California to Kennewick.

California to Kennewick.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Uplifting scriptures and quotes about Missionary work.

http://laytreasuresinheaven.com/scriptures-on-the-power-of-your-calling/
  1. …you are called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands to preach the Gospel… (Articles of Faith 1:5)
  2. You are “commissioned of Jesus Christ” (D&C 20:73).
  3. Christ is “the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world…” (D&C 93:2)
  4. The Priesthood is like a spiritual power of attorney given by God to mortals. With this power a man can teach with authority, heal the sick, perform miracles, administer the saving ordinances, and regulate the affairs of the Church, just as the Savior would do if he were present. In a sense, the priesthood is the power to think God’ thoughts, to speak his words, and to be his hands.” –Elder Tad R. Callister
  5. So literal is the power to think his thoughts that the Savior said, “Speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before me” (D&C 100:5).
  6. So literal is the power to speak his words that the Lord said, “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, …whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38).
  7. The Savior prophesied that his disciples would bear testimony before governors and kings, and then informed them that, “It is not ye that speak, but the spirit of your Father which speaketh in you” (Matt 10:12).
  8. And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did preach unto the Lamanites with such great power and authority, for they had power and authority given unto them that they might speak, and they also had what they should speak given unto them.” (Hel. 5:18)
  9. So literal is the power of God’s hands that when Edward Partridge was called to be a missionary, the Lord said regarding his setting apart, “And I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon.” (D&C 36:2)
  10. On one occasion, Nephi spoke with such commanding force that the disbelievers “were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words.” (3 Ne. 33:1)
  11. Men who held the priesthood taught the gospel truths with a persuasive and piercing power that “carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.” (2 Ne. 33:11)
  12. “And we ask thee, Holy Father, that they servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them; And from this place they may bear exceedingly great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the earth, that they may know that this is thy work, and that thou hast put forth thy hand, to fulfill that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of the prophets, concerning the last days.” (D&C 109:22-23)

    Promises God offers those who share the Gospel

  13. None shall stay you (D&C 1:5)
  14. You shall receive strength such as is not known among men (D&C 24:12)
  15. He Himself will go with you and be in your midst. Nothing shall prevail against you (D&C 32:3)
  16. Power shall rest upon you. He will be with you and go before your face (D&C 39:12)
  17. Your enemies will not have power over you (D&C 44:5)
  18. The Lord will stand by you (D&C 68:6)
  19. No weapon formed against you shall prosper (D&C 71:9)
  20. He will uphold you (D&C 93:51)
  21. The gates of hell shall not prevail against you (D&C 17:8)
  22. You shall have power to declare His word (D&C 99:2)
  23. Your tongue shall be loosed, and you will have the power of God unto the convincing of men (D&C 11:21)
  24. Your mouth shall be filled and you shall become even as Nephi of old (D&C 33:8)
  25. You will not be confounded. It shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man (D&C 84:85, 100:5)
  26. Your words shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, and shall be the voice of the Lord and the power of God unto salvation (D&C 68:4)
  27. Your arm will be God’s arm. He will be your shield and buckler; He will gird up your loins and put your enemies under your feet (D&C 35:14)
  28. You shall stand blameless before God (D&C 4:2)
  29. You shall be lifted up at the last day (D&C 17:8)
  30. You will be given a testimony of the words of the prophets (D&C 21:9)
  31. You shall have revelations (D&C 28:8)
  32. You shall be forgiven (D&C 31:5, 36:1, 60:7, 62:3, 84:61)
  33. You shall have great faith (D&C 39:12)
  34. You will be able to keep God’s laws (D&C 44:5)

    Blessings that pertain to happiness, health, and prosperity

  35. You shall have blessings greater than the treasure of earth (D&C 19:37-38)
  36. He will take care of your flocks (D&C 88:72)
  37. Your back shall be laden with sheaves (D&C 31:5, 33:9)
  38. You shall not be weary in mind, body, limb, or joint, and you shall not go hungry or thirsty. A hair from your head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed (D&C 84:80, 116)
  39. Your joy shall be great (D&C 18:14-15)

