Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Danielle sent us this little poem that she received from her Mission President. Also, some pictures she sent to show her smiling personality.
SO PRONE TO MISJUDGE
August 26, 2012
A woman was waiting at an airport one night
There were several long hours to wait for her flight.
She hunted for reading in the airport gift shop
Bought a big bag of cookies, found a place she could drop.
She was engrossed in her book but she happened to see
A man sat beside her as bold as could be
And grabbed up a cookie from the bag in between
She tried to ignore and not make a scene
She munched at her cookies and glanced at the clock
As the masculine cookie thief diminished her stock
She was getting more irritated as the minutes ticked by
Thinking, if I wasn’t a lady I’d blacken his eye
With each cookie she took he took one or two
With only one left she watched what he’d do
With a grin on his face and a nice nervous laugh
He took the last cookie and broke it in half
He offered her half, as he munched on the other
She snatched it from him and murmured O’brother
This guy has some nerve and he’s also quite rude
He never showed even polite gratitude
She had never known when she’d been quite so galled
She smiled with relief when her flight it was called
She gathered her stuff and marched to the gate
With not even a glance at the thieving ingrate
She boarded the plane and sank in her seat
And sought out her book which was almost complete
As she reached in her bag she gasped with surprise
Her bag of cookies was in front of her eyes
If mine are right here she moaned in despair
The others were his and he was trying to share
Too late to apologize she realized with grief
That she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief.
Isn't that a wonderful poem :) We all need to make sure we are not judging or being rude no matter where we are! I just love that.
I know that this work is so important. There are a lot of changes that have happened here in the Mission with the new crop of people coming in. I know that we are guided by the Lord in all things we do! I was reading about The brother of Jared in Ether this week. I LOVE HIM! so much faith! One thing I liked is how the Lord guides him to what he needs to do. There is one verse that the Lord asks "What will ye that I should do" (Ether 2:23) I thought about how it is true the Lord guides us, but he also wants us to make sure we go to him with what we want. We need to go to him with desires or solutions and he will help guide us. Once we think what we believe is right or true if we ask in Faith if it is right he will testify to us what is true! The borther of Jared goes back and tells the Lord what he would like to have him do, touch the rocks. The Lord did so because the Faith he had. It is just a beautiful story!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Here is a excerpt of one of Danielle's letters. It shows the power of prayer, what great knowledge to know our Heavenly Father is listening and will not leave us stranded in time of need.
"This week was so wonderful! Full of so many miracles I am not even sure where I should start!
On Friday we went on splits and I was able to go out with a member, Rachel, who will be serving her mission shortly. We had a member who referred her neighbor so after talking with the member about her neighbor we stopped by. After two knocks and no answer we started to walk back to the car when I turned around and saw the lady coming to her door. Quickly we got back to the house and talked with this lady named Jenifer. Rachel is very ready for her mission! We talked with Jenifer and asked her about her own belief in Christ and our Heavenly Father. We talked for quite some time, Rachel testifying like a pro missionary already. We ended in prayer and set up a return appointment. It was just a wonderful experience.
One reason I really loved that experience was it strengthened my testimony in Prayer. As we were walking away I prayed silently that we would find somebody to testify to so Rachel could work as a missionary. As I said that prayer it was answered in that very moment with Jenifer returning to her door. It was also wonderful because it really strengthened my knowledge and ability to do this work. For the past weeks I have been following the wonderful example of Sister Javed and I have learned so much, but this day I was able to not need to be on the back burner but be the example to another. Rather than double check my every move, which I tend to do working with Sister Javed, I relied more on Christ to lead us to where to go. It was a wonderful experience.
"This week was so wonderful! Full of so many miracles I am not even sure where I should start!
On Friday we went on splits and I was able to go out with a member, Rachel, who will be serving her mission shortly. We had a member who referred her neighbor so after talking with the member about her neighbor we stopped by. After two knocks and no answer we started to walk back to the car when I turned around and saw the lady coming to her door. Quickly we got back to the house and talked with this lady named Jenifer. Rachel is very ready for her mission! We talked with Jenifer and asked her about her own belief in Christ and our Heavenly Father. We talked for quite some time, Rachel testifying like a pro missionary already. We ended in prayer and set up a return appointment. It was just a wonderful experience.
