Dear All,
We started reading the Book of Mormon to a older nonmember man we visit and do service for on Tuesdays. He has had missionaries come to his home, with all sorts of approaches, for the last 15 years but the timing hasn't and isn't right for him yet. He was unusually quiet as we read 1 Nephi 1 to him. He would ask clarification on words once in a while but other than that he just listened. The Spirit was invited as we read and we recognized an effect of this was that he started to open up a bit about his concerns. We held our breath. For the last while EVERYONE has tried to get out of him what his biggest hang up is in joining the church. We want to know so we can understand him better and maybe address those concerns. But the build up he took us on flopped to another subject suddenly, just on the verge of his deepest concern, and we were left hoping that one day he will trust someone to tell them. We know how much this church means to us and we want him to feel the blessings too. He seems to like us pretty well anyway, he tried to hug us and we politely declined.
We had a good lesson with a less active couple that we teach. We gave them the option to do the 10 commandments by reading the scriptures or doing the hand signs. They wanted to do the hand signs, so we taught them, discussed them and they began to laugh and enjoy themselves. At the end of the lesson the Sister, who normally doesn't say much, asked timidly if we could talk about the Priesthood next time. We assured her we will prepare accordingly. Sister McIntire and I left glad that they were able to feel comfortable enough with us to request a lesson according to their needs.
Zone Training Meeting set us on fire! It was just the right balance of strictness and love. We set goals in the meeting to have 30 baptism in July within our zone and we all believe we can do it! After leaving this meeting Sister McIntire and I set goals as a companionship and set right to doing one thing they suggested in the meeting: clean up our area books. From our clean up, we came up with a list of 10 individuals that neither of us knew. So we planned to contact as many as possible for the rest of the week. By Sunday we had contacted all but one. Among those we contacted were recent converts who are going strong, a recent convert that was very cold toward us, and less actives that their families told us are hardly ever home. One recent convert in particular we are going to try to contact again in a couple weeks because he is going through a martial problem and his mother thought it was best if we waited a while but loved that we were concerned about her son.
Our coordination meeting Thursday night was awesome! Brother Zaldivar, the high councilor over missionary work, laid out plainly what he wanted to see happening in this meeting and the senior missionary couple and my companion and I add where appropriate. We all could feel and caught the missionary spirit as we discussed changes to improve coordination meeting. The Ward Mission Leaders seemed to feel that the suggestions were a more evenly distributed weigh on all of our shoulders then a weight that was shifted to one person to another. So many of them perked up or seemed more at ease then normal at our suggestions and the Spirit testified to all of us that this was an important work and an important change. As a result we more easily spoke of actions and activities this coming week or two and what we can do to help our Brothers and Sisters. It was was a sweet experience, a result of striving to more fully follow President Thomas S Monson admonition in October 2013: "Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him. He has prepared the means for us to share the gospel in a multitude of ways, and He will assist us in our labors if we will act in faith to fulfill His work."
As a companionship we made a lip-sync video to show our zone at our activity happening today. It should be loads of fun to see everyone's goofy, talented side!
We had a meeting with a Sister that was pretty amazing, on Saturday. We began with small talk and as we invited the Spirit, with the atmosphere we established, this dear Sister opened up to us about what she is struggling with. We listened and made suggestions and comfort. Yet again another experience of how the Spirit helps us to find great treasures of knowledge. How wonderful is our God!
It has been a good week. It is always nice to reflect on my week and notice how God is in the very fabric of our lives and the lives of others! God is good! He loves us!
Happy(almost) Fourth of July! Have fun,
Sister Sarah Meldrom
Monday, June 30, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
June 23rd, 2014
Dear All,
We had a neat throw together Family Home Evening with the Clements on Monday. We bought lollipops and three special toys after shopping and later, when we went to their house, we hid the three special toys. We then told the kids if they wanted some lollipops all they had to do was ask. They each asked for one and then another one and we just gave them all of them, so they were off our hands :P We then told them that there was three special toys to find and we would give them directions on where to find them. After they had found all of them we told them that this activity is much like prayer. Some blessings we get just from asking and some blessings we have to work for them. They loved the toys and seem to understand what we were helping them understand. The oldest, a seven year old girl, offered the closing prayer and said, 'Help us to find the blessings you have for us, everywhere.' I know that God does have blessings just waiting to give us if we just ask and other, special blessings in store if we just show our faith by working for them.
