Hello to all...and to all Hello! :)
The days are running together a little bit. We are always running around with our heads cut off and loving every minute of it! :) We had a baptism of a little 9 year old girl named Taylor and her sister (who's 8) named Mackensie. You would be so impressed with these girls. They strengthened my testimony so much! Sometimes people wonder how Joseph Smith could be wondering such things about his soul at age 14 but I know from my short time in the mission that children even younger than that are wondering what they need to do to return with their Father in Heaven! Taylor wanted to wait for her dad to baptize her and her parents were inactive so that's why she was 9 when she got baptized and needed the missionary lessons as well. But when we came over, her and Mackensie (who didn't even have to HAVE the lessons) were excited, they read, and they remembered EVERYTHING that was taught. We told them that they only way to gain a testimony is by reading the Book of Mormon and Taylor said "well I already know it's true...but it's hard to read" She already had a testimony that it was true even before she could understand it. We told her to pray for understanding before she read and not to get frustrated (because she was getting frustrated...it kind of reminded me of me...) When we came back for our next appointment she said "I had a good attitude and I prayed...and guess what? I understood!" If a 9 year old child can understand the Book of Mormon and have faith that her prayers were answered...I know I can too...I know everyone else can as well. They were super cute kids and I'm hoping we can stay in touch for many years. :) We always talked about them going on missions...that would be amazing.
Another investigator Stephanie who we put on date a couple weeks back (if you remember) will not be getting baptized this week...but she still wants to meet with us and knows she'll get baptized sometime soon just not THIS soon...if she doesn't feel ready we don't want to push her before she does. I don't want a baptism I want a convert! :) She's super in tune with the spirit and I know she'll figure out what's kind of holding her back. I wish Arin was here because they could be good friends...Stephanie is 18 and just graduated but I know they'd get along...plus Arin is just good a befriending people anyways.
I was able to receive a note this week from the Holmes'! They came into the VC while I wasn't there...again. I was happy to get the note though...I put it in my journal...now it's a part of my mission history! WOOT! :) Though I do wish I could see someone I know...it'd be way awesome and I'd give them a super great tour too.
So something I've been studying lately and giving other people to study is 3 Nephi 17...it's an awesome chapter...but it reminds me of Christ's love for people and the fact that He postponed things He needed to do because He loved the people. He still does that for us...our many prayers go answered...even the little ones...even when I'm sure He's got a lot to do! :) It reminds me to be like that. Even though we're busy as missionaries we can still show compassion for people. When we spend time with someone I hope they know we are giving them one of our most precious gifts and feel the love we have for them because of that.
I'm glad I have this TIME to write you...and that you actually read what I write...it amazes me. I love you and thanks for everything that you do.
Love,
Sister Page
ps. be thankful that you live on the east coast...here it takes 5 years to be able to feed the missionaries...crazy huh? I'm glad I got close to the sisters in the Matthews ward! Also I heard that Miss North Carolina won Miss USA...way to represent...now tell me does she have an accent? haha
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Zone Conference..Oh The JOY!
So this week went by fast and slow...it was like waiting for Christmas...because we had ZONE CONFERENCE yesterday...man that's the highlight of the transfer. You go and get spiritually fed so that you can go and spiritually feed. What an amazing concept. :) We talked about using the scriptures and how that is the only way in conversion for anyone...when you read the BoM you feel the spirit and that spirit testifies of truth and the truth had to come from Prophet even Joseph Smith...it's all related. They are so powerful. President Brown (my mission president...who IS possibly one of the greatest people I know...fyi) said "if you don't have a desire to read the scriptures everyday...somethings wrong.." I agree...the theme of the conference was Alma 31:5 the word of God (or the scriptures) have a more powerful effect upon people than ANYTHING ELSE...that's power. We were able to talk about some scriptures that meant something special to us...so I stood up and said Mosiah 4:9 & 10....those are the ones I read at 15 years old during Youth Conference...I knew that the BoM was true and that I was living these standards that the YW teach me...for a reason not just because they are good guidelines. That is the point where I rededicated my life to doing and thinking with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ at the front of my mind. I'm not perfect AT ALL but because of the witness that came from that scripture I know Christ has helped me to be a better person. Think about a scripture that has had an effect on your life and discuss it with each other...it's amazing what stories come from it.
