Friday, July 3, 2009
Testaments
A few sundays ago we were watching the DVD Testaments. It is such a touching movie, I just love it. Anyway, I thought my neighbor might like it, so when we were visiting outside one afternoon I told her I had something for her and I ran into the house to grab the extra copy we had. I told her that we had just watched it and I thought about her and thought she might enjoy it. I explained that it showed at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and that it was a story about Jesus visiting the america's. She accepted it very graciously. Hopefully it was touch her heart. :)
Monday, March 23, 2009
13. Draper Temple OpenHouse
So I had made several calls to remind my neighbor about her commitment to go to the open house with us. She continued to say yes, but I was still a little worried. And of course, the night before we are supposed to go, she came over and told us that she wouldn't be able to come. I was flustered already from the busy ness of the day and dinner and everything and seriously had SO many things on my mind that frankly my mind just couldn't think of anything more and I was not in a position to think, let alone try to convince her to come. Fortunately however Matt's mind was just fine and functioning normally so he stepped in and asked what she had going on that she couldn't come anymore. She told him nothing, she just didn't have a dress she could wear. He asked her if she had slacks and she said yes. Matt told her it was more than fine to wear that. I told her I would if she would, and she once again agreed to come. So the next morning we picked her up and all headed down south. We dropped Dylan off at my parents and then me, matt, Audrey, and our neighbor all went to lunch. It was nice to visit and afterwards we headed for the temple. We arrived at the chapel waiting area, and holy cow was there a long line. We sat there for over an hour just waiting to view the video and board the bus to see the temple.! I admit I was quite nervous becuase she's older, and tired a lot, and I was just worried about what she must be thinking. But I just kept a prayer in my heart that once we got to the temple it would all be worth it for her.
The temple was simply gorgeous. She really seemed to enjoy it. She asked a few questions. It was kinda funny because when we were in the sealing room she asked if the mirrors were trick mirrors? I assured her that they weren't, but she was still quite skeptical and thought it was a trick of some kind. She'd never seen anything like it. We waited again for quite a while to board the return buses, but she had a great attitude about it all.
It was strange on the way home because Matt and I were totally ready for questions. She is not afraid to ask questions and she usually has many. However on the ride home she asked very few questions. We were actually quite surprised because that's not like her. But we both got the distinct feeling that she truly is feeling the spirit and that she might just be scared of it all. These feelings are probably not what she was expecting and I think it's kinda taken her back. But she said that she had a great time, and has since talked to me just like usual. I'm so glad that she came with us. And it was so fun taking Audrey through as well. Her favorite room was the Brides Room. That seemed to be quite common. I would have to go with the Celestial Room, but the whole building was magnificant. It was a great experience, and I hope none of us will forget it.
The temple was simply gorgeous. She really seemed to enjoy it. She asked a few questions. It was kinda funny because when we were in the sealing room she asked if the mirrors were trick mirrors? I assured her that they weren't, but she was still quite skeptical and thought it was a trick of some kind. She'd never seen anything like it. We waited again for quite a while to board the return buses, but she had a great attitude about it all.
It was strange on the way home because Matt and I were totally ready for questions. She is not afraid to ask questions and she usually has many. However on the ride home she asked very few questions. We were actually quite surprised because that's not like her. But we both got the distinct feeling that she truly is feeling the spirit and that she might just be scared of it all. These feelings are probably not what she was expecting and I think it's kinda taken her back. But she said that she had a great time, and has since talked to me just like usual. I'm so glad that she came with us. And it was so fun taking Audrey through as well. Her favorite room was the Brides Room. That seemed to be quite common. I would have to go with the Celestial Room, but the whole building was magnificant. It was a great experience, and I hope none of us will forget it.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
12. Perfect set up
So for all of you that know me I had a Valentine's sale for my Mary Kay business and called all my previous customers to tell them about it. I called my neighbor, and she said that she would like to come over and look at a catalog. A few days later she came over and we visited in my living room while she looked over the catalog. Then she asked me what the picture was of that hangs in our front room. I told her that it was one of our churches temples, the one in Manti. I talked a little about it, that Matt's uncle had actually drawn it with colored pencil, that we had been married in the Salt Lake Temple, but that this one had particular meaning, and on, and on. And just talked about it for a second.