One reason I really loved that experience was it strengthened my testimony in Prayer. As we were walking away I prayed silently that we would find somebody to testify to so Rachel could work as a missionary. As I said that prayer it was answered in that very moment with Jenifer returning to her door. It was also wonderful because it really strengthened my knowledge and ability to do this work. For the past weeks I have been following the wonderful example of Sister Javed and I have learned so much, but this day I was able to not need to be on the back burner but be the example to another. Rather than double check my every move, which I tend to do working with Sister Javed, I relied more on Christ to lead us to where to go. It was a wonderful experience.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Alright my week! AMAZING.
WE received a referral from the Spanish sisters in the area to go and visit this family. There is a Grandpa, whom we have only seen once, and his grandkids who are the ones really interested in knowing more. There is only one of baptismal age, but it is just amazing to go spend time with these kids and see how they have a desire to understand about Christ. Their mom isn't interested (yet) but she sits with us as we talk with her kids. Jeramey, who is 9, is the brightest little kid I've ever met. It makes me think of a couple of the kids from this supper at the gym.. I miss those little crazy kids!.. any way. Jeramey really wants to come to church and become involved in scouts and all that stuff. We taught him about prayer and I have never heard such a sincere prayer in my life! We told him how you just tell Heavenly Father what is in your heart, you ask him for help, and thank him for what you have. He prayed so simply yet so powerfully thanking Heavenly Father for the home they had, yet asking for his help with money and the chance to find a car so they can get around town. As he ended his prayer we all smiled and his mom was super touched. For a split second her heart softened and you could just see the spirit fill her up! I am excited for the chance to continue meeting with Jeramey and his siblings. Christ tells us to become like little children and I know that doing so is one of the best things we could do.
In the VC we are working with this man who asked to meet with Missionaries during the Christmas lights, but is too busy for them right now so we get to teach him on the phones! He is a little bit crazy, but still wonderful :) At times he will get very confused about what he believes, telling us one thing and then another. I guess he has seen Jesus... He had taken him from his home and allowed him to be in the clouds, well just his neck and head floating in the clouds, to see Christ. I guess that changed his life because now he likes to learn all he can about Christ. He is very willing to pray, but he expects his answer to be like that experience where he will be brought to Christ. IT is important that people understand that answers come by the Holy Ghost, the answers are different for each one of us. Most of the time it is a small voice testifying of truth. We will continue to call and work with him and see if he can receive an answer :)
I also had 1 of the ladies I had talked with at the VC who was baptized this last weekend! YAY. My 1st VC baptism. It was pretty exciting to know that calling and testifying of Christ truly works. Of course this lady was super prepared by the Lord before we were in contact. Miracles all around that is for sure!
Something I wanted to share from my studies this week comes from Alma 44:4. There it talks how God will support, keep, and preserve us IF we stay faithful. It is so clear! If we do not stay faithful we will pretty much be destroyed. Faith is key. That is why it is the first principle in the Doctrine of Christ. Without it we can not make any progression. We must "stand fast in the faith" (Alma 45:17). We must be attentive, alert, and ready to act- that is the whole standing. Not sitting in faith, standing strong ready to act! We must be on our guard. Evil, and good, are all around us and who knows when we will see it! (Alma 52:27-30), The 2000 stripling warriors are the best example of this preparedness. (Not only that but they are the epitome of the perfect man). Just wanted to share that.
Well I love you all very much! Thank you for the love and support. Try not to freeze in Oregon! I get very confused at the coldness here... No snow tho! Enjoy the snow for me :)
Love, Sister Brownell
WE received a referral from the Spanish sisters in the area to go and visit this family. There is a Grandpa, whom we have only seen once, and his grandkids who are the ones really interested in knowing more. There is only one of baptismal age, but it is just amazing to go spend time with these kids and see how they have a desire to understand about Christ. Their mom isn't interested (yet) but she sits with us as we talk with her kids. Jeramey, who is 9, is the brightest little kid I've ever met. It makes me think of a couple of the kids from this supper at the gym.. I miss those little crazy kids!.. any way. Jeramey really wants to come to church and become involved in scouts and all that stuff. We taught him about prayer and I have never heard such a sincere prayer in my life! We told him how you just tell Heavenly Father what is in your heart, you ask him for help, and thank him for what you have. He prayed so simply yet so powerfully thanking Heavenly Father for the home they had, yet asking for his help with money and the chance to find a car so they can get around town. As he ended his prayer we all smiled and his mom was super touched. For a split second her heart softened and you could just see the spirit fill her up! I am excited for the chance to continue meeting with Jeramey and his siblings. Christ tells us to become like little children and I know that doing so is one of the best things we could do.