On Tuesday we brought flowers to a Sister that we haven't seen in a while. She was appreciative of the thoughtfulness and told us she wants to start taking the lessons again once she feels better. It is amazing how people recognize the Spirit we bring and want it to keep coming back to fill their lives. It is nothing we do, but all about what God knows and does for His children.
This week we also brought around two painted mini birdhouses and some Kool Aid packets with little sayings on them for those whom we felt needed a little pick me up. Each Kool Aid packet delivered, except one, had the person of interest answer the door and good conversations ensued. The most notable stop-by, however was the purple and white birdhouse Sister McIntire painted. We decided to bring it to a less active Sister we are trying to get a hold of. She answered the door and apologized, like she always does, that she couldn't visit right now. She was just leaving the house for the night to go out with a friend. We assured her we only wanted to stop by and give her a birdhouse. She accepted it thankfully then said, 'So you heard then?' We looked at each other then at her, very confused. I asked, 'Heard about what?' Emotion then came to her face and her eyes moistened. She went on to tell us that her son had been wrongfully imprisoned just two days before and would most likely be there for thirty days. We hugged her and offered words of comfort and support. Sister McIntire told her that we didn't know what was going on, but we know that God knew. She agreed. We promised to pray for her and her son and to come to visit soon. For Sister McIntire and I this was one of the countless miracles that God worked through us and around us this week.
My Zone had the opportunity to walk at the front of the Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days Parade to hand out programs for the parade. I couldn't help smiling the whole time! People would cheer and holler when they saw us, about 8 Elders and 10 Sisters walking along passing out the programs. I don't think I liked the applause we got as much as I liked the excitement on the children's faces when they saw us and the energy that appeared in every spectator as we passed, and the smiles! For me a smile is worth countless trials! I love to see others smile!
We had the opportunity as a companionship to be present in a meeting with Elder Randall of the Area Seventy. He met with Sister McIntire and I, the Lindon Stake Presidency, the High Councilor over Missionary work and the Senior Missionary Couple. He began with asking us what we had studied then told us something along the lines of, 'What we read in the scriptures will be of worth to us every day. It really is our spiritual protection against temptations and sin.' He continued for about 2 hours to instruct all of us. He is kind and has a sense of humor so the meeting was by no means extremely tense. After the meeting the challenge he left all of us to be a better missionary personally. This caused me and my companion to ponder and then write out an idea we had to present to the Lindon Stake Presidency on how we can improve efforts made in the Stake. We met with the High Councilor over missionary work, presented our thoughts and he agreed, these where the same ideas he had; they were great ideas. This added to my testimony that when we have ideas to present, the best time to present it is now and that God allows us imperfect people to receive revelation from Him so we can work to bless our lives, but mostly others.
We look forward to applying these ideas and helping the Lindon Stake of Zion to broaden their minds and extend the arm of love and friendship to everyone, just as Jesus Christ would.
To finish up I loved getting a Moose Track shake from a local restaurant this past week! That is my favorite 'loaded' ice cream :P TENDER MERCY! God blesses me every day. I have much to be grateful for! I am most grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that He lives, that He knows me personally. I know I am nothing, yet everything to Him. I trust that He will always guide me in the right direction. I know that the work I go about is His work. These are His children and He knows their needs. He will bless others lives through us if we but let Him. I can never express the full extent of His mercy toward me! God is good!
Sister Sarah Meldrom
We had a neat throw together Family Home Evening with the Clements on Monday. We bought lollipops and three special toys after shopping and later, when we went to their house, we hid the three special toys. We then told the kids if they wanted some lollipops all they had to do was ask. They each asked for one and then another one and we just gave them all of them, so they were off our hands :P We then told them that there was three special toys to find and we would give them directions on where to find them. After they had found all of them we told them that this activity is much like prayer. Some blessings we get just from asking and some blessings we have to work for them. They loved the toys and seem to understand what we were helping them understand. The oldest, a seven year old girl, offered the closing prayer and said, 'Help us to find the blessings you have for us, everywhere.' I know that God does have blessings just waiting to give us if we just ask and other, special blessings in store if we just show our faith by working for them.
