tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8605013948653284252024-03-13T11:06:11.013-07:00 Hermana Emily Jones I am currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mexico City Southeast Mission.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-3473039530135607902017-04-17T07:55:00.001-07:002017-04-17T07:55:24.731-07:00Happy Easter<div class="MsoNormal">
Hello all and Happy Easter! What a beautiful, wonderful day
it has been to reflect upon and remember the events that took place nearly two
thousand years ago on this day -- events that forever changed the course of human
existence and defied the previously insurmountable challenges of sin and death.
This past week I have enjoyed watching the Prince of Peace videos the Church
released for Easter this year and reading the accompanying scriptures that go
with them. The verse correlated with the faith video particularly struck me.
Mark 5:36 says, “As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto
the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe”. What a powerful, moving
verse with such a simple yet stirring message. The Savior’s words “Be not
afraid, only believe” can be applied to any facet of life. These should be the
words that constitute our form of living every day. Life is full of
uncertainty, doubt, and even fear at times. The power of believing in something
unseen but undoubtedly, irrefutably true -- the power of faith and hope -- dispels
these awful feelings and provides the courage necessary to live day by day.
Believing in Christ changes one’s perspectives, attitudes, and choices. Heartache
turns into hope, water into wine, the ordinary into the extraordinary, and
despair into determination. I love my Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ. I know
that He lives. Because of Him we can become better. Because of Him we can see
those whom we love again after this life. Because of Him our imperfections,
both physical and spiritual, can be made whole and perfect. I know that He
conquered death and sin willingly so that we might not have to pay the price if
we will turn to Him and believe on His name. It is not meant to be easy, but small
daily decisions such as scripture study, prayer, and service strengthen our
faith. What once was a belief becomes undeniable knowledge and reassurance. I
wish you all a wonderful start to your week and remember that with Christ at
your side, all things are possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-66713833655306103152017-04-10T08:15:00.000-07:002017-04-10T08:15:23.711-07:00Kindness<div class="MsoNormal">
Kindness is an incredibly important, desirable attribute to
develop. It heals wounds and binds broken lives, builds trust and strengthens
friendships. Unfortunately, kindness is often overlooked, forgotten, and
dismissed as something of little importance or value. It can be mistaken as
weakness or allowing others to take advantage of us. This is simply not true.
This week I was reminded of the power of kindness and the effect it has upon
other people. While reading in Alma 20 about Lamoni and Ammon’s encounter with
the Lamanite king (Lamoni’s father), I was impressed by the king’s reaction to
Ammon’s desire that Lamoni be permitted to retain his kingdom and that his
brothers be set free from prison. Verses 26-27 say, “And when he [the king] saw
that Ammon had no desire to destroy him, and when he also saw the great love he
had for his son Lamoni, he was astonished exceedingly, and said: Because this
is all that thou hast desired, that I would release thy brethren, and suffer
that my son Lamoni should retain his kingdom, behold, I will grant unto you
that my son may retain his kingdom from this time and forever; and I will
govern him no more -- And I will also grant unto thee that thy brethren may be
cast out of prison, and thou and thy brethren may come unto me, in my kingdom;
for I shall greatly desire to see thee. For the king was astonished at the
words which he had spoken, and also at the words which had been spoken by his
son Lamoni, therefore he was desirous to learn them.” The kindness and love
shown by Ammon to both the king and Lamoni softened the Lamanite king’s heart
to hearing more and learning about the gospel. It opened his eyes to a new way
of life and changed his perspective about an entire group of people- the
Nephites. This story is a reminder to all of us that kindness speaks just as
loudly as words. It is important that we treat everyone we come in contact with
kindly and respectfully. We never know what effect a kind word or deed will
have on a person and how it may change their life. I know that as we strive to
be kind like the Savior, more of our brothers and sisters will brought to the
truth.<o:p></o:p></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-69796265073293983452017-04-04T09:28:00.003-07:002017-04-04T09:28:41.285-07:00Follow the Prophet<div class="MsoNormal">
It is that wonderful time of year again -- General
Conference. This is a time of reflection, questions, pondering, receiving
answers, praying, and sustaining our Church leaders -- men who are called of God
and have the divine authority to receive revelation for the entire world and
speak on behalf of the Lord. It is a comfort to know that God reveals His
gospel in every dispensation. One example of this that I love is found in Alma
19 when King Lamoni’s wife calls upon Ammon for his help and council. The queen
was faced with a serious problem but turned in faith to a leader. Verse 4 says,
“And she said unto him: The servants of my husband have made it known unto me
that thou art a prophet of a holy God, and that thou hast power to do many
mighty works in his name”. Later, in verse 9, she says, “I have had no witness
save thy word, and the word of our servants; nevertheless I believe that it
shall be according as thou hast said”. The queen’s faith is absolutely
incredible in this story. Without personally knowing Ammon, a prophet, or
having been exposed to the gospel before, she trusted in what he prophesied and
chose to believe. Because of this faith, Ammon’s words came to pass. There will
be times when the Lord’s servants give us counsel during General Conference
that we may not understand but if we trust in them, things will work out
for our good and we will be blessed. These are men called by God to warn and
watch out for us. There words will always be fulfilled but it is up to us to
heed their messages and act in faith.<o:p></o:p></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-49053607965728050882017-03-27T08:00:00.001-07:002017-03-27T08:00:07.003-07:00My Brother's Mission Call<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This past week a very exciting event occurred in my
family -- my younger brother received his mission call! He has been assigned to
labor as a full-time missionary in the Argentina Buenos Aires West Mission and
will report to the Argentina Missionary Training Center on July.
It was a beautiful experience watching my brother open something so precious
and significant that has come to him through divine authority and revelation.
Watching him open his call took me back to a day a little over two years ago
when I opened my mission call to serve in Mexico City. At that time I had no
idea just what I would experience and encounter during those eighteen months.
My brother has no clue of what the next two years of his life have in store for
him. The mission is an exciting but somewhat daunting task, bringing with it
much uncertainty and nervousness. A few scriptures I read this past week
brought me much peace and understanding that I was able to convey to my
brother. I was reading in Alma 16 and 17 about Alma, Amulek, and the sons of
Mosiah. Each of these valiant men left their homelands to enter strange places
and share the gospel of Christ with hard-hearted, ferocious people (Alma
17:14). Indeed, “great was the work which they had undertaken” (Alma 17:13);
however, because of their fasts, prayers, diligent study, and faith, they
served as “instrument[s] in the hands of God to bring, if it were possible,
their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the truth” (Alma 17:9). I
love the following verse which says, “And it came to pass that the Lord did
visit them with his Spirit, and said unto them: Be comforted. And they were
comforted” (Alma 17:10). I know that the Lord protects and blesses His servants
who are on His errand. He gives them far more capacity to accomplish His work
than what they would be able to do alone. He prepares His people to receive and
accept the word. Alma 16:16 says, “the Lord did pour out his Spirit on all the
face of the land to prepare the minds of the children of men, or to prepare
their hearts to receive the word which should be taught among them at the time
of his coming”. I know that the Lord is preparing people in Argentina whose
lives will touched by my brother’s consecrated service and who will forever
change my brother’s life for good because of their love and faithfulness. This
is the greatest work upon the earth. It is a wonderful time to be a disciple of
Christ and to share His restored gospel. I know that as we put our trust in the
Lord and live His gospel that He will guide and protect us as well, using us as
His instruments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-35531876861890877332017-03-20T21:56:00.002-07:002017-03-20T21:56:54.122-07:00Faith for the Future<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This past week I was reminded of a simple truth- that
of having a consistent attitude of finding joy in the journey. One particular
story I read during my personal scripture study throughout the week served to
bring this to my mind and heart. Ammon’s experience of separating from his
brethren and going into unknown territory to teach the Lamanites, found in Alma
17, is a perfect example of this. Ammon had every reason to be stressed,
scared, uncertain, and nervous. He was about to face a bloodthirsty people who
had been an enemy to the Nephites for years. He was a convert to Christ’s
gospel himself. He was alone and knew no one in this land, and yet through it
all, Ammon was faithful and relied on the Spirit’s guidance. After being
captured and thrown before King Lamoni, faced with the possibility of death,
Ammon simply stated in verse 23, “Yea, I desire to dwell among this people for
a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die”. This response pleased the king
and provided Ammon with the opportunity to serve him and be an example to the
king’s other servants. When faced by an onslaught of robbers in the fields,
Ammon’s “heart was swollen within him with joy; for, said he, I will show forth
my power unto these my fellow-servants, or the power which is in me, in
restoring these flocks unto the king, that I may win the hearts of these my fellow-servants,
that I may lead them to believe in my words” (Alma 17:29). Rather than losing
hope and being overcome with fear about the dangerous future, Alma took courage
and exercised faith in the Savior. He saw an opportunity to turn a trial into a
blessing and took it. This is a wonderful reminder to me that life is to be
enjoyed and that faith should always be greater than fear. The two cannot dwell
within the same heart. Though life may bring trials and uncertainties, having a
positive attitude and a deep, abiding love for the Savior can transform these
situations into blessings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-29822712494578113452017-03-14T07:58:00.003-07:002017-03-14T07:58:35.246-07:00Faith and Consecrated Offerings<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The miracle of the gospel is the power of the
Atonement to complete, amplify, and polish our daily efforts. I was reminded of
this while reading in Matthew 14 from the New Testament in class this past
week. A huge multitude of people was gathered together to hear the Savior speak.
