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| The Switzers |
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| Lori's baptism. Sister Elliot, Lori, her dad, Sister Murray |
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Lori and Jaden! I have
to come back and visit so I can hold this baby! :)
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| Zone Conference |
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Elder Riley (Folkston),
Elder Wall (Kingsland zl),
Elder Beard (folkston), Elder Strait (folkston), Elder Neilson (Fernandina dl), Elder Bell (Kingsland zl), Elder England (Fernandina) Front row: Sister Elliott, Sister Strait, me! |
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| Horses and Sister Balkcom |
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| We found this poster in our closet. Love the South! |
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| Milkshakes on President's orders! |
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| Love Georgia! |
This was one of the most draining and most incredible weeks of my
mission. Last Saturday Lori talked to us
and told us she had some choices to make. These choices would determine whether
or not she would be baptized as planned on May 23rd. Monday night she met with
Bishop Tucker and then Bishop and her dad joined us for a lesson. That was the
hardest lesson I have taught. Bishop was a huge help. Then Bishop and Brother
Wills left and we talked with Lori alone. As we spoke she realized she had
another option she could choose from that would allow her to still be baptized.
We knelt and prayed together and invited her to continue to pray about the
choice she needed to make.
Tuesday we had lunch with a less active sister and talked about
family history. We started doing yard work for another less active sister when
a sudden lightning storm hit and we determined it wasn't safe to be weeding
under her metal ramp. We had just done a super in-depth cleaning of our car for
zone conference. The cleanest cars win extra miles. We avoided dirt roads and
wore plastic bags on our shoes to keep the car clean. We followed up with
Lori this day and she gave us the good news that she would still be baptized!
Part of her decision included moving to Alabama Saturday evening so
we started getting everything ready for the baptism Saturday afternoon!
Wednesday we went to the church bright and early for car
inspections and Zone conference. In the past, two zones get together for
conference, but each zone had their own this time. President trained on being a
disciple of Christ and working with the ward council, and teaching and learning
by the spirit. Sister Craig trained on the Book of Mormon. It was an incredible
day. We did a lot of role playing- about an hours worth. I
learned a lot!
After Zone Conference we had Lori's baptismal interview, ran to
dinner with the Kirklands, drove back to the church for Ward coordination, and
then taught scripture class.
Friday we got to help the Balkcom's with their horses before they
took us to lunch. Then we drove to the church for Matt's baptism. The Elders have been teaching
him for three years and he was finally able to be baptized! We taught
Lori again and did role plays with her to practice standing up for standards
when our friends try to convince us to do otherwise. We also saw Cheyenne. She
is still doing great! We taught Ronnie that night too!
Saturday morning we were visiting some potentials when
President called. We had a ton of questions we needed to ask him. It was funny
he kept trying to get off the phone and we kept saying we had more questions!
Poor President I don't know how he puts up with all of us ;) We told President
about the miracle that Lori was being baptized! We also told him how stressful
it had been getting her there this week. He told us not to stress and to go get
a milkshake, and I always obey President Craig! After some ice cream we went to
set up the church. Lori was already there so we were able to have the Elders
help her and her dad practice the baptism too. It was a beautiful
day. After she was baptized and was changing the second counselor in the Bishopric
pulled us into the hall to ask if Bishop had given consent to have Lori
confirmed at the baptism instead of on Sunday. We had been trying to do that
all week and Bishop said it should be fine but he was going to check on one
more thing and get back to us, and then he went out of town. Long, stressful,
story made short-we called the first counselor and he gave permission to have
Lori confirmed. It was a beautiful blessing. I was able to give the
talk about the gift of the Holy Ghost. We had refreshments and then Lori headed
to Alabama!
Immediately after she left we got online to find the number for
the missionaries in her new ward (her face lit up when we told her there was a
ward there.) We couldn't find their number though, so we called the Bishop
there. He is super nice and said they have both Elders and Sisters in that ward!
Mighty Miracle May did bring about many mighty miracles.
