We are children of the Most High, we have a promised inheritance in His Celestial Kingdom, our futures are bright if we but allow them so to be. Why is it so hard for the world to remember, yet so easy to forget? Satan is set on causing us to forget; Heavenly Father is set on helping us remember. I was pondering today about our nature. Yield to the enticings of the cunning one, or yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit? Putting off the natural man takes effort, it is a decision to be made and an action to be taken. Even so is choosing the spiritual--a decision must be made and an action taken. The amount of effort is about the same in both cases. So, why do we not just exert our efforts in that which brings true happiness, instead of in that which brings damnation?
"To be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal" (2 Nephi 9:39). Thank you, Jacob, for putting it so plainly. Everyone is some sort of "-minded" so why not choose the good one? I know I have much to overcome; my weaknesses seem to shine forth on a daily basis, discipleship takes constant effort, constant evaluation, constant thirst for that which is right. I make mistakes more than anyone I know. I see them All. The. Time. However, I also have a testimony of the Atonement. It is Real. It is what makes possible that overcoming. I may have a fallen physical nature, but the nature of my very being is Glorious and Eternal, for I am a daughter of God. He has blessed me with the ability to CHOOSE. To choose to be spiritually-minded ignites within us a desire to repent, to draw closer to Christ. That repentance replaces the carnal, the devilish, the natural man with PEACE. The answers to my prayers almost always if not always come through peace. A level of peace is always felt. Sometimes it takes first stepping into the unknown, but it comes. The peace felt from choosing to be spiritually-minded is not always felt immediately; nor is the sorrow that comes from choosing to be carnally-minded felt immediately. Satan's not giving up, but God isn't either. It's already decided who's going to win. My duty is to figure out which side I'm truly on, not just the one I think I'm on.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Como esta tu relacion con tu Senor?
President Jeppson asked me in my final interview a question that has stuck with me ever since. He asked, "How do you think your relationship is with your Savior?" I've thought about that every day. I'm hear to tell you, things are different after the mission; nevertheless, my relationship with my Savior should not ever take the back burner. I've allowed the world and life to kind of get in the way as I was away on vacation. I continued to do my studies, and I will for the rest of forever, but they hadn't been as productive as I knew they could/should be. It's interesting to have been able to feel the difference it has had on my life. My relationship with my Savior wasn't as strong as it should have been. As I sat in church this morning and listened to the talks about Christ, I pondered on His Goodness. I thought of how amazed I stand at His love, at His sacrifice for me. I thought about what that sacrifice meant to me and how said meaning is/should be reflected in my actions. One of the speakers today said, "Our power to act comes from our ability to believe"...and I add, our ability to believe comes from the magnitude of our desire. I will never act if we do not first have a desire. And, my spiritual staying power will never make itself manifest if I do not first believe. The same goes of each of you. Do you want to know your Savior better? Are you content with the knowledge you already have? How is your personal relationship with Him?
Friends, I love my Savior. I am eternally grateful for His Atoning sacrifice in my behalf, for His making right my wrongs, for His making strong my weaknesses. I decided today to rededicate myself to Him, because that is what He deserves, it is what I have covenanted that I will do. I may not wear a badge, but I still wear His name. President Jeppson once said, "The more you love [your Savior], the more your capacity to love yourself and others increases." That's what it's all about--coming to love Him so that in turn we might more fully be able to love others. The Atonement was/is the greatest act of love ever known to this world. As we learn to apply it in our own lives--thus coming to better know and love our Savior--we are more capable of developing that love towards others; we see them through the lens of eternity instead of that of the here and now. It is my prayer that my life might be my testimony, that all who know me might come to know a little better their Redeemer. I want the world to know Who it is that I worship. I want the world to know Him. He makes possible the impossible. He gives comfort when the heart seems almost to fall to despair. He shines light into the darkest of shadows--a light that illuminates, a light that inspires, a light that makes free.
Friends, I love my Savior. I am eternally grateful for His Atoning sacrifice in my behalf, for His making right my wrongs, for His making strong my weaknesses. I decided today to rededicate myself to Him, because that is what He deserves, it is what I have covenanted that I will do. I may not wear a badge, but I still wear His name. President Jeppson once said, "The more you love [your Savior], the more your capacity to love yourself and others increases." That's what it's all about--coming to love Him so that in turn we might more fully be able to love others. The Atonement was/is the greatest act of love ever known to this world. As we learn to apply it in our own lives--thus coming to better know and love our Savior--we are more capable of developing that love towards others; we see them through the lens of eternity instead of that of the here and now. It is my prayer that my life might be my testimony, that all who know me might come to know a little better their Redeemer. I want the world to know Who it is that I worship. I want the world to know Him. He makes possible the impossible. He gives comfort when the heart seems almost to fall to despair. He shines light into the darkest of shadows--a light that illuminates, a light that inspires, a light that makes free.
Monday, March 26, 2012
I am good for something
I am so grateful for my friends. Heavenly Father puts in our lives the people that we need when we need them. I had the opportunity to see three of my very best friends—Justine Banks, Jacob Trotter, and Todd Corbett—this weekend for the first time in a very very very long time. I loved being able to see how they’ve grown, to feel of the power of their spirits. They are each remarkable and will always have a special place in my heart. I am reminded of Alma and the sons of Mosiah, when they run into each other. It’s the first time in 14 years that they’ve all been together. Of the experience it is written, “…Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting…” (Alma 17:2-3). I felt like Alma. I feel like Alma. My heart is full of gratitude so great I can hardly contain it. My friends have grown in their testimonies. They know Whose they are. They understand their purpose. They are disciples of Jesus Christ, now and for forever. I love them for it.
I learned something this last weekend. I learned the power of “I Am.” It was something I learned on my mission, but it hit home a little bit more. When Christ presented Himself, oftentimes He did so by saying that He was “I Am.” He knew Who He was, He understood it, and He applied it to everything He ever did. There is power in knowing who we each are. “I am good for something,” so why not find that something and run with it? Who are you? What makes you YOU? Are you a child of God? Do you know it? Are you a pianist, an intellectual, a temple attender, a peacemaker, a leader, a disciple of Jesus Christ? Who ARE you? It’s been a struggle the last week and a half. I realized the things I was doing didn’t have much meaning because I didn’t really understand what I was off to accomplish, I didn’t understand my purpose. My training wheels are off now. I’m riding solo. There is no more book that tells me what I am to do, how I am to manage my time. I didn’t want to wait for something like work or school to define my purpose. It needed be something within. That way, no matter what happens, I will always have it to guide me. After study and prayer and a bit of pondering, I came to the conclusion that I must continue to be an example of the believer and Father will use me as His instrument. I must do all that I do in order to build up the Kingdom of God on the earth—consecrate all of my time and talents to His work. So, I made myself a post-it and stuck it in my planner. It reads, “Did I help build up God’s Kingdom today? What can I do better tomorrow?” The best part is that I know Heavenly Father will use me. I know who I am in His eyes and therefore understand that I am good for many things. My life will be patterned after that knowledge.
As I was talking with Jacob the other day, I said something about making sure I would teach my children the importance of obedience, that it brings blessing and safety. He then turned to me and asked, “Kaity, how many people do you think you taught on your mission?” I thought for a second and said, “Well, I hope at least a couple” (I didn’t quite understand his point at first). He shared with me something he learned on his mission, and since that little talk, I’ve learned it too. He said mas o menos, “I learned that we do not actually teach anyone anything. Heavenly Father helps them to learn it when they’re ready.” It is so true! How many times have you heard people teach about the Atonement? You’ve heard what it is, but you never learned what it really meant until you experienced Its power for yourself. We each have experiences so that we can share them with others; but, Heavenly Father will help them learn those principles through their own experiences in His timing. And, not very often will it be in the self-same moment. We cannot be frustrated when others just don’t seem to “get it” even though you have told “it” to them a million and one times. They will understand not because of what you say, but because of their own encounters with the Spirit—He will teach them those lessons when they’re ready to learn them.
