May 24th 2010
Well, I am here in the lovely city of Wenatchee, WA. My trainer, Hermana Naylor, is AMAZING! She has only been out on her mission for 6 months and has been serving in this area the whole time. She is really young for a trainer. Typically, most missionaries don't start training until after a year. But, I know that her being called to be my trainer was inspired. Her spanish is really good and she is helping me with mine. We get along great and are very compatible as companions. She is from Denver, Colorado. Already received her Bachelor's from BYU in Journalism, and has traveled and lived throughout lots of different places in the world. I admire her alot, and already we're becoming very good friends. The Lord has definitely blessed me with good companions so far and I am so very grateful for that.
#1- Ok, the highlight of my mission experience so far started on the very first day. After talking to my fam on the phone, we boarded our plane to Spokane. Interestingly enough, our flight attendant talked with us a little bit about our church. There were 11 missionaries in our traveling group. One of them gave her a pass along card, right before take off. Well...as we were sitting there I got the strongest prompting of the Spirit to do something, I myself know I could have never done, had it not been with the strength and courage given me by the power of the Holy GHost and for the cause of which I am here on my mission in the first place. To represent Christ and to testify of Him. I have been called and set apart to do so, so I should have no need to fear that responsibility, even when the spirit prompts me to do something that is far beyond my own capacity and comfort zone.
Well, what was it that the spirit prompted me to do you might ask? Well, truth be told you probably won't believe the story. But, as we were getting ready to take off, my mind reflected back on a exercise we did while in the MTC. They called it the "bus exercise", where we practiced getting on a bus, bearing testimony of the Book of Mormon to every one on the bus and inviting them to hear the message in which we have to share. Ok....so I'm sitting there, this memory comes to mind, and immediately the Spirit tells me "you need to do this- here". I was completely taken back by the prompting at first at I didn't know how to react. We began taking off, and the prompting came again and stayed with me. I couldn't quite think straight, because the natural man in me was like...."no, thats weird, that's scary." But, then I read a quote I had about the importance of my call and how great my calling was as a missionary. I turned to the BOM and the story I happen to read is of course, the story of Abinidai and how he stood as a testimony to the King, and although they mocked him and rejected his words, one of the preists, only one soul (Alma) believed his words and left the King's reign and ended up bringing many people into the church. Of course as I read this I realized that the Spirit was just reconfirming to me, that I needed to stand up at the end of the flight and bear my testimony to the people on this plane. For what purpose, I need not know, but what I do know is that I couldn't deny the power behind these promptings and I couldn't hide from them otherwise I would reject it the rest of my mission and think "what if". So, with new courage and as I prayed a couple different times for the strenght and the ability to do this, at the end of the flight I did just that.
We pulled into the terminal, and the seatbelt sign went off. I stood up and said something along the lines of, "Brothers and Sisters, if I could have just a few moments of your time I would like to share a quick message with you. We are missionaries of the church of Jesus CHrist of Latter-Day Saints. We are representatives of Jesus Christ and I testify to you that I know He lives and that He is the Christ. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that we can get nearer to Him when we read it. I know that Christ suffered and died for us and that he loves us. I bear witness that we have a father in Heaven who loves us. I invite each of you the next time you see missionaries to be nice to them, and ask them about their message. I promise you it will change your life. The gospel has changed mine. I bear witness that the church is true! Thank you and have a nice time in Spokane!" Now, I'm pretty sure it came out better than that on the plane. To be honest I cant really remember what exactly I said, but I could feel the spirit bear witness through me. I was scared, so scared, but with the Lord on my side I was able to stand as a witness of Him.
The missionaries afterwards were amazed and thought it was so gutzy, but I told them that had I not prayed for the strength of the Lord to be with me I coulnt have done it on my own. Family I want you to know, that I know I am a disciple of Christ. I am a true messanger of Him. And that everyday as long as I continue to follow the promptings of the Spirit, I will have the opportunity to witness miracles. I know He lives and I know He loves us. I know that God has a plan for each of us, and this short time that I have the opportunity to serve a mission is going to last with me throughout my life and into the eternities. My friend Amber wrote me and said, "This is the greatest work to be apart of. You have 18 months to dedicate everything to the LORD, and then an eternity to remember it!"
Monday, May 24, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Through His Stripes We Are Healed
May 11th 2010
My testimony of the Atonement has grown so much since coming here. I know that the Atonement encompases everything, including the times when we are feeling very weak and all alone. We can be strengthened and feel of our Savior's love through the healing power of the Atonement. The advesary understands the potential we all have, and that is why he will stop at nothing to discourage us or lead us astray. He uses all sorts of cunning devises; but I know that although he has the power to bruise our heal, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we have the power to crush his head. I urge you that if ever at a moment you are feeling discouraged or dismayed, GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES AND PRAY. The Lord will heal you, he will lift you, and bear the burden in which you feel is weighing down on you.
Heavenly Father knew this life wouldn't be easy. We knew this life wouldn't be easy. We all fought in the war in heaven, by the power of our testimonies, and we won! We know this because we are here now, with a body, learning and growing every step of the way; and being put to the test. We knew in the pre-earth life that we would face challenges, but we were so excited that by being given the chance to gain a physical body; we could literrally BECOME like our Heavenly Father. We each have divine heritage and divine potential to become Kings and Queens in the Celestial Kingdom; to live in the presence of our God forever and with our families for the eternities.
We are so blessed to have the gospel; to have the blessings of the teachings given to us by our parents, our church leaders, the scriptures, the temple, etc. We are so blessed to be able to know about the Atoning sacrafice of the savior; to know the plan that God has for each and every one of His children. We are all a part of this plan; and by our faith, by our diligence, and our obedience, we will be blessed with eternal life. I know these things are true with all that I have. I wish I could shout it to the rooftops; and that every single person that I LOVE could feel of my conviction in my voice and in my words when I say, I KNOW that this church is true! I KNOW that God lives and that Jesus Christ is thr true and living son of God. The only Begotten who's soul purpose was to make it possible for us, GOD'S CHILDREN, to be able to return to live with our Heavenly Father again.
Every day we have here in this earthly existence is a measure of our determination and our desire to be better. Every day we either live up to our eternal potential or fall short. The beautiful blessing of it all, though, is that even in times when we do fall short, we have been given the gift of the Atonement. I know that through His stripes we can be healed!