    Promises to Fill Us and Our Work with the Holy Ghost

  40. He will send upon you the Comforter, which shall teach you the truth and the way whither you shall go (D&C 79:2)
  41. The Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record of all things, whatsoever ye shall say (D&C 100:8)
  42. He will go before your face. He will be on your right hand and on your left; His Spirit shall be in your hearts, and His angels round about you, to bear you up (D&C 84:88)
  43. He will bear you up as on eagles’ wings; and you shall beget glory and honor to yourself and unto the Lord’s name (D&C 124:18)
  44. He will make you holy (D&C 60:7)
  45. If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things – that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal (D&C 42:61)





Saturday, March 15, 2014

A beautiful story about sharing the Gospel!


I love this! <3
The following event took place in a Salt Lake City ward in 1974 It occurred during Sacrament Meeting, and was told by a Regional Representative of the Twelve, who was in the meeting.
A young man, just before leaving on his mission stood in Sacrament Meeting and bore the following testimony:
Brothers and Sisters, as you know during the past few weeks I have been awaiting my Mission call. During the time I was waiting, I had a dream. I knew it was not an ordinary dream. I dreamed I was in the pre-existence and was waiting my call to come to Earth.
I was filled with the same excitement and anticipation that I had before I received my Mission call. In my dream, I was talking to a friend, he was a dear friend, and I felt a special closeness to him, even though I’ve never met him in this life…
As we talked, a messenger came and gave me a letter, I knew it was my call to go to Earth, in great excitement my friend and I opened the letter. I gave it to him and asked him to read aloud. The letter said;
“You have been called to Earth in a special time and a special land. You will be born into the true church and you will have the priesthood of God in your home. You will be raised with many advantages and many blessings. You will be born in a land of plenty - A land of freedom. You will go to Earth in the United States of America.”
My friend and I rejoiced as we read my call and while we rejoiced, the messenger returned. This time he had a letter for my friend. We knew it was his call to Earth. My friend gave me the letter to read a loud. His letter said;
“You have been called to Earth in circumstances of poverty and strife. You will not be raised in the true church. Many hardships will attend your life. Your land will be raught with political and social difficulties which will hinder the work of the Lord. You will be born in Costa Rica.”
We wept, my friend and I, as we read his call. And my friend looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, “When we are down on Earth, you in your choice land and me in Costa Rica, my friend, please come and find me.”
Then this young missionary, with tears in his own eyes said, “Brothers and Sisters, I have received my Mission call , I am going to Costa Rica.”
There is a sequel to this story. About a year after the Sacrament Meeting, the Bishop of this Ward received a letter from the missionary in Costa Rica. The letter had one sheet of paper in it. And on that sheet, written in inch-high letters where four words…
“I FOUND MY FRIEND”
This is such a beautiful story and such a reminder to me of the importance of sharing the Gospel <3


You know you're a mormon when...

From my Tumblr:
http://sistergresham.tumblr.com

so this isnt exclusive, I’m not saying if you don’t say these things or whatever, your not mormon, I’m just saying if you say/like/know most of these things, you probably are a mormon lol
You’ve seen this:
You’ve heard a guy say:
"You wanna hold the priesthood?" (then offers to hug you)
You say things like (or hear people say)
"Is there caffeine in this?"
"No thanks, I dont drink"
"Sorry, I can’t, its Sunday"
"Please bless this food to strengthen and nourish our bodies…"
"So this one time at institute…."
"Modest is hottest"
Are you going to the fireside tonight?"
"What temple do you want to get married in?"
"President uchtdorf is so handsome!"
"There better be refreshments"
"We should do a service project together!"
"I think she needs to re-read the for stength of youth"
"Was that a Nephi choice or a laman & lemuel choice?"
"Leggings are not pants"
"Everyones getting engaged!"
For the girls: "I’m never having my reception in a cultural hall!"