Upon finishing the sermon, the apostles were ready to send the people away to
eat (verse 15). Verse 16 says, “But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart;
give ye them to eat”. This is a beautiful passage of scripture. The Good
Shephard will never turn anyone away. He invites all to come unto Him and to be
filled. Such is the case in this chapter. After the apostles informed Him that
there were only five loaves and two fishes available, Jesus simply told them to
bring the food to Him. He then “commanded the multitude to sit down on the
grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven,
he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples
to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of
the fragments that remained twelve baskets full” (Matthew 14: 19-20). More than
five thousand people were filled that day through the power of the Savior. It
is important to first acknowledge that one person- a young lad amongst the
crowd -- was willing to give up the only food he had in order to feed thousands
of people. This act required significant faith. This faith and consecrated
sacrifice was sufficient for the Lord to magnify the food offered that day and
stretch it beyond its normal capacity. When we act in faith and place an
offering on the altar of God, we will always walk away better than when we
arrived. Our actions and efforts to live the gospel may not always seem
adequate, but when coupled with the Atonement these efforts turn into
faith-infused strength and heaven-sent power. I know that as we strive to keep
the commandments, live the gospel teachings, and exercise faith in doing what
the Lord asks of us, then He will amplify and perfect our lives, so much so
that they overflow with blessings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-53318391631926323562017-03-06T08:20:00.002-08:002017-03-06T08:20:16.070-08:00The Enabling Power of the Atonement<div class="MsoPlainText">
Over the past two years, I have grown to truly love and
treasure the Atonement of Christ. I have come to better understand what it
means to me and what it does for me personally, as well as for the people in my
life. There are infinite blessings that come from this infinite offering of
love made possible by the Savior. Two scriptural accounts in particular have
taught me about the enabling power of the Atonement this past week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The first is found in Matthew 14 of the New Testament
when Peter walked on water during a fierce storm towards Jesus. At first he was
able to maintain balance upon the waves because he kept his sight on Christ; as
soon as he allowed the potential danger of his situation surrounding him to
fill him with fear, he began to drown. It was in this moment that “immediately
Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him” (verse 31). Then Jesus uttered
these unexpected words, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”
When reading this at first, it is easy to jump to conclusions and think that
maybe Christ was being a little harsh in saying this to Peter; however, there
is a valuable lesson to be learned here. Our growth and progression as children
of God in a difficult, imperfect world is much more important to the Savior
than living a pain-free, blissful existence all our lives. He requires us to
rely on faith and leave our comfort zones from time to time in order to become
more like Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This was the case for Alma and Amulek in Alma 14 of the Book
of Mormon when teaching in the land of Ammonihah. They witnessed the death of
hundreds of innocent people and were cast into prison for the things they had
preached. During their time in prison, they were mercilessly beaten, hit, spit
upon, starved, mocked, and questioned. They suffered all these things in
silence. Verse 25 says that the lawyers and priests “all went forth and smote
them [Alma and Amulek], saying the same words, even until the last; and when
the last had spoken unto them the power of God was upon Alma and Amulek, and
they rose and stood upon their feet”. I love the symbolism found in this verse.
They had suffered all these things even down to the last hit from the last
person; that was when they found the strength within themselves placed there by
the Lord to rise up from the ground. The Savior, while suffering in the Garden
of Gethsemane, took upon Himself every last sin, every last pain imaginable,
for every last person who ever lived, before rising again to face the next
challenge. Alma and Amulek were able to call upon God and “[break] the cords
with which they were bound” because of their faith in Christ. This faith had
waxed stronger through personally experiencing the enabling power of the Savior
over a long period of time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I would venture to say that we may be asked to suffer
very difficult, trying experiences for extended periods of time- even until the
last moment when we feel completely spent and hopeless- in order to fully
appreciate the wonders and miracles made possible through the Atonement. Christ
will always extend His hand to us in the storm, help us rise to our feet and
break the cords which bind us, and save us from destruction when we call on His
name and exercise faith in His infinite power. Such times are opportunities for
us to become pure vessels of unshaking faith and trust in the One who loves us
unconditionally and sees our potential to become great.<o:p></o:p></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-23122496106176163642017-02-27T19:40:00.000-08:002017-02-27T19:40:18.251-08:00Thy will.<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1488251456499_5439" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This past week I was reminded of one of my favorite Bible stories. It is recorded in Matthew 8 of the New Testament. This is the account of a man who was plagued, both physically and emotionally, by the disease of leprosy. He was cast out and rejected by his own people for a disease that was beyond his control. This did not, however, keep the leper from coming unto Christ when He passed through that area of the city. Verse two says, “And, behold, there came a leper and worshiped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean”. Breaking this verse down reveals some insightful doctrine. Rather than demanding to be healed, the leper said these humble words: if thou wilt. This implies that the leper, instead of thinking about only his desires, was prepared to accept the will of the Lord and be healed only if that was the plan. As Elder Bednar would say, he had the faith not to be healed. He also knew that the healing power of Christ was sufficient for him and his particular ailment; it could be used specifically for him. Verse three reads, “And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed”. It did not matter how contagious or sickly or beyond hope and repair that this man was- the Redeemer took no hesitation in coming unto one who had faith to be healed and touching that person. He stooped down to the level of a man doomed to death and loneliness and gave him a second chance at life. Brothers and sisters, family and friends, I know that the healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ is for everyone. It is infinite and it is individual. All that is required is faith, humility, and a willingness to change and to act. The Lord’s will is always revealed in His own time but it is never too late to come unto Christ. As the Savior says in Moroni 7:33-34, “If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me… Repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved”. The refining touch of the Master is available to all who believe in the words “if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean”.</span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-24217350120685719142017-02-20T16:46:00.002-08:002017-02-20T16:46:24.290-08:00Perfection is a Process<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One of the easiest traps to fall into as a typical
human being is that of inadequacy and loneliness. This life is full of hard
times coupled with incredibly high expectations; it is more common than not to
feel that sincere efforts are wasted and simply do not measure up or matter
enough. As Exodus 18:18 says, “…for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art
not able to perform it thyself alone.” The key word in this verse is “alone.” It is not possible to do most things alone, but with the help of the Savior and
the enabling power of His infinite atonement, the weight need not be “too
heavy.” God-given potential is, in reality, attainable when faith and trust in
the Lord are part of the process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Savior gave the perfect instruction manual to
becoming perfect like Him in two sections of scripture: Matthew 5 of The New
Testament and 3 Nephi 12 of The Book of Mormon. Here he laid out a continuous
stair-step pattern for all of God’s children to follow with the end goal of
becoming a true disciple of Christ. One of the steps that Jesus asks all people
to take is found in verse 6 of Matthew 5, which reads: “Blessed are they which
do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” This
hunger and thirst after righteousness is fueled by a constant effort to become
better, correct everyday mistakes, and do the little things that invite the
Spirit, such as prayer and scripture study. This is a lifelong process that
leads to incredible blessings, such as “being filled.” The diligent efforts to
be good and do good create a filling- the Lord’s love and light fills in the
cracks of doubt and inadequacy. His perfection, or wholeness, is mirrored in
daily attempts to be like Him. He is there every step of the way and His
strength makes up for mortal weakness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Alma’s prayer in Alma 31 is an inspired example of
relying on His merits; verses 30, 31, and 32 say: “…O Lord, wilt thou give me
strength, that I may bear with mine infirmities. For I am infirm… O Lord, my
heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou comfort my soul in Christ. O Lord,
wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with
patience these afflictions which shall come upon me… O Lord, wilt thou comfort
my soul, and give unto me success…” I know that Jesus Christ will provide
strength where there is weakness, hope where there is doubt, comfort where
there is affliction, and success where there is failure. His love is complete
and perfect; His desire is that each of us might become a finished and polished
work of art after the molding and creation of His hands. All that is required
is faith and consistent change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-31284102004881914992017-02-13T19:00:00.001-08:002017-02-13T19:00:24.126-08:00We are children of a loving Heavenly Father<br />
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The more I read and study the scriptures, the more convinced
I am of the importance of the truth and understanding that we are children of a
loving Heavenly Father. He is not some abstract being. He is our father who
desires all the best for us. He LOVES us. He KNOWS us. He UNDERSTANDS us. He
FORGIVES us. It is incredibly important that we remember this; such a knowledge
protects us from evil and gives us the strength to withstand temptation. One
example is found in Alma 11. In this chapter, Amulek is offered a considerably
large sum of money by Zeezrom on the condition that he will deny the existence
of such a being. Part of Amulek’s incredible response is found in verse 25,
which reads: “and it was only thy desire that I should deny the true and living
God, that thou mightest have cause to destroy me”. This verse is truly
impactful. Denying the existence of the Father of us all is ultimately and definitely
destructive. One of the enemy’s strongest tools is to confuse us concerning the
relationship we have with God. If he can successfully do that, then he has
begun the process of our destruction in every sense of the word -- temporally,
emotionally, spiritually. The wonderful reality is that we are in control of
whether or not we allow this to happen to us. Like Amulek, we can choose to
believe and even know without a doubt that we are children of God. This is very
empowering. It is as simple as kneeling down and offering a prayer -- I love
knowing that the distance between us and the heavens is only a prayer. He
speaks to us in the still and quiet moments; we just have to be willing to
listen. As Luke 1:37 says, “For with God nothing shall be impossible”. He is on
our side. I encourage all of you to take time to reflect this week on your
relationship with your Heavenly Father. Remember who you are and where you come
from. As Brother Griffin says, “Know that you are loved”. It is a saving truth.<o:p></o:p></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-13654676579014478752017-02-05T10:17:00.002-08:002017-02-05T10:18:51.100-08:00The Healing Hand<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This past week in class we began learning a bit more
about the Four Gospels in “The New Testament”- Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John-
in regards to their writing styles, the audiences to whom they were writing and
teaching at the time, their varying relationships with the Savior Jesus Christ