Things in our area are going well. We talked to President about it a little bit and we're praying about what we should do so our area doesn't suffer since we have the VC still. We're actually so busy that our heads are spinning. But I'd rather it be that way than the opposite...which I know is hard for some people in other areas that need a teaching pool. We are going to start teaching some kids ages 12 and 10 who are moving to Colorado to live with their mom for the summer...so I was like "UMM what part?" they said somewhere I didn't know but I was wondering if MAYBE Elder Shaw could teach them..hahah...that would be amazing.
You know what IS amazing..and I can't believe I haven't talked about this sooner...but Amber Astle (remember her as a Sister missionary in NC!!! We traded spots..) came to the VC to visit me and say hi...but I wasn't there...so she left me a note...and I think she's at BYU....so if someone wants to facebook her or something and tell her I said hi back that would be great. (I don't know if I wrote about this already so excuse me if I did)
I know I haven't been writing people back...but I am so thankful for your letters...and intend to write you back asap...it's funny because Prep Days are some of the busiest times of the week. Although you block out time to play sports with your district and stuff...which is a must for me...I love sports! It helps me to get my mind on something else for a while and not always worry about what we need to get done...which is what Pday is for.
For all the college friends...I need your home addresses now that you're going home! So that would be great..you can email them to me...I just can't email you back. Also Amie (yes you get your own shout out) a lady came in the VC the other day and said that I sounded like Jackie from that's 70's show...crazy...I don't hear it but that's just me. (she kept wanting me to say Kelso's name and stuff it was weird...) She's only the 2nd person to think it...but I was astonished when she said that because I didn't think anyone else would ever think that. :P
Well that about sums it up. I love you and miss you. I hope all is well. I'll get better about writing back to people..I know Sis. Gruni wants to write letters next week so we'll have a huge writing fest. :)
Love, Sis. Page
Sis. Silverwings
Sis. Mouse
Ps. An Elder (Elder Shingleton incase you ever meet him...ahha) from Wilmington is going home in a couple weeks (he's actually the AP) and I was talking to him about people saying "you don't sound like your from the south" he's like "yeah you'll get that your whole mission" So I'm prepared for it. I told him I've been telling people that "They beat it out of me at the MTC...you see I was in there for 9 weeks learning English instead of just 3..." haha then I laugh and tell them the truth. It's fun. :)
Love, Sis. Page
Sis. Silverwings
Sis. Mouse
Ps. An Elder (Elder Shingleton incase you ever meet him...ahha) from Wilmington is going home in a couple weeks (he's actually the AP) and I was talking to him about people saying "you don't sound like your from the south" he's like "yeah you'll get that your whole mission" So I'm prepared for it. I told him I've been telling people that "They beat it out of me at the MTC...you see I was in there for 9 weeks learning English instead of just 3..." haha then I laugh and tell them the truth. It's fun. :)
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Gruni and General Conference
Okay here's the sign ;)....I LOVE MY NEW COMP! Sister Grunauer (Gruni) is her name and she's amazing. It's cool how differently you can love someone...and while I love Sis. Kohler...there's still a love for Sis. Grunauer in such a different way. She is from Austria (the same place they filmed the Sound of Music...so when you watch that...think of me!) and is the third to serve a mission out of 5 children. She's a lot of fun but very organized and goal minded. We plan everything...and me being a plan type person LOVES THAT! I know what I'm doing every time we go into a lesson and every time we aren't...hahah. She has many great tricks from being up north as a full proslyting missionary for 6 months...so it's really going to help Hurricane grow. (she's been out for a year...so there's no saying goodbye until October..ish) We are in the VC quite a bit more this transfer so it's hard to get out to our area or even make appointments while people are at work. We have been praying that our area will not suffer as long as we're obedient and serve as much as possible in the VC.
