Dear Family,
I’m glad to hear that you had a good week with Jason and then the band concert. Mrs. Kent really is a great woman. I’m glad you were able to see and visit with her. Good job on the horn solo Sis! I didn’t hear it, but I did teach mom how to pick out the horns and she said it was good so I’ll trust her. How is Will doing? Are you all enjoying the family togetherness?
Dad, I’d love to have those two names. The history here in Nebraska really is remarkable. Just today, one of the moms in the branch gave us a ride and said how her son did a school project all about the pioneers and loved it. He even invited his whole class to visit the Mormon Trail Center. Then last night, after dinner, we discussed letting our light shine with the Mannewitz family. They decided to focus on having good language this week so that when people at school or work notice they can talk about church and how it helps them and their family. They are such good little missionaries.
We had a great lesson with Michelle last week about the atonement. She has been meeting with the sisters for a while and last week was her first time coming to all three hours of church. She’s been praying about whether she should get baptized. Well, in our gospel principles class she got her answer. She said that she felt a rush of warmth and the thought came to her mind “You should get baptized.” We assured her that that was the spirit. Just like Doctrine and Covenants 8:2 says, the spirit speaks to our mind and our heart. We are so excited for her. We know what a huge blessing baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost will be. She is already seeing how meeting with us has helped her form better habits of prayer and scripture study and even giving up alcohol. Talking with Michelle really strengthened my testimony of attending church. When we go to church we place ourselves in a spiritual atmosphere where we are more receptive to spiritual promptings. Often, answers to my prayers have come at church, either through the words of a speaker, a teacher, or the scriptures. Heavenly Father truly blesses us for going to church.
Sister Bleazard and I have been learning a lot about how the spirit speaks to us. I think Michelle really helped me see that thoughts accompanied by good, warm feelings are spiritual promptings. Sister Gingrich always said “If it’s a good thought, do it.” I think I’m getting a lot better at that. Instead of hesitating when there is someone outside I just go talk to them. Now and then I’ll think things like, “I should put that in my backpack” or “we should knock one more time” and I think those are also spiritual promptings. It may seem silly or seem like nothing comes of it, but I’d rather follow those thoughts, trusting that they are inspired, than miss an opportunity that Heavenly Father gives me.
Thank you for sharing that talk Sister Dean gave on service. Service is another thing that Sister Bleazard and I are trying to focus on. I do remember telling you how selfish I felt at college. I was frustrated that my only purpose in life was me. And you said not to worry because we go through selfish and selfless phases in our lives and that my selfish phase wouldn’t last forever. Well, I’m glad that I get a break from that selfish phase as a missionary. We really are focused completely outward. Our purpose is to “invite others to come unto Christ” (PMG Ch.1). Everything we do is about serving those around us and helping them be happier. Our gospel principles lesson on Sunday was about charity and the teacher said “Charity is a never ending search for someone else’s happiness.” I thought that statement was very profound. It really does sum up charity.
I also want to share a service/charity related connection I made recently. In Mosiah 5:13 it says “how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served … and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?” That got me thinking, if “this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3) then we get to know God (have eternal life) by serving Him. Then I remembered Mosiah 2:17 which says, “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” That means that serving others is serving God and coming to know Him and having eternal life.
Serving others = serving God -> knowing God = eternal life
So serving others is HUGE. It is in serving others and loving them that we become more Christ-like, more like our Heavenly Father, more “at one” with them. And as we become like them, we know them, and we are prepared to inherit eternal life. Pretty cool, huh?
Well, thanks for keeping me updated on family life. It’s so good to hear from you. I love being a missionary, I love Gretna, and I love Sister Bleazard! We work hard and have fun at the same time!
Love,
Sister Bailey Mortensen
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Frigid Nebraska
Dear Family,
I’m glad to hear that you are all getting back in the groove of school and work. It has been really cold here in Nebraska and there is so much snow. Even the native Nebraskans say this amount of snow is ridiculous. Instead of transfers being on Thursday, the snow delayed them until Friday. Sister Smith and I took one of the new sisters (fresh from the MTC) out all day Thursday. I can’t imagine what those new missionaries thought, arriving to Nebraska when it is below zero, the wind is blowing, and there are several feet of snow on the ground. The sister that came with us said she learned persistence and diligence, probably because we still went out and talked to people in the freezing cold and didn’t stop talking to them unless they ran away or shut their door. Well, that’s missionary life. We just bundle up, pray with lots of faith and Heavenly Father blesses us.
