Mission Life continues

This week was a crazy week for us. We didn't get all of our goals that we wanted. Mainly because we left our area for 3 days for exchanges and interviews. But we did have a baptism! :) J asked me to baptize him. I was honored to do it. It was a great experience. Lately I had been wondering a lot of how I have felt the Spirit in the past and even now in my mission. I remember going to EFY that one year and feeling the Spirit so very powerfully. It's interesting how when I give blessings or perform an ordinance such a baptism, I don't feel a huge overwhelming powerful experience like I had at EFY. But, recently at the baptismal service for J as we were in the water, I closed my eyes and offered a quick prayer similar to what Alma did when he said as he went to baptize the people in the waters of Mormon. ,"O Lord, pour out thy Spirit upon thy servant, that he may do this work with holiness of heart." I performed the ordinance. After J came up out of the water he had a smile on his face, we gave each other a hug. I walked him to the changing room and I asked him how he felt. He said he felt great! I went and changed and returned to the service as my companion was bearing his testimony. As I sat and listened a thought came to my mind. I paid attention to my feelings and realized how peaceful I was. I felt still. I felt peace. Sometimes we have amazing powerful experiences with the Spirit and other times we feel the great peace that comes from the spirit. I know we have those experiences in different degrees and at different times in our lives. 

Mission work continues

Those were some awesome scriptures! It was funny that you shared what you learned about prayer with me, because last week we had Zone Conference and we learned about prayer! We talked a lot of how we can secure those blessings for ourselves and what we can do when we go to pray. For example I have always struggled with prayers at night and mornings because I fall asleep or I'm super tired. Sis Kunz gave us some instruction on how we should approach prayer. With a humble attitude, pondering before hand what you want to speak with Heavenly Father about, and then physically praying in a position that enables you to be alert. If you lean against something, you're going to fall asleep.

 It's amazing to think how many of our prayers remained unanswered because we asked in contrary to his will. It amazes me. When I pray now I strive to listen very closely to the Spirit to know what to ask.

I liked this quote that you shared. Miracles do not produce faith, but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ, in other words faith comes by righteousness , although miracles often confirm ones faith. "
 I want to add an insight I received from a general authority that came and visited us a few months ago. He said Faith is nothing more or less than personal righteousness. :)

Our Faith increases as we are more obedient and being more obedient is being righteous (keeping the commandments).  I can't begin to imagine the memories of us being with our Heavenly Father before. I wonder how we felt when He told us that we would not be able to see Him always and hear His voice as we did personally then. But He must have told us of prayer and how we would be able to speak with Him all the time if we wished.

 Truly great quote mom"as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God ( namely God is our Father and we are his children ) then at once prayer becomes  natural and instinctive on our part."
 What an  incredible blessing we have, one on one time we have with our Heavenly Father in prayer. I value it and I wish I had more time to plead with my Heavenly Father. I love how I feel when I pray. I know He is there and listening.

 This week was awesome! Elder Meza and I worked super hard!! We have one baptism this week! Bro. X finally decided to be baptized this week! It's awesome! I taught him when I first came to Grand Island and he said,"I know it's true and I'm ready to be baptized." YEAH!!! :D He is sooooo ready! :D

 Also we set another young man. I'm going to call him Swah-vay. Because he is so cool! :) We had an extremely powerful lesson with him about Jesus Christ and his life and ministry. We testified of His reality and we invited him to be baptized. His immediate response was I like the Christian Church better, it's more fun. Elder Meza and I felt the Spirit tell us not to say a word.

We paused for what felt like ten minutes which was really 30 seconds lol when he said, what do I need to do to be baptized? We explained that very well. He smokes a lot and I said to him, "You will be free of your addiction of smoking by your baptismal date." We promised him as representatives of Jesus Christ that he would be free from his addiction and that he would be prepared to be baptized. After the lesson he walked us out to our truck and said, I'm really excited for the end of march. What you both said to me. It filled me inside. I'm going to do it! I told him the marvelous promise that comes from baptism by the proper priesthood authority. A remission of sins. He was comforted and became even more excited. He came to church yesterday and told me, "I'm cutting back on my smoking by this time I would have smoken 5 cigarettes and I have only smoken one today!" I smiled and said "Good Job and Keep it up!" The best smell in church is tobacco! :) That's because there are people there striving to change and be better! :) I'm super excited! A baptism this week! and more to come!! :)

 I love this work!!! :) I love the Gospel! I love being a missionary! I know I represent Jesus Christ. I know He is my Savior. It's a powerful and humbling statement. I know God lives and loves us. I love the lessons I learn everyday from just a sentence of a verse. They impact me. I love them, they fill me. I know that Scriptures will give us the strength we need to stand taller. We access that strength as we apply what we read from those words.

