My Safety, My Comfort, My Peace & My Friend

I know you want some selfies.

That architecture tho.

Cobbler in a jar... Cute huh?

We found a tree in the closet :)

Family & Friends,

Congratulations to Megan and Ryan.  Olivia sent me the low down. (In pictures.) That's really exciting and I'm super happy for them. Even though I've never met Ryan. They look perfect for each other. FYI: I'm still so down to inherit hand me downs from Megan when I get home even though I'm twenty. Especially cause I'll be so out of the new trends. So feel free to hook me up :) ehhh ehh?

It's freezing, like 30 degrees and such.

Also I noticed Grandpas comment about sending me Oreos if I'm starving.... Why hesitate? 
I'm always starving for Oreos. And rolos. And Reese's. Except I really need to jump on this whole six months to sexy band wagon and start losing weight. The struggle.

We have a Zone Activity today with President Riggs so that should be a fun time. We won some sort of challenge a while back. Transfers are this week, on the twentieth. I don't think I or Sister Todd will be transferred, but you never know.

We set up our two foot tall Christmas tree so that's the best housekeeping news I have for you all. That and I've officially begun wearing my abominable snow man coat. Super cute. Also glad I will never use it again after this winter. ( in STG. :) it's claustrophobic.

Anyhow.

This is so last minute.

I try to put some quality time throughout the week in deciding and deciphering my thought process for each post. But this is just so last minute. One of those on the whim things where you plan on something for an extended period of time and then it hits you with…

You've got it all wrong.

So I'm starting over, on a whim.

I feel like somebody needs to read something other than what I had originally intended to post this time around. So I hope that whatever idea I propose today will touch an individual who was seeking for a little something more today.

I met a new friend this week.

As I was going about my usual routines I felt compelled to reach out to a specific person. And I happened to get to know a unique individual. How fun. And it was over Skype. (Wahoo) as we were talking we began discussing Christianity. The WHY of Christianity. Which really got me thinking, because the majority of the people we are teaching currently already have a background religion.  They seem to be well versed in the New Testament and stories of Christ.

As we were talking we were simply reviewing the Why of Christianity. I've thought about it a lot. I've thought about all the things I could discuss with this individual, or other individuals, who may wonder the same question. The Why of Christianity. Why we need a Savior. Why we follow him. I thought I would make it all into a post… Here... last minute... on a whim.

Because I have come to the conclusion I'm profoundly better at expressing my feelings, thoughts, intentions, ideas and my heart out in written word. Rather than exploiting it all at million mile speeds during a thirty minute discussion.

It's an organization malfunction I have in my head.
Is there a cure for that?

A Christian is a believer of Jesus Christ and his teachings.

Who was Jesus Christ?

"Behold, I am Jesus Christ the son of God...

...If ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine

arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him

will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me...

....and the scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled." -3 Nephi 9

For years
And years
And years

Prophecies foretold a Savior would come to earth. To teach, to guide, and to save us all.

And he did come. Jesus Christ came to earth, he was born of Mary, in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. Jesus was perfect, he never sinned. In fact he was the ONLY perfect person to ever live. He came here to show us the way, the example, to be a light unto all of us. He's our big brother, the ULTIMATE big brother. The one who not only sets an example for you, but holds you when you cry. Who loves you so much, he died for you.

When Jesus Christ was ministering to the people, not everyone believed what he taught. He taught about faith, having faith in God, having faith in him and his sacrifice. He taught how faith precedes miracles. Our faith is strengthened when it is tested. How we must act on faith. He taught repentance. How there is a need for each of us to change, how we can change, how we can become better and learn and grow as we strive to repent and change. He taught us to be baptized. To follow him. To make covenants, or promises with God, to try our best to be good. He taught about the Holy Spirit, how it is a gift, a comforter, a director, and a source of all truth. He asked us to seek out and listen to the spirit. He taught us to press on, to endure to the end. To keep going even when times get rough. He taught us to serve one another, love one another, to forgive, to be humble, to be virtuous, to find joy. He taught us lots of things, all good things.

