Goodness

I love the little things. Little moments and details help me see how near God is to us. This week I found joy in surprise attack hugs from the little children in our wards, in delicious gluten-free enchiladas, in hearing the voice of the Lord speak to me from the scriptures and through the priesthood, and seeing our investigators smile.

We walked into an investigator's home four days ago, and she stopped us and said: "now, I know we like to start with a prayer, but before we do anything, I want to let you guys know that I've decided to be baptized." And the rest is history. I couldn't stop smiling. She has come so far! From when her husband died, and told her he wished she could be with him forever, to going through severe depression and withdrawals, and finally choosing to meet with us and come to church every week: now her light is brilliant and growing each day!
I LOVE THE POWER OF THE ATONEMENT

Heavenly Father is always poignantly aware of us. As I have taken the time to notice how aware he truly is, my heart has been filled to overflowing and my burdens have been made light. It seems that every wonderful thing comes to me as I focus on bringing souls unto Christ. 

"And now, my brethren, how is it possible that ye can lay hold upon every good thing? And now I come to that faith of which I said I would speak; and I will tell you the way whereby ye may lay hold on every good thing. for behold, God knowing all things being from everlasting to everlasting behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing." -Moroni 7:20-22

His whole desire is for us to partake of the goodness of God. It is ours for the taking. 

Choose this day to more fully receive Christ's Atonement for you by prayerfully studying the doctrines of the Book of Mormon and applying them to your lives. There is tremendous power in that book. It clarifies and supports the holy  Bible and invites the Spirit to enlighten our minds as we humbly seek to know of its divine origins. It's just awesome. 

Love,

Sister B

Jesus Christ

I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. Sometimes I have to work on it. Sometimes a lot. It could be crazy to the world that a person on this Earth was the Son of God. That He raised people from the dead and healed incurable diseases. That He suffered the pains and afflictions- the weaknesses and foolishness of all mankind. That He loved us, truly loved each of us, even the meanest, most selfish, most bitter of all of us-- He chose to love and die for. I want to bear my testimony this week, because we read this morning a quote from President Monson: "Regarding one's testimony, remember, that which one willingly shares he keeps, while that which he selfishly keeps he loses. …" and I never want to lose my conviction that there definitely IS a Savior of this world, and His name is Jesus Christ. We also read this morning that "having a testimony of Jesus Christ means having a testimony of His Atonement." To me, the Atonement of Jesus Christ supports the strength that I feel from day to day in each living moment. Most importantly, it supports my faith to repent and become better continually. 

I tend to always remember everything, but the Atonement allows me to forgive and forget.

We are so blessed to know these things! If you look around you, the difference between those who know, and those who don't is starkly apparent. There is nothing more humbling to me than realizing how much I am blessed. How great our responsibility to share the gifts we have been given!

Be Steadfast and Immovable
Be Strong and of a Good Courage

Fear not, only be believing

Go forth with Faith!

"Look unto me in Every Thought; Doubt not, Fear not." - Jesus Christ

"Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him-- Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life." Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5

Christ is the rock you have to lean on in life. Lean on Him by praying, by writing His words on your heart, by feeding and clothing and visiting Him, and you may do all things which He requires of you, for He will prepare the way before you. I hope to know these things some day with a perfect knowledge, but for now, I testify from feelings in my heart and experiences in my life: I know that my Redeemer lives.

I'm feeling your prayers, and so deeply grateful! Love you all!

Sister B

The Light: A Special Christmas Message

I feel extra happy this year to know that Jesus Christ was the prophesied Messiah. I know that He lives. All that He did was for us. Out and about, so many people are going nuts over presents and festivities, yet we walk among them with peace in our hearts and light in our eyes, because we know why we celebrate this season. The power of our message hit home today when we ran into an excommunicated member at Target during our weekly shopping. He promptly flagged us down and offered to buy our groceries. As we got to know him, we learned more about his concerns and reasons for walking away from the light. There was great confusion and contradiction in the things he would say, and I found myself praising God in my heart for blessing us with faith. The testimonies we have been given are precious. It is such a privilege to witness for Christ during this season of the year, and lift people to see life more clearly through the light of the gospel.

Light is my favorite symbol of the Savior. I love Christmas lights. I always remember driving around during the Christmas season and looking at all the neighborhood lights while listening to "It Must Have Been the Mistletoe." (:  (Since a song about mistletoe isn't exactly appropriate for missionaries, we have been listening to "Oh Come All Ye Faithful," and, my personal fave: "Silent Night." as we cruise past the lights.)

