Dear Family and Friends,
Despite our limited proselyting schedule this week, we actually had one of the best weeks we have had in a long time. We found two new investigators (doubled our teaching pool)! We were able to use the new teaching method with both investigators that we learned in our specialized training (with Brothers Donaldson and Gonzalez from the Mission Department in Salt Lake) and zone conference. They really emphasized allowing the investigator to teach themselves and lead you to the things they are looking for. I like to call it the "Discovery" method because the investigators are able to discover what they want and we, as missionaries, and able to discover what they need. Basically, we show the investigators the pictures in the pamphlet and ask them what they see and go from there. We really don't say much, which requires a lot of self control, because I just want to tell people all that I know. Using the pamphlet is hard for me, and neither of the lessons we taught were very good, but we were definitely blessed for trying.
I was feeling pretty yucky all week with the cold that Sister Holt lovingly shared with me. And guess what! Our zone conference was with the Mt. Vernon, Bellingham, and Ferndale zones. So Elder Bloomfield was able to give me a blessing. It was really nice to have family there to help me and I am so grateful and proud of Elder Bloomfield for be willing and worthy to exercise the Priesthood when I needed it.
We had two exchanges this week with the Sisters in Oak Harbor 2nd and Firetrail wards. They were great! I especially needed to go on that exchange with Sister Glancy (my granddaughter! Sister Slade trained her) this week. I was grateful for inspired words that she shared with me that encouraged me and comforted me in my trials this week and the last several weeks. I am grateful for that opportunity to receive help as I fulfill my calling.
This week in my studies, I came across a scripture in the Doctrine & Covenants about commandments. D&C 59:4 says, "And they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time—they that are faithful and diligent before me." It was interesting to me that the righteous and faithful are given more commandments. A few weeks ago in a training, President Bonham instructed us that commandments always are provided to yield one of two (and sometimes both) outcomes. They are (1) Protection, or (2) Blessings. I definitely know that this is true. And I would add one more outcome. They give us direction and make out choices easier. As we use our agency to make good decisions and to follow God, we are protected, blessed and receive more commandments that make our life easier. We don't have to wonder whether or not to do one thing or another, but God points the way. He will tell us what to do when we are obedient and our will becomes one with our Father's.
Love ya lots!
Sister Turley
Monday, February 24, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
S. Turley this week--WEM
Dear Family and Friends,
Good things are going to happen!
This week was rather slow. We spent most of the end of the week indoors because Sister Holt was sick with a really bad cold and fever. However, we did set some ambitious goals for this week. Haha, they became even more ambitious when we were informed on Sunday night during accounting with out District Leader that we have an all day conference on Wednesday and Zone Conference on Friday up in Bellingham and two exchanges this week (Sister Holt calculated it out and we have around 25 hours of actual proselyting time this week--practically nothing). But we are excited to go and learn how to be more effective missionaries. We will be busting our booties to reach all of those goals! Every second counts!
We had two lessons with Dominick last week. During one of them, we took him and Alejandra to the Family History Center. Dominick asked his parents for some information and I think that he already has four generation pedigree chart! His parents were really excited about doing Family History as well. We have been trying to find a way to help them receive the Gospel, and we may have found our way in! I am grateful that they opened up the Family Tree website to non-members as well so they can get in and feel the Spirit. Dominick has his community service lined up for March 26th, so hopefully we will be able to get a move on after that time. Favorite Dominick quote from last week: "I used to never think about God. Now I think about him every day."
During one of the evenings that we were able to get out and work this week, we had some miracles. We were not able to have any lessons right then with anyone, but we were able to set up FOUR appointments. Two less active members and two with potential investigators. We have made an effort of praying for them so they will be prepared for the message that we will share and that we will actually get some new investigators. But the fact that they were willing to even set up an appointment is encouraging to me.
