Birthday Surprise!

A rendition of "Happy Birthday to You," all the way from Brunswick, Georgia!  No, Sister K did not break the rules and call me on my birthday.  However, she was having dinner at her Bishop's house, and somehow my birthday became the topic, and Bishop Wilson called me to wish me a happy birthday and let me hear B sing "happy birthday!" He then asked if I had anything to tell her. I told him to tell her I love her.  What a fun surprise that made my day, and brought tears to my eyes.  I got the chance to tell him thanks for taking such good care of her, and asked him to pass that message to members of the ward.  He said she was a knucklehead, but they loved her.  He is great! He sends a quick note and picture every once in awhile, and it is always a treat for us.  Thank you Bishop Wilson!

I also received this today from her.  A few weeks ago, she went to a pottery painting place on her p-day.  She made this for me.  In every letter I write her, I end with, "Be Fabulous."  On a side note, they were chatting with  the owner, and they had a trip out west planned and were going to go to temple square.  She asked the Sisters to come back  to talk to her after her trip!  Always sharing the gospel...I am working on that.  I just love having a missionary!

Sister K

This is a letter from B.  Our Bishop asked all of the missionaries in our ward to write a letter to be read over the pulpit.

Dear Fallon 2^nd Ward,

                I thought that by going on a mission across the country that I would be able to get out of speaking , but apparently, I was wrong.

                I am doing GREAT here in Brunswick, GA! Even though I am serving in the U.S., the culture of the south takes a lot of getting used to.

                Since being out here, I’ve learned three things about a mission:

1.        Missions are funny.  I’ve met so many interesting people, I’ve had so many things not go my way, and I’ve been thrown into so many awkward and uncomfortable situations, that all I can do is laugh.

2.       Missions are EXHAUSTING!  I didn’t think it was possible to be this tired running on 8 hours of sleep!  Every night I come home physically and mentally drained, which is a good thing.   Even though days can be long and tiring, it is so worth it.

3.       Missions are spiritual!  I have never been closer to the spirit than I am right now.  I see miracles happening every single day.  There is no doubt in my mind that this is the Lord’s work.

I ‘ve never worked harder in my life than what I’m doing here on my mission.  I’ve never worked for such a great cause either.  It’s taken some time, but I’m starting to love the people here, even the stinky ones that are missing teeth.  I’ve come to realize that Heavenly Father has so much love for each and every one of us and He wants ALL of us to be happy.  And that is what I’m out here doing: bringing that peace and joy that I feel because of the gospel to other children of God.

I have so many experiences every single day that strengthen my testimony.  One in particular was with an investigator, Latoya.  We were eating lunch at Chick-fil-a and she happened to be working there.  She asked if we were Mormon, and told us that she had gotten a Book of Mormon from a friend in middle school, but had since lost it.  She was interested in learning more, so we set up a return appointment.  Four days later she texted  telling us that she wanted to get baptized.  Less than three weeks later she was baptized and has been coming to church ever since.  This experience strengthened my testimony in the power of prayer. My companion and I had been fasting and praying to find someone that was ready to hear and accept the gospel.  And we did.  This experience also strengthened  my testimony in that Heavenly Father is preparing those around us to hear the gospel, we just have to be aware and open our mouths to share it.

Being converted to serve with “full purpose of heart” hasn’t been a one time thing.   I’m working on it every single day.   It can be hard sometimes because I can get caught up in thinking about my friends and family and things I’ve left behind at home.  But now that I’m on my mission, I need to be  HERE- with my heart , might, mind, and strength.

To the youth of the ward preparing to serve missions, I have a few things to say.  1.  Pay attention in seminary! I was a terrible seminary student and now that I’m on my mission I wish that I would have actually listened and learned the Bible and Book of Mormon stories and scripture mastery.  2.  Start reading your scriptures and praying every day.  It is a great habit that should begin before you go on a mission.  It plays a huge role in how the rest of your day goes.  3.  This one, as well as #2, applies to everyone…but study Preach my Gospel.  It is such a great book and can teach you so much, even if you’re not a full time missionary.

In this month’s Ensign, there was a great message called  “ The Best Time to Plant a Tree.”  Everyone should go home and read it.  It talks about setting goals and why we should set goals of spiritual achievement.  Goals bring out the best in us.  Even if we fail, we are better than we were when we started out.  I love the quote at the end that says, ”The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago.  The second best time is now… Now is the best time to start becoming the person we eventually want to be – not only 20 years from now, but also for all eternity.”  I encourage everyone to challenge yourselves and set a specific goal to bring you closer to Christ and start TODAY.  There is no better time.

I am so thankful to be on a mission at this exciting time when the work is truly hastening.  I’m so thankful for the examples that you all have been to me over the years, you all have made such an impact in my life.

