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| My new companion Sister Morgan Todd from St. George, Utah we were even in the same ward for 2 years |
Family & Friends,
On preparation day I was getting vibes to buy frozen pizza and fresh fruit for a new sister. Monday night I got 'The Call.' You know, the one that starts out with...
"Sister Stucki the Lords will for you is to..."
And then they say the "T" word.
The one that starts with tray
And ends with rainin'
...or in other words I was asked to train again.
There were only three sisters coming into the mission this transfer so there was a thirty three percent chance the Sister I would be training would be Sister Morgan Todd. Morgan graduated High School with me and was my Laurels President for a couple years.
When we got to transfer meeting President Riggs said it was long determined that...
Sister Stucki would train Sister Todd.
So yes.
I'M TRAINING MY LAURELS PRESIDENT.
I lol'd
Let's be real from a sixteen year old who had no real desire or intention to serve a mission... To your trainer in the mission field...
She's great.
Clearly I have a lot more to learn.
I'm excited and Burke already loves her.
We are gonna power house it.
Some quick news and information:
Next week our P-day will be on Wednesday. So I won't email you Monday.
Tell Grandpa Stucki thanks for the letter. (and the money) ;)
We got Chinese food from Chopsticks on him. It was pristine.
Also tell Olivia thanks for her letter!! I haven't laughed that hard since I was in Shenandoah with the Rossi ;)
(shout out to my number one fans; Sisters Rossi and Martindale.
I know you're reading this. #fangirls)
If you see the Todd's around tell them I'll take care of their daughter..... Hahaha 😉
{quick tip 4 the sistas: OATMEAL FOR BREAKFAST. I hate oatmeal. But
I've been doing this. 1/2 a cup of oatmeal 1/2 a cup of vanilla almond
milk 1/4 a cup of frozen berries. Throw it all in the MWave for 3 minutes and BOOM. easy healthy breakfast. Doesn't even taste bad. Toast is good w/ it too. Btdubs.}
I turn twenty on the 26th😱 (Hollz) so if you want to write me a letter I would actually really quite appreciate it. Doesn't matter who you are or where your from ask my mom for my address. I get excited to see an envelope with my name on it sooooo.... #thestruggle
OH YA.
"Meet the Mormons" was real good. Go watch it in theaters. I appreciated it.
We had a miracle this week! Our investigator texted us an hour before church and said that she got off work early and wanted to know if we had a church service. We were like umm... yes, please. And she came! It was so awesome because her job takes up a lot of time and she works every Sunday. So that was just straight miracles from heaven. It was awesome.
Transfers were fun.............
.........yup. That's my shpeel.
Onto the next one.
Is anyone still zealous from General Conference last weekend?
Cause I am.
(Hence the post)
General Conference Fall 2014
Send me your favorite quotes, insights, thoughts and experiences while watching! I would love to hear them. This conference weekend I formulated a list of a few questions I had or thought would be interesting and took notes on the insights I received about them. Though they were for me personally, I hope they may standout to you and induce you to apply the Prophets teachings to your daily life as well!
Disclaimer: Please note these quotations will not be exact considering I was jotting notes down at killer speeds for eight hours, and I've added my own commentary. For official quotation status and full talks you can receive the church Ensign Magazine here (lds.org) for free.
*happy subscribing*
Enjoïr!
How can we remember Christ in our lives?
"Conduct a self evaluation during the sacrament each Sunday. Look back
on your week and strive to correct errors of the past. Repent and use Christs enabling power to become better. Recognize those times where you have seen and felt Christs enabling power. Maybe in a moment where you were patient when normally you wouldn't do so, or such experiences. Be worthy and ready always. As we do we are promised greater spirituality and the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost."
-Sister Esplin
Why can't we just repent later?
"It would be a difficult life if we were never forgiven of sin."
-Elder Packer
<nuff said>
What's the purpose of life?
Why do I need to perform good works if I already have faith?
"To be a Christian is to admire Jesus so sincerely that our whole life sets out to be like Him. The whole world is crying out for something and it hardly knows what. Jesus is the Great Exemplar. To find peace we must look to Him and live."
-L. Tom Perry
(I love this. It reminds me of chapter 11 in Hebrews...
Future blog post material, go look it up)
How do I deal with criticism from others about me or my beliefs?
How to be patient with others decisions even though you disagree?
What to do when someone you love is making poor decisions?
How can you help them?
Lynn G Robbins gave an excellent talk on the matter. As well as Elder Oaks when he said "we need to love. To disagree but not be disagreeable."
Robbins went on to declare how we can live and do such things by saying..
"Don't tolerate or approve sin because you're afraid of offense.
We are accountable to God.
The guilty taketh the truth to be hard.
This Gospel isn't about self contentment it is about self improvement.
They deny the more parts of His Gospel...
..Some plead or demand Bishops lower standards.
