"Somedays we forget to look around us...somedays we ignore the joy that surrounds us...so caught up inside ourselves...we take when we should give...so for tonight we pray for what we cannot see and on this day we hope for what we know can be...it's up to us to be the change and even though this world needs so much more...there so much to be thankful for..." (~Josh Groban Christmas Album)
MAN I love that song. It's so true. We take when we should give. I know in my darkest moments it's easy for me to close up inside myself and only see my problems and what I'm going through but that allows the darkness to fester and grow...but it's only when we look to others in that time that the darkness escapes outward and light can enter in. I recently read an article by Elder Bednar called The Character of Christ. (look it up...soo good!) He talks about how in the deepest of pains Christ was going through He always thought of others. In many instances of His life this happened. After His 40 day fast Christ was tempted of Satan and He (Christ) had just gone through this very hard experience but upon commanding Satan to depart from Him...in the JST it says Christ knowing of John the Baptist in jail..and Christ sent Angels to minister to Him. Christ could have thought 'I need the Angels more...DO YOU KNOW WHAT I JUST WENT THROUGH?' but He didn't He turned outward and helped someone else.
In this Thanksgiving season and through our lives let us look outward. We may have problems, hurts, heartache, or tragedies that we must overcome...but if we allow the Savior to take over and we turn outward...we will be able to bear what ever burden is placed on us. And think about it if everyone did this then on one would be in need of anything. In that time when you are trying to comfort others...would it not be fitting that there will be One trying to comfort you...whether through the Spirit or another person I do not know....but it will be there. Reach out. Show thanks. Be an answer to someones prayers.
I'm so thankful for many things this season. I will list a couple. I'm thankful for:
*Turkey (turkey cassrole, turkey ala-king!, turkey sandwiches...)
*EggNog (try Soy Egg Nog...it's not as sugary but it's amazing!tastes exactly the same...)
*Christmas songs!
*That my hair is really looking good curly again...
(Okay on to serious stuff...but really my hair has been really awesome. haha)
*My family: the support they give me and the unconditional love I feel from them. I love you! Never forget it. Seriously.
*The Mission I'm on...the people I associate with and have made lasting friendships that I wouldn't have made if I hadn't come here...with other missionaries and the wonderful people I teach.(oh how I LOVE the people I teach) How much I've learned about myself and who I want to be. The knowledge that this is the greatest work I will ever do. "Shall we not go on in so great a cause?"
(by the way...there could be sub-categories for each of these things)
*The Book of Mormon: I know it is true...it answers the questions of the soul. It contains the fullness of the gospel along with the Bible. The amazing examples that come from it. Captain Moroni is my hero.
*The Prophet...Thomas S. Monson: we NEED a mouthpiece of the Lord to lead and guide us and I know it's no easy job. I'm thankful he was worthy and up to the call.
*My Savior: words cannot express the feelings I have for Him. The One who has never let me down nor disappointed me. He has felt all of my pains, sorrows, and mistakes. He knows me...and loves me. I'm thankful for His great sacrifice that all mankind can benefit from. It is amazing and can't believe how infinite and eternal it really is.
I love this season...that it brings us back to what's important.
Oh remember, remember.
Love,
Sister Page
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Week 3 of the Transfer Awards
Week 3 of the Transfer Awards
Brought to you by: Sister Page (contributing to each award is Sister Stafford)
Progressing Investigator of the Week: We are teaching a man named Bruce. He's homeless. It's a sad situation...but we meet at the library and have lessons. He's really smart! He doesn't just meet us at the library he comes here all the time to study...and he takes notes. He doesn't smell too good and he's rough looking but I know he will one day do great things. He reads what we tell him and has a desire to go to church! He told us he's ready to be a contributing member of society...I wonder how many more people want to do that. I hope to help him become more than just a contributing member of society but a contributing member to the Lord's kingdom! :) It's probably going to be a process and take time but I believe he'll progress quite nicely. Although we asked him if he had a desire to quit smoking and he said no...he thinks it's good for him. ;) We'll help him with that. hahah Testimony builder of the week: We had a man that was sitting outside the library so we went to go talk to him. (Talk to EVERYONE is was Preach My Gospel says) We asked what he was reading...and then asked if he was a member of the church. Anyways he said no...but late found out that he WAS a member and since then has left the church. Why? LACK OF FAITH! He basically wanted everything to be proven to him. He claimed that listening to the promptings of the Spirit was all about psychology. He said you make yourself feel that way. Ooooh man. I tried to testify but he kept interrupting me...so finally I had to say "goodbye Doug" and walk away. His heart was so hard. He kind of shook me (not my testimony but what he said made me think)...so I've been trying to be super sensitive to the Spirit the rest of the week. I gave a talk in church on Sunday and now that I'm free to testify...I want everyone to know that I have felt the power of the Holy Ghost. IT IS REAL. I cannot deny the many many witnesses I have that this church, the Book of Mormon, the Prophet Joseph Smith and continuing revelation is TRUE! And I know by the power of the Holy Ghost. I will always stand as the witness for others. I will NOT back down! I have made covenants at baptism and in the Holy Temple and my testimony is rooted in those promises. Nobody can tell me that I haven't felt this power in my life because I have. Like my dad says, "truth is truth whether you choose to deny it or reject it...it's still there standing as truth."
