So much to be Thankful for :)

Here is a picture of the four of us just today in the rain outside of our apartment! :)

Happy week of Thanksgiving all ya'll!

I can't believe it's already time for Thanksgiving.  It's raining a ton today, and it seems weird to me that on November 25th there would be rain coming from the sky and not snow.  I feel like if any moisture is going to come, it should be snow, but not here in good old Mississippi. :)  But I am so thankful for this time of year.  Some people are breaking out the Christmas decorations, including one of our neighbors, and I love it.  For me Thanksgiving and Christmas go together.  Thanksgiving is the forerunner of Christmas to help us remember our blessings and to be humble.  It sets the mood for what the Christmas season is all about - our Savior Jesus Christ.  I am so thankful to be a member of His church and to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.  I'm grateful to be His representative as a full-time missionary.

I'm grateful for the miracle and blessing of the atonement of Jesus Christ, and to see it more in my life and the lives of others.  The other night I was thinking about how frustrating it is when someone you're teaching won't just do the simple things, when you know and they know that the blessings are there and ready to be given to them!  Then I thought about how frustrating it must be for the Lord when I don't do some of the simple things He's asked me to do, knowing that the blessings are there and waiting for me to just take them.  That made me realize how much patience and love Christ and our Heavenly Father have for each of us.  It watered my eyes to think about how much love must fill their hearts for each of us.  I'm trying so hard to have that love in my heart - that charity - and it is not easy.  However, I have been able to feel it more and have learned so much about our Brother Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven as I have studied charity, prayed for charity, and tried to live worthy of having the Holy Ghost with me so that I can have more charity.

This last week, I think one of the biggest highlights for me, was the miracle of a lesson that we had yesterday.  It was in the home of one of our active member families.  Their son is 19 and is preparing to go on a mission right now (woot woot!).  About 3 months ago [this son] brought a couple of friends to church (brothers) who are not members.  At the time I was in a trio with Sister Meek and Walker.  We talked with them, gave them our number, and invited them to come back.  A week ago Saturday one of these friends texted us.  It was a simple text.  All it said was, "Hey sister missionaries."  We ended up answering a few questions and clarifying that we are indeed Christians, and then he agreed to learn more.  We planned to meet at Wendy's last Friday, but he ended up not being able to get a ride there.  So we rescheduled for Sunday (yesterday) at [the member friend's] house.  When we first got there I was a bit more nervous than usual because we have never done a lesson in a member's home, and I felt a lot more pressure to have it be a really good lesson. But as the dad said the opening prayer, I reminded myself of faith, not fear, and focused on listening to the spirit and helping [this young man].  It turned out to be one of the best lessons ever.  The spirit was there, he asked good questions, [the member friend] and his family were great at answering some questions and making things personally applicable to [this young man], and sister Walker and I were courageous in opening our mouths and saying the things the spirit put into our hearts.  It was amazing to me what a difference it made to have members there who [the investigator] knew, and to have it in their home where the atmosphere was one that the spirit could be present.  The two main advantages I felt from having a lesson in that situation was (1) [the member friend] and his family were able to relate things to [this young man] in a way we as missionaries couldn't because we don't know as much about him. (2) I felt more confident that [this young man] would receive the encouragement, nourishment, and answers he needed because he had member friends to be there for him, instead of us as missionaries trying to make sure we contact him and check on him everyday, along with all of the other people we're trying to teach/strengthen/follow up with.

I wish every lesson could be like that.  We had stake conference this last weekend and one of the speakers reminded us of what President Hinckley told us every recent convert (and member) needs: A friend/fellowshipper, an assignment, and the nurishing word of God.  I simplified that into saying that every member needs a FAN - Friend, Assignment, Nurishing word of God.  I have full confidence that [this young man] has all of that set up for him.  He is a great young man and I really hope that he will be able to progress.  He was happy to accept a book of Mormon and read it, and also accepted the invitation to be baptized as he came to know that what we taught is true!  I was so happy and know that he has been prepared.  He is awesome.  It was a miracle I had been praying and fasting for. And like my wise cousin told me in her letter of advice for the mission, "not every miracle ends in baptism, but that doesn't make it any less of a miracle."  That's how I feel and I am so thankful for the Lord's answer to my prayers to be able to find someone who was ready to listen and accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  We are scheduled to meet with [this young man] next Sunday at [the member's] home again, so I'll let you know how it goes!  I'm excited!