I learned about the importance of agency, of using that agency to make decisions. A friend bore his testimony today and just briefly mentioned something about making decisions. I wrote those two words down—“making decisions”—and decided I was going to go home and ponder it a little more. I learned that I don’t want to wait on other people and their decisions before I choose to be happy. It is important that we are who we know that we are, that we trust that everything will work out as it should, that we just “let go and let God” as another member put it in her testimony today. Opposition must needs be remembered when making decisions. There will be an opposition in all things. Opposition, however, isn’t always bad—it simply opposes. If my favorite color is blue, then my favorite color cannot be green. That doesn’t mean that it is bad for it to be green, the two just cannot be one. Decision making would not be decision making if there wasn’t an opposing choice to be made. It means taking a stand, it means acting. Heavenly Father trusts me to do that which is right; however, that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s always only ever one right decision to be made. Things get harder and significant growth can take place when we have to choose between many good things. It is in doing so that our faith grows.
I don’t know. I’m not sure if what I’m writing makes a whole lot of sense, but I hope you can get out of it what Father would have you learn. I love the Gospel with my whole heart. I am grateful for the lesson Heavenly Father teaches us each day if we will but listen.
I learned something this last weekend. I learned the power of “I Am.” It was something I learned on my mission, but it hit home a little bit more. When Christ presented Himself, oftentimes He did so by saying that He was “I Am.” He knew Who He was, He understood it, and He applied it to everything He ever did. There is power in knowing who we each are. “I am good for something,” so why not find that something and run with it? Who are you? What makes you YOU? Are you a child of God? Do you know it? Are you a pianist, an intellectual, a temple attender, a peacemaker, a leader, a disciple of Jesus Christ? Who ARE you? It’s been a struggle the last week and a half. I realized the things I was doing didn’t have much meaning because I didn’t really understand what I was off to accomplish, I didn’t understand my purpose. My training wheels are off now. I’m riding solo. There is no more book that tells me what I am to do, how I am to manage my time. I didn’t want to wait for something like work or school to define my purpose. It needed be something within. That way, no matter what happens, I will always have it to guide me. After study and prayer and a bit of pondering, I came to the conclusion that I must continue to be an example of the believer and Father will use me as His instrument. I must do all that I do in order to build up the Kingdom of God on the earth—consecrate all of my time and talents to His work. So, I made myself a post-it and stuck it in my planner. It reads, “Did I help build up God’s Kingdom today? What can I do better tomorrow?” The best part is that I know Heavenly Father will use me. I know who I am in His eyes and therefore understand that I am good for many things. My life will be patterned after that knowledge.
As I was talking with Jacob the other day, I said something about making sure I would teach my children the importance of obedience, that it brings blessing and safety. He then turned to me and asked, “Kaity, how many people do you think you taught on your mission?” I thought for a second and said, “Well, I hope at least a couple” (I didn’t quite understand his point at first). He shared with me something he learned on his mission, and since that little talk, I’ve learned it too. He said mas o menos, “I learned that we do not actually teach anyone anything. Heavenly Father helps them to learn it when they’re ready.” It is so true! How many times have you heard people teach about the Atonement? You’ve heard what it is, but you never learned what it really meant until you experienced Its power for yourself. We each have experiences so that we can share them with others; but, Heavenly Father will help them learn those principles through their own experiences in His timing. And, not very often will it be in the self-same moment. We cannot be frustrated when others just don’t seem to “get it” even though you have told “it” to them a million and one times. They will understand not because of what you say, but because of their own encounters with the Spirit—He will teach them those lessons when they’re ready to learn them.
I learned about the importance of agency, of using that agency to make decisions. A friend bore his testimony today and just briefly mentioned something about making decisions. I wrote those two words down—“making decisions”—and decided I was going to go home and ponder it a little more. I learned that I don’t want to wait on other people and their decisions before I choose to be happy. It is important that we are who we know that we are, that we trust that everything will work out as it should, that we just “let go and let God” as another member put it in her testimony today. Opposition must needs be remembered when making decisions. There will be an opposition in all things. Opposition, however, isn’t always bad—it simply opposes. If my favorite color is blue, then my favorite color cannot be green. That doesn’t mean that it is bad for it to be green, the two just cannot be one. Decision making would not be decision making if there wasn’t an opposing choice to be made. It means taking a stand, it means acting. Heavenly Father trusts me to do that which is right; however, that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s always only ever one right decision to be made. Things get harder and significant growth can take place when we have to choose between many good things. It is in doing so that our faith grows.
I don’t know. I’m not sure if what I’m writing makes a whole lot of sense, but I hope you can get out of it what Father would have you learn. I love the Gospel with my whole heart. I am grateful for the lesson Heavenly Father teaches us each day if we will but listen.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Ya regrese!
I’m home?! These past couple days have been an adventure in and of themselves. I loved being in the Mission Home last Tuesday night before I came home. I learned some very valuable lessons, things that I will forever implement in my life and in the lives of those in my future family. I love the example of love that is my Mission President and his wife. They’ve taught me a lot, whether they’ve realized it or not, just by being who they are. We all have those people who have impacted our lives in ways that words could never explain. Aren’t we all so grateful for them?! I loved the missionaries I came home with – Elders Rosas, Larsen, Watkins, Roberts, Kreiger, Breur, Althouse, Cardoso, Gomes. They were some powerhouse missionaries and I’m grateful for the time I had to serve with them. I haven’t a doubt that they will continue to serve the Lord with all the fervor with which they served Him the past two years. Tuesday night ended late and Wednesday morning started early. It was hard to say goodbye. I was grateful to have Elders Tilley, Maughan, and Erikson take us to the airport. I have grown to love each of them for the caliber of missionaries that they are.
The plane ride home was a hard one. It was strange to be waving farewell to a place I felt I had only just been saying hello to. “New Jersey is my home,” I kept saying to myself. It is to me like the waters of Mormon to the people of Alma. New Jersey is where I came to know my Savior, it is where I experienced pure joy for the first time in my whole life, it is where I grew to love myself, it is where I found my closest friends. I love New Jersey.
When I got to Las Vegas, my heart was pounding just as hard as it had been for the past week. I was nervous. I was excited. I was sad, but I was happy. It was an interesting little roller coaster of emotions. I came to the escalator only to find my Daddy waiting at the bottom. Mommy had told me they’d wait by the carousel, so I was a little thrown off. It was a joyous reunion. Little Brother is like 6 inches taller. My sisters are beautiful. My mommy and daddy look great. I asked a lady if she would take a picture for us…I ended up giving her a mormon.org pass-along card afterwards :-). She seemed pretty excited about it, actually.
From the airport we drove straight to my Stake President’s Law Office in downtown Las Vegas. It was there that I was released from my full-time service. That was a difficult experience for me. I expected to feel a change in the Spirit that I felt, but I didn’t. I felt that same peace that I’d felt during my mission, and I was grateful. My ability to remember things seems to have decreased however…but that’s about it. I am determined to live worthy of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, for that is the only way I know how to live.
The days since have been a little adventure. It’s a whole different world. I’m not used to it, but I’ll be just fine. I find joy in my scripture study. Prayer continues to be my refuge. I couldn’t do it without my Father in Heaven. I read a verse this morning that hit me pretty hard. It reads, “But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words.” This is where I need to be right now. He knows why I’m here, His wisdom is so much greater than mine. I trust Him with all my heart and know that He will guide me as He works to bring to pass His eternal purposes. It’s here. Reality has hit. And I’m going to live it.
Monday, March 12, 2012
New Jersey Times - Un tiempecito. Amor incontable.
KAITY'S LAST MISSION EMAIL
Mi Querida Familia,
What a remarkable feeling it is to arrive at the close of my mission and have such a sense of peace and love and pure joy fill my heart. I met with my Mission President for my final interview. President and Sister Jeppson flew back to New Jersey yesterday. I got to have my interview with my President! I found out for sure last Wednesday that he had been cleared and would be back before I left. God is a God of miracles. He answered the door to the mission home this morning sin maletas. He's doing great. He's walking. He just has a glow about him. He's grateful to be back. And I'm grateful that he's back...both of them. The tender mercies of the Lord!
I apologize because this email will not be an update of any events that have happened this past week. I feel impressed to share with you a little about what I have learned through my service. It's that last opportunity I'll have to write you as a set apart representative of my Savior.
I have learned that I am a daughter of God. I have inherited divine qualities from the Father of my spirit as well as a right to become like Him. I am royalty. I am precious in the eyes of my Maker. I am His. As I've grown in my understanding of that pure truth, I have grown in my ability to love myself. I have received witness after witness after witness that my Heavenly Father loves me, that I am noble, that I am righteous. I have been freed from myself because of the Greatness of my God.