There were 22 baptisms this weekend alone. 44 this month so far, and 14 set for next
weekend. I am so grateful for the miracle I was able to see! We really weren't
sure if Lori would be baptized, but it came together and she really felt the
spirit. There are more miracles to come in the following months--I am certain
of it!
Sunday was great! I love going to church. We didn't have any
gators come, so that was sad. President called us late Friday
night and told us where we could find the sister missionary’s number so we looked that up and gave them a
call. They are super sweet and are excited to meet Lori! We exchanged emails
and I told them to stay in touch with me because I plan on keeping in touch
with Lori from the time I get home! Those sisters are in the Tallahassee
mission but they knew an Elder in our mission. It is such a relief to
know that Lori is in good hands.
Monday we had district meeting. It was strange to be the one
giving the "departing missionary testimony." I have loved this district even though it has
been a short time serving with them. We spent the rest of the day saying
bye to people (best excuse ever to teach a ton of lessons!) We also spent some
time tracting. You know, I'm not sure I will miss knocking on strangers’ doors,
but I will certainly miss hearing strangers‘ life stories. The people here are
aware of a god in their lives and I love that!
Also, we have been teaching one of my friends from home through
email. He has been busy with work, but he has been keeping all of his
commitments. He told me this week that he is so grateful for all we have
shared. His faith has been strengthened. I hope I can keep sharing my testimony
with him once I am home. I will always be a missionary now!
The transfer call was really fuzzy and hard to understand, but
still great! There were a lot of changes. The sister coordinators area is
being whitewashed and now just a set of stl's will be assigned to trade off
with new stl's. Sister Elliott's new companion is Sister Trusty. She has only
been out about three months. Sister Stitt is going to Gainesville YSA as a
sister training leader with Sister Montgomery. I am so excited for her! There
is definitely a great transfer ahead! My transfer will be a bit different, but
I am excited! Terrified, but excited.
There are really no words that can sum up the most draining,
rewarding, fun, tough, spiritual, joyous, and sacred experience of your life.
The past eighteen months have been the biggest blessing I could have ever asked
for. 18 months ago I thought I was
making a huge sacrifice to leave home and go to an unknown land. I didn't want
to leave. Now I can hardly believe eighteen months, ten companions, and
five areas have come and gone. I find myself again feeling like I don't want to
leave. It's funny how feelings can change, but not surprising. I've learned
that serving our Savior changes us. It changes our nature it changes our
hearts. I hope to come home a better disciple of my Savior Jesus
Christ. I have felt the forgiving power of his Atonement, the enabling
power of his grace, and the warmth of his never-ending, perfect love. I have
seen his gospel and atonement change lives. I know it continues to do
so. Bringing one soul unto him truly is a great joy. It is a joy I hope
to have throughout my life.
Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. He lives! He was sent to
us by a loving Heavenly Father who know us by name. Our Father does know what
we want in life, but He will always give us what is best for us. Joseph
Smith is his prophet. He translated the Book of Mormon--the most powerful book
I have ever read. Its’ words change me
constantly. We are never done learning from it’ pages, and it is through this
book that we can truly come to know that The Church of Jesus Christ is Christ's
church again on the earth. These things I know to be true! In the name of Jesus
Christ amen!
Love,
Sister Murray
3
Nephi 5:13
111 of the many
things I learned on my mission:
1. Florida Water is gross. The
drinking water tastes like metal the sprinkler water smells like rotten eggs.
2. Don't touch Spanish Moss unless you
want chiggers. And you don't want chiggers. The bugs here are crazy big and
nearly all of them bite!
3. If it is sunny in the morning there
may be a lighting storm that night. Never plan on weather and don't trust the
weather forecasts!
4. Southern food is good!
5. Drug dealers love "Jesus
People."
6. How to bike, wash a car, shop,
walk, run, sleep, garden, and live in a skirt.
7. How to layer thick fuzzy socks and
two pairs of tights to stay warm in the winter.
8. I love humidity and heat. I am
going to freeze next winter.
9. How to prune a palm tree with a
machete.
10. How to clean a swimming
pool.
11. Florida doesn't have dirt... Just
sand. Weeding someone's garden is like playing in a sand box.
