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

Big Enough for ALL His Children

Holocaust Memorial Museum

Washington Monument
Symbolic tribute to George Washington

View 500' up in the Washington Monument

Pants!

Sister Budd helped me with my skirt problem. Long skirts are a pain :)

Big Enough for ALL his Children

HELLO!

A couple things about this week...
We went to the White House, the top of the Washington monument, the Holocaust Museum,
and last but certainly not least CAFE RIO.
#win

All is well here in #Cashburn. I will send pictures. Hopefully you all are doing well at home.  Thanks for the skirts and packages and Etc. I appreciate it and love you all lots.

VIEWERS!

Thank you for reading, commenting, emailing, supporting, sharing, and for the wonderful thoughts, ideas and inspiration you've shared with me via this blog. I do ask however, that as you read, you share it with friends. We can use social media for good. By simply pinning on Pinterest, posting an Instagram, Facebook or Twitter we can share the message of the Gospel. You never know when that small thing could change someone's life.
#sharegoodness
(Elder Ballard reference)

Because readers are pinning this blog, following and sharing it on their social media with others, there has been so many rewards. There have been plenty of questions that have been able to be addressed and
I have met many wonderful people who are diligent and faithful followers of our Savior.  Who have a sincere desire to know more, and become better.

It is a complete joy being able to help others and build them up and strengthen their foundation and faith in Christ. We have been commanded..

"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15

With the growth in technology in this day and age we are able to share the gospel, preach the gospel, and invite others to learn of the gospel, so easily, and so efficiently. As missionaries (and as members) we can teach people all over the world through Facebook and Skype. As members you have the ability to use your own blogs and other networking sites and programs to share the gospel and to use the internet for good, for the Hastening of His work.

PLEASE continue to spread the gospel.
Please continue to share this blog.
Please continue to be a GOOD example to those around you.

You may not see the immediate effect of your doings, but no good opportunity we take goes wasted.
This week this blog reached 50k views. And because of viewers it has been shared and pinned and read and
talked about and people have been able to find it and locate missionaries and learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A few weeks ago there was a comment left, by a new friend of mine and my companion, who we have now been able to begin teaching over Facebook and Skype. He came across this blog, online, somehow, somewhere and began to read and learn more about the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

My companion and I began teaching him via Facebook and Skype.  How wonderful that we can teach people all over the world!  How wonderful that by a simple share you can touch the life of another person.
And how wonderful it is that this week as we were teaching our friend over Skype he brought up a very important point in our lesson.

He wanted to learn more about Salvation.

So this week I have had the great opportunity to study about the Plan of Salvation, about Gods plan for each of us, about the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ. I want to share a bit more with you all, and ask that you share this, whether vocally or through social networking with YOUR friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, followers, etc.

Simply post your thoughts on the matter, or attach this blog.

Either way, we have been commanded to share the Gospel with all the world, why don't we take advantage of the tools that we have?

🌍

Through studying the Plan of Salvation
Or Plan of Happiness
Or GODS PLAN FOR US
I've come to realize one very important key concept.
Brought up over and over again,
And it is that He loves us.

❤️

WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD
he wants us to return to him,
To return home.

I read a profound talk by Elder Cook.
It's titled:

Our Father’s Plan--Big Enough for All His Children

The title of this talk immediately caught my attention. That this plan God has created, is big enough for each and every one of us here on this earth. Each and every individual who has lived on this earth and has since passed, and each and every individual that is yet to be born.  EACH OF US is a child of God. And he wants us each to return HOME to him.

There is no number.
No limit.
No extent.

He wants us ALL to return home.

He has sent us here with expectations.  God is a loving God with high expectations.  As any loving parent should be. But the beautiful thing about HIS plan is he has made it possible for us to each reach those
high expectations.  No matter our circumstance in life right now.

He sent us here to live on earth to have agency to learn, to grow, to change, to become. Knowing we would be imperfect, knowing we would slip up at times. Does that lower his expectations for us? Absolutely not.

Rather, he has provided us with a Savior. He sent His begotten son Jesus Christ to take upon him the sins and pains of the entire world.  FOR EVERY INDIVIDUAL, as an everlasting sacrifice. So that we can EACH turn to him when we are seeking repentance, forgiveness, direction, guidance, strength. So that we can be made clean, made whole again.

He did not eliminate our personal responsibility to choose, however. It is up to us whether or not we decide to follow Jesus Christ and rely on his everlasting sacrifice, or, atonement.

Jesus Christ has already payed the price for each one of us individually. He has felt all of our sorrows, heartaches, pains, difficult decisions, temptations, the whole package.
We CAN rely on him, but do we?