I have learned that love really needs to be my motive. Love of my Savior first and foremost. My dear President once said, "The more you love Him (Jesus Christ), the more your capacity to love yourself and others increases." As our understanding and our ability to personally apply the Atonement in our lives increases, our ability to love also increases. I feel like this life is our opportunity to learn of our worth, to understnad who. we. are. in the eyes of God. There is power in knowing our worth as His children. It is real. I want for the rest of forever to help others remember Whose they are. We live in a world full of negativity, it easily finds its way into our lives if we're not careful to keep it out. Positive thinking, especially of one's self allows for the Spirit to always be present, it allows for life to be lived to its fullest. I believe that if we understood who we are as children of Deity, we would not be so quick to do iniquity. If we just took the time to get to know our real selves--the spirit that dwells within this tabernacle of clay--we would soar to great heights in all aspects of life. The Atonement of Jesus Christ, His Sacrifice, makes that possible. If we are weighed down by sin, our spiritual eyes are blinded and that hinders our ability to see those spiritual truths. As we repent and renew our covenants made at baptism, we are made to see clearly again. All that Heavenly Father does for us is to help us know of our great worth.
I have learned that Jesus Christ is my Savior. For the past 18 months, I have been trying to come to know Him better, that I might truly be Him for these people. I have loved learning of my Savior. It has been an honor to wear His name each and every day. That tag might be coming off in a couple days, but the Name will always be there. As we make covenants with our God, the Name of His Son becomes engraven upon our hearts even more than ever before. My service as His full-time Representative, as a Missionary may be over soon; however, my service as His disciple--His full-time disciple will never end.
I've learned that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I need not fear. Because of my Savior, with my Savior I can do all things...ALL thing, even the hard ones. The Atonement gives me hope; and where there is hope, there is faith; and where there is faith, fear cannot reside. It is a trust. Sometimes fear begins to overcome me, sometimes I let it get too far; but, I'm always reminded of my Savior. No matter what the fear is, it can be swallowed up by an appeal to that Great Sacrifice. Fear comes because of uncertainty, faith because of a surety.
I've learned the beauty of true friendship--brothers and sisters united in the cause of Christ. You can pass much time having not seen someone and the moment you are reunited, the feelings of joy and happiness and peace are reignited. You may not even know a whole lot about each other's lives; however, you know what each other is all about, and that creates a bond between you that never can be broken. I think that's what it's all about. I have loved watching my dear brothers [and sisters]...grow in their understanding of spiritual truths, come to know on a more profound level who they each are as children of God and instruments in His hands. I love each opportunity Father has given me to feel of the power of their spirits, the power that comes from their righteousness. I love each of you for sharing this time with me. I encourage you to cultivate those kinds of relationships with all that you meet. We all lived together once, in perfect harmony. Our goals were the same. Now we get to help each other remember them.
My dear family and friends, I'm excited to see you again. I'm excited to see how you've grown. I'm excited to hear of your experiences. I'm excited to give you all giant hugs! I'm excited for what the future holds. I'm excited to put all I've learned into practice. My training wheels are coming off. My nets are put up and I'm going out for the harvest. I'm going to get dirty and covered and worn out in the work of my Lord.
I love you. Forever.
Hermana Word
PS My dear Corbett Family, I love you! Thank you for the birthday package! You are all angels!
Mi Querida Familia,
What a remarkable feeling it is to arrive at the close of my mission and have such a sense of peace and love and pure joy fill my heart. I met with my Mission President for my final interview. President and Sister Jeppson flew back to New Jersey yesterday. I got to have my interview with my President! I found out for sure last Wednesday that he had been cleared and would be back before I left. God is a God of miracles. He answered the door to the mission home this morning sin maletas. He's doing great. He's walking. He just has a glow about him. He's grateful to be back. And I'm grateful that he's back...both of them. The tender mercies of the Lord!
I apologize because this email will not be an update of any events that have happened this past week. I feel impressed to share with you a little about what I have learned through my service. It's that last opportunity I'll have to write you as a set apart representative of my Savior.
I have learned that I am a daughter of God. I have inherited divine qualities from the Father of my spirit as well as a right to become like Him. I am royalty. I am precious in the eyes of my Maker. I am His. As I've grown in my understanding of that pure truth, I have grown in my ability to love myself. I have received witness after witness after witness that my Heavenly Father loves me, that I am noble, that I am righteous. I have been freed from myself because of the Greatness of my God.
I have learned that love really needs to be my motive. Love of my Savior first and foremost. My dear President once said, "The more you love Him (Jesus Christ), the more your capacity to love yourself and others increases." As our understanding and our ability to personally apply the Atonement in our lives increases, our ability to love also increases. I feel like this life is our opportunity to learn of our worth, to understnad who. we. are. in the eyes of God. There is power in knowing our worth as His children. It is real. I want for the rest of forever to help others remember Whose they are. We live in a world full of negativity, it easily finds its way into our lives if we're not careful to keep it out. Positive thinking, especially of one's self allows for the Spirit to always be present, it allows for life to be lived to its fullest. I believe that if we understood who we are as children of Deity, we would not be so quick to do iniquity. If we just took the time to get to know our real selves--the spirit that dwells within this tabernacle of clay--we would soar to great heights in all aspects of life. The Atonement of Jesus Christ, His Sacrifice, makes that possible. If we are weighed down by sin, our spiritual eyes are blinded and that hinders our ability to see those spiritual truths. As we repent and renew our covenants made at baptism, we are made to see clearly again. All that Heavenly Father does for us is to help us know of our great worth.
I have learned that Jesus Christ is my Savior. For the past 18 months, I have been trying to come to know Him better, that I might truly be Him for these people. I have loved learning of my Savior. It has been an honor to wear His name each and every day. That tag might be coming off in a couple days, but the Name will always be there. As we make covenants with our God, the Name of His Son becomes engraven upon our hearts even more than ever before. My service as His full-time Representative, as a Missionary may be over soon; however, my service as His disciple--His full-time disciple will never end.
I've learned that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I need not fear. Because of my Savior, with my Savior I can do all things...ALL thing, even the hard ones. The Atonement gives me hope; and where there is hope, there is faith; and where there is faith, fear cannot reside. It is a trust. Sometimes fear begins to overcome me, sometimes I let it get too far; but, I'm always reminded of my Savior. No matter what the fear is, it can be swallowed up by an appeal to that Great Sacrifice. Fear comes because of uncertainty, faith because of a surety.
I've learned the beauty of true friendship--brothers and sisters united in the cause of Christ. You can pass much time having not seen someone and the moment you are reunited, the feelings of joy and happiness and peace are reignited. You may not even know a whole lot about each other's lives; however, you know what each other is all about, and that creates a bond between you that never can be broken. I think that's what it's all about. I have loved watching my dear brothers [and sisters]...grow in their understanding of spiritual truths, come to know on a more profound level who they each are as children of God and instruments in His hands. I love each opportunity Father has given me to feel of the power of their spirits, the power that comes from their righteousness. I love each of you for sharing this time with me. I encourage you to cultivate those kinds of relationships with all that you meet. We all lived together once, in perfect harmony. Our goals were the same. Now we get to help each other remember them.
My dear family and friends, I'm excited to see you again. I'm excited to see how you've grown. I'm excited to hear of your experiences. I'm excited to give you all giant hugs! I'm excited for what the future holds. I'm excited to put all I've learned into practice. My training wheels are coming off. My nets are put up and I'm going out for the harvest. I'm going to get dirty and covered and worn out in the work of my Lord.
I love you. Forever.
Hermana Word
PS My dear Corbett Family, I love you! Thank you for the birthday package! You are all angels!
Monday, March 5, 2012
New Jersey Times - Una semana aun mas rara
Familia,
Thank you for your letters, for your emails, for your love. I love each of you so much. Keep it up out there! I apologize because I have not time enough to right you much. My Mission President is doing alot better. We still don't know when he'll be back, but he's recovery at a miraculous rate and I'm ever so grateful for your prayers and your support. Shelby, thanks for your letter!!!! We did service with the New York New York South Missionaries back in September. I met your future mission presidents! Crazy! The East Coast is ready to receive the Gospel. Especially the Hispanics here. You and my sister are going to tear it up! ;-)
I get to go on an exchange tomorrow, to the temple on Wednesday, we have transfer planning on Thursday, a Stake Relief Society activity on Saturday, and a big ward fireside on Sunday. My last week as a missionary, and I won't be doing much teaching. It kind of makes me sad, but I'm excited for all the week has in store.
