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. :)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
8. "Progress"ive Dinner
So last night was the dinner. I admit that I was worried all the way until I picked up my neighbor that she might back out, even though I know she's not the flaky type. But you know how it is to get your hopes up and then have them dashed, so I was excited that she really came with me. As we were walking to the door for dinner she told me that she had never done anything like this before, but she really liked it and was having a good time. She seemed to enjoy herself. On the way home she told me that someone had told her that we don't believe in the same Jesus that she does. I told her that we definetely believe in Jesus Christ. She told me that she believed that as she got older her eyes have been opened to different things that she wasn't ready for earlier in life. She said that her old friend was a bishops wife and she had gone to our church with her a few times. She had lots of questions though. I told her I would be happy to try to answer any questions she might have and told her if she ever wanted to come to church with me that I would love the company.
The day before the dinner I went to her house to make sure she could still come adn we had some cake and talked a bit, she is quite religious and has been feeling that same sense of urgency to get prepared that many of us have been feeling. She asked me about food storage and different things that I had in mine.
Overall I think that it was a great night, and I continued to get to know her better. She is open to things I have to say and seems to be interested right now.
My Advice: Take advantage of every opportunity you have to share the gospel, especially with your friends.
What will I do next? : Well she said that she has a lot of questions, and Matt suggested that we have her over for family night. I think that I will invite her.
The day before the dinner I went to her house to make sure she could still come adn we had some cake and talked a bit, she is quite religious and has been feeling that same sense of urgency to get prepared that many of us have been feeling. She asked me about food storage and different things that I had in mine.
Overall I think that it was a great night, and I continued to get to know her better. She is open to things I have to say and seems to be interested right now.
My Advice: Take advantage of every opportunity you have to share the gospel, especially with your friends.
What will I do next? : Well she said that she has a lot of questions, and Matt suggested that we have her over for family night. I think that I will invite her.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
7. WOO HOO!!...
Every year around the beginning of December my ward does a progressive dinner. Last year I invited one of my non-member friends, and she absolutely loved it. Personally it's one of my favorite activities of the year, so this year I decided to invite another non-member friend. I have been thinking and praying about who might be good to ask and I decided that my neighbor, who I helped do yard work, would be a great person to ask. I actually just barely went over there and invited her. I told her what to expect...................... and she said.......... She would love to come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited!!! I hope that she will have a really good time, and get to know some more of her neighbors. She is such a sweet lady, and is always so kind. I just hope I can repay the favor. :) :) :) :)
My Advice: Don't pre-judge. Sometimes the people that you just know will say yes, say no... and those that you least expect, are the ones that tell you yes. But, if you are following those little promptings, it doesn't matter the outcome,, you are doing your best and that's all that matters.
What will I do next: Continue being so dang excited!!!! And keep praying that she will really come and have a great time, and keep thanking Heavenly Father for the opportunity!
My Advice: Don't pre-judge. Sometimes the people that you just know will say yes, say no... and those that you least expect, are the ones that tell you yes. But, if you are following those little promptings, it doesn't matter the outcome,, you are doing your best and that's all that matters.
What will I do next: Continue being so dang excited!!!! And keep praying that she will really come and have a great time, and keep thanking Heavenly Father for the opportunity!