By choosing to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are living the higher law. We can rely on him for guidance, direction, strength, forgiveness, repentance and all that is necessary for us to move on, start over, become better. Through Christ, is the only way we can become completely clean, completely healed.

By choosing to deny Jesus Christ, to not use his Atonement in our day to day lives, by choosing to not follow him, we are living the lower law. And we are taking that everlasting sacrifice for granted. Without Jesus Christ we are in danger of walking alone. We are in danger of seeking for guidance and direction and strength and forgiveness by ourselves.  That is not something we are capable of doing! When we choose not to use his Atonement in our lives, or his everlasting sacrifice, were choosing to sacrifice other things, and it puts a huge weight on our shoulders. We will be unable to be made clean and receive the blessings he has to offer us, if we don't choose to accept them.

It comes down to our choices.

By CHOOSING to follow Christ by CHOOSING to accept him, you are CHOOSING to live the higher law.  And by living the higher law you receive so many blessings.

This does not mean you are perfect.

I love how Orson F Whitney puts it when he says this Plan is one that..
"...saves the living, redeems the dead, rescues the damned, and glorifies all who repent.”

As we follow Jesus Christ and Gods plan for us, we are being saved, redeemed, rescued and glorified. We can be made clean, we can receive strength and we can reach ultimate happiness in the life to come.

This plan God has created, is for us all. In Elder Cooks talk he says:

"The marvelous doctrine revealed to the Prophet Joseph unveiled to us a Plan of Salvation that is applicable to all mankind, including those who do not hear of Christ in this life, children who die before the age of accountability, and those who have no understanding."

How wonderful is it to know that our Father in heaven loves us enough to create this Plan for us all, to provide a way for us each to make it back to him. To provide us each with an opportunity to learn of our
Savior and how we can follow Him to be happy not only in this life, but in the life to come.

"For behold, this is my work and my glory

to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”

Why is it important to know Gods plan for you?
Why is it important to share it with others?

Our true destination is not perfection RIGHT NOW, it's not a big house, and nice cars, or temporal happiness here on earth. But our true destination is Eternal life.

I know there is something more, because of God's plan for ME.
I know Gods plan for ME is big enough for ALL his children.

Elder Cook ends by saying...
"That is why Latter-day Saints then and now sing the last verse of
“Come, Come, Ye Saints” with faith and expectation.

"And should we die before our journey’s through,
Happy day! All is well!
We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell!"

Even though our journey may be fraught with tribulation, the destination is truly glorious.

Happy Day, All is well.
With love,
Sister Stucki


Sent from my iPad

(Via email 8/27/14)

The 4th in the District

Fireworks are a BIG deal here...

 We are in the Capital of America

Sorta...more like one of the First Colonies

Same thing

We were in the Parade, had a Ward get together, & watched lots of fireworks

and just had a FANTASTIC week

I even ate FISH!  

The things we do for investigators:)

Love you all.

Sister Madison Stucki

"It won't Always be this way"

Great advice from President.  

Remember during the good times and the bad:

"It won't always be this way"

Sister Rossi, Oscar, Sister Stucki

Sis. Hill trained Sis. Schramm, who trained ME, and I'm training Sis. Rossi
kinda our pedigree:)

Let the war begin

Our awesome friends

Never a dull moment with Sister Billman. We had the Greatest day.

If you write me - I will write back...eventually

"Mayday" missing my music a bit...

Package from the Wogksch family

Much needed lemonade stand

This dog is bigger than me

Hey!
How is everybody doing? I still don't have a picture of Ty for my wall! I have everyone else!

Well except you!!! (mom) soooo I'm in dire need of those.

How long is the boys hair? I feel like they are all shaggy. I need some more pictures guys (:
What is everyone up to this summer? How is Dylan doing? Are they boys dating and stuff?
That's gross.
Any fun vacations / plans?

I got the letters from the family! Tell them all thanks for sending. I thought they were great. It sounds like both Uncle Jesse and Uncle Kyle's kids are growing up so quick! Sounds like lots of fun!

Tell Grandma and Megan I would love to hear about their Europe adventures.

Grandpa...I didn't get the candy bar thing...Super confused.... haha

Also there wasn't a letter from Dylan in there! HELLO!

I think everyone said Hey! from your favorite _____ (uncle, aunt, etc. etc) You guys are all so unoriginal.

I got the PM SHAMPOO Thanks so much! I'm excited to use it! My hair is super stripey but I'm too scared to color it again so....yeah...idk what to do about it. Just leave it probably.