This last week was crazy. I'll tell you about it in a couple weeks. I learned that Heavenly Father gives us the strength we need in order to be able to overcome whatsoever thing comes our way. The refiner's fire is a tough one, but it's so worth it. Jesus Christ is my Savior. The Holy Ghost is my guide. I love this work. I'm enlisted for the rest of forever.
Stay safe. Keep praying. See you soon!
Hermana Word
Thank you for your letters, for your emails, for your love. I love each of you so much. Keep it up out there! I apologize because I have not time enough to right you much. My Mission President is doing alot better. We still don't know when he'll be back, but he's recovery at a miraculous rate and I'm ever so grateful for your prayers and your support. Shelby, thanks for your letter!!!! We did service with the New York New York South Missionaries back in September. I met your future mission presidents! Crazy! The East Coast is ready to receive the Gospel. Especially the Hispanics here. You and my sister are going to tear it up! ;-)
I get to go on an exchange tomorrow, to the temple on Wednesday, we have transfer planning on Thursday, a Stake Relief Society activity on Saturday, and a big ward fireside on Sunday. My last week as a missionary, and I won't be doing much teaching. It kind of makes me sad, but I'm excited for all the week has in store.
This last week was crazy. I'll tell you about it in a couple weeks. I learned that Heavenly Father gives us the strength we need in order to be able to overcome whatsoever thing comes our way. The refiner's fire is a tough one, but it's so worth it. Jesus Christ is my Savior. The Holy Ghost is my guide. I love this work. I'm enlisted for the rest of forever.
Stay safe. Keep praying. See you soon!
Hermana Word
Thursday, March 1, 2012
New Jersey Times - Una semana rara!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Familia Mia!!!
It's weird. All of this is weird. I went to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty on Monday. I had what we call my "hot seat" yesterday. When a missionary leaves, they take 30-45 minutes after one of our meetings to ask the missionary questions about his/her mission, embarrassing moments, people who've had a great impact on his/her life, advice for other missionaries, etc. Two weeks and I'll be home. It feels strange, yet normal.
My companions are amazing. Hermana Fenn spent last Thursday to Monday in Fardale (about an hour and a half away from New Brunswick) with Sister Call while one of our Sister missionaries went home for her father's funeral. Hermana Simpson and I continued work in New Brunswick. We also had an exchange last Friday--Hermana Simpson was with Sister Lambeth in New Brunswick, and I was with Sister Schroeffel in Clinton. What an eye-opener it was for me! I was reminded of how grateful I am to have such a wonderfully supportive ward here in New Brunswick. All the members love the missionaries and they love missionary work. In Clinton, I found that there are a number of members who have fallen away and joined other churches and want nothing to do with anything "Latter-day Saint." There are a handful of members who are willing to help the missionaries but they're just not as open about it. Welcome to English work? The Church is true, it doesn't matter where you live in New Jersey, in the US or in the world...it will always be true. It broke my heart to know that so many people have forgotten about/neglected the witnesses they've received from the Holy Ghost. It made me excited, however, to do missionary work when I get home, to get to work even more with less active members and recent converts. Never forget what you know to be true. Keep the commandments and Heavenly Father will help you to know His will.
Hermana Simpson and I had a neat experience last Sunday. Veronica, one of our investigators, moved three weeks ago. When she was moving, she wasn't sure of her address. We tried to contact her for quite some time after having moved, but her cell phone is just a little weird and contact was never made. As we were walking out of our building last week, we found Veronica waiting in the lobby. We instantly asked her where she lived and set an appointment with her for Sunday. She told us, "718 Joyce Kilmer, Apt C1." When we walked into her building, we noticed that all the apartments on the bottom floor started with C1 and then had another letter after them: C1A, C1B, C1C...there were probably ten different apartments. Haha. Hermana Simpson and I decided to say a prayer and ask Heavenly Father where Veronica lived (we tried to call her, but she didn't pick up). We chose one end and just started knocking. We had knocked 3 doors before we got to C1C. I almost didn't knock it because I heard them watching English television, but Hermana Simpson encouraged me to do it anyway. It turned out to be Veronica's apartment; however, she was in the shower. The three guys sitting in the living room must have invited us to come inside 100 times, and each time we told them that we couldn't until there was a woman in the same room as us. :-) So, we stood at the door and taught a guy named Luis for 20 minutes. Veronica later came out, we talked for a minute, had a prayer and left. As we were walking out to the car, we met a woman standing in the parking lot. We told her who we were and she willingly gave us her address, told us her schedule, and committed herself to call the phone number to get a copy of the Book of Mormon. I love those little whisperings of the Spirit. It wasn't anything huge, any grand prompting...not any of them; nevertheless, we were guided to where Father would have us be. He works the same way with each of us. If we seek for His guidance, He will give it to us. Pretty cool, huh?! :-)
I love you family! Keep it up! I'll see you so soon!
Con amor,
Hermana Word
9949 - Elders Larsen and Rosas...my mission buddies.
9953 - The good ole Island of Ellis
9973 - Me trying to be artistic
00008 - Just outside of the ferry dock.
00015 - The Russian Tear Drop, a gift from Russia to us as a 9/11 memorial (Jacob, this is where your mission meets mine I decided. Haha.)
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
New Jersey Times - El poder del Espiritu
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Familia Mia!!!
I LOVE YOU! Thank you for the pictures. Little Brother, you're getting so tall...it's weird. Haha. I love that you just take my picture around with you. Thank you for making me apart of all that you do there in Vegas. I have the best family for me, hands down. Three more weeks and I'll get to give you all giant hugs! Isn't that exciting? Haha. Hopefully I'm not a weirdy about hugging boys...maybe we can do our super cool daddy-Kaity hug? I told my companions about that. I still think it's the greatest thing. :-) Spaghetti Dinner here we come! It will be great to see the ward again...and to be able to thank you in person for all your support. I love you all. Also, Brother Kirk...will you at least let me take my plate to the kitchen when I'm done? Please and thank you.
Thank you all for your kind words. I'm doing alot better this week. President Jeppson is doing well. He had his surgery last Thursday to remove his right kidney. We all fasted as a mission and it turns out they were able to do it 2 hours quicker than anticipated. He is recovering really well; however, he will still need 3-5 weeks of recovery. Thank you for your prayers. I love my Mission President.
The work in New Jersey has just been wonderful. I have been having a great deal of fun. There's nothing greater than teaching with the Spirit, than doing anything with the Spirit. When we follow His promptings, we will be happy. Sunday night we left a great lesson to go to another one, our last one for the day. We had asked two members to come with us, Javier and Magaly. We left our previous lesson a little bit later than planned and weren't going to be able to get to Keyla and Wilson's house on time if we still picked our members up. We prayed about what to do and decided to still go pick them up. I am so grateful that we did. Keyla and Wilson had done their homework! We started the lesson by singing a song and having a prayer. We talked a little about what they had learned as they had read, but they didn't remember much. The last time we were there we had taught them about how much God loves them, about Prophets, about dispensations, and a little about the ministry of Jesus Christ. We had invited them to read a little more about His ministry, the Great Apostacy, and the First Vision. Javier (a fairly recent convert) shared with them all about the first two points we had left Keyla and Wilson to read. Hermana Fenn explained in a little bit greater depth how Christ's church fell after He fulfilled His mission and the people killed His Apostles. Hermana Simpson then began to explain what happened with Joseph Smith. Side note: Keyla and Wilson live in a house with central air (not a normal occurence in New Jersey). The air was blowing for most of the lesson; however, the instant that Hermana Simpson started to share Joseph Smith's experience in the Sacred Grove, the air stopped. The room was silent, all but her voice. The Spirit bore witness to my very soul at that moment the reality of Joseph's experience. He told me that Joseph Smith really did see God, the Father and Jesus Christ and that they did, in reality, speak to him. They told him that none of the churches were true, that they didn't have Their authority; nonetheless, that They were going to restore Their Church--Their Gospel in its purity--to the face of the earth through Joseph Smith. As she shared the First Vision, I thought of what it meant in my life--because of that very moment, I know Who my Father in Heaven is, I know Who Jesus Christ is, I know that I can be with my family forever, and I know how to do so...because of that moment, I have the opportunity to be a missionary, to share it with the world! I was brought to tears. I thought of how we needed to be late so that that air could stop flowing at that very moment. I testified of the Holy Ghost after Hermana Simpson was done sharing the experience. I testified that it was so very evident in that room at moment. I asked Wilson who he felt. He didn't really respond. I asked Keyla. She paused for a second and said, "Peace. I feel peace. Peace, peace, peace, peace, peace." We shared with them that the Holy Ghost was testifying to them of the truthfulness of the experience Joseph Smith had. When He was the strongest, we invited them to be baptized. They both shared with us how they had already been baptized.