Monday, November 17, 2008
6. Long, but one that's strenghtening my own testimony and that I've really enjoyed talking to
A Post I found on LDS.net :
Sorry, I don't believe in god. I'm not saying there is a god and I'm not saying there isn't - hence the designation, "agnostic". I may even hope there is one, but I just don't know. I'm not one of the few militant atheist who 'believes' there is no god and fights against any one who is(There are lots of nice atheists too). How can you 'believe' in nothing? In my limited experience if religious people are living their religion's precepts and aren't closed-minded about it they are good people. More power to them. I just really hate closed-minded religionists who shun all but their own and think they are better than everyone else. How many people have been killed or hurt in the name of religion? If you want to put a rock in front of the courthouse with ten good commandments on it, fine. If you want to say "In God We Trust" on your coins that's all right with me.Like I said, there could be a god. I'm open to the concept, convince me. I guess I do have one belief though, evolution. Hey, the evidence is there. How does the vast mountain of evidence of the evolution of Homo sapiens from Neanderthals and Cro-magnon fit into the whole Adam/Eve first man/woman concept? Of course at one time almost all the 'experts' had everyone convinced the Earth was flat too. Maybe we are just part of a huge science experiment from a highly advanced alien species. Maybe those advanced aliens wiped out all the primitive men and started their experiment with Adam/Eve.I'm open to the possibility of a god. So why am I, an agnostic, on an LDS site? I like Mormons. I actually know a lot of them and most of them are really decent, good and even outstanding people. Why? Maybe there is something to their religion. They intrigue me. In fact, I've studied a lot of religions and in my mind the Mormon church is about the only one that has any possibility of being true. That, or there is a god and no true church, he/she/it leaves us mostly to ourselves, or there is no god. The non-Jesus religions just don't cut it. I don't see how any of them could be from the god of this world. I like the idea of a Jesus. All the other Jesus-based churches seem to be just a bunch of people who think they are smart saying here is our interpretation of the 'truth' and we are right. What makes you right? Did god come down and tell you so like Mormons claimed he did to Joseph Smith? If there is a god why would he/she/it talk to us in the past (revelation, visions, etc) and then stop thousands of years ago? From what I see we need it now more than ever. (I don't mean to offend anyone who belongs to any religion - more power to you - see above on people who honestly live any religion seem better than those who don't) The Mormon idea that there was a true church of Jesus and that it was lost through apostasy and then god came to a young prophet to bring it back sounds good. It could happen. The Mormons dare to make some claims, some are good and some seem a little far-fetched. Then there is that little thing about Mormons who live their religion being so darn good. Hmmm. I'm not here to just socialize with Mormons, who I admit I like. I want to try and understand what makes them tick and why they are special. Anyway, if you are one of the two people who read my ramblings this far, thanks.
I wrote :
Hello, it's interesting to read your comments. I wish you all the best. If you are wanting to hear about how all of us Mormons really believe, here are some of my thoughts.
All I can say is that I believe in the LDS church with all my heart. I was born and raised in it, but I have had my own experiences that have led me to believe the things I do. For me, I love believing in a God. I love thinking that there is some great Almighty Being that created me, loves me. answers my prayers, and has this great plan for all of his children. Yes, it is comforting to think those things, but I don't believe them just because it seems nice.
I have studied the scriptures, I'm not the most scholarly person and certainly don't know everything, but when I read the scriptures I feel a sense of peace and confirmation that their teachings are true. I have attended church meetings and felt that the teachings are good and true. I have asked questions, struggled, and gotten answers. And most importantly I have prayed to God to know what's true. I wanted to know for myself, not just becuase everyone around me did. When I did pray, and so many times since, I have felt His healing spirit in my life. I actually kept a journal when I was praying to know the truth. It didn't happen all at once for me like I hear it does from so many others. It took a long time and it was hard for me. But I really, really wanted to know. Then one day I was just overwhelmed by the sweet spirit of the Lord and in my heart I knew that it was Him telling me that He was there and that He lives and answers my prayers. He is really aware of me! I felt the spirit testify that the gospel was true, and I couldn't deny it. I look around and see that the people that are really living it's teaching are deeply happy, despite the current trials they face. There are those that seem too happy to me also. Maybe they are, I don't profess that by living in the gospel nothing bad will ever happen. But I do believe that with it, you can get through it. You may think that it's strange to believe somthing based on these "feelings", but when you feel them, you can't deny them. I have seen miracles in my life and in those around me. I know they are from God. I don't understand God's reasoning for everything, but I am a simple human being and God is great. I probably won't ever understand everything in this life, but I'm all right with that. Because I know God is good and He wants what's best for me.
Anyway, just some of my thoughts.
