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
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