"You mean, to be baptized again?" Keyla said.
"Yes," we replied.
They didn't tell us yes or no. They promised they would pray to know if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's church on the earth today. We're going to see them again today.
I love those experiences! That's what missionary work is all about. That is what makes it so joyful, so fulfilling. The Spirit truly is the teacher, and we are just the messengers. I want every lesson I ever teach as a missionary, as a visiting teacher, as a Sunday school teacher, as a Young Women's leader...I want them to be just like that one. I don't ever want it to end. The work is moving forward.
My companions are wonderful. They're doing wonderfully. I hope that story sheds some light on how remarkable they both are. The members continue to be awesome as well. We're having a missionary fireside Sunday, March 11, my last Sunday as a missionary. We're going to help the members learn a little bit more about HOW they can do missionary work because they're all so willing to do it. We get to use the help of the return missionaries we have in our ward--Bishop and his wife included. We're excited!
I hope all is well with all of you. Grandmother Rosaline, thank you for your cards. You are such a sweetheart! I'm sorry I didn't get to get one out to you this week...I've been kind of busy with packing and organizing and all that jazz.
Keep it up, family! I'll see you soon!
Los AMO!
Hermana Word
9861 - Us with Hermana Fenn last week
9877 - Our member friend Yazmin gave us this Hyacinth when she came out with us last Friday. We came home Sunday night and it had BLOOMED! I was super excited!
9881 - I convinced my companions to run outside with me yesterday...and they had FUN. :-)
9892 - We live right by a river...that's where we went running :-)
Monday, February 13, 2012
New Jersey Times - Un cambio de corazon
Monday, February 13, 2012
Familia!
I've got very very VERY little time, but know that regardless of how much I get written here, I love you ALL!
The last couple days have been an adventure, a roller coaster of emotions, anything and everything you could think of. Saturday we had an All Mission Conference with Elder Jay Jensen (of the Presidency of the Seventy) and Elder Jeffrey Olson. It was a remarkable experience. At that Conference, President Jeppson announced that he has kidney cancer and will be flying out to Salt Lake City today with Sister Jeppson in order to have surgery. It was an array of tender mercies from the Lord that lead to the finding of his cancer. I wish time permitted the sharing of all of them. They will be there for the next 4-6 weeks. It is a difficult thing for me to even write this to you because I love my Mission President and his wife so much. They will not be here for my final temple trip, for my final interview, nor to take me to the airport. Actually, nothing's for sure yet, but they're anticipating that they will not be able to be back by then. I trust in my Father in Heaven and I know He knows better than any of us what needs to happen, when, and why. It is still hard though. SO, I ask for your prayers. He has said that if they are still in Utah when I get back, that he would love to be able to see us (the missionaries and me that are leaving in a couple weeks) so that he can give us one final interview. If circumstances allow, I ask that a trip to Salt Lake might be considered shortly after my return. I would love for the whole family to be able to come, so you can meet my wonderful President...especially Lauren who soon will be starting her life as a missionary.
Yesterday morning Hermana Fenn came to companion study and shared with us an experience she had had during personal study. She said something about feeling like she needed to have a change of heart. In Relief Society yesterday (the meeting with all the women :-), she turned to me and said she had to go to the restroom. As missionaries, we're not allowed to leave each other's sight nor sound, so I went to the door and watched her as she went to the restroom. As she opened the door to the restroom, I heard a big thump. I looked over and realized all I saw were her feet and her legs, lying on the ground. I quickly called Hermana Simpson to come out with me and we found our companion struggling to stand up straight. She slowly made her way to the ground again and just stared blankly at the wall. We sat her up and tried to get her attention. (Maybe I'm going into too much detail. Please, stop worrying :-). Turns out as she was sitting in class she felt something happen in her heart, something weird. That's when she told me she had to go to the restroom; she just wanted to figure out what happened. We took her straight to the emergency room. They ran some tests and couldn't find anything wrong; however, they asked her to stay overnight so they could do some more tests and see if they couldn't find the reason for what happened. She is currently there. We joked with her about asking for a change of heart. She's such a trooper. We know that Father is taking care of her. I love her so much. All the doctors seemed to think we were slightly crazy because we kept telling them we "couldn't be separated." As if we have separation anxiety or something. Haha. Hermana Simpson and I had one of the security guards approach us ask us why it was so. We continued to talk to him for most of the night. He thinks we're a little strange because we send our brand new missionaries into the heart of Newark at night, by themselves nonetheless; or that we only talk to our families twice a year. :-) Billy is our new friend.
New Brunswick is wonderful. The members here have taken upon themselves the name of Christ and they understand what it means. They are remarkable. Somehow they all seem to know about Hermana Fenn and have been calling and texting us like crazy offering to help in any way. The Lord takes care of His missionaries...and I add all of His children. Mosiah 18:8-9. They exemplify it. I'm am so grateful to be so closely involved with them, to be able to learn from their example.
I love you family. Keep in up! Be the Lord's hands for the people that surround you. See you soon!
- Hermana Word
(the first ;-).
Familia!
I've got very very VERY little time, but know that regardless of how much I get written here, I love you ALL!
The last couple days have been an adventure, a roller coaster of emotions, anything and everything you could think of. Saturday we had an All Mission Conference with Elder Jay Jensen (of the Presidency of the Seventy) and Elder Jeffrey Olson. It was a remarkable experience. At that Conference, President Jeppson announced that he has kidney cancer and will be flying out to Salt Lake City today with Sister Jeppson in order to have surgery. It was an array of tender mercies from the Lord that lead to the finding of his cancer. I wish time permitted the sharing of all of them. They will be there for the next 4-6 weeks. It is a difficult thing for me to even write this to you because I love my Mission President and his wife so much. They will not be here for my final temple trip, for my final interview, nor to take me to the airport. Actually, nothing's for sure yet, but they're anticipating that they will not be able to be back by then. I trust in my Father in Heaven and I know He knows better than any of us what needs to happen, when, and why. It is still hard though. SO, I ask for your prayers. He has said that if they are still in Utah when I get back, that he would love to be able to see us (the missionaries and me that are leaving in a couple weeks) so that he can give us one final interview. If circumstances allow, I ask that a trip to Salt Lake might be considered shortly after my return. I would love for the whole family to be able to come, so you can meet my wonderful President...especially Lauren who soon will be starting her life as a missionary.
Yesterday morning Hermana Fenn came to companion study and shared with us an experience she had had during personal study. She said something about feeling like she needed to have a change of heart. In Relief Society yesterday (the meeting with all the women :-), she turned to me and said she had to go to the restroom. As missionaries, we're not allowed to leave each other's sight nor sound, so I went to the door and watched her as she went to the restroom. As she opened the door to the restroom, I heard a big thump. I looked over and realized all I saw were her feet and her legs, lying on the ground. I quickly called Hermana Simpson to come out with me and we found our companion struggling to stand up straight. She slowly made her way to the ground again and just stared blankly at the wall. We sat her up and tried to get her attention. (Maybe I'm going into too much detail. Please, stop worrying :-). Turns out as she was sitting in class she felt something happen in her heart, something weird. That's when she told me she had to go to the restroom; she just wanted to figure out what happened. We took her straight to the emergency room. They ran some tests and couldn't find anything wrong; however, they asked her to stay overnight so they could do some more tests and see if they couldn't find the reason for what happened. She is currently there. We joked with her about asking for a change of heart. She's such a trooper. We know that Father is taking care of her. I love her so much. All the doctors seemed to think we were slightly crazy because we kept telling them we "couldn't be separated." As if we have separation anxiety or something. Haha. Hermana Simpson and I had one of the security guards approach us ask us why it was so. We continued to talk to him for most of the night. He thinks we're a little strange because we send our brand new missionaries into the heart of Newark at night, by themselves nonetheless; or that we only talk to our families twice a year. :-) Billy is our new friend.