Were going to DC today with Hunter. We have permission to go once a transfer now. woohoo! So we are hoping to get into the White House next transfer. Today we are going to go see the US Capital and The Library of Congress and get some lunch. I'll take pictures. I gotta go soon to get to the metro in Vienna.

But guys... I LOVE being in a Singles Ward AS A MISSIONARY OF COURSE. Monday we had FHE right? Yeah. Best thing ever. We got a bunch of friends there so we stayed to help set up and introduce them to people and we had a Nerf War. But not just any Nerf War...like it was legit.

They have these weird foldable things Sister Rossi and I set up everywhere, we flipped tables and stuff for cover. Everybody brought Nerf guns and we had blow darts (made from PVC pipe) for those who haven't yet invested in a real gun. It was hilarious. We got some priceless pictures and there was a really good turnout.  They all had lots of fun.

I'll send some pics your way!

Tuesday we went on exchanges. I went to Leesburg with Sister Billman. Leesburg is still in our area so that wasn't too exciting.  HOWEVER being Sister Billman's companion for a day was exciting. She is hilarious. Lots of fun.  Super busy. I took her place in Manassas when I first came into the mission.  So we had lots to talk about.

Wednesday we did service at a Community church out in Leesburg. It was so hot in there, like a sauna. So hopefully I lost some weight. We taught O. with J. and his non member friend.  Afterwards we taught at C house.  We were talking to D. and he brought up baptism. We started talking about it and asked him to be baptized on August sixteenth. He asked why August 16th?  So then we felt a little self conscious.  So I explained that we felt inspired to pursue that date because we prayed about it, and planned, prepared and yada, yada.  He just sat there and was like...

that's my birthday

and everybody was like

WHAAAT

crazy.

no idea it was his birthday

so I was like,  "oh does that....conflict?"

and he was like,  "oh. no, no, no I wasn't going to go out and get drunk or anything!"

haha.
we were like oh good (:

great guy.
SO D. IS ON DATE FOR AUGUST 16TH

probs gonna need another tie mom. :)
thanks!

He is a great guy.
even posted in on Facebook.
it's Facebook official.

We met a couple new investigators...and Friday we had Sisters Conference.

President and Sister Riggs talked the whole time. It was really awesome.
One of my favorite phrases that President used was:

"It won't always be this way"

It is perfect for everyday of our life.
When things are going good and we are having the time of our life we should REMEMBER,
"It won't always be this way"
so cherish it, take advantage of the time we have.
and on the flip side, when things are going bad and we feel like we can't hardly endure another minute, REMEMBER,
"It won't always be this way!"
Things will get better!

I LOVE THAT.

They talked a lot about Personal Prayer, and the BLESSINGS it brings. I've seen so many of my friends out here benefit greatly from personal prayer.  M. told us above all else he has loved personal prayer and benefited so much from it. He used to not pray at all! He thought it was completely illogical! But he has felt the Spirit so abundantly in his life and it is so wonderful watching him grow and learn.

President strongly emphasized how much God loves us. Each of us. No matter how many time we mess up... He still loves us! I love that thought. We should always remember who we are.

God loves us.
Always.

He talked about change aka REPENTANCE.
he said we should constantly be evaluating our life.
his favorite thing to do is to think
WHAT IS MY FAVORITE SIN?

I love the irony of that.

What is your favorite sin?

k cool.

NOW STOP IT.

Sister Riggs talked about:  how in life there will ALWAYS be somebody better than you.
AND THAT IS OKAY.
let it inspire you.

We, as women, should be as slow to condemn ourselves as we are to condemn others.
We are always worried about being perfect.  Which is not logical.  Because we will never be perfect.
so give yourself a break! Allow yourself to make mistakes.

In Romans there is a scripture that says something along the lines of
"Happy is he that condemeth not himself."

We should all remember that.

Life is a time for us to be constantly being refined.
right now is where there WILL BE HARD TIMES
because God knows we can handle it
because God wants us to learn and to grow

He will not give us challenges we cannot surmount

Sometimes, we can't back away.  We have to find a way to just

MAKE IT WORK

whatever "IT" may be

the trick is to weather the storm.

as we stay close to Christ and follow him, we will be able to endure and weather any storm.

(:

Sisters conference is a GEM.

Saturday O. got baptized. It was a wonderful baptism. All went smoothly.  There was a gorgeous musical number.  It was just great! Super day!

Well that's all I've got for you today.  I'll email some pictures for the blog!
I love you all! keep writing me! (:
thanks for all the love encouragement and support.

Also

DON'T FORGET TO BE A MISSIONARY THIS WEEK!!!

Love Sister Stucki
(via email July 14, 2014)