Last Week - in Pictures

 Sister G.'s orange

The W family!

 Peaches that a sweet sister let us take from her tree!

Sis. L and Me!!

We are putting forth effort!

I hope you are well and that you may know we are putting forth effort here.

This week was a good week, it felt a bit slow but we were able to come to meet few new people. 

 

We fasted this week for a few individuals we are teaching and we can feel the hand of the Lord. We also decided to do a prayer of faith. Sister L. described a family and we were very specific in the prayer. As we went to the home of some members a question came to our mind to ask them if they knew the family we prayed for. A family came to their mind. The family was a bit reluctant of just going over and were planning a game plan that would take a few months to come to see the fruits, but we reminded them that as we go forth and trust the Lord that he provides. We said a prayer with the family and we will be meeting with them this week.

We have been able to obtain more potential investigators through the ward maps. 

The Senior couples are wonderful because they have shared them with us. Our investigators are making progress! And if they are not interested we are moving forward to search. Following up on the invitations we have left with the families we have visited during dinners or just stop bys are helping us gain trust and names.

God lives! He knows us and will be with us at all times. 

Daily Message:

"I want you to know that in my life when I have had disappointments and delays, I have lived to see that if I continue to knock with unshakable faith and persist in my patience—waiting upon the Lord and his calendar—I have discovered that the Lord’s “no’s” are merely preludes to an even greater “yes.”"

—Patricia T. Holland, "Filling the Measure of Your Creation"
Topics: Eternal perspective, Revelation

Hermana Mena

I love my Savior

I love my Savior Jesus Christ, through Him I can do all things.

This was a great week. I love having the opportunity to serve and learn from my companion Sister L. She has helped me realize that no invitation will decrease our ability and purpose. She is a great missionary.

This week we had two wonderful experiences. We had the opportunity of having dinner with this family. Sister D was calling her son down to join in. She explained to us a little bit of his disability, but afterwards also came to share how she knows the Lord sent him that way to earth to help her family remain strong. She also explained how as he went to the temple that it was as though he had been there before. The spirit filled the home as we shared the First vision. 

As those who are seeking they will find, they will be filled of truth.

On our way to find a family we saw a family outside. We had to stop and go. As we walked in the house we were filled with an immense love for the family. It was evident that this Brother and Sister adopted each of the children. They each radiated a light. We testified of the great worth they have of the strength the atonement gives us. 

We invited two people to follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized. They will both be praying.

The Lord is preparing the hearts of the people here.

​Daily Message:

​

"Moroni confirmed: “What is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ” (Moro. 7:40–41; see also Alma 27:28). Real hope, therefore, is not associated with things mercurial, but rather with things immortal and eternal!"

—Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "Hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ"
Topics: Hope

--

Hermana Mena

The Love of a Mother

This week was incredible I was able to see Brother Johnson at Family Services and he was so helpful. I felt so enlightened and felt positivity shooting out of my pores hahaha

This past transfer has helped me live: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Amidst the trials those we are teaching are facing as they put their faith in the Lord they receive greater peace. During this time serving here in Saratoga we have gone from not knowing any of the members to being in their homes, serving and learning so much from them.

We had the 4th of July Parade. I about cried twice because I was touched to see the people. The child's on the sides of the rode with their hands up waiting for hi 5s from the missionaries. I saw three families I know from previous areas. I also saw Tara from back home :) 

I can't believe it has been a year from the last. I can't believe it. 

Today we had an opportunity to speak to a sister that drove us to the meeting as we asked her how she has seen the Lord's hand in her life she did not answer, so the question was repeated. And she said she was trying to see, because she has a hard time with one of her children he is not making the best decisions at the moment and it is very frustrating for her and she felt as though she has not done enough. 

We testified that Christ's love and how the love of the mother comes to be the only thing to be compared with what charity is. Her son in the back of the car after we asked how his mom has helped him began to point out the positive attributes his mom has. She was touched. Today I will began to see and voice the ways my beautiful mom has helped me. Without her I would not be here. 

An invitation for everyone today is to write down one thing you are grateful for that you mother has taught you and/or helped you with, ponder it and voice it. 