I know that me coming on this mission was the best decision I have ever made in my entire life. I know I am here, because I am supposed to be, and I am so grateful for the whisperings and promptings of the spirit that lead my path to here. My entire outlook on life has changed. I am NOT the same person who I was before I left, and I know that. Every day I am being refined, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Everyday I am being perfected and molded into that eternal being I have the divine potential to become. I am becoming a true disciple of Christ and witness of Him. I know that He loves you and understands what you are going through every second of every day. This church is true!
In other good news, I will share with you real briefly the amazing week I have had while here. First, sunday Sheri Dew spoke to us in Relief Society!!!! I LOVE HER!! She is the most amazing woman! And I also got to meet her afterwords and she gave me a hug :) I really feel almost like I met one of my heroes. Then, what an amazing week to go out! last night ELDER HOLLAND came to speak to us at the devotional! OH MY GOODNESS! He is one of my absolute favorites! The way he speaks with so much passion and boldness; ooo I love it! I took like 6 pages of notes in my journal! Definitelty the best talk ever. I wish I had more time to share all what I loved from his talk but I will have to share more either on tape or via letter. He is amazing though! I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to hear from him while I've been here in the MTC. Definitely one of the highlights of my last 9 weeks!
So I leave Monday, 5 am from here to the airport. I cannot wait!
My testimony of the Atonement has grown so much since coming here. I know that the Atonement encompases everything, including the times when we are feeling very weak and all alone. We can be strengthened and feel of our Savior's love through the healing power of the Atonement. The advesary understands the potential we all have, and that is why he will stop at nothing to discourage us or lead us astray. He uses all sorts of cunning devises; but I know that although he has the power to bruise our heal, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we have the power to crush his head. I urge you that if ever at a moment you are feeling discouraged or dismayed, GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES AND PRAY. The Lord will heal you, he will lift you, and bear the burden in which you feel is weighing down on you.
Heavenly Father knew this life wouldn't be easy. We knew this life wouldn't be easy. We all fought in the war in heaven, by the power of our testimonies, and we won! We know this because we are here now, with a body, learning and growing every step of the way; and being put to the test. We knew in the pre-earth life that we would face challenges, but we were so excited that by being given the chance to gain a physical body; we could literrally BECOME like our Heavenly Father. We each have divine heritage and divine potential to become Kings and Queens in the Celestial Kingdom; to live in the presence of our God forever and with our families for the eternities.
We are so blessed to have the gospel; to have the blessings of the teachings given to us by our parents, our church leaders, the scriptures, the temple, etc. We are so blessed to be able to know about the Atoning sacrafice of the savior; to know the plan that God has for each and every one of His children. We are all a part of this plan; and by our faith, by our diligence, and our obedience, we will be blessed with eternal life. I know these things are true with all that I have. I wish I could shout it to the rooftops; and that every single person that I LOVE could feel of my conviction in my voice and in my words when I say, I KNOW that this church is true! I KNOW that God lives and that Jesus Christ is thr true and living son of God. The only Begotten who's soul purpose was to make it possible for us, GOD'S CHILDREN, to be able to return to live with our Heavenly Father again.
Every day we have here in this earthly existence is a measure of our determination and our desire to be better. Every day we either live up to our eternal potential or fall short. The beautiful blessing of it all, though, is that even in times when we do fall short, we have been given the gift of the Atonement. I know that through His stripes we can be healed!
I know that me coming on this mission was the best decision I have ever made in my entire life. I know I am here, because I am supposed to be, and I am so grateful for the whisperings and promptings of the spirit that lead my path to here. My entire outlook on life has changed. I am NOT the same person who I was before I left, and I know that. Every day I am being refined, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Everyday I am being perfected and molded into that eternal being I have the divine potential to become. I am becoming a true disciple of Christ and witness of Him. I know that He loves you and understands what you are going through every second of every day. This church is true!
In other good news, I will share with you real briefly the amazing week I have had while here. First, sunday Sheri Dew spoke to us in Relief Society!!!! I LOVE HER!! She is the most amazing woman! And I also got to meet her afterwords and she gave me a hug :) I really feel almost like I met one of my heroes. Then, what an amazing week to go out! last night ELDER HOLLAND came to speak to us at the devotional! OH MY GOODNESS! He is one of my absolute favorites! The way he speaks with so much passion and boldness; ooo I love it! I took like 6 pages of notes in my journal! Definitelty the best talk ever. I wish I had more time to share all what I loved from his talk but I will have to share more either on tape or via letter. He is amazing though! I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to hear from him while I've been here in the MTC. Definitely one of the highlights of my last 9 weeks!
So I leave Monday, 5 am from here to the airport. I cannot wait!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Famine in the Land
May 5th 2010
Happy Cinco de Mayo!!
We might be having a little fiesta later here today, and Elder Swanny said he might bring chips and salsa to class. MMMM, speaking of chips and salsa I could really go for some chip and queso from Chili's right about now. Oh and Cafe Rio haha. The food here is....alright. Lol. I'm grateful for it, but lets just say I am absolutely stoked to eat real food again! I miss Alex's cooking :) On another note, my companions and I are getting 3 new sisters in our room today. We've been spoiled and have had the room to ourselves for a total of 4 wks out of the 7 we've been here, but that streak is now over. We have bunk beds and let's just say, they aren't the most convenient things in the world. Plus having 6 girls in one confined space, that is smaller than my room at home....can sometimes be a little clostraphobic. But, if I can adjust to Hermana Miller's snoring I most definitely can adjust to this haha.
Speaking of Sis. Miller, she loves you guys. And Sis. Williams sends her love as well. I am going to miss them both so much, but we have so much reason to rejoice because we are doing the Lord's work! On Sunday, we had mission conference and the MTC Presidency and wives spoke to us. Sister Smith (the MTC President's wife) talked to us about how there is a "famine of the word" out in the world. That there are people out there, searching for the truth but know not where to find it. We are apart of the greatest work out there! I feel so blessed to be here and to be able to bring the truth to God's children. Missionary work is no joke. It is the real deal! As hard as it might be to understand sometimes, this is the eternal salvation of one's soul that we are talking about! It is absolutely critical that I remain intune with the Spirit at all times and not be afraid to talk to anyone, because realistically we are all God's children and we all need to hear the truth and hear the good news of the Gospel.
