It was so good to see and talk to you. I really have felt the spirit a lot this week. I did get the chance to call Carlee and she sounded so good. She is loving life and is happy. I was a little bit forceful about her needing to go to the temple every week. so i guess in turn i should tell everyone who is in reach of this email to go to the temple every single week (if you have a recomend that is) especially if you live in Utah or where a temple is close. There are so many of these wonderful saints out here that are an hour or two from they're precious Temple that go faithfully once or sometimes twice a week just to serve and draw closer to the reason why we're even existing on this earth today. Thank you for your many prayers, they are felt everyday.
Love Elder Porter
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Lindsey: Letter 32
My sweet family! What thrill it was to hear from each of you! I don't think I realized how needed it truly was until I feeling the after affects. I am still feeling them! I'm so thankful for each of you. For your testimonies and for your natural ability to love. What a gift! Thank you thank you for loving so freely and easily.
I cant believe my dad is sick! That is unheard of. Maybe he needs to take it easy for awhile. The lord is probably telling him to cool it. Or the weather is just bad.... ha. Either way I hope he is feeling better and back to his happy, healthy self in no time. Take more vitamins! Oh dear, I should probably take my own advice. Dad, you just keep on keeping on and let your light shine ever so brightly:)
Well, my goodness, what can I share with you this week. It just has been such a wonderful time this Christmas season, I can hardly stand thinking about it ending but I'm excited to start a new year. New goals, a new month, new plans, just fresh! I love it. I'm thrilled however with all that has happened thus far. What a wonderful year 2010 was. Many sweet experiences and life changing events. I truly feel as though Miracles are becoming the norm. I witness them every day. It becomes more and more apparent to me at how close the lord truly is to each of his children. That he uses each of us to bring about his eternal purposes. That he does nothing save it be for our benefit and if we will just exercise our faith in him and take our steps that he will lead and guide us, walk beside us, and help us find the way. Because he is the way. It has all been prepared. The foundation is layed, Lets do those things that he has asked us and claim our reward! Oh the rewards. The rewards of a righteous life are beyond anything that we can imagine. If we'll just trust him and walk with him our purpose will begin to be fulfilled. Men are that they might have joy. We have joy when we're doing what the lord would have us do. How simple. Not always easy when you toss the natural man into the mix but there is where our learning experiences come into play. Learning to put off the natural man, becoming a saint through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. What a sweet time it is to renew our efforts to become a little more Christlike, a little bit better. Set some goals, pray for strength and help as you try to accomplish them. He will send the tender mercies and miracles needed to bring that peace and joy necessary to be happy. Align your will with his and watch the blessings flow freely in living a consecrated life.
I love each of you more than I can say. Thank you again for your prayers of love and support. Oh how truly needed they are. Have a wonderful week! I hope to hear from you soon!
I cant believe my dad is sick! That is unheard of. Maybe he needs to take it easy for awhile. The lord is probably telling him to cool it. Or the weather is just bad.... ha. Either way I hope he is feeling better and back to his happy, healthy self in no time. Take more vitamins! Oh dear, I should probably take my own advice. Dad, you just keep on keeping on and let your light shine ever so brightly:)
Well, my goodness, what can I share with you this week. It just has been such a wonderful time this Christmas season, I can hardly stand thinking about it ending but I'm excited to start a new year. New goals, a new month, new plans, just fresh! I love it. I'm thrilled however with all that has happened thus far. What a wonderful year 2010 was. Many sweet experiences and life changing events. I truly feel as though Miracles are becoming the norm. I witness them every day. It becomes more and more apparent to me at how close the lord truly is to each of his children. That he uses each of us to bring about his eternal purposes. That he does nothing save it be for our benefit and if we will just exercise our faith in him and take our steps that he will lead and guide us, walk beside us, and help us find the way. Because he is the way. It has all been prepared. The foundation is layed, Lets do those things that he has asked us and claim our reward! Oh the rewards. The rewards of a righteous life are beyond anything that we can imagine. If we'll just trust him and walk with him our purpose will begin to be fulfilled. Men are that they might have joy. We have joy when we're doing what the lord would have us do. How simple. Not always easy when you toss the natural man into the mix but there is where our learning experiences come into play. Learning to put off the natural man, becoming a saint through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. What a sweet time it is to renew our efforts to become a little more Christlike, a little bit better. Set some goals, pray for strength and help as you try to accomplish them. He will send the tender mercies and miracles needed to bring that peace and joy necessary to be happy. Align your will with his and watch the blessings flow freely in living a consecrated life.
