- On Wednesday, I left town in the wee hours of the morning to take a little road trip with two of my best girl friends. We went to BYU Women's Conference! This was my second year and it was just as amazing as the first. I loved it! I had a blast! I felt spiritually uplifted! I got to meet an on-line friend that I've been wanting to meet for awhile! I laughed a lot! I cried a lot! It was wonderful! :)
- While I was at Women's Conference, my little brother returned home to California after serving a two year mission for our church. He had been serving up in Canada and had a great time! It was hard work, but hard work brings lots of joy. :) I was able to hear about the family gatherings and celebrations, then later I got to talk to him for awhile. We look forward to seeing him when we drive down for a little vacation later this month. :)
- My friends and I arrived home Saturday evening, to much loves and hugs from family and I found lots of blooming flowers in my yard. :)
- Sunday morning was emotional, as I was released from my calling as the Relief Society President. Words cannot express my feelings. I feel happy and sad, gratitude and relief. It has been a journey for me. As I've known this release was coming, I struggled to accept, at first, that I had done a good enough job. I know I've made mistakes. I wish I had made more visits. I feel like I struggled during my entire presidency to find the balance between being a mom with young children and being the RS president who had demanding responsibilities. It was hard to know when to cut back on which. I always felt that I was letting one (or both) down. But in the recent months, as I've prepared for this release, I have felt the witness that the Lord has accepted my offering, as imperfect as it is. He knew my situation when He called me. He knew I wouldn't be wonder woman and get everything done the way another maybe would have. But He called me anyway. In humility, I believe I was the right person for this call these last three years. I was who the Lord wanted. I was willing to serve and strive to become a better person through that service. I was not perfect, I am not perfect, but I know that I fulfilled my calling and the Lord is pleased with it. That is a HUGE comfort to me.
- And with my release, a new presidency was called! I have had sacred thoughts and experiences as I have known my release was coming, some of those were in regard to the new president. I love her, so much! She has been an example to me for a long time, but most especially in recent months. I was dealing with my own struggles when it was made known to me that she would be the one to take my place and just knowing that, was enough for me to put into perspective what I was dealing with and caused me to feel more patient and humble with what I had been struggling with. The Lord does not always reveal things to others that don't really need it revealed to them, but I feel that the Lord revealing to me this piece of information, at the time that he did, was a tender mercy towards me, in helping me to fully complete my call.
- Then last night, just before heading to bed I checked my Facebook and saw the million posts claiming that the man behind the terrorist attacks on 9-11 had finally been killed! We turned on the news just in time to hear the president announce that it had been confirmed. What a mix of emotions! But most of it gladness and gratitude. Some thoughts wondering if it was Christ-like to feel that way about a person's death, but still feeling grateful and relieved. We had a good discussion with Acadia about this. We should not judge, we should leave that to God, so perhaps we shouldn't say that HE was evil. However, we know that the things he did were evil. We know he was a coward and was the cause for many, many deaths, encouraging individuals to go on suicide missions, sending others to sacrifice themselves from the safety of his hideouts. He will answer to God for what he has done, I'm just glad he's not here to do anymore of it. Surely, his followers will continue and turn him into a martyr for their cause, but they'll just be the next ones to be at the top of our "wanted" list, and it won't be long before they follow his fate. America isn't letting her guard down, so for the many who fear retalliation, I wouldn't worry much more than we already were. They will continue in their efforts, just as they have. And we will continue to hunt them down and stop them, just as we have. These ARE the last days. There will be wars and rumors of wars. We do need to be prepared for hardships, even here in our country. But we do not need to panic.
Showing posts with label missionary work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label missionary work. Show all posts
Monday, May 2, 2011
So much to blog about!!!
I have about a week of blog posts to write up and I can't all do it now, so I'll give you the quick list and in the next few days will work on providing more details (and lots of photos).
Friday, April 9, 2010
Just do it.
Yesterday, our Bishop's son returned home from his two year, full-time mission in Brazil. The Bishop invited people to join in welcoming him at the airport and I debated on whether or not to go. I'm not family, I'm not even a close friend of the family, I'm just a member of the ward. But then I realized that 1) we are a ward family, 2) I wrote to this Elder every month of his mission, and 3) I wanted to show my support for him now as he returns home. At the very last minute, Rori and I jumped in the car and headed to the airport.
I'm so glad I went. And not just because it was great to see him see his family for the first time in two years. Not just because I got to see the joy on the faces of his parents as they embraced their son, bringing to mind these words: Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. Not just because I took pictures (which I do not have permission to share here) which I have already e-mailed to the family. But because it just feels good to do things that show love and support. Would anyone have missed me if I hadn't gone? No. But because I was there, they know I care.
Moral of the story: Whenever you feel the desire, or better yet, if you ever feel prompted to do something kind for someone else, no matter how big or small it seems, just do it! How many times have I thought to do a kind deed but then didn't because I thought they would think it was silly of me? Yet, how many times has someone else's thoughtful actions towards me totally brightened my day?
Silly or not, a kind thought is worth acting on.
I'm so glad I went. And not just because it was great to see him see his family for the first time in two years. Not just because I got to see the joy on the faces of his parents as they embraced their son, bringing to mind these words: Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. Not just because I took pictures (which I do not have permission to share here) which I have already e-mailed to the family. But because it just feels good to do things that show love and support. Would anyone have missed me if I hadn't gone? No. But because I was there, they know I care.
Moral of the story: Whenever you feel the desire, or better yet, if you ever feel prompted to do something kind for someone else, no matter how big or small it seems, just do it! How many times have I thought to do a kind deed but then didn't because I thought they would think it was silly of me? Yet, how many times has someone else's thoughtful actions towards me totally brightened my day?
Silly or not, a kind thought is worth acting on.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Putting into practice the things we are taught.
Immediately following the morning session of conference today, Acadia and I met up with the sister missionaries at one of Cadi's schoolmates' homes. The adults in the home are less-active members of the church, and the boy Acadia's age is not a member, but recently the family has been interested in learning more about the gospel and hopefully coming back to activity. The missionaries had watched the morning session with them and then when we arrived, we talked about the restoration of the Gospel.
Today, in conference, Elder L. Tom Perry talked about how we should be prepared to share our testimonies and be witnesses of the things that the missionaries teach. He asked us, "How prepared are you to bear witness of the restoration of the gospel and plan of salvation?" During the discussion we were having today with the sisters and Cadi's schoolmate, the missionaries turned to Cadi and asked her to tell us about the story of the restoration, which she did. I was proud of her for being prepared and willing to bear her witness.