He performed miracles. He raised people from the dead, multiplied fish and bread. He healed the sick, caused the blind to see. Jesus Christ worked by miracles according to others faith.

Still, some didn't believe him.

He suffered for the sins of the entire world, all who live now, and who ever lived. He felt every pain, heartache, concern, sadness, sorrow and grief. Every disappointment, let down, stubbed toe even. Everything. So that he could succor us his people. He bled from every pore. He did it all. And then he was betrayed, and crucified.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, he only could perform such a task at hand.

He was beaten and scourged and hung on a wooden cross upon a hillside. A brutal death, he endured. He allowed his spirit to leave. His body hung there lifeless and the people carried it to a tomb, almost like a cave where they laid his body in linen to rest.

However, Jesus Christ prophesied before he died that he would return. In his body, resurrected. Not as someone new... like a reincarnation. But his lifeless body and his spirit would be whole again. His spirit didn't just drift away into a dark unknown abyss of nothingness. Rather, it's taught in Peter that when his spirit and body separated he appeared to others who had passed on, to their spirits, to teach them his gospel as well.

"He went and preached unto the spirits in prison..." -1 Peter 3:19

And then three days later he appeared.

"Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures..

...he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to

the scriptures:

..And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

..After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once."

-1 Corinthians 15:5

I think the greatest part of this story is this truth right here.

<insert resurrected Christ picture here>







That he lives.

He was born. He loved. He preached. He ministered. He walked the earth. He raised the dead. He forgave the sinner. He established his church. He set an example. He was perfect. He suffered our pains. He died on the cross.

But he didn't just "live"







HE LIVES.





now.
Present tense.
I think it is appropriate to reword my first question of


"Who WAS Jesus Christ?"
To



"Who IS Jesus Christ?"

He is our Savior, our Redeemer.
The one who can forgive us, strengthen us, enable us.
The one who we can follow and never be led astray.
Someone we can confidently put our faith and trust in.
Someone we can always turn to for help.
And he'll always be there.

Because he lives and forever will live.

Because of him we can live again.
Guiltless, shameless,
Happy

Free.

Through Christ we can be saved From pain, hurt, sorrow, sadness, guilt, shame, our sins 
and mistakes. From heartache, bad days, let downs, disappointments, awful news, 
a longing for home.

Through Christ we can live again
In peace, joy and happiness.
Guiltless, faultless,
No more anxiety and stress
Full of love and hope and comfort and complete joy
With those we love. With God.

Through Christ
We can change

And only through Christ are these made possible.

Why wouldn't we rely on Christ for the wonderful blessings he has provided for us?
He set the perfect example, why should we not follow it?

"Who is he that will harm you if ye be followers

 of that which is good?" 

1 Peter 3:13

With Christ we can be, fearless.
Death has no sting
The grave has no victory
He overcame it all.
God has given us victory over all, as we follow Jesus Christ.


It is by his grace that we become great.
As Paul says...


"By the grace of God I am what I am.."
1 Corinthians 15



And isn't this too true?
Who would we be, who could we become, without the grace of Christ our Savior?

Where would you be without him?
Who can you become with him?

"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

John 13:17

Who is Jesus Christ?

To me, Jesus Christ is my Redeemer, my Savior, my Friend. My example, my direction, my comfort. My peace, hope and solace. My brother, teacher, instructor and guide. My goal, my joy, my understanding.

I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to be a part of Christ’s church. To learn of him and teach of him everyday. Even more so I'm grateful that I have a Savior. That he's there, and always will be. No matter how uncertain my future is, whether now or fifty years down the road, the one stable certainty I can rely on is my Savior. He won't change.

I'm grateful he died for me. I'm grateful that I can learn and grow and try and fail and turn to him to try again and succeed, because with Christ we win every time. You can't fail when your on the Lords errand. You can't lose. You won't lose.

I'm grateful that because of him I can find joy and peace. Even though I'm a stress case and get frazzled and irritated I can turn to him for reassurance guidance and love.

Honestly, I don't know how my life would be if I didn't have a knowledge of my Savior. And not only that but a sure foundation that he lives and loves me.