12. How to back my companion in a car.
13. How to drive on the highway with
crazy Florida drivers who don't signal and don't have any fear. Also, cars in
Florida only have license plates on the back.
14. How to get creative in the kitchen
when the food is running low and no members signed up to feed you.
15. I can't breathe if I put an orange
in my mouth. I do it anyway if a member offers.
16. I have no idea what direction I am
facing when I am in Georgia. Also, it is really frustrating having no sense of
direction! Be grateful for the mountains in Utah.
17. How to play warrior ball.
18. Mothballs can be used to keep
poisonous snakes away, but I hate the smell of moth balls.
19. How to stay on top of keeping my
apartment clean... usually.
20. Say "yes ma'am" and
"no sir!" And use the word y'all.
21. Be careful who you trust.
Unfortunately not everyone is who they say they are. The spirit will help you
know who to trust and who you should not even talk to.
22. There are many ways to pronounce
names such as "Darrell."
23. Help with the crazy roads in Florida?
Dts and Aprl (drive, terrace, street... Goes north to south. Avenue, place,
road, and land go west to east)
24. How to clean an apartment in less
than an hour.
25. I still love animals! So does
nearly everyone in the South. Pit Bulls are the most common pet
selection.
26. From President Craig: you choose
if you have a good day. God doesn't expect you to be perfect, just to be
your best. Sometimes missions are more for the missionary than anything else.
Biking 20 miles is nothing! If President Bikes for an hour every morning we
can. Always learn something when you go the temple. You are never done
learning! How to invite and follow the spirit's promptings. Remember he little
things to show people you care about them. Finally, It's ok to go get a milkshake
on a hard day--even during prime proselyting time.
27. From Sister Craig: the spirit
helps us discern the needs of those under our stewardship. Success is not
measured by numbers. Everything relies on the Book of Mormon! It is the
greatest tool in conversion, including our own conversion. We must strive to
have daily aha moments and personal revelatory experiences.
28. I am more important to God's plan
than I could ever imagine. I have a part only I can fill, as does each one of
His children.
29. From Sister Yeakley: always smile!
A big smile and faith will get your through anything. Work hard, exercise
often, and eat lots of grapes.
30. From Sister Hale: Always place God
first and trust him. See the best in every situation. It's ok to ask for help-we
aren't meant to go through life alone. Having fun and working hard go hand in
hand. How to use eyeliner and do a sock bun. How to eat gluten
free, and to be grateful I don't have allergies.
31. From Sister Chappell: to never
give up. Even when things are hard, you keep fighting. You rely on the
Savior and press forward with faith. Defy the limits the world places on you.
Also, let the spirit guide your words and you will never be too
bold.
32. From Sister Stitt: open
communication is essential for a strong companionship. We all have a lot
of growing to do, and Six months from now you will be a different person so be
patient with yourself and forgive others. Work hard, 18 months is too short not
too! How to eat like a Vegan, and Oreos are vegan!
33. From Sister Fife: To have fun and
work hard at the same time. Use your personality in your missionary work. You
have strengths needed for the area you are called to. Always ask how the work
in your area could improve. The relationships we make on our mission don't end
after our 18 months. Yes, we do open gates to knock on people's doors.
34. From Sister Martinez: there are
new ways to do things. Think outside of the box or you limit what you can do.
Study lots and share what you learn. To be strong even during hard times! How
to be excited about football. :)
35. From Sister Kloepfer: rely on the
Savior during your hardest times and your easiest times. You are never asked to
do more than you can handle. Heavenly Father enables us to fulfill all of
our callings! When you break open a sand dollar little birds are inside. Always
put family first.
36. From Sister McCook: Be patient
with yourself. Your trials today will prepare you to help someone in the
future. Put all your energy into serving God! Serve with all your heart, might,
mind, and strength and miracles will come. Talk with everyone and wave to
everyone.
37. From Sister Gillman: God knows who
we need and why we need them. Rely on the spirit and you will know what to
say. When we have hard times it means miracles are ahead. Hard work
brings the greatest joy. Laugh at yourself and your companion.