Near the end of our discussion, the sisters asked Acadia to bear her testimony, which she did. And it was beautiful. Then they asked me to bear mine. I could hardly speak! Yesterday, when Elder Bednar spoke, he said how we should share our testimonies with our family and loved ones and how that it would be rewarding for us to hear each other's testimonies. I was experiencing that joy. After pulling myself together I did share my testimony and after my testimony, one of the less-active members shared his. The spirit was really strong and it was wonderful to be apart of that experience.
It's wonderful to see the gospel in action. And I'm especially grateful and find it so rewarding that Acadia is not only a hearer of the word, but a doer also. :)
Today, in conference, Elder L. Tom Perry talked about how we should be prepared to share our testimonies and be witnesses of the things that the missionaries teach. He asked us, "How prepared are you to bear witness of the restoration of the gospel and plan of salvation?" During the discussion we were having today with the sisters and Cadi's schoolmate, the missionaries turned to Cadi and asked her to tell us about the story of the restoration, which she did. I was proud of her for being prepared and willing to bear her witness.
Near the end of our discussion, the sisters asked Acadia to bear her testimony, which she did. And it was beautiful. Then they asked me to bear mine. I could hardly speak! Yesterday, when Elder Bednar spoke, he said how we should share our testimonies with our family and loved ones and how that it would be rewarding for us to hear each other's testimonies. I was experiencing that joy. After pulling myself together I did share my testimony and after my testimony, one of the less-active members shared his. The spirit was really strong and it was wonderful to be apart of that experience.
It's wonderful to see the gospel in action. And I'm especially grateful and find it so rewarding that Acadia is not only a hearer of the word, but a doer also. :)
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Welcome Home?
Today my cousin came home from his mission!
My cousin that I've never met. Really, he's not exactly my cousin. But his dad married my aunt so, that's enough for me... he's our cousin now! :)
I've just got to wonder how he's feeling now though. When he left for his mission, both of his parents lived in Arlington, WA. After he left for his mission both of his parents moved. His dad married my aunt and moved here. And his mom moved out of state with her husband and had a baby - his sister that he only met just this evening.
So, he came home from his mission to a new home, in a new city, with a whole new family! He met his sister today, also his new stepmom, stepbrother, stepcousins (us), and is now having dinner with his new stepsister and her hubby and daughter. There were eight of us at the airport to welcome him back, but only his father and mother were people he had already known before his mission.
Crazy, huh?
We're really looking forward to getting to know him. We love his dad and are so glad he's a part of our family, I'm sure we're going to love him, too. We'll get to visit with him more this weekend, we're getting together at their house on Saturday for a BBQ. :)
So, welcome home Cuz! It's nice to meet you! lol
Saturday, May 2, 2009
"I like to look for rainbows..."
This afternoon, Acadia headed down to Portland to attend the baptism of a friend of hers. As we were leaving, it began to rain. After a couple of minutes, I saw a curtain coming toward me, I held onto the steering wheel and braced us for the downpour. And man, did it pour! It wasn't very long, but it just dumped on us for a minute or two. After it cleared a bit, we heard a *severe storm alert* on the radio. Thanks for the warning. lol After that, there was a little rain, but that was pretty much it.
We arrived at the church and had a wonderful time at Kellie's baptism. Kellie is a girl Cadi's age who has been learning about the church. The missionaries asked Acadia and I to go with them a couple of times when they taught her and Kellie often sits with us at church. She's a sweet girl and has been wanting to be baptized for awhile. We were so happy to be a part of her special day.
One of the songs we sang has these words:
I like to look for rainbows, whenever there is rain
And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.
I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain,
I want to be the best I can and live with God again.
As we were leaving to come home, there was a beautiful rainbow over the city. Infact, it was a full double rainbow and it was really bright! It was the perfect touch. :)
I took this photo before the baptism. Cadi's kinda squinting/blinking, but ignore that. lol
We arrived at the church and had a wonderful time at Kellie's baptism. Kellie is a girl Cadi's age who has been learning about the church. The missionaries asked Acadia and I to go with them a couple of times when they taught her and Kellie often sits with us at church. She's a sweet girl and has been wanting to be baptized for awhile. We were so happy to be a part of her special day.
One of the songs we sang has these words:
I like to look for rainbows, whenever there is rain
And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.
I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain,
I want to be the best I can and live with God again.
As we were leaving to come home, there was a beautiful rainbow over the city. Infact, it was a full double rainbow and it was really bright! It was the perfect touch. :)
I took this photo before the baptism. Cadi's kinda squinting/blinking, but ignore that. lol
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Andrew's Mission Farewell
*If you don't want to read about our weekend, at least skip down to the photos at the bottom of the post. ;)
We had a great time in Sacramento this weekend! The weather was beautiful and we had a lot of fun spending time with our family.
We left early on Friday morning and had a wonderfully uneventful drive down. Arriving mid-afternoon, we were tired from the drive but excited and happy to see the family. As usual, we stayed with my sister, Ruth. They are always generous in letting us stay with them and the cousins all love playing together. As soon as we got there, Ryan went right to work playing with the kids, he's an awesome dad and uncle. :)
We had dinner with most of the family that night and many of us stayed up to play games and visit. The next morning we were all up early. Ryan took the girls over to visit with his family while I attended the temple with my mom and siblings. After the temple, all of the siblings went over to our sister, Debi's new house to help scrub her kitchen cabinets. (She's painting them this week.) We had fun working together and teased Andrew that he better get used to this kind of service because he'll be doing a lot of it over the next two years.
Once the cabinets were clean, we had another night of dinner and games back at Ruth's. We played one of our favorites, "Teresa's Question Game", so called because she is the one who introduced it to us. We have no idea what it's true name is called, lol.
On Sunday, Andrew spoke in his ward and I played "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go", per Andrew's request. After church, he was set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in the Canada Winnipeg mission. There was an open house for him that evening and we were able to visit more with family friends.
On Monday morning, Andrew and my mom left Sacramento for Utah. They went to visit friends for a day or two and tomorrow Andrew will report to the MTC. We, also, left Monday morning and arrived home last night.
It was a short weekend, but filled with many good things. We had a wonderful time and are very grateful to have been able to be there. It was awesome to have the whole family together right before Andrew left. We will miss having him around for holidays and family visits, but we are so proud of him and we look forward to hearing about his many experiences as he serves the Lord.
