So, with much thanksgiving, we were able to speak to Kaity on the phone on Christmas Day. It was only a 45 minute phone call, but getting to hear her sweet, happy voice was worth it. We were able to conference call with her grandparents in California for a couple of minutes and I know they truly appreciated it. She is doing wonderfully. She sounds so very happy and excited to be teaching others about their Savior, Jesus Christ. I know she would want me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas for her.
With love from her mom
Sunday, December 26, 2010
New Jersey Times: Un viaje al templo...y cada cosa mas.Monday, December 20, 2010
FAMILIA Y AMIGOS!
Okay. Sorry about last week. It was a crazy story. Mommy, I know I might have stressed you out a bit, but all is well. You see, we get to go to the temple twice a year--once in June and once in December. The thing is that the day we go to the temple becomes our Preparation Day...entonces, I didn't get time to write last week...not even my Mission President. It. Was. An. ADVENTURE. Haha. Want to know what I learned from it? Number 1, I will never live in New York City. Number 2, don't eat New York pizza right after it comes out of the oven. Number 3, 30 blocks is a long way to walk. Number 4, contacting in the City is kind of fun. Number 5, there's a difference between the SUBWAY and the New Jersey Path System. Haha.
But, really...the temple was a blessing...an absolutely wonderful blessing. I don't know how many of you have been to New York City, but the streets are loud. It's as if nothing can quiet them down. BUT, once I walked into the doors of that sacred building, it was nothing but silence. It felt like HOME. Not home like Las Vegas home, or Utah home (even though those are wonderful too)...but HOME, Home with my Heavenly Father. It has been way too long. And it makes me sad to think the next visit won't be for another 6 months. I was thinking about this the other day...how long it has been...and it made me think about how long it's been since I WAS in the presence of my Heavenly Father. His House--the temple--brings so much peace and joy that I cannot even describe. I can only imagine how much MORE peace and joy and happiness I will feel when I get to live with Him again...forever. I know I've said it before, but I challenge each of you to make a new goal, recommit yourself to go to the temple this year--once a month, once a week...I don't care, just go. I hope you will. If for no other reason, go because I cannot. You will receive blessings...I can promise you that.
Family and friends, I love you. I know this Gospel is real. You want to know one thing that gets to me...like really gets under my skin? When people say, "it doesn't matter what religion you are, we all worship the same God." NO! It DOES matter. And that "matter" has eternal significance. God has one way. He has one Church. He has one Plan. Like Sister Evens said yesterday, "Christ wasn't baptized in 6 different ways." There is only one church with the authority of God. And that Church, if I might so boldly declare, is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Heavenly Father wants all His children to be with Him after this life, but they must enter into HIS way, they must be baptized by someone who has HIS permission--not credentials from some religious school. I testify to you, to all of you, that Christ is real. That God is real. That He has a Plan in which you can be eternally happy. Who doesn't want that? :-)
Family, this work is not easy. It’s not easy to wake up at 6:30 every morning, it’s not easy to walk into a store and hear “worldly music” through the speakers, it’s not easy to teach a family who reminds you of your own, it’s not easy to go out day after day searching for those that are chosen, it’s not easy to eat plate after plate after plate of Hispanic food, it’s not easy. But, how can I expect it to be? I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ. I wear His name. I share His Gospel. I do His work. Life was not easy for Him. BUT, His promises are real. The promise of joy—that pure joy—is available to all. I certainly have nets that I need to straightway leave, I mustn’t look back to say goodbye. I have a work that I have been called to do, and my dear family, I’m going to do it. The Lord will have my heart, my soul, and my might…and through Him I will help those precious souls to taste of eternal life.
Jacob 6:5 “…and cleave unto God as He cleaveth unto you.”
That imagery is beautiful. I cleave unto God because I know His way is and always will be the best. I cleave unto God because I cannot do this alone—this work right now, this life I have. But, what does HE cleave unto ME? I picture a daughter embraced by the arms of her father. His embrace alone gives her hope, it gives her strength. But why does He do it? He doesn’t NEED her. His work can be accomplished just fine without her—He could do everything Himself if He wanted to. Why does he cleave unto her? My theory? Because He loves her. He. Loves. Her. He may have mansions prepared above, but if there’s no one to fill those mansions, is that life really going to be true happiness—for either of them? His arm isn't just hanging there just in case--no, His arm is EXTENDED and it is extended "in the light of day." Finding Him isn't difficult, you just have to get on your knees. It's not some sort of treasure hunt, His hand is in plain sight. Walk tall, you're a daughter, a child of God. Be strong, please remember who you are. Try to understand, you're part of His great plan. He's closer than you know--reach up, He'll take your hand."
