courage

this transfer/month i chose my "theme" to be courage. because i need a lot of it. and thanks to God he has helped me develop more and i am now just realizing what it is and how i have had courage when i thought i wasn't. the quote on my planner is from president monson that says...

"courage isn't always a gradiose, sometimes its the little voice at the end of the day that says; i'll try again tomorrow."

 

 

COURAGE is...

the ability to do something that frightens one

strength

standing up for what you believe

trusting god

faith

not having fear

doing things WITH god

acting righteously

being a disciple of Christ

not doubting

doing things for God, not for others and what they may think

fearless

 

There are so many great examples of COURAGE in the scriptures. One of my favorites is Esther, watch here--

 

Esther's example of courage

 

"you don't ever realize how strong you are until being strong is all that you have left."

 

I am so grateful for Heavenly Father helping me have courage when i most needed it. I have learned that courage really is needed to "rise from failure, to strive again." 

 

 

 



happy thanksgiving from New York!

my first thanksgiving in New York was a success!-- some really kind members had all the missionaries over for a Puerto Rican thanksgiving dinner!

we've got the whole world in our hands! i am grateful for this beautiful world i  live in.

"the grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life. pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. how much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man!"


a couple weeks ago we did a street sweep while i was on exchanges in Rego Park. we had a big sign that said- i am thankful for...- as missionaries we were suppose to invite people on the street to come and write what they are thankful for on the big banner. as i was asking people if they would like to one asked me, "what do you mean thankful? what does that mean?" it kinda caught me by surprise & at first i struggled to answer. to be thankful is...to recognize the blessings in our lives, it is a feeling of appreciation, it is being please & to return kindness (to God).

so...what am i thankful for? here are a few...

 

MY FAMILY

dad- he is the most selfless man i know. he only wants the best for me and supports me in every decision i make. one of my very best friends. such a hard worker. makes me laugh. positive! example of a disciple of Christ.

 

mom- the best mom in the world, everyone says it but i know she really is THE BEST. she has taught me everything i know about motherhood and being a pure woman. she is honest, humble. she has always taught me to shoot for my dreams. she is always thinking about her kids- sometimes too much. :) she is one of my dearest friends.

 

laken- my role model older sister. loves her younger siblings so much and is always looking out for us. i always have fun when i am with her. she is faithful and confident. she is herself no matter what and is happy. my sisters are truly my best friends.

brad- if i could describe brad in one word it would be- joy. he is the best husband to my sister. he is real. he is hilarious and i don't think i've ever seen him in a bad mood. always up for anything!

 

jade- has always been an example of what our relationships with our Savior should be. i remember so many nights we would have "sleepovers", she would give me the best advice, always. she has an amazing testimony. she is a nut and i love her.

riley- loves my jadey. he is a blessing to our family. he has brought happiness to our lives!

 

ali- has always been an example of diligence. she is my favorite little sister. she is always trying to do her very best and never gives up on anything. she loves so easily and is so easy to love. she is a beautiful daughter of God and is always there for me no matter what.

 

payton- is the best 14 year old missionary i know. he knows what is most important. he makes me laugh all the time, if i'm ever feeling down i can always go to him and he can cheer me up! he will always be my favorite baby brother.

 

my nephews- the cutest ones on the earth. they make me SMILE.

 

hunter- my best friend. he loves me for me. we are ourselves. he can make me smile or laugh no matter how bad i don't want to. he has taught me how to truly love. he is a hard worker who never gives up. i am thankful for his service to the wonderful people in Africa.

 

extended family- i am so blessed with many loving cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents!!

 

a few other things...

my puppy Annie, food, water, my mission, the gospel, a prophet, prayer, my life, the ability to laugh and be happy and MUCH, MUCH more.

and most importantly my Savior who has helped me become who i am today. who knows me perfectly and will never let me down.

 

we are happier when we are grateful. gratitude brings happiness.

i couldn't agree more with this statement. i believe it with all my heart. don't forget to be THANKFUL, not only today, but every day thank God for our many blessings.

another week in brooklyn

I can't believe it, i opened my call this week last year! Time flies. I will miss you all lots on Thanksgiving, that sounds like it will be so much fun! Don't worry i will be taken care of-- probably a little too well. We are going to a members house who has the missionaries over every year then we have a Thanksgiving party with the ward on Saturday. We aren't going grocery shopping this week, except for milk. :) And we ate papusas, my FAVORITE last night and i am still full, its disgusting. Thank you SO much for the package!! Thanksgiving and half way! So cute and creative as always. We LOVE the mix! So yummy. And those suckers= to die for. You guys are the best. I really have been so blessed with such an amazing family (not because of packages haha) for so many different reasons. You guys are my happy and i am so grateful for each and every one of you.

This week was great! We had mega zone conference on Wednesday and it was perfect. Especially for my half way day. It just made me realize what an amazing experience i am living and that i want to make sure i give my all every day and let this change me for the rest of my life and continue living righeously after. Missions really do change people! The gospel and love of God and Christ is so powerful. We were able to meet a new investigator, (J). She is GOLDEN. She is from Mexico, she has a husband and a 14 year old son. She is so smart and already knows quite a bit. She came to church yesterday and loved it! I am so excited to contiue teaching her. We also had another investigator at church, (A) who is 12.  i hope we can teach her more because the gospel is so important growing up at that age! Then you have the moments when you go to look someone up from a teaching record they say the person doesn't live there but then invite you to come back. Those are rare but precious! We had the primary program yesterday, oh my SO cute. You should hear it in Spanish its adorable. Little children are such good examples to me.

Missionary moment of the week: we were leaving this building from trying to find someone and i got on the elevator to go down and next thing i know the elevator is closing and Sister Franklin is on the other side leaning over fixing her boot. I tried to stick my foot in so that it wouldn't close but it just kept goin!! The way we looked at each other was priceless. I was like "uh oh my no wait i can't leave you ah!" So i'm chillin in the elevator trying to open the door and not push the emergancy button at the same time! Finally i get it open and Sister Franklin is just cracking up then i start laughing so hard with her! Ah, only if you've been a missionary will you know how we felt haha. Its going to be so weird to not be with someone 24/7 when i get home.

Mom asked me some questions that i will answer for all of you...Yes we walk, ride buses and trains everywhere! There is no other option. The cold here is deathly, it goes right through you. It is hard to find spanish people here, yes. But they're floatin around here somewhere! Hopefully the english classes we are teaching will bring more.

I love you all so very much!! Have a very happy thanksgiving!!!