Elder Godlen from the 70 came to interview the possible candidates for the stake president. The only questions asked in the qualifying interview were- do you read the scriptures every day, do you read the scriptures with your family every week, do you say a kneeling prayer every night and every evening, do you pray as a family, and do you have family home evening. That was it. Only 5 people qualified. Though this area is mostly made up of fairly recent converts, I still wonder- really, how different is it all around the world? Please read and pray, even if it it is short! It brings confidence, clarity, and power in my life. We are supposed to find peace- and prayer and scripture reading is how it is accomplished.
Can you tell what I have been teaching and testifying of lately? Haha, don't mean to over do it- it's just that good!
Hope you have a week that is full of good!
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
My first conference weekend!
Wow- there is a lot going on at home!! All the mission calls are so exciting!!! And good ol' baseball- I am glad the events were family affairs! There was a moment when I was trekking through Palm trees and crumbling streets on my bike and thought- I wonder what the scores are?! Haha, I am not homesick (really, I am not and never have been) but at that moment I wished I could have been cheering from the side lines. Loved the package- thank you so much momma!
This week we have seen three of our gators really begin to actually progress to be baptized. We also had an awesome Zone Training Meeting on faith (I was asked to do another music number) and afterwords went out to lunch with all the sisters in my zone (their were probably 12 of us total)! We have also really been helping the ward make some strides by beginning to invite people to be Ward missionaries. It has been an inspired week.
Specifically we have had some very notable and amazing lessons with our progressing investigators Ed and Brenda this week. Due to time, I am not able to give you a full account of how inspiring it was to see situations that as missionaries we cringe at because of the comments or behavior of some members in the church as we are making our first introductions with our investigators, but still see the spirit enter their hearts and testify when true doctrine is taught. It was like angels were plugging their ears at the right times- because their responses to these interactions this week were very positive and enthusiastic about continuing to meet and learn!
One of my favorite things that has happened this week occurred yesterday. 45 min before conference began we took our investigator E (remember E?!) on a church tour. Because our gator B and her boyfriend Bro M were our rides, so they ended up tagging along. The dynamic of this group was very funny, because Bro M (a returning member with a lot of misunderstandings and misconceptions with the church) who lives with Brenda (our originally catholic investigator who has a lot of questions but is really progressing towards baptism), were actually trying to impress E on the church tour. Ha! It wasn't just the missionaries' minds turning when E would ask questions or look confused! They wanted him to know that things here are really normal and special. We ended up sitting in between this group of misfits at conference and loved it! We had a couple members that came just to interact B and E, and of-course conference was just amazing. I had complete faith that things would turn out, however I have spent much time, fasting, and prayer this week pondering over their first experience at General Conference. E had to leave a little early, but he texted us a little while later to thank us for the invitation- he even got us Easter gifts. And Brenda was so touched by Jeffrey R Hollands talk that it brought her to tears afterwords. Because E had left, we were able to have a really short but sweet conversation afterwords. The Lord really took care of us all.
We also had a really great contact this week. We were syncing our iPads at our apartments clubhouse and this ultra confidant woman walked by and said hello. We stopped her and complimented her on her big sun hat. She asked who we were, and after giving her a little intro we whipped out our iPads and just showed her the Because He Lives video (for all non missionary viewers- have you watched it yet?!). I love having an iPad! When we watch videos with people, they quickly become engaged. And because this particular video was centered on Christ it invited the sweet spirit and all we had to do was testify! She was in tears. I thought that by now I would know all the tricks to contacting, but actually I have found that every time we just wing it! Haha, but as long as we testify of doctrine and reach out to them in while seeing every contact as an opportunity to talk to one of gods children who need to come back to him, that it's all good. The experience we had with this woman was just one example of not doing something crazy, but just going out of our way to open a conversation and it leading her to feel the light of Christ. I love talking to everyone- it definitely never gets boring :)
Conference was of-course spectacular. We watched all four sessions in the church. Really the 5 sets of missionaries were the only ones there on Saturday, but on Sunday we had 2 investigators, 1 returning member, and 3 larcs attend with us plus some misfits in the back! I loved to see how each person saw different themes all through out the conference, and in particular loved how I received specific revelation for the names I had written down. It was such a peaceful weekend full of anticipation to hear the words from our dear prophet and apostles. As I have looked back on my notes, I have noticed the phrase "act with the end in mind" written down in some form or another many times. I don't want to have any regret looking back on how I used my time in he incredible FOM (Florida Orlando Mission). My journal is filled with notes- I was able to soak up so much good and plan to put it into action!
I love being a missionary. It is so exciting, reassuring, and brings much peace and anticipation. I know that Jesus Christ lives, and that He can help you overcome whatever may be hindering you ability to hear Him, if you just want to draw near unto Him. I know that our loving Heavenly Father has put into place a plan that is attainable and meant to bring us eternal peace and happiness. I know that this church is true because I have experienced change in myself, seen change in others, and can feel the Holy Ghost purify my heart as it remains with me.