What is a Christian to me?
A Christian is a believer of Jesus Christ and his teachings.
A doer of Christ’s teachings.
An example of Christ’s teachings.
A follower of Christ’s teachings.





Who is Jesus Christ to you?
What is a Christian to you?


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Until next week

Love You!


S.Stucki
Sent from my iPad

Where is the LOVE?

P-day in DC we visited a few museums...

Loading Reminders...

The Hope Diamond

Sebastien Bourdon "The Finding of Moses"

Family,

Monday:

Was a very chill P-reperation day.  I took a nap. (finally) We visited A. & M. who just got baptized. I taught A. some stuff on the guitar..a little bit. Ha. Some Tay Swift Stuff! We had a little Jam Sesh. #bondingmoment it was presh. Then we stopped by Bishops and finalized all the baptism papers and stuff...and visited the T. family!

Tuesday:

Was District Meeting. We had lunch with The District at Firehouse Subs.  I talked to Elder Black about Dylan.  So he should be adding him on Facebook and talking to him soon (:  Elder Black likes trucks.  I don't understand anything he says.  I was like Dude...talk to my brotha. So he's gonna do that. 

We had dinner at the O. house.  Which was fun. We also dropped some people. Which was sad.  They are going to have a baby soon and they are always so busy and are not progressing at all. We will probably stop by and see the baby later this month.  But as for teaching.. they just don't really do anything. There is only so much we can do.  

We met some new people... visited some families around here. There was a creepy dude standing outside our door at our apartment! So we made the Elders come scope it out and walk us to our door. haha. 

ELDERS. We are grateful for them sometimes:)

Wednesday:

We went "Finding" aka Tracting for FOUURURR HOUURRRSSS. 

Yeah enough said. 

There was still snow. 

It was cold. 

Never again. 

JUST KIDDING!

probably everyday for sixteen more months. :)

We taught N. again and invited her to a baptism this week.. she just needs to READ and PRAY and put forth some effort here!! SAME with lots of people its frustrating. We made lots of phone calls... L. answered her door and seemed interested and we talked to her forever. She is Catholic.  Her mother who is Catholic also. (very very strong Devout Catholic) was super sweet and gave us kisses on the cheek so that's a good sign. We taught her the Restoration.  She wants to take us to the Holy Trinity.  We are gonna take her to the Temple ;) Eventually. (:

Thursday:

Was Return and Report.  So basically you go and bash your companion.  So that was awkward. I just sat there. I'm not really one of those people. Who is into all that awkward stuff. I listened and learned.  But didn't say anything.  It's just weird. They do weird things out here sometimes. We checked a bunch of referrals.  Nobody seemed to be interested. We had dinner at the V. home.  Who are awesome and then taught H. who is ON DATE!  APPLAUSE. Pray for him. He is awesome.

We got canceled on by everybody else that night so that was no bueno. C. happened to answer her door.  We had a youth girl with us from another ward so we got a member present visit in. She was super cool and we taught some good stuff and she said she would read.

Friday:

We started COUCH QUOTES WHOOO. I'll send you a picture. Basically our old couch has this old sheet on it.  It's gross.  We started doodling on it and then we started writing all our favorite shut downs and funny lines.  It is quite hilarious.  If I do say so myself. Again, I'll send a picture soon. We were a little distracted during weekly planning..:/

I got no mail this week.  MAN literally. I got a letter from Elder Parkxfelt (goooo Fresno) and that is like it!!! WELL actually. Late Saturday night I ended up finally getting a letter from ELDER RHOTON. Which was very much appreciated. Other then that...NOTHIN. y'all have failed me this week. WHERE is the love? (Black Eyed Peas ref.) We went tracting again.  Visited L. again. and the S. family who are moving :( which is sad. We love K. & M. But they'll be taken care of in Richmond!

Saturday:

Was crazy.  We set super high goals and just went for it. We headed out to a Baptism super early with H. and the D. family in Gainsville.  It turned out way nice and they played a cello.  So I was stoked! Then we went and grabbed Little Caesar's and double timed it with Facebook / online proselyting for like five seconds.  