Visitor Center Experience: It was 8:40 last night, 20 mins until closing time at the VC. We were tired...and ready to go. Three boys walk in. We stand up and greet them as directed. One was a member of the church and the other two were not. The others were categorized (by themselves) as atheist and a skeptic. The Skeptic had so many questions. "Why do we need a body?" "Why does God need a body isn't that limiting?" "Where are the artifacts from the Nephites?" "Why are we here on earth? Why wouldn't God just give us all the information we need instead of making us with out knowledge?" It was crazy. We were trying to help him understand. The Atheist at his side not speaking. The Mormon friend wondering how to help. I tried to testify of Faith..but then the Skeptic had questions about that. So I turn to see Sis. Shill (a sister who gets off her mission in Jan...and she's awesome) "What's your take on their questions?" She puts them in a movie about the Book of Mormon and we all discuss how it can answer our questions. And the Skeptic goes "well I don't think...." or "I don't believe...." and Sister Shill says something that I'll never forget. " "Do not discount the things of God just because YOU don't understand them...." BAM! He committed to meeting with the sisters in his area...and praying that night...even if he's not sure there's a God out there. He promised he'd pray every day this week. I believe he'll do it. It was a powerful lesson for me. When someone has too many questions...get them to a place that they can be still and feel the Spirit. Then testify and commit them to DOING something they haven't tried yet. I may not understand everything in the gospel or the nature of God...but I know He loves me and is concerned for my well being. I will be safe not to "discount the things of God, just because [I] don't understand them."
Love, Sister Page
Brought to you by: Sister Page (contributing to each award is Sister Stafford)
Progressing Investigator of the Week: We are teaching a man named Bruce. He's homeless. It's a sad situation...but we meet at the library and have lessons. He's really smart! He doesn't just meet us at the library he comes here all the time to study...and he takes notes. He doesn't smell too good and he's rough looking but I know he will one day do great things. He reads what we tell him and has a desire to go to church! He told us he's ready to be a contributing member of society...I wonder how many more people want to do that. I hope to help him become more than just a contributing member of society but a contributing member to the Lord's kingdom! :) It's probably going to be a process and take time but I believe he'll progress quite nicely. Although we asked him if he had a desire to quit smoking and he said no...he thinks it's good for him. ;) We'll help him with that. hahah Testimony builder of the week: We had a man that was sitting outside the library so we went to go talk to him. (Talk to EVERYONE is was Preach My Gospel says) We asked what he was reading...and then asked if he was a member of the church. Anyways he said no...but late found out that he WAS a member and since then has left the church. Why? LACK OF FAITH! He basically wanted everything to be proven to him. He claimed that listening to the promptings of the Spirit was all about psychology. He said you make yourself feel that way. Ooooh man. I tried to testify but he kept interrupting me...so finally I had to say "goodbye Doug" and walk away. His heart was so hard. He kind of shook me (not my testimony but what he said made me think)...so I've been trying to be super sensitive to the Spirit the rest of the week. I gave a talk in church on Sunday and now that I'm free to testify...I want everyone to know that I have felt the power of the Holy Ghost. IT IS REAL. I cannot deny the many many witnesses I have that this church, the Book of Mormon, the Prophet Joseph Smith and continuing revelation is TRUE! And I know by the power of the Holy Ghost. I will always stand as the witness for others. I will NOT back down! I have made covenants at baptism and in the Holy Temple and my testimony is rooted in those promises. Nobody can tell me that I haven't felt this power in my life because I have. Like my dad says, "truth is truth whether you choose to deny it or reject it...it's still there standing as truth."