Love you. Stay strong. Please read your scriptures every day- it brings focus and peace into my life and know it will do the same for yours. Love love love you!
Sista' Earl
This week we have seen three of our gators really begin to actually progress to be baptized. We also had an awesome Zone Training Meeting on faith (I was asked to do another music number) and afterwords went out to lunch with all the sisters in my zone (their were probably 12 of us total)! We have also really been helping the ward make some strides by beginning to invite people to be Ward missionaries. It has been an inspired week.
Specifically we have had some very notable and amazing lessons with our progressing investigators Ed and Brenda this week. Due to time, I am not able to give you a full account of how inspiring it was to see situations that as missionaries we cringe at because of the comments or behavior of some members in the church as we are making our first introductions with our investigators, but still see the spirit enter their hearts and testify when true doctrine is taught. It was like angels were plugging their ears at the right times- because their responses to these interactions this week were very positive and enthusiastic about continuing to meet and learn!
One of my favorite things that has happened this week occurred yesterday. 45 min before conference began we took our investigator E (remember E?!) on a church tour. Because our gator B and her boyfriend Bro M were our rides, so they ended up tagging along. The dynamic of this group was very funny, because Bro M (a returning member with a lot of misunderstandings and misconceptions with the church) who lives with Brenda (our originally catholic investigator who has a lot of questions but is really progressing towards baptism), were actually trying to impress E on the church tour. Ha! It wasn't just the missionaries' minds turning when E would ask questions or look confused! They wanted him to know that things here are really normal and special. We ended up sitting in between this group of misfits at conference and loved it! We had a couple members that came just to interact B and E, and of-course conference was just amazing. I had complete faith that things would turn out, however I have spent much time, fasting, and prayer this week pondering over their first experience at General Conference. E had to leave a little early, but he texted us a little while later to thank us for the invitation- he even got us Easter gifts. And Brenda was so touched by Jeffrey R Hollands talk that it brought her to tears afterwords. Because E had left, we were able to have a really short but sweet conversation afterwords. The Lord really took care of us all.
We also had a really great contact this week. We were syncing our iPads at our apartments clubhouse and this ultra confidant woman walked by and said hello. We stopped her and complimented her on her big sun hat. She asked who we were, and after giving her a little intro we whipped out our iPads and just showed her the Because He Lives video (for all non missionary viewers- have you watched it yet?!). I love having an iPad! When we watch videos with people, they quickly become engaged. And because this particular video was centered on Christ it invited the sweet spirit and all we had to do was testify! She was in tears. I thought that by now I would know all the tricks to contacting, but actually I have found that every time we just wing it! Haha, but as long as we testify of doctrine and reach out to them in while seeing every contact as an opportunity to talk to one of gods children who need to come back to him, that it's all good. The experience we had with this woman was just one example of not doing something crazy, but just going out of our way to open a conversation and it leading her to feel the light of Christ. I love talking to everyone- it definitely never gets boring :)
Conference was of-course spectacular. We watched all four sessions in the church. Really the 5 sets of missionaries were the only ones there on Saturday, but on Sunday we had 2 investigators, 1 returning member, and 3 larcs attend with us plus some misfits in the back! I loved to see how each person saw different themes all through out the conference, and in particular loved how I received specific revelation for the names I had written down. It was such a peaceful weekend full of anticipation to hear the words from our dear prophet and apostles. As I have looked back on my notes, I have noticed the phrase "act with the end in mind" written down in some form or another many times. I don't want to have any regret looking back on how I used my time in he incredible FOM (Florida Orlando Mission). My journal is filled with notes- I was able to soak up so much good and plan to put it into action!
I love being a missionary. It is so exciting, reassuring, and brings much peace and anticipation. I know that Jesus Christ lives, and that He can help you overcome whatever may be hindering you ability to hear Him, if you just want to draw near unto Him. I know that our loving Heavenly Father has put into place a plan that is attainable and meant to bring us eternal peace and happiness. I know that this church is true because I have experienced change in myself, seen change in others, and can feel the Holy Ghost purify my heart as it remains with me.
Love you. Stay strong. Please read your scriptures every day- it brings focus and peace into my life and know it will do the same for yours. Love love love you!
Sista' Earl
Monday, March 30, 2015
#BecauseHeLives #YOFLO
As usual, I love seeing and hearing from all y'all at home! Family- have fun at the tournament! I am always routing for who ever may be competing!
