Birthday Week - 

     What another wonderful week!!! It started out with my birthday, and ended with a super inspiring ward conference! But what I want to focus, this blog, on, is something that happened in the middle of the week. This week, on Thursday, we had a special conference just for the sister missionaries. We were all speculating, all week, about what it would be about, from getting ipads to just having a fun get together. However, it was greater than we even expected.  President and Sister Gardner encouraged and uplifted us, counseled and showed their love for us, and gave us directions on how not just to be a better more effective missionary, but better more effective people. There were so many prayers answered. We stared by singing "As Sisters In Zion", and the spirit immediately filled the room.

     First, we talked about the power of our words.   Next, we talked about how we should love our weaknesses and trials, because they refine and strengthen us.  Then, we talked about the importance of recognizing our true identity and our potential as daughters of God.  Lastly, we talked about how we can better defend ourselves against Satan's lies, which led to a discussion on how much power we have when we recognize the Lord is ALWAYS on our side. Lastly, we acknowledged that as sister missionaries, we do NOT HAVE to be here, but we choose to be here, because we love God!!!  Sorry for the long, run on sentences, but there was just sooo much good stuff. Prior to our special meeting, as a leader/sister missionary trainer, my soul had been weighed down as I learned about the internal conflicts and struggles of our sisters.  Afterwards, I felt such relief, as this conference addressed all the things I had no idea how to help with. 

     It was wonderful to feel the difference from all of the sisters after the meeting. They were recharged and even more devoted and valiant. I am proud to say that they are my sisters, though we don't share the same flesh or blood, we wear the same name on our chests, that of our Savior Jesus Christ. We have come together in an unbreakable bond, we watch out for one another, build each other up, stand by one another, laugh together, and sometimes even cry together. It is such a privilege to be surrounded by so many courageous and inspirational women. Satan better watch out, us sisters cannot be stopped!!! As it says in 2 Kings 6:16 " Fear not: for they that be with us are  more than they that be with them!"

~ With Bunches of Love,

 Sister Jordan

Mailing Address: 1109 E 66th Street

Kearney, NE 68847

Growing Together

This week was full of training and spiritual nourishment! Monday, we traveled all the way up to Omaha (about a three hour drive) for our leadership training called MLC. Funny story, on the way we stopped for dinner and I decided that I would speak in a southern accent in the drive thru. The cashier guy kept smiling at us and I told Sister Petersen that Im sure he was laughing because he could tell I was faking it. However by the time we left, he told me he liked my voice, so perhaps I really did have him fooled hahaha.

     Ok, back to our Omaha meeting...to try and summarize all I learned MLC would seriously take up about 70 emails, so overall my faith and testimony was strengthened through the principles of how this wonderful gospel is centered on families, the strengthening and enabling power that comes from repentance, the fact that  through Christ we can find new life, and that we are given weaknesses not only to make us humble, but so that we will be able to turn them into strengths. I felt so encouraged and uplifted with a renewed desire to not only share what I learned with our investigators but with our missionaries as well. And we did! Sister Petersen and I had the opportunity to train on repentance to the other missionaries. We first defined repentance and discussed what motivates us to repent and how we can help those who we teach to experience, as Alma says in Alma 36, "joy and marvelous light" of repentance. Another topic that has been on my mind this past week is the statement of the Sabbath being a delight and what that means to me.

    So I came up with this little free verse poem as we sat in the park doing our studies this Sunday: 

I am sitting in the grass of Harvey park on a bright orange blanket. The grass is a mixture of brown and green because it is not yet spring, though it feels like it. Basking in the warmth of the sun and feasting on the words of prophets both ancient and modern. I learn more of my Savior and the importance of the Book of Mormon, right here, right now! The words to a hymn just sung in sacrament play in my head, " All creatures of our God and King, lift up your  voices and with us sing Alleluia, alleluia!" I feel the joy of those words. I hear the laughs of children on the play ground, of moms, dads and grandparents speaking in baby voices to their precious ones. Sword fights, tag, and a couple tears...small seemingly insignificant moments, but lovely when done together.  This gospel centers on families, its exactly why we are all here, learning laughing and growing together, this is what it means to make the Sabbath a Delight!

