You can't pray with boots on! 27 Dec‏

Merry Christmas to one and all!

 

The subject line comes from my conversation with my parents. I found it hilarious. I ruined the toes of my new boots by kneeling every morning to pray; the toes scrape against the carpet. My dad gives me these words of wisdom... "You can't pray with boots on!.... pray standing up!" Thank you, Daddy. :)

 

Christmas was quite enjoyable. I began my day with the usual, opening gifts the night before due to lack of time on Sunday and eventually made my way over to the VC to call home. Being a little apprehensive about it, I said a prayer before dialing. To my surprise, the phone was answered quickly and soon all my fears disappeared. It was so great hearing from home. I thought it would be a huge distraction. It's just a small one. :) The work has progressed since then. It's so wonderful having loved ones to support you wherever life brings you. Even being 2000 miles from home, I can feel their love and the love of loved ones and close friends, too. Thank you to all those that sacrificed sleep... ;)

 

The rest of the day was pretty low key. We went to church and had an investigator come which was great. The choir sang a couple beautiful arrangements and the bishopric spoke. We gave a bit of our tons of junk food to the Elders, went back to the VC, and served those there. Despite it being a major holiday, there were many people that came to remember what Christmas is truly all about. That is one of the things I am most grateful for; being able to testify that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father live and love us everyday. There is nothing better! I'll do it forever and always. And always means every moment.

 

Christmas Eve was a blast. That morning, the entire zone, plus the sisters serving at Liberty Jail, all the senior couples in Independence, and the Mission President and his wife came for a Christmas breakfast. We performed and sang, and President Keyes read us a children's book he wrote called, "The King's Blanket". It was beautiful. I highly recommend looking it up if anyone gets a chance. I attached several pictures of good friends and the fun we had. And all of them are taken with my new camera! Thanks, Dad! A few of them are from later that day. The VC directo's closed the VC an hour early and had a gift exchange at the VC. There was so much love from the senior couples to all the sisters that I lost it. I'm so grateful for everything I receive every day. I truly have another family out here that I can rely on and I know that they are here for a reason. I'm here for a reason. We're all where we're at for a specific reason.

 

Yesterday morning at early morning sports, we were playing frisbee and I biffed it into the curtain. Another sister and I ran towards the frisbee at the same time, I tripped, and everything fell onto my right knee. It hurts and is banged up, but the work must go on! It's funny though. Last night was so crazy as we had half of the sisters get sick so we had maybe 3 of us on shift to take tours. I don't think I ate last night now that I think about it... but I feel so good! I'm happiest when I'm fulfilling my purpose.

 

Something I've been thinking about a lot lately is about humility. As I was reading in Mark this morning, I read that Jesus was teaching his disciples and they just weren't listening. However, the scriptures say, "And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, ..." That may have many different meanings, but one thing I took from that was although Christ was the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of the world, and he had all that authority, he was still submissive to his Father. He waited and followed Heavenly Father, doing nothing but his Father's will. As God's children, we promised to follow Jesus Christ before we even came here to make it back home to feel the love of God and live forever with our families. We are to be meek and humble and teachable to the Spirit of God, and to the commandments that we have been given. In doing so, everything else falls into place. I have given up so many wants and desires to serve my Lord, and yet they came back to me better than before. Trust in Him, my brothers and sisters. Trust that He knows you perfectly and wants to give you so much more. Christ's arms are open wide, waiting to receive us. Will we follow him?

 

I'm grateful for the restored gospel. Last night, a small family of RLDS people came in to tour the VC and I took them through our presentation "God's Plan for His Family". I had no idea what I was doing. These people believed in a restoration, in a prophet, in the Book of Mormon. They weren't going to listen to me about who is the prophet today. However, it came to me. They don't believe our families can be eternal. That is what I followed. And although it may have been a more awkward presentation, I felt at peace. Because I know, with all the surety of my soul, that we are placed in our families with purposes. We have been given these loved ones because they have something to teach us and we have something to teach them. And we grow to love them because we are working towards a common goal. God is not going to take that away from us. And with the miraculous blessing of the temple and the Priesthood, I know I will be with my loved ones forever one day. Forever and always... because God loves us.

 

I know Christ lives. I know he loves us. His Atonement is perfect, and as we follow the gospel and commandments that we have been given, we use that precious gift in our lives and feel our Savior's love. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only element that will destroy the hatred that exists among people. There is no greater gift. For Christ was born to give us these gifts... eternal life with our families. I know this church is Christ's one and true living church upon the earth today. And we can all know. Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

 

Always,

Sister Moore

Hello from Missourah,

Hello from Missourah,

I can't believe it is the middle of December. Time is such a precious thing and I'm quickly learning that if I don't use it, I lose it. This morning we got a new investigator and an awesome referral for another set of missionaries at the laundry mat. If we don't ever give someone an opportunity to accept the gospel, how are they every going to know how sweet it is? So, things are going well. I'm in charge of the music at the VC again this transfer and within a week's time, I am putting together an hour long VC Christmas program for Thursday, music at a training meeting, and musical numbers for the missionary Christmas party that the zone does on Christmas eve. Since Christmas is on Sunday this year we aren't having our parties on it. I've been crazy busy despite the VC being a little slower! I wouldn't have it any other way. Training with Sister Porter is going great! (Picture of us at transfer bus attached). She's a fireball missionary and I'm grateful for her - she's keeps me going. ;) We find that we get off topic when studying. Just yesterday we were reading in PMG about Finding People to Teach and Having the Faith to Find. It turned into a discussion about Alma in the Book of Mormon. Go figure.

We had Zone Conference last Wednesday. I LOVED it. All the MTC sisters got together and took a picture (attached). Zone Conference is like Christmas for me. However, right before our lunch break one of the sisters called me over and said her companion was sick in the bathroom and we needed to go take care of her. Regardless, we missed lunch. But I have been witnessed to that the petty things don't matter, and that a problem to be solved should never win over a person to be loved. Plus, I'm happiness when I am fulfilling my purpose. I love my mission. There is nothing better than the experiences you gain while serving the Lord. All you people debating a mission... go for it. You'll never regret it if you are willing to work at it.

