Dear Family and Friends,
I'm sorry this will be another shorty. We spent two days in our apartment this week because I had a migraine on Saturday and then Sister Wright had one on Sunday. We think it may be some freak virus because other people have been telling us that they have been getting bad headaches this week too. Hopefully the worst is over. Despite that, we had our best numbers all transfer!
We put Dominick on date this week.We are praying so hard that all will work out! We are so excited for him and he is soooooooo ready.It needs to just happen. We also put Janette (Alejandra's niece) and Vickie (Alejandra's sister) on date for June 7th as well. So we have three on date! And it is going to be a family affair :) Vickie is just taking off! She loves what she is learning and bought a dress especially for church and attended yesterday. I honestly think that she moved to Mt. Vernon to hear the Gospel. It is so fun to be in those lessons, especially when Alejandra's other sister, Gaby comes over. Gaby is also a recent covert, and they all just build off of each other and get so excited about the Gospel. They answer each other's questions and ask more and are so hungry for the truth. We hope to have Dominick, Vickie and Janette attend a baptism that the Elders in our district are having this Saturday. Things are looking up.
In my study this week I really enjoyed the account given in John about how some of the disciples came to follow Jesus. I loved in chapter 1 that the apostles gained a testimony of Christ and then went to tell their friends that they had found Him! From there, others were brought to Christ and became his apostles. Not only did they tell their friends that they found the Savior, they also invited them to "come, and see." It's important not only to tell our friends that we have something good, but also to invite them to come and see. Invite them to partake with you (like the Apostles--they found Christ, and followed Christ, and brought others with them), so they can see the Savior and experience the blessings of this Atonement and his Gospel. I have been finding all sorts of great member missionary stories in my studies lately. I am going to start recording them to share with others.
Love you lots! Have a good week!
Sister Turley
Monday, April 28, 2014
Monday, April 21, 2014
Exciting week in Washington--S. Turley
Dear Family and Friends,
We made a little poster for Easter for a new proselyting attempt this week. We are going back to the old Dan Jones soapboxing method for finding. It had information on it from mormon.org and assembled Easter eggs with 3 Nephi 11:11 and piece of candy in it to hand out to people. We tried to put a mormon.org card in it as well, but they got too crunched up inside the eggs. We were bummed when the weather did not cooperate for us to spend too much time sitting outside, but when we got to use it, it went better than we expected! There were people that walked by and said "That's beautiful!" and the Easter eggs were good for drawing in people with kids. Creeper Status? Oh well. We think that a lemonade stand would work really well. When we were out on Sunday, someone even asked us if we were selling lemonade.
We had the opportunity to go down to Darrington-Oso where the mudslide occurred about a month or so ago. We didn't work in the actual slide site, but we cleaned a few houses of people that were affected and spent a few hours working in the food pantry that had been opened up by some of the members in the area. One of the houses we cleaned was the house of a woman who had lost her ten year old son in the mudslide. It was only the two of them that lived there, so she picked up and left because she couldn't stand to be in the house. Someone else had come and hastily moved out all of her belongings. So we went in and cleaned the house so if she wanted to move back in or just sell the house, it would be already to go. I was kind of poking around the house before we started cleaning to see what needed to be done and I came across a penny collection that the little boy had in his room that had been left behind in the packing. It was horrifying, actually. It really put it into perspective for me to think that I have an eleven year old brother who I can see having a collection similar to that. And the thought of losing him a mudslide would be awful. Just awful. My heart just ached for the mother and I offered many prayers for her and for her to find the peace of the Gospel. I SO am grateful that we had the opportunity to serve there. We had lots of fun too!
Dan dropped us yesterday. Maybe we will have an Easter miracle and he will resurrect as an investigator soon?
We are anxious to get Dominick a baptism date. We started teaching another of the Magaña-Mendoza-Benitez clan this week. Alejandra's niece, Janette. She is eight years old, and she really wants to be baptized. She has such great aunties for examples! I know from my personal experience that aunts can do a lot to help you progress. Janette and her sister, Destiny, and Alejandra's sister, Vickie, from California are living with the Benitez family now. We taught the Restoration with Janette and then as soon as we were finished with the pamphlet, she piped up "So now what about this baptism thing!?" So we talked a little bit about it and asked her if she wanted to be baptized and she got a huge grin on her face and started nodding her head really fast. We would love if she and Dominick could be baptized on the same day. That would be so cool for their family. We have taught Dominick all the lessons at least three times since I have been here, so we decided that we will have Dominick teach us. We let him pick the topic and then invited him to read a little about it in Preach My Gospel so he could teach us. He was really excited about it!
We also had a wildlife adventure in our apartment this week, but I am sending a video so you can more fully enjoy it :)
Yesterday, Sister Wright and I had a really good chat about improving as missionaries. She and I are learning. But I love that I am not the person I was before I came on my mission. And I am so grateful! I never want to be that person again! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a part of me know, as is a desire to fully serve Him. We are making baby steps at being better missionaries in our companionship, but it's a step in the right direction, nonetheless!