New Brunswick is wonderful. The members here have taken upon themselves the name of Christ and they understand what it means. They are remarkable. Somehow they all seem to know about Hermana Fenn and have been calling and texting us like crazy offering to help in any way. The Lord takes care of His missionaries...and I add all of His children. Mosiah 18:8-9. They exemplify it. I'm am so grateful to be so closely involved with them, to be able to learn from their example.
I love you family. Keep in up! Be the Lord's hands for the people that surround you. See you soon!
- Hermana Word
(the first ;-).
Monday, February 6, 2012
New Jersey Times - Me jactare en mi Dios para siempre jamas.
My Dear Family,
How ARE you?! I've only got 6 more of these emails and it's weirding me out. Oh, Ashley Gibson...WELCOME HOME! :-) And Mommy, thank you for your email. Sometimes I just want to share and share and share the lessons I've learned and I apologize for not sharing more experiences with you all. I learn so much each week and I just what you all to know it. My new companion is remarkable! It's been fun working in a trio again. It also makes team-ups with male members so much easier!...and if we are teaching men, we don't have to stand outside in the freezing cold anymore. You see, there's this rule in that there must always be three females ages 16 or older (or 3 males if they're Elders...the guy missionaries) present to be teaching someone of the opposite sex inside his/her house. It is for our safety, and I'm grateful for it. Sometimes it's a little difficult because we can't always get the help of our female members due to work or other activities...and we have so many male members of the church here that would LOVE to come out without, but it has been quite difficult to be able to bring them. SO, we're having fun being able to see many more people and bring many more people with us.
Yesterday we taught our friend Edgar. He's Geovanni's childhood friend (Geovanni's the one who was baptized back in December). Edgar is a spiritual giant; however, he's having a little bit of a hard time. He loves the Book of Mormon, he constantly recognizes the differences it has made in his life. He no longer drinks. His coworkers ask him what has happened. People notice. He was raised Catholic...well, sort of...until the age of 10, and then he moved out and came to the United States. He believes that the different saints that they worship have helped him in his life, for him they're just as important as Jesus Christ. He feels confused at times because He thinks (at least from what I understand) that learning from us means that all those experiences he had before in his life are void. He's had some wonderful experiences with God and he doesn't want those to mean nothing if all that we're teaching him is true. That's the thing though, those experiences have brought him to where he is right now. Heavenly Father has been preparing him his whole life. And really, it's not a matter of turning away from what you've known...it's turning back to what you knew before ever coming to this earth. I love Edgar so much. The Spirit is always present while we teach him. Geovanni even told him yesterday that Edgar is always in his prayers, that he prays that Edgar won't be so confused and that he can come to recognize this as the truth. Que mejor amigo uno puede tener!
As for myself, I'm doing pretty well. I had a little break down the other day. I told Hermana Fenn before Hermana Simpson got here that I'd probably have 5 or 6 of those before I went home. One down, only a couple more to go. Haha. I was reading Alma 26 in my personal study. Actually, I started reading it not really having realized what chapter I was in. As I continued reading, I recognized it. I love Ammon. I love his words. He seems to describe perfectly how I've felt as I've served my mission. I quote, "And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some. Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards us...Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name. Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo...Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen" (Alma 26:30-31, 35-37). His testimony has become my own. I love my God with all my heart. I am and forever will be grateful for the gift of His Son and for the opportunity that I've had to share it with my dear brothers and sisters...and that I get to do so for the rest of forever.
I love you all. Keep it up! I'll see you in a few!
Los amo,
Hermana Word
9766 - Hermana Simpson!!!
9788 - My Zone from the MTC!...we were all at Transfer Conference. One of Father's tender mercies.
9809 - My dear Sister Cope and I...with Elder Dunleavy in the background.
9816 - Our blender exploded :-)
9819 - Harlington and Sandy...two of my FAVORITE people! (she made us dinner :-)
Monday, January 30, 2012
New Jersey Times - Hoy viene una nueva bebecita
Familia Mia!
First things first: My little sister is going on a MISSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What?! Washington DC North...SPANISH SPEAKING?!...also serving in the Washington DC Temple Visitor's Center?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Seester, I'm SOOOO excited! I wish you could hear my voice or see my face, then you'd know for sure the extent of my excitement. I may not have actually prayed you'd go Spanish Speaking, but I did in my heart. Now we'll be able to speak Spanish to each other! I did kind of pray that you would come here...I even told my mission president about it...but Washington DC is close enough! I think your mission just about borders mine. Cool huh?! The east coast is beautiful...and even more beautiful is helping those here come to know their Savior and enter into the waters of baptism. Seester, I can't WAIT!
Second things second (that sounds weird haha): Heavenly Father has asked me to train my last transfer. Her name: Hermana Samantha Simpson. She flies in today and I get to meet her tomorrow. I. Am SO. EXCITED! I love my Father in Heaven for trusting me to take care of one of His most precious daughters. The feelings if inadequacy never seem to leave; however, I trust that Father has prepared her for me and me for her...and Hermana Fenn for the two of us (we're going to be in a trio). I had asked Him to help me focus the last couple months of my mission. As I knelt down to pray last Thursday night, I felt so strongly that Hermana Simpson is yet another answer to my fervent prayer. He listens. He knows what we need at the very moment we need it. My heart is filled to the brim with gratitude for His omniscence, for His LOVE. The last 6 weeks are going to be the best yet. I am excited to share all that I've learned. I felt that the other day. I firmly believe that Father allows us to experience the things we experience for two reasons: 1. To strengthen our testimonies and 2. To help others strengthen theirs. It has been fun preparing for this last transfer. Everything I've done the last 17 months, and really the last almost 23 years has been preparing me for now. And, what I do now is preparing me for the future. If we just trust in our God, we will know that we are always prepared to tackle any task put before us...for He does not and will not ever set us up for failure. I have received a witness of that.
Hermana Fenn is doing so well! She is remarkable. I love her so much! I'm excited to be able to be with her for the last leg of this great race. I will have served with her twice as long as I served with Hermanas Evens and Lowry, and four times as long as I served with Hermanas Sommerfeldt, Soto, Arnaud, Adams, Coley, and now Simpson. Cool, huh? :-) We must have been best friends before this life. She will be finishing Hermana Simpson's training when I go home. It's weird to finally know where I'm going to be before I come home. It's weird that I'll be coming home soon. With all this next transfer has in store, I know it will come faster that I think it will. I'm excited to end it here, surrounded by so many people that I love. New Brunswick is still as great as ever. We have been without our car the past 6 days and the members have sacrificed much to help us get around. I love them. I hope they know that. Hermana Fenn and I talk about it all the time, how wonderful they are...and we do our best to express our gratitude towards them.
I've not much else to say to you today. Know that I love each of you. Lisa Hodges, thank you for your sweet letter. Grandma Rosaline and Auntie Joy, thank you as well for yours. I love my Father in Heaven for having sent each of you to be a part of my life. Keep it up. I'll be seeing you soon.
Con tanto amor,
Hermana Word
9741 - The District. Elder Montierth, Elder Rozier (District Leader), Elder Packer, Elder Gittins, Hermana Fenn, y YO! (the camera forgot to flash)
9753 - Hermana Fenn and I at our friend Carmen's house. She lives in the same apartment building as we do.
9756 - We rode bikes to the library today. First time my whole mission...minus the bike in our gym. Haha.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
New Jersey Times - Si ama a Dios...
Monday, January 23, 2012
Familia Mia!
I cannot thank you enough for your support. Honestly, I pray for help focusing on the work and Heavenly Father invites many of you to write me letters or emails and through you He answers my prayers. I love my God. And I love each of you.
Uncle Roy, I pray that all goes well with your recuperation. I know Heavenly Father loves you, that all these things will give you experience and will be for your good, for that is how Father works with each of us. I believe He gives us trials so that we can learn from them and then use what we've learned to bless the lives of others. SO, each of you...don't lose hope. Trust in your God, find the reason for the trials, make the most of them, write down what you learn, and share it with others. And remember, the Priesthood is God's authority, it has been given to worthy male members of His church and is to be used in order to bless Father's children. When times are tough, when we know that what to do, those who have been given said authority have the right to act in the name of Christ and heal us, give us comfort, counsel us. It is their duty as His servants, as His Disciples. And, I am ever so grateful to have been the recipient of countless priesthood blessings and encourage each of you to never forget that power. Father wants to bless us, for He loves us dearly; however, we must ask, we must act.