Bishops are called TO STAND for commands of God. NOT the world.
Christ was fearless.
He wanted those to follow Him but he did not court their favor.
He was the Fathers perfect disciple.
He became indistinguishable from his Father.
When others demand approval, remember WHOSE disciples we are.
And which way we face." -Lynn G Robbins
How do I become a member missionary?
How do I share my beliefs with others?
How to make an impact on the lives of others?
How to be transparent about my beliefs?
How to use the Internet for good?
How to discern peoples needs?
How to stay strong dedicated and motivated the last half of your mission? How to be a better teacher?
How to work with ward council?
How to work with Bishop? And ward members?
What makes an ideal missionary?
What makes an ideal saint?
How can I be more consecrated?
How to use social media for good?
How to work with members?
How to be a better full time missionary?
"My work is about love, not about statistics"
We may only be able to put one drop in the ocean... but if we didn't, then the ocean would be one drop less.
Serve those, within your reach, with what you have.
knows how to help you go and do and keep this commandment.
We have unearned, undeserved and unending blessings. Share them."
Holland & (mother Theresa)
How to encourage others to serve missions?
Advice for those considering a mission?
Advice for those about to embark?
Advice for those currently serving?
Advice for Rm's? (returned missionaries)
How to encourage others to learn or share the gospel?
"Courage is the form of every virtue at its testing point."
-CS Lewis, quoted by Lynn Robbins
(I'm obsessed with CS Lewis and I'm obsessed with this quote)
How to be more motivated?
How to be more disciplined?
How to be patient?
How to be humble?
How to be more passionate?
How to gain trust?
How to become more easily approachable?
How to be happier?
How to always have a smile on your face?
How to be an optimist?
How to be healthy?
How to eat healthy?
How to stay in shape and take care of body?
I thought I could sum this all up with my favorite Gencon talk by Jorge Kliegobit and his "6 Practical Suggestions" because quite frankly if you follow these six you will be more motivated, disciplined, patient, humble, passionate, trustworthy, approachable, happy, optimistic, and physically healthy. He says..
"SIX PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS"
1. Take responsibility for your own spiritual well-being. Stop blaming others or your circumstances, stop justifying, and stop making excuses for why you may not be fully striving to be obedient. Accept that you are “free according to the flesh” and “free to choose liberty and eternal life” (2 Nephi 2:27). The Lord knows your circumstances perfectly, but He also knows perfectly well whether you simply choose not to fully live the gospel. If that is the case, be honest enough to admit it, and strive to be perfect within your own sphere of circumstances. Spiritual confidence increases when you take responsibility for your own spiritual well-being by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ daily.
2. Take responsibility for your own physical well-being. Your soul consists of your body and spirit. Feeding the spirit while neglecting the body, which is a temple, usually leads to spiritual dissonance and lowered self-esteem. If you are out of shape, if you are uncomfortable in your own body and can do something about it, then do it! Elder Russell M. Nelson has taught that we should “regard our body as a temple of our very own” and that we should “control our diet and exercise for physical fitness” Therefore, please use good judgment in what and especially how much you eat, and regularly give your body the exercise it needs and deserves. If you are physically able, decide today to be the master of your own house and begin a regular, long-term exercise program, suited to your abilities, combined with a healthier diet. Spiritual confidence increases when your spirit, with the help of the Savior, is
truly in charge of your natural man or woman.
3. Embrace voluntary, wholehearted obedience as part of your life. Acknowledge that you cannot love God without also loving His
commandments. The Savior’s standard is clear and simple: “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Selective obedience brings selective blessings,
and
choosing something bad over something worse is still choosing wrong. Faithful observance of some commandments doesn’t justify neglecting others. Abraham Lincoln rightly said,
“When I do good I feel good, when I do bad I feel bad”
Also, do the right things for the right reasons. Remember that casualness in spiritual matters never was happiness. Make the Church and the restored gospel your whole life, not just a part of your outward or social life.
Choosing this day whom you will serve is lip service only--until you
actually live accordingly. Spiritual confidence increases when you are
truly striving, for the right reasons, to live a consecrated life in
spite of your imperfections!
4. Become really, really good at repenting thoroughly and quickly.
Because the Atonement of Jesus Christ is very practical, you should
apply it generously 24/7, for it never runs out. Embrace the Atonement
of Jesus Christ and repentance as things that are to be welcomed and
applied daily according to the Great Physician’s orders. Establish an attitude of ongoing, happy, joyful repentance by making it your lifestyle of choice. In doing so, beware of the temptation to procrastinate, and don’t expect the world to cheer you on. Keeping your eyes on the Savior, care more about what He thinks of you, and let the consequences follow. Spiritual confidence increases when you voluntarily and joyfully repent of sins, both small and great, in real time by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
5. Become really, really good at forgiving. “I, the Lord, will forgive
whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men” (D&C 64:10). Forgive everyone, everything, all the time, or at least strive to do so, thus allowing forgiveness into your own life. Don’t hold grudges, don’t be easily offended, forgive and forget quickly, and don’t ever think that you are exempt from this commandment. Spiritual confidence increases when you know that the Lord knows that you bear no ill feelings toward another soul.