This week has been pretty solid- car week!!!! Yes! And GREAT weather- March is definetely the time to visit Florida! Less cockroaches! Ward conference! General conference approaching! Everything is just dandy here in DeLand :) I have felt very close to my Savior this week as I have prayed for guidance in word and deed. When I initially realized that we pray before and after everything we do in the mission field, my honest reaction was- how in the world am I going to find new things to pray for? But after getting some pretty good practice in, I just find myself conversing all the time. I feel very close to my savior, and feel of his guidance in my work and his love for the people I serve and serve with.
Just a couple cool experiences we had this week-
P- a new gator! We met him biking two weeks ago- we were biking down a hill and he was coming up and rockin it! But we stopped him in the middle of his mojo and ended up having a really great conversation with him and got his number. We were able to teach him this last week. He was a big ex-military guy all tatted up, but he had a very soft heart and was very willing to hear our message. We taught a great lesson together. And when the time came for a closing prayer, he ended up giving it (with some pursuasion :) ) on his knees on a cement ampitheater. Because this man had humbled himself to try something knew in a unsual setting we were blessed with the feelings and promptings of the spirit that confirmed our words and his questions. It was really neat. We will see him again on Tuesday!
S- This sweet girl has been falling, but by some miracle she consented to see us (she cancelled last week). She was very stand-offish (is that an actual word?) with us initially, and I didn't see much hope for the spirit to touch her heart. We tried to keep a conversation going that she was trying to shut down. But things didn't get really rolling until we showed her the Patterns of Light (revelation) video. She teared up and expressed the fear she has been living in because she knows that she hasn't felt the influence of the spirit for quite some time. We taught her a lesson on Faith, and left amazed and so touched and also pretty confused at how she had finally admitted to herself her need to feel the influence of the spirit again in her life.
Exchanges and Air Dropping #BecauseHeLives Video at the Library- While on our exchange with our Sister Training Leaders this week (one happens every transfer), I went with one sister to the New Smyrna Beach Area to their Library. With the recent release of the Easter video (if you haven't seen it- you NEED to- anyone can enjoy it), we have been pushed to show it to everyone! I think it is such an excellent video- I have seen it so many times already but just can't get tired of it! We felt pretty witty when we thought to air drop the video to others using ipads in the Library- but we changed our Ipad name from "Sis Earl" to "God". No one ended up accepting the video- but we felt pretty creative.
Some items for home:
I am going to begin sending stuff home- it's collecting quickly. And, with the weather changing I am really seeing what I can and cant use.
Dad, you mentioned that you have been listening to Homeward Bound- Is there anyway to send that my way? Also, I LOVE listening to the EFY music- could you send me the one the new one they will release for this new "Embark" theme when it comes out?
I didn't end up sending that letter because something came up- BUT I will send it today.
Well, I am loving being a missionary. Lately I have had the question that Elder Zwick of the 70 posed to us- what am I willing to give up to me a more effective missionary? I feel so blessed to have allotted time to devote myself to this week. am becoming very comfortable in my area, and loving my sweet ward members. Can you believe it is almost April?! Time is flying by.
Until next week Familia! #YOFLO (you only florida once- haha)
This week has been pretty solid- car week!!!! Yes! And GREAT weather- March is definetely the time to visit Florida! Less cockroaches! Ward conference! General conference approaching! Everything is just dandy here in DeLand :) I have felt very close to my Savior this week as I have prayed for guidance in word and deed. When I initially realized that we pray before and after everything we do in the mission field, my honest reaction was- how in the world am I going to find new things to pray for? But after getting some pretty good practice in, I just find myself conversing all the time. I feel very close to my savior, and feel of his guidance in my work and his love for the people I serve and serve with.
Just a couple cool experiences we had this week-
P- a new gator! We met him biking two weeks ago- we were biking down a hill and he was coming up and rockin it! But we stopped him in the middle of his mojo and ended up having a really great conversation with him and got his number. We were able to teach him this last week. He was a big ex-military guy all tatted up, but he had a very soft heart and was very willing to hear our message. We taught a great lesson together. And when the time came for a closing prayer, he ended up giving it (with some pursuasion :) ) on his knees on a cement ampitheater. Because this man had humbled himself to try something knew in a unsual setting we were blessed with the feelings and promptings of the spirit that confirmed our words and his questions. It was really neat. We will see him again on Tuesday!
S- This sweet girl has been falling, but by some miracle she consented to see us (she cancelled last week). She was very stand-offish (is that an actual word?) with us initially, and I didn't see much hope for the spirit to touch her heart. We tried to keep a conversation going that she was trying to shut down. But things didn't get really rolling until we showed her the Patterns of Light (revelation) video. She teared up and expressed the fear she has been living in because she knows that she hasn't felt the influence of the spirit for quite some time. We taught her a lesson on Faith, and left amazed and so touched and also pretty confused at how she had finally admitted to herself her need to feel the influence of the spirit again in her life.