It is significant that we are each born with the light of Christ within us. There is not a single person I have met on my mission that I have not loved, and this because I know they hold the light of Our Lord. It is rewarding to search for that spark, and then to support and strengthen it in them. It is the greatest tragedy when we see it diminish, as ofttimes people forget, or make poor choices. I rejoice to know that you all "walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks which ye have kindled." (2 Nephi7:11). The miracles you see in your lives, and the missionary experiences Heavenly Father trusts you with are evidence of your faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

So much has happened since I started training Sister Arave, I have completely lost track of time. It has been the fastest 6 weeks of my life! I never want to leave the wards I am serving in. The people are constantly striving to become closer to the Savior by serving each other. I love to see the Lord's work in action. When I read about Gramzie's SS lesson on Zion and the Pure in Heart, I want to say: "Gramma! Come see Zion in Fayetteville, NC! It'll be a great field trip for your class!" But I remember there is another little Zion in the PV8 ward in Provo (: And another one in the Lehi 18th Ward, and another in the Caprock ward. What a testimony of the truth of this gospel. Regardless of who or where you are, you can be changed for the better by living the principles of Christ's gospel. We are not perfect, but constantly striving, and being filled with His love. Helaman 3:35

I keep reminding myself and our investigators: it's always a process, a beautiful, grueling, thrilling process to come unto Him, the source of light and life.

Pray for Aaliyah, Patrice, Toni and Alex Sweeney! Their family is struggling to come to church.

Know how great the Lord's love is for you this Christmas season, and remember the greatest gift of all! The Atonement of Jesus Christ. John 3:16

Go to the temple, remember and live your covenants, and read the Book of Mormon every day! He will bless you as you do so with His precious children to care for and uplift.

I feel His love through you! Thank you forever!

Love,
Sister B

Hi Everyone!

I learned a lot this week, and I want to share it all with you all; I just don't know how! Training a new missionary is stressful if you don't rely on the Savior. I have to be so close to Him all the time, especially now, or I feel completely overwhelmed and inadequate. I think this applies really well to life. Not coincidentally, three of you emailed me about how He will help us, and how He does bless us when we are full of faith. Thank you for listening to the Spirit. 

I am learning through my own experiences, and feeling deeper conversion to the restored gospel. How wise and purposeful are God's commandments! His plan for us saves us from sorrow that is unavoidable if we do not accept the atonement. This is absolute truth. The world is wrong to deny that good and evil, light and darkness exist in stark contrast. They oppose each other and are not reconcilable. With each choice that we make, we either live in light, or we live in darkness. We needed to Fall in order to learn and become like our Father in Heaven. Because of the Fall, we must choose to accept Jesus Christ. There is no other way. The need for the Fall reminds me of the children's book by Lois Lowry: the Giver. Remember how no one in the village carries memories of real life? Remember how it hurt the little boy to get them, but there was no other way for Him to understand existence or truth? There is no other way for us to learn what God knows. We must experience it for ourselves. I am amazed at the Love of God. He loves us enough to allow us to have horrific, terrifying, fantastic, glorious experiences. He loves us enough to choose to come back to Him. He loves us enough to send His son to die, that through Him we might be cleansed from sin. I know you all know this already, but I love it too much to not testify of it again! Christ is the way, the truth, and the life! I invite each of you to keep His commandments this Christmas, to show Him your love. Go to the temple, invite friends over for a spiritual message or movie, play with little children, and SING lots of Christmas songs! Christ the Savior is born!

Let me know if there is anything you all need! I love questions to respond to (: I will let you know how Aquisha's baptism goes. Enjoy the pics.

Love,

Sister B

1 In the car on our way back from the historic, first-ever Sisters Meeting for the NCRM. Sister Arave is so diligent in her studies... I fell asleep (:

2 At our Ward Mission Leader's home after the Christmas Devo.

Liebe Familie

Ich hab euch Lieb! I thought of you all this past Thanksgiving, and my heart swelled with gratefulness! I LOVE YOU PEOPLE. Your lights shine through my heart to everyone here in North Carolina.

This week has been glorious! Sister Arave and I love to run together every morning.

Thanksgiving Day, we had the opportunity to teach non-members invited over to dinner at a member's home. As we gathered around to share the message, I was surprised to realize we were going to be teaching a whole group of people, just. like. Alma. Wahoo! It was amazing! We felt the Spirit testify of Christ and the blessings He sends. We invited them all to pray and offer thanks to the Lord for the blessings He has given us, especially, the gift of His Son. Although we were present at four full Thanksgiving meals, I have to admit, I didn't eat as much as usual. Nothing can quite compare to my Sisters or my Mothers and their cooking. Connie and Mama, I miss you! (I even miss Raymond's breakfast specials, and Papa's delicious oatmeal... man...) Don't even get me going on Elise's pies. I don't want to think about it (: I settled for a new treat, Sweet Potatoe Pie, which is a favorite in these parts. It was tasty. No lemon cheesecakes though.

Enough about food, let me tell you the real reason for the gloriousness this week:

Monday, we found an elect family, prepared and excited to hear the gospel! The family is mom, dad, Aaliyah, and Patrice (twin 15-year-old girls). They remind me of Emma and Care! They are so cute, and love to give us hugs. 

On Tuesday, there was a MASSIVE rain storm. It literally pooouuured down incessantly all day. We got to eat a candlelight dinner at the primary president's home, since the power lines were out: great fun. Then we attended Young Women with Aaliyah and Patrice :D

Wednesday, we saw them again, and really got to meet their mother for the first time. She was abused as a baby, so she has been in a wheelchair her whole life. She has so much love, and so much faith in God's plan for her. Her name is Toni. Furthermore, Wednesday, we taught Aquisha again, and Sister Arave invited her to be baptized. (Drum Roll Please). She will be baptized Saturday the 14th!!! Heavenly Father is the best! Every day a new delight, a greater challenge, another soul to save.