Exciting news: I was transferred to Gretna! I went from the second smallest area in the mission to the largest. It was a little sad to leave good old Ralston LaVista, but I am loving Gretna. My new companion is Sister Bleazard. Oddly enough, we are the only sisters in the mission from Washington (she’s from Pasco) and the only two sisters who were trained by Sister Gingrich. We are getting along very well. In fact, I think Sister Bleazard and I balance each other perfectly. She has a very passionate personality while I am more reserved. She loves leading and I am completely content to follow. Also, she is overflowing with enthusiasm and confidence which I am able to feed off of. We are both very excited to work hard and see miracles happen.
The members here in the Gretna branch are incredible. They participate in missionary work so much. They not only feed us, but pay for our apartment and everything in it. They come with us on team-ups all the time. And because we are so limited with the miles we can drive, they give us rides a lot too. I am so grateful to be in such a supportive area. We are able to work together in harmony in sharing the gospel and I love it!
We had a great lesson with Heather on Saturday night. She is a single mom and the daughter of a couple in the branch who joined the church recently. Apparently she went to church last week and felt very comfortable. We taught her the restoration lesson and it was very powerful. She is very close to the spirit and described it as a peace where you just know that everything is going to be okay. I love that description because that is often how the spirit feels for me. She accepted a baptismal date and everything. Then on Sunday, she didn’t come to church. Her mom said she kinda freaked out and decided she wanted to take things slowly and learn a lot more before making a decision. Sister Bleazard and I were disappointed to hear that. I guess Satan starts working on people as soon as we leave. I can understand wanting to learn, but it’s not like we will let people get baptized if they aren’t ready. We teach them so that they will know everything they need to know and be prepared to make that covenant. I thought we explained that to Heather, but maybe not well enough. I wonder what we can do to make people more comfortable with preparing to be baptized.
I know this is the true church of Jesus Christ. Our Heavenly Father loves us and has a plan for each of us. He is just waiting to bless us if we will just be obedient. He will help us to do things He asks us to do and shape us to become who He wants us to be.
I love you all so much!
Love,
Sister Bailey Mortensen
I’m glad to hear that you are all getting back in the groove of school and work. It has been really cold here in Nebraska and there is so much snow. Even the native Nebraskans say this amount of snow is ridiculous. Instead of transfers being on Thursday, the snow delayed them until Friday. Sister Smith and I took one of the new sisters (fresh from the MTC) out all day Thursday. I can’t imagine what those new missionaries thought, arriving to Nebraska when it is below zero, the wind is blowing, and there are several feet of snow on the ground. The sister that came with us said she learned persistence and diligence, probably because we still went out and talked to people in the freezing cold and didn’t stop talking to them unless they ran away or shut their door. Well, that’s missionary life. We just bundle up, pray with lots of faith and Heavenly Father blesses us.
Exciting news: I was transferred to Gretna! I went from the second smallest area in the mission to the largest. It was a little sad to leave good old Ralston LaVista, but I am loving Gretna. My new companion is Sister Bleazard. Oddly enough, we are the only sisters in the mission from Washington (she’s from Pasco) and the only two sisters who were trained by Sister Gingrich. We are getting along very well. In fact, I think Sister Bleazard and I balance each other perfectly. She has a very passionate personality while I am more reserved. She loves leading and I am completely content to follow. Also, she is overflowing with enthusiasm and confidence which I am able to feed off of. We are both very excited to work hard and see miracles happen.
The members here in the Gretna branch are incredible. They participate in missionary work so much. They not only feed us, but pay for our apartment and everything in it. They come with us on team-ups all the time. And because we are so limited with the miles we can drive, they give us rides a lot too. I am so grateful to be in such a supportive area. We are able to work together in harmony in sharing the gospel and I love it!
