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