Exchanges and Air Dropping #BecauseHeLives Video at the Library- While on our exchange with our Sister Training Leaders this week (one happens every transfer), I went with one sister to the New Smyrna Beach Area to their Library. With the recent release of the Easter video (if you haven't seen it- you NEED to- anyone can enjoy it), we have been pushed to show it to everyone! I think it is such an excellent video- I have seen it so many times already but just can't get tired of it! We felt pretty witty when we thought to air drop the video to others using ipads in the Library- but we changed our Ipad name from "Sis Earl" to "God". No one ended up accepting the video- but we felt pretty creative.
Some items for home:
I am going to begin sending stuff home- it's collecting quickly. And, with the weather changing I am really seeing what I can and cant use.
Dad, you mentioned that you have been listening to Homeward Bound- Is there anyway to send that my way? Also, I LOVE listening to the EFY music- could you send me the one the new one they will release for this new "Embark" theme when it comes out?
I didn't end up sending that letter because something came up- BUT I will send it today.
Well, I am loving being a missionary. Lately I have had the question that Elder Zwick of the 70 posed to us- what am I willing to give up to me a more effective missionary? I feel so blessed to have allotted time to devote myself to this week. am becoming very comfortable in my area, and loving my sweet ward members. Can you believe it is almost April?! Time is flying by.
Until next week Familia! #YOFLO (you only florida once- haha)
Monday, March 23, 2015
Week full of biking, miracles, and cockroaches
I am so grateful for the consistent letters- it's a relief to know that every week I can count on emails from home. And also I have received many letters from a variety of family members- I feel bad that I am so behind in responding to people, but know that I have appreciated every gesture and prayer!
Well it was the first day of spring this week! Though it's pretty much sunny, and humid all year round, there is definitely an increase in pollen, sweat, heat, and bugs. Hence the frightening title. MORE cockroaches. Good heavens, I hate those things. They are big, crunchy, and creepy. This last week Sis Y woke up at night with 2 on her face- she swung out of bed, turned on the light and turned over her sheets to see if there were more. The next night she woke up again and we both found them on our beds. Needless to say we have a couple techniques- 1. Slamming every surface possible with a shoe, 2. Spearing the ones that get in the corners of cabinets and the space between wall and carpet with the end of a broom, 3. Sweeping them out using the really long outdated Joseph Smith pamphlets. When I say that we have killed too many this week, I am really saying that Sis Y did. But we have had our dear Sis Boynton (the senior couple that serves in our ward and lives In our apartment complex) come and spray our apartment. I have never prayed so hard to sleep well than this week- she is so good to us! I love and admire our senior couple- they would do anything that we needed whether we ask or not. But seriously, for the whole rest of the week I have been tip-toeing and looking around every corner around the apartment. Haha, I am so grateful for fearless fellow missionaries :)
This week we had a fantastic zone conference where half of the zones in the mission get together and have an all day training. I love being with other missionaries. The night before they asked if I could put together a musical number- because I was concerned about throwing a piano part on somebody, I played an arrangement of I Need Thee Every Hour and the 3 sisters in my district sang. It really turned out, and the spirit was very evident. We got out new iPads this week and got to see again the new Easter initiative- it amazes me to see all the money, energy, time, and resources that have been dumped into hastening this work- I feel so deeply grateful to be apart of this trusted group of missionaries!
This week! Here are some of the results of really hard prayers and effort this week:
We just happened (muhahah) to see this really cute less active girl in our ward (Jordan) as she came outside to switch her laundry. She probably wouldn't have let us in had we not seen and approached her in that moment. We had a great lesson win her. We left having extending her really inspired invitations, and she had a new resolve to meet with us. She even asked to come out and spend time seeing people with us!
We had really been really anxious about a meeting that we had set with a recent convert of ours that in recent months has turned to really poor sources for information, and I turn has questioned ever having faith and found more disturbing questions. This meeting was supposed to happen the morning after our zone conference when we got our new iPads. However when we came home from zone conference all of our plans that we had saved in our data base were deleted. We went to so much effort to figure everything out again, find rides etc.,and right before the time we were about to leave to meet Sarah, she cancelled. Well the Lord had a different plan in mind. We ended up going to visit with one of our progressing gators (Brenda) instead, and a had a great lesson in which we committed her to baptism on May 2nd! Such a miracle that she was able to meet with us on such short notice, allow the spirit to enter her heart to accept the date, and give such a fluent heart felt prayer afterwords.
We just had a really great lesson with a new gator of ours (destiny). She was vey inquisitive and open. But by the time we were able to answer all of her questions and invited her to baptism as well, we had 10 min to bike a 30 minute bike ride in order to get to our next appointment (Glase girls). We were cruisin'!!! Seriously, we had all these over passes to climb over but we still made it in 15 minutes. When it comes to heavenly fathers children hearing the message of the restored gospel, he finds a way to make it happen. In that moment it felt like super strength and tenacity.