He responded:
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and beliefs with me. I respect them. I don't know, if it's true why do the heavens open up to you and not me. Am I not worth it? I am a scholarly person. My studies only convince me how little I know, how little any of my intellectual friends know, though they would say otherwise. I never feel any spirit messages you describe, but I can't help but wonder if there is more to it all. If maybe, there is a divine source. I hope so. It would explain a lot.
I found another post from him and it mentioned that he couldn't pray, he just felt to weird. I wrote back:
I wanted to start out by thanking you for your kindness. There are so many people that are just looking to debate, that it's so nice to actually chat with someone that just wants to discuss things. I love the Gospel, and love to share it because I want everyone else to experience the same joy it brings to my life. So thanks!
Onto your comments.... "Why do the heavens open up to you and not me?"
Because I showed a little faith. I prayed for answers, and I received them.
Here's my two sense. If you aren't sure there's a God, but you want to know, how do you expect Him to help you to know truth if you don't show Him just a little bit of faith? That spiritual confirmation that you receive through prayer is the only way you will really know, no amount of reading or study alone will ever be enough. (By the way, I am very impressed with how much you do read and study, all books) .... now my little mind is working, lol...... It's like when you have a friend and you want to ask him a personal question..... Do you go ask others for his perspective? Do you wait for him to miraculously just know you want to know, and give you the answer before you even ask? Or do you go and ask him directly?
"Faith preceedes the miracle." It starts with a little faith, and that's all. It really changes things up when I read that you don't pray, because to me, that's the most promising way to recieve those religious answers.... I can study all I want, and think it sounds good, but until I actually feel the spirit testify to my soul that it's right, I have no witness. I guess it's hard for me to understand that you don't pray, because I'v always grown up with it. But I can see your point that it might seem a bit strange or silly if it's not something you're accustomed to. Prayer, for me, changed when I started viewing Heavenly Father as, literally, My Heavenly Father. When I pray, it's like a conversation I'm having with my dad, (with added respect). Though I think actually talking to God is Great, most of my personal prayers are just me kneeling down by the side of my bed sending my thoughts to God, not actually verbalizing them. I tell him about my day, my worries and concerns, express my thanks for blessings in my life, and just pour my heart out. I think that's the great thing about prayer ... It's between me and God, so I don't have to worry about feeling silly because no one else is around. So here's my point, you won't get those "spirit messages" until you a willing to show that bit of faith.
Next, "Am I not worth it?"
Yes, YOU ARE WORTH IT!! God is no respector of persons. He doesn't answer one person's sincere prayers and not the others. And YES, there is a divine source! He loves all of His children and he wants them to know the truth. But like I said before, I don't know how to get the Heavens to open up to me unless I pray.
I'm curious... but how do you (personally) expect to get answers when you don't pray? Do you rely on your own knowledge and your studies to conclude things, or do you wait for something else? just wondering...
Sorry, I don't believe in god. I'm not saying there is a god and I'm not saying there isn't - hence the designation, "agnostic". I may even hope there is one, but I just don't know. I'm not one of the few militant atheist who 'believes' there is no god and fights against any one who is(There are lots of nice atheists too). How can you 'believe' in nothing? In my limited experience if religious people are living their religion's precepts and aren't closed-minded about it they are good people. More power to them. I just really hate closed-minded religionists who shun all but their own and think they are better than everyone else. How many people have been killed or hurt in the name of religion? If you want to put a rock in front of the courthouse with ten good commandments on it, fine. If you want to say "In God We Trust" on your coins that's all right with me.Like I said, there could be a god. I'm open to the concept, convince me. I guess I do have one belief though, evolution. Hey, the evidence is there. How does the vast mountain of evidence of the evolution of Homo sapiens from Neanderthals and Cro-magnon fit into the whole Adam/Eve first man/woman concept? Of course at one time almost all the 'experts' had everyone convinced the Earth was flat too. Maybe we are just part of a huge science experiment from a highly advanced alien species. Maybe those advanced aliens wiped out all the primitive men and started their experiment with Adam/Eve.I'm open to the possibility of a god. So why am I, an agnostic, on