I'm so grateful to be serving a mission! It has seriously changed my life! Already, I am not the same person I was before I left. Every day I am being molded into the person I have the divine potential to be. I have learned so much! I have grown so much! In a matter of 2 months, I have learned more about myself and seen clearer from an eternal perspective than I have in my entire life. Wow! This gospel is amazing!
On another note, Shiloh left to the Guat Mtc Monday. It was hard seeing him go, but I know he will do work out there and he will do great! I'm amazed at how close we got in a matter of 3 weeks! Lucky for me, since we're cousins, I got to hug him before he left. Ha, we sure got some strange panicked looks from some of the other Elder's not in our zone who were passing by when we did hug. It made me laugh! So funny!
Monday night was one of the best nights I've had here! My district and my comps and I had an amazing spiritual experience. I cannot go into a ton of detail on here, for lack of time and the fact that it was so sacred and personal that it would be hard to adequately put into words, but it was amazing! At the end of the night, after coming back to the residence, my comps and I locked our door and just talked about so many divine spiritual truths for about an hour and a half! The spirit was so strong! I was litterally overcome by the power of the spirit in our room, that I was physically exhausted. I have never experienced anything quite like it before. I can testify to you that the Holy Ghost is REAL! That the teahings and promptings of the spirit are real and that the Holy Ghost is the true witness of truth. I knew this church was true before my mission, but now there is no way I could doubt! I'm so excited to be able to share this eternal happiness with everyone that I come into contact with.
Let's see, oh a cool complement my district received yesterday from our teacher Hermano Airmet, he told us we were "missionaries like unto Moroni". The conviction in his voice was so sincere and it really touched my heart. I later read in Alma 48:11-18, to see some of the qualities Captain Moroni had. He was a great man who was firm in the faith of Jesus Christ. I hope to aquire the same characteristics Captain Moroni had.
Well, truth be told...I battle with the Spanish language every day! It is such an emotional rollercoaster, but the reason I dont mention much about it is because that is my way of attempting to exercise my faith. By focusing more on the positive than the negative. It is hard, don't get me wrong...but it is just another testament to me that if this church wasn't true then there is no way I could learn the language as well as I have in 2 months, nor could I be fluent in hopefully 6 months out in the field. The gift of tongues is real, and I know that by my faith I will be able to speak the language.
I am getting my hair cut today. Prob short-ish. My comps and other missionary friends are trying to convince me. We'll see how daring I get. I dont think I could cut it past my shoulders. TOO SCARY! But I will send you all pictures!
I leave May 17! A week and a half and I am going to the mission field! Ah I am so excited!
I misss you ALL aton but I know that I am in the right place and the right time in my life right now!
The church is true!
Happy Cinco de Mayo!!
We might be having a little fiesta later here today, and Elder Swanny said he might bring chips and salsa to class. MMMM, speaking of chips and salsa I could really go for some chip and queso from Chili's right about now. Oh and Cafe Rio haha. The food here is....alright. Lol. I'm grateful for it, but lets just say I am absolutely stoked to eat real food again! I miss Alex's cooking :) On another note, my companions and I are getting 3 new sisters in our room today. We've been spoiled and have had the room to ourselves for a total of 4 wks out of the 7 we've been here, but that streak is now over. We have bunk beds and let's just say, they aren't the most convenient things in the world. Plus having 6 girls in one confined space, that is smaller than my room at home....can sometimes be a little clostraphobic. But, if I can adjust to Hermana Miller's snoring I most definitely can adjust to this haha.
Speaking of Sis. Miller, she loves you guys. And Sis. Williams sends her love as well. I am going to miss them both so much, but we have so much reason to rejoice because we are doing the Lord's work! On Sunday, we had mission conference and the MTC Presidency and wives spoke to us. Sister Smith (the MTC President's wife) talked to us about how there is a "famine of the word" out in the world. That there are people out there, searching for the truth but know not where to find it. We are apart of the greatest work out there! I feel so blessed to be here and to be able to bring the truth to God's children. Missionary work is no joke. It is the real deal! As hard as it might be to understand sometimes, this is the eternal salvation of one's soul that we are talking about! It is absolutely critical that I remain intune with the Spirit at all times and not be afraid to talk to anyone, because realistically we are all God's children and we all need to hear the truth and hear the good news of the Gospel.
I'm so grateful to be serving a mission! It has seriously changed my life! Already, I am not the same person I was before I left. Every day I am being molded into the person I have the divine potential to be. I have learned so much! I have grown so much! In a matter of 2 months, I have learned more about myself and seen clearer from an eternal perspective than I have in my entire life. Wow! This gospel is amazing!
On another note, Shiloh left to the Guat Mtc Monday. It was hard seeing him go, but I know he will do work out there and he will do great! I'm amazed at how close we got in a matter of 3 weeks! Lucky for me, since we're cousins, I got to hug him before he left. Ha, we sure got some strange panicked looks from some of the other Elder's not in our zone who were passing by when we did hug. It made me laugh! So funny!
Monday night was one of the best nights I've had here! My district and my comps and I had an amazing spiritual experience. I cannot go into a ton of detail on here, for lack of time and the fact that it was so sacred and personal that it would be hard to adequately put into words, but it was amazing! At the end of the night, after coming back to the residence, my comps and I locked our door and just talked about so many divine spiritual truths for about an hour and a half! The spirit was so strong! I was litterally overcome by the power of the spirit in our room, that I was physically exhausted. I have never experienced anything quite like it before. I can testify to you that the Holy Ghost is REAL! That the teahings and promptings of the spirit are real and that the Holy Ghost is the true witness of truth. I knew this church was true before my mission, but now there is no way I could doubt! I'm so excited to be able to share this eternal happiness with everyone that I come into contact with.
Let's see, oh a cool complement my district received yesterday from our teacher Hermano Airmet, he told us we were "missionaries like unto Moroni". The conviction in his voice was so sincere and it really touched my heart. I later read in Alma 48:11-18, to see some of the qualities Captain Moroni had. He was a great man who was firm in the faith of Jesus Christ. I hope to aquire the same characteristics Captain Moroni had.