Here is a slideshow of some of the pictures from this weekend:
We had a great time in Sacramento this weekend! The weather was beautiful and we had a lot of fun spending time with our family.
We left early on Friday morning and had a wonderfully uneventful drive down. Arriving mid-afternoon, we were tired from the drive but excited and happy to see the family. As usual, we stayed with my sister, Ruth. They are always generous in letting us stay with them and the cousins all love playing together. As soon as we got there, Ryan went right to work playing with the kids, he's an awesome dad and uncle. :)
We had dinner with most of the family that night and many of us stayed up to play games and visit. The next morning we were all up early. Ryan took the girls over to visit with his family while I attended the temple with my mom and siblings. After the temple, all of the siblings went over to our sister, Debi's new house to help scrub her kitchen cabinets. (She's painting them this week.) We had fun working together and teased Andrew that he better get used to this kind of service because he'll be doing a lot of it over the next two years.
Once the cabinets were clean, we had another night of dinner and games back at Ruth's. We played one of our favorites, "Teresa's Question Game", so called because she is the one who introduced it to us. We have no idea what it's true name is called, lol.
On Sunday, Andrew spoke in his ward and I played "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go", per Andrew's request. After church, he was set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in the Canada Winnipeg mission. There was an open house for him that evening and we were able to visit more with family friends.
On Monday morning, Andrew and my mom left Sacramento for Utah. They went to visit friends for a day or two and tomorrow Andrew will report to the MTC. We, also, left Monday morning and arrived home last night.
It was a short weekend, but filled with many good things. We had a wonderful time and are very grateful to have been able to be there. It was awesome to have the whole family together right before Andrew left. We will miss having him around for holidays and family visits, but we are so proud of him and we look forward to hearing about his many experiences as he serves the Lord.
Here is a slideshow of some of the pictures from this weekend:
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Busy, but not much to show for it.
I have felt so busy this week, but I really don't have much to show for it. I don't have a spotless house, I haven't even started packing for our trip this weekend, I don't even have all of the laundry clean so I can start packing. Mostly, I've chased Rori around all week, cleaning up after all her many messes. That, and I've been so worn out from this stupid cold, so even when I'm not doing much, I feel like I'm doing a lot. lol
Unfortunately, I can't afford to not accomplish anything today. We are planning on leaving in the wee hours of the morning tomorrow so it might help if I start packing. I also need to polish up the piano solo I've been asked to play on Sunday.
Oh, did I even mention where we're going and why? I don't think I have.
We are excited to take a quick trip down to Sacramento this weekend to attend my little brother's mission farewell! He has been called to serve a two year mission for our church, serving in Winnipeg Canada! He will be leaving in less than a week and so this is his last weekend home. We are going to have lots of family time on Saturday and he will be speaking in church on Sunday. He asked if I would play "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go" as a musical number, which I'm happy to do. And then we'll have an open house so friends can come say good-bye.
It'll be a busy, quick weekend but we are really looking forward to it. I just have to get us all ready for it!
Unfortunately, I can't afford to not accomplish anything today. We are planning on leaving in the wee hours of the morning tomorrow so it might help if I start packing. I also need to polish up the piano solo I've been asked to play on Sunday.
Oh, did I even mention where we're going and why? I don't think I have.
We are excited to take a quick trip down to Sacramento this weekend to attend my little brother's mission farewell! He has been called to serve a two year mission for our church, serving in Winnipeg Canada! He will be leaving in less than a week and so this is his last weekend home. We are going to have lots of family time on Saturday and he will be speaking in church on Sunday. He asked if I would play "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go" as a musical number, which I'm happy to do. And then we'll have an open house so friends can come say good-bye.
It'll be a busy, quick weekend but we are really looking forward to it. I just have to get us all ready for it!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Called to serve!
Tonight we got an exciting phone call from my family. My little brother, Andrew had submitted his papers to serve a two year mission for our church and was anxiously watching the mail all week to receive his call. It finally came and tonight our family gathered for him to open it. They called those of us who live out of town so we were all on speaker and "together" for the big reveal.
*Drum roll, please*
*
*
*
*
*
Elder Andrew James Robarts has been called to serve a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the
CANADA WINNIPEG MISSION!!!
The Canada Winnipeg mission covers the Saskatchewan and Manitoba provinces. He is to report to the MTC on Wednesday, April 22. So it looks like we'll be making a trip down to Cali for a farewell sometime mid-April. :)
Yay!!! We are so excited for Andrew! It's going to be nice and COLD, but it will be a fantastic experience!
*Drum roll, please*
*
*
*
*
*
Elder Andrew James Robarts has been called to serve a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the
CANADA WINNIPEG MISSION!!!
The Canada Winnipeg mission covers the Saskatchewan and Manitoba provinces. He is to report to the MTC on Wednesday, April 22. So it looks like we'll be making a trip down to Cali for a farewell sometime mid-April. :)
Yay!!! We are so excited for Andrew! It's going to be nice and COLD, but it will be a fantastic experience!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Spirit of Elijah
I've mentioned in here before that I have a MySpace account. *gasp* And I've made some wonderful friends because of it! I've shared about the Vegas Trip I took to meet several of them and the Utah Trip I'm taking in just a few weeks to meet with them again! The other day, I shared with them some of my thoughts after attending a youth fireside on Sunday but I realized today that I never posted my thoughts in here. In the interest of time (and because I'm feeling kind of lazy at the moment), I'm just going to copy and paste...
The fireside tonight was so cool! I loved it!
One quote that struck me so hard that I almost started to cry was something along the lines of this... (I am TOTALLY paraphrasing)... (Oh, and it was by an apostle a hundred years ago, I think it was Ballard, related to M. Russell Ballard)... When the Elders are out finding people to share the gospel with, they are led by the righteous dead to find their posterity so that they will have family who are members so their work can be done.
Something along those lines. She had the youth think about it for a minute - what are the odds that they would be born into an LDS family? How many kids in their school are? How many people in their neighborhood? But they were. And they have ancestors who are righteous and are dead that need their work done. Who is going to do it for them?
I started thinking... Ryan is a first generation member and he loves genealogy work. I can see his righteous, dead ancestors prompting the sister missionaries to stop him when they saw him walking home from school.
My mom's mom joined the church because of a horrible car accident. In that accident, my mom was an infant and not in any sort of car seat or safety belt - just in a baby basket. The car rolled several times and when it finished rolling, my mom was lying in her basket OUTSIDE of the car, with a little pebble sitting on her forehead - not a scratch anywhere. The doors and windows were all closed. My grandma, on the other hand, had several broken bones, including both legs. My grandma has always said that angels saved my mom's life.