K - Matt and I just barely logged on and ordered tickets for the Draper openhouse and I asked him to get 1 extra ticket because I wanted to invite her. So when she asked this question I thought "wow, could I ask for a better opportunity than this?" So I had to take advantage of it.
(It's funny to me though that even in those moments that are just right, my mind still hesitates, "I don't want to offend her", and I wonder if I really dare ask? Fortunately that feeling is getting weaker the more that I put myself out there, but I don't know, I just find it strange how we work, that we can pray for these opportunities, know that they are happening right now, and still hesitate to take advantage of them. Oh well, I guess that's all part of the natural man right?)
So anyway, I was planning on inviting her to the open house and wondered how I would bring it up. So I knew that when she asked me about this picture of the temple in my own house, that it was my perfect opportunity. So I asked. I asked if she had heard of the open house that was going on for the Draper Temple? She said that she had heard about it on t.v. but hadn't gone.
I told her that Matt and I were planning on taking Audrey through to see it and wondered if she wanted to come with us? She didn't even hesitate to say yes. It was almost like she had seen it on t.v. and wanted to go, but didn't know how to go by herself and that she wanted me to ask her. It was great. So we are going on my birthday. What a great gift for my birthday to share the joy of the temple with my husband and daughter, and one of my non-member friends. I am really excited and hope that it will be one of the greatest experiences of her life.
My advice: I've said it before, I'll say it again.... Take advantage of those little opportunities! Sometimes they are so small, but if you are looking for them , you will recognize them.
What will I do next: I'm going to get Audrey and my friend excited to go to the temple open house! And I'm going to keep praying for missionary opportunities. I mean, look at me, I've been praying for missionary opportunities since the bishop asked us bishopric wives to start preparing for our talk just over 3 months ago. And I have had more experiences in that short time than years before, combined. It's amazing how much Heavenly Father wants us to have those opportunities. He's just waiting for us to ask.
K - Matt and I just barely logged on and ordered tickets for the Draper openhouse and I asked him to get 1 extra ticket because I wanted to invite her. So when she asked this question I thought "wow, could I ask for a better opportunity than this?" So I had to take advantage of it.
(It's funny to me though that even in those moments that are just right, my mind still hesitates, "I don't want to offend her", and I wonder if I really dare ask? Fortunately that feeling is getting weaker the more that I put myself out there, but I don't know, I just find it strange how we work, that we can pray for these opportunities, know that they are happening right now, and still hesitate to take advantage of them. Oh well, I guess that's all part of the natural man right?)
So anyway, I was planning on inviting her to the open house and wondered how I would bring it up. So I knew that when she asked me about this picture of the temple in my own house, that it was my perfect opportunity. So I asked. I asked if she had heard of the open house that was going on for the Draper Temple? She said that she had heard about it on t.v. but hadn't gone.
I told her that Matt and I were planning on taking Audrey through to see it and wondered if she wanted to come with us? She didn't even hesitate to say yes. It was almost like she had seen it on t.v. and wanted to go, but didn't know how to go by herself and that she wanted me to ask her. It was great. So we are going on my birthday. What a great gift for my birthday to share the joy of the temple with my husband and daughter, and one of my non-member friends. I am really excited and hope that it will be one of the greatest experiences of her life.
My advice: I've said it before, I'll say it again.... Take advantage of those little opportunities! Sometimes they are so small, but if you are looking for them , you will recognize them.