GENERAL CONFERENCE! What an amazing blessing it is to have a Prophet and Apostles of the Lord speaking about what we really need to hear! They just KNEW! It was like they sat down and thought "now how can we help you Sis. Page??" and I told them and they answered. I really enjoyed Elder Holland, Oaks, Bednar, Teixiera and Perry's talks. And I loved the words of wisdom coming from Pres. Monson...that man is called of God and I don't know how any one can deny it. I was feeling frustrated with our VC sechedule and some other things but they talked alot about trials and afflictions...and it just hit me. I wrote down many thoughts on how certain talks applied to me. I am so excited for my book of GC talks Mom...that will be so cool to study them in an organized fashion. I can remember when I used to take things to "entertain" me during conference...like a book or coloring things...and how I didn't really pay attention...(which isn't bad when you're a kid) but I remember when I first started paying attention to General Conference was when Elder Bednar and Uchtdorf were called to be Apostles...that was when it clicked..how important these men are and then Elder Bednar spoke and he's been a favorite ever since...I just knew that what he was saying came from inspiration. I wish I had realized how awesome these men were while apostles like David B Haight and Neil A Maxwell were alive. I'm happy for Elder Anderson and recognize that he will rise to this calling...the Lord prepares His servants.
In other news I was happy to get a letter from Sis. Shaw...letting me know how Elder Shaw is...and so I'm requesting to recieve both Elder's Shaw and Fischer emails and Elder Matthews as well if you have it...if you wouldn't mind forwarding them to me I'd appreciate it. :) It's so interesting to think that we grew up in the YM/YW together...and now we're on missions at the same time...some how I feel like could have been better friends...maybe when we get home. :)
Things are going well here. I'm learning patience (aren't you happy Dad?? haha) and I'm gaining many friends.
Love you all!
Sister Page
Love you all!
Sister Page
Monday, March 30, 2009
Throwin' You Off
FAMILY and FRIENDS!
I know I know...I'm throwing you off with my irregular schedule...but I have Pday today because Sister Kohler has to PACK! At least I get to spend the last day with her...we're going to have a little partay tonight...that includes Kippers and crackers...which we eat and love so much...we even made up a song about them. :) I am STILL working on my tape...sorry...but it will be sent out NEXT pday which WILL be a wednesday. My new companion will be Sister Grunauer from Germany. That will be cool to have foreign companion, I'll let you know how it's going next week. Hey mom...I'll wink once if it's good and twice if it's bad okay. Like this ;) means good and ;;) means bad! hahahahahha I'm staying in Hurricane which I suspected because they weren't going to whitewash again after JUST doing it. We are the first sisters to ever be in the area so they're just getting used to us...it'd be bad to try and mix it up too much. We had most of our baptisms this week because this is the weekend that was the best for people's schedules and to get all of the lessons in as well. Some of them actually fell through because of family that couldn't come down and such so we're waiting a couple weeks. Next transfer is going to be full of baptisms if the Lord provides. He really has blessed this area and sometimes it feels that we can't give all of the attention to the area that we would like because we have to be in the VC sometimes but I know the Lord will provide...but I'm not saying it isn't stressful. AND next transfer my companion will be one of the Lead Trainers which are the head sisters of the VC...so she has more responsibility dealing with the VC which probably means less time in our area then I'm used to...I think we'll be okay. Maybe this will strengthen my testimony of the VC more...because let me tell you I looove to proselyte. I have a love for the VC but it's hard at times when you know there is work you could be doing in the area. I served in the Brigham Young Winter Home yesterday. I saw a salsa red Toyota Highlander and thought maybe for a second my family might be there ready for me to give them a tour...but I knew it wasn't them..and actually it made me think more of how much they'ed enjoy it! I enjoyed it...and I'm learning more about Brigham Young. I think I have a sold testimony of Joseph Smith as a prophet but haven't taken the time to gain testimonies of the Prophets following him. (besides present day ones) I watched a video about some of the early apostles falling away from the church it's called "if they harden not their hearts" and it shows how valiant Brigham Young was! What an example of someone who stands up for what they believe in! This is on the Church History dvd's that cost 6 dollars at the distribution center. It has Wilford Woodruff's conversion story on there as well "a search for the truth" which is my favorite one. We were able to watch "Zion's Camp" which helped me understand what it was because seriously people talk about it like I'm supposed to know and never explain it. These are a great resource...buy them. It's a three disc set for 6 bucks...soooo good. I bet you can look on the church website for it online. :) I have learned a lot from Sister Kohler and am excited to meet up with her after the mission (we're going to a Red Sox game together and many other things) and keep in touch while ON the mission. She's definitely a friend I want to keep. I will miss her. Things are crazy around transfer times...but exciting too. I love this mission and the fact that I am coming to know my Savior so much more simply by reading about Him...I'm reading the New Testiment and though some of the things take a little more study to understand the culture of the people and asking questions I love it...and grasp the best parts. Christ was such an amazing example and teacher. In the General Conference coming up I'm anxious to hear what the Prophet and Apostles say that Christ wants me to do. I was able to hear part of Pres. Monson's address at the YW fireside...and I was just thinking "he is saying what Christ would say..." Prophet's are amazing. I'm so thankful to live in a time where they are present!
