Des 25th 2024

IM STILL ALIVE 

 

So basically, I have been awoken by the spirit of joy and motivation again to write a weekly so here I am to catch you all up!

 

Campus is a bit slower due to school being on break, however MIRACLES are being beholded. All in one day before 2 we found 3 gems. 1st Wes an absolute king who wants Jesus. Next, we get prompted to go a path that leads absolute nowhere and is always empty however we listen and find Danaisha crying on a bench. She was in the middle of communicating with God about her really hard day when we appeared. We had a really good talk and was reminded about how individual our relationship with God is. He’s really so good at leading and guiding us if we're willing. Right after that we run into Lenny! I met him about two months ago and he was so busy and never came to church. He apologized for being stubborn and busy and said I promise I will come. What a Gem we testified of God's love and promised fat blessings…. Then we get to Highstreet and I see this big group of about 9 or so men walking on the opposite side. We perhaps did not have the walk sign, so I waited for the cars to part and Christ gave us a red sea moment and we ran. Well, we did not get hit AND the boys Jay, marlyn, and Zac were litty Unlike the rest of their friends and wanted to put Christ into Christmas( I really pulled that card on them) I thought it was funny. Anywho we chopped major chicken on how we can strengthen our faith and the why behind it. At this point it was time to reward ourselves with Culver's….. you wouldn't believe it…. MORE miracles. Instead of a small fry I got a large!!!! God is so good.

We got back to the institute and beheld a card directed to us with some homemade chocolates. There were many gratitude prayers given. My heart was so touched and I forgot to mention it was sunny and blue skies!!! No S.A.D today!!!!! It felt like a hug from heaven. Had an amazing lesson with Hans who has such a sweet spirit! He's going to get baptized. Then we drove to Lancaster for Bobby’s priesthood it was absolutely spirit filled and tender. Beautiful beautiful. We on the way home experience another miracle. I got an overwhelming feeling to look down while I was driving and notice we had only 4 miles until empty. Panic set in and we were 11 miles away from the nearest gas station. I watched as we hit 0 miles left and hazard lights come on but somehow (God and angels) we made it another 6 miles to a gas station. As soon as we rolled in the car just gave out. Relief but also the sweetest feeling rested over me. I knew heavenly angels probably some grandparents were pushing that car until we made it safely. Heart is full. 

 

Wednesday was a wonderful day filled of zone conference, some of my favorite people, and Elijah. Zone conference was all about joy! Boy did I feel that. Got to see sister Jacobson, Haslam, Jordan, Avila, Damery, Brady, Newkirk, just the sweetest people. They fill my heart. After we had a quick lesson with our friend Wahaj who grew up Muslim but is now learning about Christianity. We had an absolute divine lesson filled with the spirit. After we had a quick trip to stake coordination only to rush back and ball up with Elijah and Luke. I kid you not, out of nowhere I was making crazy shots. When I'm not pressured lowkey I'm professional. Kinda went crazy. Elijah is a gem and moving out next week So he can be baptized on the 4th!!!!! What a beautiful gift to give His Savior. He really makes me feel like a proud mom.

 

Today Thursday, I faced death right in the face. Maybe a bit dramatic but it felt like it. Never before have I felt more in my soul to be still and know that I am God. Sometimes in life you're in a situation where there's nothing you can do but just stand there and pray. We experienced a miracle and were not touched. Three very intoxicated and drugged out of their mind’s men came rapidly up to us, slobbering out the mouth, yelling, with the darkest spirit I've ever felt. My feet did not move, I looked down and prayed. They did not touch us, and it was as if a barrier was up. 

 

After that we found the most elect lady named Natalie!!! She's coming to church this Sunday and was looking for a church. She was one of the only people on campus! We had a wonderful day and ran into Amari a friend we met a little bit ago. We had a really great conversation. We Experienced another miracle as another guy same kind of situation walked right past us then proceeded to violently kick and punch and bang the wall of a building screaming out. At this point I'm feeling a bit blessed. Clearly I can’t express the reality of what I feel, but to sum it up. I don't believe God hears and answers prayers, I KNOW He does. 