We picked up the H. girls and visited the R. family and answered their questions about... Life! Then we checked on C. from Ghana! We had a lesson with her and her kids! We asked them to come to church.  They should be coming next week! We checked on C. & E. and there was no answer.  We gave out a million pass along cards. We had a quick thirty minute dinner rice and soy sauce. 

Then we checked on A. There was some crazy dude freaking out, outside their house.  So we called a member and hung out at her house for a bit. Until he was gone. Then headed over to L. house.  She is awesome. She is super old and has a crazy life. When I say crazy I mean CRAZY. So we talked to her and shes not so into the church.  So we talked her into trying out Family History.  She said she would! 

We also checked on our friend K. and he has this massive dog. It's a bull dog and it's so crazy. You'll see videos. It's like a thousand lbs. and has no teeth. You're going to die. The things I do out here man. I hate dogs. I really do. BUT you should see the way I act with these things. MOM you would die. I like... touch them... and God has blessed me so I don't die of allergies. It is a miracle.

Sunday:

I woke up with a kink in my neck and it hurt! It turned into this massive knot it looks like I have a growth! So Sister T. rubbed icy hot all over it. hahaha. She is like my 2nd mom here? She is great. We love her! 

Also apparently it was Super Bowl last night because NOBODY wanted to answer their doors and let us in. lame lame lame. Where are your priorities people? Anyway. Church was good...the Young Women were talking about music or something and apparently all the girls we take on exchanges... Spilled the beans about my

JAM SONG.

It's a good song don't worry. ;) 

But it's a secret! 

AND they told everybody about it. 

Women I swear!

No.  Kidding. but hey...whatever it takes to be an example to those crazy teenagers am-i-right? 

no jk. I love this ward though.  They are great. I hope I don't get transferred for a while. I could chill in M. for a bit. Not live here forever. 
But you know. Teach the people and stuff. (:

So the other day at Return and Report one of the Elders asked me what I've learned thus far on my mission.  I was just like brain dead. So I felt dumb for not coming up with some intellectual answer or whatever. But the truth is I've learned so much already!! That I couldn't even put it all into words. Because I mean... it's like all this information is just shooting at me!

I've learned to deal with people.  I've learned to sacrifice.  I've learned to be selfless.  I've learned to serve.  I've learned to be independent.  I've learned to rely on God.  I've learned everyone has agency.  I've learned about discipline, rules, guidelines and commandments.  Commandments bless us! Not restrain us.  I've learned to love.  And more about loving.  I've learned that attitude determines Everything.  I've learned the importance of family.  I've learned about being a true, good friend. Among many more things I have learned the doctrine better and how it effects ME personally.

Something else that really stands out for me and I love is that in our church We focus on life after this life.  On happiness and families and love. We focus on the Resurrection of Christ rather than the Crucifixion.  Which is beautiful to me. It is interesting walking into other churches beautiful buildings and seeing it so focused on Christs death.  It is almost overwhelming and depressing.... and not to undermine what Christ did for us because that is important and it is huge!!! and it is amazing. 

When you walk into an LDS building whether it be a Church, a Seminary building or a Temple.  You're always going to feel that peace of knowing we will live again. Christ didn't just die and end at death...he is alive! He is with us and he has proven and shown us that we will live again also! That is amazing to me. When we see those pictures of Christ being risen...it means so much more! It's not a depressing, sad overloading feeling...it's a feeling of peace and comfort that we will live again.  We will get to greet our Savior after we have lived our lives and gave it our all!

So that is my soapbox for you today (:

I love you all.

I am expecting more letters this week? yeah? k good. 

Like I know I'm actually a missionary now but you can still pretend you love me. Send me so much mail it makes the other missionaries jealous!

one more thing...

#sisterculture

Its a thing.

Sisters show them Elders wassup.

LOVE YOU ALL BYE!

 Sister Stucki

(via email February 3, 2013)

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Don't Pass 'Em UP

I've tried this new thing called having an (incredibly) open mind......

IT IS AWESOME.