during His earthly ministry, and other such factors that influenced the records
they left behind which we read today in the Bible. While learning about these
four different men, Mark especially captured my attention. He begins writing a
little later (twenty years after the departure of Christ) and starts his
account of the Lord’s ministry with His baptism, continuing from there. He
serves to give a quickly-paced overview of the life of Jesus, hardly stopping
to take pauses and give more explanation. His records were originally meant to
be delivered orally, giving further reason to the running, fluid cadence of his
speech. Brother Griffin, my religion professor, invited the class to experiment
a little by first reading Mark’s account and then speaking it aloud in order to
more fully appreciate this unique style of writing. This invitation, coupled
with a recent invitation and promise given by President Russell M. Nelson in a
Worldwide Young Single Adult Devotional in January that if we were to study the
life and words and character of the Savior that we would have a decreased
desire to disobey and an increased desire to keep the commandments, motivated
me to learn more about Christ by reading the book of Mark. I have thoroughly enjoyed
what I have learned so far and wish to share a small insight with you that had
a great impact on me this week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In Mark 1, we read about one particular experience in
which the Lord visits the mother-in-law of Simon (Peter- one of the newly
called Twelve Apostles) who lays in sick in bed. Verses 30 through 31 read, “But
Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon [immediately] they tell him
of her. And he [Jesus] came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and
immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.” I absolutely
loved these two verses for the powerful, symbolic lesson taught in so few
words. First, the Savior took no hesitation in going to rescue some struggling
soul. This has always been and will always be the case. The Savior comes
running to us when we are in trouble and extends His saving hand to all. In
verse 31, it says that He “took her by the hand, and lifted her up”. This is
very symbolic of the Atonement- the act of love that Christ performed for us by
suffering for our sins and heartaches in Gethsemane, suffering death on the
cross at Calvary, and resurrecting from the tomb on the third day. The
Atonement has the power to lift us in many different ways- physically,
emotionally, mentally, spiritually. The Atonement has given mankind the gift of
resurrection, meaning that every single person in the history of the whole
world will be lifted physically from death and the grave and be lifted to God’s
presence to be judged. The Atonement also lifts us from the dark places of our
lives, whether that be a trial we are passing through or a mistake that ways us
down. When we accept the outstretched hand He extends to us by deciding to
repent, pray, fast, change, and start over, we are lifted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">What follows in this verse is absolutely miraculous;
it reads that “immediately the fever left her”, meaning that she experienced
immediate and complete relief of what she had been going through. Then “she
ministered unto them”, meaning that she was able to impart of the change that
had occurred within her to others around her. The Atonement of Jesus Christ brings
immediate relief. I do not mean to say that all will be resolved the first time
we ask for forgiveness or that a magical wand will suddenly make all our life’s
problems disappear, but every time we choose to follow the Savior and draw
closer to Him, an immediate relief will flow into our lives and there will be a
peace that was not there before. We will feel a difference and be able to minister
unto others, just as the woman in this account did. When we allow the Atonement
to heal us, we are more able to serve those around us and help them to find the
same comfort and saving grace in their lives. We can symbolically become the
hands of the Lord by serving those around us and helping them to apply the
healing power of the Atonement personally. I know that as we strive to come
closer to Him, He will always draw near unto us, heal us, and enable us to
rescue others in need.</span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-42317469461663658092017-01-29T17:16:00.002-08:002017-01-29T17:16:16.528-08:00Agency<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Agency, or the ability to choose given to each of us
by our Father in Heaven, is an incredible blessing and gift. It has also become
one of my very most favorite gospel principles to study and learn more about
over the last two years. This past week while studying more about the creation
and our first parents, Adam and Eve, in class at BYU I have been struck yet
again by the importance of this fundamental doctrine of the gospel and how our
Heavenly Father understands its importance as well. Agency has been a part of
God’s plan from the beginning and played a huge role in the Garden of Eden. In
Moses 3:17-18 we read, “And I, the Lord God, commanded the man [Adam], saying,
‘Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, but of the tree of the knowledge
of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it, nevertheless, thou mayest choose
for thyself, for it is given unto thee; but, remember that I forbid it, for in
the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die”. God laid out the
commandment and the consequences exactly and explicitly and clearly so that
there would be no misunderstanding; NEVERTHELESS, God also explained very
clearly that it would be their choice whether or not to partake of the fruit.
They were given their agency. That is what put the whole plan into motion. Our
Heavenly Father had enough trust in Adam and Eve to let them make that choice.
He loves all of us as His children to allow us to do the same thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Oftentimes, that is incredibly difficult for us to do-
allow those we love to make decisions out of a desire to protect them rather
than give them those opportunities of growth and personal progression. Elder
Richard G. Scott gives wonderful counsel in a General Conference session of
April 2014, “The children of Father in Heaven can do amazing things when they
feel trusted. Every child of God chose the Savior’s plan. Trust that given the
opportunity, they will do so again.” When speaking of his wife, he said, “She
loved me enough to share her conviction and then give me the opportunity to
work out the direction of my own life”. Part of showing our love for others is
protecting their agency. Exercising faith through exercising agency is what
sets forth the path of progression to becoming more like Heavenly Father and
His Son, Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-60136711642028854742017-01-22T19:13:00.002-08:002017-01-22T19:13:47.295-08:00Love one another.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">One of the greatest commandments of the Gospel of
Jesus Christ is the commandment to love one another. There is no better example
of this than Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. They love each one of
us with a love so infinite and so perfect that it goes beyond our
comprehension. This love is manifested in many ways -- through guidance given
to us by ancient and modern revelations of the prophets, the creation of the
earth upon which we live, the everlasting sacrifice offered by the Savior to
save the world from sin. There are countless ways in which we experience the
effects of that great commandment to love one another.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Oftentimes, I feel the love of my Father and my Savior
through the acts of others. As children of God, we have the opportunity to show
His love through service and be the answer to someone else’s prayer. This is a
sure outcome when we follow promptings from the Spirit. One of my favorite
examples of this is found in the Book of Mormon in Alma 8 when Alma is
commanded to return to the city of Ammonihah after being rejected and cast out
by the people there. Alma was faithful and obedient to this commandment and
returned speedily to the city by another way, as it says in verse 18. Because
of this, he was met by an equally faithful and obedient man -- Amulek -- who had
followed promptings from the Holy Ghost. This account can be found in Alma
8:18-27. After Alma asks Amulek to receive him into his house, Amulek gives
this reply, “…I know that thou art a holy prophet of God, for thou art the man
whom an angel said in a vision: Thou shalt receive. Therefore, go with me into
my house and I will impart unto thee of my food; and I know that thou wilt be a
blessing unto me and my house”. Amulek had been prepared to answer the prayer
of his fellow man, Alma. Later, Alma blesses Amulek and his household twice
(verses 22 and 26). These two were some of the greatest missionaries found in
the Book of Mormon because of their ability to love others, bring to pass miracles,
and touch lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was reminded of this concept last Friday while
visiting Temple Square in Salt Lake City. There, I met two sister missionaries
from Mexico serving in the Visitors’ Center. It was wonderful speaking with
them and hearing about their experiences. They helped me to remember that the
small, daily acts we do for others, especially when we cannot see the outcome
or “fruits” of those acts, really do mean something and make a difference.
Simply loving others allows us to feel a small part of what our Heavenly Father
and Savior feel for us. This is essential in developing the pure love of Christ
and becoming more like Him. Today is an excellent day to set goals of serving
others and answering the prayer of someone in need. I know that as we put forth
an effort to do so, “God [will provide] a means that man, through faith, might
work mighty miracles; therefore [we become] a great benefit to [our] fellow
beings” (Mosiah 8:18).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-38150790805473653672017-01-15T17:13:00.002-08:002017-01-15T17:13:51.979-08:00To my dear friends and family.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It has now been 5 weeks since the return home from
serving the people of Mexico City. What an extraordinary experience full of
blessings, miracles, and (of course) adventures! My heart longs to be with the
family and friends I now have in Mexico -- people who taught me more than I could
ever teach them -- but it is so wonderful to be home with you all! We have just
enjoyed “the most wonderful time of the year” celebrating the birth of our
Savior, Jesus Christ, with those we love, as well as ringing in a new year.
Now, after having enjoyed the festivities that come with Christmas and New
Year’s Day, we are left to move forward into the unknown. Beginning a new year
is always a daunting task and can leave us with a feeling of longing to go back
to the joys of the Christmas Season. I have had similar feelings since returning
home from a mission. Let me share a few thoughts that I have had over the
course of this last week during my personal scripture study and the religion
course I am currently taking.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the “Christ and the Everlasting Gospel” class I am
enrolled in this semester we read parts of Moses 1 found in “The Pearl of Great
Price” during the week. Something interesting that was discussed was the fact
that Moses, after having been in God’s presence and literally speaking with Him
face to face (verses 1-8) was then left to himself (verses 9-11). Almost
immediately after, the Adversary came to tempt him (verse 12). How difficult
that must have been to be in the presence of the Supreme Creator for a time and
then to be attacked by the enemy of all righteousness! Moses was hit with
tribulation so soon after a marvelous, faith promoting experience. Each one of
us has experienced something similar- returning to the “real world” after
serving a full time mission or going back to the daily routine of school and
work after a wonderful Christmas vacation. It may even be facing what lies
ahead after a particularly rich scripture study, temple visit, church meeting,
or General Conference session. When we feel that we are at our peak, something
comes that rocks us to the core and challenges us in such a way we have never
before experienced. I am grateful to know and understand (thanks to the
incredible lecture from my professor Brother G) that these trials are
meant for our good. This “equal and opposite reaction” of a difficulty
following an incredible experience is meant to teach and underscore the
contrast of such experiences; cultivate humility; and provide necessary growth
and progression. Moses experienced the power of the Savior when he called upon
His name to cast out Satan in Moses 1: 21 and recognized the grand difference
between these two beings. So it is with us if we will choose to call upon the
powers of heaven during difficult times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is a comfort to know that we will never be
abandoned if we hold true to what we know. One particular verse that captured
my attention this past week is found in Alma 4: 15 of “The Book of Mormon”.