I love each of you more than I can say. Thank you again for your prayers of love and support. Oh how truly needed they are. Have a wonderful week! I hope to hear from you soon!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Lance Letter 12.20.10
I CAN SKYPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we just got word that we could skype our families....so...i don't know how thats gonna work but just let me know if thats possible. sooo.....yep i'm stayin in good ol cupertino where all the wonderful little asian people dwell and look the other way when we come along hahaha...just jokin ...but seriously they do.
no baptisms from my part as of yet, so that another reason why i'm staying, we got a lot of work to do. It's a little rough with elder reay as you know, not workin as hard as we could be...but everyday is a learning experience. i'm sure excited to hear from my kindred this week. I spaced that you guys were in cali this past week...enjoy the weather?? haha yes i was biking in that. We are currently teaching the Recto family and boy is the husband tough. The wife is a star. she's a convert and goes to the temple every single week by her self. Their daughter is super less active and Peter(the dad) has been taking the lessons since 1996.......
it blows my mind that he wont let go of a lil pride and get sealed to his family for time and all eternity. He's a way nice guy. Just a joke when it comes to his own selfishness. hahaha i just sit back and laugh when he makes up the lammmest excuses why he wont get off his trash and get baptized so he can have the fullness of joy we all seek. And non recieve that joy unless they submit themselves to the enticings of the holy ghost. it;s crazy they don't see that! in fact its frustrating!!! well we're going over to their house tonight, hopfully he comes around. Others we are teaching are pretty similar, just making up dumb excuses to meet with us. you know what...they;re just scared..scared cause they know its true and they're afraid to have that sudden change of life. because it is life changing!!! of course it's gonna be life changing!! because it's true!!!! if it wasn't true then it wouldn't be life changing!!!! Man.....sometimes you wonder about peoples sanity...i mean i know i;m a little crazy, but to reject the wisperings of the spirit is insane haha. sorry i get a little bit worked up about this.....but anyways..i love you all and i'm gonna hear and hopfully see you Saturday around 6 or 7 pm cause thats when this nice family is feeding us and letting us skype. I'm prayin for bryce like crazy. and honestly if he doesn't pass then sweet he can focus on serving the Lord the rest of his life. sign him up for the next stake president opening or seventy interview, he'll do a good job at either one of those....ha....if only it worked like that.
Welp i'll talk to you in a few days.
Love Lance
no baptisms from my part as of yet, so that another reason why i'm staying, we got a lot of work to do. It's a little rough with elder reay as you know, not workin as hard as we could be...but everyday is a learning experience. i'm sure excited to hear from my kindred this week. I spaced that you guys were in cali this past week...enjoy the weather?? haha yes i was biking in that. We are currently teaching the Recto family and boy is the husband tough. The wife is a star. she's a convert and goes to the temple every single week by her self. Their daughter is super less active and Peter(the dad) has been taking the lessons since 1996.......
it blows my mind that he wont let go of a lil pride and get sealed to his family for time and all eternity. He's a way nice guy. Just a joke when it comes to his own selfishness. hahaha i just sit back and laugh when he makes up the lammmest excuses why he wont get off his trash and get baptized so he can have the fullness of joy we all seek. And non recieve that joy unless they submit themselves to the enticings of the holy ghost. it;s crazy they don't see that! in fact its frustrating!!! well we're going over to their house tonight, hopfully he comes around. Others we are teaching are pretty similar, just making up dumb excuses to meet with us. you know what...they;re just scared..scared cause they know its true and they're afraid to have that sudden change of life. because it is life changing!!! of course it's gonna be life changing!! because it's true!!!! if it wasn't true then it wouldn't be life changing!!!! Man.....sometimes you wonder about peoples sanity...i mean i know i;m a little crazy, but to reject the wisperings of the spirit is insane haha. sorry i get a little bit worked up about this.....but anyways..i love you all and i'm gonna hear and hopfully see you Saturday around 6 or 7 pm cause thats when this nice family is feeding us and letting us skype. I'm prayin for bryce like crazy. and honestly if he doesn't pass then sweet he can focus on serving the Lord the rest of his life. sign him up for the next stake president opening or seventy interview, he'll do a good job at either one of those....ha....if only it worked like that.