What will I do next: I'm going to get Audrey and my friend excited to go to the temple open house! And I'm going to keep praying for missionary opportunities. I mean, look at me, I've been praying for missionary opportunities since the bishop asked us bishopric wives to start preparing for our talk just over 3 months ago. And I have had more experiences in that short time than years before, combined. It's amazing how much Heavenly Father wants us to have those opportunities. He's just waiting for us to ask.
11. January 22
Well I invited my neighbor over for family night. She seemed happy to come and grateful to able to ask some questions. She declined dinner (I don't know why, that would be the main reason I would go. hehe.) but came over afterwards. We sang Jesus wants me for a sun beam! and prayed and then Matt gave the lesson by Pres Uchdorf from the Jan Friend. We talked a bit then sang I am a child of God, said a closing prayer and then the kids went upstairs to play and we were able to have a nice discussion. She asked lots of questions. And like the time before, it was just strange to me. I know what I believe, and not a ton of what others do, and it is just surprising some of the questions that they have that I just take for granted that I know. I would never think to ask some of the questions.
She of course asked about the whole polygamy thing and Matt simply explained that it is not practiced anymore, and hasn't been for over a hundred years. He said that we don't know why Joseph Smith was asked to live the law but we know that it was asked of him by God. And then Matt said something that I had never thought of before. He said that he didn't know why Joseph Smith was asked to live the law of polygamy. However , he said that Joseph had been curious as to why ancient prophets had lived the law, and asked God why they had. God answered Joseph's prayer and told him the reason that those prophets were commanded to live polygamy. So because Joseph knew the answer of why polygamy was practiced he was then commanded to live it for a time.
I never thought of it that way before, that he had asked why prophets of old had been asked to live it, he was given the knowledge, and then command himself because he knew. I thought that was interesting, and isn't it so much like life? That when we gain new understanding in this church we are held more accountable, and required to live that way. Especially once we understand why we are supposed to do certain things. I don't know about you, but I'm going to stop asking "why polygamy?" :) hehe.
I doubt that my friend thought the same things I did, but I hope Matt's answer sufficed. We talked about a lot of great topics and she thanked us for having her over. It was a great evening and I was so grateful for the experience. Especially when I ended up having to give my talk in sacrament meeting that sunday! Talk about cutting it close.
My Advice: Same as before
What will I do next: See if she wants to come again.
She of course asked about the whole polygamy thing and Matt simply explained that it is not practiced anymore, and hasn't been for over a hundred years. He said that we don't know why Joseph Smith was asked to live the law but we know that it was asked of him by God. And then Matt said something that I had never thought of before. He said that he didn't know why Joseph Smith was asked to live the law of polygamy. However , he said that Joseph had been curious as to why ancient prophets had lived the law, and asked God why they had. God answered Joseph's prayer and told him the reason that those prophets were commanded to live polygamy. So because Joseph knew the answer of why polygamy was practiced he was then commanded to live it for a time.
I never thought of it that way before, that he had asked why prophets of old had been asked to live it, he was given the knowledge, and then command himself because he knew. I thought that was interesting, and isn't it so much like life? That when we gain new understanding in this church we are held more accountable, and required to live that way. Especially once we understand why we are supposed to do certain things. I don't know about you, but I'm going to stop asking "why polygamy?" :) hehe.
I doubt that my friend thought the same things I did, but I hope Matt's answer sufficed. We talked about a lot of great topics and she thanked us for having her over. It was a great evening and I was so grateful for the experience. Especially when I ended up having to give my talk in sacrament meeting that sunday! Talk about cutting it close.
My Advice: Same as before
What will I do next: See if she wants to come again.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
10. Unexpected
Well tonight I went over to my neighbors house to invite her to our ward conference this weekend. She invited me in and we visited for quite a while. I told her a little about ward conference, and that Matt would be singing in the choir, and asked if she would like to come with us. She told me that her son in law has become very concerned since he found out that she has been going to "Mormon activities", he even sent her a book that she "must read" to find out the "truth" about mormons. And yes you guessed it, it's an anti-mormon book written by a former mormon. I told her that honestly those kinds of books, written by people that no longer belonged to the church, were not the source of truth about what and who we really are. I told her that if she really had questions and wanted to know what we believed and why, that the best way was for her to ask someone that lived and still believed in the church.