 You’ve had encounters similar to these:
OR…
"YOU’RE A VIRGIN????”

If you love these:
You go on facebook and….
have ever heard, or at least get a good chuckle out of a mormon pick up line, like:
"Is your name virtue? Because you garnish my thoughts unceasingly"
"Are you the iron rod? Cause I wanna hold onto you for the rest of eternity."
"Even with the Liahona, I get lost in your eyes."
you’ve almost called a teacher/boss “Sister” or “Brother”
you’ve closed a speech at school or work by saying “in the name of Je….”
If you know all (or most) of these abbreviations:
LDS
CTR
YSA 
SA
BOM
FHE
MTC
WOW
EFY
BYC
CES
EQ
JST
VC
DI
RM
RS
VT
YM
YW
BYU
MoTab
BSA
FTSOY

Friday, March 14, 2014

A lesson on the Priesthood

Heres a lesson I did on the Priesthood for my mission prep class. It supposed to be directed at "investigators." Hopefully this can help you better understand the Priesthood or help you find somethings to put in future lessons! :D
Sorry if parts are hard to understand. lol.


"What do you understand of the priesthood?"

What is the priesthood?
The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of our Heavenly Father. Grants it to worthy men of the church for the Salvation of his children.
*What does Authority mean? (been given the power to help others, right, permission)
police officers are given authority, to protect, keep the peace.
Ice Cream truck/police officer speeding, ticket story.
The church is led by prophets and apostles who have Authority
 who are righteous men, called of God, who run the church thru the priesthood
When Christ was on the Earth, he established his church and similary ordained apostles and gave them the priesthood. But the priesthood authority was lost from the Earth when the apostles were killed.
But because we have a loving Heavenly Father that priesthood was restored.
(Show john baptising christ picture. Who is this? whats happening)
In 1829 John the Baptist appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdry and ordained them to the Aaronic Priesthood. Later Peter, James and John, of the original 12 apostles, conferred the Melchezidek Priesthood upon them

2 kinds of priesthood. 
All Priesthood comes from God put, as mentioned earlier, there to two kinds.
Aaronic: lower, there are 3 levels within the Aaron Priesthood, Deacons, teachers and Priests, depening on which on they are, they can prepare and pass the sacrament, and Priests, administer the ordinance of baptism (show john pic again),
Melchizidek: higher, over 18, aaronic abilities, plus, conferring the holy ghost, blessings, including of healing and guidance, conferring the priesthood on others, temple ordinances.
When a man is ordained to the Priesthood he enters into a covenant to fulfill his duties, serve others and build up the Kingdom of God. The power can only be excersized in love and righteousness and in the name of Jesus Christ.
*"What do you think it means to act in the name of jesus christ?" (by his permission, do the things he would do)
Men are called to use their Priesthood in all these ways, and recieve other callings where they excersize their priesthood. A few in particular are...
Home teachers: 
Home teaching is the responsibility of all Melchizedek Priesthood holders and of those who are teachers and priests in the Aaronic Priesthood. Home teachers visit assigned families at least once each month to teach them, and help them in any way that is needful. Homes without a Priesthood holder can call on their home teachers to provide them with blessings of the Priesthood. All homes and members can be blessed by the Priesthood regardless of whether or not they hold it or have it in their home.
Former Prophet, Ezra Taft Benson taught "Home teaching is not just another program.  It is the priesthood way of watching over the saints and accomplishing the mission of the church.  Home teaching is not just an assignment. It is a sacred calling."
-Bishops: quote from Elder Robert D. Hales "All members of the church can turn to their bishops when they are in need of help and can feel secure in his love for them and can have confidence in following his counsel."
-The Bishop is the Presiding officer and Father of the Ward, cares for the needs of those in the ward, the physically and spiritually the sick and the needy, helps people repent of serious sins and grow closer to Heavenly Father.
Prophets: Are the mouth peice for Heavenly Father to the whole World. Though we can all recieve promptings, guidance and answers to prayers, for ourselves and those we are close to and have stewardship over, the Prophet recieves those things for the whole world and church. They teach us how to strengthen ourselves and our families by showing us how to follow Jesus Christ, walk in His light and warn us of dangers.
*"What are some specific things you can think of that a Prophet might teach or warn us about?"
 Prophets counsel us to: pray, study the scriptures, keep the commandments, have family night, honor our parents, pay tithing, go to church, love on another. And many things that are pertinent to our time.