As my grandma recuperated at her mom(my great-grandma Aurora - who Rori is named after)'s house, she was bored out of her mind! When the missionaries knocked at their door, my great-grandma turned them away but my grandma called from the couch, "If you've got any literature, I'll read it- I've read everything in this house and I'll read anything you can give me!" ... She joined the church shortly after that.
I can very well see my righteous, dead ancestors being the angels who preserved my mother's life. And I can see them being the very same angels leading the missionaries to my great-grandma's door at a time when my grandmother would not let them get turned away.
My grandma did a bit of genealogy work and my aunt now has it. I need to get it from her.
When Christ was crucified, the very first thing he did was go to the righteous dead in the spirit world and proclaim that they had been redeemed, they were finally freed from their sins. He then organized them into groups to be missionaries, teaching the wicked who were dead. Those were the first two things he did! (D&C 138)
One of the missions of the church is to redeem the dead. Christ atoned for their sins but they still cannot receive all of the eternal blessings if the ordinances are not performed. So we get to do that. We get to be saviors to those who cannot do the work themselves.
It really is an amazing thought.
As I thought about our group, I was thinking how most of us were born in the church - the only one I can think of that for sure wasn't is Jenne... Jennealogy*. The first generation member in our group loves genealogy.
I just don't think this is a coincidence. Jenne, do you doubt for one moment that your righteous, dead ancestors had a hand in you receiving the gospel? Knowing that you would be able to do their work - the life saving ordinances that they could not do for themselves?
I don't.
*Jenne is obviously one of my friends. After she joined the church she fell in love with doing genealogy. Her "on-line" name is Jennealogy. The following is her response to that...
Sariah, you always make me smile. Thank you. And today I especially needed it.
You asked me about my conversion and family history. It was wanting to be with my dad again that compelled me to find religious truth so right there it was the Spirit of Elijah leading me to the church. I started with his temple work and that prompted me to get into family history and after getting started, I was hooked. And its just nice that my name works so well as a family history nickname. :-)
(Jenne's father had pased away a short time before she was introduced to the church. She had previously been Athiest but when she began associating with members of the church through a dance group, she started asking them about their beliefs in life after death.)
Here is the official quote that I paraphrased early on in my post...
"It was made known to me that it is because of the righteous dead who had received the gospel in the spirit world exercising themselves...Elders of the Church were sent to the homes of their posterity that the gospel might be taught to them and through their righteousness they might be privileged to have a descendant in the flesh to do the work for their dead kindred." - Elder Melvin J. Ballard (M. Russell Ballard's grandfather)
I thought, and still think, it is an amazing quote. Thank you Millie for sharing it with me/us!
The fireside tonight was so cool! I loved it!
One quote that struck me so hard that I almost started to cry was something along the lines of this... (I am TOTALLY paraphrasing)... (Oh, and it was by an apostle a hundred years ago, I think it was Ballard, related to M. Russell Ballard)... When the Elders are out finding people to share the gospel with, they are led by the righteous dead to find their posterity so that they will have family who are members so their work can be done.
Something along those lines. She had the youth think about it for a minute - what are the odds that they would be born into an LDS family? How many kids in their school are? How many people in their neighborhood? But they were. And they have ancestors who are righteous and are dead that need their work done. Who is going to do it for them?
I started thinking... Ryan is a first generation member and he loves genealogy work. I can see his righteous, dead ancestors prompting the sister missionaries to stop him when they saw him walking home from school.
My mom's mom joined the church because of a horrible car accident. In that accident, my mom was an infant and not in any sort of car seat or safety belt - just in a baby basket. The car rolled several times and when it finished rolling, my mom was lying in her basket OUTSIDE of the car, with a little pebble sitting on her forehead - not a scratch anywhere. The doors and windows were all closed. My grandma, on the other hand, had several broken bones, including both legs. My grandma has always said that angels saved my mom's life.
As my grandma recuperated at her mom(my great-grandma Aurora - who Rori is named after)'s house, she was bored out of her mind! When the missionaries knocked at their door, my great-grandma turned them away but my grandma called from the couch, "If you've got any literature, I'll read it- I've read everything in this house and I'll read anything you can give me!" ... She joined the church shortly after that.
I can very well see my righteous, dead ancestors being the angels who preserved my mother's life. And I can see them being the very same angels leading the missionaries to my great-grandma's door at a time when my grandmother would not let them get turned away.
My grandma did a bit of genealogy work and my aunt now has it. I need to get it from her.
When Christ was crucified, the very first thing he did was go to the righteous dead in the spirit world and proclaim that they had been redeemed, they were finally freed from their sins. He then organized them into groups to be missionaries, teaching the wicked who were dead. Those were the first two things he did! (D&C 138)
One of the missions of the church is to redeem the dead. Christ atoned for their sins but they still cannot receive all of the eternal blessings if the ordinances are not performed. So we get to do that. We get to be saviors to those who cannot do the work themselves.
It really is an amazing thought.
As I thought about our group, I was thinking how most of us were born in the church - the only one I can think of that for sure wasn't is Jenne... Jennealogy*. The first generation member in our group loves genealogy.
I just don't think this is a coincidence. Jenne, do you doubt for one moment that your righteous, dead ancestors had a hand in you receiving the gospel? Knowing that you would be able to do their work - the life saving ordinances that they could not do for themselves?
I don't.
*Jenne is obviously one of my friends. After she joined the church she fell in love with doing genealogy. Her "on-line" name is Jennealogy. The following is her response to that...
Sariah, you always make me smile. Thank you. And today I especially needed it.
You asked me about my conversion and family history. It was wanting to be with my dad again that compelled me to find religious truth so right there it was the Spirit of Elijah leading me to the church. I started with his temple work and that prompted me to get into family history and after getting started, I was hooked. And its just nice that my name works so well as a family history nickname. :-)
(Jenne's father had pased away a short time before she was introduced to the church. She had previously been Athiest but when she began associating with members of the church through a dance group, she started asking them about their beliefs in life after death.)
Here is the official quote that I paraphrased early on in my post...
"It was made known to me that it is because of the righteous dead who had received the gospel in the spirit world exercising themselves...Elders of the Church were sent to the homes of their posterity that the gospel might be taught to them and through their righteousness they might be privileged to have a descendant in the flesh to do the work for their dead kindred." - Elder Melvin J. Ballard (M. Russell Ballard's grandfather)
I thought, and still think, it is an amazing quote. Thank you Millie for sharing it with me/us!