I really do love you all. I wish you the Merriest Christmas ever. I hope to be hearing from you all soon...I'm still expecting those STORIES!
- Hermana Kaity Word
ALSO, correction on my address:
99 N 12th Street
Prospect Park, NJ 07508
Okay. Sorry about last week. It was a crazy story. Mommy, I know I might have stressed you out a bit, but all is well. You see, we get to go to the temple twice a year--once in June and once in December. The thing is that the day we go to the temple becomes our Preparation Day...entonces, I didn't get time to write last week...not even my Mission President. It. Was. An. ADVENTURE. Haha. Want to know what I learned from it? Number 1, I will never live in New York City. Number 2, don't eat New York pizza right after it comes out of the oven. Number 3, 30 blocks is a long way to walk. Number 4, contacting in the City is kind of fun. Number 5, there's a difference between the SUBWAY and the New Jersey Path System. Haha.
But, really...the temple was a blessing...an absolutely wonderful blessing. I don't know how many of you have been to New York City, but the streets are loud. It's as if nothing can quiet them down. BUT, once I walked into the doors of that sacred building, it was nothing but silence. It felt like HOME. Not home like Las Vegas home, or Utah home (even though those are wonderful too)...but HOME, Home with my Heavenly Father. It has been way too long. And it makes me sad to think the next visit won't be for another 6 months. I was thinking about this the other day...how long it has been...and it made me think about how long it's been since I WAS in the presence of my Heavenly Father. His House--the temple--brings so much peace and joy that I cannot even describe. I can only imagine how much MORE peace and joy and happiness I will feel when I get to live with Him again...forever. I know I've said it before, but I challenge each of you to make a new goal, recommit yourself to go to the temple this year--once a month, once a week...I don't care, just go. I hope you will. If for no other reason, go because I cannot. You will receive blessings...I can promise you that.
Family and friends, I love you. I know this Gospel is real. You want to know one thing that gets to me...like really gets under my skin? When people say, "it doesn't matter what religion you are, we all worship the same God." NO! It DOES matter. And that "matter" has eternal significance. God has one way. He has one Church. He has one Plan. Like Sister Evens said yesterday, "Christ wasn't baptized in 6 different ways." There is only one church with the authority of God. And that Church, if I might so boldly declare, is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Heavenly Father wants all His children to be with Him after this life, but they must enter into HIS way, they must be baptized by someone who has HIS permission--not credentials from some religious school. I testify to you, to all of you, that Christ is real. That God is real. That He has a Plan in which you can be eternally happy. Who doesn't want that? :-)
Family, this work is not easy. It’s not easy to wake up at 6:30 every morning, it’s not easy to walk into a store and hear “worldly music” through the speakers, it’s not easy to teach a family who reminds you of your own, it’s not easy to go out day after day searching for those that are chosen, it’s not easy to eat plate after plate after plate of Hispanic food, it’s not easy. But, how can I expect it to be? I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ. I wear His name. I share His Gospel. I do His work. Life was not easy for Him. BUT, His promises are real. The promise of joy—that pure joy—is available to all. I certainly have nets that I need to straightway leave, I mustn’t look back to say goodbye. I have a work that I have been called to do, and my dear family, I’m going to do it. The Lord will have my heart, my soul, and my might…and through Him I will help those precious souls to taste of eternal life.
Jacob 6:5 “…and cleave unto God as He cleaveth unto you.”
That imagery is beautiful. I cleave unto God because I know His way is and always will be the best. I cleave unto God because I cannot do this alone—this work right now, this life I have. But, what does HE cleave unto ME? I picture a daughter embraced by the arms of her father. His embrace alone gives her hope, it gives her strength. But why does He do it? He doesn’t NEED her. His work can be accomplished just fine without her—He could do everything Himself if He wanted to. Why does he cleave unto her? My theory? Because He loves her. He. Loves. Her. He may have mansions prepared above, but if there’s no one to fill those mansions, is that life really going to be true happiness—for either of them? His arm isn't just hanging there just in case--no, His arm is EXTENDED and it is extended "in the light of day." Finding Him isn't difficult, you just have to get on your knees. It's not some sort of treasure hunt, His hand is in plain sight. Walk tall, you're a daughter, a child of God. Be strong, please remember who you are. Try to understand, you're part of His great plan. He's closer than you know--reach up, He'll take your hand."