I love you all! I am so grateful for your support and strength. I am finally going to send a letter that has been in the works for the last couple months TODAY. So be keeping an eye out for it!
Also, something that I have discovered this week is that if I have a spiritual question the answer will not be factual- it will be a spiritual one as well. It's hard to describe what these answers may feel/look like, but the more we want and try to recognize them, the more prevalent they will be. Also with conference approaching (!!!), I have been pondering over what revelation I actually need. I know that I order to receive an answer, we also must ponder and decide our questions first. Food for thought! What revelation are you in need of? What question are you expecting to be answered as you watch conference?
Love you! Godspeed!
Well it was the first day of spring this week! Though it's pretty much sunny, and humid all year round, there is definitely an increase in pollen, sweat, heat, and bugs. Hence the frightening title. MORE cockroaches. Good heavens, I hate those things. They are big, crunchy, and creepy. This last week Sis Y woke up at night with 2 on her face- she swung out of bed, turned on the light and turned over her sheets to see if there were more. The next night she woke up again and we both found them on our beds. Needless to say we have a couple techniques- 1. Slamming every surface possible with a shoe, 2. Spearing the ones that get in the corners of cabinets and the space between wall and carpet with the end of a broom, 3. Sweeping them out using the really long outdated Joseph Smith pamphlets. When I say that we have killed too many this week, I am really saying that Sis Y did. But we have had our dear Sis Boynton (the senior couple that serves in our ward and lives In our apartment complex) come and spray our apartment. I have never prayed so hard to sleep well than this week- she is so good to us! I love and admire our senior couple- they would do anything that we needed whether we ask or not. But seriously, for the whole rest of the week I have been tip-toeing and looking around every corner around the apartment. Haha, I am so grateful for fearless fellow missionaries :)
This week we had a fantastic zone conference where half of the zones in the mission get together and have an all day training. I love being with other missionaries. The night before they asked if I could put together a musical number- because I was concerned about throwing a piano part on somebody, I played an arrangement of I Need Thee Every Hour and the 3 sisters in my district sang. It really turned out, and the spirit was very evident. We got out new iPads this week and got to see again the new Easter initiative- it amazes me to see all the money, energy, time, and resources that have been dumped into hastening this work- I feel so deeply grateful to be apart of this trusted group of missionaries!
This week! Here are some of the results of really hard prayers and effort this week:
We just happened (muhahah) to see this really cute less active girl in our ward (Jordan) as she came outside to switch her laundry. She probably wouldn't have let us in had we not seen and approached her in that moment. We had a great lesson win her. We left having extending her really inspired invitations, and she had a new resolve to meet with us. She even asked to come out and spend time seeing people with us!
We had really been really anxious about a meeting that we had set with a recent convert of ours that in recent months has turned to really poor sources for information, and I turn has questioned ever having faith and found more disturbing questions. This meeting was supposed to happen the morning after our zone conference when we got our new iPads. However when we came home from zone conference all of our plans that we had saved in our data base were deleted. We went to so much effort to figure everything out again, find rides etc.,and right before the time we were about to leave to meet Sarah, she cancelled. Well the Lord had a different plan in mind. We ended up going to visit with one of our progressing gators (Brenda) instead, and a had a great lesson in which we committed her to baptism on May 2nd! Such a miracle that she was able to meet with us on such short notice, allow the spirit to enter her heart to accept the date, and give such a fluent heart felt prayer afterwords.
We just had a really great lesson with a new gator of ours (destiny). She was vey inquisitive and open. But by the time we were able to answer all of her questions and invited her to baptism as well, we had 10 min to bike a 30 minute bike ride in order to get to our next appointment (Glase girls). We were cruisin'!!! Seriously, we had all these over passes to climb over but we still made it in 15 minutes. When it comes to heavenly fathers children hearing the message of the restored gospel, he finds a way to make it happen. In that moment it felt like super strength and tenacity.
I love you all! I am so grateful for your support and strength. I am finally going to send a letter that has been in the works for the last couple months TODAY. So be keeping an eye out for it!
Also, something that I have discovered this week is that if I have a spiritual question the answer will not be factual- it will be a spiritual one as well. It's hard to describe what these answers may feel/look like, but the more we want and try to recognize them, the more prevalent they will be. Also with conference approaching (!!!), I have been pondering over what revelation I actually need. I know that I order to receive an answer, we also must ponder and decide our questions first. Food for thought! What revelation are you in need of? What question are you expecting to be answered as you watch conference?
Love you! Godspeed!
Dun-Dun-Daaaa! ... A New Comp! Busy Week!
Familia!