We had a great lesson with Heather on Saturday night. She is a single mom and the daughter of a couple in the branch who joined the church recently. Apparently she went to church last week and felt very comfortable. We taught her the restoration lesson and it was very powerful. She is very close to the spirit and described it as a peace where you just know that everything is going to be okay. I love that description because that is often how the spirit feels for me. She accepted a baptismal date and everything. Then on Sunday, she didn’t come to church. Her mom said she kinda freaked out and decided she wanted to take things slowly and learn a lot more before making a decision. Sister Bleazard and I were disappointed to hear that. I guess Satan starts working on people as soon as we leave. I can understand wanting to learn, but it’s not like we will let people get baptized if they aren’t ready. We teach them so that they will know everything they need to know and be prepared to make that covenant. I thought we explained that to Heather, but maybe not well enough. I wonder what we can do to make people more comfortable with preparing to be baptized.
I know this is the true church of Jesus Christ. Our Heavenly Father loves us and has a plan for each of us. He is just waiting to bless us if we will just be obedient. He will help us to do things He asks us to do and shape us to become who He wants us to be.
I love you all so much!
Love,
Sister Bailey Mortensen
Monday, January 4, 2010
Feliz y frio
Dear Family,
I can’t believe that Joel and Kenny and John are engaged! That is so weird to think about. Especially since they all got home so recently (at least it feels that way). Well, I congratulate them and wish them the very best. I’m especially excited for Joel because Jenna was a lot of fun at her birthday crab boil. I can’t believe that all Julie’s kids will be married! I’m sure that will be just one of the few interesting changes for me to come home to.
I love that you put my name tag on the fridge along with "La hermana es feliz y frio". That pretty much sums me up: a very happy and cold missionary. Okay, I’m not cold all the time thanks to our car, the people we visit, the layers you sent, and our apartment. But it has been sub-zero pretty consistently. And we even got a few more inches of snow. The big difference between here and Washington is that the snow never melts. It just piles up. It makes me very grateful for all the modern conveniences we have to stay warm. I cannot imagine how the pioneers survived here at Winter Quarters. Two or three families would live together in just a one room log cabin or sod house. And yet they were so grateful to even have that. There is so much for us to learn from the pioneers so I’m grateful to be serving in such a historic area.
This week I learned that we, as missionaries, are gathering scattered Israel. I just finished reading the Isaiah chapters in 2 Nephi and the allegory of the olive tree in Jacob so it has kind of been on the brain. Then, Sister Smith and I met this man at the library who is of Jewish descent. He saw us emailing and eventually asked “Are you amish?” That made me laugh, but also led to a great little discussion about how we are missionaries sharing that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. We asked if we could come teach him and he agreed. When we visited him later in the week to teach about the restoration he understood it really well. He has gone to a few different Christian churches and found a lot of hypocrisy. So he completely agreed with the apostasy. Still, he has heard some weird things about “mormons” and was pretty apprehensive about learning more. But he kept saying yes to our invitations. At first he was like, “I don’t know if I’ll read the Book of Mormon” but when we asked him again he said “okay.” He even told us “something is telling me not to say no to you. I just can’t say no.” It was a really neat experience. We came out of that lesson in awe. Wow! We really are gathering scattered Israel and God truly does prepare His children to receive the gospel.
We also had a really good lesson with Krista this week. She has been investigating the church for a year and knows it is true, but her family is against her getting baptized. She is about our age and started investigating because she is dating a member named Travis. They are both so good. After a lesson about how the temple blesses families Krista expressed her concerns about joining the church. I wasn’t sure what I could say to help her, but Heavenly Father did and He filled my mouth. I told her how good she was and how I could tell how much her family cares about her and how much she cares about them. Then I said “This is the best thing you can do for your family.” Those words definitely didn’t come from me because I have never thought that before. But it is so true. When I said that, it really rang true. Living the gospel and attending the temple is the best thing any of us can do for our families … past, present, and future. In the temple our families are sealed together for eternity. To me that is so comforting, to know that I will be with you, my family, forever. Our greatest growth and our greatest joys come from our families, so of course Heavenly Father wants us to live in families after this life. I’m so grateful that He has provided the way for us to receive that most wonderful blessing of being united for eternity. I know that the greatest blessings come from keeping temple covenants.