an LDS site? I like Mormons. I actually know a lot of them and most of them are really decent, good and even outstanding people. Why? Maybe there is something to their religion. They intrigue me. In fact, I've studied a lot of religions and in my mind the Mormon church is about the only one that has any possibility of being true. That, or there is a god and no true church, he/she/it leaves us mostly to ourselves, or there is no god. The non-Jesus religions just don't cut it. I don't see how any of them could be from the god of this world. I like the idea of a Jesus. All the other Jesus-based churches seem to be just a bunch of people who think they are smart saying here is our interpretation of the 'truth' and we are right. What makes you right? Did god come down and tell you so like Mormons claimed he did to Joseph Smith? If there is a god why would he/she/it talk to us in the past (revelation, visions, etc) and then stop thousands of years ago? From what I see we need it now more than ever. (I don't mean to offend anyone who belongs to any religion - more power to you - see above on people who honestly live any religion seem better than those who don't) The Mormon idea that there was a true church of Jesus and that it was lost through apostasy and then god came to a young prophet to bring it back sounds good. It could happen. The Mormons dare to make some claims, some are good and some seem a little far-fetched. Then there is that little thing about Mormons who live their religion being so darn good. Hmmm. I'm not here to just socialize with Mormons, who I admit I like. I want to try and understand what makes them tick and why they are special. Anyway, if you are one of the two people who read my ramblings this far, thanks.
I wrote :
Hello, it's interesting to read your comments. I wish you all the best. If you are wanting to hear about how all of us Mormons really believe, here are some of my thoughts.
All I can say is that I believe in the LDS church with all my heart. I was born and raised in it, but I have had my own experiences that have led me to believe the things I do. For me, I love believing in a God. I love thinking that there is some great Almighty Being that created me, loves me. answers my prayers, and has this great plan for all of his children. Yes, it is comforting to think those things, but I don't believe them just because it seems nice.
I have studied the scriptures, I'm not the most scholarly person and certainly don't know everything, but when I read the scriptures I feel a sense of peace and confirmation that their teachings are true. I have attended church meetings and felt that the teachings are good and true. I have asked questions, struggled, and gotten answers. And most importantly I have prayed to God to know what's true. I wanted to know for myself, not just becuase everyone around me did. When I did pray, and so many times since, I have felt His healing spirit in my life. I actually kept a journal when I was praying to know the truth. It didn't happen all at once for me like I hear it does from so many others. It took a long time and it was hard for me. But I really, really wanted to know. Then one day I was just overwhelmed by the sweet spirit of the Lord and in my heart I knew that it was Him telling me that He was there and that He lives and answers my prayers. He is really aware of me! I felt the spirit testify that the gospel was true, and I couldn't deny it. I look around and see that the people that are really living it's teaching are deeply happy, despite the current trials they face. There are those that seem too happy to me also. Maybe they are, I don't profess that by living in the gospel nothing bad will ever happen. But I do believe that with it, you can get through it. You may think that it's strange to believe somthing based on these "feelings", but when you feel them, you can't deny them. I have seen miracles in my life and in those around me. I know they are from God. I don't understand God's reasoning for everything, but I am a simple human being and God is great. I probably won't ever understand everything in this life, but I'm all right with that. Because I know God is good and He wants what's best for me.
Anyway, just some of my thoughts.
He responded:
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and beliefs with me. I respect them. I don't know, if it's true why do the heavens open up to you and not me. Am I not worth it? I am a scholarly person. My studies only convince me how little I know, how little any of my intellectual friends know, though they would say otherwise. I never feel any spirit messages you describe, but I can't help but wonder if there is more to it all. If maybe, there is a divine source. I hope so. It would explain a lot.
I found another post from him and it mentioned that he couldn't pray, he just felt to weird. I wrote back:
I wanted to start out by thanking you for your kindness. There are so many people that are just looking to debate, that it's so nice to actually chat with someone that just wants to discuss things. I love the Gospel, and love to share it because I want everyone else to experience the same joy it brings to my life. So thanks!