I really do love you all. I wish you the Merriest Christmas ever. I hope to be hearing from you all soon...I'm still expecting those STORIES!
- Hermana Kaity Word
ALSO, correction on my address:
99 N 12th Street
Prospect Park, NJ 07508
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Kaity's email from 12-06-2010, mom is slow!
Familia y amigos!
How have you all been!?! I'm kind of lacking on the "update" end. SO, I've got a homework assignment for each of you. If you could sit down and write a little 1 page summary of a miracle you’ve seen in your life—whenever in your life—and send it my way, that would be wonderful. I’d love to hear how you’re all growing out there, what has made you who you are. And you can mail it to:
99 N 10th St
Prospect Park, NJ 07508
Thank you in advance! I love you all!
As for me, Jersey is great! It is getting cold, that's for sure. I'm now wearing two pairs of tights each day...and I hate tights. SO, if that's not testimony to you that this work is real, I don't know what is. Haha. The people here are wonderful. I want to let you all know, I had some Colombian, Peruvian, and Dominican food this last week. All of it was WONDERFUL! So much better than that junk you find at those "authentic" restaurants. YUP, I said it. The food here is DELICIOUS! (Minus the fish. BLEH!) Got transfer news today...and I'M STAYING IN PATERSON! And so is Sister Evens. Which means, another 6 weeks together! I'm super stoked! We've got some wonderful baptisms lined up this month (9 to be exact). You prayers will be very much appreciated...as they always always are!
Anyway...on to the rest of this letter...
Remember Martin and Matilde? Matilde didn’t know if she was going to have the custody of her children, they didn’t know how or where they were going to move…? SO thanks to the blessed members here, Martin and Matilde finished moving into the apartment Hermana Socorro (her name means “relief” in Spanish) was living in. She’s allowing them a month to get the money together that they need to pay for the place. Also, last Wednesday was their court day…and Matilde GETS TO KEEP HER KIDS! AND, the ex-husband is now legally obligated to pay child support. This next Thursday they’re going to sign for their marriage license, the wedding will be next week, and their baptism the following Sunday (the 19th). Certainly, they still have a million things that they need help with, their troubles are not miraculously GONE; but, they have hope. Their countenances have changed. It is absolutely incredible to watch the blessings of the Gospel work in the lives of others…even before they’re baptized.
Remember last week? I talked about how Satan just tries his hardest, in his subtle little ways, to stop the power of a companionship. Funny, because last Monday was probably the peak of all of it. After I thought all was well, it seemed to spiral downward at an extremely rapid pace—for me. Those “little things” were magnified times a million. I kept trying to brush them off, praying for strength, praying for the help to talk about them if that was the will of my Father in Heaven. Some things need to be forgotten, but some things need to be discussed. I finally talked to Sister Evens last Monday night. I. Had. A. Breakdown. Like, breakdown. And she was just the BEST. I had originally thought my “problem” was with the actions of another; but it turned out that it was much deeper than that…it was with myself. I had been struggling with feeling like I’d not been doing my best; I had been down on myself without even realizing it. I had tried my best, but inside I failed to accept that…and it started to eat away at me. My wonderful companion, who I’d thought was some sort of a “problem,” was an angel for me that night. She showed me love. She helped me to see how far I had come. She gave me “homework” that helped strengthen my faith and rebuild my confidence. She was a missionary to me. President Bahr, our companionship is doing fantastically well. I want you to know. I learned a great lesson that day: We need to look inward for the problems before we turn our eyes outward, all the while trusting in God, not losing hope, recognizing the good and accepting it.
I know that my Father in Heaven helps me. He doesn’t want me to feel sad. His plan is the Plan of HAPPINESS. That is His message. And, if I am going to share it, I must start living it. I know that He knows that I truly am trying…even if no one else does, even if no one else sees it—myself included. I know that He loves me individually. He knows me. He helps me. He sees the good and helps me to see it as well.