6. Accept trials, setbacks, and “surprises” as part of your mortal experience. Remember that you are here to be proved and tested, “to see if [you] will do all things whatsoever the Lord [your] God shall command [you]” -and may I just add, “under all circumstances.” Millions of your brothers and sisters have been or are being thus tested, so why would you be exempt? Some trials come through your own disobedience or negligence. Other trials come because of the negligence of others or simply because this is a fallen world. When
these trials come, the adversary’s minions begin broadcasting that you did something wrong, that this is a punishment, a sign that Heavenly Father does not love you. Ignore that! Instead, try to force a smile, gaze heavenward, and say, “I understand, Lord. I know what this is. A time to prove myself, isn’t it?” Then partner with Him to endure well to the end. Spiritual confidence increases when you accept that “often trials and tribulations are allowed to come into [your life] because of what [you] are doing right”
Acknowledge and face your weaknesses, but don't become immobilized by
them. Because some will never depart from you in this mortal existence. Know that you are pleasing God in spite of your shortcomings."
What do I need to do to change, progress and become better?
"Enoch did not feel qualified. The Lord said walk with me" -Eduardo Gavaret
It doesn't get any more simple that that. To walk with The Lord. Don't try to do everything on your own, you're not qualified that way. Rather, turn to him and let him guide you.
What do I need to work on these upcoming transfers before I go home?
Jorge Kliegobit asks the question of why are we so hard on ourselves?
And responds..(Again.... May I repeat... My favorite quote....)
"Acknowledge and face your weaknesses, but don't become immobilized by
them. Because some will never depart from you in this mortal existence. Know that you are pleasing God in spite of your shortcomings."
How do I know/choose/find the man I should marry?
A fantastic quote that stuck out to me when talking about his wife,
Gavaret said..
"I always knew it would be easier to follow the Savior with her by my side."
-Eduardo Gavaret
He reminded me of what is most important when prayerfully deciding who
you should marry. Or in my case who I should marry. What's most important is who that person helps you to become. Which brought on a list of impressions in my mind.
Will he take you to the temple?
Will he make you a more Christlike person?
Will he help you keep your covenants?
Will he be a good example to your future family?
Will he love you, always?
Does he hold Christlike qualities, such as being humble, charitable,
hopeful, faithful?
If so, he's
Golden.
If not,
Keep looking.
How to find direction and guidance from The Lord?
"We all experience moments of great decision. These decisions can bring lifelong consequences. Ask yourself, if you continue to live this way will the promises in your patriarchal blessing be fulfilled? What changes are necessary? Sometimes it's not about right and wrong its about better and best.
1. Consider your options
2. Be prepared for challenges to come
3. Share your vision with those you love.
Remember if things aren't going well, there are things that can go
better. The Lord has a plan." -Carlos Godoy
How to know gods plan for you individually?
How to get priorities straight?
How to have more meaningful personal prayers?
How to have more meaningful studies?
How to receive personal revelation?
What to seek for?
How do I feel and recognize the spirit?
"Many of us have an oppressing need for personal revelation from God.
Human judgement and logical thinking will never be enough for us. We
need communication from God. And revelation continues. The President
for his stake. The Bishop for his ward. The Father for his family. AND
THE INDIVIDUAL FOR HIMSELF. The value of revelation depends on the confirming witness of those receiving. Continued revelation comes to us and lifts us above our own wisdom and capacity. Guide for revelation: bowls be full of charity, virtue garnishing our thoughts. Then shall our confidence wax strong. God can reveal things to you that are beyond earthly wisdom. Heavenly Father hears your prayers." -President Henry B Eyring
Importance of Women and mothers?
"Women who make the house a home make a far bigger influence than any
chief leader of any army. You can't put a price tag on a mother. Being a parent is your most important call in which you are never released."
-L. Tom Perry
Why do we need the Book of Mormon if we have the bible?
"The Book of Mormon is ANOTHER TESTAMENT of Jesus Christ and His
divine role." -Elder Boyd K. Packer
Why can't we drink few or coffee?
What's wrong with responsible drinking of alcohol?
Why can't we get tattoos?
Why can't we have piercings?
"A God with no demands sounds a lot like a God who doesn't exist.
There are some who believe in God but believe they themselves decide what is right and wrong or true or untrue. This does not change reality. Agency would be useless if there was no law. Don't avoid the work needed to develop talents and attributes. I am under no illusion we can do this ourselves. It is by grace that we are saved... After all we can do. Go to work so God has something to work with."