I love you all so much, and hope that this Thanksgiving you find yourself surrounded by people you love, including the Lord.  My He be a more active part of our lives as we choose to drop our nets, follow Him, and feed His sheep.  What is the purpose of this life?  It's not just to pass through tests and challenges.  It's not even just to learn and grow.  It's also to help each other and bring each other home.  May we all help to bring someone home this week, by reaching out in love and kindness to share the gospel light and the love of our Heavenly Father and Savior.  I love you all so much!  Be safe and faithful!  And may THE force always be with you!

100% :)

Happy happy holidays ya'll!!

I am so excited for the holidays!  I know that Thanksgiving is still a week and a half away, but I've just been in the mood this past week!  We visited a member in the southern part of our area and as soon as we walked in my heart melted and rejoiced!  I felt so much joy!  Her house was already decorated in Christmas decorations!  She had three trees, a whole village like my Grandma Knighton's, and a long table full of nativity pieces.  I felt so at home walking in there, it was amazing.  It is definitely going to be weird to not be home for the holidays, but I am so excited to have all of the decorations up because it will help to bring some of home here :)  Awe, I just love the Thanksgiving and Christmas season! :)

So I am all recovered from my wicked cold I had!  It really was a tough one that took me out for a couple days, but it's gone and I am happy and well! :)  Also, my ringworm is almost gone too!  I'll send a picture to show that it's fading, although it's still visible.  In about a week it should be completely gone.

The exciting news with people we're teaching this last week is that [one of our investigators] accepted the invitation to be baptized!  She is the girlfriend of a less active [brother] in the ward.  It's awesome!  She came to the Relief Society activity this last Thursday and had a great time!  They didn't make it to church yesterday becasue of sickness, but we are visiting them tonight and I'm so excited for them!  This should help [her boyfriend] to get back up on his feet in doing what he knows is right.  [This woman] is a very very sweet woman and I think she will soak up the gospel and really be the driving force behind [her boyfriend].  Love the gospel :)

Also, an update on [another investigator who is contemplating baptism].  I haven't talked about him much lately becasue the other sisters (Sister Meek and Ray) are teaching him, but he is doing well.  Our mission president and the bishop have both advised to take things slowly, mainly because of his family situation. They don't want him to get baptized while his girlfriend is deployed, just because it's the easy way right now, and then have to deal with how to work things out when she gets back.  Families are important to our Heavenly Father, and he would rather us work things out than take the "easy way out".  He still has his choice, and he could still get baptized while she's gone, but we're not going to pressure him right now.

He did come to church with his kids though!  And they loved it!  The ward loved him, and they loved the ward, so good things are still happening for sure!  I have no doubt that [this man] will become a strong and faithful member one day, and that he will stay on that path.  The timing of it all is uncertain, but in the Lord's way and timing it will happen.  I honestly see a lot of leadership potential in him.  He still has things to learn, for sure - like we all do - but he will be a great addition to building the Kingdom of God and working in his vineyard.

For some fun I wanted to share a few more Southern Sayin's with ya'll.
Especially since my brother requested it :)  Here they are:
Cut the lights/tv on/off
Dressing = Stuffing (like thanksgiving stuffing.  They call it dressing)
Bein Ugly = you're not being nice
Showin Out is similar to bein Ugly
Tickled = makes them so happy/giddy inside
Mee-Maw (that's how you say it), Ma-maw, Ma-mo = Grandma
Pa-paw, Papa = Grandpa
So there's some fun sayins ya'll can start fixin to say! :)

This last week I have studied quite a few General Conference talks.  I LOVE them, bytheway.  Something really hit me while I was reading President Eyring's talk.  It hit me that the only way we can have Charity in our hearts is to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost.  Without the Holy Ghost - the spirit of the Lord - it is impossible to have charity.  Charity is a gift from God, so unless we are worthy of it, we will not have it.  Having the Holy Ghost with us is how our hearts can be softened and our minds can be open to understanding.  That then enables us to have Charity as we are able to see others as our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ see them - as children of God.  Over time we become able to love them unconditionaly with all of our heart.