We had a member bring a non-member friend to church last week. One of the new Elders in the ward came up to us and said, "you better go get her, otherwise I'm going to snatch her!" Ha, funny. We found her, found out she's a dancer and is looking for a church as the one she attends now is not giving her what she needs. Turns out she's not in our area, but she's ready to accept the gospel. I am so looking forward to seeing her grow. The gospel changes lives! I am a witness! After church, a different Elder (they are a trio) comes up and says, " just so you know, [your investigator] came up to us today and wants us to come over tonight. We're not trying to snake your investigator". There seems to be this ongoing banter between the Elders and us in this ward. I like it, it keeps things lively. :)

I received a Christmas gift from the Flanagan family... thank you SO much! I'm excited to open it this weekend! :) The family package came too... THANK YOU. Christmas away from home is going to be hard - I've never done it before. Any little things helps. I wanted to send out a little Christmas thought to everyone that reads this blog. Since I can't be there, I'm like for you to imagine with me a few things.

First, the Birth of our Savior is the single and most important thing we can remember this Christmas season. As we gather as families and friends, we can remember Jesus Christ and partake of that Spirit. Christmas is not about the marketing... the gifts... the worldly items. It's about that Spirit we feel when we give. That is the Spirit of Christ. That is the Spirit of the gospel. To announce the Birth of Christ, a star appeared in the sky: light. Christ testifies that he is the light and life of the world (Mosiah 16:9). When he was crucified, there was darkness for 3 days straight. Everything about light testifies of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 9:6 reads, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace". Christ came into the world to give us everlasting light and life.

So here comes the part where I need your assistance. Imagine with me a dark room. We are all sitting around a table, and I light a single candle in the center of the table. As it flickers back and forth, where are you looking? Why are you focused on that light? How do you feel in a silent, dark room with nothing but that candle?

The light gives us hope. That light shows us the way. That light brings peace and comfort. That light is our Savior. And his birth marks the prophesy that God has sent his son to give us peace in a world of darkness. This Christmas season, we change. The fact that everyone is giving, looking out for loved ones and strangers a like, sharing smiles and laughter, we are sharing a part of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. Remember the peace you feel as you are with loved ones. For that love comes from our Savior and from our Father in Heaven. I know that Christ lives, that this church is his church. I know this gospel is true. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and brings us that peace and love from our Savior as we ponder and pray about it. I'm grateful for my Savior. I'm grateful for my family. I'm grateful for my life and for the opportunity to share the light of the world, Jesus Christ, with those around me.

When all else fails, know that Jesus Christ is always there. Merry Christmas, my dear loved ones.

Always,

Sister Moore

December 13

Good morning family,

P-days have been changed to Tuesdays now, for at least the next 6 weeks. Transfers have come and gone. I saw Sisters Nelson, Lund, Cleveland, and Clark go home and I felt a little part of me go with them. It's amazing the connections and relationships you create with those you serve with. I feel like my family is leaving. I got to see other missionary friends and it's always a beautiful reunion. I am still in the Independence 4th ward, and the Lord has called me to train a new missionary again. I am currently serving with Sister Porter from Syracuse, UT. We have 3 new missionaries in the VC, 2 at the Jail, and 1 full-pros. And I'm so impressed. We follow a new training program that lasts for 12 weeks and almost everything is very detailed and outlined for us to follow. I'm learning a lot from these new missionaries - so full of fire and determination.

 

We were able to perform the 12 Days of Christmas as a zone last Wednesday and it was a big hit. When I get a flashdrive I will get that performance. We've had a successful week, too. We are starting to teach a lot more lessons as we are "going back" to the basics of Preach My Gospel in the mission. Apparently a lot of things were not in line with PMG and going back makes things easier. One of our investigators in particular is progressing greatly and it times like these that really make the work worth while. Knowing that there are people out there being prepared, and it's our job to go find them. That means missionaries and members a like. Angels are preparing them. Alma 24:13. he came to church and he was able to meet President Keyes (which was random... he's never in our ward) and many other ward members. We went over again yesterday and he started talking about the Spirit. He's noticing a change and it likes it enough to stay with it. He feels the difference.  I have such a testimony of this gospel. Our purpose here in life is to prepare to meet God again one day by using the Atonement. We use the Atonement by living the teachings of the gospel every day. When we do so, we feel the Spirit, which is the greatest blessing. I can feel God's love. I can feel how much my Savior love's me. And I know this is real and true.

 

I feel like I have a lot more to share but I can't remember much any more... mission brain. We have Zone Conference tomorrow and I am stoked. It's that spiritual boost that I gets us through the next 3 months. I was talking to someone the other day and they were sharing with me what they expect from their mission and why they came. It was different than I expected, and so I started thinking about it for myself. I remember not wanting to come on a mission, but that was fear and ignorance. Although I've only been out for a little bit, and I have a long way to go, but I look back to see where I've been and know that I have come far. The greatest thing that I have learned from my mission is this: I have come to truly know my Savior. I see his hand in my life. I feel his love for me in every moment. I know that I have a purpose and that I am never alone. It's in knowing who our Savior is that peace and joy and lights radiates. I love this gospel. We are able to have spiritual experiences every single day as we turn to him and put all other matters behind. I know that my Redeemer lives. And I can feel his love.

 

This time of year we can remember our Savior's birth. What a blessing to remember and to partake of that spirit. Always remember that Christmas is not about marketing. It is not about gifts. It is not about food. But rather, the spirit of Christmas is the spirit of Christ. He lives, and loves us. Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

 

Love,

Sister Victoria Moore

 

 

 

December

It's December already... I can't believe this. Last night's Christmas devotional was so beautiful. I have discovered that I have such a deep desire to go to temple square. The spirit that seems to be there is intoxicating. Good thing I have the VC here. I can't get enough of the spirit. On Friday we had district meeting and I was asked to give a short training on the gift of the Holy Ghost. I don't remember what I shared, but I do know the DL asked me to share in my words my experience with not having the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was interesting to look back on and think about 3 years ago I didn't have what I do now. It's hard to describe to others at times I've noticed, because it has become so much more magnified in my life as a missionary. Sister Blackham and I were waiting for a ride the other day and I blurted out, "I think going home will be fine in the aspect of going back to real life - adapting physically won't be that much of a hassle, but I think losing the mantel and spirit that you have as a missionary is the most shocking difference". I love the spirit. I love that foretaste of heaven. I love that Heavenly Father gives us even this little taste. And we can have that with us all the time after authorized baptism and confirmation...The church is true.