38. From Sister Elliot: Love studies
and love those you serve. With God's help we can do tough
things. Don't expect perfection, see what you are doing! If you add
"Ja" "Sha" or "La" to the front of your name it
sounds like a Black name! (I know all y'all are trying it now! It's true, isn't
it?)
39: You can't expect perfection from
yourself. Perfection comes later, not in this life. God is more concerned
with who you are and who you are becoming than who you once were.
40. From Jax YSA: now is the pivotal
point in my life. The decisions I make now affect my life and my eternity. Have
fun, but never lose the bigger picture. When you do that you are in more danger
than you can imagine.
41. From Arlington: be a member who
loves missionaries. "We are all family. It don't matter if you are Black
or White, we are all brothers and sisters in the Lord." -"Crazy"
Calvin. Love and service (and sticky noting doors) changes hearts.
42. From Gainesville 3rd: when you put
God first in your life everything else falls into place. Even when your husband
is gone all day for school and you have three little children to chase.
Also, coming out with missionaries is a spiritual boost. It strengthens members
almost as much if not more than it strengthens the investigator. Also,You don't
have to have dessert with every dinner!
43. From returning to Arlington: God
knows the desires of our hearts. He grants us the righteous desires. Sometimes
his answers come in ways we didn't expect and it may take time for us to
recognize those answers, but they are there.
44. From Hendricks: WML really a
stands for "weapon of mass love." Take advantage of every moment
because you never know how long you will have with someone.
45. From Kingsland: It's ok to take
things slower in life. Slow down enough to be aware of the needs of those
around you and reach out to everyone, not just those who come to you.
46. From Jeremy: Share your enthusiasm
for the gospel with all your friends. be honest in all your dealings.
47. From Caitlin: put aside what makes
sense for what the Spirit tells you. You will never regret it. Surround
yourself with good friends!
48. From Pete: charity never
faileth. Always serve those around you. When things aren't working the
way you want them to maybe you need to change your course of action and do
things the way God wants you to.
49. From Aileen: the Atonement truly
changes us when we allow it to work in our lives. When you find the light
of the gospel you cannot keep it to yourself.
50: From Kristen: Heavenly Father is
patient with us as we strive to learn. Keep learning and let your faith burn
bright.
52. From Angel: love others no matter
who they are! Become as a child!
53. From Brother Zielinski: it is
never too late to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ.
54. From the Switzer family: no
sacrifice is too great for the gospel. The gospel brings true joy. Don't
underestimate the help from those on the other side of the veil. The gospel
really does bless families.
55. From Lori: When we do our best to
be obedient God will provide a way for us to keep the commandments and to be
happy. If we choose to obey God's commandments we receive the blessings
associated. Miracles do happen!
56. I love tough things. But sometimes
I love them more after they are over and I see the growth they caused.
57. To put others before myself. Even
when I don't think I can keep going.
58. You are "too blessed to be
stressed."
59. When you make comments in classes
or meetings you show the spirit you are ready to learn.
60. When you make comments in classes
or meetings you show the spirit you are ready to learn.
61. How to talk with everyone. And to
teach simply and use terms people understand.
62. How to stand on a street corner
and offer Books of Mormon to throngs of people. To be excited when people
accept and to shrug off rude comments.
63. Don't be discouraged when people
are mean. It just means someone elect is coming and Satan wants to discourage
you.
64. Don't cast your pearls before
swine. If someone won't listen don't talk.
65. It's ok to readjust goals when we
recognize they are unrealistic. Set and achieve realistic goals and then raise
them.
66. Music influences the spirit so
much! Listening to the most spiritual music will make it easier to feel the
spirit.
67. How to talk with everyone. And to
teach simply and use terms people understand.
68. How to stand on a street corner
and offer Books of Mormon to throngs of people. To be excited when people
accept and to shrug off rude comments.
69. Don't be discouraged when people
are mean. It just means someone elect is coming and Satan wants to discourage
you.
