This week was wonderful and full of miracles! The thing I learned most is that specific prayers bring specific results. I have been praying for more specific things verbally and in my heart.
A couple of examples this last week is praying to have help to find someone who would read the Book of Mormon while we were out knocking on doors, and being led to a house of a slightly older couple who let us right in...and gladly took a Book of Mormon. :) I also prayed that one of the Relief Society sisters we called to come with us to a specific appointment would return our call....about ten minutes later one did, and she was able to go with us. Another instance was when I said a prayer before tracting that we would teach a lesson...we were able to teach an amazing lesson to a wonderful woman who first said to us when she opened the door, "I'm not interested, but come in." Turns out she wants to be a missionary for the Savior too! She had some great questions and we had a wonderful conversation that led to her being curious about the Book of Mormon and wanting to have a copy. All of these experiences and many more have happened because of asking specifically for them in prayer, and then taking action to try to make it happen.
It's so much easier to recognize the answers from the Lord when we are specific in our questions. Another experience to demonstrate that, is when I was praying about the talk I was asked to give in church yesterday. I found out about the talk on Friday, so I really needed some quick guidance from our Heavenly Father. I prayed that He would help me to know of an experience and scripture that I should share to go with the topic I was given of the first and great commandment. Sunday morning it came to me as I was pondering. I made sure to include those two things, knowing that they had to be answers from the Lord since I had specifically asked that.
I know that our Heavenly Father hears our prayers. He also answers. :) He wants us to ask for His help to accomplish many great things. He wants us to ponder and come up with things that we feel are good and righteous to do, and then to go to Him and ask Him if it be His will and for His help if it is. The Lord helped me to accomplish one of my personal desires this last week as I was able to come in contact with someone I have been searching for since the beginning of my mission, someone I knew 10 years ago, and the Lord has brought us together again. I know that the Lord has a plan and a purpose. Jesus Christ has a goal. His goal is 1 - He wants us all to be one.
I know that as we pray to our Heavenly Father, we will notice our Savior in our life and we will see the plan that our Heavenly Father has for us. He will let us know what He wants us to do and when our mission is done, if we stay close to Him. I know that is true.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Monday, July 21, 2014
Jackson week 1 - Purpose :)
This last week has been one of adjustment. It's interesting how even though I know this is where I'm supposed to be right now, I'm still having to work hard and struggle a little to find what my new purpose is for Jackson. I was in Shreveport for so long (7 months), and was surrounded by a good number of missionaries who went home at the end of the transfer, that I guess that "going home" mentality really hit me. It kind of felt like I was thrown into a storm or a fog. Like I know that I'm supposed to take this journey, and I know in the big scheme of things what my goal is, but I'm just unsure of what specifics I'm supposed to accomplish along the way. It seriously has felt like a preparation for what I might feel when I come home haha.
That being said, I have had so many blessings in coming here. Ranging from a softer bed and a study desk (haven't had one of those on my mission yet), to having outgoing mail at our apartment complex (don't have to go to the post office), to living about 7 minutes away from President and Sister McDonough's home. I know those things sound funny, but I really feel so blessed!
I also have a great companion who has strengths in things I've been praying about improving on, so that's also a blessing! I also found out that we get to help with the new missionaries that come in on the Monday they come before transfers on Tuesday. What a blessing!
Another interesting thing about Jackson is that there is both a ward and a branch here. The ward is called the Madison ward, and then there is the Jackson branch. Our area that Sister Keyes and I cover is in the Madison ward, but it is also right next to the Jackson branch. The Jackson branch currently has two sets of Elders serving there, but no sisters. They want sisters SO bad. So, Sister Keyes and I are kind of guinea pigs to see if there is enough work there for a set of sisters to be called there. I've never lived or served in a branch before, so this is kind of an answer to a secret bucket list item of mine :) Sister Keyes and I still are trying to figure out to what extent and in what ways we should be involved with the Jackson Branch, but we both feel that there is a role for us to play in helping those people. So I'm excited to see what happens!
As far as teaching goes, we are currently teaching a wonderful family! [The mother and father] are both from Mexico, but [the mother] grew up here in the US. They have two adorable girls [ages 4 & 2]. They are seriously the cutest, best family. I feel like I'm on "The District" movies sometimes when we are teaching them. They are great! They came to church for the first time two weeks ago before I got here and loved it. Yesterday they came again and I had so much fun sitting with them and helping with their girls. It totally took me back to my growing up days...being with my Mom and helping with my younger siblings. I loved it :) [The parents] fit right in and have a baptism date for August 9th. It's exciting! [The father] had never gone to church before meeting [the mother] so basically has no religious background. [The mother] grew up Catholic but she didn't agree with some of the things she was taught. They both love how they feel in the lessons and at church though, and I know that they have been prepared for this gospel. :)
Well that's about it for this week. I am still learning and working on figuring out my purpose here at this time, but I know that there is a reason I am here now. I know that the Lord has prepared something for me to do , and prepared me for something to be done. I know this is His work and that as we move forward with faith and hope, trusting in His promises, we will find that purpose and grasp the joy we all are striving to have.