 

Anyway, things have been great in Independence! it's starting to get cold. No snow ot anything, but there are always frost on the cars every morning when we go do morning sports. This morning was fun; we as a zone as performing at a stake dinner on Wednesday night this week and have been asked to give two performances. One is we are all singing the First Noel. The second is we are performing an original version of the 12 Days of Christmas. "On the first day of Christmas, my mother sent to me...."

 

1) Black socks and her famous cookies

2) Two cardigans

3) Dr. Scholl's insoles

4) Four winter scarves

5) Five MoTab CDs

6) Six Family Photos

7) A big bag of candy

8) Eight polyester ties

9) A fancy furry hat

10) Ten enchiladas (look! My mom sent me enchiladas on dry ice! hahahahaha. it's cute)

11) A set of scripture pencils

12) "...the greatest gift of all, A PHONE CALL FROM MY MOM"

 

Sister Sawyer and myself wrote this and have organized everything with the willing help of the zone. There are skits to go along with each day, hense the enchiladas on dry ice, and each missionary has gotten into the spirit of it. Two assistants were called to replace Elder Lesuma, so for a transfer we're going to have 3 assistants. They got in a few days ago to the zone and have already jumped right into the madness. Such great elders! So pateince with the crazy sisters... ha. We're going to record it and I'll try to send it home. It's a long story... but I lost my jump drive. Luckily I had just sent it home so all the pictures on it are at home but I will have to go get another one so I can send that one home with the video on it. it's way cute... we practiced it this morning and will tomorrow morning as well.

 

Transfer calls tomorrow. So just as a warning, since I'm at the VC and it's transfers, I might not email on Monday. P-day might change. So just be warned. I'm excited. There are 6 brand new VC sisters coming in and Sister Jones is coming back!! yay!

 

The KC temple has announced that they should be done with it on March 1st! They will inspect it for a month and then have an open house in April. We're really excited to see that happen. it's such a blessing to have a House of the Lord so close and within the mission boundaries. We already are serving in Zion. The temple is just the icing on the cake. :) it's Sister Nelson's last P-day (I might cry) so we're going to go make sure she has a blast. One thing I love about the Independence zone and Monday P-days... we have 14 missionaries to hang out with and play sports with. These people are some of my best friends. it's absolutely incredible how close you get with those you serve. The gospel's true.

 

One of our ward missionaries asked us last night what our favorite scripture was. Sicne the beginning of my mission I have not been able to answer this question. However, I think one that is applied most in my life right now is 2 Timothy 1:7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of love, and of power, and of a sound mind. This gospel is true. The Spirit is real. Christ lives. Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

 

Always,

Sister Victoria Moore

Talofa!

Talofa! (That's hello in Samoan)

It is been a glorious week in Independence! We are emailing a little late this morning due to the fact that we saw a miracle! We always do laundry before coming and emailing. Today, there was this man talking on his cell phone and I remember thinking that we needed to talk to him. It was very discret but it was the spirit. I finished loading my laundry into the dryer, sat down with Sister Blackham and we started reading from the Strength of Youth. I said a prayer in my heart, asking Heavenly Father to bring him to us. Not even 10 minutes later, he walks up to us, stares at my badge, and asks, "Are you from the Mormon church?" I cheerfully replied, "yes, yes we are!" Turns out, he's seen missionaries at the laundry mat for weeks now. He's talked to our district leader and one of our sisters at the VC and said that the Elders wanted to come over and teach him but he's been so busy. We taught him a little about church and the peace from Christ's gospel. Invited him to the VC, and he accepted. Bam, new investigator on P-day. Heavenly Father heard my prayer. That is what I find so incredible. Brothers and sisters, all we need to do for opportunities to share the gospel is to pray. He will bless us, and in return we are able to bless others' lives. The gospel is true!

So, good morning. Thanksgiving was great. The VC was open until 4 pm on Thursday and yeah, Thanksgiving week has actually been the busiest week for a while. Everyone is in town with families and they want a spiritual upliftment. We had two dinners... and I'm still full. It was 70* on Thanksgiving day. Today it is 40*, and the high is maybe 44 I think. I've just had a really good week. We've made some changes in the way we are spending our time and slowly but surely we're seeing fruits. We've wanted to get the ward mroe involved for a while, so we're focusing on getting to know the ward ASAP and asking them for referrals and inviting them to share the gospel with their friends and neighbors. They are awesome.

I've made the decision that I want to get married in the Salt Lake City Temple. This may come to some of you as a shock... and I really don't actually know where, when, and if that day will come. But we did watch a movie called "Mountain of the Lord" about the saints building the SLC temple. The sacrifice that went into the temple just hit home, not to mention we have pioneers ancestors. Sacrifice makes things sacred, and that temple symbolizes that. I'm learning that prayer is the key to everything. When our relationship with our Father in Heaven is strong, everything else falls into it's proper place. I'm a witness to that. A man stands his standest when he is on his knees.

We had a great district meeting last week. Our District Leader, Elder Masters, is such a stellar Elder. He's on his 4th transfer and is already a DL and training. Plus, he's always supporting his district and always has new ideas to further the work. At DM, he led us into the gym at the stake center and put 2 companionships on one side and the other 2 on the opposite side. He said that 2 of the companionships were to street contact these volunteers that he was about to go get and then teach to their needs and invite them to church. Ok, awesome. I got paired with Sister Nelson and as we waited we suddenly see Elder Masters and his trainee walk in in jeans, sunglasses, and Guns & Roses T-shirt. Uh.... we get up and go do what we're asked. The spirit was there that day. I felt the spirit work through me as I asked questions, loved this child of God, and invited him to repent. I can't even fathom the miracles that happen to us as missionaries. I wish I could describe how incredible this is to you all. After this experience, we gathered in the chapel. Elder Masters read from John 13 and 14. As he was describing that, my eye caught hold of a verse. John 14:18 - "I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you." This life brings challenges in so many shapes and sizes. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only element that will destroy the hatred that exists among people. Here is the promise. He loves us.