She seemed shocked that Mitt Romney had said that we believe that Jesus and Satan are brothers, she couldn't believe that, and she asked me straight if I believed that. I told her that I did believe that they were brothers, and that we are all brothers and sisters. I told her I thought of it as a real family where one brother can go completely off the beaten path and from what his parents have taught him while the other can be so righteous and exceed their expectations. She said that the Bible said that Jesus was The ONLY begotten of the Father, so that meant that He was His only son, that yes, God created the world and us, but Christ was his only Son.
This is were I didn't know what to say. I don't know, I mean I know that the scriptures say that, but it never crossed my mind that someone would interpret it to mean that Christ was God's only son. (Of course when I got home and told Matt he whipped the answer right out, Go figure! He told me that it meant that Christ was the only begotten in the flesh. Duh, I knew that! But like I said, I've never thought of that question, and didn't know how to respond. I just told her what I knew and that Matt would know the answer...which he did). She bore her testimony to me that she knew Christ died for her and that her daughter (who passed away) was in a better place and happy and that someday she would be with her again. When she was telling me this, and it sounded much like a testimony I thought to myself "well if she's gonna bare her testimony to me, I'm gonna bare mine to her". So I did.
We both agreed that it was just fine if we didn't believe the same things.
But I did tell her again that if she did have questions that she should ask them from someone that was a member of the church, not from a book a former member had written. I invited her over for dinner and family night on monday and she said that she would like very much to come. She said that she really wanted to talk to someone that knew that bible. I told her that Matt served a mission and that he knew the bible and the book of mormon and that he has been asked many of the questions that she has. She told me she couldn't make any promises because she suffers so bad from insomnia, but she would really like to come.
She said she has been watching the BYU channel often and doesn't understand why so many speakers just speak on a topic and aren't teaching right out of the bible. I told her that though I thought there was nothing better than teaching right from the scriptures, that our church believes in modern revelation and that God still speaks to us and that we have a living prophet on the earth. So the scriptures will always be the scriptures, but we believe that what the prophets say is doctrine. I don't know if that appeased her inquiry, but it's all I could think to say.
We talked about a few other things, but I can't remember them all right now. She did tell me though that she has met so many wonderful members of the church since she's lived in Utah, and that our church helped her out the most with her grandson when no one else would.
She wouldn't promise anything about sunday, she said it depended on how much sleep she was able to get and how she felt that day. I told her that was fine and that I understood.
I wasn't really expecting all of that to happen when I just went over there to invite her to a meeting. Infact it was the farthest from my mind. If I would have known, I would have insisted that Matt come with me. Though I wish I could have answered her questions better, especially that one, I am okay. I feel like I said the things that I needed to say. And even though my worst fear, of not knowing what to say, actually happened, I don't think it was as bad as I imagined it would be. She was okay with it, and so was I. It only made me stronger in my conviction to know the answers to those questions, and how I could do better next time. That's the thing about the internet questions as well. They make me go out and search those things that I didn't even know people had questions about. However that's a whole nother topic.
Anyway, there's an update. If your reading my little blog please pray for the miracle of her coming sunday, but if nothing else that she'll be able to come to family night and that we'll be prepared for her questions.
My Advice: Just do the best you can. That's all that we can do. Just try to listen to the spirit and testify of those things that you believe.
What will I do next:? Pray like crazy that she will come to ward conference and family night and that somehow we can teach her what mormons really believe.............. and hope she burns her book. lol.