Monday, April 24, 2006
Encore, Encore!
A couple of months ago, Acadia and a friend of hers sang a duet for the Young Women at church. It was her first time performing, except for when the entire primary gets up to sing together. They did great! Well, they were asked to sing again but this time for the entire congregation. They both said yes. And yesterday was the day.
They had practiced, they knew the song. I was accompanying on the piano and the other mom was sitting right in front of them to help mouth the words in case they forgot. As church began, things were fine. Then about 5 minutes before it was time for their song, they both got super nervous! Acadia told me, "I can't do this, I have stage fright!" We (quietly) talked. I told her that she was ready, she had practiced, she knew the song, and that she just had to look at Sister D. and everything would be fine.
"But what if I make a mistake?"
"Then you just smile and keep singing." :)
I could see her friend in front of us starting to squirm too. They were so cute!
And then it was time. We got up, they stood infront of the microphone and I sat at the piano. I started to play and was half expecting not to hear anything when I got through the intro... but they sang! They were nervous and I could tell, but they did well. Many people complimented them afterwards. I was especially proud when our choir director, who I admire for SO MANY reasons - including her many musical talents, told me that she thought Acadia had a great voice. It made me think that I may want to encourage Cadi to develop it a bit more when she's ready. And certainly for now, I will encourage her to keep singing for fun and for little musical numbers like this.
That night was a youth fireside and Acadia and her friend had been asked to sing for it too. After singing for the entire congregation, this was a breeze! They didn't have a mic this time, but they sang strong and loud. And they did even better this time - I think they were less nervous. :)
I'm so proud of her! She faced a real fear that I can totally relate too! I told her I was nervous to play the piano too - which I always am, no matter how well I know the song. Like I said though, she faced her fear and now she has more confidence because of it. Good for her!
It should also be mentioned that Ryan was one of the guest speakers at the fireside last night. They YW had asked him to share his conversion story with them. He did a great job - even though he had been stressing about it for a couple of days. I didn't realize (duh), that this was his first time attending a youth fireside. I KNOW he wasn't a member in his teenage years, but I forget sometimes that it means he didn't participate in those things that the youth get to do. So, it was a neat experience for him.
He was slotted to speak after the musical number by Cadi and her friend and he may kill me for publicly announcing it, but he was "emotional" after her song. (He is a wonderful, loving, sensitive man who on occasion will "tear up" - but it isn't shown often, especially not publicly. So, it was sweet.) He expressed that as he ponders his conversion to the church one of the things he is especially grateful for is being able to raise his children in the gospel. And for him to be thinking about it and then watch as his daughter sings about the Savior, it hit home. In his words, it was a "choice experience" for him to watch her sing that night.
Here is a copy of the song that Acadia sang:
They had practiced, they knew the song. I was accompanying on the piano and the other mom was sitting right in front of them to help mouth the words in case they forgot. As church began, things were fine. Then about 5 minutes before it was time for their song, they both got super nervous! Acadia told me, "I can't do this, I have stage fright!" We (quietly) talked. I told her that she was ready, she had practiced, she knew the song, and that she just had to look at Sister D. and everything would be fine.
"But what if I make a mistake?"
"Then you just smile and keep singing." :)
I could see her friend in front of us starting to squirm too. They were so cute!
And then it was time. We got up, they stood infront of the microphone and I sat at the piano. I started to play and was half expecting not to hear anything when I got through the intro... but they sang! They were nervous and I could tell, but they did well. Many people complimented them afterwards. I was especially proud when our choir director, who I admire for SO MANY reasons - including her many musical talents, told me that she thought Acadia had a great voice. It made me think that I may want to encourage Cadi to develop it a bit more when she's ready. And certainly for now, I will encourage her to keep singing for fun and for little musical numbers like this.
That night was a youth fireside and Acadia and her friend had been asked to sing for it too. After singing for the entire congregation, this was a breeze! They didn't have a mic this time, but they sang strong and loud. And they did even better this time - I think they were less nervous. :)
I'm so proud of her! She faced a real fear that I can totally relate too! I told her I was nervous to play the piano too - which I always am, no matter how well I know the song. Like I said though, she faced her fear and now she has more confidence because of it. Good for her!
It should also be mentioned that Ryan was one of the guest speakers at the fireside last night. They YW had asked him to share his conversion story with them. He did a great job - even though he had been stressing about it for a couple of days. I didn't realize (duh), that this was his first time attending a youth fireside. I KNOW he wasn't a member in his teenage years, but I forget sometimes that it means he didn't participate in those things that the youth get to do. So, it was a neat experience for him.
He was slotted to speak after the musical number by Cadi and her friend and he may kill me for publicly announcing it, but he was "emotional" after her song. (He is a wonderful, loving, sensitive man who on occasion will "tear up" - but it isn't shown often, especially not publicly. So, it was sweet.) He expressed that as he ponders his conversion to the church one of the things he is especially grateful for is being able to raise his children in the gospel. And for him to be thinking about it and then watch as his daughter sings about the Savior, it hit home. In his words, it was a "choice experience" for him to watch her sing that night.
Here is a copy of the song that Acadia sang:
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Elders
I just heard that our Sister missionaries are both leaving! One has completed her mission and is going home, the other is being transferred. And it looks like we're gonna have Elders.
Don't get me wrong, I like the Elders. They are great guys. My brother was one, Landon was one, most missionaries are Elders. But I love having Sisters!!! I love that I can go on splits and they can come over to eat whenever they/I want because Ryan doesn't need to be home. And I can give the Sisters hugs. But now it's back to hand shakes.
The last time we lived in a ward with Elders was in Massachusetts. I remember having to make them wait on the front porch in the heat/cold when Ryan was running a few minutes late. I felt so bad! A few times I felt so bad that I waited on the porch and let them sit in the house!
I am also partial to Sisters because it was Sister missionaries that stopped Ryan on his way home from school to see if he would like to learn more about the church. So ya, I like the Sisters and I'm kind of bummed.
But I should look on the bright side... Ryan used to LOVE going on splits with the Elders and now he will get to do that again. Plus, there is always a reason for everything. I'm sure that the Lord needs Elders here right now, otherwise we'd still have our Sisters. And if it's what the Lord wants, it can't be that bad.