One last thing I’ve learned this week. President Kunz taught us in a training that
love -> faith -> obedience -> blessings
If we want blessings we need to be obedient. If we aren’t as obedient as we should be, it’s probably because we don’t have complete faith that we will be blessed for being obedient. And faith comes from loving the savior. That’s why he said “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Love for the Savior leads to faith, which leads to obedience, which brings blessings. All through the Book of Mormon it says “Inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land.” (Jarom1:9 and other places). I never really noticed the word “inasmuch” until now. As much as we are obedient, that is how much we will be blessed. If we are 60% obedient we will get 60% of the blessings. So, if you want more blessings, be more obedient. And if it’s hard to be more obedient, you need to exercise more faith. Do those little things that build faith like praying, expressing gratitude and reading the scriptures. And if building faith is difficult, try to recognize Heavenly Father’s love for you. Remember those times when you have seen Him bless your life. Know that He loves you and is always there for you. He wants you to be happy, to become like Him, and receive all the blessings He has for us. Catch the vision that you are His child with the capacity to become like Him. Also remember the atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ. That is the greatest manifestation of God’s love. The more we understand the atonement, the more we will love our Savior and exercise faith in him.
I love you all very much!
Sister Bailey Mortensen
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Christmas
Hello Family,
I did compose a lovely email thanking you all for your wonderful gifts and saying what a good time I had this Christmas, but it disappeared when I tried to send it. So, here is the abbreviated version.
Thank you for all the warm stuff you sent. I have already used it and am very grateful for the extra warmth. My favorite thing you sent was those individual letters. It was so good to hear from each of you in those letters and then on the phone.
Sister Smith and I had a wonderful Christmas. The senior couples spoiled all of us Trail Center sisters with quite the Christmas Eve party and then a brunch on Christmas day. It was great to spend time with them and all the sisters.
We found lots of new people to teach yesterday as we helped them dig their cars out of the snow or talked to them as we walked. So, I guess all the snow is a blessing. Still, I was very happy when our cars were ungrounded. It makes getting everywhere so much easier.
I hope you all have a wonderful start to the new year!
Love,
Sister Bailey Mortensen
Monday, December 21, 2009
Merry Christmas
Dear Family,
I am excited to call on Friday evening and hear from all of you! The missionary handbook says to keep the call short (preferably no longer than 30 or 40 minutes).
These past few days I have felt so full of love. I am overflowing with it. Singing Christmas hymns with the ward makes me feel like I have a family here. I feel their love and I love them.
I have never felt so full of the Christmas Spirit in my life! Christmas as a missionary is amazing so I'm glad I get to do it twice! On Saturday our ward had their Christmas Party and it was fantastic because this family that we just met came and felt very welcomed. We had been trying to contact and teach the McCormick family for weeks and finally we did. And then they came to the Christmas Party the next day! They are neighbors of the Wahls, a family that was baptized last summer, so Sister Wahl was so excited to see them and share the joy she has found at church with them. After the party, the McCormicks 11 year old daughter came up and said to us "We are definitely coming to church tomorrow." And they did! And they absolutely loved the Christmas program. The mom gave Sister Smith a hug and said "Thank you for opening my eyes." Sister Smith and I have were beaming the entire weekend because we felt the happiness of sharing something so precious and dear as the gospel of Jesus Christ with this family. The gospel has blessed us so much, knowing that our families can be together forever and that we can receive guidance through a living prophet, that we are so anxious to share those blessings with everyone around us.
The Spirit of Christmas truly is the Spirit of Christ. To me that spirit is the love or charity that he has for each of us and that we should strive to have for each other. And missionary work is all about sharing the love of God with others. God loves us and wants us to receive all the blessings he has. His whole purpose is to help us become like Him (Moses 1:39). So, He has provided a way (through our Savior, Jesus Christ, Mosiah 3:17) and commandments (2 Ne 9:23-24) for us to return to Him and receive that greatest gift of eternal life (D&C 14:7). And He did it all because he loves us (John 3:16).
As missionaries or members of the Church, we have received many blessings from God. When we recognize those blessings and feel God's love for us, our love for others increases, as does our desire to share those blessings of the gospel with them. Like God, we love them and want them to enjoy the same blessings that we have found in living the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, we invite them to keep the commandments upon which those blessings are predicated (D&C 130:20-21). We invite them to be baptized so that they can be clean and worthy to enter the kingdom of God (Alma 7:14-16, John 3:5). That is the greatest gift we can offer anyone, the gift of eternal life with God and our families. It brings me such joy as a missionary to see people accept that gift that God and Jesus Christ offer through me (D&C 18:10-23). And I offer it because I love them.