~ With Bunches of Love,

 Sister Jordan

Mailing Address: 1109 E 66th Street

Kearney, NE 68847

POWER

So my companion Sister Petersen goes home pretty soon, so what she has started to do is dedicate weeks of her mission to someone. This idea comes from one of the trainings  we received at one of our missionary meetings. Our mission presidents  wife told us a story of when her and her daughter ran a marathon. Apparently her daughter did not train very well and so just after a couple miles, she began to be extremely tired. So, in order to finish this race, she began dedicating each mile to a child who she worked with. As she ran that mile, she would tell her mother all about that child and as she did that, she was distracted from her exhaustion and was able to complete the marathon! Using this same idea, we have decided t pick a scripture hero each week to dedicate our missions to and try and emulate. This week we studied Nephi! What I decided to do was to choose the top three characteristics that Nephi exemplifies and then to find scriptures to support them. I chose faith, diligence, and obedience.  I found sooo many scriptures that shows Nephi's exceeding faith, like, 1 Nephi 4:1 and verse 3 when he tells his brothers they must go back into the city, even if they have no idea how they will obtain the plates. Then later in that same chapter in verses 6 and 7 as Nephi explains that though he did not know what he was doing, he was "led by the Spirit and went forth!" And then my favorite in 1 Nephi 7:12 and 17 that because of Nephi's exceeding faith, he was able to burst the bands with which he was bound. And all of this was just in the first seven chapters of the first book of Nephi! So far this week, I have come to realize that power comes from obedience, that it is exercised through faith and that when power and faith combine, miracles are produced. Such a reassuring principle taught so plainly in the scriptures. Pondering more about Nephi and his wonderfully great attitude no matter the circumstances, I realized something. I realized that in order for us all to maintain our purpose and desire (not just as missionaries, but as followers of Jesus Christ), we must keep an eternal perspective, a positive attitude, and unwavering faith, just like Nephi. As we remember our purpose here and make a daily commitment to do good and be better daily, we will be able to face all of life's challenges with optimism and and joy!:))

~ With Bunches of Love,

 Sister Jordan

Mailing Address: 1109 E 66th Street

Kearney, NE 68847

TRIALS

This week, I have been reflecting on the importance and need for trial in our lives. On a daily basis, I come in contact with people whose lives are full of trials and hardships, most times from things that are out of their control. They are confused, sad, and sometimes even angry at God. I pondered on the difference in attitude of these people as compared to those who have a knowledge of our Savior, his gospel and our purpose here on earth, and it is a night and day difference! I don't know about you, but this solution seemed too simple. How could every problem, every trial, every thing bad in this world be made right through Christ? And yet, that is the truth!

Those who truly understand our Savior see testing and trials as opportunities to be refined and become even better. Because, Jesus Christ and His Atonement cover everything, completely and fully. In Alma 31 we read about Alma, his brethren and sons and their trial as they are out preaching the gospel. They suffer all manner of affliction and trial. Yet, in verse 38, we see how they received the strength to press forward, all of their hardships were "swallowed up in the joy of Christ." Or in other words, all that was wrong was made right through our Savior Jesus Christ. And how was it that he was able to access this enabling power, in the end of verse 38, it says, "Now this was according to the prayer of Alma; and this because he prayed in faith." This strength of the Atonement is available to us all, the only requirement is for us to ask. 

Through our own personal trial, rather than being tempted to ask the question, "Why Me?" , turn to Heavenly Father and ask instead, "What can I learn from this?" and plead for the strength that is available to us all through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 

I feel that strength daily, so much so that as Ammon says in Alma 26:12, "I do not boast in my own strength...but behold, my joy is full yea my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God." This joy is accessible to us all and for that I am so very grateful!

~ With Bunches of Love,

 Sister Jordan

Mailing Address: 1109 E 66th Street

Kearney, NE 68847

LOVE
With it being Valentine's Day this past week, I have pondered a lot on the power of love. Specifically, the love for our fellow men, as well as between us and God. On my mission, I have seen first hand the miracles that have been brought to pass, as people have begun to feel the love of God. Addictions have been quit, goals have been made, and lives become happier. I pondered on this type of love, the love that causes us to desire to do good and become better. This love comes from God and is exemplified in our Savior Jesus Christ. The world gives us "love" that is full of frills and devoid of substance, that is fun in the moment, but still leaves us feeling empty and eventually alone. As compared with the world's view of "love", God's love is eternal and helps us to become who we need to be.  Because of the love God has for each of us, He sent His son, so that we all might be able to learn and grow, and one day return to Him stronger and changed. With this knowledge also comes with it a responsibility to, as a famous hymn states, "As I have loved you, love one another." Love not only changes lives, it has the potential to change the world...“Pure Christlike love flowing from righteousness can change the world.”—Elder Jeffrey R. Holland 

    For God so loVed the world,

                     thAt he gave his

                     onLy

                     BEgotten

                    SoN

                    thaT whosoever

                     belIeveth in Him

              should Not perish but have

                         Evelasting life.  ~John 3:16

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!! Love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

~ With Bunches of Love,

 Sister Jordan

Mailing Address: 1109 E 66th Street

Kearney, NE 68847

A week of miracles - 
This week was crazy!!! We had a blizzard hit Kearney, it was called Kayla and it left us with 18 inches of snow!!!! We were stuck inside for a whole day.  Luckily, there were a couple of us sisters, so we kept ourselves entertained. haha!! Cool thing about the blizzard was that it provided for a lot of service opportunities. The snow fall was wayy more than anticipated, so just about everyone was snowed in. And though I had never shoveled snow a day in my life, I am now officially an expert haha. A cool experience happened while doing service...all the missionaries, us sisters and some elders too, were shoveling at this apartment complex and the snow was crazy deep, but we finally cleared a path and dug out a couple cars while we were working. Sister Riggs was working so hard, she ended up losing her name tag...in the snow. So, we all said a prayer and began searching. I was praying so hard because we were working with this non-member, and I was like, "Heavenly Father, please provide us with a miracle, so this man can see that you answer prayers." As I finished, I looked down, and guess what I saw...the corner of Sister Riggs's name tag!!!!!! I picked it up and celebrated like I had found the Golden Ticket!!! We all cheered and clapped, it was the best thing ever! As we are filled with faith, and trust in the Lord, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish!!! Ether 12:12