Don't get me wrong, I like the Elders. They are great guys. My brother was one, Landon was one, most missionaries are Elders. But I love having Sisters!!! I love that I can go on splits and they can come over to eat whenever they/I want because Ryan doesn't need to be home. And I can give the Sisters hugs. But now it's back to hand shakes.
The last time we lived in a ward with Elders was in Massachusetts. I remember having to make them wait on the front porch in the heat/cold when Ryan was running a few minutes late. I felt so bad! A few times I felt so bad that I waited on the porch and let them sit in the house!
I am also partial to Sisters because it was Sister missionaries that stopped Ryan on his way home from school to see if he would like to learn more about the church. So ya, I like the Sisters and I'm kind of bummed.
But I should look on the bright side... Ryan used to LOVE going on splits with the Elders and now he will get to do that again. Plus, there is always a reason for everything. I'm sure that the Lord needs Elders here right now, otherwise we'd still have our Sisters. And if it's what the Lord wants, it can't be that bad.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Now I owe ice cream
When my mom was in college, she and her roomates had this "deal". Whenever you kissed a guy for the first time you had to buy everyone ice cream. Some of my siblings have kept on the tradition.
No, I do not owe because of a first kiss (Ryan paid that years ago, I believe). But I do owe A., one of my Mia Maids ice cream tomorrow.
Two weeks ago I asked her to come to church with me (like I do every week) and she said no (like she does every week). I had asked her several times why she didn't want to come, she doesn't really have a reason. We've talked about how she doesn't understand alot of what is going on but how if she starts coming, she will start to. But week after week she says she doesn't want to come.
This particular week (2 weeks ago) I decided to start the bribes. I told her if she would come to church I would take her to ice cream the next day. She said she would, but then didn't show (even after I called in the morning to make sure she got up and ready!).
Last night I called again, to see if she would come with me. She said no. Today when Sacrament meeting was over Ryan said to me, "Did you see that L. is here?" (A's mom) I looked back... AND A. WAS WITH HER!!! I practically jumped the pews to get back to her! (Okay, not really. But I got to her as soon as I possibly could.) I gave her a huge hug and told her that she just made my entire week! They told me that they didn't tell me because they wanted to surprise me. It worked!
So to keep my promise, I am taking her to ice cream tomorrow. After church I asked if she will come again next week and she said yes. I hope and pray she does. She is going with the young women to girl's camp this week. It could be a wonderful experience for her.
I know I shouldn't get my hopes up too much, not yet at least. But I am really hoping this is a turning point for her.
No, I do not owe because of a first kiss (Ryan paid that years ago, I believe). But I do owe A., one of my Mia Maids ice cream tomorrow.
Two weeks ago I asked her to come to church with me (like I do every week) and she said no (like she does every week). I had asked her several times why she didn't want to come, she doesn't really have a reason. We've talked about how she doesn't understand alot of what is going on but how if she starts coming, she will start to. But week after week she says she doesn't want to come.
This particular week (2 weeks ago) I decided to start the bribes. I told her if she would come to church I would take her to ice cream the next day. She said she would, but then didn't show (even after I called in the morning to make sure she got up and ready!).
Last night I called again, to see if she would come with me. She said no. Today when Sacrament meeting was over Ryan said to me, "Did you see that L. is here?" (A's mom) I looked back... AND A. WAS WITH HER!!! I practically jumped the pews to get back to her! (Okay, not really. But I got to her as soon as I possibly could.) I gave her a huge hug and told her that she just made my entire week! They told me that they didn't tell me because they wanted to surprise me. It worked!
So to keep my promise, I am taking her to ice cream tomorrow. After church I asked if she will come again next week and she said yes. I hope and pray she does. She is going with the young women to girl's camp this week. It could be a wonderful experience for her.
I know I shouldn't get my hopes up too much, not yet at least. But I am really hoping this is a turning point for her.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
I have a testimony of Visiting Teaching!
When I first moved here and was assigned a visiting teaching route, I learned that I had a less-active sister. My new companion had been her visiting teacher for awhile and fortunately, we were able to set up a time for us to have a visit right away. The day of that first visit, my companion was sick. I felt very uncomfortable going to the less-active woman's house, who I had never met before, alone. But I did. We visited for about an hour, getting to know eachother. I was never able to "get back in" - not for 2 years!
I started to wonder if I had maybe said something wrong and she didn't want me to visit her. We repeatedly called sometimes reaching her and sometimes not. When we set up times to visit, always she would not be there when we arrived. We quickly learned not to make appointments, we started to just "come by". I actually caught her once and talked for a couple of minutes on her doorstep. All other times she was either not there or hiding.
Several months ago my companion was switched but I kept the route and continued trying to reach her. During the last two years, each time we didn't see her, I left a card on her door just letting her know we were thinking of her and always including our names and numbers. Early this year, after months of leaving these cards, I got a call from her! Still, though I set a time to visit her (with my new companion) when we went, she wasn't there. But after a couple of months - she was!
We had a great visit, she told us about many of the things she has had to struggle with lately. I asked if she would come to church with us and told her I knew it would help her with her trials. She said yes! I told her I would pick her up. The following Sunday she called me to say she was sick. Shortly after that, her phone was disconnected. We had a hard time reaching eachother.
After a couple more weeks of me going to get her and something coming up, she still hadn't come to church. Today I wondered if I should even go to her house. But I did because I will NOT give up on her! Imagine my surprise when her son answered the door and said, "She's almost ready"!!! She had just worked a graveyard shift but instead of going to bed she got dressed for church and was ready to come with me!
I cannot tell you how grateful I am that she came today! I cannot tell you how glad I am that I never gave up. When she needed help, she knew who she could call. Not because I am the greatest visiting teacher. But more because I made sure she knew I had not forgotten her and I truly cared.
I know that sometimes people don't have great experiences with visiting teaching. Maybe they don't have good visiting teachers, maybe they don't see the results of their efforts to reach the sisters on their lists. I have always loved visiting teaching. And my testimony of it has grown immensely this week. Don't give up, you never know when your small acts of service are touching someone without your knowing it.
I started to wonder if I had maybe said something wrong and she didn't want me to visit her. We repeatedly called sometimes reaching her and sometimes not. When we set up times to visit, always she would not be there when we arrived. We quickly learned not to make appointments, we started to just "come by". I actually caught her once and talked for a couple of minutes on her doorstep. All other times she was either not there or hiding.
Several months ago my companion was switched but I kept the route and continued trying to reach her. During the last two years, each time we didn't see her, I left a card on her door just letting her know we were thinking of her and always including our names and numbers. Early this year, after months of leaving these cards, I got a call from her! Still, though I set a time to visit her (with my new companion) when we went, she wasn't there. But after a couple of months - she was!