I would invite all of you to study this next week a talk that was given in this last General Conference.  They are modern scripture.  I promise you that as you do, you will find strength.  You will receive power to conquere your trials.  You will find peace.  I know this because that is what I have found this last week as I have studied them.  Look to the Lord's prophet and apostles for direction.

I love you all!  Keep the faith and keep moving forward!  May THE force be with you, that you may have charity in your hearts!

Hey all ya'll!

This past week has brought a few new adventures.  First of all, ringworm.  Yeah I actually got it the week before, but didn't know what it was until this last week.  Don't worry, it's nothing really bad.  It's not a worm, it's just bacteria apparently.  It forms a red ring though, so that's where it gets its name.  It's on my right forearm and is the size of a dime.  I've also got a very small one on my chin, but both are healing really well and should be completely gone in the next week and a half or so.  I'll send some pictures so you can see that it's not that bad. :)  Oh yeah, and Sister Walker thinks she got a small dose of it, but you can't see it too well in the picture.

I'm also feeling a little under the weather today as I have caught a wicked cold, but it's all good.  I'll get better :)  In the meantime Sister Walker is taking very good care of me.  She's done some of my laundry, let me take a nap, and tells me to rest.  She's really good to me :)

So, happy news!  [A man we have wanted to work with] came to church yesterday! He is a less active that we have been trying to meet with since I got in the area.  I don't remember if I mentioned him last week, but he came to our ward Halloween party, which was huge!!  He hadn't stepped foot in the church in over 2 years!  And then he came to church on Sunday with his girlfriend!  We were SO happy!! :)  Also, [another investigator] came to church with his kids!  Wahoo!!  He finally was able to make it! And he and his kids loved it and said they'll be back. :)  Also, a lady that the Elders are teaching decided on Sunday that she wants to be baptized this weekend!  I love her!   . . . . She is awesome.  I don't know if her baptism will end up being this weekend or next weekend, but it will be one of them and we're so excited for her!  She actually told all of us Sisters before she told the Elders haha. So Sunday was a happy day! :)

The missionary work here with the ward is increasing.  More members are wanting to come out with us and are getting involved.  Our ward mission leader was also blessed with a new job that enables him to meet with us on a regular basis and be more available!  The ward out here in Florence is being strengthened a little bit at a time and it is amazing to watch.

Also, here is a thought.  Keep praying for those who you know and love and are farther from the gospel than they should be.  There is a less active member in our ward who is married to a wonderful woman who is of the Catholic faith.  He has been going to church with her for about 10 years, maybe more.  His brother is also in the ward.  His brother and his brother's wife have been praying for him for a long time.  A couple weeks ago we gave this less active's wife a Book of Mormon, which she happily accepted.  This last week we were able to visit with this less active and his wife at the church.  We didn't visit for very long, and they did express to us that they were not intending on changing religions, but that they did enjoy talking with us.  Even with that being said, the sister-in-law of this less active talked to Sister Walker and I afterwards and said she was astonished when he told her that they were meeting with us.  She said she would go home that night and thank the Lord for a prayer answered.  I know that their conversion won't be a short one, or one that happens soon, but I do believe that with constant small and simple means, they will believe.

I know that the Lord loves each of us.  He is the good Shepherd and He knows His sheep.  He knows what we need, and listens and answers our prayers.  It is a humbling and joyful experience to be the means that our Heavenly Father answers someone else's prayer.  I know that if we are living our best to follow the Savior, we will find this joy in being "an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance...then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer." (Alma 29:9-10)

I would invite all of you to look for those opportunities to share the love of the Lord and be an instrument in His hands.  If you are down, stressed, or overwhelmed, know that the Lord loves you.  Serve Him and you will see His love in your life. :)

I love you all so much!  Keep the faith my friends and family!  May THE force be with you!