My mom is reading some weird book, but she told me the basics of it is "To have peace with yourself you must act on all impressions. If you do not act on impressions and continue throughout your day, you will not have peace of mind. Therefore you are puting yourself in a box."

Weird book right? But its true. I'm pretty sure every single person on this earth even YOU gets little impressions throughout the day. "I should do that.." "I should say hi to her.." "I should shoot him a text..." But we ignore them because they are inconvienient or we do not know what will come of it. Well, my track record has turned out great with acting on impressions! Because even if i never know what will come of it... it somehow influences my life. I feel at peace, and it gives me something more to think about.

Impression Numero Uno: Lady walks into PFPV (My Work) She asked when it got cold around here. SOO we talked about weather. I had an impression to ask her where she was from, i shook it off at first, but of course... I could hear my mom telling me YOURE PUTING YOURSELF IN A BOX. Sooo i did. Turns out shes from the glorious east coast SOUTH CAROLINA. Why on earth did she wind up in Utah??? We talked about all the amazing things to explore back east, i told her i was moving to Washington DC here in a couple months. She asked why? I told her for a mission. And for the 6787654567876545678 time i got that look of "Like james bond or...?" So i added, LDS Mission, for my church. You could see her face was a little bit puzzled. But we continued on our conversation. She was really nice and had a family. Nothing more came from my experience in talking with her about the church. But it planted a seed because guess what??? SHE KNOWS WHAT A MORMON MISSIONARY IS NOW. And she left a five dolla tip so holla.

Impression Numero Dos: Sit by the Loud Rowdy Kids in the back of Youth Meeting ;)

Yes. I was asked to speak a little bit to the youth of my ward with the Elders and my dad on sunday. The WHOLE TIME there was this couple boys sitting in the back being so obnoxious. I could hear them laughing and talking and poking at eachother and i was sitting clear in the front! Silly boys... so the next half of the meeting i decided, hey, i'll go sit next to 'em. So i did. And their faces? PRICELESS. (I hope they are reading this hahaha!) There wasn't even room for me so i pulled up a chair as close as i could and smiled at them. I continued to raise my hand and make comments every five minutes or so, because everytime i did, all eyes went to the back corner and the boys all went silent. I even got a few of them to put their phones up in the front and pay attention imagine that??!! I told them they would get something from it. I think they expected candy or something... i meant scriptural knowledge? And at the end of the lesson one of them looked at me and said... "Its blessings isnt it?" I smiled and he rolled his eyes. It was picture perfect. Gotta love them highschool boys getting blessings doncha? It was an awesome lesson. 

Afterwards, i did hold a really good conversation with a couple of them. I told them that it took me til my senior year to realize if you actually LISTEN TO YOUR SEMINARY TEACHER you will gain something. Weird right? They were amazed too. I don't know if i changed their opinion on serving a mission or even listening to seminary. But at least they know that I KNOW the church is true, and that I KNOW how much it has affected my life. Hopefully someday they will feel the same. Goes to show you can be a missionary and example even to the members of your ward! They are awesome (:

Impression Numero Tres: CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL RANCH BBY

So me and my brother... well okay let me start over. MY BROTHER talked me into taking him to CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL RANCH right before it closed last night. So, off we went. We were looking for some new 'Boots' and started talking to this kid that works there. He was a nice kid. And low and behold our topic of conversation turned into missions. I told him where i was going and etc. Said goodbye, didnt even catch his name. Well, this little experience actually turned on me. I think he was the one who had an impression he didn't pass up, and i gained immensly from it. I got a text in the middle of the night, it was from this kid. He mentioned i probably didnt know him and it may be weird that he was sending this, but he felt like he should send me these specific scriptures because they have helped him immensly within the church and in regards of serving a mission. They were right on key, exactly what i needed to hear. How cool is that?

I think what comes around goes around. Pray for experiences. And search them out throughout your day. Don't pass any up! You never know what can come from them, and you never know what you will find in return! Look at the little, simplest of experiences and blessings and apply them to your life. You will see differences in every situation. Its so cool who the Lord will bring into your life sometimes. Gods timing really is perfect. And people, they are awesome. Stay positive and love the little things.