I loved reading the last chapters of Luke this week in my study in preparation for Easter. As I was reading I especially loved the account of the discussion between the "malefactors" who hung on the cross on either side of the Jesus Christ.
"39 ¶And one of the malefactors which were hanged arailed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due areward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in aparadise".
The experience came to my mind so vividly as if I was almost there. I loved that the one criminal turned to Christ and that Christ accepted him and told him that he would be in paradise with him that day. It it yet another illustration of the love and mercy that our Savior has towards us. Even when it seems nearly to late to change, He invites us to. And even when Christ himself was about to die at the hands of evil men, he was still about His Father's business, inviting others to partake of salvation.
Have a great week!
Love,
Sister Turley
Good times during weekly planning :) There was a bird in our laundry room on Friday. It crawled down the tubing for our dryer and was trying to get out. Then it pecked it's way out and was flying around our laundry room for a couple of hours until our manager helped us get it out. Sister Wright: "I thought a Jurassic Park episode was about to start!!"
We made a little poster for Easter for a new proselyting attempt this week. We are going back to the old Dan Jones soapboxing method for finding. It had information on it from mormon.org and assembled Easter eggs with 3 Nephi 11:11 and piece of candy in it to hand out to people. We tried to put a mormon.org card in it as well, but they got too crunched up inside the eggs. We were bummed when the weather did not cooperate for us to spend too much time sitting outside, but when we got to use it, it went better than we expected! There were people that walked by and said "That's beautiful!" and the Easter eggs were good for drawing in people with kids. Creeper Status? Oh well. We think that a lemonade stand would work really well. When we were out on Sunday, someone even asked us if we were selling lemonade.
We had the opportunity to go down to Darrington-Oso where the mudslide occurred about a month or so ago. We didn't work in the actual slide site, but we cleaned a few houses of people that were affected and spent a few hours working in the food pantry that had been opened up by some of the members in the area. One of the houses we cleaned was the house of a woman who had lost her ten year old son in the mudslide. It was only the two of them that lived there, so she picked up and left because she couldn't stand to be in the house. Someone else had come and hastily moved out all of her belongings. So we went in and cleaned the house so if she wanted to move back in or just sell the house, it would be already to go. I was kind of poking around the house before we started cleaning to see what needed to be done and I came across a penny collection that the little boy had in his room that had been left behind in the packing. It was horrifying, actually. It really put it into perspective for me to think that I have an eleven year old brother who I can see having a collection similar to that. And the thought of losing him a mudslide would be awful. Just awful. My heart just ached for the mother and I offered many prayers for her and for her to find the peace of the Gospel. I SO am grateful that we had the opportunity to serve there. We had lots of fun too!
Dan dropped us yesterday. Maybe we will have an Easter miracle and he will resurrect as an investigator soon?
We are anxious to get Dominick a baptism date. We started teaching another of the Magaña-Mendoza-Benitez clan this week. Alejandra's niece, Janette. She is eight years old, and she really wants to be baptized. She has such great aunties for examples! I know from my personal experience that aunts can do a lot to help you progress. Janette and her sister, Destiny, and Alejandra's sister, Vickie, from California are living with the Benitez family now. We taught the Restoration with Janette and then as soon as we were finished with the pamphlet, she piped up "So now what about this baptism thing!?" So we talked a little bit about it and asked her if she wanted to be baptized and she got a huge grin on her face and started nodding her head really fast. We would love if she and Dominick could be baptized on the same day. That would be so cool for their family. We have taught Dominick all the lessons at least three times since I have been here, so we decided that we will have Dominick teach us. We let him pick the topic and then invited him to read a little about it in Preach My Gospel so he could teach us. He was really excited about it!
We also had a wildlife adventure in our apartment this week, but I am sending a video so you can more fully enjoy it :)
Yesterday, Sister Wright and I had a really good chat about improving as missionaries. She and I are learning. But I love that I am not the person I was before I came on my mission. And I am so grateful! I never want to be that person again! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a part of me know, as is a desire to fully serve Him. We are making baby steps at being better missionaries in our companionship, but it's a step in the right direction, nonetheless!
I loved reading the last chapters of Luke this week in my study in preparation for Easter. As I was reading I especially loved the account of the discussion between the "malefactors" who hung on the cross on either side of the Jesus Christ.
"39 ¶And one of the malefactors which were hanged arailed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due areward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in aparadise".
The experience came to my mind so vividly as if I was almost there. I loved that the one criminal turned to Christ and that Christ accepted him and told him that he would be in paradise with him that day. It it yet another illustration of the love and mercy that our Savior has towards us. Even when it seems nearly to late to change, He invites us to. And even when Christ himself was about to die at the hands of evil men, he was still about His Father's business, inviting others to partake of salvation.