You CAN do it!

Hello again!

So today was transfer day!  We ended up going to transfer point because we got a phone call yesterday that we were going to be getting a new car...well turns out that there was a slight mix up and someone else ended up needing it more, so we still have our same car.  We didn't find out until we got there, but oh how fun it was to go and be surrounded by so many missionaries!  Even though all four of us sisters in Florence are staying the same, one of our elders is going home, one of our zone leaders got transferred to a different area, and one of the sisters in our district got transferred, so we will have some new people to get to know!  It was so fun to check up with other missionaries I know and help out with some of the new ones.  Loved it :)

We've had a pretty busy week.  We've been working a lot with some less actives and have really seen more light and excitement come into the lives of [one sister] and her 3 teenage kids.  We love them so much!  It's awesome to see others get excited about the gospel and the Book of Mormon.  We've been reading a chapter with them from the Book of Mormon every time we go over, and this last time when we were done the youngest one said, "can we read half of the next chapter?"  It was awesome!!  It made me so happy to hear and see that she was coming to love it so much!  It made me love even more and get even more excited about the Book of Mormon!

We've also started working with a less active member who joined about 3 years ago and went in active about 2 years ago because of emotional things that happened.  He still has a testimony though, it's just a matter of helping him get the courage to come back to church and live the way he knows he supposed to and even wants to live.  We were so excited when he came to the ward Halloween party!!  That was HUGE!  And there were TONS of people there!  Members who hadn't been to church in years, investigators, non-members of part-member families, and active members!  All people that we love and were so excited to see!

So the investigator that we are working with most right now is an 80 year old woman who is mostly blind (can't read the Book of Mormon), is home bound right now because of health (can't go to church), and lost her nose to cancer (can't be immersed in water).  Yes, her nose is completely gone so she tapes some tissue over her face where your nose would go, or else you'd be able to see right inside to all of her sinuses.  She did show us the first time we visited her and my companion LOVED it.  She thought it was so cool.  I looked for a split second and would glance back every now and then, but....that's not my cup of koolaid :)  No I didn't pass out, and I did think it was pretty neat that that was even possible, but it wasn't an image I wanted to dwell on :)  Anyways, [this woman] is awesome and believes everything we say.  She is praying about being baptized, which shows a lot of faith since it would take a miracle to do it...don't ask me how we would, but we'd find a way if she decided she wanted to.

With a lot of the people that we've talked to this week, and with some feelings I've had myself, my thoughts are on the phrase "You can do it!"  There's a really good quote from Elder Bednar that I have taped on the wall next to my bed, "If I had the wish of my heart, I would shake your hand, draw you close, look you in the eye, and say.... You can do this!  The Lord you represent and serve knows you can do this.  I know you can do this, and as His servant, I promise you will have His help.  Please remember always that with His help and in His strength, you can do this!"  That is my message to all of you today, You can do this!  I know that the Lord loves each of us and is with us at all times.  He is always there.  He is helping you along, and you will see Him there as you look for Him.

I love you all so much!  Have a wonderful week!  May THE force be with you!

Golden Mop Award

On November 4th, the following email was received by Felicia's family:

Dear Missionary families,

We want you to know that we "caught" your missionary being clean!  In the Mississippi Jackson Mission, clean apartments are rewarded with the Golden Mop Award. It's our way to acknowledge the effort they have put for to clean their apartment to a higher standard.  Part of that is sending the pictures home so you can know how well they are doing.

We love being able to send these pictures home.  We see with these amazing missionaries and are so grateful to have the opportunity to work with the missionary force that is covering the earth.  They are an inspiration to us and we learn from them every day.  Thank you for supporting your missionary as they serve their brothers and sisters here in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Warmest regards,
Elder and Sister Lefgren,

Housing Coordinators