Onto your comments.... "Why do the heavens open up to you and not me?"
Because I showed a little faith. I prayed for answers, and I received them.
Here's my two sense. If you aren't sure there's a God, but you want to know, how do you expect Him to help you to know truth if you don't show Him just a little bit of faith? That spiritual confirmation that you receive through prayer is the only way you will really know, no amount of reading or study alone will ever be enough. (By the way, I am very impressed with how much you do read and study, all books) .... now my little mind is working, lol...... It's like when you have a friend and you want to ask him a personal question..... Do you go ask others for his perspective? Do you wait for him to miraculously just know you want to know, and give you the answer before you even ask? Or do you go and ask him directly?
"Faith preceedes the miracle." It starts with a little faith, and that's all. It really changes things up when I read that you don't pray, because to me, that's the most promising way to recieve those religious answers.... I can study all I want, and think it sounds good, but until I actually feel the spirit testify to my soul that it's right, I have no witness. I guess it's hard for me to understand that you don't pray, because I'v always grown up with it. But I can see your point that it might seem a bit strange or silly if it's not something you're accustomed to. Prayer, for me, changed when I started viewing Heavenly Father as, literally, My Heavenly Father. When I pray, it's like a conversation I'm having with my dad, (with added respect). Though I think actually talking to God is Great, most of my personal prayers are just me kneeling down by the side of my bed sending my thoughts to God, not actually verbalizing them. I tell him about my day, my worries and concerns, express my thanks for blessings in my life, and just pour my heart out. I think that's the great thing about prayer ... It's between me and God, so I don't have to worry about feeling silly because no one else is around. So here's my point, you won't get those "spirit messages" until you a willing to show that bit of faith.
Next, "Am I not worth it?"
Yes, YOU ARE WORTH IT!! God is no respector of persons. He doesn't answer one person's sincere prayers and not the others. And YES, there is a divine source! He loves all of His children and he wants them to know the truth. But like I said before, I don't know how to get the Heavens to open up to me unless I pray.
I'm curious... but how do you (personally) expect to get answers when you don't pray? Do you rely on your own knowledge and your studies to conclude things, or do you wait for something else? just wondering...
5. The next call
I was thinking about calling my friend and inviting her to church again, but the weekend became busy, and I forgot..... only to have her call me saturday night. We always have fun talking, and when I found out she was off this weekend I invited her to church. She said she would love to come, but also wanted to take advantage of her time off to relax. She said she would try. I told her she was always invited if she wanted someone to go with.
She didn't come, but I felt like I did my best.
My advice: Just enjoy sharing the greatest blessing in your life with those you care about!
What will I do next: Just keep trying to listen to the spirit and wait for promptings.
She didn't come, but I felt like I did my best.
My advice: Just enjoy sharing the greatest blessing in your life with those you care about!
What will I do next: Just keep trying to listen to the spirit and wait for promptings.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
4. The Kirby guy?!
Yep, the Kirby guy. Despite my no soliciting sign on my door we had the Kirby guy knock. Before I could remember that I had the sign he had me at "shampoo for free".
When the demo guy came back he did a great job on the floor. Both our parents have Kirby's and from what he pulled up from a 3 x 2 area, I was disgusted at my vaccum and sold on his I didn't buy it, but maybe someday? Until then my kids can continue living in the filth, and save us $1600! UGH!
Anyway onto the story..... He noticed my family pictures on the wall and I asked him if he was married or had any kids. He told me that he wasn't married but did have a son, and that he thought his current girlfriend was the one. I told him that was great. He told me that she was LDS, but not active. He said that he had never been too religious, but that he was searching and really wanted to know what was true out there. He asked if I was raised in the church. I told him I was, but that wasn't why I believed. I told him that yes, it felt good to think that there was a God out there that loved and cared about me, but that wasn't the reason I believed, I told him that I wanted to know for myself, not just because everyone around me believed, or that it felt good to believe, but I wanted to know for myself.
He said he was impressed with the Mormon church but had a hard time accepting our history. But what church doesn't have a history, he said. I listened to him while he told me that he had gone to a Born Again Christian church for a while and it was very scary and depressing.