But if she doesn't come, I know that I was led to her and the things to say, and the things to invite her to, and I'm just gonna have to keep trying to listen to the spirit and do my best.:)
She seemed shocked that Mitt Romney had said that we believe that Jesus and Satan are brothers, she couldn't believe that, and she asked me straight if I believed that. I told her that I did believe that they were brothers, and that we are all brothers and sisters. I told her I thought of it as a real family where one brother can go completely off the beaten path and from what his parents have taught him while the other can be so righteous and exceed their expectations. She said that the Bible said that Jesus was The ONLY begotten of the Father, so that meant that He was His only son, that yes, God created the world and us, but Christ was his only Son.
This is were I didn't know what to say. I don't know, I mean I know that the scriptures say that, but it never crossed my mind that someone would interpret it to mean that Christ was God's only son. (Of course when I got home and told Matt he whipped the answer right out, Go figure! He told me that it meant that Christ was the only begotten in the flesh. Duh, I knew that! But like I said, I've never thought of that question, and didn't know how to respond. I just told her what I knew and that Matt would know the answer...which he did). She bore her testimony to me that she knew Christ died for her and that her daughter (who passed away) was in a better place and happy and that someday she would be with her again. When she was telling me this, and it sounded much like a testimony I thought to myself "well if she's gonna bare her testimony to me, I'm gonna bare mine to her". So I did.
We both agreed that it was just fine if we didn't believe the same things.
But I did tell her again that if she did have questions that she should ask them from someone that was a member of the church, not from a book a former member had written. I invited her over for dinner and family night on monday and she said that she would like very much to come. She said that she really wanted to talk to someone that knew that bible. I told her that Matt served a mission and that he knew the bible and the book of mormon and that he has been asked many of the questions that she has. She told me she couldn't make any promises because she suffers so bad from insomnia, but she would really like to come.
She said she has been watching the BYU channel often and doesn't understand why so many speakers just speak on a topic and aren't teaching right out of the bible. I told her that though I thought there was nothing better than teaching right from the scriptures, that our church believes in modern revelation and that God still speaks to us and that we have a living prophet on the earth. So the scriptures will always be the scriptures, but we believe that what the prophets say is doctrine. I don't know if that appeased her inquiry, but it's all I could think to say.
We talked about a few other things, but I can't remember them all right now. She did tell me though that she has met so many wonderful members of the church since she's lived in Utah, and that our church helped her out the most with her grandson when no one else would.
She wouldn't promise anything about sunday, she said it depended on how much sleep she was able to get and how she felt that day. I told her that was fine and that I understood.
I wasn't really expecting all of that to happen when I just went over there to invite her to a meeting. Infact it was the farthest from my mind. If I would have known, I would have insisted that Matt come with me. Though I wish I could have answered her questions better, especially that one, I am okay. I feel like I said the things that I needed to say. And even though my worst fear, of not knowing what to say, actually happened, I don't think it was as bad as I imagined it would be. She was okay with it, and so was I. It only made me stronger in my conviction to know the answers to those questions, and how I could do better next time. That's the thing about the internet questions as well. They make me go out and search those things that I didn't even know people had questions about. However that's a whole nother topic.
Anyway, there's an update. If your reading my little blog please pray for the miracle of her coming sunday, but if nothing else that she'll be able to come to family night and that we'll be prepared for her questions.
My Advice: Just do the best you can. That's all that we can do. Just try to listen to the spirit and testify of those things that you believe.
What will I do next:? Pray like crazy that she will come to ward conference and family night and that somehow we can teach her what mormons really believe.............. and hope she burns her book. lol.
But if she doesn't come, I know that I was led to her and the things to say, and the things to invite her to, and I'm just gonna have to keep trying to listen to the spirit and do my best.:)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Grateful for Friends
Geez, I kinda feel like I was on a roll for a while, and then not so much.
I hope it's because I've mostly just been with family for the holidays, and hopefully more will start happening now that I'm back into the swing of things.
But despite not have "offical missionary opportunities" I have been thinking about how blessed I have been for those that have come.