Love you all <--------------------------This------------------------------------> much!
Love, Sister Page/Silverwings
ps. I got a "middle name" because the ward mission leader who gave Silverwings thought of another good name for me...so I'm Silverwings BurningRock. How often is it that people get TWO names. :) He said since Silverwings is the first one he gave me that should be my REAL one...but he wanted to let me know that of the other one. I'm glad because I really really like that name Silverwings.
I know I know...I'm throwing you off with my irregular schedule...but I have Pday today because Sister Kohler has to PACK! At least I get to spend the last day with her...we're going to have a little partay tonight...that includes Kippers and crackers...which we eat and love so much...we even made up a song about them. :) I am STILL working on my tape...sorry...but it will be sent out NEXT pday which WILL be a wednesday. My new companion will be Sister Grunauer from Germany. That will be cool to have foreign companion, I'll let you know how it's going next week. Hey mom...I'll wink once if it's good and twice if it's bad okay. Like this ;) means good and ;;) means bad! hahahahahha I'm staying in Hurricane which I suspected because they weren't going to whitewash again after JUST doing it. We are the first sisters to ever be in the area so they're just getting used to us...it'd be bad to try and mix it up too much. We had most of our baptisms this week because this is the weekend that was the best for people's schedules and to get all of the lessons in as well. Some of them actually fell through because of family that couldn't come down and such so we're waiting a couple weeks. Next transfer is going to be full of baptisms if the Lord provides. He really has blessed this area and sometimes it feels that we can't give all of the attention to the area that we would like because we have to be in the VC sometimes but I know the Lord will provide...but I'm not saying it isn't stressful. AND next transfer my companion will be one of the Lead Trainers which are the head sisters of the VC...so she has more responsibility dealing with the VC which probably means less time in our area then I'm used to...I think we'll be okay. Maybe this will strengthen my testimony of the VC more...because let me tell you I looove to proselyte. I have a love for the VC but it's hard at times when you know there is work you could be doing in the area. I served in the Brigham Young Winter Home yesterday. I saw a salsa red Toyota Highlander and thought maybe for a second my family might be there ready for me to give them a tour...but I knew it wasn't them..and actually it made me think more of how much they'ed enjoy it! I enjoyed it...and I'm learning more about Brigham Young. I think I have a sold testimony of Joseph Smith as a prophet but haven't taken the time to gain testimonies of the Prophets following him. (besides present day ones) I watched a video about some of the early apostles falling away from the church it's called "if they harden not their hearts" and it shows how valiant Brigham Young was! What an example of someone who stands up for what they believe in! This is on the Church History dvd's that cost 6 dollars at the distribution center. It has Wilford Woodruff's conversion story on there as well "a search for the truth" which is my favorite one. We were able to watch "Zion's Camp" which helped me understand what it was because seriously people talk about it like I'm supposed to know and never explain it. These are a great resource...buy them. It's a three disc set for 6 bucks...soooo good. I bet you can look on the church website for it online. :) I have learned a lot from Sister Kohler and am excited to meet up with her after the mission (we're going to a Red Sox game together and many other things) and keep in touch while ON the mission. She's definitely a friend I want to keep. I will miss her. Things are crazy around transfer times...but exciting too. I love this mission and the fact that I am coming to know my Savior so much more simply by reading about Him...I'm reading the New Testiment and though some of the things take a little more study to understand the culture of the people and asking questions I love it...and grasp the best parts. Christ was such an amazing example and teacher. In the General Conference coming up I'm anxious to hear what the Prophet and Apostles say that Christ wants me to do. I was able to hear part of Pres. Monson's address at the YW fireside...and I was just thinking "he is saying what Christ would say..." Prophet's are amazing. I'm so thankful to live in a time where they are present!