Our District Leader, Elder Shaver, mentioned that they are having similar finding problems and as we were accounting on Sunday night, he shared with us a brilliant idea! He said that when people are humble they are more receptive to things of the Spirit and more likely to accept the Gospel. True. So, as a district, we decided to pray that Mt. Vernon will be humble. It is great because I had never thought of that before, but every time I do, I feel a really strong confirmation that it is the correct thing to be requesting of our Father in Heaven and that good things will result of it. Sister Holt mentioned that she felt kind of bad praying for that because some terrible plague or problem might hit Mt. Vernon. But, God gives us trials so we can come closer to Him, so it would probably be a good thing?
Last week, we helped one of the Recent Converts in our ward
with some math homework for service, so I have been in math mode all week. Here
are some statistics for you since the transfer:
>Record number of transfers with one companion (for both
of us)--3
>100% increase in the number of missionaries in the Mt.
Vernon zone (doubled)
>60% decrease in the number of missionaries in our
district (It is Sister Holt and I and our District Leader and his companion...)
>44% increase in the number of companionships we will be
serving as Sister Training Leaders (we will now be covering 9 compared to 5
last transfer)Good things are going to happen!
This week was rather slow. We spent most of the end of the week indoors because Sister Holt was sick with a really bad cold and fever. However, we did set some ambitious goals for this week. Haha, they became even more ambitious when we were informed on Sunday night during accounting with out District Leader that we have an all day conference on Wednesday and Zone Conference on Friday up in Bellingham and two exchanges this week (Sister Holt calculated it out and we have around 25 hours of actual proselyting time this week--practically nothing). But we are excited to go and learn how to be more effective missionaries. We will be busting our booties to reach all of those goals! Every second counts!
We had two lessons with Dominick last week. During one of them, we took him and Alejandra to the Family History Center. Dominick asked his parents for some information and I think that he already has four generation pedigree chart! His parents were really excited about doing Family History as well. We have been trying to find a way to help them receive the Gospel, and we may have found our way in! I am grateful that they opened up the Family Tree website to non-members as well so they can get in and feel the Spirit. Dominick has his community service lined up for March 26th, so hopefully we will be able to get a move on after that time. Favorite Dominick quote from last week: "I used to never think about God. Now I think about him every day."
During one of the evenings that we were able to get out and work this week, we had some miracles. We were not able to have any lessons right then with anyone, but we were able to set up FOUR appointments. Two less active members and two with potential investigators. We have made an effort of praying for them so they will be prepared for the message that we will share and that we will actually get some new investigators. But the fact that they were willing to even set up an appointment is encouraging to me.
Our District Leader, Elder Shaver, mentioned that they are having similar finding problems and as we were accounting on Sunday night, he shared with us a brilliant idea! He said that when people are humble they are more receptive to things of the Spirit and more likely to accept the Gospel. True. So, as a district, we decided to pray that Mt. Vernon will be humble. It is great because I had never thought of that before, but every time I do, I feel a really strong confirmation that it is the correct thing to be requesting of our Father in Heaven and that good things will result of it. Sister Holt mentioned that she felt kind of bad praying for that because some terrible plague or problem might hit Mt. Vernon. But, God gives us trials so we can come closer to Him, so it would probably be a good thing?
One interesting thing that I learned in my personal study of
the Doctrine and Covenants is that "Power" is an attribute of God. At
the start of most of the sections in the beginning of the book, it says that
God is "powerful". I have pondered quite a bit on what
"power" is and how I might obtain it. We are likewise instructed to go
in the "power and authority" of our calling in Preach My Gospel. In
our zone meeting on Wednesday, one Elder said that "power" is the
ability to change lives, because it is through God that change is possible. I
am still on the search for what it really is and how I can apply it to fulfill
my purpose as a missionary, but I do know that the only way I can obtain it is
through the Spirit and asking for it, like any of the other Divine Attributes.
And I need to more fully purify myself. It is so hard and it is taking forever.
But we are promised in Doctrine and Covenants 50:29 "And if ye are
purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever in the name of
Jesus and it shall be done." Through the cleansing power of the Atonement,
I will be able to have power, exercise that authority, teach, find, and meet
our goals.