That being said, I have had so many blessings in coming here. Ranging from a softer bed and a study desk (haven't had one of those on my mission yet), to having outgoing mail at our apartment complex (don't have to go to the post office), to living about 7 minutes away from President and Sister McDonough's home. I know those things sound funny, but I really feel so blessed!
I also have a great companion who has strengths in things I've been praying about improving on, so that's also a blessing! I also found out that we get to help with the new missionaries that come in on the Monday they come before transfers on Tuesday. What a blessing!
Another interesting thing about Jackson is that there is both a ward and a branch here. The ward is called the Madison ward, and then there is the Jackson branch. Our area that Sister Keyes and I cover is in the Madison ward, but it is also right next to the Jackson branch. The Jackson branch currently has two sets of Elders serving there, but no sisters. They want sisters SO bad. So, Sister Keyes and I are kind of guinea pigs to see if there is enough work there for a set of sisters to be called there. I've never lived or served in a branch before, so this is kind of an answer to a secret bucket list item of mine :) Sister Keyes and I still are trying to figure out to what extent and in what ways we should be involved with the Jackson Branch, but we both feel that there is a role for us to play in helping those people. So I'm excited to see what happens!
As far as teaching goes, we are currently teaching a wonderful family! [The mother and father] are both from Mexico, but [the mother] grew up here in the US. They have two adorable girls [ages 4 & 2]. They are seriously the cutest, best family. I feel like I'm on "The District" movies sometimes when we are teaching them. They are great! They came to church for the first time two weeks ago before I got here and loved it. Yesterday they came again and I had so much fun sitting with them and helping with their girls. It totally took me back to my growing up days...being with my Mom and helping with my younger siblings. I loved it :) [The parents] fit right in and have a baptism date for August 9th. It's exciting! [The father] had never gone to church before meeting [the mother] so basically has no religious background. [The mother] grew up Catholic but she didn't agree with some of the things she was taught. They both love how they feel in the lessons and at church though, and I know that they have been prepared for this gospel. :)
Well that's about it for this week. I am still learning and working on figuring out my purpose here at this time, but I know that there is a reason I am here now. I know that the Lord has prepared something for me to do , and prepared me for something to be done. I know this is His work and that as we move forward with faith and hope, trusting in His promises, we will find that purpose and grasp the joy we all are striving to have.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
New things to come! :)
Hello!!
So the big news of transfers is that I have been transferred. I have so much enjoyed my past 5 transfers (7 months) in Shreveport, LA. I now look forward to my time serving in Jackson, Mississippi! The mission home where President and Sister McDonough stay is in my new area, the Assistants to the President are in my district, and three of the four Joneses are all in Jackson now! It's crazy! The Joneses have reunited! Elder Jones who was my district leader in Shreveport is now one of my zone leaders in Jackson. Elder Jones from Salem, UT who was serving in an area just south of Shreveport but in the Shreveport zone is now in my district. And Elder Joseph who was my district leader for one transfer in Shreveport is now my district leader in Jackson! It's amazing all of the people that I am serving with again!
What a blessing to also see so many that I know - including my "daughter" Sister Walker and her "daughter" Sister White! We got a four generation picture since Sister Meek was there too! She is going home tomorrow! I can't believe it!
My new companion is Sister Keyes (pronounced Kyzz). The sister I replaced has finished her mission and is going home tomorrow. Sister Keyes only has two transfers left so I will be her last companion. She is wonderful and I am so excited to be serving with her in Jackson! I feel so strongly that this is where I am supposed to be right now and I am looking forward to all that lies ahead!
My new address is:
53 Northtown Dr. Apt. 32S
Jackson, MS 39211
My last week in Shreveport was absolutely wonderful...I couldn't have asked for a better week. Sister Giddins and I worked hard because we really wanted it to be a great week with it being the last of the transfer, plus we knew that I would be leaving. (I found out a week before at MLC.) I know that the Lord provided us with so many miracles of people that we found and taught! We've also continued to receive referrals and I know that there are many who have been prepared to hear and live the gospel.
It was kind of hard to say good bye to everyone, especially since I know so many so well. However, I do feel that it is my time to move on and that many of our investigators will actually benefit from me leaving and being a distant friend. I know that the Lord is watching over those people and that Sister White (my replacement, and different from Sister Walker's "daughter") and Sister Giddins are supposed to be there right now. Sister Giddins has a passion and love for Shreveport and I know that she will take good care of that area and the people there.