To those who feel the joy of living the gospel, I invite you to "pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love," this charity, this Spirit of Christ and Christmas so that you can "be an instrument in the hands of God to bring ... [your] brethren ... to the knowledge of the truth" (Moroni 7:48, Alma 17:9).
To those who have forgotten the joy of living the gospel of Jesus Christ I invite you to remember and start anew to follow him. Think of those times when you felt God's love or recognized His hand in your life. Know that He is there, that He loves you and wants to bless you. His love is unconditional, but His blessings are conditional on our obedience. Because of the atonement of Jesus Christ we can repent, we can change, we can start new. And if we are sincere, God will forgive us and give us the strength to overcome all things. I have seen this happen in my life. Even when I have no idea how I can possibly overcome a certain trial or weakness, I trust that God knows and that He will provide a way. And He does! Because Christ suffered for us he understands us perfectly. He knows what we are going through and he can help us through it. Turning to our Savior Jesus Christ is the only way to have lasting happiness.
To "those who do not belong to the church I speak by way of invitation, saying: Come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye also may be partakers of the fruit of the tree of life" (Alma 5:62). The tree of life represents the love of God. As we follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized we are cleansed and the doors to the kingdom of God are opened. That is the only way to live with our Heavenly Father after this life. I know that the authority to baptized was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church of Christ once again on the earth. We will be blessed and have lasting happiness as we follow His teachings.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
Love,
Sister Bailey Mortensen
I am excited to call on Friday evening and hear from all of you! The missionary handbook says to keep the call short (preferably no longer than 30 or 40 minutes).
These past few days I have felt so full of love. I am overflowing with it. Singing Christmas hymns with the ward makes me feel like I have a family here. I feel their love and I love them.
I have never felt so full of the Christmas Spirit in my life! Christmas as a missionary is amazing so I'm glad I get to do it twice! On Saturday our ward had their Christmas Party and it was fantastic because this family that we just met came and felt very welcomed. We had been trying to contact and teach the McCormick family for weeks and finally we did. And then they came to the Christmas Party the next day! They are neighbors of the Wahls, a family that was baptized last summer, so Sister Wahl was so excited to see them and share the joy she has found at church with them. After the party, the McCormicks 11 year old daughter came up and said to us "We are definitely coming to church tomorrow." And they did! And they absolutely loved the Christmas program. The mom gave Sister Smith a hug and said "Thank you for opening my eyes." Sister Smith and I have were beaming the entire weekend because we felt the happiness of sharing something so precious and dear as the gospel of Jesus Christ with this family. The gospel has blessed us so much, knowing that our families can be together forever and that we can receive guidance through a living prophet, that we are so anxious to share those blessings with everyone around us.
The Spirit of Christmas truly is the Spirit of Christ. To me that spirit is the love or charity that he has for each of us and that we should strive to have for each other. And missionary work is all about sharing the love of God with others. God loves us and wants us to receive all the blessings he has. His whole purpose is to help us become like Him (Moses 1:39). So, He has provided a way (through our Savior, Jesus Christ, Mosiah 3:17) and commandments (2 Ne 9:23-24) for us to return to Him and receive that greatest gift of eternal life (D&C 14:7). And He did it all because he loves us (John 3:16).
As missionaries or members of the Church, we have received many blessings from God. When we recognize those blessings and feel God's love for us, our love for others increases, as does our desire to share those blessings of the gospel with them. Like God, we love them and want them to enjoy the same blessings that we have found in living the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, we invite them to keep the commandments upon which those blessings are predicated (D&C 130:20-21). We invite them to be baptized so that they can be clean and worthy to enter the kingdom of God (Alma 7:14-16, John 3:5). That is the greatest gift we can offer anyone, the gift of eternal life with God and our families. It brings me such joy as a missionary to see people accept that gift that God and Jesus Christ offer through me (D&C 18:10-23). And I offer it because I love them.
To those who feel the joy of living the gospel, I invite you to "pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love," this charity, this Spirit of Christ and Christmas so that you can "be an instrument in the hands of God to bring ... [your] brethren ... to the knowledge of the truth" (Moroni 7:48, Alma 17:9).