Welp i'll talk to you in a few days.
Love Lance
Monday, December 20, 2010
Lindsey: Letter 31
Hello my sweet family!
Merry Merry Christmas! FELIZ NAVIDAD! Especially to all of those that I wont be speaking with on Christmas day. I thank each of you for your sweet cards and gifts. Wow, what a treat to hear how each of you are doing. I cant thank you enough.
How was Disneyland?! Oh I hope you took lots of pictures and that they're in the mail headed my way. I'm sure watching Lucy's face was classic. Was it a party?! I'm sorry the weather wasn't the greatest but it sounds like it didn't stop you from enjoying yourselves. Good good:)
Well my goodness. It seems like its been awhile since I last emailed. This last week was a sweet one and I'm excited to talk to you about it on the 25th! We don't have a lot of time right now to email but I'm hoping there will be at least an hour to write you after this.
I've experienced a lot of feelings this last week. All over the board. I think the strongest one however is gratitude. Gratitude for so many things. Gratitude for most things really. I'm so thankful for this transfer. Not in the way most people would see it as but I truly am thankful to a loving heavenly father that cares so much about the direction we're headed. About the place that we'll end up in. Not only after this life but here. Here on the earth! Our very purpose in coming to earth is to have Joy and happiness. How in the world could we experience happiness and joy if we didn't have opposition. If we didn't experience things that bring sadness and regret? How would we ever be able to appreciate the sweet things, the important things if we never experienced the bitter. Oh how thankful I am for the plan of Salvation. For the plan of Happiness. For our purpose here on earth. To learn and to progress. To understand that its only through our righteous actions that brings peace of mind and comfort to our souls. It is only through the atonement of our lord and savior Jesus Christ that we can truly understand what it means to be forgiven. I'm so thankful for the mercy that the atonement provides. For the very act of repentance and being forgiven. For starting anew. I'm so thankful for the pure love of Christ. I'm so thankful for my sweet family who strives each day to become better. Are you perfect? Heavens no! But what would the point of the atonement be if you were? What would the point be of coming here to earth? How perfect is the plan?! Its amazing and I'm so thankful for the blessings that we receive through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. For the knowledge that we have of these things. That we are loved more than any of us can imagine. That we are prayed over, and fought over. There indeed is a war that continues to go on. The war between good and evil. The natural man and the nature of happiness which is righteousness. Wow, it is tough. But we wouldn't make it if it were easy. Wheres the learning in easy things? Wheres the appreciation? Life is exactly as it should be. Whether we think its fair or not. Its perfect because It allows us to choose for ourselves. The way has been prepared and all we need to do is continually choose righteousness. We have been given the ultimate example. Jesus Christ and if we will just follow him. Build our foundation upon Christ and his teachings we cannot fall. No if, ands, or buts about it. Its perfect. I love you all and I hope each of you have a wonderful Christmas as you remember the important things. Our purpose here and who provided the way, even Jesus Christ. I love each of you so much! Merry Christmas!
Hermana Porter
Merry Merry Christmas! FELIZ NAVIDAD! Especially to all of those that I wont be speaking with on Christmas day. I thank each of you for your sweet cards and gifts. Wow, what a treat to hear how each of you are doing. I cant thank you enough.
How was Disneyland?! Oh I hope you took lots of pictures and that they're in the mail headed my way. I'm sure watching Lucy's face was classic. Was it a party?! I'm sorry the weather wasn't the greatest but it sounds like it didn't stop you from enjoying yourselves. Good good:)
Well my goodness. It seems like its been awhile since I last emailed. This last week was a sweet one and I'm excited to talk to you about it on the 25th! We don't have a lot of time right now to email but I'm hoping there will be at least an hour to write you after this.