Love you all and I hope you had a great Valentines day!
Favorite Valentines scripture--1 John 4:9
Sister Turley
Swans. They like to hang out at one of the nearby lakes
Mt. Baker! It has been my life quest since I have been in
Mt. Vernon to get a good pic of Mt. Baker. Fulfilled.
Monday, February 10, 2014
The Gift of Tongues
Dear Family and Friends,
I really hope I can survive this transfer. We were really looking forward to some change this week to help us regain our motivation. It has been so hard around here lately--area, companionship, finding, ward members, etc. Oh well. What can you do? I'm just really frustrated right now. I guess I need to pray about that.
I am grateful that Dominick is still doing very well. He is still motivated to take care of things and get baptized. He actually thanked us this week for not giving up on him because I guess the last time he fell off date the missionaries kind of left him alone for a while and that was really discouraging to him. I am grateful to recognize that he has real intent and really does want to follow God. I am grateful that since I have been here we have been able to see him gain that motivation and try to do better. We did have to go get him out of bed for church, but he came for all three hours! Alejandra texted us that Dominick didn't want to get up for church (our meetings start at 9) and so we went over to their apartment and "invited and enticed" Dominick to come to church. And he did! I hope he realizes the blessings that he gained from doing so.
This week, I finished the Book of Mormon. Yay!! And I decided that I am going to try and power-read the Doctrine and Covenants and see if I can finish it in about a month. I have REALLY enjoyed it. I have never really gotten into the Doctrine and Covenants before, so I am really excited that it is starting to come alive. I really identify with Oliver Cowdery and all the instructions that he receives are really for me. Maybe it's because we have the same birthday. I have learned a lot and gotten chastised a lot. I never thought I would enjoy chastisement so much! But it is great and surprisingly motivating! I think the statement in the introduction to the book is very apt: "In the revelations one hears the tender but firm voice of the Lord Jesus Christ..." It is true because I feel his love even as I am being reproved. I am grateful for these modern day revelations.
Sorry it's short today!
Love you lots!
Sister Turley
I really hope I can survive this transfer. We were really looking forward to some change this week to help us regain our motivation. It has been so hard around here lately--area, companionship, finding, ward members, etc. Oh well. What can you do? I'm just really frustrated right now. I guess I need to pray about that.
I am grateful that Dominick is still doing very well. He is still motivated to take care of things and get baptized. He actually thanked us this week for not giving up on him because I guess the last time he fell off date the missionaries kind of left him alone for a while and that was really discouraging to him. I am grateful to recognize that he has real intent and really does want to follow God. I am grateful that since I have been here we have been able to see him gain that motivation and try to do better. We did have to go get him out of bed for church, but he came for all three hours! Alejandra texted us that Dominick didn't want to get up for church (our meetings start at 9) and so we went over to their apartment and "invited and enticed" Dominick to come to church. And he did! I hope he realizes the blessings that he gained from doing so.
This week, I finished the Book of Mormon. Yay!! And I decided that I am going to try and power-read the Doctrine and Covenants and see if I can finish it in about a month. I have REALLY enjoyed it. I have never really gotten into the Doctrine and Covenants before, so I am really excited that it is starting to come alive. I really identify with Oliver Cowdery and all the instructions that he receives are really for me. Maybe it's because we have the same birthday. I have learned a lot and gotten chastised a lot. I never thought I would enjoy chastisement so much! But it is great and surprisingly motivating! I think the statement in the introduction to the book is very apt: "In the revelations one hears the tender but firm voice of the Lord Jesus Christ..." It is true because I feel his love even as I am being reproved. I am grateful for these modern day revelations.
Sorry it's short today!
Love you lots!