Visitor Center Experience: It was 8:40 last night, 20 mins until closing time at the VC. We were tired...and ready to go. Three boys walk in. We stand up and greet them as directed. One was a member of the church and the other two were not. The others were categorized (by themselves) as atheist and a skeptic. The Skeptic had so many questions. "Why do we need a body?" "Why does God need a body isn't that limiting?" "Where are the artifacts from the Nephites?" "Why are we here on earth? Why wouldn't God just give us all the information we need instead of making us with out knowledge?" It was crazy. We were trying to help him understand. The Atheist at his side not speaking. The Mormon friend wondering how to help. I tried to testify of Faith..but then the Skeptic had questions about that. So I turn to see Sis. Shill (a sister who gets off her mission in Jan...and she's awesome) "What's your take on their questions?" She puts them in a movie about the Book of Mormon and we all discuss how it can answer our questions. And the Skeptic goes "well I don't think...." or "I don't believe...." and Sister Shill says something that I'll never forget. " "Do not discount the things of God just because YOU don't understand them...." BAM! He committed to meeting with the sisters in his area...and praying that night...even if he's not sure there's a God out there. He promised he'd pray every day this week. I believe he'll do it. It was a powerful lesson for me. When someone has too many questions...get them to a place that they can be still and feel the Spirit. Then testify and commit them to DOING something they haven't tried yet. I may not understand everything in the gospel or the nature of God...but I know He loves me and is concerned for my well being. I will be safe not to "discount the things of God, just because [I] don't understand them."
Love, Sister Page
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A LIST...it's a good one!
If you know me at all...then you know that I love making lists...so guess what time it is? LIST TIME:
1. Justine and Moser
2. Random Flu-ish Thing
3. Brigham Young Home
4. Zone Conference
1. Before I ever came to this stake Sister Stafford and her previous companion had a referral for this less active lady Justine and her non-member husband. They'd called and set up a time to meet with the missionaries...but it always fell through. Well we were supposed to meet up last monday but they went hiking in Zion National Park. So a couple days later we decide to stop by randomly and finally catch Justine at home. She's happy to see us and weclomes us in. (Moser was job hunting) She told us their story...they live in Salt Lake but over the years had gotten deep into drugs and couldn't quit on their own. So finally they asked for help and moved away from their druggy friends to St.George. They've been going to the 12 step program and have been clean for over 60 days! Now Moser wants to join the church and has taken lessons before but needs a refresher course...so we're going to start teaching them. At the end of the conversation the lady that was giving us a ride asked what her maiden name was...and Justine said "Harding" and I asked "what's your parents names" "Jeff and Karen" I gasped! and got so excited! Jeff and Karen Harding were two of the most generous people who gave us rides, meals, and helped fellowship a family we were teaching in Hurricane!!!! They have sense moved but man did I love them! Sis. Harding would tell me about her struggling daughter and didn't really know what to do for her...she asked me to pray for her...and I did...many times. What a testimony to me...PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED! They are. Period. The spirit whispered to my heart "this is why you're here." And I know it's true. It's fitting that the missionary who got so close to her parents and that her parents trust is teaching their daughter and son-in-law! I'm so thankful for the opportunity!
2.So on Friday night it was so random. My back started hurting...I got a scratchy throat, I had the shivers, and my head was pounding. I went to lay down for a little bit...it didn't really help. When we got home from the VC I just got in my pj's and laid down. I took my temperature and it was 100 degrees! Sis. Stafford made me some herbal tea and Sis. Harwood gave me some nyquil. Then Sis. Stafford gave me an icyhot patch for my lower back. I was out! I slept so good and when I woke up I was a little slow going but I checked my temperature again...95.7....what the heck?? It was gone. I'm so sure that Heavenly Father blessed me again! Wow...what an incredible week.