The day just got better. President and Sister Keyes came in with 18 of the family members from Utah. I got to take them on tour. I was so spiritually drained on Friday, my eyes are still bloodshot. It was awesome! On Saturday, the VC had a Lighting Ceremony to kick off the Christmas season. Sister Keyes came up to me and said, "My granddaughter got home last night and announced, 'I've decided that I want to go on a mission! I want to be just like Sister Moore!'" My heart just melted. That girl was 13. I know my efforts aren't in vain.

A lot of other things have been happening and the blessings are here. A new Assistant to the President will be called tomorrow as Elder Lesuma is going home, and then December 8th is transfers, again. I feel like we JUST did those. So many changes happening... so many new sisters coming into the VC... I'm excited!

I love my Savior. I'm starting to understand the Atonement. I'm starting to realize the blessings. I'm starting to realize there is still SO much to learn and experience. That's why we're not supposed to be idle; we're missing out on blessings! I have a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It is here in it's fulness to give us a pathway home to Heavenly Father. The peace and joy from the Spirit is real. The authority is real. It's here for us. Joseph Smith truly was God's chosen prophet to restore the gospel. Open your hearts to receive these blessings! Help the missionaries wherever you are. Invite your friends to church. To Acitivities. To see the church building on a church tour. To read the Book of Mormon. To do family history work. To go to the VC. To pray. The missionaries are great tools for you to use. How great your joy shall be...

I love you all. Thank you for your support and love. I pray for you every day and am grateful that you have given me an opportunity to experience this. I can't believe I almost didn't come... Jesus Christ is my Savior. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is his church. And I am his servant. Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

Always,

Sister Moore

P.S. The pictures are random. Mostly of Sisters Blackham, Nelson, & Rupper at the VC.

Last Monday after P-day we went to a RC/PMF's home. They are also 2 of our ward missionaries, and probably my favorite family in the ward. We were supposed to go rake their leaves and them jump in them, right? We show up at 6, decked out in our attractive service clothes, and the yard is clear with a huge piles of leaves off to the side of the house. I was so angry! but, we made the most of it anyway. We tried to be thugs in the picture. That is their daughter with us on the right. She's been investigating. And that is us in the leaves. You know, I don't think I've ever jumped in a pile of leaves in my life. I told them that and they looked apalled. Oregon has a lot of evergreen trees...

 

The VC has also been decorating for Christmas. On Saturday, there is a huge lighting ceremony to where President Keyes is going to speak and all of the lights they've been working on outside and inside will be turned on. It sort of sounds like the lighting ceremony they do at Temple Square the Friday after Thanksgiving. I'll get pictures to the best of my little dying camera's abilities. One of the sisters here had this new hair style that she's seen and wanted to try it out. I offered my head. It's called "waterfall" or something like that. Way cool eh? It wraps all the day around my head. The rest of the pictures are of us decorating the center. I had to hug the tree... I might have already written home about this, but out in Odessa, our zone leaders called me up one night and asked if I believed in burning plastic. I voiced my opinion and to this day they still tease me when I ask, "what's going on?" They reply every time,"oh, we're just burning some plastic". I love them, but they have another thing coming to them. ;) So here's my tree-hugging picture.

 

I'm happy! I've been busy working on things for this Stake Christmas dinner that all the missionaries have been invited to in the Independence zone. It's the night right before transfers in a couple weeks. We're singing a version of The First Noel, and then another sister and myself re-wrote The 12 Days of Christmas and made it missionary themed. We have divided the zone into the 12 days and each day has a skit to go along with it. For example, day 4 it sings, "On the 4th day of Christmas, my mother sent to me, 4 winter scarves". We'll have 2 sisters: one with a scarf wrapped around her head with the other sister dragging her down the floor. Sort of like a leash. Hmm... sound familiar, Claridge family?  It'll be fun. I'm working with the Elders on it today... teaching them to sing. I never thought I'd be doing that. I can't teach people to sing... I never learned! I'll do my best to get a recording and whatnot of it. Speaking of which, what are these things I hear of some performance Sam did, and then a Mr. Roboto performance? Guys... you've got to let me in on this. I need to hear these things!

 

I feel like these emails are getting shorter and shorter so I must apologize. At the VC, I really don't have time for anything. But I am creating memories. And writing them down here in Missouri. I love it here. The holidays without the family will be different, but these things too shall come to pass. I am a servant of the Lord. I have a work to do. I have just little time left to learn these things.  Oh, before I forget. The missioanry department came out last week, right? I talked to one of the brethren and Portland came up. The Portland Visitors' Center (right next to the temple) is going to be up and running in January!!! I don't know if that is out yet, but the VC is a place where the spirit resides. It is a sacred place to come and learn. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to prepare yourself to invite a friend to the VC and help them see how beautiful the gospel is. It's such a blessing to have one so close. You can bet that I'll be there when I'm home.

 

Thank you, everyone, for your support and love. I have and will not forget about you and I know that you are well, for the Lord is with us. Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

 

Always,

Sister Moore

Ok. So. Inbox was full this morning and I loved every moment of it. However, I hear that a couple of you have crashed your vehicles and I'm not very happy about that. More in the fact that you could've been hurt. I am grateful that you are okay.

Things here have been crazy. I don't have any down time. Even with the VC being so slow this time of the year, we have chat, studies, paper work, serving, building relationships, and so much more.

We had a slower week as far as investigators go, as a lot of appointments fell through and our investigators keep dropping us. However, we are not discouraged. In fact, I have more of a fire to go out and find than ever before. I've been learning from the examples around us and from study that we have such a short amount of time. We can't waste our time of people who may listen, but don't have a desire to change. That is not our purpose. And so, this week we are focusing on finding solid investigators. It's so hard with the time constraints of serving in the VC, but it just makes it all the more rewarding to when we do see fruits of our labors. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve. I hear from home a lot and they are so supportive to what I am doing day in and day out. The support and love I receive from them is what motivates me. That, and knowing that the Lord needs me. I am needed. And that is where my loyalty lies.