I love New Brunswick. I love every area in which I've been called to serve. They have become home to me; the people have become my family. Christian was baptized yesterday!!! His baptism was a very unique and edifying experience for me. Many of his family is still very much inactive for various reasons unbeknownst to us; yet they chose to leave their nets, even if only for a moment, and support Christian in his covenant making. Hermana Fenn said to me yesterday, "They did it for Christian because they love him." I thought about that. "Should it not be the same with God?...Should we not give up everything because we love GOD?" Should I not give up all things because I love my God--leave my nets behind, turn over my will, and follow His Son? Christian's family very much loves him. It was not easy for them to come yesterday, but they did it. And as they did, they made room for the Spirit to touch their hearts. I know not the ramifications of such an act; however, I doubt not that Father will help them to remember what they once knew to be true. The Spirit was present. As we choose to love our God more than anyone or anything else, we open our hearts and allow the Spirit to help us come to know Him. In the words of my dear Mission President, "The more we love Him, the more our ability to love ourselves and others increases." It is the great commandment, and on it hang all the laws and the prophets. I LOVE baptismal services! I LOVE how Father teaches us the things He would have us learn.
The clock is ticking...but not really. ;-) I promise you I will give my Savior my all until the very end...until that day when I get to stand before Him and my Father in Heaven. I've got nothing else. He's helping me and I love Him for it. Each of you are remarkably supportive. I have wonderful friends who continue to encourage me. Father always gives me the words I need at the very moment I need them. I think of Elder Holland's Easter talk, "None Were With Him" and it brings me comfort. We are never alone, not ever. I am and forever will be grateful for my Savior's sacrifice. I will live for the day when I get to give Him and my Heavenly Father a Great. Big. Hug. My mission doesn't end in March. My homecoming will not be for many more centuries. And until that day I will "declare His word among His people" (3 Nephi 5:13). I love my God and I am grateful that He allows me to involve myself in His work. I've never known such joy. And I venture to say neither have you until you have given your all to Him.
I love you. I love you I love you I love you!!!! Keep it up, my dear family. Let us work together until that great day :-). I'll see you soon.
Los amo,
Hermana Word
9720 - Christian's Baptism! (The kid is 10 years old, but he looks like he's 14 :-)
9716 - Also, it snowed!...finally...like, for REAL ;-)
9656 - Two of my favorite members - Hermana Marcela and Hermana Celeste
9689 - Me trying to be artistic.
9683 - My dear friend Sister Wright and I on a companion exchange (Teen, she reminds me a LOT of you)
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
New Jersey Times - La ultima conferencia
Monday, January 16, 2012
FAMILIA!!!!
I love you. Thank you for all your letters and emails of encouragement...they're very much needed, especially now. You each are wonderful.
I had so much fun this last week. We had 13 lessons with a member present! I LOVE our members! It has been a joy calling them, setting up team-ups with them, visiting them in their homes. I feel like we have their trust, and I'm grateful for that. Bishop Sevilla got up in Sacrament Meeting yesterday and shared a missionary experience he had just last week and invited the ward members to open their mouths and share the Gospel. He testified that the Spirit would give them the words to say in the very moment they need to be said. It was wonderful. Our two investigators set with a baptismal date have been found through the members. The 3 people that came to church yesterday were found through members. Two of our new investigators were found through the members. Thirteen of our total investigators were found through members. Member work is so important, and it makes missionary work so much more efficient. Master planning and members go hand in hand. Christian will be baptized this next Sunday and Hermana Fenn and I are SO excited! His mom and Grandma have been inactive for the past 7 years. They have had a change of heart and church is now a first priority. Christian will be baptized by his grandfather, Presidente Alegre. It is going to be a wonderful experience. I'll let you know how it goes. Just pray for them, will you? :-)
I had my last Zone Conference on Thursday. Si, my very last one. I was asked to sing at it with Elder Packer. Hermana Fenn played the cello. That in and of itself was a tender moment. President and the Assistants prepared to teach us about the Plan of S alvation. I wish I could share with you all that I learned, all that the Spirit witnessed to me; but, I haven't the time. However, I testify that Father answers our prayers; that as we prepare our minds and our hearts to receive revelation, He gives it to us in greater measure than we could have ever hoped. Just after lunch it hit me pretty hard how much time I don't have left. I asked Father to help me receive revelation in regards to my future callings, in order to prepare me for who I will need to be for Him in just a couple months. President Jeppson shared with us at the close of our conference the importance of our calling. He testified of the enabling, enhancing power we receive with the mantle of our calling. He describe what it will be like to be released, to sit before our Stake Presidents and be asked to remove our badge. When daddy and President Richards laid their hands upon my head and I was set apart as a full-time missionary, my natural abilities were enhanced. For the past almost 17 months I have been learning and growing at a greater rate than ever before, in part because of that mantle. President Jeppson encouraged us to continue to develop our talents, to learn the scriptures, to study the language while that mantle is still here. As I do so, I will be better prepared to work in Father's Kingdom when the time comes to take off my badge. I encourage each of you to take the time to develop those talents Father has given you, to consecrate them to His work. As you do so, you will discover talents and abilities you never knew you had. I love this Gospel. The Plan of Salvation is a process of progression. We are all working towards godhood. We must use this time that we have on earth to the very best of our abilities. Isn't it wonderful?!
Family, I love you. I love this work. I invite you to wear yourselves out in it for the rest of forever. There is no greater joy than that felt as you serve your God. Jesus is the Christ. I know it.
Talk to you soon!
Hermana Word
FAMILIA!!!!
I love you. Thank you for all your letters and emails of encouragement...they're very much needed, especially now. You each are wonderful.
I had so much fun this last week. We had 13 lessons with a member present! I LOVE our members! It has been a joy calling them, setting up team-ups with them, visiting them in their homes. I feel like we have their trust, and I'm grateful for that. Bishop Sevilla got up in Sacrament Meeting yesterday and shared a missionary experience he had just last week and invited the ward members to open their mouths and share the Gospel. He testified that the Spirit would give them the words to say in the very moment they need to be said. It was wonderful. Our two investigators set with a baptismal date have been found through the members. The 3 people that came to church yesterday were found through members. Two of our new investigators were found through the members. Thirteen of our total investigators were found through members. Member work is so important, and it makes missionary work so much more efficient. Master planning and members go hand in hand. Christian will be baptized this next Sunday and Hermana Fenn and I are SO excited! His mom and Grandma have been inactive for the past 7 years. They have had a change of heart and church is now a first priority. Christian will be baptized by his grandfather, Presidente Alegre. It is going to be a wonderful experience. I'll let you know how it goes. Just pray for them, will you? :-)
I had my last Zone Conference on Thursday. Si, my very last one. I was asked to sing at it with Elder Packer. Hermana Fenn played the cello. That in and of itself was a tender moment. President and the Assistants prepared to teach us about the Plan of S alvation. I wish I could share with you all that I learned, all that the Spirit witnessed to me; but, I haven't the time. However, I testify that Father answers our prayers; that as we prepare our minds and our hearts to receive revelation, He gives it to us in greater measure than we could have ever hoped. Just after lunch it hit me pretty hard how much time I don't have left. I asked Father to help me receive revelation in regards to my future callings, in order to prepare me for who I will need to be for Him in just a couple months. President Jeppson shared with us at the close of our conference the importance of our calling. He testified of the enabling, enhancing power we receive with the mantle of our calling. He describe what it will be like to be released, to sit before our Stake Presidents and be asked to remove our badge. When daddy and President Richards laid their hands upon my head and I was set apart as a full-time missionary, my natural abilities were enhanced. For the past almost 17 months I have been learning and growing at a greater rate than ever before, in part because of that mantle. President Jeppson encouraged us to continue to develop our talents, to learn the scriptures, to study the language while that mantle is still here. As I do so, I will be better prepared to work in Father's Kingdom when the time comes to take off my badge. I encourage each of you to take the time to develop those talents Father has given you, to consecrate them to His work. As you do so, you will discover talents and abilities you never knew you had. I love this Gospel. The Plan of Salvation is a process of progression. We are all working towards godhood. We must use this time that we have on earth to the very best of our abilities. Isn't it wonderful?!
Family, I love you. I love this work. I invite you to wear yourselves out in it for the rest of forever. There is no greater joy than that felt as you serve your God. Jesus is the Christ. I know it.