 

He wasn't done blessing us we experienced the sweetest spirit as we had two friends, and two members join us for a discussion/ class on Christs birth. One friend was raised Muslim but we approached her and she now is learning and coming to know more about who Christ fully is. Tender tears were shed as we read and shared testimonies about our Savior. Words cannot express what I have felt this week. I know my redeemer lives! I know Christ lifts us above and beyond all worldly sorrow and nothing can separate us from His Love. I know we are living during the ongoing restoration of His Church- lead and guided by a prophet today who continually refocuses us on Jesus Christ our Author and Finisher. He is the Living Christ. The immortal son of God, He is the great king Immanuel who stands TODAY on the right hand of His father. He is the LIGHT, The Life, and the hope of this world. His way leads to happiness in this life, and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine son!

 

Got about half of the living Christ memorized trying to get the rest down before Christmas. 

 

Friday was a blast with lots of friends at volleyball! Eddie is back alive. Went to stop by Love’s and right after we pulled in she pulled in. God's timing is divine!!! 

 

Really holding on for dear life because pday isn't on Monday due to Christmas. Absolutely foul due to my extreme tiredness. 

 

Merry Christmas!!!!! I simply Testify that Jesus is the Christ! He is our brother who went before us and took upon himself more than we could ever imagine. He knows us because he has felt all we'll ever go through. He sees us completely and fully- beholding us( seeing even the things we want to hide) loves us. He beckons us to simply try and keep trying. He will help, he will support the whole journey home if we let Him. As we celebrate Christmas. We not only celebrate his Birth * where he chose us* but his premortal existence *where he chose us* His life *where he Chose us* His death and resurrection * where he Chose us once again* 

 

Christ not once but over and over again chose US, Chose you. He asks in return that we choose Him. If we will return unto HIM he will again choose us. 

 

I really suggest giving this a read 

Chapter 25: The Birth of Jesus Christ: “Good Tidings of Great Joy”

 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-joseph-fielding-smith/chapter-25-the-birth-of-jesus-christ-good-tidings-of-great-joy?lang=eng 

 

But as far as this life is concerned it appears that he had to start just as all other children do and gain his knowledge line upon line. Luke says he “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” [Luke 2:52.] John records that “he received not of the fulness at the first,” but had to progress “from grace to grace, until he received a fulness.” [D&C 93:13.] …

 

☆ I never thought of this. As I struggle everyday seeing myself fall short I now will remember (or try to haha)grace to grace, line upon line, following in my Saviors footsteps 

 

May we like the Shepards prepare for Jesus Christs 2nd coming. May we like the Shepards Never lose faith in the promises from God even if they don't come for a very long time. I testify Christ will come and now is the time to prepare to meet Him. Lay aside the sins which doth easily beset you. Turn to Him and lay your sins down at his feet. Choose Him. Love Him. Emulate Him. Never stop enduring, find ways to rejoice, improve one decision at a time, rely more fully upon the atonement of Jesus Christ, cry out Lord how is it done. 

 

He is your Savior, your Redeemer, your Mediator! He is yours and He Is mine! Let's share him this new year! 

 

 Pictures are out of order from last to first. lol

Dec 9th 2024

BAPTISM!!!! Last full week of the transfer 

 

 

Tvs went crazy this week with Creole AND Spanish. Tuesday was filled with knocking and teaching the Haitian people! It was so fun to have sister Knudsen translate for me and to be with her sweet spirit!!

Thursday was tvs with Hermana Tandy we had a wonderful time shivering on campus but we found wonderful elect souls. 

 

There was another ET (emergency transfer) in our district this week. We are now the only Osu missionaries which is honestly so fun!! 

 

Had the funniest most powerful lesson with Eddie, Elijah, and Andrew. All kings. All on a different part of the journey. Andrew is like future Elijah and Eddie is like old Elijah. So fun to see the gospel working in their lives. 

 

Bobby was baptized on Saturday, and it was perfect!!! Everything went smoothly. It was a joyous day filled with the sweetest spirit. He was unbelievably ready.

 

This week I only got two bevys I really am turning over a new leaf here 

 

Absolutely zonked everyday but still thriving. Never been better. I'm really thinking this fridged temps might gain me some abs. All the shivering and hunching might be a gift in disguise. 

 

I gave a talk on Sunday all about overcoming adversity. Seems like the theme of my mission. I'm a big fan of this subject. 

 

Honestly, God is wonderful we had a miracle today. A lady just walked in saying she wants to learn more and wants the Book of Mormon. The common theme behind this scenario always ends with baptism. I am a bit excited you could say. 

