Frolicking in the Fields. February 13, 2017

It's official! Sis Leavitt and I decided that we skipped out in math
class in the pre-earth life to frolic in the fields... 

These past two weeks have just flown by, it's so crazy! I guess when
you are in the service of God time flies fast!

We had MLC at Eugene and it was so fun to see everyone! We had a great
time teaching ZTM- we taught the zone about praying often and about
how to begin teaching. So interestingly, as you read in 1 Nephi 16-17,
Nephi's family was struggling a lot because all their means to
obtaining food was lost. His bow broke. But we know from past
experience with Nephi, that he probably spent a lot of time praying
and seeking for Heavenly Fathers direction on how to build a bow. Then
later, Nephi had enough faith and experience to build a boat. So in
reality, God wants us to grow. Trials are here to prepare us for
something in the future. So trust in God. He will lead us along.

We finally got in contact with Ty. We set up a lesson for this
Wednesday, she is doing good! Art is recovering from a scope, and
wants his wife to see us! 

This weekend, Satan really attacked us. It was pretty crazy. All day
Friday, just negative thoughts and doubts just bombarded me. It was so
hard. Every time I bore my testimony, immediately after there were so
many thoughts like: "This isn't true...this is a lie! And there is no
way this is true." And at the end of the day, I was talking to Sister
Leavitt about it, we realized that Satan was trying to get us down, to
slow down. Then on Saturday, Sis. Leavitt had a hard day. Satan got to
her. It was so crazy.

We are in a battle. A battle against Satan and the forces of evil. But
we are on the winning side. When we choose Christ, we have the
strength and the power to overcome all things. I am reminded of what
Moses said:Moses 1:12-13

And it came to pass that when Moses had said these words, behold,
Satan came tempting him, saying: Moses, son of man, worship me.

 And it came to pass that Moses looked upon Satan and said: Who art
thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only
Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee?

We are children of God!! We have a power within us that can make it so
that we don't have to listen to Satan! And now I know what Satan's
voice is, and now I have the strength to overcome him. Now, I am even
more determined to fight on the Lord's side. We are going to see
miracles this week. Be prepared!!

The Priesthood has been restored. February 6, 2017

This week has been AWESOME!! I LOVE SISTER LEAVITT!!! SHE IS SO
COOL!!! Haha. We figured that we knew each other before this life.
#eternalfriends!

We have been so busy this week, it has been crazy! With the
combination of the Elders area book we have like triple the people to
go see. It makes it so that we are just going and going and going
(like the energizer bunny ) ! We've had some awesome lessons and
found 4 new people this week, one of whom is atheist....so it's been
great.

Art is progressing so much! He is so incredible! We had two lessons
with him this week. During the first he was in so much pain, but he so
wanted to meet with us. He described to us how the spirit speaks to
him, and the spirit just filled the room. He told us how he studied
the scriptures I left him, on Joseph Smith seeing God. He read three
scriptures out of the eight, and he's like: "Yup. It's true." Whoa!!
So we opened up the Bible to read to him in Ezekiel about how the Book
of Mormon is true and while we did that he said : "You know, Paul
said he is going to the third heaven." We looked up, shocked. What?
Anyways, we read in Ezekiel 37 about the Book of Orion and after we
read Art said: " The spirit taught me years ago that the tribe of
Joseph was lost. They were led away. And so, this is their record?"
Yup yup! "Wow, I should read it! I am going to read it!"

So the next time we came by, he had read all the way through to 1
Nephi 7, and read in 3 Nephi 11. He was confused about the manner of
baptism, which was perfect because we planned to teach him about the
Apostasy, and the Restoration. "There has to be a church that has the
whole truth, that has everything Christ taught. Do you believe that?"
I asked. "Yes." I pulled out a paper, one that has my dad's priesthood
line of authority. "Art, I was baptized by my dad. And my dad has the
priesthood, and this shows that it links all the way back to Jesus
Christ. I was baptized by the true priesthood authority. " Art took
the document and studied it. "Wow. That's powerful." He sighed. "I
need to study it out." Then Sister Leavitt comes in: "Art, will you
pray and ask God if it is true?" "Well, I don't know." I came in then:
"Art, do you have enough faith to try?" He nodded. So he prayed. He
told Heavenly Father how he knows this is true in his heart, but he
asked that He would help him overcome it in his mind." When he was
done, the spirit was just filling his soul. "I'm almost crying, it
feels so good!"  Yesterday he got another blessing and he told
us how he felt a warmth and power flow from his head down to where his
pain is. "I have no doubt that they won't find anything tomorrow!" He
has so much faith it is incredible. I am so lucky to teach him. 

We also had a lesson with Aredelia, and we did it over Skype. We read
about faith in Alma 32 and then about repentance and baptism in 2
Nephi 31. "Aredelia, what do you need to do to come closer to Christ?"
"I need to be baptized." "Will you be baptized by priesthood
authority?" She was a little worried. She is scared, afraid her faith
won't be strong enough. We encouraged her to keep reading and to come
to church, and to pray about a day to work towards to be baptized. We
saw her last night and she downloaded the gospel library. She is
excited to listen to the scriptures!