I've experienced a lot of feelings this last week. All over the board. I think the strongest one however is gratitude. Gratitude for so many things. Gratitude for most things really. I'm so thankful for this transfer. Not in the way most people would see it as but I truly am thankful to a loving heavenly father that cares so much about the direction we're headed. About the place that we'll end up in. Not only after this life but here. Here on the earth! Our very purpose in coming to earth is to have Joy and happiness. How in the world could we experience happiness and joy if we didn't have opposition. If we didn't experience things that bring sadness and regret? How would we ever be able to appreciate the sweet things, the important things if we never experienced the bitter. Oh how thankful I am for the plan of Salvation. For the plan of Happiness. For our purpose here on earth. To learn and to progress. To understand that its only through our righteous actions that brings peace of mind and comfort to our souls. It is only through the atonement of our lord and savior Jesus Christ that we can truly understand what it means to be forgiven. I'm so thankful for the mercy that the atonement provides. For the very act of repentance and being forgiven. For starting anew. I'm so thankful for the pure love of Christ. I'm so thankful for my sweet family who strives each day to become better. Are you perfect? Heavens no! But what would the point of the atonement be if you were? What would the point be of coming here to earth? How perfect is the plan?! Its amazing and I'm so thankful for the blessings that we receive through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. For the knowledge that we have of these things. That we are loved more than any of us can imagine. That we are prayed over, and fought over. There indeed is a war that continues to go on. The war between good and evil. The natural man and the nature of happiness which is righteousness. Wow, it is tough. But we wouldn't make it if it were easy. Wheres the learning in easy things? Wheres the appreciation? Life is exactly as it should be. Whether we think its fair or not. Its perfect because It allows us to choose for ourselves. The way has been prepared and all we need to do is continually choose righteousness. We have been given the ultimate example. Jesus Christ and if we will just follow him. Build our foundation upon Christ and his teachings we cannot fall. No if, ands, or buts about it. Its perfect. I love you all and I hope each of you have a wonderful Christmas as you remember the important things. Our purpose here and who provided the way, even Jesus Christ. I love each of you so much! Merry Christmas!
Hermana Porter
Monday, December 13, 2010
Lindsey: Letter 30
My sweet Momma! I did indeed get Paiges video recordings! What a treat! Wow. I watched the thanksgiving one over and over again. Can you believe Lucy?! She is such a doll. Thank you for sending those over Paige Ashley! I have not received your package quite yet but I'm sure it is just sitting at the office. Thank you for whatever you sent. I will be thrilled! How fun and exciting that you will be going to California for the Christmas Holiday. Lucy and Logan will have a Ball. I will admit that I'm a little bit jealous that you'll get to witness the smiles and laughter that they'll express as they ride the rides and talk to the fun Disney characters in the park. What a thrill. Be sure to take lots of pictures and send them our way. It wont be the same as being there but hopefully I'll catch the vision of what it may have been like.
Indeed this Christmas season will be different but I was writing Lance this morning about the feelings that I've experienced in the last little while. I was laying in my bed the other night just thinking about the holiday season without the family and not one feeling of sorrow or sadness or longing was felt, nor has it been felt, and truth be told, I don't think it will be felt. Now, as I thought about that I had to ask myself why? I came up with a couple of theories. One: The entire family wont be there. Lance is doing the exact same thing as me and that brings comfort and joy to my soul. Two: I'm very much at home here. Not because of Texas or any companion but because of the Routine, the morning schedule, the waking up and getting right into studying. Communing with Deity on a very regular basis throughout the day and as of late, 24-7 is would seem (special purposes). This is where its at. The mission life is where its at. Living the higher law. Having an excuse to live the higher law with very little distraction. Its all around a sweet experience. Now it would appear very selfish. And in some ways it is. For I am doing exactly what I want to be doing. This is my time with the lord and doing what he would have me do. I love people with all of my heart and soul and to be out knocking and talking is just an added bonus thrown into the mix. Granted. Nobody has accepted the invitation to be baptized in this area but they will. I know they will. How can you deny the sweet message of the restoration and the miracle of the atonement and what it means for each and