On Tuesday we brought flowers to a Sister that we haven't seen in a while. She was appreciative of the thoughtfulness and told us she wants to start taking the lessons again once she feels better. It is amazing how people recognize the Spirit we bring and want it to keep coming back to fill their lives. It is nothing we do, but all about what God knows and does for His children.
This week we also brought around two painted mini birdhouses and some Kool Aid packets with little sayings on them for those whom we felt needed a little pick me up. Each Kool Aid packet delivered, except one, had the person of interest answer the door and good conversations ensued. The most notable stop-by, however was the purple and white birdhouse Sister McIntire painted. We decided to bring it to a less active Sister we are trying to get a hold of. She answered the door and apologized, like she always does, that she couldn't visit right now. She was just leaving the house for the night to go out with a friend. We assured her we only wanted to stop by and give her a birdhouse. She accepted it thankfully then said, 'So you heard then?' We looked at each other then at her, very confused. I asked, 'Heard about what?' Emotion then came to her face and her eyes moistened. She went on to tell us that her son had been wrongfully imprisoned just two days before and would most likely be there for thirty days. We hugged her and offered words of comfort and support. Sister McIntire told her that we didn't know what was going on, but we know that God knew. She agreed. We promised to pray for her and her son and to come to visit soon. For Sister McIntire and I this was one of the countless miracles that God worked through us and around us this week.
My Zone had the opportunity to walk at the front of the Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days Parade to hand out programs for the parade. I couldn't help smiling the whole time! People would cheer and holler when they saw us, about 8 Elders and 10 Sisters walking along passing out the programs. I don't think I liked the applause we got as much as I liked the excitement on the children's faces when they saw us and the energy that appeared in every spectator as we passed, and the smiles! For me a smile is worth countless trials! I love to see others smile!
We had the opportunity as a companionship to be present in a meeting with Elder Randall of the Area Seventy. He met with Sister McIntire and I, the Lindon Stake Presidency, the High Councilor over Missionary work and the Senior Missionary Couple. He began with asking us what we had studied then told us something along the lines of, 'What we read in the scriptures will be of worth to us every day. It really is our spiritual protection against temptations and sin.' He continued for about 2 hours to instruct all of us. He is kind and has a sense of humor so the meeting was by no means extremely tense. After the meeting the challenge he left all of us to be a better missionary personally. This caused me and my companion to ponder and then write out an idea we had to present to the Lindon Stake Presidency on how we can improve efforts made in the Stake. We met with the High Councilor over missionary work, presented our thoughts and he agreed, these where the same ideas he had; they were great ideas. This added to my testimony that when we have ideas to present, the best time to present it is now and that God allows us imperfect people to receive revelation from Him so we can work to bless our lives, but mostly others.
We look forward to applying these ideas and helping the Lindon Stake of Zion to broaden their minds and extend the arm of love and friendship to everyone, just as Jesus Christ would.
To finish up I loved getting a Moose Track shake from a local restaurant this past week! That is my favorite 'loaded' ice cream :P TENDER MERCY! God blesses me every day. I have much to be grateful for! I am most grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that He lives, that He knows me personally. I know I am nothing, yet everything to Him. I trust that He will always guide me in the right direction. I know that the work I go about is His work. These are His children and He knows their needs. He will bless others lives through us if we but let Him. I can never express the full extent of His mercy toward me! God is good!
Sister Sarah Meldrom
Monday, June 16, 2014
June 16th, 2014
Dear All,
We had a decent week. We had many amazing experiences, here are some highlights:
We had an amazing appointment with one of our investigators this week! We started with 'How to Begin Teaching' about Christ's love and help. We discussed that his progress will take time but it was possible through Christ. Then we shared, "Your True Identity", a Mormon Message video and read some scriptures. He told us he knows that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and will help him. He also told us he is looking for the Spirit to help him know that joining the church is right for him. After listening and agreeing with him that those where good things to look for, I believe he opened up about his concerns. He told us about his self doubt and as a result his inability to conquer his addictions. He told us he often is guilty of self sabotage. He wants to be worthy for baptism so bad he 'kicks' himself about not being ready yet. We discussed his potential as a son of God and helped him to see that belief in self is just as important as the belief that God will help him. We also shared how we know God is patient and will help us with those thing which we desire, which are good. We told him he is closer then he thinks to baptism. We invited him to go to the 12 step program nearby for support and that we will help as much as possible. We then invited him to prepare for baptism on August 9th. A light lit in his eyes and he said confidently, 'I can do that!' We replied enthusiastically, 'YES you can!'