Anyways, just so much has happened, it's crazy. The Spirit has just
filled my soul! We are truly doing the work of God. It is incredible.
We have been lead and guided and blessed and kept safe. I have felt of
the Savior by my side this week. He is so aware of my investigators,
His children. He hears and answers prayers. Every. single. day. I am
so blessed to be here and to serve my fellow brothers and sisters. I
am so grateful.

Jacob 5

70 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard sent his servant;
and the servant went and did as the Lord had commanded him, and
brought other servants; and they were few.

71 And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and labor in
the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the last time that
I shall nourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the
season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye
shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against
the time which will soon come.

72 And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their
mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them; and they
did obey the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard in all things.

Sister Dobbins, January 23, 2017

Last day with Sister Dobbins. 

With Ty, an investigator. 

Art, an investigator, who is like an uncle.  

The Only True Church January 30, 2017

Whew! What a week! I was with the Riverside sisters this week and
being in a Tri-pan is AWESOME! There is never a dull moment! So it was
a little crazy as we had to cover both wards. And we had to move
apartments, and I was by myself at church on Sunday! Well, I was with
a member the whole time. I think I freaked her out by how quick I was
to stay by her side.

We had a lesson with Judy. I shared with her a little bit of the
family proclamation and also read the promise in Moroni. I relayed my
experience of gaining a testimony for myself. It was powerful. She
then asked two questions: "Can anyone receive an answer?" Me: " Well,
let's look at the formula, read, ponder, pray. And you will get an
answer." She got a little defensive then. "Do you think that because
I'm not a Mormon that I'm lost, or not saved?" Oh. I was quick to
respond. "Oh no Judy!! You have such great faith in Jesus Christ! You
aren't lost!" Whew! Avoided that one! She was so happy after that! She
said she will read it! Yay!

We had a lesson with Ty and she is progressing so much! We taught her
the Plan of Salvation and she just soaked it up! She finally got a job and the ward
is just wrapping her up in their arms. It's amazing to see her
progression and to see her coming to Christ.

We had a lesson with Art and just read from the Book of Mormon to
clarify some questions he has. He told us he would come to church, but
he was in such extreme pain that he was unable to come. He has lots of
questions, mainly on how Joseph Smith was able to see God and Jesus
Christ, and on the Godhead.  It has made me have really intense studies to
learn. He is the first investigator that I have given scriptures from
my studies. He told us that he isn't asking questions to prove us
wrong, but is asking because he is seeking for understanding. "But I
always feel good when you come by, and little things are happening in
my life that shows God hands." He is so awesome!

Transfers are today!! I am getting Sister Leavitt! I am so excited!
And it will be awesome to be able to work in Beacon Hill. We are going
to see so many miracles and great things happen! I am excited to work!
Our schedules got changed, so we have a longer Pday and more time to
get ready in the morning.

2 Nephi 31: 10

10 And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my
beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep
the commandments of the Father?

As we keep the commandments, we are following Jesus Christ, and are
thus coming closer to our Heavenly Father. Sometimes we don't always
understand the commandments, but as we trust in God and rely on His
promises,He will bless us. Then we can see the truth of the
commandment and be able to continue to do his will.

The Book of Mormon is True! January 16, 2017

Oh my goodness! This week was awesome! So get ready for the ride of awesomeness! 

Last Sunday, during planning, we decided that we wanted to go see a
woman named Pia. We had never met her before. Then on Monday, we went
to dinner with some members. They told us how they had a nonmember
come over to their house earlier and was struggling a lot. But she
accepted a blessing. We thought it was cool, then we asked what her
name was. "Pia." We were shocked!!! We kind of laughed but we thought it
was awesome that we followed the Spirit.  We went to see her as
planned. We told her about all the pieces that lead to us coming to
see her. She started to cry. She told us of her life and the struggles
she is going through. And we just listened. When the Spirit directed,
we shared a video and it was so powerful, it helped lift her up so
much. So when the Spirit directs, be courageous and follow those
promptings!

Tuesday, before we left to go to lessons we felt prompted to bring our
hymn books. We came to a lesson with Art. He is so cool!!!! He is
totally going to be baptized! We read the testimony of the prophet of
him obtaining he plates. While we read, he stopped us and said: "No
one can make this up!" We taught him about Joseph Smith's First Vision,
and again, he was in shock of how awesome it is. We told him of how
Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate
beings. He was a little against it, but as we kept talking, he began
to see how they were three separate people. He was struggling a lot,
and we pulled out our hymn books and sang Be Still My Soul. He was so
touched! He loved it! "Thank you girls, you are changing my life."
Later on in the week we had another lesson set up, but he got really
sick, so we had to cancel. But he told us that he had an amazing
experience with the Book of Mormon! We are so excited to see him
again!!