-Elder D. Todd Christofferson
"Which way do you face? Trying to please others before God is
forgetting. We are each accountable to God, not to man."
-Lynn G. Robbins
As I was listening to this it made me think of the fact that all these things are such material and worldly temptations. Do we drink to get closer to God? To we get piercings or tattoos to get closer to God? Well.. No. They are for us and for the world, and were not accountable to the world were accountable to God and he's asked us not to do such things. So which way do we face?
What blessings and benefits come from joining the church?
Why do I need to be baptized?
If it's just the desire of my heart?
"Every subjects duty is the kings. Every subjects soul is his own."
William Shakespeare. God intends every man accountable for his own. God will not live our lives for us we are not his puppets. God will not save us as ourselves. We are unclean. But he will not make us become something we don't want to be. He only leads and guides us and its our choice to use what he gave us to become clean and return home (baptism) through his grace our failures can be erased and we can develop Christlike character. He does not save indiscriminately but gives us repentance to use. God enables us to have the responsibility and agency for ourselves to repent and change.."
-Elder D. Todd Christofferson
What makes the church different? How do I know it is true?
"Suppose you went back a thousand years ago and tried to explain modern technology, what would the people think? Microwaves, video cameras, social networking. Most would probably ridicule and oppose you! They would apply reason, and logic of what they only knew then to condemn you. They would probably be absolutely positive of there opinion. People assume they are right, even when they are wrong. We use our own bias. Is it possible to FIND truth? God has given his children a promise they can know and find answers for themselves if we ask him. He will speak to you in a way that is unmistakable to you. There will be people who scoff and say God has better things to do then answer your prayers. But God cares, you need to learn to listen to His voice. Search the word of God. Ponder and be grateful. And ask
him. Put his word to the test. You have a promise. Gaining a personal
testimony of this gospel is the most important thing you can do in this life. If you seek you will find. It's within your reach."
-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
How to deal with obnoxious people or (companions)?
How to be more compassionate and loving?
Especially towards annoying people?
"Love one another as I have loved you. Love is the very essence of the
gospel. Why is it so difficult to love others? We live in a world among people who do not have similar beliefs. Live in the world but not of the world, we have clear instructions that there should be no dissensions. Use kindness and love but firmly declare your stance. Disagree, but don't be disagreeable. Show concern and listen. Be respectful. Show civility and have good will toward all. Don't condone, but love them. Keep doing all the right things and show love
and concern. We must live with differences. Were placed here to press forward having a love of God and all man, its one of our biggest challenges. But live it."
-Dallin H. Oaks
What happens if you don't get married in the temple?
Why can't we just wait til the spirit world to make those choices?
What blessings come from a temple marriage?
Why do I need a temple recommend?
What's the importance of the temple?
Why do we need to go to the temple?
Why do we wear garments?
Jesus showed his love for his father by obedience to his will. Exercise faith, obey commands,the words of Christ shall show you all things which ye should do. Go with faith unwavering and receive answers and revelation from your loving Heavenly Father.
-Robert D. Hales
Go to the temple. Listen to the words of the ordinances. Better understand your Savior Jesus Christ there.
-Richard G. Scott
And last but not least...
There is one quote that Sums this whole post up that I heard in General Conference. Because we all have questions. Right? I have a whole list of questions that I took to General Conference to find answers to! And these questions can be answered, all of our questions can, by a loving Heavenly Father. But it's important to realize, not all at once. This life is a quest of learning and gaining knowledge and continued revelation. We will never have ALL the answers and know everything, rather we will constantly be learning.
Sometimes that is a confusing and possibly frustrating quest. However,
we need not be upset. Larry S Kacher shared his experience being a new
member of the church. So happy and excited to have found what he knew
to be true, yet so jumbled and frustrated when he didn't have ALL the
answers to questions he would receive.
What he says hit me and I think can touch us all...
This is also fantastic advice for New members of the church. He says,
"There is opposition in all things.
I didn't have all the answers...but
Why would I walk away from something that brought me so much comfort?
(read in Doctrine and Covenants)
'Did I not speak peace to your soul?'
I decided to set questions aside for a season.
I chose not to forsake what I knew to be true for questionable
currants I did not understand.
Inquiry, is good.
Humble and earnest searches for truth are good.
Ask sincere questions.
But remember where to turn for truth, to the source of all truth.
Which is God.
He does not wary from that which he hath said.
Rather than relying on secular sources, taking others word for it,
rely on him that created you.
We can receive our own revelation.
Turn to him and ask in faith
Never trifle with sacred things."
I Hope you all loved General Conference. I can't wait 'til next spring (:
Love you guys
Thanks for all the love support and prayers. I appreciate it very much
and can't wait to talk to you all at Christmas via skype!
Have a fantastic Columbus Day!
s.stucki
Sent from my iPad
(October 13, 2014)