Sounds like your all doing great! It sounds like an exciting time at home- isn't change great?! Change in seasons, change in baseball, change in jobs, change in school, changes in teaching- change makes work rewarding. I am so glad that I'd experienced the cost of working hard before I came out- it makes all the changes easeir to cope with, and I am able to better recognize the Lord's hand in my day when I am not wieghed down with all the tasks that need to be completed. I love staying active- I have realized that if I slow down when I am tired, its very hard to start up again. I love hearing that it sounds like everyone is pressing on at home as well!
Weeellll, my companion's name is Sis Young! She is super sweet. She is from a ranch in Nebraska- a greal cowgirl! She has been out for 13 months! The trasnfer meeting always takes place on tuesdays. Transfer meetings are a blast! It's like a big draft. When we enter in the chapel they divide all the missionaries first by if they are staying or being transferred, then by zone. They have a little spiritual thought, introduct the new missionaries entering the field using a presentation and announce who their trainers will be, and then they have whoever is staying in the area stand as thier name is called by President, and then meet who's ever name is called after yours- announcing that your are now companions. It's very exciting. There are a lot of "ooo's" and "aaa's" from the audience of missionaries and members that come to the Orlando chapel. And MOM- Sis. Lewis was assinged to my district! Though she is not my direct companion, I see her at least 3 times a week- pass by each other at church on Sundays, have P-Days together, and interact at District Meeting. I am so impressed with her. She is such a sharp addition! We were wondering if you could send some stories of your own mission days when you were "Sis Vance and Call"?! SO Fun- RIGHT?!
Well, I have been leading the area! We have been so lost a couple times- but for the most part we have gotten right along. With this next week being bike week though, I am really considering buying a GPS. In the blink of an eye, with Sis A leaving, I had to direct everything! Making introductions, planning, copying maps, calling, texting, teaching- it's been a busy week! Nevertheless, we have been able to teach many of our gators this week! One particularily neat experience we had though was with a new gator we got this week. We actually approcahed the house trying to see someone that we had contacted a week before. But as we came up to the house, her mom told us that she wasn't home. We ended up talking to her mom though for about an hour! We taught her a lesson on faith, extended invitations to read the BOM, and prayed with her and now have a return appointment to follow up and continue to teach- I love meeting and teaching people! It always feel like a successful day when we have found someone new to teach!
Also another good experience we had this week, was at one of our "Why I Believe Firesides" last night. These Firsides are organized by President, and aimed for those who are investigating the church and are new members. We (almost applogetically) invited one of our gators whose boyfriend is a returning member to this meeting not expecting them to go because it was in Rockledge (an hour and a half away). But she wanted to come really badly! It was such a great meeting. Elder Kopishke (?) from the 70 came and organized a Q and A with a crowd 400+ people. Brenda (our gator) was so engaged. At the end of the meeting she saw people approaching Elder Kopishke to shake his hand, and she elbowed me and said "I have to ask him a question!". She started to make her way forwards while I tried to push my way through people to tell her that she could try but he is very busy. But once he saw her he pulled her aside and they had a 15 minute chat! I don't know what was said, but it just made my heart grow to see that such a special, busy, important representative would recognize the concern of my dear Brenda! It certianly has made me think of the people I bike past when I am in a hurry to get to an appointment- if a general authority can pull aside one woman amongst a crowd of 400+ people trying to snag a moment to shake his hand, then I can contact everyone I pass by to give them the chance they need to feel of the Light of Christ!
Yesterday was Missionary Sunday, where one missionary from each companionship was asked to speak. In sacrament, I was asked to speak on charity. I felt so guided and inspired as I was looking into the faces of my ward members. So many of them are recent converts. In the moment of teaching I realized that my soul has never been so heavy than to see some of them fall, but my joy has never been so great to see them teach, serve, and build up one another.
Mom- can you send me Jenny's email address- I have been thinking so much about her!
Sounds like your all doing great! It sounds like an exciting time at home- isn't change great?! Change in seasons, change in baseball, change in jobs, change in school, changes in teaching- change makes work rewarding. I am so glad that I'd experienced the cost of working hard before I came out- it makes all the changes easeir to cope with, and I am able to better recognize the Lord's hand in my day when I am not wieghed down with all the tasks that need to be completed. I love staying active- I have realized that if I slow down when I am tired, its very hard to start up again. I love hearing that it sounds like everyone is pressing on at home as well!