To those who have forgotten the joy of living the gospel of Jesus Christ I invite you to remember and start anew to follow him. Think of those times when you felt God's love or recognized His hand in your life. Know that He is there, that He loves you and wants to bless you. His love is unconditional, but His blessings are conditional on our obedience. Because of the atonement of Jesus Christ we can repent, we can change, we can start new. And if we are sincere, God will forgive us and give us the strength to overcome all things. I have seen this happen in my life. Even when I have no idea how I can possibly overcome a certain trial or weakness, I trust that God knows and that He will provide a way. And He does! Because Christ suffered for us he understands us perfectly. He knows what we are going through and he can help us through it. Turning to our Savior Jesus Christ is the only way to have lasting happiness.
To "those who do not belong to the church I speak by way of invitation, saying: Come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye also may be partakers of the fruit of the tree of life" (Alma 5:62). The tree of life represents the love of God. As we follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized we are cleansed and the doors to the kingdom of God are opened. That is the only way to live with our Heavenly Father after this life. I know that the authority to baptized was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church of Christ once again on the earth. We will be blessed and have lasting happiness as we follow His teachings.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
Love,
Sister Bailey Mortensen
Monday, December 14, 2009
Blizzard!
Dear Family,
It sounds like the Ward Christmas party was pretty fun, a little crazy with the fire alarm and all, but I’m sure that just made it that much more memorable. Thank you for sending my Ensigns. It is so good to have them as a reference. I just love looking back at all the amazing talks we get at conference. Our leaders are so inspired and their messages contain so much truth and counsel. They are great!
We had a blizzard! It was at night so we slept through most of it, but still, we actually had a blizzard! Basically, it was snowing and the wind was blowing really hard. The wind was still pretty bad the next morning, but the snow had stopped. I’m not sure how much snow we got because it all got blown around into these mountainous drifts. The drifts actually reminded me of sand dunes; the only differences were that they were white and sparkly and not quite as big as sand dunes. Another difference from Washington is that the snow doesn’t melt. So, it is a good thing that they plow the streets here. We weren’t allowed to drive for a day and a half so we got rides from members when we could and walked. I think trekking through the snow was a good bonding experience for Sister Smith and I. We had a couple people pull over and offer rides, but we said no thanks. Then we offered them the gospel and they said no thanks. I think that sums up a lot of my experiences with talking to everyone in Nebraska. Most people are nice, but happy where they are at and therefore blind to all the blessings they are missing. It’s usually the humble people that are going through hard times that are willing to listen and change their lives for the better (Ether 12:27).
My first ever snow tracting experience was great! We were walking through a neighborhood where tons of people were shoveling their driveways. We would always ask if they needed help. Most said no, so we shared a brief message and asked when we could come share more. They didn’t want us back so we’d just give them a Joy to the World pass along card. Then a man named James said we could help! We grabbed shovels and had a great conversation with him about service and trusting in God and the restoration and coming to church and eventually baptism. We have been challenged to invite everyone that is receptive to be baptized, but James got to it before we did. When we explained that we don’t baptize infants he asked “So, can I be baptized?” and we said “Sure … how about January 2nd ?!?” And he said yes and we set up a return appointment! We were so excited! I’ve determined that those that let us help them shovel their driveways or get their cars un-stuck are humble and more prepared to accept the gospel. So, snow tracting is a great way to find those that God has prepared.
Love,
Sister Bailey Mortensen
It sounds like the Ward Christmas party was pretty fun, a little crazy with the fire alarm and all, but I’m sure that just made it that much more memorable. Thank you for sending my Ensigns. It is so good to have them as a reference. I just love looking back at all the amazing talks we get at conference. Our leaders are so inspired and their messages contain so much truth and counsel. They are great!
We had a blizzard! It was at night so we slept through most of it, but still, we actually had a blizzard! Basically, it was snowing and the wind was blowing really hard. The wind was still pretty bad the next morning, but the snow had stopped. I’m not sure how much snow we got because it all got blown around into these mountainous drifts. The drifts actually reminded me of sand dunes; the only differences were that they were white and sparkly and not quite as big as sand dunes. Another difference from Washington is that the snow doesn’t melt. So, it is a good thing that they plow the streets here. We weren’t allowed to drive for a day and a half so we got rides from members when we could and walked. I think trekking through the snow was a good bonding experience for Sister Smith and I. We had a couple people pull over and offer rides, but we said no thanks. Then we offered them the gospel and they said no thanks. I think that sums up a lot of my experiences with talking to everyone in Nebraska. Most people are nice, but happy where they are at and therefore blind to all the blessings they are missing. It’s usually the humble people that are going through hard times that are willing to listen and change their lives for the better (Ether 12:27).