We are going to pray for him in every instance appropriate. We know Satan will try to get in his wedge before he can be baptized and receive even greater tools to combat the father of all lies. We know he will make it and we think he is feeling the same way too.
We have been making sure we do 'How to Begin teaching' at every lesson we go to. It has been amazing how much people open up about their concerns and what they are stuck on as we reinstate our purpose, hopes for them, and they can say what they expect. One lesson on Wednesday did not go as planned because of one question we asked at the beginning of the lesson. It went the way it needed to though, we have a greater understanding of what they are really going through.
We were glad to learn of a newly called Ward Mission Leader in one of our Wards this week. Ward Mission Leaders are called men that are kind of like the spokes person for a ward, coordinating our efforts with the ward's efforts. The previous WML for this ward was terribly busy; I haven't ever met him since I came to Lindon. Because the Ward Mission Leader is so crucial for missionary communication with the ward we didn't have any work in this Ward. We look forward to the opportunity to work with this Brother to find those whom can come closer to Christ.
We tried to contact some less actives that have been on our mind this week but no one was home or answered the doors. We tried for about three days consecutive days then agreed we should wait till next week on Thursday. As a result we had plenty of 'what should we do time' Friday and Saturday. We did some finding activities like walking in certain places instead of driving and stopping by some members home to encourage them to make a family mission plan. We also did a lot of service this weekend. On Saturday we drove around and just stopped if we saw anyone working in their yard. We were able to help a divorced older lady weed her garden and made plans to come back to finish the rest. We also helped our landlady who has an over abundant amount of strawberries and cherries in her garden. We picked and chatted for several hours. I am grateful for this time I had to serve her, it helped me to grow in love for her as a child of God.
I have started to compare Matthew 5-7 with 3 Nephi 12-14 which are both records of the 'Sermon on the Mount' given by Jesus Christ. The records are very similar but you can tell that the situation in which he gives them are different. He teaches each group to their understanding and uses examples they could understand. Such as in his example that they could not free themselves from the prison of sin and death: Matt. referring to farthing and in 3 Nephi using senine as money payment. It also is helping me to increase my testimony that the Bible and the Book of Mormon ARE both witnesses of Christ. There is many interesting things to discover! I encourage you to compare them as well :)
God is good,
Sister Sarah Meldrom
We had a decent week. We had many amazing experiences, here are some highlights:
We had an amazing appointment with one of our investigators this week! We started with 'How to Begin Teaching' about Christ's love and help. We discussed that his progress will take time but it was possible through Christ. Then we shared, "Your True Identity", a Mormon Message video and read some scriptures. He told us he knows that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and will help him. He also told us he is looking for the Spirit to help him know that joining the church is right for him. After listening and agreeing with him that those where good things to look for, I believe he opened up about his concerns. He told us about his self doubt and as a result his inability to conquer his addictions. He told us he often is guilty of self sabotage. He wants to be worthy for baptism so bad he 'kicks' himself about not being ready yet. We discussed his potential as a son of God and helped him to see that belief in self is just as important as the belief that God will help him. We also shared how we know God is patient and will help us with those thing which we desire, which are good. We told him he is closer then he thinks to baptism. We invited him to go to the 12 step program nearby for support and that we will help as much as possible. We then invited him to prepare for baptism on August 9th. A light lit in his eyes and he said confidently, 'I can do that!' We replied enthusiastically, 'YES you can!'
We are going to pray for him in every instance appropriate. We know Satan will try to get in his wedge before he can be baptized and receive even greater tools to combat the father of all lies. We know he will make it and we think he is feeling the same way too.
We have been making sure we do 'How to Begin teaching' at every lesson we go to. It has been amazing how much people open up about their concerns and what they are stuck on as we reinstate our purpose, hopes for them, and they can say what they expect. One lesson on Wednesday did not go as planned because of one question we asked at the beginning of the lesson. It went the way it needed to though, we have a greater understanding of what they are really going through.