We had a lesson with Aredelia.  We taught her the Restoration and later
on in the week we taught her the Plan of Salvation. She is so cool and
prepared. She told us that she really understands it all, and she read
the first two chapters in Nephi!! She is solid!

This week, I too, had a powerful experience with the Book of Mormon. I
have finished reading it, and I turned back to the promise in Moroni
10. So I did as he directed. I pondered. I prayed. And I got an
answer. The Book of Mormon is true.

Trust in that promise. Read, ponder, pray in faith. Ask, and he shall
receive. We should be continuing to strive to develop our testimonies,
and to seek for that peace from the Book of Mormon. Then, share it. 

Raise the Title, See the Miracles. Jan. 9, 2017

With Chris Ponciroli at his baptism in Medford. 

So many wonderful things happened this week! It has been awesome!

Tuesday we had to drive up to Eugene for Missionary Leadership
Council (MLC). We got up super early and started on the road at 5:45.
We had to drive over the Pass, and the roads were TERRIBLE! Oh man. I
was driving white knuckled the whole way! At one point I thought: " Oh I'm
so happy I have a companion so that if anything crazy happens, she can
be with me through it!" I look over, she's passed out. Hahaha.
Traveling in the lone and dreary world. On the way back, we stopped in
Sutherlin to switch cars with the sisters there, and it was lightly
snowing. I knew then that we were in for a crazy ride. President
called us just before we reached the Pass. "Sisters, where are you?"
Just outside Roseburg. "Sisters, do you know that Grants Pass is
experiencing the worst blizzard in years..?!?!" Well, President, we
have a blanket and Cheezit's if anything crazy happens. "Sisters,
that's scary." We laughed and laughed. Even though the roads were
crazy, we were laughing, telling stories and and having a good time. I
distinctly felt that there were angels around us, protecting us. We
were safe and sound.

On Wednesday we had a lesson with a less active family. Their last
name is VanValkenburg. They are so cool! We really had an inspired
lesson, the dad really opened up to us. "I really don't consider
myself less active. I pay tithing, I keep the Word of Wisdom...I do
everything except come to church. It's the only reason why I don't
have a temple recommend. But I HATE being the project. People come.
They don't care. They are just trying to have me come to church. We
have no friends in the church" that was an eye opener. Look beyond
yourself, see those around. Invite people over to dinner. Do you
expect to just say a magic word and they will come? No, it doesn't
happen that way. Reach out. Love. Invite. Share. It may take time.
Some wounds are deep, and it takes a long time to heal. But I promise
you, that as you focus on a few, that you will see the blessings of
the gospel come back into their life. Love them. And they will come
back.

Anyways, for them, we are just teaching them about the gospel. Our
goal is to help build their testimony, which in turn builds their
faith, which helps them overcome fear. The members we bring will build
their friendships. At least that is what we hope will happen.

On Friday we had a lesson fall through, but a man was smoking outside.
So we went over and met him. His name is Art. He has read the Book of
Mormon before in the past, but he was open to reading again. We set up
a lesson for the NEXT DAY. And it was AMAZING!!!! He told us about his
life and we told him that the Book of Mormon will bring him peace.
"That is what I am searching for. I read the Bible everyday... but.."
he held the Book of Mormon, looking longingly at it. "I will try it
out. And I will pray about it." He said the closing prayer and it was
so beautiful. He even addressed Heavenly Father! He is so cool! We
have another lesson set up with him this week.

Saturday was a super busy day. In total, we had four lessons back to
back. All of them were awesome and spiritual! Then, to cap off
Saturday, we drove to Medford. And there, I was able to witness Chris
Ponciroli get baptized!!!! After almost three years of struggles and
hardships, he has overcome them all and has gotten baptized!
 it was amazing and glorious and joyous and lovely! If
anything, you can know that the church is true because of how much
people are willing to sacrifice all they are to become one with
Christ's true church.

Now my question to you is: are you sacrificing all you are to the
Savior? Alma 5:14-19

Winter hits Oregon.

SNOW!!!!! January 2, 1017

First off, Happy New Year! And second off, to celebrate the new year,
it has snowed for 2 days!! It's is awesome! I haven't seen snow in 15
months! I guess the trick now is to not 'accidentally' slide in the
snow.

Not much happened this week because we got terribly sick. It started
on Tuesday for Sis Dobbins, and by Thursday I got it. We were knocked
out all weekend. We would wake up and study, then be exhausted. So we
would sleep. Wake up, see how we felt, eat a little bit of food and
sleep some more. So yeah. Crazy! We are praying that we will be well
for MLC tomorrow, and that we will be safe driving in the snow up to
Eugene.  ️️️️️

We had exchanges and the sisters are amazing! They are so sweet, they
wrote a note in the snow for us.

We had a few lessons, and we had many set up, but a lot got cancelled
or fell through. We tried our best and did all we could.

We also had interviews this week, it was so awesome to be with
President and Sister Russell. They helped answer some questions I had,
and really, the Lord helped answer those questions.