 

I am so very grateful to be a missionary and represent Jesus Christ. I fall very short of doing so but am grateful every day I get to continue to try. I've got two transfers left and that Is a bit of a dagger. Really don't want this to end. 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a draft of my talk in case you want a peek... 

Adversity will surface in some form in every life. How we prepare for it, how we meet it, makes the difference. We can be broken by adversity, or we can become stronger. The final result is up to the individual. We become His disciples when we continue faithfully under all circumstances—including suffering and tragedy.

 

My mission has been both my greatest blessing and hardest trial.

□ Alma 36: 21

21 Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.

 

 yap about mission some type of joke 

 

□ one of the hardest trials I have faced on my mission has been fighting constant adversity, Satan really does not like it when we are doing the Lords Work and bringing the gospel to those that haven’t heard it. 

 

However reflecting back there’s a few scriptures that come to mind to summarize what I have learned from these adversities. 

 

 

My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment.

For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me.

 Nevertheless, after much tribulation, the Lord did hear my cries, and did answer my prayers, and has made me an instrument in his hands in bringing so many of you to a knowledge of his truth. Nevertheless, the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people.

And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.

 

 

 

I am grateful for the way my adversities have brought me to my Savior and have taught me valuable lessons. I know I’ve grown and become more like my Savior and have begun the process of being refined into who my savior needs me to be. With faith in my Savior I have seen the hard things been made for my good.

 

 

□ Alma 62: 41 

But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility.

 

Adversity has one of two effects on people- harden you against the Lord, or soften your heart and humble you to draw near to Him. 

 

How do we allow adversity to soften our heart and how do we overcome it.... 

 

I had originally came up with all these answers like perspective, looking outward, gratitude, repentance, faith, knowledge 

 

2 Samuel 4:9- As the Lord liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity

 

But it all truly came down to Jesus Christ and more specifically accessing his Atonement.

 

 

Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink— “Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.” (D&C 19:18–19.)

 

Alma 7 11-13 

 

 

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. 

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

 13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless, the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

 

Christ has suffered more than any of us, and He knows the intensity of our afflictions. There is no suffering we have that He did not undergo in Gethsemane and on Calvary. That is why He understands and can help us.

 

The Savior’s Atonement, which makes available both His redeeming and His enabling power, is the ultimate blessing that Jesus Christ offers to all. As we repent with full purpose of heart, the Savior cleanses us from sin. As we cheerfully submit our will to the Father, even in the most difficult of circumstances, the Savior will lift our burdens and make them light.

 

Christs atonement has already been paid and knowing that doesn’t automatically allow us to overcome adversity, but doing the things Christ has asked of us does unlock Christ’s power in our life and the power his Atonement can bring. 

What is it that Christ asks of us.... well, the scriptures teach plainly and simply, continuing in alma 7 vs 14 & 15 we read 

 

14 Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness

15 Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism.

 

 

The only way we can gain access to Christ’s power, his Strength, his healing, is through living the doctrine of Christ- which is faith in him, repentance, Baptism, receiving the holy ghost, and enduring to the end. - and making and keeping covenants

 

Repentance with faith in Christ gives us access to the Atonement of Christ. President Dallin H. Oaks has taught that when the Savior forgives, He “does more than cleanse [us] from sin. He also gives [us] new strength.” Each one of us needs this strength

 

All adversity can and will be overcome by living this doctrine and entering into covenants. We see this all throughout the scriptures 

□ Mosiah 4: 2, 11-12 

And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel. 12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him

 

□ (explain) Nephi’s family being lead thru the wilderness 

□ Enos finding forgiveness 

-> Lord how is it done? 

 

 

□ Job perseverance through many trials 

□ Moroni enduring the loneliness and danger 

□ joseph in Egypt

□ Naomi and ruth

 

 

 

 

 

Christs grace is sufficient for all men.” The Savior’s redeeming and healing power can cover any sin, wound, or trial—no matter how large or how difficult—and there are leftovers. His grace is sufficient. With that knowledge, we can move forward with faith, knowing that when difficult times come—and they surely will—or when sin encompasses our lives, the Savior stands “with healing in his wings,” inviting us to come unto Him.

28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden* or in other words inflicted by adversity* and I( Jesus Christ) will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn of me ( live the doctrine of Christ); for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. ( power to overcome and persevere) 

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 

 

 

My testimony on adversity , the bom, Christ