We were glad to learn of a newly called Ward Mission Leader in one of our Wards this week. Ward Mission Leaders are called men that are kind of like the spokes person for a ward, coordinating our efforts with the ward's efforts. The previous WML for this ward was terribly busy; I haven't ever met him since I came to Lindon. Because the Ward Mission Leader is so crucial for missionary communication with the ward we didn't have any work in this Ward. We look forward to the opportunity to work with this Brother to find those whom can come closer to Christ.
We tried to contact some less actives that have been on our mind this week but no one was home or answered the doors. We tried for about three days consecutive days then agreed we should wait till next week on Thursday. As a result we had plenty of 'what should we do time' Friday and Saturday. We did some finding activities like walking in certain places instead of driving and stopping by some members home to encourage them to make a family mission plan. We also did a lot of service this weekend. On Saturday we drove around and just stopped if we saw anyone working in their yard. We were able to help a divorced older lady weed her garden and made plans to come back to finish the rest. We also helped our landlady who has an over abundant amount of strawberries and cherries in her garden. We picked and chatted for several hours. I am grateful for this time I had to serve her, it helped me to grow in love for her as a child of God.
I have started to compare Matthew 5-7 with 3 Nephi 12-14 which are both records of the 'Sermon on the Mount' given by Jesus Christ. The records are very similar but you can tell that the situation in which he gives them are different. He teaches each group to their understanding and uses examples they could understand. Such as in his example that they could not free themselves from the prison of sin and death: Matt. referring to farthing and in 3 Nephi using senine as money payment. It also is helping me to increase my testimony that the Bible and the Book of Mormon ARE both witnesses of Christ. There is many interesting things to discover! I encourage you to compare them as well :)
God is good,
Sister Sarah Meldrom
Monday, June 9, 2014
June 9th, 2014
Dear All,
Have I mentioned yet that I love having Sister McIntire as a companion? :P She is my kind of crazy sweet! I thank Heavenly Father everyday for allowing me to rub shoulders with her.
This week I received a Facebook message from a FB friend whom has recently been going through a difficult time. As many times as I feel prompted I message her with inspiring quotes but nothing about God because she has asked it to be so. Anyway, like I said, this week I had a message from her and in it she thanked me for messaging her kind quotes and pictures. She continued that she often feels like she is drowning or can't breathe as she has struggled through, but most recently she has been able to smile. She has been able to laugh. She said she didn't know why this was so, but I did. There is evidence on her page that she is welcoming the peace of God to enter her heart and life once again. I replied my thanks and also told her I knew it was a loving God that would guide me to send thoughts to her. I also said I sometimes feel like drowning but one source of solace I have found is the picture of Christ reaching down to save a sinking Peter. We are all often like Peter, drowning in our misery, disappointment, stress and temptations. Christ does for us what he did for Peter, always.
Tuesday and Wednesday were crazy busy with regular appointments. Each lesson is a small miracle but nothing stands out to me to share specifically. On Friday and Saturday evening we stopped by many peoples homes but found very little of anyone home. No effort is wasted though. Because of the simple experiences we did have with those whom were home, one brother came to church for the first time in several years and we also received a less active member referral. The less active member is a recently returned missionary that didn't have a positive experience with family and friends when she returned and because of it hasn't gone to church since. We are going to keep our eyes open for her and talked to, invite her to go to lessons with us and hopeful spark a friendship and help her feel loved.
Have I mentioned yet that I love having Sister McIntire as a companion? :P She is my kind of crazy sweet! I thank Heavenly Father everyday for allowing me to rub shoulders with her.
This week I received a Facebook message from a FB friend whom has recently been going through a difficult time. As many times as I feel prompted I message her with inspiring quotes but nothing about God because she has asked it to be so. Anyway, like I said, this week I had a message from her and in it she thanked me for messaging her kind quotes and pictures. She continued that she often feels like she is drowning or can't breathe as she has struggled through, but most recently she has been able to smile. She has been able to laugh. She said she didn't know why this was so, but I did. There is evidence on her page that she is welcoming the peace of God to enter her heart and life once again. I replied my thanks and also told her I knew it was a loving God that would guide me to send thoughts to her. I also said I sometimes feel like drowning but one source of solace I have found is the picture of Christ reaching down to save a sinking Peter. We are all often like Peter, drowning in our misery, disappointment, stress and temptations. Christ does for us what he did for Peter, always.