Sister Turley
Monday, February 3, 2014
S. Turley--More from Mt. Vernon
Dear Friends and Family,
I actually really enjoyed the Superbowl yesterday. We decided to tract from 3-6 during the game. It was a surprisingly inspired decision. There were only a few people that were annoyed with us, and it was especially helpful that the Seahawks were kicking tail so everyone was in a good mood. We decided that the first thing we were going to do was ask what the score was and it was a GREAT way to loosen people up. We knew that it was not likely that anyone would let us in while the game was going on, so I prayed specifically that we would be able to leave a good impression and I think that we did. I am also grateful that the game allowed an outlet for the people to see that we are more human that they probably usually think missionaries are. We exulted with them when more points were scored and they were able to see that the Gospel is for everyone! It might sound dumb, but I think it allowed for more than just one victory. Who knew? Were we a little sorry for the missionaries in Colorado, though...
Dominick as you know, is no longer on date. He was really upset because he is really ready to be baptized. The bad news is that he dropped the bomb on us that he got pulled over AGAIN for driving without a license and has another court date with pending sentencing. So there is no baptism date that we can set in the foreseeable future. Darn it.
I have about twenty verses until I finish the Book of Mormon. It has only taken me 10 months, haha. But it has been the best read yet. I am grateful that I have been able to put time and effort into reading it and that I have really been able to understand and appreciate it this time around. My favorite verse thus far in the last couple chapters is Moroni 9:6. In verse four, Mormon is sharing with his son Moroni that the people are very hardened and impossibly wicked. However in verse six, he shares : "And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God." It was a good reminder that I am supposed to be here and to continue to work hard. I am grateful for the example of those individuals in the Book of Mormon who served tirelessly and even gave their lives to help others partake of salvation.
Oh, remember Sandra from Oak Harbor? The Sisters in OH just informed me that she is getting baptized on February 15th! I am so glad that she finally feels comfortable with the decision to be baptized! She will be so blessed for it! I am also grateful that our efforts with her were not wasted, and that there is a reason why the Lord would not easily let her go. :)
Love you all and thanks for all you do!
Sister Turley
I actually really enjoyed the Superbowl yesterday. We decided to tract from 3-6 during the game. It was a surprisingly inspired decision. There were only a few people that were annoyed with us, and it was especially helpful that the Seahawks were kicking tail so everyone was in a good mood. We decided that the first thing we were going to do was ask what the score was and it was a GREAT way to loosen people up. We knew that it was not likely that anyone would let us in while the game was going on, so I prayed specifically that we would be able to leave a good impression and I think that we did. I am also grateful that the game allowed an outlet for the people to see that we are more human that they probably usually think missionaries are. We exulted with them when more points were scored and they were able to see that the Gospel is for everyone! It might sound dumb, but I think it allowed for more than just one victory. Who knew? Were we a little sorry for the missionaries in Colorado, though...
Dominick as you know, is no longer on date. He was really upset because he is really ready to be baptized. The bad news is that he dropped the bomb on us that he got pulled over AGAIN for driving without a license and has another court date with pending sentencing. So there is no baptism date that we can set in the foreseeable future. Darn it.
I have about twenty verses until I finish the Book of Mormon. It has only taken me 10 months, haha. But it has been the best read yet. I am grateful that I have been able to put time and effort into reading it and that I have really been able to understand and appreciate it this time around. My favorite verse thus far in the last couple chapters is Moroni 9:6. In verse four, Mormon is sharing with his son Moroni that the people are very hardened and impossibly wicked. However in verse six, he shares : "And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God." It was a good reminder that I am supposed to be here and to continue to work hard. I am grateful for the example of those individuals in the Book of Mormon who served tirelessly and even gave their lives to help others partake of salvation.
Oh, remember Sandra from Oak Harbor? The Sisters in OH just informed me that she is getting baptized on February 15th! I am so glad that she finally feels comfortable with the decision to be baptized! She will be so blessed for it! I am also grateful that our efforts with her were not wasted, and that there is a reason why the Lord would not easily let her go. :)
Love you all and thanks for all you do!
Sister Turley
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)