Scripture – Jacob 5:50
Here, the Lord of the vineyard has just about given up. All his trees are bringing for evil fruit, they’re cumbering his ground; he’s ready to hew them down and cast them into the fire, for that seems to be the only solution. Then the servant says, “Spare it a little longer.” How often is that the case?! The Lord has said 3 times now “What more could I have done for my vineyard?” and the servant is saying, “You just need to wait now. You’ve done all you can, now just WAIT.” So it is with my Heavenly Father—He will always help me if I do ALL that I can. Sometimes that “ALL” means trying different things, different ways…and before I decide to just give up and abandon all my works because they SEEM, at the moment, to be unfruitful, I must “Spare. It. A little. Longer.” God will help, He ALWAYS will, but in His time. President Smith at the MTC once said, “When you’ve reached your limit, that’s when you’ll see the Lord step in.” I’d venture to say that that “limit” is not the limit in your eyes, but it’s the limit in the eyes of God. Sometimes you need a little more testing, a little more trial. Sometimes it’s physical and sometimes it’s more profound—it’s spiritual. Sometimes it’s more work, but sometimes it’s just PATIENCE. But, the promise remains that He WILL step in. Trust that.
Family and Friends, I love you all. This Gospel is true. I know it will all my heart. Joseph Smith was called of God to restore His Gospel in these the Latter-days. Thomas S. Monson is the prophet today and he leads the Church under the direction of Christ Himself, for this is Christ's Church. I hope you enjoy this wonderful season of the year. I certainly love it!
See you in a few!
- Sister Kaity Word
PS - Can you forward this to Jacob, Teen or Natalie?...and to Todd, Sister Corbett?
Mis Amigos
“The more I read the more I trust the things that I'm reading. Every commandment, promise, and piece of advise is always for their benefit and happiness. Christ learned that selfish wants only lead to the shortest of pleasure, but by using all of his time to make sure someone else was happy; the happy feeling off that person in turn filled him with joy that would last. God, our Heavenly Father, knows who we are. He knows what we need for food, for clothes. He knows about our bills and our studies. He knows about the friends who may have let you down or the one who may your day. He knows your personal situation and has told us what we should do to be happier. So, as a servant of Jesus Christ, I've seen people's smiles get a little bigger by following Christ's example, and I invite you to do the same. You may already feel that you're following Him, but I can tell you that unless you want to give up everything to do so, there's something more you can do.” – Elder Stucki, Morristown NJ (11/29/10)
“But Satan wants not ONE good thing to happen. And I read that I wrote down in one of my notebooks from the MTC that Satan has been watching us for YEARS. So HE KNOWS what pushes our buttons, and what weakens us. So no matter how hard he tries to get me to think I'M out here for the wrong reasons, I need to recognize and think about how happy I've been when I have seen somebody's life helped from me being here. Of all places I could be helping Heavenly Father iN THE WORLD, He chose me to be here.” – Sister Batchkoff, Albuquerque NM (11/29/10)
How have you all been!?! I'm kind of lacking on the "update" end. SO, I've got a homework assignment for each of you. If you could sit down and write a little 1 page summary of a miracle you’ve seen in your life—whenever in your life—and send it my way, that would be wonderful. I’d love to hear how you’re all growing out there, what has made you who you are. And you can mail it to:
99 N 10th St
Prospect Park, NJ 07508
Thank you in advance! I love you all!
As for me, Jersey is great! It is getting cold, that's for sure. I'm now wearing two pairs of tights each day...and I hate tights. SO, if that's not testimony to you that this work is real, I don't know what is. Haha. The people here are wonderful. I want to let you all know, I had some Colombian, Peruvian, and Dominican food this last week. All of it was WONDERFUL! So much better than that junk you find at those "authentic" restaurants. YUP, I said it. The food here is DELICIOUS! (Minus the fish. BLEH!) Got transfer news today...and I'M STAYING IN PATERSON! And so is Sister Evens. Which means, another 6 weeks together! I'm super stoked! We've got some wonderful baptisms lined up this month (9 to be exact). You prayers will be very much appreciated...as they always always are!
Anyway...on to the rest of this letter...
Remember Martin and Matilde? Matilde didn’t know if she was going to have the custody of her children, they didn’t know how or where they were going to move…? SO thanks to the blessed members here, Martin and Matilde finished moving into the apartment Hermana Socorro (her name means “relief” in Spanish) was living in. She’s allowing them a month to get the money together that they need to pay for the place. Also, last Wednesday was their court day…and Matilde GETS TO KEEP HER KIDS! AND, the ex-husband is now legally obligated to pay child support. This next Thursday they’re going to sign for their marriage license, the wedding will be next week, and their baptism the following Sunday (the 19th). Certainly, they still have a million things that they need help with, their troubles are not miraculously GONE; but, they have hope. Their countenances have changed. It is absolutely incredible to watch the blessings of the Gospel work in the lives of others…even before they’re baptized.