every person who will ever live on the earth. Who can deny the power and feelings that come when sincerely reading and pondering the words of Christ? Who can protest the miraculous experiences born by each of the prophets in the book of Mormon, and the bible. Our message is one of hope and healing, Of joy and Love. I will admit, I've been surprised at the many responses directed towards this sweet message but we keep walking and talking in hopes of running into someone, anyone that has been prepared to hear and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. We'll find them. The spirit will guide our steps as we continue taking them and we will strive to consistently study and pray and beg for the companionship of the holy ghost to purify and cleanse our hearts so that we may be worthy of his assistance. We don't get anything accomplished of real value without him. In or out of the apartment. We do have three new investigators and we are excited to see where they will go as they keep their commitments and pray to know for themselves if these things are true. Its all about Action! They've got to move and do! They will:) I'm confident these three will:)
Mom, you asked about how my companion and I are doing. Well, I will say this week is going to be just about 100 times better. That is not exaggerated either. There was nope place to go but up from where we started. I was writing in my journal the other night, pondering on the last week and a half. To be honest, you couldn't pay or offer me enough to relive the beginning of the transfer. However, It was an incredible test of faith and I pray that it was handled in a way that was pleasing to the lord. I know that the he sent help and angels to strengthen me and coach me through each hour. That also isn't an exaggeration. It was an hour by hour process, and I'm happy to be moved onto the next phase. I hope we've moved to the next phase! haha. No truly, there were many things that she had to adjust to from her last area. Especially coming in to an area that has not been quite as on fire as it should be and with a companion that doesn't know every nook and cranny of the ghetto or the Spanish language. Can you imagine if I did!? Wheres the fun in that?! Where would all the joy of learning come in? We're right where we need to be and I'm confident in that response. There is LOTS of room for growth but that is life and i'm happy to be the student, willing and ready to learn all that the lords would allow me at this time.
My time is just about up but I want to wish you each a Merry Christmas and I want to thank you for you sweet Christmas Cards! Rynearsons! Thank you thank you for keeping me in mind this holiday season. You have the most beautiful family and I was so thrilled to receive you cute little news letter. How fun to see all the additions to the crew with two more on the way! Can you believe how fast we grow!? Well, maybe Melanie would like to speed things up a bit with the grand babies but They're on the way! Congratulations! Grandma and Grandpa Hammond! Thank you each for your words of support, comfort, and wisdom. Thank you for the fun little bonus included inside your letter. That was too much but I'm so thankful and delighted to receive it! I love each of you will all of my heart. Thank you for keeping your thoughts and lives in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ. For that is the only thing that can bring true happiness. Have a sweet time with your families this year and enjoy the feelings that come in celebrating and pondering on Christs Birth and the miracle of his coming to the earth. What perfect love!
Indeed this Christmas season will be different but I was writing Lance this morning about the feelings that I've experienced in the last little while. I was laying in my bed the other night just thinking about the holiday season without the family and not one feeling of sorrow or sadness or longing was felt, nor has it been felt, and truth be told, I don't think it will be felt. Now, as I thought about that I had to ask myself why? I came up with a couple of theories. One: The entire family wont be there. Lance is doing the exact same thing as me and that brings comfort and joy to my soul. Two: I'm very much at home here. Not because of Texas or any companion but because of the Routine, the morning schedule, the waking up and getting right into studying. Communing with Deity on a very regular basis throughout the day and as of late, 24-7 is would seem (special purposes). This is where its at. The mission life is where its at. Living the higher law. Having an excuse to live the higher law with very little distraction. Its all around a sweet experience. Now it would appear very selfish. And in some ways it is. For I am doing exactly what I want to be doing. This is my time with the lord and doing what he would have me do. I love people with all of my heart and soul and to be out knocking and talking is just an added bonus thrown into the mix. Granted. Nobody has accepted the invitation to be baptized in this area but they will. I know they will. How can you deny the sweet message of the restoration and the miracle of the atonement and