Love you all <--------------------------This------------------------------------> much!
Love, Sister Page/Silverwings
ps. I got a "middle name" because the ward mission leader who gave Silverwings thought of another good name for me...so I'm Silverwings BurningRock. How often is it that people get TWO names. :) He said since Silverwings is the first one he gave me that should be my REAL one...but he wanted to let me know that of the other one. I'm glad because I really really like that name Silverwings.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Can My Fingers Type Fast Enough?
There are so many things to say and I don't know where to start.
First I wanted to tell you a cool story from yesterday. I was serving in the VC and we were about to get off shift but we were just waiting for the other sisters to take over. A group of about four people walk in and I stand up and take them. I asked what brought them here...and I don't remember what the girl said that I was talking to because I got distracted by the fact that DAVID ARCHULETA was standing right behind her. I decided to be composed and figured if they were coming in the VC they wanted some kind of spiritual experience. So I asked if they wanted to hear the Christus narration.. they asked if it's the same one as in Salt Lake...I said "yeah but I get something out of it every time I hear it.." they agreed and sat down. I told them that as they listen they should pick out a line from it that they found meaningful...and not the last line because everyone picks that...and so afterwards I talked about what line meant something to them. They all went down the line. David said he liked a part that says "walk in the meekness of my spirit and you shall have peace in me" then we started talking about the nail prints in his hands and feet and how he kept those. David (yeah we're on a first name basis) said "I was reading about the 3 nephites the other day about how they are immortal but don't have the full ressurection yet...so maybe those will go away on Christ during the ressurrection." We had a little discussion about it and I was thinking 'YES A CELEBRITY THAT READS THE Book Of Mormon!" He was so nice. So then Sis. Kohler comes up and asks their names. She turns to David and says "I recognize you from a picture she has" pointing to me. Yes I have a picture of him because Valerie my room room mate from BYU-I sent me one of him and her sister at a fireside. So I said.."let me explain..." hahaha and then told him that. Then that allowed everyone who'd been talking and giggling to come up and get pictures with him. I did NOT get a picture. I didn't have my camera...but I did get a hand shake...and he even asked if I wanted a picture but I think it was okay that I didn't...he didn't have a lot of time and I still have the memory (I wrote it in my journal) so it's okay. I have told so many people about it. Sis. Kohler was so impressed with how nice he was and talked about it more than I did. Sometimes I tell some of the sisters and they don't know who he is because he became famous while they were on his mission...or because they're from a different country! haha Sis. Kohler said to him before he left "keep being a good example...you're doing a great job." I think he needed that. :)
On to other things. We went to the Draper Temple Dedication. It's SO awesome. I am happy we got to go. I've been really excited for general conference so this kind of was a snack of the Prophet before that...just to hold me over. :) They talked a lot to the youth. I have always known the importance of the temple because people stress it a lot when I was in youth and my parents helping me understand. But if I knew then what I know now...I would stress so much how important it is! Keep yourself worthy to be able to go and recieve the blessings that are waiting for you. If I could say something to my 12-18 year old self...I would say "You don't know now...but the blessings of going to the temple are some of the most amazing things you will recieve. Going there isn't just about how pretty it is...or for getting married. It's about finding out who you are and what you need to do to prepare to meet God again. That's the purpose of this life..."this life is the time to prepare to meet God..."(Alma 34:32) and it's only through the temple that we can prepare. Make sure you don't place less importance on it for any reason. It is the house of the Lord." There's a movie we show in the VC called "Only a Stonecutter" and it's about the man who despite tribulations walks to Salt Lake (22 miles) every day to work on the temple, at the end of the movie they say "He wasn't just carving words...he was setting in stone what it was that motivated him to act...Holiness to the Lord." Shouldn't that be EVERYONE's motivation? Why do anything for any other cause? I love the temple and really enjoyed going with my district last week. :) We get to go once every transfer so I'm happy I will still be able to feel of that Spirit at least every 6 weeks.