Alma experienced great sorrow due to the sinful state of his people and the
persecution of the faithful; however, the last line of this verse reads, “nevertheless
the Spirit of the Lord did not fail him”. My dear friends, I know that as we
strive to do our best to remain steadfast and true to the Lord, His spirit will
never abandon us and we will be able to grow during the trials that come our
way. They are learning opportunities that bring us closer to our beloved Father
in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I desire for each of you a wonderful week full of
peace and personal growth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-74209974921678393552016-12-06T09:07:00.000-08:002016-12-06T09:07:29.168-08:0018 MesesDear Family and Friends,<br />
<br />
About two years ago I received a letter that changed my life forever. It came on my 19th birthday. I still remember the feelings I had as I read the words stating that I would be serving in the Mexico, Mexico City Southeast Mission, preaching the Gospel in the Spanish language. My heart was full of a love for people I didn't even know, and now here I am after 18 months of living amongst the most wonderful people I have had the privilege of knowing. My heart is breaking knowing that my time here has come to an end...the love I felt for this place and this people has only grown. This love does not just come from putting a name-tag on and carrying a bag with scriptures and teaching materials. It comes from viewing people from another perspective -- a heavenly perspective -- in a way that only Heavenly Father and the Savior can do perfectly. It comes from weeping and laughing with them, serving them, teaching them, praying and hoping for a better life for each person. Walking over broken city sidewalks and dirt roads, and up and down hills and mountainsides every day for the last 18 months is not what has made me a missionary. The doors I have knocked and the information I have recorded in my agenda really don't mean anything without the people behind them. I am coming home a different person because of the changes I witnessed in the lives of the people I have met...a change that only comes through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. I am coming home a different Hermana Jones because these principles have changed me personally. I have had to rely wholly on the Lord and His will and counsel, even though it often meant doing things I was scared of, or out of my comfort zone. Faith is essential to our happiness. Repentance is also essential to our happiness. I have repented and changed and learned every day for the past 18 months. I have had to learn things about myself and understand that I could not be the missionary God wanted me to be without embracing faith, change, and growth. I have grown to more fully understand the importance of covenants -- promises we make with our Heavenly Father -- and how obedience to these covenants, beginning with baptism, brings blessings. The commitments we make with Him and how we fulfill these commitments is all that really matters. Baptism and covenants are essential to our happiness. The communication we have with our Heavenly Father and His influence we feel through the Spirit is a guiding light. When we think about it, why wouldn't we live in such a way that permits us to have Him with us at all times, and in all things, and in all places? I have learned to trust in and follow the promptings I receive and not question them because they always lead to good things that I never could have accomplished without them. Receiving and following the Holy Ghost is essential to our happiness. El perseverar hasta el fin -- enduring to the end -- is where it all comes together. It is the day-in-day-out doing what you need to do, when you need to do it, without being asked, in your own little corner of the world where you become the person the Savior knows you can become. He suffered and provided an infinite Atonement for each of us, and if we come unto Him and rely on Him day in and day out He will make all of the difference. Enduring to the end is essential to our happiness. I love the Gospel and I love my Savior. It has been a blessing to serve Him and under His name this last year and a half. I am excited to continue to do so in the next chapter of my life. I am super excited to see you all :) It has been fun reading your emails the last year and a half. Thank you for your support, love, and prayers. I couldn't have done it without you :) I know that what I have taught and defended here in Mexico is true. It is all true.<br />
<br />
Love, Hermana Jones<br />
<br />
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The group of missionaries departing in December had the opportunity to go to the Mexico City Temple last week with President and Hermana Stutznegger (pics courtesy of Hermana Stutznegger). I began my mission by serving with the other Hermanas at the Mexico City Temple open house before it was re-dedicated. It was fitting to go back near the end of my mission with people that I love so much. </div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-58175323680129197262016-11-29T09:10:00.002-08:002016-11-29T09:10:30.289-08:00Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias! and Final Week(Parent Note: the emails below are from the last two weeks)<br />
<br />
Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias! (November 23, 2016)<br />
<br />
That is Happy Thanksgiving in Spanish, and I mean it! Happy Thanksgiving everybody! I am excited to go hog wild tomorrow at President's house ("Don't mind if I do Lilian"). It has been a great last week and a half. Here in the mission (and throughout the whole world) we are getting very excited to start La Iniciativa de Navidad for this year! I invite you all to go to Mormon.org this Friday to see and share the new Christmas video the Church has made as well as all of the great ideas of how to iluminar el mundo this Christmas Season as the Savior did during His earthly ministry. Also, 1 de Diciembre is the world day of service so start planning the service projects you will do next Thursday! I am going to enjoy this last week and a half I have to spread as much Christmas cheer in Mexico as possible! We have already seen a lot of success in contacting on the streets with the little cards we have as well as visiting members and inviting them to join with us in the Christmas initiative. I love being able to focus on Christ and the light He gives to everyone, regardless of beliefs or religion.<br />
<br />
Okay, a funny quick experience to share with you this week -- my companion and I were on our way to the stake center when we had the impression to talk to a mother and daughter. The mom was knocking door to door and the daughter was sitting on the curb. We started talking to them and turns out that they were selling canaries -- the little birds -- to try to have a little money to buy something to eat. My companion encouraged me to buy two of them. So, after giving them a pamphlet, we continued on our way to the stake center with a little brown paper bag with birds inside. When we got there we left them in the kitchen and headed into our meeting. Afterwards, we took President to the kitchen...to find the bag empty and the birds flying all over the room! I then witnessed something epic that I will never forget -- President going into action and managing to catch the birds with my companion screaming every time one flew by her head. I had tears streaming down my face I was laughing so hard. After Prez got them in the bag he turned to me and said "That is the dumbest thing you have ever done on your mission" HAHAHAHAHAHA. He gave us a hug and thanked us for trying to be kind to someone on the street but suggesting that next time we just give the person money instead of taking the animals with us. We gave the birds to a sweet old man who is a recent convert and is taking very good care of them. I need to run...we had a great day at the National Museum of Anthropology near at Chapultepec. Thanks everybody! I love you all and am grateful for each of you!<br />
<br />
Love Hermana Jones<br />
<br />
<br />
Final Week (November 28, 2016)<br />
<br />
Hello everybody! I apologize now that this is going to be so short and boring. We just got back from saying goodbye to Monte Corona and Jardines Wards (second area) way up in the mountains and volcanoes and all that fun stuff so I do not have much time at all. It was a great week. Yesterday we were present for the baptism of a young man that we taught and then later the Elders when they arrived to cover the south part of the J.E. Ward. I have come to truly appreciate the importance and value of the ordinance of baptism here in the mission. Every single person is a child of God who is on the path home again and it is amazing to see. Also, our 66 year old investigator M went to Church yesterday and stayed for the baptism afterwards and LOVED it. I think he will be baptized here in a few weeks :)<br />
<br />
Quick story...yesterday I saved the Bishop jajajaja during Sacrament Meeting I felt the need to check the little frijolito of a phone we have and found that the Bishop had sent us a text asking one of us to share a message right after the speaker that was speaking at the time. I sent him a message telling him not to worry and that I would take care of it. I also asked if there was a specific topic I should speak on and all he asked of me was that I didn't share with the congregation that he had asked me on the spot to speak haha. So, I once again used the story of Grandpa Wayne and I walking to the bus stop and then shared some verses from Mosiah 5 about how we need to have Christ´s name written on our heart, and know the name by which we are called. We can't get to know somebody unless we spend time with them. I also again used the story of the disciples and Christ on the road to Emaus. I asked them a few questions about if they were spending enough time with Christ every day. It was fun :)<br />
<br />
Sorry I have not sent more pictures over the past few weeks. My camera has officially died so I can no longer take pictures. I am relying on those that people send me and then I forward them to you. I love you all so much. I am excited to work as hard as possible this last week I have as a missionary. Okay I really do have to go now. LOVE YOU. Cheers and saludos!<br />
<br />
Hermana Jones<br />
<br />
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Saying goodbye to people in my first area. It is a little overwhelming and I did not see as many as I hoped but these are all converts who I worked with and visited a lot during my first few months. A, the older man, is now cancer free! When I visited him with my trainer Hermana Llaguarima and Hermana Wong and, during the first part of Hermana Carrasco's training, he was always in a recliner chair or flat on his back in bed. Now he can walk! I could hardly understand or talk to these wonderful people when I first arrived but they did help me a lot during the refiner's fire of learning Spanish haha.<br />
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Two of my favorite adorable kids from my first area.</div>
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A and I...It was a blessing to enjoy the journey that lead to their baptism.</div>
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Me with Lilian who is the Bishop's ten year old daughter (they live above us). It was really fun to teach her "Soy un hijo de Dios" for the primary program. She did a great job!<br />
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Selfie while waiting for interviews. This was about twenty minutes after I had the privilege and honor of giving my companion her flu shot! That was one of the coolest experiences and really wish we had it on video. As soon as she saw the needle she nearly fainted and we had to shove her into the chair (I used the technique my mom used one time when I was young. She told me we were going on a fun trip after school to get donuts and did not tell me a thing about going to the doctor! My companion had forgotten about the shots and I did not remind her. Mama Stutz didn't have donuts but she did have Tootsie rolls so that was good). She was literally kicking and putting up a good fight. Hermana Stutznegger had to bear hug her while I managed to get the needle in. Afterwards, Hna Stutznegger said that Hermana Torres has taken the cake for being the worst missionary ever to receive a shot. It was hilarious haha poor thing :)<br />
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This pic is of us with a lady who we contacted on the street while we were looking for somewhere to eat (the members had given us money for the day) and she invited us into her cocina economica. She was so sweet :)<br />
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Us with Hermana L who gave us la comida yesterday. She is always full of energy and super fun to be with!<br />
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"Las Alas" or "The Wings" nearby Chapultepec. We had a great time today visiting the National Museum of Anthropology there. It was impressive.<br />
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More pics from el museo -- it is a huge place. We did not even make it through half of the building I think but we went to a few of the highlights which are the rooms of Teotihuacán, Mexica, and the Mayas. Lots of human sacrificing and other interesting things.</div>