I know that the church is true.  I have never been more sure of anything.  I know that this is the gospel of Jesus Christ restored in these latter days through Joseph Smith.  I know that my redeemer lives and loves me. I know that the atonement is real and that because of it, we can be completely forgiven of our sins.  I know that Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers.  And I know that living the gospel is the ONLY way to have peace and joy in this life.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Love, Sister K

Sisters

I got to spend New Year's with these girls this year.  I don't thing that has happened in at least twenty years, or maybe not since I was  10, or before.  These are the best sisters  and mom a girl could ask for! We don't get together often, but when we do watch out.  We can put together weddings, dinners, clean, laugh, craft, shop, work, decorate, and do it all with sarcasm...sorry!   This is who I call if I need to chat, complain, get advice, share happy news, etc.   Thanks so much for putting up with me. I love you all!

Good things:  the 3 s's
1.  sisters
2.  sarcasm
3.  sense of humor

Am I?

So, today, on the first day I have chosen the word committed, I get a call at 8:30 from the Sister missionaries asking if I can help them out because they are in a trio right now, and two will need to go to Reno to pick up the other companion.  I was all ready to go workout, which I had decided I would do today, and take tomorrow off to go to the temple.  Hmmm, my first dilemma.   I had committed to working out better.  Going with the missionaries is WAY out of my comfort zone, and I could come up with several other reasons to NOT go. But, I didn't go to workout, I went with Sister Jones to visit a few people.  We tried to visit five people but only two were home.  It wasn't too bad, except the big fluffy cat that made it difficult to breathe, but we were able to help out someone.

So, what, you ask is the moral of this story?  Sometimes we commit ourselves to things that are good, but need to commit to things that are better.  You remember the talk "Good, better, best?"  well for a few minutes today a chose the better.  If I  want to be a better disciple of Christ, I probably wont get there by working out.

Good things:
1.  albuterol
2.  a letter from my sister K
3.  taking stuff to the thrift store

2014

Last week, my aunt posted on facebook that she is choosing one word  that will carry her through to becoming better in 2014. What a great idea, so I am stealing from her wisdom.   Her word is BRAVE.  A cousin posted JOY.  I choose COMMITTED.  Committed is a verb, that is what I need, not a noun, but a verb. A verb is action, and just what I need this year.  Committed to studying the gospel better, Committed to getting to the gym, Committed to eating food that will energize me, Committed to being happy, Committed to going to the temple more often. Committed to being a better wife, mom, friend, etc.  In Preach My Gospel it likens committed as "real intent."  It also says, "When people are genuinely committed, they have real intent, meaning that they fully intend to do what they have committed to do.  They make an unwavering and earnest decision to change."  There are so many areas of my life that can be improved upon by being committed.
You get the idea.  What will your word be?  Do you have a scripture, quote, song, person that will help you?  Leave your word in the comments and we can inspire each other.

Good things;
1.  hats on a bad hair day
2.  facebook posts that inspire
3.  nice warm fire

Christmas already?!

New experiences are all over the place these days.  I guess that is what happens when your children grow up.  Thanksgiving was really quiet at our house.  G, D, Gram and Pa G, and me.  It was small and quiet, but we ate some delicious food, and were thankful for so much.  K and A had planned to come, but A had to work on Friday, so they spent the day with Gram and Pa C and the rest of the crew there. 
K and A came here for Christmas, and we were able to get a few favorite traditions in.  Caroling, and Swiss Christmas.  We did Christmas eve with the Guisti's and played some games.  On Christmas we had a lazy day spent in pj's and had a really good dinner with all the fixin's. 
But, the best part of the day was a Skype with Sister K.  It was great to see her and hear all the good things that are happening for her. She is loving what she is doing and is so happy.  Her happiness just could not be contained.  We had a great time chatting with her, and said our "I love you's and good byes." I missed having B here, but so happy she is doing what she is.  She too said she missed us and the activities she was missing around the holidays, but she is so happy to serve and bring the gospel to people.  It is fun to see her testimony continue to grow  each in her letters home.
It is strange to not have everyone here with us, but especially for holidays.  But it does make me realize just how lucky I am to have a family that can be together forever.  I miss them when they aren't here!  I suppose that will continue for the rest of my life.

Good things:
1.  The gift of Jesus Christ
2.  skype
3.  being a mom

  This child continues to keep things lively!

Better

Things continue to stay so busy around here.  My friend Shelly continues to improve,  I can say I have seen miracles!  It will be a long difficult road, but thankful for the progress and miracles happening in her life. 
I have been thinking lots about the blessings of having a missionary.  And although there are so many,  the one I keep thinking most about is how hearing her experiences, and enthusiasm has put a little pressure on me to focus more on what I can do to serve those around me, and to put a lot more time into studying the gospel.  This is definitely not my strong point, and I struggle every day with making time to study.  I sort of feel like I will be left in the dust spiritually if I don't get a move on it. I love that the excitement of sharing the gospel can come across in an email, and the holy ghost testifies again and again that truth has been restored.  I am so blessed to know what so many do not.
 So, my current goal is to finish the New Testament by Christmas.  It really shouldn't be that difficult because I am almost there.  I am also trying to keep up on lessons.   And with Christmas coming, what better time to  focus on the essential truths of the gospel.  So, I give you a challenge... Put a little more focus on your studying of the gospel.  However you want to study, whatever you want to study.  Just focus on becoming a little better in whatever you feel inclined.  It will bless your life. 

Good things:
1.  pressure
2.  miracles
3.  music