"I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don't set goals in our life and learn how to master the techniques of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a small part of our full potential. When one learns to master the principles of setting a goal, he will then be able to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life." - Elder M. Russell Ballard
It has truly been a miracle week. I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am for a Father in Heaven who loves ALL of His children! This past week Sister Lindmeir and I set really high goals for our week and we knew that as we exercised faith, great things would happen.
Miracle #1: Bonnie has been investigating the church for over a year now. She has been taught by the Elders and was not progressing... ( I really have no idea why she has been taught by Elders for so long). The Elders in our ward passed her to us this week and we had a great spirit filled lesson this past Wednesday. She did not reject a baptism date. She has been praying about a baptism date this week and we will put her on date this Wednesday. She also came to church this past Sunday... Wahooo!
Miracle #2: During an exchange with Sister Steadman this week we had a lady approach us in an elevator and tell us that she wants a Book of Mormon.. Hallelujah!
Miracle #3: Sister Lindmeir and I had 15 minutes to find this past Friday and during this time we got 3 return appointments.. One is even a family of four. One of the return appointments was for a 16 year old girl named Keiliegh. I complemented her on her hair color and it lead to a great discussion. We had a lesson with her on Saturday with the laurel adviser in the ward, met Keileigh's family (potential investigators), and she came to church on Sunday. The other return appointments are for this week so I will update you on how it goes.
Miracle #4: We met this boy named Dimitri this past week and taught him about Repentance and the Atonement. His heart softened and we will be meeting with him again this next week for a church tour.
Miracle #5: We have been working a lot with the members ever since I came to Gainesville. This past Friday we went to the Singers home. Once we walked in the door the mom told us... "I invited my neighbors to sit in the lesson with us today... and they said YES!" 5 minutes later a family of three knocks on the door. We had a great discussion about being children of God and the power of prayer. We really got to know this family and had a great time. After the lesson the family said that they would love to come back every Friday... Member work is the best way to do missionary work. Hands down!
I really could go on and on about the miracles I see every single day. I am so grateful to have a companion who wants to work as hard as I do to help souls come closer to Jesus Christ. We will see a baptism before the end of the transfer. God is just so good to us!
It looks like you all have had a busy week. Two funerals in one week would be really tough! I hope that the Manire family has the desire to learn more about the Plan of Salvation. You will have to keep me posted. I can only imagine how Ade felt at Michella's funeral. I bet it was fun for her to see Katie. Jake, happy birthday last week! I hope you had a good time. It's so weird that you are 17 now. You were 15 when I left. Aww, tell grandma that I love her and hope that she gets better soon. I really appreciated the picture of her back. Why did she need back surgery?
Mom, thanks for applying to colleges for me. Let me know what I need to do. President Riggs will let me work on the essays on Mondays. Let me know more details about the essays and I will get right on it. Hmm... Birthday gifts? It's already that time again. I really would just love some goodies and a letter from each of you. The only big gift I would love is a phone when I get home in November.
I love you all and I hope you have a great week!
Love Sister Smith
It has truly been a miracle week. I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am for a Father in Heaven who loves ALL of His children! This past week Sister Lindmeir and I set really high goals for our week and we knew that as we exercised faith, great things would happen.
Miracle #1: Bonnie has been investigating the church for over a year now. She has been taught by the Elders and was not progressing... ( I really have no idea why she has been taught by Elders for so long). The Elders in our ward passed her to us this week and we had a great spirit filled lesson this past Wednesday. She did not reject a baptism date. She has been praying about a baptism date this week and we will put her on date this Wednesday. She also came to church this past Sunday... Wahooo!
Miracle #2: During an exchange with Sister Steadman this week we had a lady approach us in an elevator and tell us that she wants a Book of Mormon.. Hallelujah!
Miracle #3: Sister Lindmeir and I had 15 minutes to find this past Friday and during this time we got 3 return appointments.. One is even a family of four. One of the return appointments was for a 16 year old girl named Keiliegh. I complemented her on her hair color and it lead to a great discussion. We had a lesson with her on Saturday with the laurel adviser in the ward, met Keileigh's family (potential investigators), and she came to church on Sunday. The other return appointments are for this week so I will update you on how it goes.
Miracle #4: We met this boy named Dimitri this past week and taught him about Repentance and the Atonement. His heart softened and we will be meeting with him again this next week for a church tour.
Miracle #5: We have been working a lot with the members ever since I came to Gainesville. This past Friday we went to the Singers home. Once we walked in the door the mom told us... "I invited my neighbors to sit in the lesson with us today... and they said YES!" 5 minutes later a family of three knocks on the door. We had a great discussion about being children of God and the power of prayer. We really got to know this family and had a great time. After the lesson the family said that they would love to come back every Friday... Member work is the best way to do missionary work. Hands down!
I really could go on and on about the miracles I see every single day. I am so grateful to have a companion who wants to work as hard as I do to help souls come closer to Jesus Christ. We will see a baptism before the end of the transfer. God is just so good to us!
It looks like you all have had a busy week. Two funerals in one week would be really tough! I hope that the Manire family has the desire to learn more about the Plan of Salvation. You will have to keep me posted. I can only imagine how Ade felt at Michella's funeral. I bet it was fun for her to see Katie. Jake, happy birthday last week! I hope you had a good time. It's so weird that you are 17 now. You were 15 when I left. Aww, tell grandma that I love her and hope that she gets better soon. I really appreciated the picture of her back. Why did she need back surgery?
Mom, thanks for applying to colleges for me. Let me know what I need to do. President Riggs will let me work on the essays on Mondays. Let me know more details about the essays and I will get right on it. Hmm... Birthday gifts? It's already that time again. I really would just love some goodies and a letter from each of you. The only big gift I would love is a phone when I get home in November.
I love you all and I hope you have a great week!
Love Sister Smith