Weeellll, my companion's name is Sis Young! She is super sweet. She is from a ranch in Nebraska- a greal cowgirl! She has been out for 13 months! The trasnfer meeting always takes place on tuesdays. Transfer meetings are a blast! It's like a big draft. When we enter in the chapel they divide all the missionaries first by if they are staying or being transferred, then by zone. They have a little spiritual thought, introduct the new missionaries entering the field using a presentation and announce who their trainers will be, and then they have whoever is staying in the area stand as thier name is called by President, and then meet who's ever name is called after yours- announcing that your are now companions. It's very exciting. There are a lot of "ooo's" and "aaa's" from the audience of missionaries and members that come to the Orlando chapel. And MOM- Sis. Lewis was assinged to my district! Though she is not my direct companion, I see her at least 3 times a week- pass by each other at church on Sundays, have P-Days together, and interact at District Meeting. I am so impressed with her. She is such a sharp addition! We were wondering if you could send some stories of your own mission days when you were "Sis Vance and Call"?! SO Fun- RIGHT?!
Well, I have been leading the area! We have been so lost a couple times- but for the most part we have gotten right along. With this next week being bike week though, I am really considering buying a GPS. In the blink of an eye, with Sis A leaving, I had to direct everything! Making introductions, planning, copying maps, calling, texting, teaching- it's been a busy week! Nevertheless, we have been able to teach many of our gators this week! One particularily neat experience we had though was with a new gator we got this week. We actually approcahed the house trying to see someone that we had contacted a week before. But as we came up to the house, her mom told us that she wasn't home. We ended up talking to her mom though for about an hour! We taught her a lesson on faith, extended invitations to read the BOM, and prayed with her and now have a return appointment to follow up and continue to teach- I love meeting and teaching people! It always feel like a successful day when we have found someone new to teach!
Also another good experience we had this week, was at one of our "Why I Believe Firesides" last night. These Firsides are organized by President, and aimed for those who are investigating the church and are new members. We (almost applogetically) invited one of our gators whose boyfriend is a returning member to this meeting not expecting them to go because it was in Rockledge (an hour and a half away). But she wanted to come really badly! It was such a great meeting. Elder Kopishke (?) from the 70 came and organized a Q and A with a crowd 400+ people. Brenda (our gator) was so engaged. At the end of the meeting she saw people approaching Elder Kopishke to shake his hand, and she elbowed me and said "I have to ask him a question!". She started to make her way forwards while I tried to push my way through people to tell her that she could try but he is very busy. But once he saw her he pulled her aside and they had a 15 minute chat! I don't know what was said, but it just made my heart grow to see that such a special, busy, important representative would recognize the concern of my dear Brenda! It certianly has made me think of the people I bike past when I am in a hurry to get to an appointment- if a general authority can pull aside one woman amongst a crowd of 400+ people trying to snag a moment to shake his hand, then I can contact everyone I pass by to give them the chance they need to feel of the Light of Christ!
Yesterday was Missionary Sunday, where one missionary from each companionship was asked to speak. In sacrament, I was asked to speak on charity. I felt so guided and inspired as I was looking into the faces of my ward members. So many of them are recent converts. In the moment of teaching I realized that my soul has never been so heavy than to see some of them fall, but my joy has never been so great to see them teach, serve, and build up one another.
Mom- can you send me Jenny's email address- I have been thinking so much about her!
Monday, March 9, 2015
transfers! Keep praying!
Wow, everyone sounds amazing. Mom, I am so sorry to hear you have felt so sluggish. I am so grateful to have such a supportive, productive, goal oriented family. I haven't felt very surprised out here, and I owe that a lot to the home I have grown up in. FYI, I haven't gotten a letter yet, but tomorrow at our transfer meeting (yes, Sis Arsenault is being transferred) they will give us our mail so I’m, assuming will get it then.
Well, Sis Arsenault is being transferred. It really wasn't a surprise. It really is good timing. I finally feel like in the last couple weeks, ward members have begun to trust me. 5 of our 10 gators have been referrals- it's really a big deal. We recently had a stake meeting with all bishops and ward mission leaders invited to be trained more in the significant role the ward play in gaining and retaining converts. One thing President Berry mentioned. was that missionaries will be in areas longer to gain the trust of those they interact with- and in looking at how long sis a and her own trainer were in Deland before, I ink it's safe to assume I will be here for a while- good thing I love it here!!!! Nevertheless, Sis A and I have become best friends. We work so hard! My heart is heavier than I thought it would be- but I am ready to embrace whatever wonderful sister may be mine tomorrow!!!!!!
This week has been so fast- because we were pretty confident that sis a would be leaving, we made sure to go out with a bang. We had many neat experiences. One in my mind that sticks out is with Stephanie. For a whole bunch of different reasons, we haven't been able to see her for the last 2 and half weeks- but before then had been teaching her for about a month and a half. However despite our frequent and good visits, she is always stumped with who God is and his nature- but wouldn't pray to find out. And right after coming from our ZTM (aka Zone Training Meeting- also where I was asked to do another training!) we felt determined and prompted to go to her home right after and invite her to pray, or else we weren't sure if we would be able to see/teach her any time soon because she wouldn't be progressing. We just dropped in, she was pleased to see us, and when we asked her if we could open with a prayer she cheerfully said “oh yes! Can I say it?" We were floored. She said a beautiful, natural flowing, sincere prayer. Then she told us that she has prayed every day since we last saw her and she feels like that is why things have just been working out for her lately. Her countenance looked lighter as well! After that we had a great discussion about the characteristics of our Father in Heaven and the order of prayer.