I tried hard to listen for any promptings that might come. I continued to listen to him, then looked him in the eye and asked if he believed in prayer? He looked at me seriously and said "yes". I told him that I knew that God answers prayers, and that if he really wanted to know what was right, if he kept praying, he would get his answer.
And then he left.
My advice: Remember that the people and times you least expect, can be great opportunities to share your testimony.
What will I do next: Keep up my no soliciting sign and hope for testimony sharing experiences despite. :)
When the demo guy came back he did a great job on the floor. Both our parents have Kirby's and from what he pulled up from a 3 x 2 area, I was disgusted at my vaccum and sold on his I didn't buy it, but maybe someday? Until then my kids can continue living in the filth, and save us $1600! UGH!
Anyway onto the story..... He noticed my family pictures on the wall and I asked him if he was married or had any kids. He told me that he wasn't married but did have a son, and that he thought his current girlfriend was the one. I told him that was great. He told me that she was LDS, but not active. He said that he had never been too religious, but that he was searching and really wanted to know what was true out there. He asked if I was raised in the church. I told him I was, but that wasn't why I believed. I told him that yes, it felt good to think that there was a God out there that loved and cared about me, but that wasn't the reason I believed, I told him that I wanted to know for myself, not just because everyone around me believed, or that it felt good to believe, but I wanted to know for myself.
He said he was impressed with the Mormon church but had a hard time accepting our history. But what church doesn't have a history, he said. I listened to him while he told me that he had gone to a Born Again Christian church for a while and it was very scary and depressing.
I tried hard to listen for any promptings that might come. I continued to listen to him, then looked him in the eye and asked if he believed in prayer? He looked at me seriously and said "yes". I told him that I knew that God answers prayers, and that if he really wanted to know what was right, if he kept praying, he would get his answer.
And then he left.
My advice: Remember that the people and times you least expect, can be great opportunities to share your testimony.
What will I do next: Keep up my no soliciting sign and hope for testimony sharing experiences despite. :)
3. Well why don't you just ask!
I was getting ready to go to a friends birthday party saturday night when the missionaries showed up at the door. They knew that I had a friend down the street that was a non-member and they have been trying to get in with this family to hopefully teach them the discussions. So they asked me if I would invite her to church?
This is not something, unfortunately, that I am used to doing. I did a few times with the young women when I was the president, but adults are totally different! hehe. I admit that I was scared to ask, but I knew that my prayers were being answered fast. I called my friend and visited for a while then asked what she was doing tomorrow (sunday), she told me she had to work (same time as church). I didn't invite her because I knew that she couldn't come. After I got off the phone I felt good. I felt like I had taken that leap of faith and had the courage to actually ask. I did wish that when she told me she had to work I would have told her too bad cause I wanted to invite her to church, but oh well. I'm still learning. :) Oh ya, I did however ask her earlier one day while she was at my house if she wanted visiting teachers. She didn't know what they were so I explained it and she said she would love to have them.
My advice: Let people know up front that you belong to the church. "Friends will come naturally into our lives, and if we are open about our membership in the Church from the beginning, we can easily bring gospel discussions into the relationship with very little risk of being misunderstood....they will accept that this is part of who we are, and they will feel free to ask questions." (Elder Ballard,may ensign)
What will I do next?:
1. I am going to keep her and her family in my prayers that they will have the desire to come to church, and I am going to try to be brave again to invite them to again next week. And I will remember this time that if she has to work, I will at least let her know why I was calling.
2. I will keep on the relief society president and visiting teaching leader (hehe that's me)to make sure that she gets consistent visiting teachers.