In the VC we are working with this man who asked to meet with Missionaries during the Christmas lights, but is too busy for them right now so we get to teach him on the phones! He is a little bit crazy, but still wonderful :) At times he will get very confused about what he believes, telling us one thing and then another. I guess he has seen Jesus... He had taken him from his home and allowed him to be in the clouds, well just his neck and head floating in the clouds, to see Christ. I guess that changed his life because now he likes to learn all he can about Christ. He is very willing to pray, but he expects his answer to be like that experience where he will be brought to Christ. IT is important that people understand that answers come by the Holy Ghost, the answers are different for each one of us. Most of the time it is a small voice testifying of truth. We will continue to call and work with him and see if he can receive an answer :)
I also had 1 of the ladies I had talked with at the VC who was baptized this last weekend! YAY. My 1st VC baptism. It was pretty exciting to know that calling and testifying of Christ truly works. Of course this lady was super prepared by the Lord before we were in contact. Miracles all around that is for sure!
Something I wanted to share from my studies this week comes from Alma 44:4. There it talks how God will support, keep, and preserve us IF we stay faithful. It is so clear! If we do not stay faithful we will pretty much be destroyed. Faith is key. That is why it is the first principle in the Doctrine of Christ. Without it we can not make any progression. We must "stand fast in the faith" (Alma 45:17). We must be attentive, alert, and ready to act- that is the whole standing. Not sitting in faith, standing strong ready to act! We must be on our guard. Evil, and good, are all around us and who knows when we will see it! (Alma 52:27-30), The 2000 stripling warriors are the best example of this preparedness. (Not only that but they are the epitome of the perfect man). Just wanted to share that.
Well I love you all very much! Thank you for the love and support. Try not to freeze in Oregon! I get very confused at the coldness here... No snow tho! Enjoy the snow for me :)
Love, Sister Brownell
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Merry Christmas from Mesa, Arizona! Danielle has been blessed to serve in the Mesa Arizona Mission since November. She is amazed at how time is flying by, she has enjoyed serving at the Visitor Center and has loved the beauty that the Visitor Center transformed into during the Holiday's. She has ran into some family and friends over the Holiday's, and was thankful to share her love of the Savior with them.
Danielle wrote home and said, she couldn't think of a better place to be during this Christmas season then serving the Lord. Sharing her testimony of Christ and helping those seeking to come unto Him.
Here is a picture of the Sister's taken by sweet Sister Taylor who had the Sister missionaries for Christmas. If you have time, Danielle would love to get a letter from you. If you look at the previous post you will find the address to send it too.
Danielle wrote home and said, she couldn't think of a better place to be during this Christmas season then serving the Lord. Sharing her testimony of Christ and helping those seeking to come unto Him.
Here is a picture of the Sister's taken by sweet Sister Taylor who had the Sister missionaries for Christmas. If you have time, Danielle would love to get a letter from you. If you look at the previous post you will find the address to send it too.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Our investigators James and Ashley who we just started teaching are doing so well. Ashley is 11 and the cutest thing every. She is shy, but really wants to be a part of the ward. At church the prymary got up to sing on Sunday and she got up right with them! She had no idea what the song was (Having only gone to church 1 time before) but she was so darn cute. I am so excited to see their progression and happiness in their life that is coming.
I got a Christmas letter from Grandma and Grandpa Murray this week. 35 bucks from them too! YEssss. Today I go to payless to find some boots. (It is actually really really cold here. Like 50-60 at night and my feet freeze!) So I will buy a pair of boots for outside when I am at the VC or in the area late at night. The other night my feet were so cold I hopped off my bike and didn't feel them and fell on the ground. I laughed pretty hard as a car drove by and Sister Javed was freaking out that I was dead or something :) haha. Tell Grandma thanks for me!