Also this week, we both sang in church as a farewell- actually it was just a sneaky way to get a lot of people who really love us to church :) We sang "In this very room". It was really beautiful and there was a wonderful spirit. Yesterday was a busy day (Sunday's always are as we always feel like chickens with their heads chopped off), but especially so because of sis a leaving. In case you haven't noticed- everyone loves her! Our last visit was to a family that we love so dearly, but would also like to strangle for not making any changes. The spirit was incredible- now for anyone reading this I want to give a disclosure that missionary work invites a constant spirit if your living worthy of it- but is very still and simple- even when amazing things were happening. I have found that it's very rare to feel a powerful and obvious manifestation of the spirit- it has happened to me on a literal handful of occasions ON MY MISSION but I have still had many spiritual experiences. And interestingly, this visit was one of those times when the spirit was so obvious. But it was different, it felt like amazing energy Turing inside me but it also felt very uncomfortable. As a missionary on the Lords errand, I was terrified because I knew I my heart that it was time to testify and to chastise. I didn't know how to say what I knew I needed to out of fear to offend, but knew that the spirit felt so discomforting because some members of that beautiful family weren't living up to the covenants that they have knowingly made. However, as the words spilled from me I was assured that they were not offended, but being affirmed of the changes they need to make.
It's been so nice if there was ever a moment when I didn't know an answer to something to reassure myself with “it’s okay- I'm training right now" BUT today's the last day I can say that! The longer I am put I am realizing how really there isn't one missionary who knows how everything works. We are all always training.
I know that my father in heaven is a living magnificent all-knowing God. I am so grateful to know that despite his power and glory that I can't even begin to comprehend; he has still asked us to address him as Father. Every night, in some form or another, it is my prayer that others come to this same incredible understanding!!!! If someone is doubting at home, PRAY. In my mind, The fact that to prayer is a commandment tells us much more about who god is. He wants to hear from us. Our prayers will not change gods mind or influence his plan- his plan is already set. Its simple- he wants us to become like him, and to be as happy as he is. As we pray we will fell strengthened, we will have mysteries unfolded to us, we will feel loved and understood, and we will hear him speak to us. Pray pray pray!!!!!
Love us, gotta go! Decide to pray is week, and stay strong!
Also this week, we both sang in church as a farewell- actually it was just a sneaky way to get a lot of people who really love us to church :) We sang "In this very room". It was really beautiful and there was a wonderful spirit. Yesterday was a busy day (Sunday's always are as we always feel like chickens with their heads chopped off), but especially so because of sis a leaving. In case you haven't noticed- everyone loves her! Our last visit was to a family that we love so dearly, but would also like to strangle for not making any changes. The spirit was incredible- now for anyone reading this I want to give a disclosure that missionary work invites a constant spirit if your living worthy of it- but is very still and simple- even when amazing things were happening. I have found that it's very rare to feel a powerful and obvious manifestation of the spirit- it has happened to me on a literal handful of occasions ON MY MISSION but I have still had many spiritual experiences. And interestingly, this visit was one of those times when the spirit was so obvious. But it was different, it felt like amazing energy Turing inside me but it also felt very uncomfortable. As a missionary on the Lords errand, I was terrified because I knew I my heart that it was time to testify and to chastise. I didn't know how to say what I knew I needed to out of fear to offend, but knew that the spirit felt so discomforting because some members of that beautiful family weren't living up to the covenants that they have knowingly made. However, as the words spilled from me I was assured that they were not offended, but being affirmed of the changes they need to make.
It's been so nice if there was ever a moment when I didn't know an answer to something to reassure myself with “it’s okay- I'm training right now" BUT today's the last day I can say that! The longer I am put I am realizing how really there isn't one missionary who knows how everything works. We are all always training.
I know that my father in heaven is a living magnificent all-knowing God. I am so grateful to know that despite his power and glory that I can't even begin to comprehend; he has still asked us to address him as Father. Every night, in some form or another, it is my prayer that others come to this same incredible understanding!!!! If someone is doubting at home, PRAY. In my mind, The fact that to prayer is a commandment tells us much more about who god is. He wants to hear from us. Our prayers will not change gods mind or influence his plan- his plan is already set. Its simple- he wants us to become like him, and to be as happy as he is. As we pray we will fell strengthened, we will have mysteries unfolded to us, we will feel loved and understood, and we will hear him speak to us. Pray pray pray!!!!!
Love us, gotta go! Decide to pray is week, and stay strong!
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