what it means for each and every person who will ever live on the earth. Who can deny the power and feelings that come when sincerely reading and pondering the words of Christ? Who can protest the miraculous experiences born by each of the prophets in the book of Mormon, and the bible. Our message is one of hope and healing, Of joy and Love. I will admit, I've been surprised at the many responses directed towards this sweet message but we keep walking and talking in hopes of running into someone, anyone that has been prepared to hear and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. We'll find them. The spirit will guide our steps as we continue taking them and we will strive to consistently study and pray and beg for the companionship of the holy ghost to purify and cleanse our hearts so that we may be worthy of his assistance. We don't get anything accomplished of real value without him. In or out of the apartment. We do have three new investigators and we are excited to see where they will go as they keep their commitments and pray to know for themselves if these things are true. Its all about Action! They've got to move and do! They will:) I'm confident these three will:)
Mom, you asked about how my companion and I are doing. Well, I will say this week is going to be just about 100 times better. That is not exaggerated either. There was nope place to go but up from where we started. I was writing in my journal the other night, pondering on the last week and a half. To be honest, you couldn't pay or offer me enough to relive the beginning of the transfer. However, It was an incredible test of faith and I pray that it was handled in a way that was pleasing to the lord. I know that the he sent help and angels to strengthen me and coach me through each hour. That also isn't an exaggeration. It was an hour by hour process, and I'm happy to be moved onto the next phase. I hope we've moved to the next phase! haha. No truly, there were many things that she had to adjust to from her last area. Especially coming in to an area that has not been quite as on fire as it should be and with a companion that doesn't know every nook and cranny of the ghetto or the Spanish language. Can you imagine if I did!? Wheres the fun in that?! Where would all the joy of learning come in? We're right where we need to be and I'm confident in that response. There is LOTS of room for growth but that is life and i'm happy to be the student, willing and ready to learn all that the lords would allow me at this time.
My time is just about up but I want to wish you each a Merry Christmas and I want to thank you for you sweet Christmas Cards! Rynearsons! Thank you thank you for keeping me in mind this holiday season. You have the most beautiful family and I was so thrilled to receive you cute little news letter. How fun to see all the additions to the crew with two more on the way! Can you believe how fast we grow!? Well, maybe Melanie would like to speed things up a bit with the grand babies but They're on the way! Congratulations! Grandma and Grandpa Hammond! Thank you each for your words of support, comfort, and wisdom. Thank you for the fun little bonus included inside your letter. That was too much but I'm so thankful and delighted to receive it! I love each of you will all of my heart. Thank you for keeping your thoughts and lives in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ. For that is the only thing that can bring true happiness. Have a sweet time with your families this year and enjoy the feelings that come in celebrating and pondering on Christs Birth and the miracle of his coming to the earth. What perfect love!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Lance Letter
YESSSS i did watch the Christmas Devotional.....at our ward mission leaders house, it was amazing. Those men are truly special witnesses of our Lord and Savior. They are Prophets, revilators, and seers, there's not a doubt in my mind.
Thank you so much for being kind to Bro. Brice. And thank you for the Package. We had a good week. We taught a Hispanic family the restoration and i got to work on my spanish which wasnt much. We also have dick schuster on the line up for baptism on christmas day. Cross your fingures. Transfers are in a week so i might be heading off to some different area. Thats so great about testimony meeting. I also shared my tetimony. I love this Season! I repeat every word that was spokin in the devotional last night. You are all so awesome!
Oh those videos were so funny with lucy singing and thanksgiving you all look great. I love you and i"ll send some pictures and stuff soon ok. have a good week
Thank you so much for being kind to Bro. Brice. And thank you for the Package. We had a good week. We taught a Hispanic family the restoration and i got to work on my spanish which wasnt much. We also have dick schuster on the line up for baptism on christmas day. Cross your fingures. Transfers are in a week so i might be heading off to some different area. Thats so great about testimony meeting. I also shared my tetimony. I love this Season! I repeat every word that was spokin in the devotional last night. You are all so awesome!