We had a great visit, she told us about many of the things she has had to struggle with lately. I asked if she would come to church with us and told her I knew it would help her with her trials. She said yes! I told her I would pick her up. The following Sunday she called me to say she was sick. Shortly after that, her phone was disconnected. We had a hard time reaching eachother.
After a couple more weeks of me going to get her and something coming up, she still hadn't come to church. Today I wondered if I should even go to her house. But I did because I will NOT give up on her! Imagine my surprise when her son answered the door and said, "She's almost ready"!!! She had just worked a graveyard shift but instead of going to bed she got dressed for church and was ready to come with me!
I cannot tell you how grateful I am that she came today! I cannot tell you how glad I am that I never gave up. When she needed help, she knew who she could call. Not because I am the greatest visiting teacher. But more because I made sure she knew I had not forgotten her and I truly cared.
I know that sometimes people don't have great experiences with visiting teaching. Maybe they don't have good visiting teachers, maybe they don't see the results of their efforts to reach the sisters on their lists. I have always loved visiting teaching. And my testimony of it has grown immensely this week. Don't give up, you never know when your small acts of service are touching someone without your knowing it.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Hope
The sister missionaries called me and said they needed a place to go with a woman and asked if they could come here. Of course I said yes. We (Cadi and I) had just gotten home from the barbeque, Ryan was at a movie with Jack and another friend, and Cadi was in the tub. I quickly picked up the family room, got Cadi out of the tub and into PJs, and then "knock knock".
They began to give the first discussion to this woman, we'll call her Hope (because that's what I wish I could just give her). As we talked, Hope told us about her life. She is in a very unhealthy marriage. She feels that she has no options. She does not want a divorce because the Bible says you shouldn’t divorce. But she is experiencing some forms of abuse and there are four young children exposed to it as well. She feels that God doesn’t love her, she doesn’t see how He could love her. She feels that God can change her husband, but He doesn’t. She loves God though. It was the saddest thing. I could not imagine how she feels. I could not imagine what her life is like.
I felt so sad for her. As I closed the door I just cried. Just that this poor woman who loves God, used to be a missionary in her country for her church, used to be happy, used to feel the spirit, now feels that she is nothing to God. She feels there is no hope for her. She feels that she will never feel the spirit again.
What I take for granted! I feel God’s love for me, even when I know I don’t deserve it! I have a husband who loves and respects me. I am in a safe environment that allows me to develop and grow physically, emotionally, mentally, and especially spiritually.
I wish I could just give that all to Hope. My heart just aches for her and every other person who feels like that. I feel somewhat helpless, but I know that Heavenly Father is not helpless. And I know that He does love her very much. So, I will do all I can do – I will pray for her. I believe I will fast for her too.
I don’t know if I will ever see her again or even hear about her again. But I do pray that things will improve for her. I hope she will at the very least be able to feel Heavenly Father’s love for her.
I think about all the missionaries. They must see this often. How do they do it? How do you go into people’s homes, see their environment, know that evil things are happening to innocent people, and then have to walk out, not being able to do anything that makes it better for them? How do you say a prayer and then not worry or think about it anymore. I know that by saying a prayer we are doing “something” and that the Lord’s hands are the best “hands” to leave it in, but still – how do you do it? Gosh, I just wish I could make her okay. I wish I could make her see and feel what I see and feel. I wish I could give her that hope and peace and love. But I can’t.
They began to give the first discussion to this woman, we'll call her Hope (because that's what I wish I could just give her). As we talked, Hope told us about her life. She is in a very unhealthy marriage. She feels that she has no options. She does not want a divorce because the Bible says you shouldn’t divorce. But she is experiencing some forms of abuse and there are four young children exposed to it as well. She feels that God doesn’t love her, she doesn’t see how He could love her. She feels that God can change her husband, but He doesn’t. She loves God though. It was the saddest thing. I could not imagine how she feels. I could not imagine what her life is like.
I felt so sad for her. As I closed the door I just cried. Just that this poor woman who loves God, used to be a missionary in her country for her church, used to be happy, used to feel the spirit, now feels that she is nothing to God. She feels there is no hope for her. She feels that she will never feel the spirit again.
What I take for granted! I feel God’s love for me, even when I know I don’t deserve it! I have a husband who loves and respects me. I am in a safe environment that allows me to develop and grow physically, emotionally, mentally, and especially spiritually.
I wish I could just give that all to Hope. My heart just aches for her and every other person who feels like that. I feel somewhat helpless, but I know that Heavenly Father is not helpless. And I know that He does love her very much. So, I will do all I can do – I will pray for her. I believe I will fast for her too.
I don’t know if I will ever see her again or even hear about her again. But I do pray that things will improve for her. I hope she will at the very least be able to feel Heavenly Father’s love for her.
I think about all the missionaries. They must see this often. How do they do it? How do you go into people’s homes, see their environment, know that evil things are happening to innocent people, and then have to walk out, not being able to do anything that makes it better for them? How do you say a prayer and then not worry or think about it anymore. I know that by saying a prayer we are doing “something” and that the Lord’s hands are the best “hands” to leave it in, but still – how do you do it? Gosh, I just wish I could make her okay. I wish I could make her see and feel what I see and feel. I wish I could give her that hope and peace and love. But I can’t.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Time to Slow Down
Ryan and I went to the gym this morning. After last week's incident, I made sure to take things much slower. But even that seemed to be pushing it. I walked ever-so-slowly on the treadmill and greatly decreased the weight on the only two machines I used - but still I needed to quit and head to the car to lay down earlier than I would have liked. I guess I need to slow down even more. I'm going to take a break from weights too. Just walk even more ever-so-slowly for as long as I can manage. Ugghh. Not enjoying this...
Also, last night the Reamers came over for dinner. We had some good conversation but unfortunately what it all boiled down to is that she is really feeling unsure about her committed "date". We talked alot about it. She felt better after talking. I made sure to let her know that she shouldn't commit to anything she isn't ready to commit to. But I also told her that 1)the baptism is set for 7 days from now (well 6 today, but last night it was 7) and alot can happen in those 7 days. She may feel answers to her prayers come this week. And 2)she needs to make sure that she is open for the Lord to speak to her - then she needs to accept it. She will not all of a sudden have a huge testimony of everything - it starts small and as she learns more and understands more, it will grow. So if she feels that testimony, even a small one, she needs to recognize it.