Well, truth be told...I battle with the Spanish language every day! It is such an emotional rollercoaster, but the reason I dont mention much about it is because that is my way of attempting to exercise my faith. By focusing more on the positive than the negative. It is hard, don't get me wrong...but it is just another testament to me that if this church wasn't true then there is no way I could learn the language as well as I have in 2 months, nor could I be fluent in hopefully 6 months out in the field. The gift of tongues is real, and I know that by my faith I will be able to speak the language.
I am getting my hair cut today. Prob short-ish. My comps and other missionary friends are trying to convince me. We'll see how daring I get. I dont think I could cut it past my shoulders. TOO SCARY! But I will send you all pictures!
I leave May 17! A week and a half and I am going to the mission field! Ah I am so excited!
I misss you ALL aton but I know that I am in the right place and the right time in my life right now!
The church is true!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
This is the Last Dispensation
April 28th 2010
Week 6! and counting! I cannot believe I leave in 20 days to the mission field! I am getting so excited to get out there and to do work! It hit me a few days ago, that I've been here for so long and I am starting to get a little ancy (however you spell that). I'm grateful for the time I have here though to learn as much as I possibly can with the language and in the gospel. I have learned so much. Last week we taught all our lessons in Spanish, and from this point on we are going to be teaching solomente en espanol. Its is hard but I have learned aton. Our district has set a goal to have English fasts every day from 1130 to 430 and all day on Monday. So far its been going pretty good, but there is always room for improvement. I've noticed how I can now comprehend alot of what people are saying, even natives, but its the speaking part that is taking a little bit longer for me. It is coming though, and that is exciting to see the growth I've been able to gain. My confidence is waxing strong in the Lord and I know that through Him all things are possible.
Well, my thoughts are kinda scattered at the moment I'm not really sure what to say. All the days here seem to run together. I feel so blessed to be able to have spiritual experiences EVERY day. It's crazy how strong the spirit is here!
Ok top 3 for the week:
#1 On thursday last week my comps and I got to go out into the "real" world. HAHA who would have ever thought I would be calling Provo, the "real" world. Sis. Williams had her cardiologist appointment so we went out for that. Good news, she doesnt have to get surgery! And the cardiologist is treating her condition differently so hopefully that will help and she wont have any more episodes. She hasnt had one since that one week I told you about, but still continue to keep her in your prayers.
#2 So two nights ago, we were all getting ready for bed. My companions and I had just had a fun time doing "Tim Tam Slams" which to my family, I highly doubt you have ever heard of Tim Tams before but they are so good! You can get em in Hawaii and Austrailia, prob other places to. And they are like this chocolate cookie, and its called a slam because you dip it in hot chocolate and suck the hot choco through to fill the cookie up and then eat it. Ok hard to explain. But they are amazing! I think I may be addicted lol. Anywho, so sister Litza's comp was in our room getting one...and then Sis williams was like "where is sis. litza?"....all of us being surprised of course that Litza wasnt in our room at this time of great fun! So, then Sis Miller was like..."she's prob in the closet or something" kinda just making a joke. And I, being the over paranoid self that I am...was like...."Probably!" and decided to go check. Without andy sign of warning as I was about 2 ft from opening one of the closet doors Litza popped out and scared me half to death!! I screamed at the top of my lungs! Anf family you know how hard it is to scare me that good. But it was legit! And so hillarious! Prob one of the funniest things thats happened here! Hey, at least my comps got the chance to see how I may scream like a little girl if you are lucky enough to scare me that good. It was a good time. Props to Litza!
#3. Elder L. Tom Perry came to speak at our devotional last night! It was amazing and I officially think he is the cutest little (big) man ever! I was surprised at how tall he was. He talked about the Book of Mormon, and how we need to study from it daily. Ponder it. Study it with our comps. etc. But then he related that to studying it throughout the rest of our lives. Personally and with our eternal companions and families. He said that "when we prayerfully study from the book, no matter how many times we have read it, that a POWER will begin to flow into our lives and that we will be able to have the strength to endure through trials and the strength to be obedient to ALL of God's commandments." I know that this is true and I have learned so much from the scriptures it is amazing! I am developing a deeper love and understanding for the Bible as well! The Bible and the BOM support each other and it is amazing to see how they relate. I love it!
Ok, well unfortunately top 3 is all I have time to share for today. But I want to close with my testimony like I always do of course :) I want you to know that I KNOW that this church is true! There is not a doubt in my mind that it is true. I know that every one of God's children can come to know this for themselves, if they sincerly ask God in prayer with pure intent and a sincere heart, if it is true. If the BOM is true, if Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God called for this the last dispensation of times before Christ comes again. I know that the Lord will manifest the truth unto them that ask through the power of the Holy Ghost. The Bible testifies of the 7 dispensations and of Joseph Smith. Read Isaiah 29- in there it talks about Joseph Smith and the coming forth of the BOM. I KNOW that we are here now, in the last dispensation. These are the last days. WE are God's Royal army. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. A witness to the world, that I know He lives. I know that He is the life and the way to true eternal happiness. I know that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us and knows are name and all the desires of our hearts. I know that the Priesthood has been restored to the earth, and gives us the power to act in God's name. I am so grateful for the Atonement, and I use it every day. I pray that we all will try a litttle harder, to be a little better, each and every day. I love you all and am so grateful to be serving the Lord and God's children.
Con Mucho Amor,
Sister V
Week 6! and counting! I cannot believe I leave in 20 days to the mission field! I am getting so excited to get out there and to do work! It hit me a few days ago, that I've been here for so long and I am starting to get a little ancy (however you spell that). I'm grateful for the time I have here though to learn as much as I possibly can with the language and in the gospel. I have learned so much. Last week we taught all our lessons in Spanish, and from this point on we are going to be teaching solomente en espanol. Its is hard but I have learned aton. Our district has set a goal to have English fasts every day from 1130 to 430 and all day on Monday. So far its been going pretty good, but there is always room for improvement. I've noticed how I can now comprehend alot of what people are saying, even natives, but its the speaking part that is taking a little bit longer for me. It is coming though, and that is exciting to see the growth I've been able to gain. My confidence is waxing strong in the Lord and I know that through Him all things are possible.
Well, my thoughts are kinda scattered at the moment I'm not really sure what to say. All the days here seem to run together. I feel so blessed to be able to have spiritual experiences EVERY day. It's crazy how strong the spirit is here!