70. Don't cast your pearls before
swine. If someone won't listen don't talk
71. It's ok to readjust goals when we
recognize they are unrealistic. Set and achieve realistic goals and then raise
them.
72. The necessity of understanding the
apostasy, and the confusion that comes from not understanding it.
73. The family is of God. It is the
most important social unit now and in eternity.
74. When you put God first, everything
else really does work out.
75. When we have faith we act. That
action will cause an increase in our faith, and we will be more prepared to act
in faith in the future.
76. God has not ceased to be a God of
Miracles. Mormon 9:18-21
77. Music influences the spirit so
much! Listening to the most spiritual music will make it easier to feel the
spirit.
78. Some people legitimately believe
Jesus is Black and won't listen to you if you give them a picture of a white
Jesus. However, what Jesus Christ looked like is not as important as his
actions and his message. If someone is stuck on what he did or did not look
like he or she will miss the bigger picture.
79. How to keep technology as my servant,
not my master. When we know how to do that we can take the internet back
from the adversary.
80. I LOVE teaching.
81. I work harder when I focus on
others. "Forget yourself and go to work," is some of the best advice
a missionary could receive.
82. If you make plans you can achieve
your goals. When you achieve your goals you will accomplish your vision.
83. When the spirit speaks , as you
are teaching, you will learn things you
didn't know.
84. How to have "aha"
moments in the Book of Mormon.
85. The adversary's power is
real. He hits the hardest before spiritual events.
86. The Savior's power is always
enough to overcome these spiritual whirlwinds.
87. The Atonement changes lives. I
have seen men and woman turn their lives completely around by relying on His
atonement and living His gospel.
88. The Holy Ghost is constantly
seeking to guide us. Elder Golden taught us that the spirit speaks to our minds
more often than we realize. We should follow our first thought.
89. Don't be ashamed of the gospel of
Jesus Christ. Shout out your beliefs! Talk with everyone about your testimony!
90.
We must read the Book of Mormon every single day, and we should continue to
pray about it. As Elder Neil. L. Anderson said, we must read it every day to,
"renew the courage."
91.
The greatest peace on earth is in the temple. I never want to go this long
without going to the temple again.
92.
Service softens and changes hearts. Serving Him will change our own heart.
93.
God has a plan of happiness. Within that plan he has an individual plan
perfectly tailored for each of us.
94.
The greatest miracle is a changed heart. My heart has changed and I have seen
others changed
95.
The power of your mind and attitude, especially in hard situations.
96.
How to follow the spirit to discern needs and to offer counsel while being both
bold and loving.
97.
To study the scriptures, not just read them. The scriptures never use the
phrase "read the scriptures." We are told to feast or study, but
never just read.
98.
How great an influence one person's choices can make--both for good and for
bad. Agency is a powerful gift. One that God will never take away.
99.
Satan is working to destroy families. I want to do all I can to strengthen
those families and to have my own strong family some day.
100.
Always respond with love, even if the other person does not.
101.
How to be a loving companion and try to be a lovable companion.
102.
The joy of bringing even one soul unto Christ.
103.
Hard isn't bad, it's just hard.
104.
The different ways the spirit speaks to me. I better understand how to
recognize and follow these promptings now.
105.
I will always be a missionary. For the rest of my life, and in the life
after!
106.
When we put our whole heart into God's work we are most happy.
107.
How to let the spirit lead in offering counsel to a struggling investigator or sister.
108.
Baptisms don't make a happy missionary. Obedience, hard work, and looking for
miracles do.
109.
Heavenly Father always knows what is best for us. If we follow the spirit,
things will work out for the best, even if it doesn't seem to be what we want
to happen.
110.
When we live as disciples of Jesus Christ we can call on the powers of heaven
to work miracles. As we do our part, the angels of heaven join in and events will
come to pass we never would have imagined.
111.
Heavenly Father loves all of his children. He does not love the obedient any
more than the disobedient. He does not love those with the gospel any more than
those without the fullness of the gospel. He is sad when we choose to
disobey and we cannot qualify for the blessings associated with the commandment
we choose to break, but his love does not waver.
Love
all y'all!
Sister
Murray