I feel that [the investigators I've been working with so closely] are all going to make changes in their lives over the next couple of months that will effect their eternities. I love them so much and will greatly miss seeing them, but I know that the Lord has great things in store for them.
I know that the Lord prepares us for things to come. I know that if we look to Christ and trust in our Father in Heaven, we will find peace in His greater purposes. I know they live and love us. May you all feel that love this week and see the blessings in your days. I love each one of you!
So the big news of transfers is that I have been transferred. I have so much enjoyed my past 5 transfers (7 months) in Shreveport, LA. I now look forward to my time serving in Jackson, Mississippi! The mission home where President and Sister McDonough stay is in my new area, the Assistants to the President are in my district, and three of the four Joneses are all in Jackson now! It's crazy! The Joneses have reunited! Elder Jones who was my district leader in Shreveport is now one of my zone leaders in Jackson. Elder Jones from Salem, UT who was serving in an area just south of Shreveport but in the Shreveport zone is now in my district. And Elder Joseph who was my district leader for one transfer in Shreveport is now my district leader in Jackson! It's amazing all of the people that I am serving with again!
 |
| All the Jones missionaries in our mission together in Jackson |
What a blessing to also see so many that I know - including my "daughter" Sister Walker and her "daughter" Sister White! We got a four generation picture since Sister Meek was there too! She is going home tomorrow! I can't believe it!
 |
| "Four Generations" (from right to left) my trainer, me, my trainee ("daughter') and her new "daughter" |
My new companion is Sister Keyes (pronounced Kyzz). The sister I replaced has finished her mission and is going home tomorrow. Sister Keyes only has two transfers left so I will be her last companion. She is wonderful and I am so excited to be serving with her in Jackson! I feel so strongly that this is where I am supposed to be right now and I am looking forward to all that lies ahead!
My new address is:
53 Northtown Dr. Apt. 32S
Jackson, MS 39211
My last week in Shreveport was absolutely wonderful...I couldn't have asked for a better week. Sister Giddins and I worked hard because we really wanted it to be a great week with it being the last of the transfer, plus we knew that I would be leaving. (I found out a week before at MLC.) I know that the Lord provided us with so many miracles of people that we found and taught! We've also continued to receive referrals and I know that there are many who have been prepared to hear and live the gospel.
 |
| Last Mission Prep Class in Shreveport |
It was kind of hard to say good bye to everyone, especially since I know so many so well. However, I do feel that it is my time to move on and that many of our investigators will actually benefit from me leaving and being a distant friend. I know that the Lord is watching over those people and that Sister White (my replacement, and different from Sister Walker's "daughter") and Sister Giddins are supposed to be there right now. Sister Giddins has a passion and love for Shreveport and I know that she will take good care of that area and the people there.
I feel that [the investigators I've been working with so closely] are all going to make changes in their lives over the next couple of months that will effect their eternities. I love them so much and will greatly miss seeing them, but I know that the Lord has great things in store for them.
I know that the Lord prepares us for things to come. I know that if we look to Christ and trust in our Father in Heaven, we will find peace in His greater purposes. I know they live and love us. May you all feel that love this week and see the blessings in your days. I love each one of you!
Monday, July 7, 2014
Week of Celebration and Traveling
Hello everyone!
So much happened this week! Here is the break down:
TUESDAY - Sister Giddins and I went to Texarkana for exchanges with Sister Meek and Sister Hartley! We also celebrated Canada day with them because Sister Hartley is from Canada! I've also now added two states to my list of ones I've been to, because Sister Hartley and I visited people both in Texas and Arkansas! We had so much fun with them! I love those sisters :)
WEDNESDAY - Sister Giddins and I drove the 1.5 hours back to Shreveport from Texarkana and taught our District Development Meeting (DDM) lesson on motivation.
THURSDAY - We got to weekly plan and work! Wahoo!
FRIDAY - Independence Day! We dressed in red, white, and blue and left that morning to head to Monroe, Louisiana to carpool with the Monroe STL's to MLC in Jackson, MS. We had our sisters meeting at the mission home, and our evening meeting with the zone leaders. We stayed the night with the Brandon, MS sisters (right next to Florence!) Didn't hear or see many fireworks, but it was still a wonderful day of remembrance.
SATURDAY - We had our big MLC meeting with President and Sister McDonough as we try to discern what the will of the Lord is for the mission at this time. It is powerful to know how much thought, prayer, and pondering goes into these meetings. That afternoon/evening we drove back to Shreveport (about 4 hours).