 

The missionary department came out to the mission last week. To train missionaries, they go to the MTC for 3+ weeks, I had a week of VC training, and then are shipped out. Mission presidents have a Preach My Gospel tutor for 3 months on the phone, go to the MTC and are trained by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for a week or so, and then are shipped out. They are out in the field for 3-4 months, and then Salt Lake comes out to answer any questions he may have, since he wouldn't have them before - no experience, you know? And SO MUCH is changing. There are 2 districts at the VC right now. 3 wards have sisters and elders in them; 1 has the Assistants, and 2 have the 2 district leaders and their companions. There are also 2 sister leaders, one for each district. Probably next transfer, they are creating 4 districts in the Independence Zone. That means they will have to add 2 more sets of Elders to the Zone and call 4 sister leaders, for the 2 we have now are going home this transfer. No more accountability with the zone leaders. Plus, with 7 VC sisters coming in, they will all have to be put in the centers in December for training. Things are just crazy and changing in flashes of lightning it seems. However overwhelming they may seem at this time, I trust my mission president. Sister Nelson shared a quote with the VC sisters during a training about a missionary who served in Brazil and was able to baptize every weekend for 52 consecutive weeks. When he was through with his mission, he had his final interview with the mission president where he was asked what his secret to his success was. The elder replied, "I did not doubt you, President. You've told us that we can baptize every week, and I believed you". I have faith in him. 

 

For a while, the missionaries in this ward weren't being fed every night. So, yesterday at church I took things into my own hands. I'm proud to say that Sister Blackham and I have a meal every night this week. However, I may or may not have forgotten to pass the Elders' calendar around with me... they thought that was funny. I did, too. They are good Elders.

 

The ward had a couple baptisms last week and one of them was able to be confirmed I folded my arms and bowed my head as they began the confirmation. Then suddenly, my eyes are wide open and I'm reaching in my backpack for something to write with. This young man who was being baptized, about 16 years old, was the only one from his family there. I remember after I was confirmed that Kimberly wrote down my blessing and I was so grateful for that. I did the same for him. He's a really neat kid and will go far. Afterwards, Sister Blackham looks at me with that tone saying, "What are you doing?!" Haha, I'm unpredictable, what can I say? :) AND, to make church even more awesome, a family from the Odessa ward walked in. One of the ones I was really close to. They had family in the 4th ward and were blessing a baby. What a tender mercy.

 

A few pictures. 444 is Sister Blackham. She's cute, eh? The other morning, one of the maintenance brothers asked if we wanted to go up on his machine... I can't remember what it's called. Anyway, before the VC opened we took turns going up. I don't know if this is sacrilegious, but it was fun. Also, I received a letter from Sister Hawkes (LOVE) and I found the word "Pants" written in the envelope. TOO FUNNY. I guess it's only funny if you know the inside joke. Ha, I just love her. And, the only picture I have of my new boots. That one is more for Mom. But I love them! I feel like a country sister in them.

 

Still loving my mission. I am at a point where I don't worry about home anymore. I know things are very well. I always knew home was okay, but I continue to have a fire burning within me that gets bigger and bigger the longer I am out here. I love this gospel. I love this church. I love the things I'm learning. Jesus is the Christ. What more do we need? Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

 

Thank you everyone for your support. I love you.

 

Always,

Sister Moore

November 7

Hola, como estas?

 

I can't speak spanish... I'll quit while I'm ahead.

Things are grand! I'm grateful to be back at the VC. I loved full pros, but I feel more production here in the VC. Although the tours are few and far between, I have my calling on the music committee and chat to keep us busy. Chat on Mormon.org is amazing by the way.

We committed one of our investigators with a baptismal date. She's too funny... she's this awesome black woman who really wants to be baptized by God's authority.. awesome. Well, she won't get baptized until Christ's birthday (she's referring to December 25... I don't think I'll tell her that it's in April :) or the 1st of the year. The Elders in our ward had a baptism last night and she came! With her daughter who had been taught by missionaries back in 2005! Awesome.  We found this new investigator the other day and have taught him a few times this week. He's a single man and we believe the rule in this zone is that if there are elders in your ward, they are to teach single men, and we are to teach single women. We had a lesson with him and them and it went well. Awesome guy. However, since the elders in 4th ward are the Assistants, they are busy. We might get to teach him with appropriate team ups... which I'm secretly hoping for. Shh... dont' tell.

 

Sister Blackham is so cute... oh my goodness. We came home last night and even with an extra hour of sleep, I konked out after planning on the couch. Missionaries are supposed to sleep in the same room as their companion. So I woke up 30 minutes later and find Sister Blackham dragging her mattress into the living room so that she could be obedient and not have to wake me up. I LOVE MY COMPANION. She's so cute, and just full of unconditional love. Sometimes I feel like I'm not worthy.

 

Next transfer is December 8, and we got exciting news that Sister Jones might be coming back! She had to go home for surgery, but she's made the decision to come back out and we are all so excited for that! On top of that, there are 7 new VC sisters coming in. Now, when the Van Komen's were running the mission, they didn't give any preference to sisters called full pros vs. VC. The Keyes' are honoring those calls. Salt Lake wants them to place all VC-called sisters in the centers for their first transfer. Well... with Liberty Jail and the VC, there are 11 companionships. 7 of those 11 companionships should be training over the winter at the centers. It's going to be crazy!! And, both of the VC sister leaders are leaving in December. They have to call another VC sister leader sometime this transfer so that the leaders can train her. Transfers are getting sticky over here, but it's way exciting. We keep getting so many missionaries and we need them! About 25% of the mission is younger than 3 months in the field. We have a young mission right now. Yet we still progress. Only the best are called to serve in the MIM! :)

 

So, all is well. I feel great about being here. I'm growing in ways I didn't know I could, and I can feel the spirit guiding me 24/7. I've been striving for that, and as we work and serve with all our heart, might, mind, and strength, and are perfectly obedient, we will receive those righteous blessings that we desire. That's something we've been studying, too. I can't remember if I'm repeating myself from previous weeks, but I've been studying a lot about choice and agency lately. Especially out of 2 Nephi 2:27:

 

Wherefore, men are ^afree according to the ^bflesh; and ^call things are ^dgiven them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to ^echoose ^fliberty and eternal ^glife, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be ^hmiserable like unto himself.

We can choose freedom, or captivity. Did you realize that obedience to God's commandments makes you free? I promise you that these things are true, for the spirit has witnessed it unto me.

 

The gospel has been restored. It is true. We have been blessed with a prophet of God and another witness that Christ lives. Faith can move mountains, and hope endures all. My mission is one of the most sacred experiences of my life. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you and for the support you give to me each and every day. From the depths of my heart, thank you.