Ok top 3 for the week:
#1 On thursday last week my comps and I got to go out into the "real" world. HAHA who would have ever thought I would be calling Provo, the "real" world. Sis. Williams had her cardiologist appointment so we went out for that. Good news, she doesnt have to get surgery! And the cardiologist is treating her condition differently so hopefully that will help and she wont have any more episodes. She hasnt had one since that one week I told you about, but still continue to keep her in your prayers.
#2 So two nights ago, we were all getting ready for bed. My companions and I had just had a fun time doing "Tim Tam Slams" which to my family, I highly doubt you have ever heard of Tim Tams before but they are so good! You can get em in Hawaii and Austrailia, prob other places to. And they are like this chocolate cookie, and its called a slam because you dip it in hot chocolate and suck the hot choco through to fill the cookie up and then eat it. Ok hard to explain. But they are amazing! I think I may be addicted lol. Anywho, so sister Litza's comp was in our room getting one...and then Sis williams was like "where is sis. litza?"....all of us being surprised of course that Litza wasnt in our room at this time of great fun! So, then Sis Miller was like..."she's prob in the closet or something" kinda just making a joke. And I, being the over paranoid self that I am...was like...."Probably!" and decided to go check. Without andy sign of warning as I was about 2 ft from opening one of the closet doors Litza popped out and scared me half to death!! I screamed at the top of my lungs! Anf family you know how hard it is to scare me that good. But it was legit! And so hillarious! Prob one of the funniest things thats happened here! Hey, at least my comps got the chance to see how I may scream like a little girl if you are lucky enough to scare me that good. It was a good time. Props to Litza!
#3. Elder L. Tom Perry came to speak at our devotional last night! It was amazing and I officially think he is the cutest little (big) man ever! I was surprised at how tall he was. He talked about the Book of Mormon, and how we need to study from it daily. Ponder it. Study it with our comps. etc. But then he related that to studying it throughout the rest of our lives. Personally and with our eternal companions and families. He said that "when we prayerfully study from the book, no matter how many times we have read it, that a POWER will begin to flow into our lives and that we will be able to have the strength to endure through trials and the strength to be obedient to ALL of God's commandments." I know that this is true and I have learned so much from the scriptures it is amazing! I am developing a deeper love and understanding for the Bible as well! The Bible and the BOM support each other and it is amazing to see how they relate. I love it!
Ok, well unfortunately top 3 is all I have time to share for today. But I want to close with my testimony like I always do of course :) I want you to know that I KNOW that this church is true! There is not a doubt in my mind that it is true. I know that every one of God's children can come to know this for themselves, if they sincerly ask God in prayer with pure intent and a sincere heart, if it is true. If the BOM is true, if Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God called for this the last dispensation of times before Christ comes again. I know that the Lord will manifest the truth unto them that ask through the power of the Holy Ghost. The Bible testifies of the 7 dispensations and of Joseph Smith. Read Isaiah 29- in there it talks about Joseph Smith and the coming forth of the BOM. I KNOW that we are here now, in the last dispensation. These are the last days. WE are God's Royal army. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. A witness to the world, that I know He lives. I know that He is the life and the way to true eternal happiness. I know that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us and knows are name and all the desires of our hearts. I know that the Priesthood has been restored to the earth, and gives us the power to act in God's name. I am so grateful for the Atonement, and I use it every day. I pray that we all will try a litttle harder, to be a little better, each and every day. I love you all and am so grateful to be serving the Lord and God's children.
Con Mucho Amor,
Sister V
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Faith
April 21st 2010
Wow! I cannot believe another week has come and gone! It seems my time here is flying by within a blink of an eye. I am trying to enjoy every second here, and striving diligently to learn all that I possibly can while I am here. The language is coming, but I think that has been the most discouraging part for me. I have learned aton though! I received a Priesthood blessing the other night from our Zone Leader Elder Schvaneveldy (Swanny is his nickname who will be serving in the same mission as me) and it really comforted me. I know that I will be able to learn this language, because this is the Lord's work. As long as I place my trust in Him, then he will bless me to be able to say the right things to investigators when the time presents itself.
We taught our first lesson all in Spanish yesterday! It wasn't quite as hard as I thought it would be, and I surprised myself with how much I actually knew. The spirit was strong, and I learned that even when you are teaching in another language that is different than your own, there is still one language that we need to learn...and that is the language of the spirit. I know that the holy ghost is the true teacher and I am striving every day to have the Spirit as my constant companion. I need to have more faith, as I have learned throughout this last week. I never quite realised how much our faith and diligence depends on the progress of this work.
Faith has been the reoccuring for me throughout this week. I used to think I had a lot of faith, until I came here...and I started loosing faith in myself and my potential. I know that this was the advesary's way of trying to bring me down, but throughout this last week all the firesides, devotionals, classes, and other topics of discussion throughout our meetings had aton to do with having faith in ourselves and in this work. Not being weary, and to refuse to be average. As children of our loving Heavenly Father we are so much more than average. Each of us has the divine potential to do great things in this life and in the eternities. I know this to be true, and I am working on not being so hard on myself and having faith that I can do all things through Christ. That includes learning the language and overcoming my own personal weaknesses and doubts. I know I can do this, and every night I pray for more faith. It has been a process but I know that Heavenly Father does hear and answer are prayers.
It is amazing to see how much my testimony has grown since coming here. Already, even though I've only been on my mission for 5 weeks, it has CHANGED my life. Making the decision to serve and to go through with it, has been the best decision I have ever made. I know that I am in the right place at the right time in my life right now. All that I have learned will forever be apart of me. I now look at things with an eternal perspective as I talked about last week. I know that this life is the time for us to prepare to meet God at the judgement seat, and then to be judged according to our actions and the desires of our hearts. If we do not desire to change now, and be perfected day by day through Christ's atoning sacrafice, then that desire will not suddenly appear when we leave this life. Our same attitudes and personality will be with us when we pass beyond the veil, and we will have a perfect knowledge of everything we did in this life. This life is about becoming the divine individual we have the potential to become. Although we arent perfect, we can impliment the atonement daily. That is the miracle of the Atonement. I use it daily, even for the little things. I try to find ways in which I can strengthen my faith, my diligence and obedience. I know that by our obedience the Lord does bless us. He gave us commandments for a reason. All 10 of them, including keeping the sabbath day holy and honoring our father and our mother. I know that as we strive to keep all the commandments of God, that we will be BLESSED. We will be blessed with more faith and hope, confidence, spiritual strength, and many other things.