3. It was good that I was feeling better because the next day we were serving at Brigham Young's home...and we knew there was a mission president's seminar going on...and they came to the site!! Guess who came with them? Elder D. Todd Christofferson...this is my second time seeing...he must be following me...ahah just kidding. But THIS TIME...he shook mine and Sister Stafford's hand! Asked where we were from and he's lived in both Charlotte and Virginia!!! I said "so you're an east coaster then..." and he said "I'd still be there if I had a choice..." hahahahah It was awesome. When they got done with their executive tour he came back out and we got pictures with him!! It was cool. My first time shaking the hand of an Apostle. Sis. Stafford and I were joking around about never washing our hand...but with the flu and me just being sick...we decided other wise. :)
4. Zone conference was good yesterday. All about how we're going to start having Jr. and Sr. companions starting this transfer. This is the only mission that didn't do that...so we're starting it. I think it will be good. We stil don't know who's who...but this is what we say when people ask us who's who "we work together in complete unity" and can I please give some advice to you members out there. Us missionaries love you but please don't ask that...and don't ask how long they've been out. Some missionaries don't care if you ask...but most hate being reminded that it's going so fast. The question is...why does it matter how long we've been out? It doesn't. :) But it was a good meeting. I love zone conference but I think y'all already knew that. I love you! Thanks for your letters...I always enjoy more. Love, Sister Page
1. Justine and Moser
2. Random Flu-ish Thing
3. Brigham Young Home
4. Zone Conference
1. Before I ever came to this stake Sister Stafford and her previous companion had a referral for this less active lady Justine and her non-member husband. They'd called and set up a time to meet with the missionaries...but it always fell through. Well we were supposed to meet up last monday but they went hiking in Zion National Park. So a couple days later we decide to stop by randomly and finally catch Justine at home. She's happy to see us and weclomes us in. (Moser was job hunting) She told us their story...they live in Salt Lake but over the years had gotten deep into drugs and couldn't quit on their own. So finally they asked for help and moved away from their druggy friends to St.George. They've been going to the 12 step program and have been clean for over 60 days! Now Moser wants to join the church and has taken lessons before but needs a refresher course...so we're going to start teaching them. At the end of the conversation the lady that was giving us a ride asked what her maiden name was...and Justine said "Harding" and I asked "what's your parents names" "Jeff and Karen" I gasped! and got so excited! Jeff and Karen Harding were two of the most generous people who gave us rides, meals, and helped fellowship a family we were teaching in Hurricane!!!! They have sense moved but man did I love them! Sis. Harding would tell me about her struggling daughter and didn't really know what to do for her...she asked me to pray for her...and I did...many times. What a testimony to me...PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED! They are. Period. The spirit whispered to my heart "this is why you're here." And I know it's true. It's fitting that the missionary who got so close to her parents and that her parents trust is teaching their daughter and son-in-law! I'm so thankful for the opportunity!
2.So on Friday night it was so random. My back started hurting...I got a scratchy throat, I had the shivers, and my head was pounding. I went to lay down for a little bit...it didn't really help. When we got home from the VC I just got in my pj's and laid down. I took my temperature and it was 100 degrees! Sis. Stafford made me some herbal tea and Sis. Harwood gave me some nyquil. Then Sis. Stafford gave me an icyhot patch for my lower back. I was out! I slept so good and when I woke up I was a little slow going but I checked my temperature again...95.7....what the heck?? It was gone. I'm so sure that Heavenly Father blessed me again! Wow...what an incredible week.
3. It was good that I was feeling better because the next day we were serving at Brigham Young's home...and we knew there was a mission president's seminar going on...and they came to the site!! Guess who came with them? Elder D. Todd Christofferson...this is my second time seeing...he must be following me...ahah just kidding. But THIS TIME...he shook mine and Sister Stafford's hand! Asked where we were from and he's lived in both Charlotte and Virginia!!! I said "so you're an east coaster then..." and he said "I'd still be there if I had a choice..." hahahahah It was awesome. When they got done with their executive tour he came back out and we got pictures with him!! It was cool. My first time shaking the hand of an Apostle. Sis. Stafford and I were joking around about never washing our hand...but with the flu and me just being sick...we decided other wise. :)
4. Zone conference was good yesterday. All about how we're going to start having Jr. and Sr. companions starting this transfer. This is the only mission that didn't do that...so we're starting it. I think it will be good. We stil don't know who's who...but this is what we say when people ask us who's who "we work together in complete unity" and can I please give some advice to you members out there. Us missionaries love you but please don't ask that...and don't ask how long they've been out. Some missionaries don't care if you ask...but most hate being reminded that it's going so fast. The question is...why does it matter how long we've been out? It doesn't. :) But it was a good meeting. I love zone conference but I think y'all already knew that. I love you! Thanks for your letters...I always enjoy more. Love, Sister Page
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Laughs and Bikes
"St.Geezy, St.Geezy...you'll always be mine!" Such a true statement! I was on the transfer van at 6am and I also was the only sister being transfered at that time so I had to sit in the front while the Elders sat in back and could relax and lay down...I tried to sleep but I ended up only sleeping for like 20 mins. It snowed hard core. I was thinking to myself "perfect time to leave up north!" haha. We pulled in
actually on time...though we left late and hit snow...and I was greeted by so many sister's hugs and excitement. It was like coming home. I saw Sis. Harwood who I'd only been gone from for 6 weeks but I had missed her. I saw Sis. Grunauer who is now back in Austria! I can't believe her mission is done. But at least I got to say goodbye. I saw Sister Charette (from Quebec) and so many more....then I saw MY COMPANION...Sis. Stafford. We knew we were going to have a blast together...and man we have! I laughed harder in the first two days with her than I had in the last...well I don't know when. It really felt like home then because I laugh for ridiculous reasons all the time.