 

Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

 

Love always,

Sister Moore

Halloween

Pictures:

384: One of my favorite little families out in Odessa. She's a convert of about 2 years. Her husband wasn't home sadly, but he's awesome too. They are probably some of the greatest people I have met out on my mission.

388: A Sister from Odessa that goes above and beyond. She's kind of crazy and her mind is everywhere at once, but she's solid. So funny. Love that woman!

389: Elder Messick, Elder Sanders, and Sister Moore. My zone leaders from out in Warrensburg. They are the best! We were trying to look cool. Not sure how successful we were.

391: Sister Nelson and Sister Moore. She's one of my favorites... shh, don't tell. She's serving as a VC Sister leader right now and will go home in December sadly.

394: Kind of washed out... Elder Nicholes, Sister Moore, and Sister Blackham. Elder Nicholes went home this last transfer, but he served as one of the Assistants. Awesome Elder. And Sister Blackham is my companion now! I love her! She's from California, graduated from BYU-Idaho, and reminds me perfectly of Trish.... same exact mannerisms and everything.. except a little quieter. :). It's kind of eerie. Needless to say, I'm having fun with her.

400: Missionary cars!! The Independence zone is so close that we gather together all the time. In fact, we all just played sports this morning.

 

I got lucky and got the Monday P-day here at the VC. And we aren't allowed to proselyte after 7 PM tonight because of Halloween. We might party at the VC... well actually, we have been asked to sing on Friday, my companion and me, so we'll work on that. I have a special calling here at teh VC this transfer... I'm apart of a 2-sister committee and we are in charge of finding musical talents among the sisters and organizing musical numbers for meetings, trainings, and firesides. I'm really excited!

 

But.... yes, transfers have come and gone and I have left my beloved little Odessa ward. Wednesday night there was a ward activity so I went around and said bye. I think almost everyone I spoke with either said, "what's your address; I'll write you!" or "Oh, we'll come visit you in the VC soon!". So much love... I sobbed when I got the transfer call.  I have been called to serve in the Independence 4th ward... so I'm back at the VC! I'll probably stay here for a while. This ward is fun. We have elders in this ward, too: the assistants. Elder Nicholes was one of them so a new one was called, so the ward has two new missionaries. We got a very warm welcome and I'm really excited to be here. I miss the War zone (Warrensburg....) but there are miracles awaiting me here... I can feel it.

 

But yes. My first Sunday we were supposed to teach Gospel Principles. It went very, very well. I'm hoping to make a good impression on the ward and get to know them as fast as I can so I can serve them better. I forgot how hard it is at the VC! There is NO time! And it's starting to slow down. I kind of go crazy on shift so I get into trouble... okay, not really. But get this: there's a new feature at the VC: Chat! On Mormon.org, there is a way to chat with representatives of the church to answer questions. Whenever someone desires to do that, we are the ones that get to talk with them. It's new at most of the visitor centers. We've gone through a few test runs and it's a blast. What an awesome way to spread the gospel.

 

With transfers, a couple missionaries got picked up by their parents. A couple came in and said they are so and so's parents, and I got to take them on a tour while they waited for their daughter. I kind of thought about what it would be like to go home. Talking to them, I got a better feel of how my parents would feel. Oh... it's going to be so hard. I don't want to come home. Can I be a missionary forever?

 

With that thought, I've thought a lot about what I'm doing here on my mission. On Sunday I was asked where I'm from, how long I've been out, etc. And as I answered those questions I realized that I will hit my 8 month mark on Wednesday, with my half way mark coming up within weeks. Not okay. I only have so much time and I still have so much to do! The theme at the VC for the transfer is "choose". I have to choose to become someone more. I have to choose to follow Jesus Christ. I have to choose how to spend my time. I have to choose how to treat those around me. I have to choose how to act as a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have to choose to become more. And so, here it is. From here on out, no matter how little sleep I get, no matter what unkind words are thrown my way, no matter what sacrifices must come, I will serve the Lord and always choose Him. I will work until I drop. I will testify until my voice is gone. I will live the gospel until I die. This is real! This is what life is. We are to get lost in joyous things, love one another, love our Father in Heaven, and work to become more. I know that I am a daughter of God, and that with Him, I can accomplish anything.

 

I know this gospel is true, Brothers and Sisters. By living its precepts and learning day by day, I am becoming more. And I can't wait to go home to Heavenly Father. Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

 

Have a happy and SAFE halloween!

 

Always,
Sister Moore

October 24, 2011

Hola!

I'm feeling a little anxious this morning so I may not write much here. Things are great though! Transfers are this week and I'm basically pleading the Lord and the mission president to stay in Odessa. I have fallen in love with the ward and with the missionaries I serve with. I have never really been a fan of "see you laters" anyway... I don't think I ever will.

We had exchanges on Tuesday and I went out to Overland Park, Kansas. That's an hour drive from Odessa... talk about extreme exchanges. I was with Sister Cleveland... whom I just love and adore! Imagine with me for a second... if you know me, you know I can be a little crazy at times. While riding shotgun, I was asked to make a phone call to a Sister in the ward. Her last name was Italian and very hard to pronounce so I was practicing before she answered the phone. During it all, there was a dead squirrel in the middle of the road so I pointed to it and casually said "watch out for the squirrel". Sister Cleveland swerved and unintentionally hit the squirrel.  *bump*. We look behind us and it had exploded. We both start screaming and laughing hysterically... and the sister on the phone answers. I couldn't catch my breath let alone remember her name. I had to explain and apologize later that day. Oh my goodness... I still crack up laughing whenever my mind wanders to exchanges. Too funny.

As far as the spiritual side of the work goes, I've learned a lot. With transfers this week I've been dwelling a lot on the fact that if I leave, it's going to be heartbreaking. I have fallen in love with the Odessa ward and the missionaries that I serve with here. I also thought about when I do leave this area, looking back on Odessa what would make it so special. The spirit then rested upon me and told me, "you are needed here". For the past three transfers, I have been needed here, and with that assurance, I know that I will be fulfilled if and when I leave Odessa.  My mission is so sacred to me. I hear about the world and the decaying facts of politics, earthquakes, and droughts. The Midwest is in a drought right now. It terrifies me to think of coming home and living in the world without the protection of being a servant of the Lord. There are down days like always, but the spiritual mantel that I've been on for almost 8 months is addicting. The spirit is addicting.