Understand that His timing is everything. We all have to go through a refiner's fire so that we can become the people he needs us to become. I know that every day I am here I am being molded into the person He NEEDS me to be.
I know this church is true without ANY doubt! I know that families can be together forever. Never doubt who you are, and who you have the divine potential to become!
Con mucho amor,
Hermana V
Wow! I cannot believe another week has come and gone! It seems my time here is flying by within a blink of an eye. I am trying to enjoy every second here, and striving diligently to learn all that I possibly can while I am here. The language is coming, but I think that has been the most discouraging part for me. I have learned aton though! I received a Priesthood blessing the other night from our Zone Leader Elder Schvaneveldy (Swanny is his nickname who will be serving in the same mission as me) and it really comforted me. I know that I will be able to learn this language, because this is the Lord's work. As long as I place my trust in Him, then he will bless me to be able to say the right things to investigators when the time presents itself.
We taught our first lesson all in Spanish yesterday! It wasn't quite as hard as I thought it would be, and I surprised myself with how much I actually knew. The spirit was strong, and I learned that even when you are teaching in another language that is different than your own, there is still one language that we need to learn...and that is the language of the spirit. I know that the holy ghost is the true teacher and I am striving every day to have the Spirit as my constant companion. I need to have more faith, as I have learned throughout this last week. I never quite realised how much our faith and diligence depends on the progress of this work.
Faith has been the reoccuring for me throughout this week. I used to think I had a lot of faith, until I came here...and I started loosing faith in myself and my potential. I know that this was the advesary's way of trying to bring me down, but throughout this last week all the firesides, devotionals, classes, and other topics of discussion throughout our meetings had aton to do with having faith in ourselves and in this work. Not being weary, and to refuse to be average. As children of our loving Heavenly Father we are so much more than average. Each of us has the divine potential to do great things in this life and in the eternities. I know this to be true, and I am working on not being so hard on myself and having faith that I can do all things through Christ. That includes learning the language and overcoming my own personal weaknesses and doubts. I know I can do this, and every night I pray for more faith. It has been a process but I know that Heavenly Father does hear and answer are prayers.
It is amazing to see how much my testimony has grown since coming here. Already, even though I've only been on my mission for 5 weeks, it has CHANGED my life. Making the decision to serve and to go through with it, has been the best decision I have ever made. I know that I am in the right place at the right time in my life right now. All that I have learned will forever be apart of me. I now look at things with an eternal perspective as I talked about last week. I know that this life is the time for us to prepare to meet God at the judgement seat, and then to be judged according to our actions and the desires of our hearts. If we do not desire to change now, and be perfected day by day through Christ's atoning sacrafice, then that desire will not suddenly appear when we leave this life. Our same attitudes and personality will be with us when we pass beyond the veil, and we will have a perfect knowledge of everything we did in this life. This life is about becoming the divine individual we have the potential to become. Although we arent perfect, we can impliment the atonement daily. That is the miracle of the Atonement. I use it daily, even for the little things. I try to find ways in which I can strengthen my faith, my diligence and obedience. I know that by our obedience the Lord does bless us. He gave us commandments for a reason. All 10 of them, including keeping the sabbath day holy and honoring our father and our mother. I know that as we strive to keep all the commandments of God, that we will be BLESSED. We will be blessed with more faith and hope, confidence, spiritual strength, and many other things.
Understand that His timing is everything. We all have to go through a refiner's fire so that we can become the people he needs us to become. I know that every day I am here I am being molded into the person He NEEDS me to be.
I know this church is true without ANY doubt! I know that families can be together forever. Never doubt who you are, and who you have the divine potential to become!
Con mucho amor,
Hermana V
Thursday, April 15, 2010
What we are destined to become
April 14th 2010
Wow, I cannot believe I have been here one month today!! One down and 17 more to go, the time is flying by! I am trying to learn as much as I possibly can while I am here in the MTC cuz I only have 4 1/2 wks left. I leave May 17 to the mission field! Crazy!
ok ... I want you all to know how much I appreciate your letters and testimonies. It gives me so much strength.
Ok, so I really have like no time...so I will try to share with all of you what I wish to share at this time. This keyboard is difficult to type on, cuz the keys keep sticking, and its irritating me:)...but none the less I will begin.
So last night, we had a devotional. Elder Glenn L Pace from the 70 spoke and it was amazing! He asked that the devotional not be recorded because of the sacred personal experiences that he shared with us. The spirit was so strong! You could literally hear a pin drop in the entire gymnasium. It was amazing. His objective was to help us feel of the reality of our Heavenly Father's love for us. And he definitely succeeded. He talked about how in our pre-earth life we knew and loved our Heavenly Father and we were in His presence. He painted the imagery of when we were in His presence, we all shouted for joy when He told us we could become like Him, as an exalted being and our joy could be full! We accepted our assignments of what day in age we would come down to the earth, whether or not we would have the gospel, and what our lives might be like. We knew full well that this life would present hard and difficult times, but that we would endure and we would be able to return home again.
Elder Pace talked about how we made promises/commitments to specific people that we would come find them and bring them the truth. That we wouldn't leave them to wander without knowing about their Father in Heaven and the reality of His love for us. He sent us His only begotten Son to atone for our sins, heartaches, sicknesses and pains. The atonement encompasses everything! This gave me new motivation to work that much harder every day that I am here. Along with what was said in my setting apart blessing, I KNOW that I have made PROMISES to specific people that I would find them and bring them the gospel. I KNOW that many of those people are in the Spokane WA area and they are just waiting for me. Even though they may not realize it yet, they have been and are searching to be reminded of what they already know,.
Because of the veil, we cannot remember our pre-earth existence...But I KNOW with every fiber of my being that we were up in Heaven before this life , and we shouted for Joy when we heard our Heavenly Father's plan for us, and we knew that this life would but only a small moment when looking into the eternities.