Remember last week? I talked about how Satan just tries his hardest, in his subtle little ways, to stop the power of a companionship. Funny, because last Monday was probably the peak of all of it. After I thought all was well, it seemed to spiral downward at an extremely rapid pace—for me. Those “little things” were magnified times a million. I kept trying to brush them off, praying for strength, praying for the help to talk about them if that was the will of my Father in Heaven. Some things need to be forgotten, but some things need to be discussed. I finally talked to Sister Evens last Monday night. I. Had. A. Breakdown. Like, breakdown. And she was just the BEST. I had originally thought my “problem” was with the actions of another; but it turned out that it was much deeper than that…it was with myself. I had been struggling with feeling like I’d not been doing my best; I had been down on myself without even realizing it. I had tried my best, but inside I failed to accept that…and it started to eat away at me. My wonderful companion, who I’d thought was some sort of a “problem,” was an angel for me that night. She showed me love. She helped me to see how far I had come. She gave me “homework” that helped strengthen my faith and rebuild my confidence. She was a missionary to me. President Bahr, our companionship is doing fantastically well. I want you to know. I learned a great lesson that day: We need to look inward for the problems before we turn our eyes outward, all the while trusting in God, not losing hope, recognizing the good and accepting it.
I know that my Father in Heaven helps me. He doesn’t want me to feel sad. His plan is the Plan of HAPPINESS. That is His message. And, if I am going to share it, I must start living it. I know that He knows that I truly am trying…even if no one else does, even if no one else sees it—myself included. I know that He loves me individually. He knows me. He helps me. He sees the good and helps me to see it as well.
Scripture – Jacob 5:50
Here, the Lord of the vineyard has just about given up. All his trees are bringing for evil fruit, they’re cumbering his ground; he’s ready to hew them down and cast them into the fire, for that seems to be the only solution. Then the servant says, “Spare it a little longer.” How often is that the case?! The Lord has said 3 times now “What more could I have done for my vineyard?” and the servant is saying, “You just need to wait now. You’ve done all you can, now just WAIT.” So it is with my Heavenly Father—He will always help me if I do ALL that I can. Sometimes that “ALL” means trying different things, different ways…and before I decide to just give up and abandon all my works because they SEEM, at the moment, to be unfruitful, I must “Spare. It. A little. Longer.” God will help, He ALWAYS will, but in His time. President Smith at the MTC once said, “When you’ve reached your limit, that’s when you’ll see the Lord step in.” I’d venture to say that that “limit” is not the limit in your eyes, but it’s the limit in the eyes of God. Sometimes you need a little more testing, a little more trial. Sometimes it’s physical and sometimes it’s more profound—it’s spiritual. Sometimes it’s more work, but sometimes it’s just PATIENCE. But, the promise remains that He WILL step in. Trust that.
Family and Friends, I love you all. This Gospel is true. I know it will all my heart. Joseph Smith was called of God to restore His Gospel in these the Latter-days. Thomas S. Monson is the prophet today and he leads the Church under the direction of Christ Himself, for this is Christ's Church. I hope you enjoy this wonderful season of the year. I certainly love it!
See you in a few!
- Sister Kaity Word
PS - Can you forward this to Jacob, Teen or Natalie?...and to Todd, Sister Corbett?
Mis Amigos
“The more I read the more I trust the things that I'm reading. Every commandment, promise, and piece of advise is always for their benefit and happiness. Christ learned that selfish wants only lead to the shortest of pleasure, but by using all of his time to make sure someone else was happy; the happy feeling off that person in turn filled him with joy that would last. God, our Heavenly Father, knows who we are. He knows what we need for food, for clothes. He knows about our bills and our studies. He knows about the friends who may have let you down or the one who may your day. He knows your personal situation and has told us what we should do to be happier. So, as a servant of Jesus Christ, I've seen people's smiles get a little bigger by following Christ's example, and I invite you to do the same. You may already feel that you're following Him, but I can tell you that unless you want to give up everything to do so, there's something more you can do.” – Elder Stucki, Morristown NJ (11/29/10)
“But Satan wants not ONE good thing to happen. And I read that I wrote down in one of my notebooks from the MTC that Satan has been watching us for YEARS. So HE KNOWS what pushes our buttons, and what weakens us. So no matter how hard he tries to get me to think I'M out here for the wrong reasons, I need to recognize and think about how happy I've been when I have seen somebody's life helped from me being here. Of all places I could be helping Heavenly Father iN THE WORLD, He chose me to be here.” – Sister Batchkoff, Albuquerque NM (11/29/10)