My first ever snow tracting experience was great! We were walking through a neighborhood where tons of people were shoveling their driveways. We would always ask if they needed help. Most said no, so we shared a brief message and asked when we could come share more. They didn’t want us back so we’d just give them a Joy to the World pass along card. Then a man named James said we could help! We grabbed shovels and had a great conversation with him about service and trusting in God and the restoration and coming to church and eventually baptism. We have been challenged to invite everyone that is receptive to be baptized, but James got to it before we did. When we explained that we don’t baptize infants he asked “So, can I be baptized?” and we said “Sure … how about January 2nd ?!?” And he said yes and we set up a return appointment! We were so excited! I’ve determined that those that let us help them shovel their driveways or get their cars un-stuck are humble and more prepared to accept the gospel. So, snow tracting is a great way to find those that God has prepared.
Love,
Sister Bailey Mortensen
Monday, December 7, 2009
It Snowed!
Dear Family,
It snowed yesterday! Because it is so windy here it took a while to stick, but we have maybe two or three inches today. A guy out shoveling snow this morning said we're supposed to get another foot of snow tonight. Sister Smith is from Arizona but had some practice driving in the snow at BYU Idaho so she drives really slow and that is good. I love how the snow makes everything bright and sparkly. It made walking around last night much more cheerful. Maybe I will make a snowman or something today 'cause it is p-day. Staying warm hasn't been too difficult yet. I wear my track tights and my underarmor top every day. Last night I finally gave in and put on my big, long, black parka. I also bundled up with mittens, tights, normal socks, winter boots, a scarf, and a beanie. I bought some tan-ish colored tights that are knit (I don't think they are wool) a while back and tried them out a few days ago. They were very warm and I liked that a lot. Mainly, I think my ankles will be getting cold because my skirts are all about mid-calf and my boots only come up a few inches. So, good Christmas ideas are layers (under or over) and anything else that will keep me warm and protect me from the wind.
Thank you for the Christmas package! Sister Smith and I are enjoying the advent calendar and plan to make gingerbread cookies next week. Tell Julie thanks for the CDs; we both love listening to Christmas music. I think I will give the nativity to the Corrigans (a family in the ward) so that they can give it to Gladys and her kids (an investigator we found this week). That way, both families will benefit from the Christmas spirit that it brings. Gladys is super solid. She went to church as a kid, but never got baptized. So, we taught her the restoration and set her for baptism on December 26th! She is amazing! In that first visit, we read Moroni 10:3-5 with her and asked "How can you know if the Book of Mormon is true?" and she said she knew it was true because it felt good. We were shocked, but quickly recovered and told her that yes, it is true and that the feeling of goodness and peace is the spirit telling her that it is true. When we came back for our next lesson, she said she felt a difference in her home, that it was more peaceful. She is so sensitive to the spirit, I just love it! I have never seen or heard of anyone progressing so quickly.
Gladys came to church yesterday and had a great experience with fast and testimony meeting. All us missionaries bore our testimonies, but I think the most powerful testimonies were the simple ones shared by the little kids. A 7 year old named Erica said simply "I know the church is true. I know that Heavenly Father loves me. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." I loved it! Two simple truths that she can hold on to to get her through anything. Her sweet, simple testimony really rang true for me so I got up and shared mine. At the end, Cory (the man that Sister Gingrich and Sister Maxfield taught), bore his testimony. He said he couldn't sit still after hearing mine. He said it was the spirit that those two Sisters carried that made him curious enough to listen. He knew the scripture that says you will know them by their fruits and had been disappointed by many churches in the past because their fruits weren't good. But, when he was taught by Sister Maxfield and Sister Gingrich, he saw the goodness and wondered "Who raised these Sisters? How did they get to be so good?" That is why he kept listening and learning and doing what they asked. I hope I can have that same influence on those that I meet.