Saturday, we finally got ahold of Ashley again, and she is doing much better! I am relieved to see her smiling and praying again. Sunday was filled with lovely testimonies. As I bore my testimony, I was filled with joy and peace. I know Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He lives. I have never known it so absolutely. I am positive that through service, treasuring up His words, mighty prayer, and sacred ordinances, we obtain a refuge in our hearts from the cares and troubles of the world. I have hope! I have joy! I desire all to receive it! Let us proclaim the joy of the atonement to all the world!

Thank you for all of the wonderful notes and love! I love you family! Je'tem Familie, Te quiero Familia, Ich hab dich Lieb Familie! Be safe and keep the commandments. Tis' the Season!

Luke 2:10-11

Love,
Sister B

The Frenchies

We are welcoming to Fayetteville and Fort Bragg, Sister Arave. (Pronounced R.V.) No, she is not a motor home; Yes, she is a vehicle for recreation in the figurative sense. Now, we have a full set of Sisters from French heritage! The looks on peoples faces as they try to pronounce our names is delightful. (: We just smile and say Bonjour! (jk)

Sister Arave is from Clinton Utah. She played division one volleyball at Weber State and worked as a CNA in the OB-GYN unit at the hospital up in northern Utah. She is full of energy and has a strong commitment to serve the Lord with all her heart, might, mind and strength!

This past weekend, we received a visit from Quentin L. Cook! He came to reorganize the Fayetteville West Stake. The most powerful part to me was when he testified of his special witness of Christ. He then invited us to sing "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go" along with the video of the Tabernacle Choir singing it. Sister Arave and I couldn't hold back the tears. We are so grateful to be where the Lord wants us to be!

On Saturday, we went to visit a former investigator. She used to live in a trailer park out off Pritchett Road, but the old investigator had moved. We ended up knocking doors in that area and met three people, all neighbors, who took time to listen to our message. In all areas that day, we felt the guidance of the Spirit, and were impressed by the reality of the Spirit. He truly testifies of Christ.

We had a similarly miraculous experience last Friday when we went to the Fort Bragg Military Center to get renewed I.D.'s to get on post. The lines were incredible, and we had been struggling all week to obtain passes. We settled on going to the center, and waiting patiently for the anticipated 4 hours. While we waited, we met a girl named Carrie who wanted to learn about the gospel, and to read the Book of Mormon. I am constantly overwhelmed by the Lord's wisdom and trust in us.

I testify to you that I know our Savior lives. We are children of God. He has a plan for each of our lives. Through obedience to His commandments, we are blessed and protected, and shown the way to obtain Eternal Life. I want to see each of you in heaven some day! Don't get discouraged, but "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men."

I challenge each of you to invite a non-member or less active friend over for dinner this month. Share with them your testimony of the Atonement of Christ, and invite them to come to church with you. As you pray and seek to know whom to ask, names and faces will come to your mind.

I pray for you all. 

Love,

Sister B

Feeling the Love

“Faith is the first principle of the gospel. Repentance is the number one doctrine of the kingdom. Obedience is the first law of heaven. And happiness is the object of our existence. But of all things in the gospel, in the scriptures, and in the plan of salvation, that which is  most important of all is the love of God.” (Kelly Ogden-Mighty Changes)."

~ Letter from President Bernhisel

Last week, we were visited by Elder Baxter of the 70. He is from Scotland (Could not stop thinking of Sean Connery.) His focus for us was on the Love of God. It is the motivating force behind everything we do as missionaries. I volunteered to do a role play with him (scariest moment of my mission so far). It was incredible. The love of God was so evident in the things he said to us, and the way he taught us. I learned that this love is what overcomes our fears to act and be bold in our faith.

This week, my heart is especially full of love for Justine. She is choosing to be baptized on Friday! She was so prepared by the Lord to accept the gospel, meeting her has increased my faith and testimony. I will send you pictures of our baptisms soon! I have been entirely forgetful of pictures, but I am getting better, and beginning to take more.

We found out at interviews on Friday that Sister Hardy is being transferred. My new companion will be a brand new little missionary, straight from the MTC. I get to train her!!! I am so excited for her to experience the mighty power of the Spirit and of the Love of God. Too often we wait for special callings to experience His love. Do not wait. Seek Him now and always.

I am just so happy! I want everyone to be this happy! Pray to be filled with the pure Love of Christ and then study the scriptures, ancient and modern - SOAK THEM UP - and I promise, you will feel His love. He loves you. He has a plan for each of us. Of this I testify, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Now, it seems my last letter to you all didn't go through! I am so sorry if any of this info is a repeat. I usually glance over last week to make sure I don't repeat stories. Tell me about how you feel God's love in your life! Tell me all about your scripture studies! Know I love you all. Let me know what I can do for you.

Love,

Sister B