Talk to you soon!
Hermana Word
Monday, January 9, 2012
New Jersey Times - La plenitud de gozo
Querida Familia!
Oh how it flies! This week has been wonderfully rewarding. My companion is such a little powerhouse, I LOVE it! We have seen an array of miracles. Father never ceases to amaze me. We found this remarkably prepared man named Eddy last Tuesday. We had gone to contact a former investigator who, upon recognizing who we were wasted no time in telling us she was Jehovah's Witness and did not wish to hear more. (Some day she will :-). We stayed to knock a couple doors. It was one of those 3 days this winter that has been bitterly cold. Our "last door" was our miracle. Eddy came to the door, surprised to find that we were out just knocking on doors in such weather. We spent about 15 minutes talking with him, testifying of truth, and inviting him to act. It was powerful. We have since passed him on to the English Elders, so we'll see what happens :-). Father is preparing His children. The field is white and He is guiding us to those who are ready to be harvested. Each of you play an important role in helping us find those people. I've pondered a lot on the readiness of the hearts of our brethren in South America, how that part of the world has just blossomed. I venture to say that if we do our part, we as members of His church and bearers of His name, this work will move forward with greater velocity than ever before in our neighborhoods, amongst our family members, coworkers, and friends. We must be examples of the believers, we must learn of our calling, internalize the atonement, and keep the covenants we have made with our God. What better news do we have to share than that of the Restored Gospel? No movie or musical group or book is more important. I didn't understand that before my mission; but, over 16 months of preaching it has helped me to finally feel it. The Savior is coming, and we have been foreordained to prepare the way. How great is our calling! I promise you that as you pray to your Father in Heaven and ask Him what He would have you do in your little part of His vineyard, He will tell you. And to that I add that He will guide you, He will support you, He will give you the words to say and the courage to say them. The purpose of this life is to attain a fulness of joy. That joy is found in the service you render to your fellow man. I testify of it. With all my heart, I testify of it.
I find great joy in doing the work of my God. I am here to work, to give my God my all, as King Benjamin and his brethren did thousands of years ago (Words of Mormon 1:17-18). I have grown to love my Savior, I have grown to love these people, I have grown to love myself. 9 more weeks...Missionary Training Center for the rest of my life. You best have a stretcher ready when you pick me up from the airport ;-).
I love you family. I pray for you daily and trust Father is watching over you. Keep it up! That temple will be awaiting each of us on March 14th. We'll get to go together for the first time ever. Isn't that exciting?!?!?! Give it your all, and I'll give it mine.
Los amo TANTO!
- Hermana Word
9617 - This is my buddy AB. We were friends before this life. :-)
9633 - I'm learning how to make real food!
9642 - I love the vines here.
9647 - Jersey sunrise. This place is beautiful. Also, I think that's a water bottle stuck in the tree. Haha.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
New Jersey Times - el tiempo es ahora
Monday, January 3, 2012
Familia!
Sorry I didn't write yesterday. Federal Holiday. Haha. Jersey is finally getting cold. It's been in the 50's lately...and it's weird. But now it's below 30 so at least it sort of feels like winter. (Why do I always write about the weather? Haha). How are you family?! Friends, school starts again...tomorrow I believe?! How exciting is that?! Enjoy it for me, will you.
This past week has been a great one. I got to go to my first ever Zone Leader Council (all Zone Leaders are Elders). President invited Hermana Fenn and I to share with the Zone Leaders certain things we've learned throughout our missions. It was a wonderful experience. I LOVED being with such remarkable leaders. 6 of the 10 missionaries that came out from my Zone in the MTC are serving as leaders in this great mission. Missionary work is the BEST! The whole meeting was focused on goal setting/master planning. It was great because I was working on figuring out my goals for the new year. Many of my goals are focused on helping me continue to do the things I've learned as a missionary after my mission. I will not fall back into old habits! :-) One of my favorite goals and one of my toughest is that of not eating sweets. I've pondered and prayed about it, thought about whether or not I could truly accomplish it, evaluated and re-evaluated my "why"...and eventually came to a conclusion. I've tried to do this before, but I didn't have the most appropriate motivation. I've thought about how many people I teach each day who struggle to give up the things they love in order to more fully follow their Savior. I am giving up sweets as a year long fast in behalf of them. I will not be a missionary for much longer, but there will forever be others who need help. I do it in order to better understand what they go through and how I might be able to help them. I pray that as with any fast, the Lord consecrate my efforts and bless the lives of my dear brothers and sisters. The concept of goal setting is something that will stay with me forever. I will use it for the building up of the kingdom of my God. As long as we have a big enough WHY we can conquer any WHAT. I have a testimony of that. I encourage you to figure out why you set the goals you've set, to take them to the Lord and invoke the powers of Heaven in accomplishing them. I promise you will find great joy in the process.
I love what the mission has taught me. I'm excited to soon be able to implement all of those lessons-learned into "real life" situations. Father has taken my weaknesses and made them my strengths. It is Him that I worship, and I will for the rest of forever. I'm excited for all this new year has in store. I'm ready to hit the pavement running faster and harder than ever before. These last couple months as a missionary are going to be the best yet. I'm dedicated, I'm determined. My gait is set, my goal is Heaven. I am enlisted in the greatest work the world has ever seen--the work of exaltation. We all get to be apart of it. Isn't that wonderful?
I encourage you to keep it up out there. Pray for opportunities to talk about the Gospel...and then take massive action to find those opportunities and make them happen. The Lord will bless you with the courage to open your mouth and the Spirit to testify of the truthfulness of your words. I love you my dear family. I'll be seeing you soon!
- Hermana Word
Familia!
Sorry I didn't write yesterday. Federal Holiday. Haha. Jersey is finally getting cold. It's been in the 50's lately...and it's weird. But now it's below 30 so at least it sort of feels like winter. (Why do I always write about the weather? Haha). How are you family?! Friends, school starts again...tomorrow I believe?! How exciting is that?! Enjoy it for me, will you.
This past week has been a great one. I got to go to my first ever Zone Leader Council (all Zone Leaders are Elders). President invited Hermana Fenn and I to share with the Zone Leaders certain things we've learned throughout our missions. It was a wonderful experience. I LOVED being with such remarkable leaders. 6 of the 10 missionaries that came out from my Zone in the MTC are serving as leaders in this great mission. Missionary work is the BEST! The whole meeting was focused on goal setting/master planning. It was great because I was working on figuring out my goals for the new year. Many of my goals are focused on helping me continue to do the things I've learned as a missionary after my mission. I will not fall back into old habits! :-) One of my favorite goals and one of my toughest is that of not eating sweets. I've pondered and prayed about it, thought about whether or not I could truly accomplish it, evaluated and re-evaluated my "why"...and eventually came to a conclusion. I've tried to do this before, but I didn't have the most appropriate motivation. I've thought about how many people I teach each day who struggle to give up the things they love in order to more fully follow their Savior. I am giving up sweets as a year long fast in behalf of them. I will not be a missionary for much longer, but there will forever be others who need help. I do it in order to better understand what they go through and how I might be able to help them. I pray that as with any fast, the Lord consecrate my efforts and bless the lives of my dear brothers and sisters. The concept of goal setting is something that will stay with me forever. I will use it for the building up of the kingdom of my God. As long as we have a big enough WHY we can conquer any WHAT. I have a testimony of that. I encourage you to figure out why you set the goals you've set, to take them to the Lord and invoke the powers of Heaven in accomplishing them. I promise you will find great joy in the process.
I love what the mission has taught me. I'm excited to soon be able to implement all of those lessons-learned into "real life" situations. Father has taken my weaknesses and made them my strengths. It is Him that I worship, and I will for the rest of forever. I'm excited for all this new year has in store. I'm ready to hit the pavement running faster and harder than ever before. These last couple months as a missionary are going to be the best yet. I'm dedicated, I'm determined. My gait is set, my goal is Heaven. I am enlisted in the greatest work the world has ever seen--the work of exaltation. We all get to be apart of it. Isn't that wonderful?
I encourage you to keep it up out there. Pray for opportunities to talk about the Gospel...and then take massive action to find those opportunities and make them happen. The Lord will bless you with the courage to open your mouth and the Spirit to testify of the truthfulness of your words. I love you my dear family. I'll be seeing you soon!
- Hermana Word