Tuesday and Wednesday were crazy busy with regular appointments. Each lesson is a small miracle but nothing stands out to me to share specifically. On Friday and Saturday evening we stopped by many peoples homes but found very little of anyone home. No effort is wasted though. Because of the simple experiences we did have with those whom were home, one brother came to church for the first time in several years and we also received a less active member referral. The less active member is a recently returned missionary that didn't have a positive experience with family and friends when she returned and because of it hasn't gone to church since. We are going to keep our eyes open for her and talked to, invite her to go to lessons with us and hopeful spark a friendship and help her feel loved.
No one came to our church tour on Friday but that is okay :) We were able to smooth out some kinks and brainstorm some good ideas for next time so that all who attend can feel the special Spirit that is at the chapel.
Our landlady invited us for dinner on Sunday and so we went early, helped her cook and after, washed all her dishes though she insisted that that was her job. When all was finished we sat down at the table and shared a short Mormon message video about forgiveness. The simple thought we had planned turned out to be mostly listening to her and talking about prayer. She hasn't prayed for any of her concerns or needs in years. She sees pray much like the phone number 911 - only in case of an emergency. We bore our testimonies that our Heavenly Father loves us and wants to hear all that we have to say, every day. As a commitment we told her we were going to have evening prayer with her every night. Later we did so, having her offer it. She gave a simple but sincere prayer. This experience helped me to see the vulnerable widowed sister that she is and my heart increased in love for her. Because of tendencies she has to gossip and speak ill about her neighbors, many people don't like her. I felt and saw from our discussion what many people have seen felt and seen about our landlady, she just needs unconditional love. I exhort all of you to forgive a hurt caused by another this week. It will lift your soul and gladden the heart. I am not promising bliss between parties but an increase of love for God's children. We are all fellow travelers on this journey we call mortality.
"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedth that which is great" -D&C 64:33
God is good,
Sister Sarah Meldrom
Monday, June 2, 2014
June 2nd, 2014 (Halfway There!)
Dear All,
Had a super fun and a bit exhausting District Activity last Monday where we hiked up to Timpanogos caves and toured them. Some nice members brought us and a somewhat patient park ranger gave us a tour. He had to practice his patience because many of us were taking pictures- especially Elder Law, our District Leader. I am still laughing internally at all the selfies that were taken as friends and companions putting us about 20 minutes behind in our tour :P!
I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to learn a little bit about human nature and gain some tools to communicate and some times negotiation these past couple of weeks :P Even though the last several months have been hard, I wouldn't trade it for easy times. Hard times just drive my anchor deeper in my testimony of Christ and his Atonement. It changes our 'natural man state' into 'Christlike state' one step at a time :)(see Mosiah 3:19)
I have been reminded this week through a couple experiences with various people in the area that have had friction with my previous companion, that we really don't know the real intents and thoughts of those around us. It is so important to give people the benefit of the doubt, after all we would like others to over look our weaknesses, so why would it be different for them? We are all learning and growing and striving to do the best we know how. Christ welcomes the flaw to sit and dine at his table where the feast is his love and his teachings, which nutrition us eternally. This is the bread of life that he says will cause us to hunger no more as he described in his mortal ministry. He is the bread of life.
Transfer results are that I have a spectacularly fun and focused companion. We hit it off instantly! We have many of the same likes and dislikes and everyday has been a delightful adventure! Her name is Sister McIntire from Spokane Washington. She is the 6th of 7 kids and has been out a transfer more then me(so 10 months she has been out.) We have enjoyed singing, giggling, teaching and getting to know one another. She is a great missionary that has a neat ability to explain doctrine just right that it uplifts and carries the Spirit while at the same time puts all that hear at ease because of the smile on her face and her kind voice. I am sure you can't tell that I absolutely love her!
We have had many amazing lessons this week but the ones that stands out to me the most was on Sunday. We have this less active family we are working with to help them to the temple. They have been coming to church the past two weeks and we are encouraging them to pray as a family. Our lesson was on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is our road map for this mortality and how we can draw closer to Christ. It is a pattern for us to follow, through Faith, Repentance, Baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost and Enduring to the End, we can gain eternal life! I loved this lesson because as we finished I saw and felt the change of heart this couple has had already! They use to be very stand offish and uncomfortable but they were relaxed and you could tell they had a hope in Christ that they CAN make it to the temple! This change happened outside our appointments in their own personal time with their Savior. For the first time ever they mentioned reaching the temple and even connected it to how these 5 simple things help them to draw closer to their goal! I am so happy for them! What an amazing, simple experience! What an amazing thing is the Spirit of God that changes hearts and strengthens our resolve to do good and to love God!