Have a great week!
Love,
Sister Turley
Wearing a "Mormon Helping Hands" Vest! I have always wanted to do that!
Monday, April 14, 2014
More Adventures--S. Turley, WEM
Dear Family and Friends,
We had interviews with our Mission President on Friday and it was so wonderful and much needed! I just really love President Bonham! He is truly inspired and wants the best for all of us. And I know that he loves me, which helps me understand how my Savior feels about me. We had a great talk and he gave me a much needed blessing. I have felt a lot more at peace the last few days and I can feel the Lord taking my burdens away and/or making me stronger. I am grateful for the power of the priesthood and the blessing that it is in my life.
I had my mission birthday this Thursday! One year. Crazy.
Our investigator, Dan is preparing to be baptized on May 17th. He has had some trials that everyone has to face when they are preparing to follow God and make covenants, but he is staying strong. He said, "Nothing is going to change. I am still going to be baptized."
Dominick finished up his community service on Saturday and is now looking for a job. Yay! He also loved Cottage Meeting yesterday. He said that it was his favorite Cottage Meeting thus far. He told us on the drive down that he was really excited for Church yesterday and didn't even feel tired when he got up in the morning. He told us that he is excited to make some good changes in his life. :) We are hoping to set a baptismal date in the next two weeks after he meets with his attorney to see where he is in the legal process and if he is good to go!
This week in my study, I was studying Lehi's dream. I love how I get new revelation every time I read in the Book of Mormon! The thing that stood out to me the most, was in 1 Nephi 8:21. It said that Lehi saw "numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood." If "many" of "numberless" people want to get the the tree, that means there are LOTS of people that are looking to get on the path that leads to the tree. There are LOTS of people that want the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I also thought it was interesting that the people were "pressing forward that they might obtain the path." There are people that are prepared for us to teach that are SO close to the path. They are almost to the iron rod. All we have to do is hold on to the rod with one hand, and reach out like the Savior would to grab the other's hand and bridge the gap. That is what missionaries are for. Making that connection and helping God's children hold firmly to his word after we let go of them to help another. It is exciting that there really are many people who want the Gospel and who are so close.
Also, this may seem a little blunt, but I was grateful for this brief note from the Lord this morning as I studied. Luke 21:17-18 "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish." My thoughts: Sometimes people will hate you. But it's ok, you are getting eternal life.
Thanks for all you do!
Love ya lots!
Sister Turley
Washington Wildlife
We had interviews with our Mission President on Friday and it was so wonderful and much needed! I just really love President Bonham! He is truly inspired and wants the best for all of us. And I know that he loves me, which helps me understand how my Savior feels about me. We had a great talk and he gave me a much needed blessing. I have felt a lot more at peace the last few days and I can feel the Lord taking my burdens away and/or making me stronger. I am grateful for the power of the priesthood and the blessing that it is in my life.
I had my mission birthday this Thursday! One year. Crazy.
Our investigator, Dan is preparing to be baptized on May 17th. He has had some trials that everyone has to face when they are preparing to follow God and make covenants, but he is staying strong. He said, "Nothing is going to change. I am still going to be baptized."
Dominick finished up his community service on Saturday and is now looking for a job. Yay! He also loved Cottage Meeting yesterday. He said that it was his favorite Cottage Meeting thus far. He told us on the drive down that he was really excited for Church yesterday and didn't even feel tired when he got up in the morning. He told us that he is excited to make some good changes in his life. :) We are hoping to set a baptismal date in the next two weeks after he meets with his attorney to see where he is in the legal process and if he is good to go!
This week in my study, I was studying Lehi's dream. I love how I get new revelation every time I read in the Book of Mormon! The thing that stood out to me the most, was in 1 Nephi 8:21. It said that Lehi saw "numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood." If "many" of "numberless" people want to get the the tree, that means there are LOTS of people that are looking to get on the path that leads to the tree. There are LOTS of people that want the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I also thought it was interesting that the people were "pressing forward that they might obtain the path." There are people that are prepared for us to teach that are SO close to the path. They are almost to the iron rod. All we have to do is hold on to the rod with one hand, and reach out like the Savior would to grab the other's hand and bridge the gap. That is what missionaries are for. Making that connection and helping God's children hold firmly to his word after we let go of them to help another. It is exciting that there really are many people who want the Gospel and who are so close.
Also, this may seem a little blunt, but I was grateful for this brief note from the Lord this morning as I studied. Luke 21:17-18 "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish." My thoughts: Sometimes people will hate you. But it's ok, you are getting eternal life.
Thanks for all you do!
Love ya lots!