The stakes I'm in is Sunset, St. George, and GreenValley...and I have met a couple of the people we're teaching but everyone and their brother has been canceling on us...excuses. The first people I met in our area that we're teaching is Krista and Matt...they're not married yet...but they have a cute little baby and Krista is so ready for baptism...she wants to get married and then get in the water. Matt knows all of this is true but hasn't even been to church...so we're working on it. I'm excited to teach them!
We did have a baptism (I don't like when I don't even know the person...but it was okay) and it was the funniest story...we didn't have a car (we share...that's something I miss about up north) and we didn't have a ride to get to the baptism...so what did we do? WE RODE BIKES! First time on my mission...it was fun, at first! Then it was a looooong ride. And we had to hurry. I was so far behind Sister Stafford and she kept having to wait for me. We got there and my head was spinning from riding so hard...my hair was matted to my face...and I was beat red. I was not presentable...but it all worked out. We took our time coming back and it was down hill so that made it better. Riding a bike in a skirt...not too easy. Needless to say...we took pictures. hahaha We were late to the baptism but they had waited and were waiting on more family too. I laugh now but then I was in pain! hahahahahaha
I do miss Lehi...but in funny ways. I still talk about Marcos and other people we were teaching all the time...they were such good examples of how the gospel can help people! I miss the Maloy's (the people we lived with) they were awesome....and so loving. It was amazing getting to know them. I've been blessed by getting to know so many amazing people on my mission. I love it!
Sister Stafford and I just fell back into where we were at the MTC...but it's been better because we've both grown so much! It's pretty cool to see. The area we're in now just needs a little boost and I'm working on reorganizing some paper work and such...so I can find things and my way around. haha I ask the Hurricane sisters how the area is all the time too...what a great place for me to start my mission off. I hope all is well for everyone! I love you all.
As Always, Sister Page
We did have a baptism (I don't like when I don't even know the person...but it was okay) and it was the funniest story...we didn't have a car (we share...that's something I miss about up north) and we didn't have a ride to get to the baptism...so what did we do? WE RODE BIKES! First time on my mission...it was fun, at first! Then it was a looooong ride. And we had to hurry. I was so far behind Sister Stafford and she kept having to wait for me. We got there and my head was spinning from riding so hard...my hair was matted to my face...and I was beat red. I was not presentable...but it all worked out. We took our time coming back and it was down hill so that made it better. Riding a bike in a skirt...not too easy. Needless to say...we took pictures. hahaha We were late to the baptism but they had waited and were waiting on more family too. I laugh now but then I was in pain! hahahahahaha
I do miss Lehi...but in funny ways. I still talk about Marcos and other people we were teaching all the time...they were such good examples of how the gospel can help people! I miss the Maloy's (the people we lived with) they were awesome....and so loving. It was amazing getting to know them. I've been blessed by getting to know so many amazing people on my mission. I love it!
Sister Stafford and I just fell back into where we were at the MTC...but it's been better because we've both grown so much! It's pretty cool to see. The area we're in now just needs a little boost and I'm working on reorganizing some paper work and such...so I can find things and my way around. haha I ask the Hurricane sisters how the area is all the time too...what a great place for me to start my mission off. I hope all is well for everyone! I love you all.
As Always, Sister Page
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)