Birthday week

Haha a 21 year old! :) :P HA!! :) I feel so old! You'll love to hear what I did on my birthday.

Well it was probably 15 degrees outside.

No Truck. 

Just feet. 

Freezing Wind. 

Knocking Doors.

Feeling the Spirit, Laughing with my Companion in dark streets.  

Yeah being a missionary on your 21st birthday in the middle of the U.S.

Priceless :) I couldn't have had a better birthday. :) 

I had the opportunity to find out that the Lord truly guides us to knock the doors He needs us to. It's neat. I don't know how to describe it. We were walking and I look at this one house and completely felt it within me, that sensitive impression to knock that door. So we did. He let us in and He listened.

We had an incredible lesson with a guy this week who is literally the guy in the parable of the Talents who hid his talent. This guy is so scared to exercise faith and to learn. We taught about the Book of Mormon and he got really scared. I listened and listened closely to what he was saying. I shared with him my personally testimony and told him that he did not need to be afraid and he read Moroni 10:3-5. He read the verses aloud, and after reading said, that's powerful. He's reading 3 Nephi 11-27 right now.

Being a missionary rocks :)

The new mission address is:

11027 Martha St.

Omaha Nebraska 68144

New Area

Things have gone great in G I since I left. Remember M? He is a member now! I saw him the night after I came and wow...I cannot begin to describe the joy I felt and the difference in his appearance. :) He ran up to me and gave me a huge hug! :) He said, "I didn't forget you. I will never forget you!" :) I almost cried. I know that I have been called to do a great work as a missionary. I saw another family ,they're members now! The mother is completely different now! The Gospel has truly refined her. I am so humbled and amazed. I remember thinking one night in S City if I had done any work in G I. Returning to G I, my testimony has been strengthened to know that as I give my best the Lord will do the rest. Mom, I love being a missionary. I love it! I love seeing the Gospel change people, and help those people come closer to their Father in Heaven, our Heavenly Father.

My Book of Mormon reading continues! :) I love love love love the Book of Mormon! :) I love Nephi. Recently I was thinking I didn't qualify or fit the criteria for being a Zone Leader. I read 2 Nephi 4 today and that all changed. I love these verses.

 

15 And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children
16 Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.
17 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.
 18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.
19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.
20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.
21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.

I know the Lord has called me to where I am now. I trust in Him and I know that as I put my trust in Him, He will guide me and help me do His work. Even Nephi felt unqualified, but He used the Atonement and exercised trust in Heavenly Father and Look at what He did! :) I know God lives. I know the Book of Mormon is true. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lord's Church on the Earth today. I know Jesus Christ lives. His Atonement is very real and very true.

more updates and transfer

 Wow. I must begin my email with this sentence.

"Being a Missionary: The Best Calling Ever"

This week has been great!! I must say, there is so much power in the Book of Mormon! :) We have 5 investigators that are reading it intently! :) They're all flying through 1 Nephi! :) We had 8 investigators at church this week :) we kind of broke the law too. ;) We meet in the Relief Society Room and there is a sign that says, "Maximum Occupancy 32" We had 52 people in the room :) Haha Sioux City is practically on a huge snowball of success, that is rolling down a mountain and it gets bigger and bigger lol ;)

 We have these new Ti-Wi boxes in our cars. They drive me nuts!!! They're a GPS/Saftey Box installed into our cars. They measure how we drive and if we are driving safely. It yells at you if you are driving too fast or even brake too fast! The other day I was on a bridge going the Speed Limit! lol, and suddenly I hear, "SPEEDING VIOLATION!" I was like what the heck!!! We have cards to swipe on the box when we start the day and it replies, "Driver Logged In." :) I feel like a Secret Agent when I do that :) Haha

 Our investigators are soo cool! They're real people! :) [Better than imaginary people right? lol]

 My mission experience is incredible. It's truly helped me and shaped me. I've come to love my Heavenly Father and the Gospel more because of it. My love towards others has grown. lol. I have more courage to do things and even to talk with people. I've learned how to drive better lol.

 But more importantly my testimony has grown and has been molded into a strong foundation for me. 

I just got a call from President...

I'm a Zone Leader and I'll be with Elder Meza in Grand Island.