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Real human skeletons. There were a lot of those in the museum. It really is a fascinating place that I hope to return to some day.</div>
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Thanksgiving with the Hermanas and the Stutzneggers!</div>
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I love my sisters!</div>
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More pics from Thanksgiving at with the Stutzneggers. I love them!!! (photo credit to Hermana Stutznegger)<br />
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Simplemente México :) </div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-60392570038088796282016-11-15T11:02:00.000-08:002016-11-15T11:02:21.799-08:00I should be able to see the Light of Christ in my countenance.Hellooooooo! It was fun to hear from all of you and read your emails this week. Thank you! It is always so much for fun to read than to write haha. We had a good week full of work and meetings and divisions and everything that comes with being a missionary. It was very special to have el élder Jesús Alfonso Ortiz Tirado, of the Seventy, and his wife Olga Lydia. They are a powerhouse couple. I mean WOW. Talk about stellar people. Elder Mafi and I organized a musical number for the Friday conference with the zones Neza, Oriental, Pantitlan, and La Perla 1 y 2. We sang “Calma Mi Alma” -- "Be Still My Soul" -- that just recently came out in Spanish. I started out with a solo and then slowly other people joined in (we got the Stutzneggers crying so I hope that means it turned out alright :P). Before the conference started I had the opportunity to have an interview with Elder Ortiz. He is such a kind man and knows so much about life and the Gospel. I will have to tell you more about him when I get back. He and his wife's story is incredible. Anyways, we had a chance to talk and when he asked me if I had any questions for him, I asked him what is the best thing I could do when I am home as a returned missionary. He gave me some great counsel that I have written down that I really appreciate. The rest of the conference was great! I learned so much. Everything seemed to be geared to how to use this time we have now so that we are prepared to go home and be returned missionaries who remain faithful. Then on Saturday during the leadership council many of the same principles were discussed but in a different way to say them. Basically the whole conference was for me!!!! It really helped and I feel contenta right now with where I am at in the mission and with regards to coming home. It was funny because during the conference on Friday Elder Ortiz called me up in front of everyone so I could share with them a little of what we had talked about in the interview. Essentially, as a returned missionary I will have many other obligations and things to take care of and simply will not be able to study in depth from the scriptures for 2 hours every day, or go out and spend hours in the streets preaching the gospel every day, nor should I reprimand my family for not doing "companionship study" with me every day hahahaha and things like that and THAT IS OKAY. He told me that it is normal to be thinking about home a lot during these last few weeks because I need to start preparing myself for what lies ahead. What he did counsel me to do that I later shared with the missionaries is that we need to live what we have just spent 18 months or 2 years teaching people and I do not have to lower myself to all the vulgar and vain things of the world after having been set apart as a missionary (PME pg. 4 the quote by President Spencer W. Kimball). I should be able to look in the mirror and see the Light of Christ still there in my countenance. If I can no longer see that, something is wrong. He also shared with me that, although I can no longer do it for two hours every day, real scripture study for 15 minutes every day is essential. In front of all the missionaries he told them that I had told him that "I don't want it all to end and that I would like to stay here." Then he said how he was just thinking of my dear parents back at home and how they would feel about that decision hahaha and said, "Oh hermana, como verás que no es así" (translated in context: oh sister, you will see when you get home that your parents don't want you to extend your mission) it was really funny how he said it and I understand that it probably doesn't make sense when I say it in English. (Parent note: we are definitely looking forward to being with her, but actually wish that she could stay longer because it has been such a blessing for her and us both!). He gave me his email to write him when I get home so that he can get me in contact with his unmarried son living in Utah hahaha he said that we can be friends because he doesn't have a lot of friends in Utah so that will be fun.<br />
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I had a nice time doing divisions with an hermana last Tuesday in Oriental, helping her feel more comfortable with contacting in the streets and knocking doors. It is so much fun because we never know quite what we are getting ourselves into when we contact! Ok, to a certain extent we can sometimes predict the outcome but not always. We followed the Spirit and knocked two doors where two people accepted us and we were able to teach some of the Restoration there at the door. I miss my combi days when I could sit up front with the driver and chat. In Neza we walk every where or take a mototaxi and it is just not the same. Today I will start saying goodbye to my old areas, starting with Oriental/Fovissste where it all began. I am also planning on going to the Museum of Natural Art and History (I think that is what it is called) next week and will have to change my P-day for that visit because it is closed on Mondays...just a heads up. This week my companion has her last interview with President as well as her pictures and interview for her visa. Next week we will be at President's for Thanksgiving! Woohooo!<br />
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In answer to questions, I have had a few comments about Donald Trump here jaja. Friday we had a super fun Ward activity making carne asada with all the fixings and playing basquetbol y futbol. A few investigators, converts, and less actives who we have been working with a lot lately came which was great (the sad part is that none of the people we are teaching from our half of the Ward came on Sunday so once again their baptism dates fell). After realizing that playing in skirts and Crocs flats simply just wouldn't do, H took us back real quick to change and we arrived just in time to kick some trash on the court. I was brought back to my glory days of high school soccer and Church-bball and had all the hermanas on my team shouting "hermana güera!" (blonde girl) to pass them the ball. I think I surprised quite a few people with how aggressive I can be when it comes to sports, particularly basketball and soccer hahaha we had a good time and there was a great turnout :) Well, I will try to send some pics from my companion’s camera really quick...mine seems to be toast. I love you all very much and hope this week treats you well!<br />
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Hermana Güera Jones<br />
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Mission Conference with Elder Jesus A. Ortiz</div>
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Mission Leadership Conference last week. </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I am getting very excited to have a dryer again at home because here we have to hang the wash to dry and when it rains (like it did every day this last week) we are left to our own devices hahaha wet laundry strewn all over the apartment!</span></div>
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This is a group picture of those who went to the visitor's center for the family home evening (minus the Bishop who took the picture).<br />
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The jack-o-lantern we carved for Halloween that President and Mama Stutz gave us (it was the first time ever for my companion!)<br />
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Eating ice cream with H last Monday after playing basketball and soccer with a bunch of other missionaries. He has been wanting to take us to ice cream for a long time now hahaha :)Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-64795808602822361632016-11-08T08:55:00.002-08:002016-11-08T10:22:32.943-08:00I have seen people change and come unto Christ, which has helped me change and come unto Him as well.Happy Monday everybody! It's good to be back once again before starting another week. I must inform you that you all at home are not the only ones celebrating the victory of the dear Chicago Cubs. Here in my ward there is a wonderful family -- La Familia M -- who loves baseball and was rooting for the Cubs right along with me. They kept me informed throughout the week and on Sunday all gave me huge hugs and high fives when they shared the news with me :) hahaha very sweet people and I am happy to have shared that with them down here in Neza.<br />
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This week was fun and a little bit difficult as always, but that is just the way we like it! Hermana Torres has now received her visa and begun the process of interviews and final touches. I think she will be going at the same time with me! We will see what happens. On Saturday we were running around like crazy trying to make sure people could go to the Ward Family Home Evening in the Visitor's Center. After spending the whole day doing that we arrived with a little micro full of people and spent the evening with just 23 members and 1 investigator. I'll admit, I was pretty frustrated but we pressed forward and did the best we could. The evening was centered on Jesus Christ and the Atonement. The Elders and my companion and I took a little bit of time to share messages, and the majority of it was taken by an hermano from the Ward who is a doctor and talked about a recent medical study about the physical trials the Savior went through in Gethsemane and on Calvary. Although the projector didn't work and we just listened instead, it was very impactful and very special for the 24 people who went. The following Sunday many of those who went shared their testimony, including our 14 year old investigator who is the son of H, and he said in front of the whole congregation that he knows that the Church is true and hopes that the hermanas (us) can teach him more about Christ. His dad H also got up and expressed how much he loves us which really means a lot. We were able to do a fast with him to help him stop drinking completely, and he loved the whole experience.<br />
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The mission is by far the hardest thing I have ever done but definitely the most rewarding experience I have ever had because I have seen people change and come unto Christ, which has helped me change and come unto Him as well. Our efforts may appear to be in vain or futile but I promise all of you that every time we do our best to help another person, how every big or small the act my be, it means something and measures up. Love you all :)<br />
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Hermana Jones<br />
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PS I’m still having issues with my camera :(<br />
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Parent Note:<br />
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The following pictures were taken by Sister Stutznegger of children celebrating Day of the Dead.<br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-85615152045711616852016-11-01T10:13:00.000-07:002016-11-01T14:34:22.714-07:00Acts of kindness by ordinary people who made a huge difference in our lives.Happy Halloween and Feliz Dia de Muertos (for the kids tomorrow on the 1st and the adults on the 2nd of Noviembre)! Here in my area one of the main streets that we walk on is jam packed with people buying food, trick-or-treating with the little kids dressed up in costumes, and viewing the ofrendas or "offerings" for the “day of the dead” put on by a few of the regional high schools. I will try to send some pictures. It is a really neat tradition here. They make altars with flowers, candles, fotos, favorite foods of the person who died, and other things to honor the dead. All of the high schools did this for a group project grade in their schools but it is to preserve the traditions here in Mexico. After I finish writing we will head in for the night. Tomorrow should be interesting because they will still be celebrating and it may be hard to get from place to place for our appointments.<br />