My testimony of the reality of the spirit world and the resurrection, and the Celestial Kingdom has been strengthened immensley. We recently studied D&C 76 which talks about the 3 kingdoms of Glory. I encourage you all to go read it, and not just read but study it. It is amazing what the Holy Ghost has made manifest to me. I know that we ALL can return to live with our Father in Heaven again, and that we can be together as a family FOREVER! We all have to do OUR part though. Salvation does not come cheap. Every day we need to use the Atonement and rely on the Merits of our savior to be perfected. We need to keep our covenants of baptism and nourish our testimonies. Every day that we arent moving forward, even if we are just standing still, we are technically moving backwards. Although we arent perfect, every day we need to strive to be better. And on the days when we fall short, we need to remember our Savior, repent and try again. I want nothing more than to be with all of you in the presence of God as an eternal family. Try to look at things with an ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE. This life truly is but a small moment. Dont let Satan in. Dont let him diminsh your divine worth. Hold to the iron rod and stay in the straight and narrow path. It is so vitally important that we help each other along this path of life. Find joy in the journey, but eternal joy. Not temporary joy. The world will tell you that the things of this world are what brings happiness, but I PROMISE you...there is nothing that could bring more happiness than coming before the judgment seat of God and knowing we passed the test of mortality and we are going to return to live with Him and with our families for the rest of time and all eternity.
I know these things to be true. It is something I could never deny! Every day that I am here, I am being molded into the person I am destined to become. We all have a divine potential. Hold on to your testimonies, nourish them, and know that with the Lord anything is possible!
Con mucho amor,
Sister V
Wow, I cannot believe I have been here one month today!! One down and 17 more to go, the time is flying by! I am trying to learn as much as I possibly can while I am here in the MTC cuz I only have 4 1/2 wks left. I leave May 17 to the mission field! Crazy!
ok ... I want you all to know how much I appreciate your letters and testimonies. It gives me so much strength.
Ok, so I really have like no time...so I will try to share with all of you what I wish to share at this time. This keyboard is difficult to type on, cuz the keys keep sticking, and its irritating me:)...but none the less I will begin.
So last night, we had a devotional. Elder Glenn L Pace from the 70 spoke and it was amazing! He asked that the devotional not be recorded because of the sacred personal experiences that he shared with us. The spirit was so strong! You could literally hear a pin drop in the entire gymnasium. It was amazing. His objective was to help us feel of the reality of our Heavenly Father's love for us. And he definitely succeeded. He talked about how in our pre-earth life we knew and loved our Heavenly Father and we were in His presence. He painted the imagery of when we were in His presence, we all shouted for joy when He told us we could become like Him, as an exalted being and our joy could be full! We accepted our assignments of what day in age we would come down to the earth, whether or not we would have the gospel, and what our lives might be like. We knew full well that this life would present hard and difficult times, but that we would endure and we would be able to return home again.
Elder Pace talked about how we made promises/commitments to specific people that we would come find them and bring them the truth. That we wouldn't leave them to wander without knowing about their Father in Heaven and the reality of His love for us. He sent us His only begotten Son to atone for our sins, heartaches, sicknesses and pains. The atonement encompasses everything! This gave me new motivation to work that much harder every day that I am here. Along with what was said in my setting apart blessing, I KNOW that I have made PROMISES to specific people that I would find them and bring them the gospel. I KNOW that many of those people are in the Spokane WA area and they are just waiting for me. Even though they may not realize it yet, they have been and are searching to be reminded of what they already know,.
Because of the veil, we cannot remember our pre-earth existence...But I KNOW with every fiber of my being that we were up in Heaven before this life , and we shouted for Joy when we heard our Heavenly Father's plan for us, and we knew that this life would but only a small moment when looking into the eternities.
My testimony of the reality of the spirit world and the resurrection, and the Celestial Kingdom has been strengthened immensley. We recently studied D&C 76 which talks about the 3 kingdoms of Glory. I encourage you all to go read it, and not just read but study it. It is amazing what the Holy Ghost has made manifest to me. I know that we ALL can return to live with our Father in Heaven again, and that we can be together as a family FOREVER! We all have to do OUR part though. Salvation does not come cheap. Every day we need to use the Atonement and rely on the Merits of our savior to be perfected. We need to keep our covenants of baptism and nourish our testimonies. Every day that we arent moving forward, even if we are just standing still, we are technically moving backwards. Although we arent perfect, every day we need to strive to be better. And on the days when we fall short, we need to remember our Savior, repent and try again. I want nothing more than to be with all of you in the presence of God as an eternal family. Try to look at things with an ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE. This life truly is but a small moment. Dont let Satan in. Dont let him diminsh your divine worth. Hold to the iron rod and stay in the straight and narrow path. It is so vitally important that we help each other along this path of life. Find joy in the journey, but eternal joy. Not temporary joy. The world will tell you that the things of this world are what brings happiness, but I PROMISE you...there is nothing that could bring more happiness than coming before the judgment seat of God and knowing we passed the test of mortality and we are going to return to live with Him and with our families for the rest of time and all eternity.
I know these things to be true. It is something I could never deny! Every day that I am here, I am being molded into the person I am destined to become. We all have a divine potential. Hold on to your testimonies, nourish them, and know that with the Lord anything is possible!
Con mucho amor,
Sister V
Sunday, April 11, 2010
"The Lord calls us in our weakness, but he qualifies us for the work."
April 7th 2010
Hola,
Well, another week has come and gone and I cannot believe I have almost been here in the MTC for a month! In so many ways it feels like I've been here forever, but at the same time I know the time is flying by and before you know it I will be getting my flight plans and then soon going out into the mission field.
All the days seem to mesh together, but every day I have a profound spiritual experience that strengthens my testimony. I have seriously grown so much since coming here, and every day is another witness to me that this church is the true church. I'm so grateful to be serving the Lord right now. I know without a shadow of a doubt, every experience I've had throughout my life has prepared me to be here right now.