SUNDAY - Fast Sunday, and an awesome one at that! It was Sister Barrow's last Fast Sunday since she goes home next week - crazy! Sister Giddins and I had an awesome short conversation with Bishop, the Young Mens President, and the Young Womens President on the Mission Prep class. I'm so excited for these youth! I love them so much and their leaders really want what's best for them! We expressed our vision of the class not just being a mission prep, but a missionary prep. Meaning, help the youth do missionary work now in the wards, including doing Home Teaching. Bishop loved the vision, and I really feel that these youth are going to make a big difference here in the South to spread the work of the Lord and build up His kingdom.
So that was our week in a nutshell! We did a lot of traveling and weren't in our area very much, but we are so much more determined to work hard this last week of the transfer now because of it. I can't believe next week is transfers....it has gone so fast! So next week I will be emailing you on Tuesday!
My thoughts this last week have been all over the place, but one thing that has been on my mind is the phrase, lift your vision higher. As I was driving home Saturday night, I had my sun visor down to protect my eyes from the sun, and noticed that all I could really see was the road ahead of me and the trees along the side. The sky was basically completely out of view. As I pushed the sun visor back a little, I saw the sky. It was a beautiful radiant sky filled with color from the sun starting to set. I realized that I was missing out on something so beautiful because I was so focused on what was right in front of me. As a mission we each are working on creating a vision that will motivate us each day. I have felt that I may need to lift mine a little higher. "Look up," as one general authority said. There is so much good around us and we will feel lighter and happier if we will but look up and see what our Father in Heaven sees.
I know this gospel is true. I know that Heavenly Father loves us and talks with us. He cares enough to let us know today, with current prophets and daily revelation, what His will is and what the plan is that will bring us happiness. I know that the family is so important to Him and that we are His family. He loves us and wants us to want come home and stay home with Him.
I love each one of you! May you know that you are loved and have a bright future ahead of you - even tomorrow!
So much happened this week! Here is the break down:
TUESDAY - Sister Giddins and I went to Texarkana for exchanges with Sister Meek and Sister Hartley! We also celebrated Canada day with them because Sister Hartley is from Canada! I've also now added two states to my list of ones I've been to, because Sister Hartley and I visited people both in Texas and Arkansas! We had so much fun with them! I love those sisters :)
WEDNESDAY - Sister Giddins and I drove the 1.5 hours back to Shreveport from Texarkana and taught our District Development Meeting (DDM) lesson on motivation.
THURSDAY - We got to weekly plan and work! Wahoo!
FRIDAY - Independence Day! We dressed in red, white, and blue and left that morning to head to Monroe, Louisiana to carpool with the Monroe STL's to MLC in Jackson, MS. We had our sisters meeting at the mission home, and our evening meeting with the zone leaders. We stayed the night with the Brandon, MS sisters (right next to Florence!) Didn't hear or see many fireworks, but it was still a wonderful day of remembrance.
SATURDAY - We had our big MLC meeting with President and Sister McDonough as we try to discern what the will of the Lord is for the mission at this time. It is powerful to know how much thought, prayer, and pondering goes into these meetings. That afternoon/evening we drove back to Shreveport (about 4 hours).
SUNDAY - Fast Sunday, and an awesome one at that! It was Sister Barrow's last Fast Sunday since she goes home next week - crazy! Sister Giddins and I had an awesome short conversation with Bishop, the Young Mens President, and the Young Womens President on the Mission Prep class. I'm so excited for these youth! I love them so much and their leaders really want what's best for them! We expressed our vision of the class not just being a mission prep, but a missionary prep. Meaning, help the youth do missionary work now in the wards, including doing Home Teaching. Bishop loved the vision, and I really feel that these youth are going to make a big difference here in the South to spread the work of the Lord and build up His kingdom.
So that was our week in a nutshell! We did a lot of traveling and weren't in our area very much, but we are so much more determined to work hard this last week of the transfer now because of it. I can't believe next week is transfers....it has gone so fast! So next week I will be emailing you on Tuesday!
My thoughts this last week have been all over the place, but one thing that has been on my mind is the phrase, lift your vision higher. As I was driving home Saturday night, I had my sun visor down to protect my eyes from the sun, and noticed that all I could really see was the road ahead of me and the trees along the side. The sky was basically completely out of view. As I pushed the sun visor back a little, I saw the sky. It was a beautiful radiant sky filled with color from the sun starting to set. I realized that I was missing out on something so beautiful because I was so focused on what was right in front of me. As a mission we each are working on creating a vision that will motivate us each day. I have felt that I may need to lift mine a little higher. "Look up," as one general authority said. There is so much good around us and we will feel lighter and happier if we will but look up and see what our Father in Heaven sees.
I know this gospel is true. I know that Heavenly Father loves us and talks with us. He cares enough to let us know today, with current prophets and daily revelation, what His will is and what the plan is that will bring us happiness. I know that the family is so important to Him and that we are His family. He loves us and wants us to want come home and stay home with Him.
I love each one of you! May you know that you are loved and have a bright future ahead of you - even tomorrow!
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