The stake had stake conference this past weekend. We were told that the Kansas City temple would be ready about the 2nd quarter of the year. So about 6 months or so. I'll still be here! We are supposed to prepare ourselves for the temple... and I couldn't be more excited. Seriously... why do people choose to live without the gospel? I don't understand it.

Anyway, we are headed down to Warrensburg today for Zone P-day. I asked the elders for another one this transfer and they granted my request. It'll be a great day. One Elder in our zone goes home on Friday.. and I'm so sad. But I know the Lord takes care of his missionaries and covenant people.

Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

Always,
Sister Moore

October 17, 2011

Ok, first off, I LOVE that fact that Sam is playing soccer. It's the best SPORT ever! See? it takes someone tough to play such an awesome sport. :) And Sam... I'm writing you today. Expect a letter later in the week. Thank you everyone who gives their constant support, I sure can feel it and I really couldn't do this without your love.

It's thundering here in Odessa today and the sky is dark. We walked here. Hmm. Things have been good. One of the branches in the district just had Elders put in at the beginning of the summer after having sisters for years. A lot of the ward members really miss the sisters... and so one of them we met at the General Relief Society Broadcast. The one that treated us like celebrities? She came out and went out with us all day. We meet some way cool people. At the end of the day I left my CD case in her car. I asked her to give it to the Elders since I was going to be seeing them the next day. When they gave me the case, I saw that it had sticky notes on every disc with a random highlight from our day together. SO FUNNY. I'm going to room with her when I get back to Rexburg. Love that girl!

We've been trying to contact this veterinarian for a while and we finally got to sit down with him last week. He's so cool! He told me a lot about his schooling and where that career stands today. it was fascinating. We also found out he's a Christian, family man and is very open to learning more. He has a 5 year old son who is just the cutest kid you've ever seen. I really look forward to teaching him and getting to know him.

I found this "30 day Book of Mormon Reading Chart" in our Area Book that sisters in the past made up. It had 30 questions about life or how/why to live the gospel and then a scripture reference to answer that question. A few of our investigators won't keep commitments to read from the Book of Mormon, so we're going to try this and see if this will be less intimidating for them.

We were studying one morning and Sister T read Moses 6:59 and asked a question about it. I immediately thought back to BYU-Idaho and my OT class. That scripture is awesome. Let me share with you what we've been talking about lately:

 Moses 6:59 That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the ^aspirit, which I have made, and so became of ^bdust a living soul, even so ye must be ^cborn again into the kingdom of heaven, of ^dwater, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and ^eenjoy the ^fwords of ^geternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal^hglory;

So, looking at this, we are born into this world by water, spirit, and blood; our fleshy tabernacles. To be born into the Kingdom of Heaven, we have to be born again. We also see this commandment in John 3:5. We have to be born of water, of the Spirit, and of blood again. That water is baptism, that spirit is the Holy Ghost, and that blood is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Cool, nothing new. Here's the cool part. There are some people that I've come into contact in my life where they have an issue with woman not being able to hold the Holy Priesthood of God. Churches have been formed so that woman can 'hold" the Priesthood. However, this is not of God. Has been created us individually and we all have a purpose. We see that in the Family Proclamation to where we were created as either male or female. This verse of scripture shows us that purpose again. Woman help us progress by bring our spirits into this world to be born of the blood and water. We made it from our first estate to our second estate, or from our pre-earth life to our mortal life. We progressed. In order to progress any further, we have to be born again. This is where the Priesthood comes into play, or the role of men in life. They perform these sacred ordinances by the Priesthood to give us the key to salvation and exaltation: baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and being cleansed from sin by the Atonement of Christ. We are all individuals, given talents, gifts, abilities, and responsibilities to help us all get home. We are literally all in this together, and without each other and the important eternal roles that we are to follow, we can't make it home.

I thought about this for a long time this past weekend. I'm here on earth for just a short time. I'm not home yet. This is my temporary home. It is my responsibility to fulfill my calling as a missionary and as a disciple of Christ by doing everything in my power to serve. We are all important.

One of our ward missionaries spoke in Sacrament yesterday. She talked about how we are sheep, and Christ is the good shepherd. With the parable of the 99 and 1 lost sheep, he opened my understanding to this: That one lost sheep is just that, a sheep. Not a lamb, not a child, but a sheep that has gone astray. Why do we need to pay attention to those sheep? Because they will lead the lambs away. Go after those who are less-active in the gospel and save both them and their children. Jesus Christ is coming. Prophesies are being fulfilled everyday. The signs of the times are here. We have to raise the bar, Brothers and Sisters. We need to do everything we can. We have been given 1440 minutes everyday. What are you doing to do with those minutes? They are a gift. How are you going to honor that gift?

I know that Jesus is the living Christ. I know his church has been restored through a modern day prophet. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. I know that Book of Mormon is the true word of God. I know that the Priesthood is real, and that it is a blessing. We have been given a prophet, been given the scripture, been given the Priesthood, so that we can raise our families in a dying, terrifying world. Let us humble ourselves and turn to God. He loves us; what more do we need?

Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

Always,
Sister Moore

October 19, 2011

Hola,

It's been a good week! We up'd our numbers this week and I think I'm going to be exhausted for the rest of my mission. But that's okay.. I fall asleep easier that way. We found a little family who in the past had said no to missionaries because they were happy in their faith. We asked if they ever got a chance to read the Book of Mormon and they responded, "no, not really". I bore testimony of what the Book of Mormon is and what it means personally to me, and the next thing they say is, "Hmm... we'll have to pull that out and read it". So awesome! We're going back in a couple weeks as they are going out of town... but they are just so awesome! We have been getting some LA's into the Book of Mormon lately, too. Our testimonies are powerful, and not because we have been set apart as missionaries. Our Zone Leaders challenged us to come up with a personal goal for the companionship and then report back on it next week. We decided to focus our dinner appointments around the restoration of the gospel and preset for referrals. It's been amazing the Spirit that has been with us as we talk about the restored gospel and why we live it. The members are reliving their own conversion, whenever it was, and are finding that desire to share, just like Lehi and the Tree of Life (1 Ne. 8). Use your testimony, and the Lord will be right there with you. Believe that. Know that.