Can you see how much the Priesthood helps us in just these few callings alone?

Righteous exercise of Priesthood:
(have someone read) D&C 121: 36-37 (what does that mean?) unless a man honors and uses his priesthood correctly, he cannot use it.
It is very important for a Priesthood holder to live righteously. All men who are ordained the Priesthood have that Authority, but only have the real power as they serve in love, humility, seeking the guidance of our Heavenly Father and acting upon the promptings of the spirit.
The Priesthood is not for men to forcefully rule over anyone, but the work with the Women of the Church to bless others and build up the Kingdom.
Women and the priesthood
It is important for us to understand that men holding the Priesthood doesnt make them more superior or loved, or trusted by God. Men and woman are both important to the church and to Heavenly Father
Gordon B. Hinckley, prior President of The Church  said
“Women do not hold the priesthood because the Lord has put it that way. It is part of His program. Women have a very prominent place in this Church. Men hold the priesthood offices of the Church. But women have a tremendous place in this Church. They have their own organization...called the Relief Society, because its initial purpose was to administer help to those in need. It has grown to be...the largest women’s organization in the world... They have their own offices, their own presidency, their own board. That reaches down to the smallest unit of the Church everywhere in the world...
In this Church the man neither walks ahead of his wife nor behind his wife but at her side. They are co-equals in this life in a great enterprise.”
Men and women have different but equally important responsibilities in the home and the Church.
(have someone read) 1 corinthians 11: 11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. (what does that mean?)
We need each other and the Lord needs us to work together.
*What are important ways to do you think woman contribute to the Church?
Women have power and gifts given to us thru our womanhood. We inherently have gifts within us that Heavenly father wants us to use to bless His children. Of course all women are different, but inherently most women have traits, like nurturing, teaching, protecting, serving, empathy. We all have different amounts of each of these, some of us have less or more of one or the other. But like the men of the Priesthood, when we seek Gods help and follow the path that Christ has set for us, we are able to us our gifts to help bless others and grow the Kingdom of God, and as we do that  our gifts are being refined, and we develope new ones.
“So with woman: Her special gifts are to be exercised for the benefit and uplift of the race. This equally shared responsibility makes men and women real ‘team-mates’ in that which makes for human progress. Each one is a complement to the other and neither sex alone may function completely in the world’s work”

Bear testimony

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

VERY thorough Sister Missionary Packing List!! Updated!

This has been created by combing many packing lists I have found and adding some of my own:
Hope this helps!!



CLOTHES:

-Cardigans (black, gray, tan, cream, and 3-5 other colored/patterned)
- 2 blazers
-At least 3 undershirts/shade shirts
-10-12 blouses, at least 1 black, 1 white, 1 button up and 1 denim shirt
-8-10 skirts
-4 dresses
-4-5 pairs of underwear for… that time of the month
-3 white or neutral colored bras
- Exercise outfits - 2 pairs of knee length shorts, running pants
-1 pairs of jeans for P-Day and service projects
-3-4 t-shirts and pj bottoms (t-shirts double for excersize)
-10 pairs of garments
-3 pairs of spanx/spandex shorts
- shower sandals
- sunday shoes (2)
-proselyting shoes (3)


–FOR COLD MISSIONS– (send later)

-Winter coat: heavy with a zip-out liner for warmth
- 1 hoodie
-A raincoat
- A regular coat
- 4-5 sweaters and heavier cardigans
-Replace some of the skirts with wool and thick skirts that will repel snow and rain
- winter boots
-wool or thermal socks (5)
-2 pairs of fleece lined tights for the winter
- cold weather accessories: gloves, scarves, ear bands, hats