I know families are ordained of God. My family is the perfect family for me. Imperfect? Yes. But not just imperfect, thy are perfectly imperfect. My beautiful family. I love my dad, his hard work and selflessness and ability to see the potential we have, my mom for her determination and willpower and love. My older sister for her humility, thoughtfulness and example. My brother for his unfailing love, patience and understanding and my younger sister for her long suffering, sweetness and tenderness.

Families are the most important unit on earth. The gospel helps us. I know that Christ helps us get through and will forever till the end of times.

You matter. You are needed. The Lord will never leave your side. 

Why we need a Savior — A Christmas message about our Savior Jesus Christ. #ASaviorIsBorn. (2:15)

Yes, the video is a Christmas video, but the message still carries through everyday. 

D&C 123:17

Daily Message

Hard as things seem today, they will be better in the next day if you choose to serve the Lord this day with your whole heart."

—Henry B. Eyring, "This Day"

The Key to Life is to Serve

This week was so great.

A couple from Salt Lake came to the Ward. They came to speak on the addiction recovery program and it was so incredible. They came to speak on the need of us making changes in our lives and taking the initiative. We are the way we are because of the different circumstances we have been placed in. That changed my life. I know what I have to do in life is serve. I have to come back to Utah and receive as much capacitación (training) as I can for food storage, family history, the amazing programs and then I don't know where - but go and share and help others. That is the key to life is to serve and we will have joy. I am not dreading going back home, I am looking forward to it. I need a job. I need to start figuring stuff out with school.

We have to speak openly of things and to help one another and to receive the help we need to progress in our lives. As it says in Alma now is the time for man to prepare to meet man.

I am working on the attribute of diligence, this week. Something that was pointed out by Elder Baines was that diligence is demonstrated by consecration. So I will be reading the talk on a consecrated missionary. 

We have a sealing this week I am going to! :) 

Many of the families who we are working with are going through difficult things and it is heartbreaking. But the gospel truly is the answer. It is. There is hope and better things out there. I know God is there He hears us. and knows us.  Christ suffered that we may not shrink but rely on His atonement.

Daily Message:

"Isn’t it wonderful to know that we don’t have to be perfect to experience the blessings and gifts of our Heavenly Father? We don’t have to wait to cross the finish line to receive God’s blessings. In fact, the heavens begin to part and the blessings of heaven begin to distill upon us with the very first steps we take toward the light."

—Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Hope of God's Light"

Hermana Mena

Go speak to him!

Psalms 8:3-6

3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

I ask myself that all the time. "What are we Heavenly Father that thou art so good towards us so watchful, and caring?"

I have time and time again come to see my many imperfections. We all have them. And being a missionary I feel it is magnified because we are here to represent the Lord, who is perfect and is all that is good and is light. Part of the plan was that we could all come to learn and progress and have our trial and error. The Lord knows us each one of us. We are his children on the earth. And although I do not know all things, I may not be well studied or rich, I make mistakes. I do fall.
The Lord will always provide. No matter how far we think we may be from Him or distance ourselves He is always there.

The Lord has called me to declare what I know. We are all sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us. He LOVES each and every single one of us.

Today as we were heading to Walmart (part of our pday) we were driving past this car and I felt it. You have to go. Go speak to him. (We just this past Saturday were in the chapel and had one of the Lord's living apostles speak to us of our calling as missionaries; he came to speak of acting on the first prompting we receive) "Ahh how will we if he is on the phone and in the car?" At this point I am vocalizing it and my companion is turning around.  I started to write on a pass along card what first came to mind God knows, He will provide. He loves you.

We pulled up behind the car and I stepped and motioned at his window at the pass along card. He was on the phone. He opened the window, and I briefly made mention that we felt impressed to share that with him. He looked at the card and set the phone to the side as he read it. "Thank you, I feel grateful for this right now."

As we testified of His worth to Heavenly Father his eyes teared up. We were able to speak to him for a few minutes and he is interested in learning more.

The Lord loves us. We are of infinite worth to Him.

5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

We had the opportunity to listen to Elder Rasband this past Saturday. ..the immensity of the spirit that was felt was indescribable. As the closing prayer was offered I was sobbing. I was filled with gratitude. I wrote him a note and as he walked by I wrote the same he said to us. 