She says that when she prays, she feels like getting baptized would be good for her family. But she is looking for it to be good for her specifically. I reminded her that she is part of her family and as a wife and mom she responds mostly to the needs of her family. She may be getting an answer but just not accepting what it is saying. I told her to keep praying, the Lord knows her and how to speak to her. I also told her that she needs to ask the Lord for an answer. She has the right to say, "I've committed myself to a date, but I am feeling very unsure. I need an answer so I know what direction to go in." I told her to expect that answer to come. Now I'm just praying that she recognizes it when it does.
I guess part of the problem has been that the Sister Missionaries have been meeting with her ALOT - very often. She is a busy person, she works then comes home to a husband and two children. She doesn't have time to sit quietly and think the way she wants to - especially about this. She feels like she hasn't really gotten the chance to ponder what she's being taught. I told her to tell the sisters that she needs more time in between visits. I hope she does. This has to be her choice, not the missionaries or mine or anyone else's.
In any case, they are great, fun people - we love visiting with them. We told her that we want to stay friends no matter what, that we will support her no matter what. I think she is leaning towards postponing rather than cancelling. She also is very interested in having them attend the meetings and activities as a family regardless. She is trying to make the right choice and I think that is a good thing. Keep her in your prayers, she is a great gal and has a great family!
Also, last night the Reamers came over for dinner. We had some good conversation but unfortunately what it all boiled down to is that she is really feeling unsure about her committed "date". We talked alot about it. She felt better after talking. I made sure to let her know that she shouldn't commit to anything she isn't ready to commit to. But I also told her that 1)the baptism is set for 7 days from now (well 6 today, but last night it was 7) and alot can happen in those 7 days. She may feel answers to her prayers come this week. And 2)she needs to make sure that she is open for the Lord to speak to her - then she needs to accept it. She will not all of a sudden have a huge testimony of everything - it starts small and as she learns more and understands more, it will grow. So if she feels that testimony, even a small one, she needs to recognize it.
She says that when she prays, she feels like getting baptized would be good for her family. But she is looking for it to be good for her specifically. I reminded her that she is part of her family and as a wife and mom she responds mostly to the needs of her family. She may be getting an answer but just not accepting what it is saying. I told her to keep praying, the Lord knows her and how to speak to her. I also told her that she needs to ask the Lord for an answer. She has the right to say, "I've committed myself to a date, but I am feeling very unsure. I need an answer so I know what direction to go in." I told her to expect that answer to come. Now I'm just praying that she recognizes it when it does.
I guess part of the problem has been that the Sister Missionaries have been meeting with her ALOT - very often. She is a busy person, she works then comes home to a husband and two children. She doesn't have time to sit quietly and think the way she wants to - especially about this. She feels like she hasn't really gotten the chance to ponder what she's being taught. I told her to tell the sisters that she needs more time in between visits. I hope she does. This has to be her choice, not the missionaries or mine or anyone else's.
In any case, they are great, fun people - we love visiting with them. We told her that we want to stay friends no matter what, that we will support her no matter what. I think she is leaning towards postponing rather than cancelling. She also is very interested in having them attend the meetings and activities as a family regardless. She is trying to make the right choice and I think that is a good thing. Keep her in your prayers, she is a great gal and has a great family!
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
How Great Shall Be Your Joy
Tonight I went with the Sister Missionaries to visit the family we've been fellowshipping. Everything went really well and then at the end it jumped up to awesome!
Jessica is taking a leap of faith and has set a date to be baptized! She is a little nervous about it but when she realized that the missionaries were going to help her by continuing to teach her and showing her how to "be a Mormon", she felt much better. They explained that after she goes through the next couple of weeks, "pretending" to be Mormon, when the date of her baptism comes, she will still have the choice of whether or not to "do it for real".
She really likes all the open discussions about the Gospel. And she has been applying the wonderful principle of prayer. She feels so good about everything. She just has some hesitation - it is a HUGE leap of faith to make such a big commitment! We expressed how we are all basically in the same boat. We are all trying to live better each day. We are all still learning and growing. We are at different points, but none of us is perfect or has all the answers.
We also talked a little about how though none of us are perfect and we all make mistakes, the church is perfect and it is organized in a way that helps us to strengthen one another. We help one another, and she can count on that. And she will also be providing that for others (mostly without even realizing it - just by example and kindness). I told her that she has alot of people routing for her. We want to be there for her and we'll be praying for her. I told her specifically to call me if she has a question or problem and that as she meets more people, there will be others she can call too.
I am so grateful that I was able to be there when she made such a wonderful commitment! I feel blessed to have felt the spirit so strongly when she prayed with the missionaries for the first time. She is meeting with the missionaries at our house on Friday and I'm really looking forward to it!
I am SO glad we have Sister Missionaries in our area so I can go with them and experience this great joy that comes when you share the Gospel with Heavenly Father's children. I think that joy that you feel is the love He feels for them. That's what I felt tonight, so much love...and just Great Joy!
Jessica is taking a leap of faith and has set a date to be baptized! She is a little nervous about it but when she realized that the missionaries were going to help her by continuing to teach her and showing her how to "be a Mormon", she felt much better. They explained that after she goes through the next couple of weeks, "pretending" to be Mormon, when the date of her baptism comes, she will still have the choice of whether or not to "do it for real".
She really likes all the open discussions about the Gospel. And she has been applying the wonderful principle of prayer. She feels so good about everything. She just has some hesitation - it is a HUGE leap of faith to make such a big commitment! We expressed how we are all basically in the same boat. We are all trying to live better each day. We are all still learning and growing. We are at different points, but none of us is perfect or has all the answers.
We also talked a little about how though none of us are perfect and we all make mistakes, the church is perfect and it is organized in a way that helps us to strengthen one another. We help one another, and she can count on that. And she will also be providing that for others (mostly without even realizing it - just by example and kindness). I told her that she has alot of people routing for her. We want to be there for her and we'll be praying for her. I told her specifically to call me if she has a question or problem and that as she meets more people, there will be others she can call too.
I am so grateful that I was able to be there when she made such a wonderful commitment! I feel blessed to have felt the spirit so strongly when she prayed with the missionaries for the first time. She is meeting with the missionaries at our house on Friday and I'm really looking forward to it!
I am SO glad we have Sister Missionaries in our area so I can go with them and experience this great joy that comes when you share the Gospel with Heavenly Father's children. I think that joy that you feel is the love He feels for them. That's what I felt tonight, so much love...and just Great Joy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)