God is soo very aware of us and wants to help, all we must do is ask!:)

A LOL miracle - 

Wanna hear another miracle??? So, I had to go to the bathroom SUPER bad, and there were none to be found. We passed by this park, pulled over, and I began my search...finally I found one!! but it was an indoor one, and looked really fancy...so I prayed: "please please please let this door be unlocked". It wasnt!!! So I prayed again, pleading(because I REALLY had to go!) Then all of a sudden, a lady rounded the corner and opened the door!!!!! Then she said, "It was a miracle I even came over to this side of the building!" I was like - "well yeah, I prayed you here!" hahahaha wayy cool right?!:D

~ With Bunches of Love,

 Sister Jordan

Mailing Address: 1109 E 66th Street

Kearney, NE 68847

God's Hand is evident in all things!!!

     This week, my studies have focused on the fact that God is real and loves us. Recently, I have come in contact with a couple of people who just cannot seem to wrap their minds around the fact that there is a God. They have questions like: "If there is a God, why do bad things happen?" Or "How can you really know He is there, if you have never seen Him?" As I have had the opportunity to talk to, and learn from these people, my testimony that there is a God has become significantly stronger. The scripture in Alma 30 verse 44 perfectly summarizes my in depth studies... that all things denote there is a God... the trees, and the flowers, the birds, and our own bodies, that we have the scriptures and all the ancient prophet's testimonies, as well as modern day prophet's witnesses, and not only that, on a daily basis I meet with people who know that there is a God, and they testify of his hand so abundantly in their lives. Which brings me to a wonderous miracle that has been ongoing throughout my mission. It is a long story, but I can promise you, it will strengthen your faith and help you to see God's hands more fully in your own life...

     It started about a month before I entered into the MTC. My dad called me, and expressed a desire to be more involved with our lives (mine and my siblings). My parents are divorced, and my dad lives in Alabama, so he has not been very involved in our lives. So I told him, well if you want be more involved, then you need to make some changes in your life. Not that my dad is a bad person, he has just made a lot of bad choices that have deeply affected his life. I told him what he needed to do first, was to find the missionaries in his area (because I was about to serve my mission), and be taught by them. My dad agreed. :)

     Fast forward a month... at this time, I am in the MTC, and I meet these two Elders at a fireside, and find out they are going to be serving in Birmingham, Alabama (where my dad lives). So, I give them the assignment to go and find my dad. About a month after that, I received an email from one of the Elders I met at the MTC, and he said that he had found my dad and given him the Book of Mormon, but that my dad had moved, and now he couldn't find him again. :(

    I hear from my mom, a few months later, that my dad had read the Book of Mormon, knew it was the word of God, and decided that he needed to make a change. Change is difficult and takes a lot of time and effort, but my dad checked himself into a three month rehab facility and began the rocky road to recovery. :)

     Three months later, I received an email from my dad saying that he had moved to a place that was right across the street from the LDS church. He decided to attend church one Sunday, and as he was introducing himself to everyone, the guy sitting next to him turned and asked, "Is your daughter named Leela?'' It was the other missionary I had met in the MTC!!!  My dad and him had found each other!!!!!!!!  After that, my dad began learning from the missionaries and on Christmas day over Skype, my dad told me that he had been drug and alcohol free for 101 days and counting!!! Not only that, but he was beginning to feel happy again, free and excited about life. Tears of joy streamed down my face to see firsthand the effects of the Atonement on someone I love so dearly.

BIG :)

      Although it took work and perseverance, my dad was baptized January 17, by the Elder who I met in the MTC.  Baptism is just the first step on a long road to lasting recovery, but that step has been made, and I know that as my dad relies on the Lord, he will be able to make it through anything. There are many other things that played a part in this miraculous story... the fact that I was a week late to the MTC, which allowed for me to meet the missionaries that were going to Birmingham, and would eventually baptize my dad... or that the Elder who baptized my dad saw me while in the MTC and felt he needed to talk to me.

      This miracle, along with many other amazing miracles I have witnessed, solidifies my faith and stand as a witness that God's hand is in all things!! God is ever mindful of every people, and we all have the opportunity for second chances. I know that God lives, and that he loves us, and that through our Savior Jesus Christ, each and every day hold for us a new beginning. I also know that through the Book of Mormon we can come to know Christ personally, and receive the strength and guidance to accomplish marvelous things!

     This I leave with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!! Amen!! Amen!!

~ With Bunches of Love,

 Sister Jordan

Mailing Address: 1109 E 66th Street

Kearney, NE 68847