Transfer 10 Week 4

From: Lindsay Sanders <lindsay.sanders@myldsmail.net>

Date: November 29, 2015 6:34:08 PM MST

Subject: Transfer 10 Week 4

Transfer 10 Week 4

Hey! I just emailed a few days ago, so there is nothing huge to report. We are just working hard. We keep seeing lots of miracles, and we are seeing so much progress! We are working to gain the trust of the members. It was really tough at first, but let me tell you the fruits of our efforts so far: I was asked to speak in church last week, we have received 2 referrals in one week (referrals aren't really a thing here, so this is a record! At least for my mission), we were invited to several families homes, AND a less active we are working with came back to church for the first time this week. We walked down the hall and people were asking if they could joint at our lessons this week. It is amazing! Such a huge change from since I first got here! See, there is no such thing as a hard area! 

Anderson Shimai is an angel. I love her so much, we have so much fun! She loves to work hard and make people happy. We are a good team :) 

Christmas is everywhere! People are decorating and there is Christmas music everywhere! Christmas is just so happy! We started doing caroling dendo. It gives us great opportunities to talk to people about Christ. Also, everyone should check out the new Christmas video on Mormon.org!

I have been thinking a lot about consecration and how important it is to serve the Lord with ALL our heart, might, mind, and strength. On Sunday, our combined lesson was on the Law of Tithing, and it taught me a lot of cool stuff! They shared Mark 12: 41-44

41 ¶And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

I love this short story. The Savior teaches that the amount is not important. I am not sure how much a mite or a farthing is worth, but I am assuming it is not much. To Heavenly Father, It is where our hearts are. I loved all of the footnotes for these scriptures, so please look them up! I had the thought: we can go where God wants us to go, but maybe our feet take us there when our heart wants to be elsewhere. We can say what God wants us to say, but like it says in 2 Ne 27:25, are we "people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their hearts far from me". In order to be who God wants us to be, our hearts have to be in it. We should want to do the Lord's will. When we are truly converted and consecrated, we will want to give all we have. A sincere heart is needed. 

Sister Anderson shared some quotes with me that I liked: 

"If you don't make a convert, make a friend"

And

"consecration is the only surrender that is also a victory"

I really just want to do what my Heavenly Father wants me to do. The biggest sacrifice I have made on my mission isn't my cellphone, or school, or opportunities to get married... It is myself. And when you give up yourself to the Lord, you get a better "you" in return. I know that this is true.

I know that God loves us. As we were housing this week, an older woman came to the door. Her husband was behind her smoking and yelling awful things at her. Her eyes looked so sad. I had the impression to tell her that God loves her. Her eyes welled up with tears and she closed the door in our faces. I knew she needed to hear that. It hurts my heart that I can't do more to help. Everyone needs the gospel so bad! People can have so much more peace in their lives if they just listen! That is why missionaries have to work so hard to find those who are ready. God loves His children so much!

Well friends, I fell off the ponderize wagon for a little bit, but I am repenting! This week: 

Alma 37: 36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

Have an awesome week and enjoy the Christmas season! Love ya!

サンダーズ姉妹より

    Sanders Shimai