Well family, I hope you are enjoying and making the most of the Christmas season. Remember, it is all about our Savior, Jesus Christ. His atonement makes it possible for us to return to live with our Heavenly Father. He lead the way and we strive to follow and become more like him. That is the whole purpose, that is why he came: to show us how and provide the way to become like our Heavenly Father and live with them again. I know Heavenly Father loves me and He loves you. He is watching over each one of us and doing all He can to help us come back to Him. We just have to follow. I think my mission is helping me learn to follow the Savior and be more like him. I hope that you are also doing your best to follow the example of Jesus Christ. That is how we will find the greatest, truest, most lasting happiness! I love you all!
Love,
Sister Bailey Mortensen
It snowed yesterday! Because it is so windy here it took a while to stick, but we have maybe two or three inches today. A guy out shoveling snow this morning said we're supposed to get another foot of snow tonight. Sister Smith is from Arizona but had some practice driving in the snow at BYU Idaho so she drives really slow and that is good. I love how the snow makes everything bright and sparkly. It made walking around last night much more cheerful. Maybe I will make a snowman or something today 'cause it is p-day. Staying warm hasn't been too difficult yet. I wear my track tights and my underarmor top every day. Last night I finally gave in and put on my big, long, black parka. I also bundled up with mittens, tights, normal socks, winter boots, a scarf, and a beanie. I bought some tan-ish colored tights that are knit (I don't think they are wool) a while back and tried them out a few days ago. They were very warm and I liked that a lot. Mainly, I think my ankles will be getting cold because my skirts are all about mid-calf and my boots only come up a few inches. So, good Christmas ideas are layers (under or over) and anything else that will keep me warm and protect me from the wind.
Thank you for the Christmas package! Sister Smith and I are enjoying the advent calendar and plan to make gingerbread cookies next week. Tell Julie thanks for the CDs; we both love listening to Christmas music. I think I will give the nativity to the Corrigans (a family in the ward) so that they can give it to Gladys and her kids (an investigator we found this week). That way, both families will benefit from the Christmas spirit that it brings. Gladys is super solid. She went to church as a kid, but never got baptized. So, we taught her the restoration and set her for baptism on December 26th! She is amazing! In that first visit, we read Moroni 10:3-5 with her and asked "How can you know if the Book of Mormon is true?" and she said she knew it was true because it felt good. We were shocked, but quickly recovered and told her that yes, it is true and that the feeling of goodness and peace is the spirit telling her that it is true. When we came back for our next lesson, she said she felt a difference in her home, that it was more peaceful. She is so sensitive to the spirit, I just love it! I have never seen or heard of anyone progressing so quickly.
Gladys came to church yesterday and had a great experience with fast and testimony meeting. All us missionaries bore our testimonies, but I think the most powerful testimonies were the simple ones shared by the little kids. A 7 year old named Erica said simply "I know the church is true. I know that Heavenly Father loves me. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." I loved it! Two simple truths that she can hold on to to get her through anything. Her sweet, simple testimony really rang true for me so I got up and shared mine. At the end, Cory (the man that Sister Gingrich and Sister Maxfield taught), bore his testimony. He said he couldn't sit still after hearing mine. He said it was the spirit that those two Sisters carried that made him curious enough to listen. He knew the scripture that says you will know them by their fruits and had been disappointed by many churches in the past because their fruits weren't good. But, when he was taught by Sister Maxfield and Sister Gingrich, he saw the goodness and wondered "Who raised these Sisters? How did they get to be so good?" That is why he kept listening and learning and doing what they asked. I hope I can have that same influence on those that I meet.
Well family, I hope you are enjoying and making the most of the Christmas season. Remember, it is all about our Savior, Jesus Christ. His atonement makes it possible for us to return to live with our Heavenly Father. He lead the way and we strive to follow and become more like him. That is the whole purpose, that is why he came: to show us how and provide the way to become like our Heavenly Father and live with them again. I know Heavenly Father loves me and He loves you. He is watching over each one of us and doing all He can to help us come back to Him. We just have to follow. I think my mission is helping me learn to follow the Savior and be more like him. I hope that you are also doing your best to follow the example of Jesus Christ. That is how we will find the greatest, truest, most lasting happiness! I love you all!
Love,
Sister Bailey Mortensen
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