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This last week was a little tough but had some real gems. Although we struggled with helping the people we are teaching to progress, we had some neat experiences from following the guidance of the Spirit. One of which was we passed by a woman sitting on a moto-taxi on the side of the road and I felt the need to talk to her. They had some sketchy (I don't know how else to describe it haha) music playing and it just looked kind of uncomfortable to talk to her so I didn't say anything and we kept walking. I felt it again but stronger this time so we went back to talk to the woman. She definitely looked a little surprised to see us but as we started talking and asking how she was doing she told us she was not too well because her mother in law had just passed away days before. We gave her a pamphlet of the Plan of Salvation and shared more of that with her. She does not live nearby but I hope that she can get in contact with other missionaries. Another neat experience we had was during a Zone activity in another area doing a similar thing we did in mine -- looking for people who are less active in the Gospel. We went to a certain house and out came a less active woman who has been unable to attend Church for awhile due to declining health. She was so happy to see us and told us that about two weeks ago she had a dream of missionaries coming to her door and visiting her. It was a special experience to be able to really help someone out who had been waiting for a visit. Another neat experience was when we went to the home of a contact we made in the street. An older woman answered the door and after we told her that we are missionaries and representatives of Christ, she asked us if we would like to come in and drink some water. She was so kind to us. We were able to visit with her and her husband who is really ill and declining fast. I asked them why she had decided to let us in and she said that it was because of what she felt when she was with us. She sensed that we brought goodness with us. They accepted an invitation to learn more. It will be really hard for them to make it to Church due to her husband's health but we are excited to teach them more. Our wonderful investigator Berenice in the wheelchair is so incredibly powerful. She loved Church last Sunday and is praying to know if the gospel is true. This last week during one of our visits when introducing the Book of Mormon to her, her eyes lit up as we talked more about it. We assigned the introduction to her as homework for the next time. She cannot read while lying down so she asked us right there in that moment to help her sit up. We got her situated and, after asking for the book, began to read the introduction right then and there. I love her! We invited her to be baptized and, after she said yes, we began to talk to her about a specific date and that through her faith and our's she would be at a point physically when she could be baptized. We extended December 3rd (my last weekend here in the mission) and she said, "Oh yes, that will totally be fine!" and was very happy because that is her dad's birthday. She wants him to baptize her. It is going to be so beautiful and we are so happy for her :) Well, we have two awesome Elders here in the Ward with us now. We spent a bit of time showing them around and presenting them to people. One of them got sick during the week and, being new in the area, had nothing to eat in their house so we went to buy them some food. We stopped at the tienda of a man we had contacted before who did not have interest in learning more but recognized who we are. After trying to figure out what we could feed two Elders, without a whole lot of money to feed them, and asking this man for the price of every single thing in the store, I handed him the money that I had which would exactly cover what we needed to buy. He accepted one bill but the other he handed back to me and asked me to please take it. He said that he sees us walking all over, back and forth-back and forth, in front of his store every day and knows that we are here doing something good. He insisted that we take the rest of the money and said that whenever we need anything, ANYTHING, we can come to him. I teared up a little as I thanked him. After that, we crossed a super busy street in which a man stopped to let us cross first even though there were a lot of people behind him. We stopped by the Elders' house and learned that they did not have any drinking water, so we went to another tienda and had just enough money to buy water for them thanks to the man in the other tienda. It was a series of very incredible miracles and acts of kindness by ordinary people who made a huge difference in our lives. I went home very grateful that night for Heavenly Father's love and awareness of us in our little spot of the world. I am sure that there are more incredible things to tell you all but I honestly cannot remember them but I have them written in my journal so don't worry. I love you all and wish you a wonderful first week of November!<br />
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Love Hermana Jones<br />
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PS I am so sorry but my camera has a virus so it is really hard for me to send pictures and I need to get home now. Next week when I have more time I will dedicate a good half hour to do it, I promise.<br />
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We had a great day. President and Sister Stutznegger were kind enough to take us to Plaza de la Ciudadela...it has a bunch of Mexican handcrafts and is a little overwhelming haha. I was able to buy some fun things.</div>
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President and Sister Stutznegger are the best! They found out that I wanted a pumpkin to carve for Halloween and they found one for me :)</div>
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We also had a surprise birthday party this morning for one of our zone leaders, Elder V in the blue and white soccer jersey just above me. It turned out really well and was a lot of fun :)</div>
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-91236320883750122552016-10-24T16:32:00.001-07:002016-10-24T16:32:55.433-07:00Someone who I needed to find during my mission.Hello everybody! Only one week til Halloween. I have looked high and low for a pumpkin to carve but have searched in vain... I guess my companion and I will just celebrate by buying and eating our own candy and pan de muerto in the house. Today begins my last cycle/transfer of the mission ): That is all I will say about that. A few neat experiences this past week. First of all, my comp and I waged WWIII in the apartment today, her in the kitchen and me in the bathroom. We basically live in the Titanic due to old pipes and the leaky shower which means water and mold EVERYWHERE! Yuuuusssss. When we pulled a table away from the wall we found little uncooked frijoles all in a row stuck to the wall. I whipped out the good old broom and a fancy new anti-hongo (anti-fungus) spray I bought today and went ham wild in the baño, spraying and scrubbing and screaming in frustration at times, so much so that pretty soon I had a hard time breathing and had to run out for fresh air. Maybe opening the little window before fumigating the place may have been a wise decision. In any event, it is a little bit cleaner now. The water still leaks out of the bathroom and makes a nice puddle outside the door, but we will take what we can get. Also, we made brownies :)<br />
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Now to teaching. The week before last we met a sweet old lady named M outside of her business/house (the majority of people here have the two connected in the same building and multiple families live in the same house) while she was weeding. We finished the weeding for her and then began talking with her. When she mentioned that her husband passed away a year ago from cancer, we gave her a folleto (pamphlet) of El Plan de Salvación and sacamos una cita (made an appointment) for a few days later. When we went back, she first started out by saying that she didn't want to waste our time because she cannot change her religion. She said she cannot always come to Church and she is still learning to read and feels that she cannot read and speak as eloquently as other people; but she invited us to come in anyway. As we began talking more she told us of how much she loved the pamphlet we had given her. Although she is still learning to read and write and has partial facial paralysis which makes seeing out of her right eye even more difficult, she had read it little by little until she had finished the whole thing. She told us of how a day after we had given her the folleto, she received news that a dear friend had passed away, which was devastating in and of itself. It also brought back emotions to the surface related to her husband's death. She was going through papers on the table, found the pamphlet, and began reading. She was overwhelmed with peace and comfort reading about the Plan that God has for us and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. She prayed and felt that it was true. As I listened to all of this, I was filled with so much love for this sweet woman. I felt what I am sure is only a little tiny bit of the love that our Heavenly Father and the Savior feel for us, but it was enough to bring tears to my eyes and want her more than anything to be happy. As I offered the opening prayer, I had tears streaming down my face as I pleaded that she could be healthy and strong and know that what we teach is true. After that I couldn't talk much and my companion took over for awhile. Maria continued to ask amazing, sincere questions and by the time we had finished she was wanting to go to Church. I said a prayer in my heart that she would accept baptism, and when Hermana Torres invited her to be baptized on the 26th of November she said yes because she wants to do what God commands us to do. It was so incredible. She is so powerful. I really felt that she is someone who I needed to find during my mission. Two elders will be coming back tomorrow and taking over the other half of the area where she lives but I am grateful for the time we spent with her. We have another new investigator named B who is also amazing. She is 34. Several of her family members are members of the Church but she and her 10 year old son are not. A little over a month ago she was on a motorcycle when she crashed and flew I don't know how far into the street and completely split her head open. She has been left with the left side of her body paralyzed, a severely fractured hand, and other injuries. She is looking for God in her life. From what the doctors had said, it is a miracle that she is alive. She has so much desire to do all that she can to come to know Him better. A Ward member is helping us take her to Church on Sundays which is wonderful. We are grateful that we can teach her during these next several weeks. Hermana Torres and I are finishing things off together this next cycle which I am so thrilled about :) We are going to bust a move in our half of the area while we are here.<br />
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We were protected this week. Last night we went to the home of a less active family to have a Family Home Evening and we were planning on just teaching the grandparents of the family. We were unaware that their son-in-law, who is an old investigator of ours, was there. We were in one room talking to the hermana as we started to hear a heated discussion outside. All of the sudden, the old investigator stormed into the room and started shouting and swearing, saying that he doesn't want anything to do with us. Then he stormed out of the room and started fighting, and throwing mirrors and movie discs all over. Then he stormed out of the house with his wife chasing after him. It was really sad because their four year old daughter didn't understand what was going on and began crying. We felt a strong impression to get out of the house, which we did, and a minute after doing so we saw the man storming back to the house. It was a very good thing that we were not there. We felt pretty badly because we don't want anybody to get hurt, while at the same time feeling thankful that we were kept safe. We had another similar experience this week where thankfully we were not in a certain place at a certain time or else who knows what could have happened. The Lord watches over and protects us. Well I need to go but I hope you enjoy your week and I love you all! My camera is being stinky, again, so I apologize for no pictures :/<br />
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Love Hermana JonesBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-5819496307624182912016-10-18T07:58:00.001-07:002016-10-18T07:58:36.253-07:00Lost sheep.<div>
Hey everybody! I am still here and still preaching the good word. I am sorry that I did not write last week; we got to visit Teotihuacan and returned late. I don’t have much time today either and this may be the lamest letter of my mission. Just know that I am happy, well, and still working hard. Life has been very busy. We had an activity on Saturday in our area with missionaries in our zone, along with a few ward members who helped us out. What we did is my companion and I took a few hours to go through all of the baptism records in our area books, organize them by address, and divide them into groups of about 4 or 5 homes. We marked where to find them on maps and gave each companionship 2 lists, along with maps, and sent them on their way with a Ward member to look for these "lost sheep" -- people who have been baptized in the last 2-5 years and then fell off the face of the earth. There is a lot of retention to do here. My comp and I also had the chance a few weeks ago to do a training on contacting and finding which was fun. Last week Hermana Jonapá and I participated in a training for new district leaders and talked about leadership -- we used the example of Captain Moroni to illustrate the type of leader we should be. Not many of our investigators are progressing which is difficult but we are trying to involve more Ward members in our lessons. Yesterday the Primary in our Ward presented its annual program and it was absolutely incredible. Those little kids are darling. Lilian did very well playing "Soy un hijo de Dios" on the violin. I was able to help her get it tuned and warmed up before the meeting (by the way, I will send pics next week I promise). We had fun teaching families this last week and sharing teachings from the Bible. Man I love the Bible and am grateful for the time I have had on my mission to study it more and to learn it. Well, take care this week! Enjoy the Halloween festivities!</div>