So something I studied this week I wanted to share with you was the importance of giving our all to the Lord. This Christmas has been soooo fantastic because I am serving Him. I am not worried about worldly things, but rather doing his work. Elder Holland has a talk from last GC that I loved. The First Great Commandment. Its golden. Read it. He talks about how we are all disciples of Christ and how we need to devote ourselves to him. Some parts that touched me were when he took liberty and expressed what he thought Christ would have said.... "What I need, Peter, are disciples- and I need them forever. I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith. I need someonewho loves me, truly, truly, loves me, and loves what our Father in Heaven has commissioned me to do." HOW POWERFUL IS THAT! I know that we are all discipes of Christ and we are here to share what we know to be true. It is not just on my mission that I will be doing this, but for my whole life. I think about the Sons of Mosiah and how when they learned of the truth they went out and served him for 14 years! (and more). I also love the thought that as we devote ourselves "to be an instrunment in [his] hands to save and preserve the people" (Alma 2:30) we will be strengthened. We can not just pray for strength and give nothing back. I know as we pray for help to fight evil and bring the gospel to all we will be blessed. In Alma 2 it talks about the Laminates and Amlicites who are numerous so much that they are "As the sands of the sea" (vs 27) but the Nephites, who have "prayed mightily to the Lord" (28) are able to defeat them. We too have those who seek to destroy us Each Day. The influence of Satan is all around and we will become sucked in if we do not pray mightily for that strength and as we do so devote ourself to him. We are called to be disciples of the Lord, all of us. What a special calling that is. "In short, we have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the Lord. We can't quit and we can't go back. After an encounter with the living Son of the living God, nothing is ever again to be as it was before" -Elder Holland.
I know that this work is true! I know that Christ lives and loves us. This season is about HIM. It is not about gifts, or lights, or crud like that. It is about serving others and bringing the light of Christ into the hearts of all men. I encourage all who have read this to go out and do something more! Go share your testimony to that person that may need it. As we do these things along with continually holding to the Church, reading or words of prophets and the scriptures, praying, and hearkening unto the spirit we will find happiness and be blessed!
Thank you all for the love and support I receive every day from you! I love you all and hope you are enjoying this holiday season. It is strange not to be home, but I love this work and would not change this for anything in the world!
Love,
Sister Brownell
I got a Christmas letter from Grandma and Grandpa Murray this week. 35 bucks from them too! YEssss. Today I go to payless to find some boots. (It is actually really really cold here. Like 50-60 at night and my feet freeze!) So I will buy a pair of boots for outside when I am at the VC or in the area late at night. The other night my feet were so cold I hopped off my bike and didn't feel them and fell on the ground. I laughed pretty hard as a car drove by and Sister Javed was freaking out that I was dead or something :) haha. Tell Grandma thanks for me!
So something I studied this week I wanted to share with you was the importance of giving our all to the Lord. This Christmas has been soooo fantastic because I am serving Him. I am not worried about worldly things, but rather doing his work. Elder Holland has a talk from last GC that I loved. The First Great Commandment. Its golden. Read it. He talks about how we are all disciples of Christ and how we need to devote ourselves to him. Some parts that touched me were when he took liberty and expressed what he thought Christ would have said.... "What I need, Peter, are disciples- and I need them forever. I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith. I need someonewho loves me, truly, truly, loves me, and loves what our Father in Heaven has commissioned me to do." HOW POWERFUL IS THAT! I know that we are all discipes of Christ and we are here to share what we know to be true. It is not just on my mission that I will be doing this, but for my whole life. I think about the Sons of Mosiah and how when they learned of the truth they went out and served him for 14 years! (and more). I also love the thought that as we devote ourselves "to be an instrunment in [his] hands to save and preserve the people" (Alma 2:30) we will be strengthened. We can not just pray for strength and give nothing back. I know as we pray for help to fight evil and bring the gospel to all we will be blessed. In Alma 2 it talks about the Laminates and Amlicites who are numerous so much that they are "As the sands of the sea" (vs 27) but the Nephites, who have "prayed mightily to the Lord" (28) are able to defeat them. We too have those who seek to destroy us Each Day. The influence of Satan is all around and we will become sucked in if we do not pray mightily for that strength and as we do so devote ourself to him. We are called to be disciples of the Lord, all of us. What a special calling that is. "In short, we have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the Lord. We can't quit and we can't go back. After an encounter with the living Son of the living God, nothing is ever again to be as it was before" -Elder Holland.
I know that this work is true! I know that Christ lives and loves us. This season is about HIM. It is not about gifts, or lights, or crud like that. It is about serving others and bringing the light of Christ into the hearts of all men. I encourage all who have read this to go out and do something more! Go share your testimony to that person that may need it. As we do these things along with continually holding to the Church, reading or words of prophets and the scriptures, praying, and hearkening unto the spirit we will find happiness and be blessed!
Thank you all for the love and support I receive every day from you! I love you all and hope you are enjoying this holiday season. It is strange not to be home, but I love this work and would not change this for anything in the world!
Love,
Sister Brownell
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)