Sister Turley
Washington Wildlife
Monday, April 7, 2014
Trials and Tribulations for the Truth--S. Turley in the WEM
Dear Family and Friends,
I loved Conference! It was exactly what I needed. Last week was a horrible, horrible, horrible week. I do not think that I have been the recipient of so many unkind words and feelings as I have this week. People told us that we were out of place for sharing the gospel, bad people for trying to help others change, told "Don't ever come back!" and had too many door slams to count. As Elder Holland was speaking, I just sat there and cried. Either Elder Holland knew what I was going to need to hear, or I had to have a terrible week to appreciate what he was going to say. We are being persecuted because what we share is TRUE!!!!!! I also cried when President Monson talked about the Gilbert Temple Dedication and Cultural Celebration because it made me miss my brother. The prophet was talking about my little brother!
Dominick is progressing so well! He attended the Priesthood Sesssion of General Conference of his own accord and he really liked it :) He really enjoyed President Eyring's address, so I look forward to listening to it in the car this week. He really wants to be baptized! Someday it WILL happen!
We have a new investigator and he is on date. His name is Dan and he is just jumping in the water! Before we even finished teaching, he was putting himself on date. He wanted to do it as soon as possible. So, we set the date for April 26th. So exciting!
This week I started the Book of Mormon again and have been reading in chapter one of Preach My Gospel. I have really learned a lot this week! I am starting to figure out power as well. I noticed something in Alma 17:3 that I never have before, that was really helpful. The words, "given themselves." The sons of Mosiah had "given themselves to much prayer and fasting." They had offered their whole selves to the Lord to be able to have the power and strength to act as His representatives. I do not know why I struggle to give my whole self to the Lord because I desperately want to! Oh, yeah, I am human. So frustrating. But I am going to do better this week than I did last week! And as I was pondering, I had an epiphany that I am doing better at having power and authority in my calling than I thought I was. I thought of two experiences that I had this week. (1) We were visiting with a less active and she told me that she envied my conviction and firm knowledge. She said that she recognized it and that it was inspiring to her and it made her want to do and be better. (2) I bore my testimony during Fast and Testimony Meeting last Sunday and one of the women sitting behind me leaned up afterwards and said, "You have such a great testimony. Every time you open your mouth, this profound reverence comes over me and I feel the spirit so strong. It's very powerful. You have a great testimony." I was grateful to remember these experiences and recognize the success that I AM having.
Love you lots!
Sister Turley
Oh! Pictures! After a whole transfer, we finally got a computer that will let us send pics!
Fun stuff around Mt. Vernon.
I loved Conference! It was exactly what I needed. Last week was a horrible, horrible, horrible week. I do not think that I have been the recipient of so many unkind words and feelings as I have this week. People told us that we were out of place for sharing the gospel, bad people for trying to help others change, told "Don't ever come back!" and had too many door slams to count. As Elder Holland was speaking, I just sat there and cried. Either Elder Holland knew what I was going to need to hear, or I had to have a terrible week to appreciate what he was going to say. We are being persecuted because what we share is TRUE!!!!!! I also cried when President Monson talked about the Gilbert Temple Dedication and Cultural Celebration because it made me miss my brother. The prophet was talking about my little brother!
Dominick is progressing so well! He attended the Priesthood Sesssion of General Conference of his own accord and he really liked it :) He really enjoyed President Eyring's address, so I look forward to listening to it in the car this week. He really wants to be baptized! Someday it WILL happen!
We have a new investigator and he is on date. His name is Dan and he is just jumping in the water! Before we even finished teaching, he was putting himself on date. He wanted to do it as soon as possible. So, we set the date for April 26th. So exciting!
This week I started the Book of Mormon again and have been reading in chapter one of Preach My Gospel. I have really learned a lot this week! I am starting to figure out power as well. I noticed something in Alma 17:3 that I never have before, that was really helpful. The words, "given themselves." The sons of Mosiah had "given themselves to much prayer and fasting." They had offered their whole selves to the Lord to be able to have the power and strength to act as His representatives. I do not know why I struggle to give my whole self to the Lord because I desperately want to! Oh, yeah, I am human. So frustrating. But I am going to do better this week than I did last week! And as I was pondering, I had an epiphany that I am doing better at having power and authority in my calling than I thought I was. I thought of two experiences that I had this week. (1) We were visiting with a less active and she told me that she envied my conviction and firm knowledge. She said that she recognized it and that it was inspiring to her and it made her want to do and be better. (2) I bore my testimony during Fast and Testimony Meeting last Sunday and one of the women sitting behind me leaned up afterwards and said, "You have such a great testimony. Every time you open your mouth, this profound reverence comes over me and I feel the spirit so strong. It's very powerful. You have a great testimony." I was grateful to remember these experiences and recognize the success that I AM having.
Love you lots!
Sister Turley
Oh! Pictures! After a whole transfer, we finally got a computer that will let us send pics!
Fun stuff around Mt. Vernon.
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