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Love Hermana Jones</div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-34946334250902524802016-10-06T07:45:00.000-07:002016-10-06T07:45:00.286-07:00I don't want this time to end.Hello everybody! Sorry for the delay. We went to the Temple today so our p-day was changed (and just a heads up for next week, all of us who go home in December are planning a trip to Teotihuacan next Monday so my writing time may be short but I will do my best). Anyhoooo, what a week. Lots of great stuff going on. I am trying to remember all that has happened but honestly the days just blend together. We are working on cleaning out our list of people we are teaching -- those who are progressing and those who are not. We have been able to find many new people to teach but it is a whole other story getting them on the path and keeping them going. We were able to bring the first counselor of the bishopric to an appointment we had with the Familia S. B. which was cool. They gave us agua azul, which is water with roots in it that dye the water a metallic blue and supposedly helps your kidneys. Some of them are less-active members and others are not Church members. 13 year old B is a champ. He really has a desire to learn. We taught them the Restoration and it was cool to see the countenance of the very closed off dad change throughout the lesson, especially when teaching the First Vision. That is such a powerful event to teach and testify of. I love telling people that los cielos ya no están cerrados, or that the heavens are not sealed/closed and that God reveals His will to a living prophet today.<br />
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We got soaked this last week in the rain, actually the last two to three weeks we have been getting poured on but it makes running between appointments a little more exciting. We have started to try and visit more of the active families, sharing basic Gospel principles with them, and get them motivated to share the Gospel with their friends. It was a lot of fun to get people revved up for General Conference which I absolutely loved. I watched it in Spanish in the Neza stake center. I look forward to reading the talks and being able to delve into what they are really saying. When I start to jot down little notes during the conference it is harder for me to listen to all that is being said, especially when the adorable little 3 year old next me starts handing me her my little pony toys or bouncing them around on my arm haha but it was a wonderful experience. I was shedding tears through the whole Saturday afternoon session which was mainly dedicated to missionary work. I also received distinct answers to prayers during that time. I loved listening to the MTC choir sing "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go" -- it brought back many memories to my mind of all that has happened these past 16 months and all that awaits me in the time I have left. I just don't want to go. I don't want this time to end. I mean, I do but I don't. It is hard to explain, but there is just not anything else quite like the mission. It has been such a special experience for me.<br />
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In between the sessions on Saturday we went with the Familia J and taught them the Restoration. A, the dad, accepted a baptismal date for the 5th of November just like that. He is loving learning more and is very excited to continue on this path. Everything that the Spirit taught to him while we were teaching just made sense to him and he gets it. His daughter needs more time to think about it but we are happy for them :) I am enjoying practicing “Soy Un Hijo de Dios” on the violin with L, the bishop's daughter. Brings back good old memories of giving violin lessons to S. W. and Little Jimbo back home :) Yesterday we caught our little buddy who was baptized last year drinking and he began to cry because he feels bad and really does not want to do this any more. We had him take the remaining cans and dump them in the drain on the side of the street right then and there. It was actually a pretty powerful experience and he said that he felt much better afterwards. It is a process but I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ that brings us hope and a way to be better people. Being in the Temple this morning was wonderful and I am looking forward to the rest of the week. On Monday my comp got her braces off and we were able to see Hermana Stutznegger again :) So good to see her! We have all missed her dearly. I love you guys and hope you have a nice couple days until I write again!<br />
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Hermana Jones<br />
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My zone/district at the temple today (October 5 :) These are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. We went to the 8 am session and then enjoyed eating in the Temple cafeteria afterwards and navigating our way through the hot, stuffy metro on the way home. Last night my comp and I spent the night with the Lucero hermanas because Hermana Jonapá and I did divisions with a few other hermanas in Oriental so our hijas worked together yesterday.<br />
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My little friend M on the 15 de Septiembre.</div>
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These pics are of our recent zone conference. The pushups I was doing (oh gosh I do not even want to see that picture haha) were part of "Chicken Fat" -- it is an exercise routine created for kids back in the 60s. We did that for about 15 minutes as a break during our zone conference. Photo credit to Sister Stutznegger.<br />
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We love President :)</div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-83172155013022511082016-09-27T08:39:00.000-07:002016-09-27T08:39:48.565-07:00Faith includes understanding that God can do all things, and could do all things, but that it is necessary to have opposition in all things as well.<div>
Happy Monday! Today President Stutznegger took us to the orthodontist so my companion could get her braces off but we will be going back again next week and I took advantage of getting my permanent retainer fixed. Some of the glue popped off one of the teeth several months ago. Sorry for not sending pics, the computer is being difficult but I will do so next week. We spoke in Sacrament Meeting yesterday and I was assigned to speak on an article from this month's Liahona by Elder Clarke about practicing Pure Religion. I started out by mentioning how I play violin and that the violin is an interesting instrument because if it is left in the case for a long time without being played, it loses its resonance and tone and beautiful sound. I related that to us being instruments in God's hands to practice pure religion, taking care of the widows, orphans, poor and needy, and "the sheep of the fold" as mentioned in James 1:27. If we do not serve, we lose our pure tone and resonance and cannot be useful instruments in the Lord's hands. When talking about taking care of orphans, I shared that Grandpa W and Aunt P were adopted and thanks to the examples and values and principles that Great Grandma and Grandpa W taught them, Grandpa was prepared to search for and accept the restored Gospel and how that has affected future generations, me included. I also invited the Church members to take care of the children and teens in the ward whose parents are less active in the Gospel because it affects future generations. It was fun to speak -- love doing it -- and later that day the bishop's wife and 10 year old daughter asked me to help her prepare to play a primary song on the violin in the primary program in October. That will be fun to help :) </div>
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Now that we are here at the end of September, October begins my favorite time of the year with all the festivities and weather and such. It will be wonderful to start things off with General Conference this coming weekend! I have to admit that Saturday night my comp and I completely forgot about the Women's Session and did not end up seeing it :/ The good news is that during that time we found a new family of five to teach and they are AWESOME! So I guess it was worth it :) Thanks to my CCM teacher, Grandma W, and Mom for all telling me a little bit about President Uchtdorf's talk about faith. That is something I needed to hear this week (the baptism we were supposed to have on Saturday fell due to the woman's personal decision concerning a few things and it was quite frustrating). It is important to understand that faith includes understanding that God can do all things and could do all things but that it is necessary to have opposition in all things as well. Faith can move mountains if it is expedient in God's will to do so. In any case, I look forward to reading the talks from that session in the November Liahona. </div>
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This last week was very exciting because we found FAMILIES! That does not happen for us very often -- as in a complete family of papà, mamà, and hijos who all want to listen. We are very excited to teach the B, T, R, and J families :) We found La Familia B through the registro of a convert of about 2 years ago who no longer attends Church. There are probably about 10 integrantes in this family and little B went to church with us yesterday so this will be a lot of fun. We found a member of La Familia T in the street. The three of us were waiting to cross the same street and I complimented her on her sweet little bicycle ("shocks, pegs....lucky!") and we began to talk with her. Turns out that the Elders in that area gave her and her husband a Libro de Mormòn about 4 months ago and have started reading. It is an older couple with kids all grown up, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They are very kind and genuinely interested. La Familia R is a reaffirming testimony to me of what Elder Holland has said before that we need to do all that is possible in our power as missionaries until the last minute of the work day. After a long day of contacting with little success, we were about five houses away from our house when we stopped to talk to a man and his two daughters who were just arriving home as well. He was super excited to talk to us and enthusiastically invited us to come back. We went to visit him, his wife, and three daughters on Saturday. Turns out that the mom, E, listened to two sister missionaries about 12 years ago as a jovencita and has read the whole Book of Mormon and everything. When the hermanas left, she lost contact and did not continue learning. We enjoyed a good visit getting to know them. La Familia J came from a member presenting us to a jovencita who has been to Church twice now with her step-sister and step-grandma who are members. They invited us over after Church yesterday and we showed up unexpectedly at their house, catching the parents off guard. Oooops. I saw the look on the dad's face (the dad of the jovencita) and could immediately tell that he was not pleased to see us there. We nervously and kind of uncomfortably sat down and began to try to get to know everyone. It consists of a family, some of which are Church members but less active presently. Two are deaf and mute, and the dad and daughter from eastern Mexicao and are not Church members. I offered a silent prayer in my heart to have the Spirit with us as we taught -- there seemed to be a lot of tension in the room -- and we began to navigate the situation. One of the daughters was signing in sign language to the mom who is deaf and mute throughout the whole visit. I was able to show them that I know the alphabet in sign language and that helped ease things a bit. Slowly but surely, as we began to talk about our purpose as missionaries and share our feelings about the Savior, I could feel the Spirit testify to them that what we were saying is true. By the end of the lesson, the dad asked us to do them the favor of not eating beforehand when we visit them on Saturday and come ready to eat with them :) It was a very neat experience.</div>
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I am loving being here. Every day is an opportunity to be better and work harder. I love each of you and wish you a wonderful week :)</div>
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Love Hermana Jones</div>