Since I've been home I have enjoyed visiting with some of my non-member friends that I have written about on this blog. I just wanted to say how much I love them. Isn't it ironic that I pray for missionary experiences because I want to do my best to do what the Lord wants me to do, and in return I have some great new friends. I will always be in debt to the Lord, because everytime I try to do something for him, He gives me blessings right back.
These friends might not be coming to church (which I would love) but it's just great to have friends.
My Advice: Keep praying for those missionary opportunities
What will I do next: Keep hoping and praying that my friends can see the joy and peace and answers that the gospel brings, and want to know more.
I hope it's because I've mostly just been with family for the holidays, and hopefully more will start happening now that I'm back into the swing of things.
But despite not have "offical missionary opportunities" I have been thinking about how blessed I have been for those that have come.
Since I've been home I have enjoyed visiting with some of my non-member friends that I have written about on this blog. I just wanted to say how much I love them. Isn't it ironic that I pray for missionary experiences because I want to do my best to do what the Lord wants me to do, and in return I have some great new friends. I will always be in debt to the Lord, because everytime I try to do something for him, He gives me blessings right back.
These friends might not be coming to church (which I would love) but it's just great to have friends.
My Advice: Keep praying for those missionary opportunities
What will I do next: Keep hoping and praying that my friends can see the joy and peace and answers that the gospel brings, and want to know more.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
9. F.H.E
Monday I went over to my neighbor's house because we were going to go visit another friend together. She was unable to go that night, so we set something up for the next day. I knew that she was probably busy later on, but I decided that I would still invite her to family night with us. She asked what it was. I explained a little about family night and she said that she was too busy tonight and wouldn't be able to come. I said "so you are busy today, but do you want to come another day?" She said yes she would. And you have to know that she really seemed genuine. She has told me yes, and no, so I know that she is telling me the truth when she says she wants to come.
So one more step forward to sharing more of the gospel with her. This is so exciting!
I also found out that this friend we were going to visit had previously invited her to the progressive dinner and to church in years past, but she was turned down. My neighbor said no and that she would be too uncomfortable. That really made me think about what she said to me the night of the progressive dinner this year... that she believed her eyes are opened to things now that they couldn't see in the past. I felt like that was signifigant, and feel like she is ready for more right now. She is ready to ask her questions, and it would be wonderful to help her find the answers.
It also made me realize even more, that it doesn't matter when people say no, or turn you down. You seriously don't know when you are planting those seeds. I know that my friend who invited her before was planting those little seeds, and little by little they have grown. I have been so grateful for that, and her efforts, so that now when I try to reach out, she is ready for a little more.
My Advice: Reach out to your neighbors, whether they are members of your church or not, they can become some of your best friends. It's so nice to have a close community and know the people that live around you. I have found that I have a lot more in common with my neighbors than I thought I might.
What will I do next?: Make Matt teach the family night lesson. :)
So one more step forward to sharing more of the gospel with her. This is so exciting!
I also found out that this friend we were going to visit had previously invited her to the progressive dinner and to church in years past, but she was turned down. My neighbor said no and that she would be too uncomfortable. That really made me think about what she said to me the night of the progressive dinner this year... that she believed her eyes are opened to things now that they couldn't see in the past. I felt like that was signifigant, and feel like she is ready for more right now. She is ready to ask her questions, and it would be wonderful to help her find the answers.
It also made me realize even more, that it doesn't matter when people say no, or turn you down. You seriously don't know when you are planting those seeds. I know that my friend who invited her before was planting those little seeds, and little by little they have grown. I have been so grateful for that, and her efforts, so that now when I try to reach out, she is ready for a little more.
My Advice: Reach out to your neighbors, whether they are members of your church or not, they can become some of your best friends. It's so nice to have a close community and know the people that live around you. I have found that I have a lot more in common with my neighbors than I thought I might.
What will I do next?: Make Matt teach the family night lesson. :)
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