As I finish this email I can't believe I am two days short of being 9 months out! Has time flied so very fast for you as well? I am grateful I am able to serve! I have learned so much already and I look forward to everything I will learn the remaining 9 months! God is so good to me. I want you all to know that I know that Christ lives! He is helping me and enabling me to keep on keeping on every minute of my life! I know that it is only through following His teachings and example throughout our lives that will bring us lasting happiness here and forever. That is the whole reason He came, for us.
Happy June and Happy Summer! Jump in the pool for me and use the time you have to gather your family around you and make lasting memories!
God is good,
Sister Sarah Meldrom
Had a super fun and a bit exhausting District Activity last Monday where we hiked up to Timpanogos caves and toured them. Some nice members brought us and a somewhat patient park ranger gave us a tour. He had to practice his patience because many of us were taking pictures- especially Elder Law, our District Leader. I am still laughing internally at all the selfies that were taken as friends and companions putting us about 20 minutes behind in our tour :P!
I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to learn a little bit about human nature and gain some tools to communicate and some times negotiation these past couple of weeks :P Even though the last several months have been hard, I wouldn't trade it for easy times. Hard times just drive my anchor deeper in my testimony of Christ and his Atonement. It changes our 'natural man state' into 'Christlike state' one step at a time :)(see Mosiah 3:19)
I have been reminded this week through a couple experiences with various people in the area that have had friction with my previous companion, that we really don't know the real intents and thoughts of those around us. It is so important to give people the benefit of the doubt, after all we would like others to over look our weaknesses, so why would it be different for them? We are all learning and growing and striving to do the best we know how. Christ welcomes the flaw to sit and dine at his table where the feast is his love and his teachings, which nutrition us eternally. This is the bread of life that he says will cause us to hunger no more as he described in his mortal ministry. He is the bread of life.
Transfer results are that I have a spectacularly fun and focused companion. We hit it off instantly! We have many of the same likes and dislikes and everyday has been a delightful adventure! Her name is Sister McIntire from Spokane Washington. She is the 6th of 7 kids and has been out a transfer more then me(so 10 months she has been out.) We have enjoyed singing, giggling, teaching and getting to know one another. She is a great missionary that has a neat ability to explain doctrine just right that it uplifts and carries the Spirit while at the same time puts all that hear at ease because of the smile on her face and her kind voice. I am sure you can't tell that I absolutely love her!
We have had many amazing lessons this week but the ones that stands out to me the most was on Sunday. We have this less active family we are working with to help them to the temple. They have been coming to church the past two weeks and we are encouraging them to pray as a family. Our lesson was on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is our road map for this mortality and how we can draw closer to Christ. It is a pattern for us to follow, through Faith, Repentance, Baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost and Enduring to the End, we can gain eternal life! I loved this lesson because as we finished I saw and felt the change of heart this couple has had already! They use to be very stand offish and uncomfortable but they were relaxed and you could tell they had a hope in Christ that they CAN make it to the temple! This change happened outside our appointments in their own personal time with their Savior. For the first time ever they mentioned reaching the temple and even connected it to how these 5 simple things help them to draw closer to their goal! I am so happy for them! What an amazing, simple experience! What an amazing thing is the Spirit of God that changes hearts and strengthens our resolve to do good and to love God!
As I finish this email I can't believe I am two days short of being 9 months out! Has time flied so very fast for you as well? I am grateful I am able to serve! I have learned so much already and I look forward to everything I will learn the remaining 9 months! God is so good to me. I want you all to know that I know that Christ lives! He is helping me and enabling me to keep on keeping on every minute of my life! I know that it is only through following His teachings and example throughout our lives that will bring us lasting happiness here and forever. That is the whole reason He came, for us.
Happy June and Happy Summer! Jump in the pool for me and use the time you have to gather your family around you and make lasting memories!
God is good,
Sister Sarah Meldrom
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