Other news this week: Stephanie (one of our investigators..18 years old) is GETTING BAPTIZED!!! She's thinking April 24th would be perfect. We are so excited...because she's definitely one of our favorites. Last night we didn't really teach a lesson because she had questions about death. Her friend had just died in a car wreck and the funeral was that morning. We had told her about the plan of salvation but she was wondering if God had done this. We talked for a LONG time. By the end she felt better and we asked her if she'd like a blessing of comfort. She was hesitant saying "Maybe when I'm feeling better." Sis. Kohler told her that she'll feel better once she GETS a blessing...so she agreed. So we called doo doo doo dooo...(that's like the horn for the heros...hopefully you get it.) ELDER DIZ DIZ and NASIMENTO! :) We called and told them what the situation was. They had an appointment but said if it fell through they'd be there. So we talked some more...and I believe the Elder's appointment fell through by divine intervention. They came over and gave her a blessing. I knew she'd like it! She's always so in tune with the Spirit! She asked right after "how long do you have to wait to get another blessing??" and then she got their phone number so she could call when needed. haha Then her little sister (who is a member) said "how old do you have to be to get your patriarchal blessing?" and we were saying when ever you feel it's time. We explained to Stephanie what a Patriarchal Blessing was and that it's basically scrpiture for your life...for you...and you alone. She liked that idea...and asked "do you have to be baptized to get that..." and we said "yes." She says.."hmmm..yeah I'm going to have to do that." We were like YESSSSS! We had planned on asking her to pick a date that night and she basically did it for us. :) I mean if you know the power of the priesthood and have felt the spirit and believe that Joseph Smith restored Christ's church...why wouldn't you get baptized. I asked her what had held her back...she said. "myself." We still have some principles to teach her so she said she wants to learn more first...which I can understand but I told her let's set a date and prepare to have you ready by then...she said "how about a month from now?" So that's what we did. I'm so excited. I was able to give a talk on Sunday along with Sis. K. But some mom's who had missionaries out spoke too...and they read some of their missionaries letters...and I thought "I hope my letters are that good." haha I don't if I sound that diginified...but I'm okay with that. I'm just me and I have MY expereinces not someone elses. I really do love and miss everyone. Many hugs to all of you!
Love, Sister Page
First I wanted to tell you a cool story from yesterday. I was serving in the VC and we were about to get off shift but we were just waiting for the other sisters to take over. A group of about four people walk in and I stand up and take them. I asked what brought them here...and I don't remember what the girl said that I was talking to because I got distracted by the fact that DAVID ARCHULETA was standing right behind her. I decided to be composed and figured if they were coming in the VC they wanted some kind of spiritual experience. So I asked if they wanted to hear the Christus narration.. they asked if it's the same one as in Salt Lake...I said "yeah but I get something out of it every time I hear it.." they agreed and sat down. I told them that as they listen they should pick out a line from it that they found meaningful...and not the last line because everyone picks that...and so afterwards I talked about what line meant something to them. They all went down the line. David said he liked a part that says "walk in the meekness of my spirit and you shall have peace in me" then we started talking about the nail prints in his hands and feet and how he kept those. David (yeah we're on a first name basis) said "I was reading about the 3 nephites the other day about how they are immortal but don't have the full ressurection yet...so maybe those will go away on Christ during the ressurrection." We had a little discussion about it and I was thinking 'YES A CELEBRITY THAT READS THE Book Of Mormon!" He was so nice. So then Sis. Kohler comes up and asks their names. She turns to David and says "I recognize you from a picture she has" pointing to me. Yes I have a picture of him because Valerie my room room mate from BYU-I sent me one of him and her sister at a fireside. So I said.."let me explain..." hahaha and then told him that. Then that allowed everyone who'd been talking and giggling to come up and get pictures with him. I did NOT get a picture. I didn't have my camera...but I did get a hand shake...and he even asked if I wanted a picture but I think it was okay that I didn't...he didn't have a lot of time and I still have the memory (I wrote it in my journal) so it's okay. I have told so many people about it. Sis. Kohler was so impressed with how nice he was and talked about it more than I did. Sometimes I tell some of the sisters and they don't know who he is because he became famous while they were on his mission...or because they're from a different country! haha Sis. Kohler said to him before he left "keep being a good example...you're doing a great job." I think he needed that. :)