We love you!

We thank you!

We sustain you.

This experience has changed my life.  I know that the Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, is chosen and called by God.  Christ directs His church through Him. 

May we ever remember God Loves us and He is mindful of all that we do. 

God be with you.

Studying the Savior's Life

This week has been great. I am learning so much. I am learning how to better teach people, souls, sons and daughters of God. not lessons. I am learning how to plan effectively, how to organize an area, how to better work with leaders. How to be positive and be a better disciple of the Lord. Sister O. is a wonderful companion, as have been my other companions. I am trying to soak up everything.
As I was studying this morning I was reading from the manual in LDS gospel library called "Teaching in the Savior's Way". It goes along with our Mission Vision Statement and it changed my studies!  But as I read in Alma 20 the Lord seemed so much closer to me as He spoke to Ammon.

I understand I must strive to become more like him and by so doing, I will have more love and a sincere desire to help others come to Him. Studying the Savior's life and of His atonement is essential to better understand our roles. I cannot believe I've come to understand this until now. I will try to implement this in my daily studies from now on.

Press Forward

Letter from Feb. 26

El miercoles tuvimos cambios y ahora estoy en mi nueva area con mi companera hna F. Ella es increible. Vivimos con una hermana tan linda.

I am so grateful and blessed to have this wonderful opportunity to serve in Satoga Springs. I knew my time had come to leave AF.

Elders are now over our area and in addition to whitewashing an area... (which covers an area of 15 stakes they also combined AF (American Fork) and PG (Pleasant Grove) which has 8 stakes. But they call with questions about the area and all so it's not like the worst situation for them. 

Also... So for transfers Wednesday morning 

This area is amazing. I love it. You will not believe how amazing Brother M is, he is the ward mission leader of the ward. He knows everything about those whom the elders were visiting. The ward is so missionary focused and I was just overwhelmed by it all (in a good way) I am seeing what type of person/member/sister/and wife I want to become.

Sister F. is amazing! 

She is teaching me a lot about how Heavenly Father has mercy with each and every single one of us, just from her conduct and patience with me. 

I have already fallen in love with this area, the people and everything.

I know that the Lord always provides, He answers our prayers as long as we are willing to follow His voice.

This is the last week at the temple open house! 

"We are not and never need be alone. We can press forward in our daily lives with heavenly help."

—David A. Bednar, "Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease"

One of my favorite!

The Provo City Center Temple has become one of my favorite temples!

Accomplishments:
This week I am up to date with my little budget book. 

One of my downfalls in my life has been my spending habits but rest assured the Lord is helping me be organized with it.

This week was an incredible one. We worked at the temple open house for the last week and it was bitter sweet.

I am currently serving with Hermana F___ and she is so amazing. I love her very much. She is so humble and loving.

We are currently serving in Saratoga Springs and whitewashing part of Eagle Mountain.

This week.
-I am grateful for Doritos.
-For the sacrifices parents and children make to maintain their eternal families. 

Sis. Mena  

Rotten Waffle

"Realizing" defined is to become fully aware of (something) as a fact; understand clearly;  and its cognate in spanish is realizando (which defined is one of the definitions of realize) to cause something to happen or to give actual or physical form to.

That is the revelation I received this week!

As we realize what we need to do or work on we must make plans to realize our vision.

Alma 5:13 

 13 And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until the end; therefore they were saved.

This week has been the greatest thus far. We had the opportunity to go the the Hillcrest Stake Conference.  "What have I learned? What am I going to do as a result?"

We found this rotten waffle. It was in the waffle maker since December in the home. We could not bear the smell so we started cleaning everything to come to find out this little waffle. This reminds me of the stake conference general theme. Repentance, change and the importance of doing so to come unto Christ. May we make those changes that allow us to change and progress, that we may be clean and changed when we come unto the throne of the Lord.

May we act now. 

"Are we foolish to procrastinate our day of repentance?" Let us be wise and work now and do now.

"All things testify of Christ"

As we turn to Him in morning and the evening

Recognize our birthright, recognize Jesus Christ

We have seen so many miracles. 