So conference was AMAZING!!! Not that it isnt every time, but this conference just stood out to me so much. Maybe its because I'm on my mission and the spirit is so strong here and I get to receive personal revelation on a lot more frequent basis than what I used to be able to since I've been set apart as a missionary...but all those things aside, I know that the words the leaders of this church bore witness of are TRUE. Pretty much every talk was about the family! Now of course, I couldnt help but think of you guys during these talks, but not only was I mindful of you, I also was very mindful of my future family. Elder Hales said, "The greatest missionary service we could ever give is found in our own homes." That is so so true. I know that every day I am being faithful, obedient, and diligent..that the Lord is preparing me to bring God's royal army to the earth. He will be entrusting to me His children, to raise up in righteousness and to build up their faith. As women, our most sacred responsibility is to be mothers; to nurture and rear up our children in the gospel and with love. Throughout conference, my heart was touched and full of gratitude for all the teachings you mom and dad have taught me. I am so grateful for your loving influence.
Another cool experience I had during conference, actually during the YW General Meeting which we got to watch Saturday night during the Priesthood session, was that at some point in the future I will have a calling in the church to work with the Youth. Of course, in some ways this impression did not surprise me, but what did surprise me is 2 days later I had an even stronger impression. It was about 4:30 am when I woke up, not to stay up-just woke up naturally around that time- and my mind was completely clear. Then as clear as day the Spirit impressed upon my mind that I was going to be working with the youth, that this was going to be a sacred call for me. Now, when that time will come I am not sure, but I cannot deny the witness of the Spirit. Already, I know how much I loved coaching my girls and the influence in which I had the opportunity to be. Something I've learned is as much as I have looked up to others as my examples throughout my life, I too have been watched. You never know when someone is watching your every move and counting on you to influence them or inspire them to do better. I know this is true with all my heart. I keep thinking about how Dana was and has been such a powerful influence on me throughout yw and then continuing on to this present day where we have developed a strong bond of friendship. Please send her my love and gratitude. She is one amazing woman and example to me.
I also know, that my future eternal companion and future children are counting on me to make righteous choices and to prepare myself in the best way possible to bring my children here to this earth. I know that there are loved ones, who have passed on, including Grandpa Riggs and Grandpa Green who are by my side cheering me on and helping me along this path. Life isn't easy, missions aren't easy...but "Salvation doesnt come cheap" says Elder Holland in The Miracle of the Mission. I know that everything we aspire to be here in this life will only help our progression in the next. I am so excited to be embarking upon this journey. What greater opportunity and responsibility than what I have right now, is there to bring God's children back into His loving embrace and to be apart of the salvation of one's soul! It's truly remarkable when you think about it.
One of my favorite quotes from this week was by Joseph Smith, which I wrote down while watching the restoration. It reads:
"The Lord calls us in our weakness, but he qualifies us for the work."
I know this is so true about missionary work. As I have said I feel like I've been going through a refiners fire, but I know God is qualifying me for this work and molding me to be an effective tool in His hands.
I love you all so very much. Pray Always and Bear your testimony often.
Hugs!!!
Con Amor,
Sister V
Hola,
Well, another week has come and gone and I cannot believe I have almost been here in the MTC for a month! In so many ways it feels like I've been here forever, but at the same time I know the time is flying by and before you know it I will be getting my flight plans and then soon going out into the mission field.
All the days seem to mesh together, but every day I have a profound spiritual experience that strengthens my testimony. I have seriously grown so much since coming here, and every day is another witness to me that this church is the true church. I'm so grateful to be serving the Lord right now. I know without a shadow of a doubt, every experience I've had throughout my life has prepared me to be here right now.
So conference was AMAZING!!! Not that it isnt every time, but this conference just stood out to me so much. Maybe its because I'm on my mission and the spirit is so strong here and I get to receive personal revelation on a lot more frequent basis than what I used to be able to since I've been set apart as a missionary...but all those things aside, I know that the words the leaders of this church bore witness of are TRUE. Pretty much every talk was about the family! Now of course, I couldnt help but think of you guys during these talks, but not only was I mindful of you, I also was very mindful of my future family. Elder Hales said, "The greatest missionary service we could ever give is found in our own homes." That is so so true. I know that every day I am being faithful, obedient, and diligent..that the Lord is preparing me to bring God's royal army to the earth. He will be entrusting to me His children, to raise up in righteousness and to build up their faith. As women, our most sacred responsibility is to be mothers; to nurture and rear up our children in the gospel and with love. Throughout conference, my heart was touched and full of gratitude for all the teachings you mom and dad have taught me. I am so grateful for your loving influence.
Another cool experience I had during conference, actually during the YW General Meeting which we got to watch Saturday night during the Priesthood session, was that at some point in the future I will have a calling in the church to work with the Youth. Of course, in some ways this impression did not surprise me, but what did surprise me is 2 days later I had an even stronger impression. It was about 4:30 am when I woke up, not to stay up-just woke up naturally around that time- and my mind was completely clear. Then as clear as day the Spirit impressed upon my mind that I was going to be working with the youth, that this was going to be a sacred call for me. Now, when that time will come I am not sure, but I cannot deny the witness of the Spirit. Already, I know how much I loved coaching my girls and the influence in which I had the opportunity to be. Something I've learned is as much as I have looked up to others as my examples throughout my life, I too have been watched. You never know when someone is watching your every move and counting on you to influence them or inspire them to do better. I know this is true with all my heart. I keep thinking about how Dana was and has been such a powerful influence on me throughout yw and then continuing on to this present day where we have developed a strong bond of friendship. Please send her my love and gratitude. She is one amazing woman and example to me.
I also know, that my future eternal companion and future children are counting on me to make righteous choices and to prepare myself in the best way possible to bring my children here to this earth. I know that there are loved ones, who have passed on, including Grandpa Riggs and Grandpa Green who are by my side cheering me on and helping me along this path. Life isn't easy, missions aren't easy...but "Salvation doesnt come cheap" says Elder Holland in The Miracle of the Mission. I know that everything we aspire to be here in this life will only help our progression in the next. I am so excited to be embarking upon this journey. What greater opportunity and responsibility than what I have right now, is there to bring God's children back into His loving embrace and to be apart of the salvation of one's soul! It's truly remarkable when you think about it.
One of my favorite quotes from this week was by Joseph Smith, which I wrote down while watching the restoration. It reads:
"The Lord calls us in our weakness, but he qualifies us for the work."
I know this is so true about missionary work. As I have said I feel like I've been going through a refiners fire, but I know God is qualifying me for this work and molding me to be an effective tool in His hands.
I love you all so very much. Pray Always and Bear your testimony often.
Hugs!!!
Con Amor,
Sister V
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