Love you all! Have a fantastic Tuesday!

Sincerely Yours, Sister Madison Paige

Called to Serve Part III

Sister Stucki, you are hereby called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You have been assigned to labor in the Washington DC South Mission!!!

I cannot describe to you in words, how thrilled I am about my call. This was never in my plans but I can honestly say, I have never felt so at peace and more positive about any decision I have ever made in my eighteen (almost nineteen) years of making decisions. This mission truly is the perfect mission for me, I can already tell you. Our prophet and church leaders are inspired men, and my heavenly father knows me so well.

So this past week has been the most stressful of my life. With Elder Rhoton leaving and waiting for my call I've been driving myself crazy. I have had a strong feeling for so long that i needed to go to the temple, but I kept putting it aside, putting it aside. Wednesday I was positive I would receive my call in the mail. And i didn't. After work, I felt like i really should go attend the temple. And of course i kept putting it off, telling myself i was too busy. It wasn't even five minutes later, a good friend of mine, Miss Devin, texted me and BOOM! Invited me to go to the temple that evening at six o'clock with some other sweet girls. So we went, and it was a terrific experience. I got to visit my favorite place before i recieved my call, and it was just another huge THANKFUL MOMENT, that God knows my needs. And he has put so many people in my life, and in my path to help me along the way and be a good example to me. It truly made me beam, after the conversations we got to have that night about missionary work and the gospel. People are amazing.

The next morning, i got to wake up bright and early for the wisdom teeth withdrawal. I say withdrawal because its kind of contradicting. "Like hey we are just gonna withdraw your teeth real quick no big deal!" well.. SIKE. They all but tore my bone apart in my face to get those babies out, and yes all four of them. However i was totally drugged unconscious and do not remember a single thing until I plopped my body on my couch and home and low and behold..... THE MISSION CALL WAS THERE.

Now i hate to tell you this but I'm going to be completely honest with you.... I had friends and family coming over at four for the classic 'Surprise Opening' but I couldn't wait. I couldn't do it! I mean granted I was on every dental pain killer on earth but I HAD to know where I was going to spend the next eighteen months of my life! So i just stole it right out of my dads hands, ripped it open, and there it was, in all its glory.

'You are called to labor in the Washington DC South mission..."

Thats all it took and i was BEAMING. BEAMING I TELL YOU. You know, I told everyone i didn't want to be in the 'states' and technically... i mean its not a state... but i still get to speak english, shop at my local walmart, and ship packages to my family without it taking five years! And in the comfort of my very own red white and blue country! Now I'm not saying i couldn't have HANDLED any other mission, because I would have accepted any call willingly, gladly, and without fear. But THIS, this call is for ME. It has my name written all over it. It is to me from the Lord. And he knows me so well.

So of course my dad did his best glue job to make it look like it had never been tattered with and we had the family come over. I have the most amazing support system. My family is awesome. And I am so excited to be the first grandkid on both sides of my parents family to serve a mission. I hope and pray with all my heart I can be an example to not only my younger siblings but also all of my cousins. I hope that as they grow and strive to become better people, they will realize the blessings that they have in their life and the joy the gospel can bring to them. I hope they all seriously consider serving a mission. I realize, a mission is not for everyone. But I urge everyone reading this, to truly pray about it. You might be surprised with your answer. I know I was. And I know I will never be the same because of it.

The rest is history. we opened the call, everyone cheered. Ate food. Well they ate food i sipped soup from Mr Felter considering i'll be down for a while.... But I have never been happier. I report to the Provo MTC in the beginning of December. I can't wait to continue preparing to make this the best eighteen months of my life, and to have the most amazing adventure. Along with Elder Rhoton and his adventure two states away, in Indiana. It is going to be life changing, and I am just so so grateful for the chance i get to serve the lord on my mission.

Well kids, todays been a long one and unfortunately I am still on Percocet for the next week, so I'm gonna hit the hay. But check out the link and some pics and God be with you all. Thanks for reading! & Check the link!

https://vimeo.com/72942816