This is not something, unfortunately, that I am used to doing. I did a few times with the young women when I was the president, but adults are totally different! hehe. I admit that I was scared to ask, but I knew that my prayers were being answered fast. I called my friend and visited for a while then asked what she was doing tomorrow (sunday), she told me she had to work (same time as church). I didn't invite her because I knew that she couldn't come. After I got off the phone I felt good. I felt like I had taken that leap of faith and had the courage to actually ask. I did wish that when she told me she had to work I would have told her too bad cause I wanted to invite her to church, but oh well. I'm still learning. :) Oh ya, I did however ask her earlier one day while she was at my house if she wanted visiting teachers. She didn't know what they were so I explained it and she said she would love to have them.
My advice: Let people know up front that you belong to the church. "Friends will come naturally into our lives, and if we are open about our membership in the Church from the beginning, we can easily bring gospel discussions into the relationship with very little risk of being misunderstood....they will accept that this is part of who we are, and they will feel free to ask questions." (Elder Ballard,may ensign)
What will I do next?:
1. I am going to keep her and her family in my prayers that they will have the desire to come to church, and I am going to try to be brave again to invite them to again next week. And I will remember this time that if she has to work, I will at least let her know why I was calling.
2. I will keep on the relief society president and visiting teaching leader (hehe that's me)to make sure that she gets consistent visiting teachers.
2. Helping a neighbor
So the other day I noticed my neighbor, who is not a member of my faith, outside doing yard work. I went over to try and help and to visit. I was helping her do some trimming when she asked me the question, "So does your husband work for the church?" I told her that he did have a calling in the church, but did not work for them professionally. We continued cutting down flowers and weeds. The thought kept coming to my head to ask her...."so you asked if my husband works for the church, how much do you know about the church?" I kept thinking to myself that it was silly and I was nervous to ask it. But it kept coming, along with the next thought........."Toni, if you can't even ask simple questions, how do you expect me to give you bigger opportunities?" I felt like it was the Lord testing me. You know like learning to follow the spirit, sometimes it's those little things that make the biggest difference, and if I can't follow the little ones, how can I expect to follow and be ready for the bigger ones? So I decided what the heck, I would ask..... I asked, and she said that she used to have a friend that belonged to the church. We didn't discuss it much but I asked her what religion she belonged to. She told me that she was a Born Again Christian. I asked her when she met for church and she told me that she didn't go to church because all she did was sob when they sang. The music touched her so much that she would cry hysterically and it was just too embarrasing so she didn't go to church. And we went on to talk of other things.
Guess WHat???!!! We are still friends!!! She didn't look at me funny, or get offended that I asked her a guestion, it just helped us to get to know eachother better.
I know that was such a small experience, but I really felt that it was an opportunity from the Lord and like I said before, maybe just a stepping stone for something more.
I also thought that just with the little information that we talked about I could get her a mormon tab c.d. for Christmas....if she likes music so much, what could be a better gift, and that way she can listen to it at home, without having to get embarassed if it makes her cry.
My advice : Listen and act on those little promtings, especially the ones that repeat a few times in your head.. You NEVER know what good it could do, or how it will make you grow.
What will I do next?: I will obviously keep talking to her and try to get to know her better.
Also I have found that serving people (like helping with yard work, etc.) really helps you to have charity and love for the person, so I will take advantage of those opportunities as I can.
And last but not least... I found out that she is touched by music, what better gift could I give her for Christmas that a mormon tab c.d.... I mean, seriously, who has more touching music? And that way she can listen in the comfort of her own home and not have to worry about being embarassed if she cries.
Guess WHat???!!! We are still friends!!! She didn't look at me funny, or get offended that I asked her a guestion, it just helped us to get to know eachother better.
I know that was such a small experience, but I really felt that it was an opportunity from the Lord and like I said before, maybe just a stepping stone for something more.
I also thought that just with the little information that we talked about I could get her a mormon tab c.d. for Christmas....if she likes music so much, what could be a better gift, and that way she can listen to it at home, without having to get embarassed if it makes her cry.
My advice : Listen and act on those little promtings, especially the ones that repeat a few times in your head.. You NEVER know what good it could do, or how it will make you grow.
What will I do next?: I will obviously keep talking to her and try to get to know her better.
Also I have found that serving people (like helping with yard work, etc.) really helps you to have charity and love for the person, so I will take advantage of those opportunities as I can.