I started the Book of Mormon over in studies and I read 1 Nephi 17 this morning. I love that it was Nephi's faith that enabled him to build a boat, but what really stuck out to me was at the end of the chapter where he testified: "Behold, I am full of the Spirit of God, insomuch that my frame has no strength". My mind instantly went to an experience I had back in the VC. Sister Browning and I were taking a tour with a brother not of our faith. He kept going on and on about how he's seen Jesus and many other things that I don't remember, but there was no room for the spirit to be there. Next thing I knew, I opened my mouth. I don't remember what I said, but after I was done, it was silent. That brother had been humbled, and I almost fell to my knees. At the time I didn't know what happened, but with that knowledge that Nephi testified of being used as an instrument in the hands of the Lord so the Spirit could teach, not him, I was humbled as I was found worthy to experience something so sacred. Which brings me to the CD Kimberly sent to me (thank you!!!). It has "Called to Serve" on it and so of course it was wonderful. One line really stuck out: "Called to know the richness of His blessings". It just hit me. I was called as a missionary to understand, to know, just what Heavenly Father is capable of. I was called to know how much He loves each and every one of His children. I was called to know how rich His blessings truly are. And that goes for anything in the Kingdom: callings, service, anything. We serve to know, we are to understand. And what better blessing is there than to feel Godly love?

Last week we got a call from the Zone Leaders saying that President and Sister Keyes were coming to District Meeting and would be going out on team ups with us for a little bit that Friday. The ZL's are known for pulling pranks on us so I really didn't take them seriously. However, at the end of District Meeting they walk in the door, and take us out to lunch, and we went out with the mission president's wife for a couple hours. It was intimidating, but awesome! She's such a sweetheart. Our new district leader (last DL got a special assignment in the office for the last 3 weeks of his mission, so a new DL was called) got to go out with President. Oh... so funny. So awesome.

One morning we woke up to a slug on our ceiling in the kitchen. I still have no idea how it got in the house. I got a card reader (Thank you, Will!) and now can finally send you pictures! Yay! A couple go all the way back to the Fall Festival last month. I hope you all can view them. Eventually I get into more of a habit. Zone P-day last Monday was awesome. We went on our nature walk and it was beautiful! I sent a couple pictures of it. Along the hike we found a pond. One of the new Elders was just hanging out so I snapped a shot. You can see the vast beauty of the changing leaves reflecting off the water. I love Fall... it seriously is my favorite season.

Sister T has received quite a few letters! Thank you all SO much! She says she'll respond as soon as she can. :) I loved receiving notes from Mom, Dad, Henry, Will, Derek, Chelsie, and SAM!!! Oh Sam, how I've missed you. haha. Congratulations to Trish & Russell Dickerson on little baby Elliott! What a blessing he will be to you, and what great parents and missionaries you'll be to him. Family picture soon... yes? :)

Things are good. Still working and being safe, no worries. We might make pumpkin chocolate chip cookies today... Thank you for everything you do. I'm so grateful for such a support system and such wonderful examples in my life. The gospel is true. The fulness of it has been restored just for us! Why not taste of the fruit?Jesus is the Christ, he lives, and he loves us. Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

Always,
Sister Moore

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRISH! And ELLIOTT!!!...?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRISH! And ELLIOTT!!!...? Send me updates immediately. Please and thank you.

Oh my goodness, what a week! And then to see the inbox full of amazing news just made it better! Although, I'm not quite sure my parents joined a biker gang... all I know is the picture will go in my photo album.

I feel like it's the day after Christmas. General Conference is such a gift as a missionary; I had no idea. I was able to even stay awake through them all! ... and unlike back in April, I got to see all of them except Elder Uchtdorf's talk Saturday morning. A day before we got a call from a member that her aunt passed away and had this huge responsibility to be in charge of feeding 100-200 people after the service. She had no resources to do so. So she called us, and we called some people. The funeral was at a Baptist church... yep, I attended in a Baptist church, tag and all. We got the weirdest looks from people as we walked around and took part of the services. It was great. The Relief Society came to the rescue and relieved this sister and we put a great name out for the church. Randomly, our neighbor's girlfriend was there with her dad. Coincidence? I think not. So, we left conference early to get to that.

But conference was amazing. The Sunday sessions we watched with one of our eternigators. :) He really enjoyed the message and thought it was "interesting". So that's good. I don't have my notes in front of me but I was writing throughout the whole thing it seemed. The Lord opened my eyes and heart to so many new things. I saw a theme in the sessions, too. I saw a lot of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.... faith, repentance, baptism, holy ghost, endure to the end, and the Atonement. And President Monson... oh I just love that man. "Hi!".... hahaha. I hear in Priesthood session he was pretty animated too. I'll have to go back and watch those sometime soon. I'll send back some notes next week. We have Zone P-day today so we are a little pressed for time in getting down to Warrensburg. We guilted (is that a word? the computer doesn't recognize it...) the Elders into doing something besides sports all day, and they found us a "nature walk". Haha, good Elders... doughnut. I'm excited.

I've learned a lot for myself this week about how to apply the Atonement into everyday life. Conference was a blessing. The prophet and apostles taught that the Atonement takes care of the rest of life that is unfair, not just sins. We preach that everyday. That's the whole reason we have a church and a gospel. To rid ourselves of those things that make us heavy. I'm realizing more and more that love is the center of it all. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have already done so much for us, but they still allow us to find that quarter on the side of the street in order to enjoy a piece of chicken. Their love is unconditional. And they have so much in store for us. I greatly anticipate the day to when I can see my Father in Heaven's face and know Godly love. That's why we share the gospel... that's why I share the gospel.

Think about what the restoration means to you. What if Joseph Smith never sought for truth? What if the pioneers never made it west? What if we didn't have faithful members of the church today? What if we never had the Book of Mormon (I loved that talk about the Book of Mormon... it is either good or evil. Go find our for yourself)? What if Christ never accomplished the Atonement? What if we didn't have the knowledge that we can be with our loved ones forever?

But the thing is... the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as restored through Joseph Smith gives us answers to questions we can't find anywhere else. Once you understand, your confidence in yourself and in the Lord expands greatly. Why not give the missionaries a chance to share it with you? Why not listen to your LDS neighbor for just a moment? Why not be open to so much more?

I know this gospel is true. I know it was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. I know we have a living prophet on the earth today. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know I am a daughter of God. And I know this work will never stop until Christ himself says, "well done".

Always,
Sister Moore