ACCESSORIES AND SHOES:

-Like 10 pairs of those low cut socks in neutral colors to wear with your walking shoes !!!)
- 5 pairs of regular socks!!
-6 pairs of tights (colored and black)
- 2 slips
-3-5 belts
-slippers
- Tons of headbands (6-10)
-7-8 necklaces in all colors and styles
- 4 detatchable collars (think of how this can change up your shirts/outfits!)
-CTR ring!
-YW medallion of course!!
-a bunch of conservative earrings
-3 working watches
-3-4 bracelets
- traveling jewlery holder/case


PERSONAL ITEMS:
(just pack enough shampoo and such for the MTC, you can buy more in the field and it will save space in your suitcase, which is reeaaaally important, trust me,)
-a small nail kit with clippers and files and cuticle trimmers
-clear nail polish and a few cute colors
-toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
-razors
-lotion
- coconut oil (soooo many uses for this!)
-deodorant
-Q-tips in a baggie
-face wash/soap
-perfume
-chapsticks
-hairdryer
-straightener
-curling iron
-hairbrush and combs
-clips, hairties, bobby pins…
-tweezers
-drysol
-show odor spray
-little roll up flat jewelry holder with lots of pockets
-makeup (foundation, powder, color pallete, eyeliner, mascara, brushes)
-a big makeup bag and a small makeup bag (big-leave home, small-bring with you for the day)
-MICROFIBER TOWELS AND WASHCLOTHS they are thin and light for packing but absorb better than normal towels (Deseret Book/Bed Bath and Beyond)
-small bottles of: Ibuprofen, Midol, Peptobismol,
-sunscreen
- aloe vera
-bugspray
-cough drops


OTHER:

→2 suitcases. (No more than 62 dimensional inches. 50 lbs. max each.)
→A carry-on bag. (No more than 45 dimensional inches. Weight varies)
→A bag with lots of pockets that is sturdy enough for the whole 18 months.
→a small first aid kit
→a small sewing kit
→a laundry stick for stain emergencies!
→an address book for all your friends back home! Put email addresses and mailing addresses in there!
→A small camera, camera case, usb plug and a charger OR rechargeable batteries
→Two flash drives so you have backup copies of pictures in case your camera gets stolen (flash drive case)
→A lanyard for the MTC and to put your flashdrives and church keys on.
→a small gps? (maybe)
→a lint roller
→a wallet
→pens and pencils for study
- a water bottle
- workout book & recipe book
- resistance band
-ipod (you can use this or your mish phone for an alarm clock instead of bringing one)
-cds & case (can play them on dvd player in apt)

WHAT TO BUY/GET ONCE YOU GET THERE(Or have sent to you)

an umbrella
- stickers and sticky notes
rain boots/snowboots (lets face it you just don’t have room in your suitcases)
maybe even a cheap coat if you can’t fit it and don’t want to risk sending it
pads
small speakers for your ipod
bedding if needed
hangers if needed


SPIRITUAL/ FOR THE MTC:

-a new scripture case with pockets
- scripture pencils
-a mini hymnal
-a mini preach my gospel
-a journal (Deseret Book has nice ones)
-a photo album of home to remember everyone and everything
-a pedigree chart 4 generations back
-a little notebook for remembering words and phrases, church/firesides
-another notebook for class notes and spiritual thoughts and scripture study
-an accordion file for letters, cards, talks, spiritual thoughts, pedigree chart and patriarchal blessing. One location for all of them.
- photo album for mish pics (pic a day papers)
-a file pocket organizer thing for important documents, like passport, birth certificate, ss card and visa info.


–FORMS, MONEY AND DOCUMENTS– **VERY IMPORTANT**

-a photo ID
-Travel information that is required (check your MYLDSMAIL account and your packet for details on what is required)
-temple recommend
-$200 or so for travel expenses, emergencies
-copy of your mission call letter
-health insurance
-immunizations sheet