Area is growing

1.       How is the Area? -BOOMING WITH WORK!  We have gotten referrals from members in other areas! We have investigators coming to church!! FAMILIES! :D  And we are looking to give 3 people a date to be baptized this week!
  How is finding going?- GREAT! We always find people to teach, and like a filter, you filter out those that are interested  Often times we run into people that invite us back but they're not interested. But through our efforts we have begun to teach new investigators! It's amazing how the Lord's work is intertwined in our efforts that we make.
.New Stories?!-TONS!  We killed a rooster and chicken made soup out of it on Saturday. Hillarious Story!! Elder Moore and I were going to kill it, but we "chickened out" haha. The soup was really good!! :D Fresh and Hot! :D I held the chicken by the feet and wings and Elder Moore had the axe. I looked into the chickens eyes and said I can't do it!!Neither could he !!  The member ended up killing them. They were laughing so hard that we couldn't do it. haha.
  Personal Studies- I absolutely cherish the time I have to study everyday. Currently I'm in Alma 14, but at the same time, I'm going to start over and read the Book of Mormon, focusing on the Atonement. I get so much out of my personal studies, that I often find myself wanting more time to study!  I love to learn about the gospel for some reason it enchants me and I thrive to learn it  I wish I had more and more time to study. I love the Book of Mormon. I love reading the accounts of Alma and Amulek, to see all they went through, all they did to call those people in Ammonihah to repent. It makes me think of my efforts as a missionary. What more can I do? How can I be like Alma and Amulek? 

.Here are a few highlights of the lastest emails. Sorry not much has been posted lately but wanted to make sure that it was still OK to have the blog.
 Elder Samuel and I get along really well, and the members notice that. One of them said, "You guys are a great companionship! You can just see it in the way you treat each other."
Church went really well yesterday we had 5 investigators at church! That was crazy! We're going to be setting 2 to 3 people for baptism this week! So this week will be very exciting! Everyday I am just more and more amazed by the Lord's hand in this work. My companion and I both can't believe how we're both speaking a foreign language that we didn't even know before our missions, and now we can talk with people from all walks of life. It's been amazing to see how the Lord prepares His children to recieve the gospel. No matter what trials come, know that they are for our experience and good. They may be intense and so hard, but as we build our foundation upon Christ, will cannot fall. He is the Rock. We cannot fail. If there is anything I have learned more than anything on my mission it is the true and everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the only thing that strengthens families, even enabling them to be eternal; erases the mistakes from our lives and points us ever so surely to our destination; our home with our Heavenly Father. Don't fear, but have faith. It does seem that Dogs hate the missionaries here in Nebraska lol. I got tackled by one last night. It didn't bite me or anything but we were walking away from its owner and we were out of the yard and it just butted me in the back of the leg with its face!
     General Conference was amazing!!! I watched half in spanish and the rest in english. WOW!! I got a ton out of it. It's amazing how the Lord speaks to us through the Spirit, His servants, and even others. I took a lot of notes. lol. My teaching has changed a lot and I feel it has improved for the better. It's amazing how much I learn from my stepson *cough* lol Elder Vawdrey. I love him :) He is so humble, and bold, he just exemplifies diligence and hard work. :) But now we're ready to burst and reap the blessings or service and find those the Lord has prepared here in Sioux City. Finding has been pretty crazy this last week. I do love Elder Vawdrey and I try to be the best example I can be, it's funny; I'm supposed to be training him, but yet he teaches me so much. He's constantly striving to improve and be more diligent, he is very fearless when it comes to speaking with people and just has the strongest desires to share the Gospel with everyone.
 Another week!! With an exciting addage!! We have another companion now!! I'm in a trio again!! We had Stake Conference yesterday which was so full of the Spirit, I felt it so much! President Kunz gave a talk and during his talk he asked all of the Full-time missionaries to stand, So my whole zone stood and we were scattered throughout the audience. What he said next just hit me profoundly, "I know that mission president's often have concerns for their missionaries. I do not have any concerns about any of these Elders standing before you. They are phenomenal missionaries, I was surprised that the Lord wanted them all here. Use them while the Lord has placed them here." I almost cried, lol, I was so humbled to know that I'm in an amazing Zone, but not only that, but that President Kunz has no concerns for anyone in our Zone.
Hey! Today is transfers! We're sadly losing Elder Vawdrey. Elder Thayne and I are staying and now we are recieving another companion.Elder Thayne is a very diligent missionary who is not afraid to speak his mind or share his ideas. He is truly brilliant when it comes to teaching. He has worked very hard in his mission and continues to do so every day.Elder Vawdrey, Elder Thayne, and I really got a long well. We complimented each other and had so much fun serving the Lord. I know we all learned a ton from each other. I will miss Elder Vawdrey but at the same time I know the Lord needs him elsewhere The work keeps increasing here in Sioux City not booming but gradually. The Branch is organizing more and more every week and our branch presidency is supporting us very well. We will help this branch grow and become a ward.
Wow, what a crazy fast week. Yesterday Elder Christoffel Golden Jr of the 70 came to visit hence the reason I didn't write yesterday. It was an amazing meeting with him! We truly prepared ourselves, he said he taught us higher principles because we had been prepared and so very reverent. One question he asked was why do we read the scriptures and pray? The answer was so simple yet so deep! So that we can have the power of the Holy Ghost rest upon us. So if we want to the spirit, we need to read and pray! lol.