And last but not least... I found out that she is touched by music, what better gift could I give her for Christmas that a mormon tab c.d.... I mean, seriously, who has more touching music? And that way she can listen in the comfort of her own home and not have to worry about being embarassed if she cries.
1. 1st experience, via the internet...not too promising...then hope
So since I was trying to help the missionary effort via the internet I started searching for different sites that I could interact with members and non-members and possibly answers questions about the gospel. I have visited 3 sites, http://www.mormonapologetics.org/ , www.lds.net/forums , and http://www.lds1.org/ .
If anyone has other suggestions please let me know.
This was really my first time being involved in a forum and the 1st time I tried, goodness gracious it took hours. I was getting so discouraged, I just could not figure out how to do anything. The next time I got on I struggled a little more, but got a better hang of it. Now after several attempts I finally think that I know how to post and reply, Whew!
Since then .I feel like I have had better luck and I have come to the conclusion that missionary work via the internet is perfect for beginners! (and of course those very experienced, but great for beginners) You see that way you can pick and choose who you want to respond to, you can take your time and research for yourself, and answer when you are ready, and you aren't face to face so you don't have to feel embarassed or intimidated. I think it has been a great learning experience. There are so many people that ask questions I would never think of. Many get me thinking and lead me to search and get the answers for myself, and just basically learn more about a specific topic, others however I just ignore because I think they are too deep, and not going to effect my salvation. I have learned to accept some things that I don't understand only to conclude that God knows the reasons, and it's okay if I don't right now. Where would we be if we didn't need faith because we already knew everything? As Matt would say "Stay close to the trunk of the tree, not the branches, because that's when you fall." So that's what I have been doing.
I responded to a man that had a hard time believing in the Mormon church. He thought that we were very nice people and wanted to know what made us tick. I simply bore my testimony to him and let him know how I recieved my answers of the truth.
Another girl asked questions about marriage, and I answered what I thought.
You have to be careful on the sites because there are always those that are there just to argue, and that's not the reason I'm there, so I just take it with a grain of salt and move on. I try to respond to people that sound sincere in their search for answers.
So I guess I will just share my experiences here. Feel free to comment, but please know that this blog is not meant to start debates, but to discuss and enlighten. Please share with me anything you might think will help me be a better missionary. :)
If anyone has other suggestions please let me know.
This was really my first time being involved in a forum and the 1st time I tried, goodness gracious it took hours. I was getting so discouraged, I just could not figure out how to do anything. The next time I got on I struggled a little more, but got a better hang of it. Now after several attempts I finally think that I know how to post and reply, Whew!
Since then .I feel like I have had better luck and I have come to the conclusion that missionary work via the internet is perfect for beginners! (and of course those very experienced, but great for beginners) You see that way you can pick and choose who you want to respond to, you can take your time and research for yourself, and answer when you are ready, and you aren't face to face so you don't have to feel embarassed or intimidated. I think it has been a great learning experience. There are so many people that ask questions I would never think of. Many get me thinking and lead me to search and get the answers for myself, and just basically learn more about a specific topic, others however I just ignore because I think they are too deep, and not going to effect my salvation. I have learned to accept some things that I don't understand only to conclude that God knows the reasons, and it's okay if I don't right now. Where would we be if we didn't need faith because we already knew everything? As Matt would say "Stay close to the trunk of the tree, not the branches, because that's when you fall." So that's what I have been doing.
I responded to a man that had a hard time believing in the Mormon church. He thought that we were very nice people and wanted to know what made us tick. I simply bore my testimony to him and let him know how I recieved my answers of the truth.
Another girl asked questions about marriage, and I answered what I thought.
You have to be careful on the sites because there are always those that are there just to argue, and that's not the reason I'm there, so I just take it with a grain of salt and move on. I try to respond to people that sound sincere in their search for answers.
So I guess I will just share my experiences here. Feel free to comment, but please know that this blog is not meant to start debates, but to discuss and enlighten. Please share with me anything you might think will help me be a better missionary. :)
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