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We enjoyed some ice-cream with our wonderful President Stutznegger today while on our orthodontist outing. I cannot imagine a better mission president! (Photo credit to President Stutznegger)</div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-59040358843156762012016-09-20T09:02:00.001-07:002016-10-18T07:58:50.077-07:00Patita de PolloGreetings folks! Hope all is well and just peachy over there. This past week was lots of fun as always. I had the pleasure of trying yet another exquisite dish from here in Mexico: chicken foot! Thankfully it did not have large talons :) We went home for the afternoon to stay the night holed up in the apartment due to the Dia de Independencia festivities and the Familia R invited us to join with them and their relatives for dinner (this was after one of our investigators had bagged up 8 slices of pizza, two members had brought us pambazos, and H gave us a container of Oaxaca style beef with salsa -- there is no escape from food but I am so thankful for the generosity and kindness shown to us here). We enjoyed eating pozole with tostadas de tinga con crema and, at my request, una patita de pollo. I had not yet tried chicken foot and figured that this was as good a time as any to go for't! It was actually not to bad. Tasted like chicken. It is basically skin and tendons with a teeny little bit of meat. I was instructed to just put the toes in my mouth and then spit the bones out afterwards. Anywho, we enjoyed hearing people do fireworks and sing karaoke from our little apartment and just enjoyed a day and a half of rest. During that time I was able to read back through all of the letters and cards that you wonderful people have sent to me throughout my time here and I just want to say thank you for that. I am surrounded by incredible people and I appreciate the time that many of you have taken to write to me.<br />
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This last week we enjoyed a special lesson with one of our investigators who has been through a lot of tough stuff. When we arrived we ditched the original lesson plan and instead read 1 Nefi 7 with her. In this chapter Nefi is tied up by his brothers and left for dead in the desert. He prays for strength from the Lord to loosen the bands, works to get them off, is set free and tries to talk with his brothers only to have them get even more angry with him. They are finally humbled by other family members and ask Nefi for forgiveness and then Nefi does something incredible. He writes, "And I did frankly forgive them" or en español "Y yo les perdoné sinceramente" and then invites them to pray to God for forgiveness. This was not the first or last time that this would happen to Nefi -- his brothers tried to kill him on a number of occasions but he forgave them every time and always relied on the Lord and exercised faith in Him. After reading this story, this woman shared with us that this story relates to her life perfectly due to things that have happened in her past in relation with her family. We shared with her that although we cannot change other people, we can always change our attitude or ourselves and not let the negative choices of others create anger or hatred inside of us. Nefi is an example of faith and forgiveness and Christlike love. My companion and I had the opportunity to teach the Principios del Evangelio class yesterday about el servicio, or service. As we were discussing, I realized that one act of service that we can perform, while maybe not the most traditional, is to forgive others. Any time we give service we grow to love those that we serve as well as our Savior. Any time that we forgive someone we allow the love of the Savior to work in our lives. I am grateful for Him and His perfect example and atoning sacrifice for us. I am grateful for all of you and I wish you a happy week :)<br />
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Love Hermana Jones<br />
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My mission family tree! From left to right: Hermana Llaguarima from Ecuador who trained me (mi mamá) and just finished her mission last week, your favorite guerrita Hermana Jones, my second "hija" Hermana Torres from Mexico, my first "hija" Hermana Carrasco from Ecuador, and the missionary who Hermana Carrasco just finished training, Hermana Becerra, from Mexico (that would make her my "nieta" or granddaughter").<br />
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Chicken foot! My companion and Hermana R laughing at me in the background, how kind. It almost looked like it was making a "peace out" sign.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Homemade gelatina with three different flavors -- strawberry (fresa), coconut (coco), and green grape (uva). ¡Feliz Día de Independencia!</span></div>
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Everybody enjoyed dolling me up a little bit. I really do love these people.</div>
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It was so much fun to spend time with Familia R laughing and eating and talking. Thank you!</div>
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With Hermana R, one of my most absolute favorite people in the whole world, and her little nephew.</div>
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Children of people we are teaching.</div>
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Hermana R and her daughter R. They are the ones who gave us the shirts we are wearing.</div>
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I enjoyed doing some interior decorating during our time in the house. </div>
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My companion and I started a new family home evening lesson that we use with families who have kids. It is the armor of God and we read from Doctrina y Convenios 27 while explaining the different pieces. It has been fun to give him different names every time we teach. Adventure Time or "Hora de Aventura" is a popular show here so one time one of the little boys we taught called him Finn el Humano. I made it in about 20 minutes so the first time I attempted to make the "helmet of salvation" it didn't quite fit :)<br />
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Our last district/zone meeting before changes. Love these crazy kids :)</div>
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I said goodbye to Hermana Llaguarima and Hermana Martinez last week before flying home. It was fun seeing ward members from Fovissste who came to see Hermana Llaguarima as well as other old pals from other areas.<br />
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Elder Alverio and Elder Miller. Here we are 15 months later after leaving the CCM together!</div>
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Hermana Llaguarima and Hermana Martinez.</div>
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Hermana Nebeker and Elder Orchard.</div>
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-860501394865328425.post-57695054590623251982016-09-20T09:02:00.000-07:002016-09-20T09:57:50.980-07:00Patita de PolloGreetings folks! Hope all is well and just peachy over there. This past week was lots of fun as always. I had the pleasure of trying yet another exquisite dish from here in Mexico: chicken foot! Thankfully it did not have large talons :) We went home for the afternoon to stay the night holed up in the apartment due to the Dia de Independencia festivities and the Familia R invited us to join with them and their relatives for dinner (this was after one of our investigators had bagged up 8 slices of pizza, two members had brought us pambazos, and H gave us a container of Oaxaca style beef with salsa -- there is no escape from food but I am so thankful for the generosity and kindness shown to us here). We enjoyed eating pozole with tostadas de tinga con crema and, at my request, una patita de pollo. I had not yet tried chicken foot and figured that this was as good a time as any to go for't! It was actually not to bad. Tasted like chicken. It is basically skin and tendons with a teeny little bit of meat. I was instructed to just put the toes in my mouth and then spit the bones out afterwards. Anywho, we enjoyed hearing people do fireworks and sing karaoke from our little apartment and just enjoyed a day and a half of rest. During that time I was able to read back through all of the letters and cards that you wonderful people have sent to me throughout my time here and I just want to say thank you for that. I am surrounded by incredible people and I appreciate the time that many of you have taken to write to me.<br />
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This last week we enjoyed a special lesson with one of our investigators who has been through a lot of tough stuff. When we arrived we ditched the original lesson plan and instead read 1 Nefi 7 with her. In this chapter Nefi is tied up by his brothers and left for dead in the desert. He prays for strength from the Lord to loosen the bands, works to get them off, is set free and tries to talk with his brothers only to have them get even more angry with him. They are finally humbled by other family members and ask Nefi for forgiveness and then Nefi does something incredible. He writes, "And I did frankly forgive them" or en español "Y yo les perdoné sinceramente" and then invites them to pray to God for forgiveness. This was not the first or last time that this would happen to Nefi -- his brothers tried to kill him on a number of occasions but he forgave them every time and always relied on the Lord and exercised faith in Him. After reading this story, this woman shared with us that this story relates to her life perfectly due to things that have happened in her past in relation with her family. We shared with her that although we cannot change other people, we can always change our attitude or ourselves and not let the negative choices of others create anger or hatred inside of us. Nefi is an example of faith and forgiveness and Christlike love. My companion and I had the opportunity to teach the Principios del Evangelio class yesterday about el servicio, or service. As we were discussing, I realized that one act of service that we can perform, while maybe not the most traditional, is to forgive others. Any time we give service we grow to love those that we serve as well as our Savior. Any time that we forgive someone we allow the love of the Savior to work in our lives. I am grateful for Him and His perfect example and atoning sacrifice for us. I am grateful for all of you and I wish you a happy week :)<br />
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Love Hermana Jones<br />
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My mission family tree! From left to right: Hermana Llaguarima from Ecuador who trained me (mi mamá) and just finished her mission last week, your favorite guerrita Hermana Jones, my second "hija" Hermana Torres from Mexico, my first "hija" Hermana Carrasco from Ecuador, and the missionary who Hermana Carrasco just finished training, Hermana Becerra, from Mexico (that would make her my "nieta" or granddaughter").<br />
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Chicken foot! My companion and Hermana R laughing at me in the background, how kind. It almost looked like it was making a "peace out" sign.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Homemade gelatina with three different flavors -- strawberry (fresa), coconut (coco), and green grape (uva). ¡Feliz Día de Independencia!</span></div>
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Everybody enjoyed dolling me up a little bit. I really do love these people.</div>
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It was so much fun to spend time with Familia R laughing and eating and talking. Thank you!</div>
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With Hermana R, one of my most absolute favorite people in the whole world, and her little nephew.</div>
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Children of people we are teaching.</div>
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Hermana R and her daughter R. They are the ones who gave us the shirts we are wearing.</div>
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I enjoyed doing some interior decorating during our time in the house. </div>
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My companion and I started a new family home evening lesson that we use with families who have kids. It is the armor of God and we read from Doctrina y Convenios 27 while explaining the different pieces. It has been fun to give him different names every time we teach. Adventure Time or "Hora de Aventura" is a popular show here so one time one of the little boys we taught called him Finn el Humano. I made it in about 20 minutes so the first time I attempted to make the "helmet of salvation" it didn't quite fit :)<br />
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Our last district/zone meeting before changes. Love these crazy kids :)</div>
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I said goodbye to Hermana Llaguarima and Hermana Martinez last week before flying home. It was fun seeing ward members from Fovissste who came to see Hermana Llaguarima as well as other old pals from other areas.<br />
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Elder Alverio and Elder Miller. Here we are 15 months later after leaving the CCM together!</div>
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Hermana Llaguarima and Hermana Martinez.</div>
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Hermana Nebeker and Elder Orchard.</div>
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06375992254404855629noreply@blogger.com0