Oh those videos were so funny with lucy singing and thanksgiving you all look great. I love you and i"ll send some pictures and stuff soon ok. have a good week
-Lance
Monday, December 6, 2010
Lindsey: Letter 29
President Hansen-
Hello! How is everything going there in your office at home? I'm sure you're getting your fingers ready to warm up the keyboard with all your responses you'll be sending out today. President I don't know quite where to start. I feel so humbled at the opportunity both Hermana Stevenson and I have been given. I fill full of love and gratitude at how well the lord knows me personally. For how could you have known the reasons for pairing us up together. Yes, there are those that are a bit more obvious. We both need to learn Spanish, we both need to step up to the plate and take our role in leadership responsibilities but President, it goes so much deeper than that. I have found things out about myself in the last few days that I've been pushing to know for many years now. Things I do but don't quite know why. Things I've always wanted to fix but never really quite knew what they were. He sent Hermana Stevenson here for many purposes but one that stands out so clearly is the need for each other. The lessons and experiences that we will share together will shape and mold our character beyond what I can imagine now and I know that I will look back on this transfer as one of growth, learning, and love. President, I don't want you to worry about either of us this transfer. I am very aware that the lord knows exactly what he's doing and I couldn't be more thankful for the way he goes about doing them. President, I cant thank you enough for being exactly in tune with the spirit to know exactly the lords will. I thank you for being the instrument in his hands to bring about his wise purposes. Even now, the humility I feel is too great and I cant put it into words. Its all sitting in my throat! I'm trying to hold back the tears as I write you but I just want you to know how thankful I am for this great opportunity. I thank you will all of my heart for all that you do for each of the missionaries. Both seen and unseen. Perhaps the greatest of all is your dedication to the lord and your call. I thank you for the example you and Sister Hansen have been to me over the short time that I've been here and I love you both. Thank you for your prayers President Hansen.
Hermana Porter
My sweet Family! I was so thrilled to get your letters this week. Thank you thank you for taking the time to sit down and write to me. Especially little Ryan (not so little). Wow that was a surprise. I haven't heard from that one in awhile. I read it over and over again. His handwriting is so amazing! I couldn't figure out who had written me at first. I thought at first it was mom but then I realized she wouldn't have said "Everything is going great here in beautiful St. Geezy." Ha. I love my brother and cant express to you, Ryan, how proud I am of you. You're grades are perfect, you're so involved with basketball, and you're actively striving to do all that you can to qualify for the lords spirit. You're my example Ryan and I thank you for living the kind of life that others look up to and can follow.
You all are now aware that I am "Greenie breaking" this transfer and from the email I sent to President Hansen you have probably guessed that it hasn't been a walk in the park but oh how needed it has been, and is, and will continue to be. My Companions name is Hermana Stevenson. She grew up in Chicago as the only girl and really as the only child, considering all of her brothers are quite older than she and weren't around while she was growing up. I wont recount the first words that came out of her mouth when I went to pick her up but we'll just say she likes things her way. Which makes it a bit tough because neither of us have been put into a leadership position prior to this transfer. I will say this however. I come to learn something new about myself and life every day. Every night I sit down and right in a tab of my Journal that I've just labeled "Lessons learned by the spirit through Hermana Stevenson. You won't recognize me after this transfer! Haha. This is the very definition of the refiners fire and will stay, cook, and melt in there until the lord moves me elsewhere. My Companion and I sat down last night and had a rather lengthy conversation but I walked away from that with a better understanding of what I would like to change about myself. What I would like to improve upon in order to be a more effective instrument in the hands of the lord here on the mission and throughout life. Some of the comments that she directed towards me stung but not because of the harshness or way she put them but because I realized how true they were. I'm so thankful that the lord in his perfect wisdom has sent Hermana Stevenson here at this time to be my companion. That he knows the sincere desires of my heart and that he indeed answers prayers. We're being refined, molded, and shaped and its never been more apparent than now. I pray that both of us can cleanse ourselves enough through the atonement and have the faith to rely wholly upon the spirit to teach, preach, and testify of the message of the Restoration. That we can indeed be forgiven and cleansed through the great mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and one day return to our loving Heavenly Father and be with our families forever and ever never again to be separated. I love this work. I love the joy and peace that this gospel brings. How thrilled I am to have this knowledge, to be permitted to work in the lords vineyard. Its a sweet time of life right and I will treasure it forever. I love you all more than I am capable of expressing. Thank you for your prayers of love and support.