Godliness is manifest through the ordinances performed by the Priesthood authority.

Let us use the atonement of Christ to become clean, pefected. and not rot as the waffle did!

Daily Message:

"The twin guardrails of deep personal conversion and strong family relations help keep us on the heavenly highway."

—Anthony D. Perkins, "Beware Concerning Yourselves

 

 

Hermana Mena

Provo City Center Temple!

These past few weeks have been great. There has been a good amount of snow lately. 

We are part of the Provo City Center temple Open House! :)

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/provo-city-center-temple-public-tours?cid=HP_TH_1-14-2016_dPAD_fMNWS_xLIDyL2-2_

Today as we spoke to the people there at the open house I began to cry because I realized how truly blessed I am to serve here and for how well my Heavenly Father knows me. The temple is the House of the Lord here in earth. I do not know if I have previously mentioned it but I had a dream months before I got my mission call that I was going with my friend Tamina through this large hall and then we came out to see a big temple and we saw a temple cultural celebration and dedication. I have been truly blessed to be able to be a part of yet another temple dedication and feel an inexpressible gratitude to God for all that He does for each one of us. For how mindful he is of us. 

We have been able to see many miracles as a result of the open house from being able to take through those we teach. They feel something inside the temple. They are able to recognize the Holy Ghost. 

How are you all, how are things? 

I love you all. Thank you for being who you are.

I love my companion, she is amazing. We have learned these past few months the importance of unity and speaking openly with one another and our relationship is wonderful.

We all have faults, every single one of us here in earth. But you know what, we can overcome them. Through the atonement of Christ. 

 

We have been able to reach our goals this week! It was miraculous to meet some people and we have been able to feel the love for the Lord as we invite others to learn more about the message of the restored gospel of God's unending love. As we extend them the invitation to them to follow the example of the Savior and be baptized they feel an urge no need to act. 

I invite you all to pray to come to find opportunities to share the message of the restoration with your friends, family and acquaintances. Pray for the Lord's help. He will help you. 

If you are reading this and are not a member or are struggling with your testimony I invite you to pray to your Father in Heaven to come to know for yourselves if in reality He is there, if He loves you, if He has restored the gospel here on earth once more. 

Moroni 10:4-5

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

May the Lord bless you that you may come to you know for yourselves, feel of His love, and act upon that answer is my prayer. It will change your life. I know. It has changed mine.

Humility

Bueno!

So this week has been a great one. 

First off, dreams are important. So this week I had a few interesting dreams 

One of them was quite interesting.

We went to someone's house and there was a pink backpack that Sister B. had left in their house. We were able to see it like in a vision as the Brother told us what had become of the backpack, a little girl or family had been able to come to use it. They were grateful. As we imagined all he said, there was a space of time between me thinking about what he had shared with us until he gave me a little knit Bag, it was beautiful. It was turquoise and had little black near the top and towards the center it had a beautiful intricate pattern with yellow and a orange yellow. I opened it up and it had a few first aid items inside. The dream goes on but that was the most interesting part of the dream. 

I tried to understand it all and just came to the conclusion that I may need to have my emergency backpack ready. 

Anywho. How are you all? How is the weather in NC? Or wherever you all are at. 

This week after some training we received at ZTM Zone Training Meeting...

We have a few companionship so in a zone. I think we have like 9 or so, excluding our Sister Training Leaders.

I came to complete the attribute activity. It was surprising to see that the whole training was on Christlike Attributes and The Law of the Fast. One of the Attributes that I will be working on this week is Humility. I prayed to know which of the many I need to work on and focus on and humility is the answer I received. I have been able to see how the Lord is in charge of it all. Without him we are nothing.

Humility in True to the Faith is amazing. I also have come to learn the importance of self reliance and for that I need a watch and a few clocks. 

That is all for this week, my thoughts are all over the place. 

Daily Message:

This isn't the daily message for today but I feel this one went along pretty well with this week..

The good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that the desires of our hearts can be transformed."

—Michael T. Ringwood, "Truly Good and Without Guile"

This is the Daily message: :)

"Christ was…our best example. He always demonstrated courage to stand up for what was right."

—Gregory A. Schwitzer

Hermana Mena