On to other things. We went to the Draper Temple Dedication. It's SO awesome. I am happy we got to go. I've been really excited for general conference so this kind of was a snack of the Prophet before that...just to hold me over. :) They talked a lot to the youth. I have always known the importance of the temple because people stress it a lot when I was in youth and my parents helping me understand. But if I knew then what I know now...I would stress so much how important it is! Keep yourself worthy to be able to go and recieve the blessings that are waiting for you. If I could say something to my 12-18 year old self...I would say "You don't know now...but the blessings of going to the temple are some of the most amazing things you will recieve. Going there isn't just about how pretty it is...or for getting married. It's about finding out who you are and what you need to do to prepare to meet God again. That's the purpose of this life..."this life is the time to prepare to meet God..."(Alma 34:32) and it's only through the temple that we can prepare. Make sure you don't place less importance on it for any reason. It is the house of the Lord." There's a movie we show in the VC called "Only a Stonecutter" and it's about the man who despite tribulations walks to Salt Lake (22 miles) every day to work on the temple, at the end of the movie they say "He wasn't just carving words...he was setting in stone what it was that motivated him to act...Holiness to the Lord." Shouldn't that be EVERYONE's motivation? Why do anything for any other cause? I love the temple and really enjoyed going with my district last week. :) We get to go once every transfer so I'm happy I will still be able to feel of that Spirit at least every 6 weeks.
Other news this week: Stephanie (one of our investigators..18 years old) is GETTING BAPTIZED!!! She's thinking April 24th would be perfect. We are so excited...because she's definitely one of our favorites. Last night we didn't really teach a lesson because she had questions about death. Her friend had just died in a car wreck and the funeral was that morning. We had told her about the plan of salvation but she was wondering if God had done this. We talked for a LONG time. By the end she felt better and we asked her if she'd like a blessing of comfort. She was hesitant saying "Maybe when I'm feeling better." Sis. Kohler told her that she'll feel better once she GETS a blessing...so she agreed. So we called doo doo doo dooo...(that's like the horn for the heros...hopefully you get it.) ELDER DIZ DIZ and NASIMENTO! :) We called and told them what the situation was. They had an appointment but said if it fell through they'd be there. So we talked some more...and I believe the Elder's appointment fell through by divine intervention. They came over and gave her a blessing. I knew she'd like it! She's always so in tune with the Spirit! She asked right after "how long do you have to wait to get another blessing??" and then she got their phone number so she could call when needed. haha Then her little sister (who is a member) said "how old do you have to be to get your patriarchal blessing?" and we were saying when ever you feel it's time. We explained to Stephanie what a Patriarchal Blessing was and that it's basically scrpiture for your life...for you...and you alone. She liked that idea...and asked "do you have to be baptized to get that..." and we said "yes." She says.."hmmm..yeah I'm going to have to do that." We were like YESSSSS! We had planned on asking her to pick a date that night and she basically did it for us. :) I mean if you know the power of the priesthood and have felt the spirit and believe that Joseph Smith restored Christ's church...why wouldn't you get baptized. I asked her what had held her back...she said. "myself." We still have some principles to teach her so she said she wants to learn more first...which I can understand but I told her let's set a date and prepare to have you ready by then...she said "how about a month from now?" So that's what we did. I'm so excited. I was able to give a talk on Sunday along with Sis. K. But some mom's who had missionaries out spoke too...and they read some of their missionaries letters...and I thought "I hope my letters are that good." haha I don't if I sound that diginified...but I'm okay with that. I'm just me and I have MY expereinces not someone elses. I really do love and miss everyone. Many hugs to all of you!
Love, Sister Page
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)