Love, Hermana Porter
Hello! How is everything going there in your office at home? I'm sure you're getting your fingers ready to warm up the keyboard with all your responses you'll be sending out today. President I don't know quite where to start. I feel so humbled at the opportunity both Hermana Stevenson and I have been given. I fill full of love and gratitude at how well the lord knows me personally. For how could you have known the reasons for pairing us up together. Yes, there are those that are a bit more obvious. We both need to learn Spanish, we both need to step up to the plate and take our role in leadership responsibilities but President, it goes so much deeper than that. I have found things out about myself in the last few days that I've been pushing to know for many years now. Things I do but don't quite know why. Things I've always wanted to fix but never really quite knew what they were. He sent Hermana Stevenson here for many purposes but one that stands out so clearly is the need for each other. The lessons and experiences that we will share together will shape and mold our character beyond what I can imagine now and I know that I will look back on this transfer as one of growth, learning, and love. President, I don't want you to worry about either of us this transfer. I am very aware that the lord knows exactly what he's doing and I couldn't be more thankful for the way he goes about doing them. President, I cant thank you enough for being exactly in tune with the spirit to know exactly the lords will. I thank you for being the instrument in his hands to bring about his wise purposes. Even now, the humility I feel is too great and I cant put it into words. Its all sitting in my throat! I'm trying to hold back the tears as I write you but I just want you to know how thankful I am for this great opportunity. I thank you will all of my heart for all that you do for each of the missionaries. Both seen and unseen. Perhaps the greatest of all is your dedication to the lord and your call. I thank you for the example you and Sister Hansen have been to me over the short time that I've been here and I love you both. Thank you for your prayers President Hansen.
Hermana Porter
My sweet Family! I was so thrilled to get your letters this week. Thank you thank you for taking the time to sit down and write to me. Especially little Ryan (not so little). Wow that was a surprise. I haven't heard from that one in awhile. I read it over and over again. His handwriting is so amazing! I couldn't figure out who had written me at first. I thought at first it was mom but then I realized she wouldn't have said "Everything is going great here in beautiful St. Geezy." Ha. I love my brother and cant express to you, Ryan, how proud I am of you. You're grades are perfect, you're so involved with basketball, and you're actively striving to do all that you can to qualify for the lords spirit. You're my example Ryan and I thank you for living the kind of life that others look up to and can follow.
You all are now aware that I am "Greenie breaking" this transfer and from the email I sent to President Hansen you have probably guessed that it hasn't been a walk in the park but oh how needed it has been, and is, and will continue to be. My Companions name is Hermana Stevenson. She grew up in Chicago as the only girl and really as the only child, considering all of her brothers are quite older than she and weren't around while she was growing up. I wont recount the first words that came out of her mouth when I went to pick her up but we'll just say she likes things her way. Which makes it a bit tough because neither of us have been put into a leadership position prior to this transfer. I will say this however. I come to learn something new about myself and life every day. Every night I sit down and right in a tab of my Journal that I've just labeled "Lessons learned by the spirit through Hermana Stevenson. You won't recognize me after this transfer! Haha. This is the very definition of the refiners fire and will stay, cook, and melt in there until the lord moves me elsewhere. My Companion and I sat down last night and had a rather lengthy conversation but I walked away from that with a better understanding of what I would like to change about myself. What I would like to improve upon in order to be a more effective instrument in the hands of the lord here on the mission and throughout life. Some of the comments that she directed towards me stung but not because of the harshness or way she put them but because I realized how true they were. I'm so thankful that the lord in his perfect wisdom has sent Hermana Stevenson here at this time to be my companion. That he knows the sincere desires of my heart and that he indeed answers prayers. We're being refined, molded, and shaped and its never been more apparent than now. I pray that both of us can cleanse ourselves enough through the atonement and have the faith to rely wholly upon the spirit to teach, preach, and testify of the message of the Restoration. That we can indeed be forgiven and cleansed through the great mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and one day return to our loving Heavenly Father and be with our families forever and ever never again to be separated. I love this work. I love the joy and peace that this gospel brings. How thrilled I am to have this knowledge, to be permitted to work in the lords vineyard. Its a sweet time of life right and I will treasure it forever. I love you all more than I am capable of expressing. Thank you for your prayers of love and support.
Love, Hermana Porter
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)