Absolute Truth.

Dear Family,

         There really never are words to explain what happens in a week. The Casey's were baptized this past Thursday and confirmed just yesterday. We found these bookmarks that said, "The Temple, I'm going there someday." I will never forget the grin on Greg's face before he went down into the water. He is just so HAPPY! He is someone who has always had God in his life. He has always lived a clean and moral lifestyle. So what is it that makes this all so different? So many people talk about the "programs" of the church or the "focus on the family." They admire these things and find good in every church. Which is absolutely true. There are lots of "good" things.

         But what does it mean for something to be "true?" What is "truth?" Truth is unchanging. Regardless of opinions, judgments, or belief. Regardless of whether you agree, disregard, overindulge or misinterpret... truth is the same. God is the source of all truth. As we talk with the many people we meet each day that question frequently plays on my mind. I can clearly see how if we can only help them to draw closer to their Savior, He will testify of truth to them. My heart aches at times for others to take that simple invitation to just pray to our Heavenly Father. Prayer is such a simple principle but I have seen in my own life how it is often difficult to live. I sometimes wonder if He would even want to hear from me. In fact... I have even felt silly or like I am "talking to myself." But it’s amazing how simple the truths of the gospel are. All starting with "faith." If we can just believe or desire to believe that He is listening. He will answer us with that sweet feeling of comfort. Greg said the other day that he is "happier than he has ever been before." (He says it with the cutest grin on his face) He understands there are challenges, but he feels solidity. He feels like he is grounded in something real.

         Any time we follow Jesus Christ we are blessed and we are happy. But because He loves us SO much... He has provided us with the truth. The reason why Greg is so much happier is because He now has the fullness of the gospel. I am so grateful to be able to read from the scriptures and receive answers to my prayers. Currently I am reading the Book of Mormon in 90 days. As I have done this I have felt Him strengthen my resolve to follow Him.

         This week has been great. I even got to go on exchanges with my favorite Sister Montgomery! It was a magical day and one of my favorite memories is meeting with a man named Roy. He said he had prayed that day and knew that "angels would come to him today." He is a very... philosophical man? He works with autistic children and the second he looked into my eyes he asked me, "what do you do for a living?" I started to answer and he said, "Wait don't tell me. Have you ever worked with autistic children before?" My jaw dropped to the ground. He kept looking at me in that misty-eyed way when we would talk and he would say, "The angels surround you." Every time I felt the spirit, he would always make reference to "angels." It’s funny how we can have the same feeling but others have different words for it. Things are going good! I hope all is well with you guys! I love you lots! Have a great week!

Love,

Sister Mitchell

Wisdom—Written January 22, 2013

Dear Family,

         What does it mean to be wise? You guys all know me very well. You know I am a goofball that goes where the wind blows and loves to smell the roses. To be wise do you have to be serious? I have been thinking a lot about it and I am no expert but when I think of someone that has wisdom I think of someone who can "See with clarity." Someone who sees things clearly, as they are, and as they can be. They think before they act.

         When I think about those that I respect, they almost always are the people whom you would say are "wise."   President Weston is one of those men and I have learned much from his example. He is a successful man who has many talents. He has done well in the business world and is very successful. So is that what it takes to be wise? You need to be a world-renowned attorney? I read a talk from the latest Ensign that talked about the Wisdom of God and answered questions that I feel like I have been wondering about for my WHOLE mission. It said something along the lines of, "Wisdom of the world is good as long as it is ALWAYS willing to step behind the wisdom of God." Meaning... (Sister Mitchell's Interpretation) That it is good to be talented and successful. It is important to seek out an education, to learn the things of the world, to grow and improve. But that we must ALWAYS be willing to bend OUR will and OUR talents to follow God's will. He truly is wise. He sees with clarity and if we are always humble enough to bend to His will, then we will never be led astray. I know my thoughts are jumbled but this week was INCREDIBLE. I got to go to the Temple on Saturday with Sister Rupp and the Klippels. We went to see Gabriel and Melody do baptisms for the dead. Then that evening we came back to Auburn for Heather’s baptism. Her little three year old shouted out loud when we walked in the building, "MOMMY! Is this God's house?!?!?!" Heather replied, "Yes Riley, this is God's house." Then Riley said, "Where is He!?!?! Is He home?" It was so sweet to start the baptism off in that way. She had lots of family and friends come to support and her husband came as well. Things have been so busy for us and in all that is expected of me, I only hope that I can utilize the talents that He has given me to bring about success among these people while ALWAYS allowing His wisdom to lead me and guide me. I love you all! Sorry for all the random thoughts. Remember how I used to email on Tuesdays and would need to get going because I had an appointment? Welp... that’s happened again! The work must go on! I love you all!

Love,

Sister Mitchell

Our Desires—Written January 14, 2013

Dear Family,

         Transfers came today and I will be staying here with Sister Siemens in Auburn! I also got what corny missionaries call a "trunky planner" this week. And inside there are these hidden secret notes from my MOM! (How did you do that!?!?! Sister Garfield is SO sneaky! Haha) This week was incredible. I have been reflecting a lot on what I want this last transfer to be like and what kinds of things I want to do with the time that I have left. This week we taught a lesson to our investigator Angelina, who was just baptized this past week. We turned together to Alma 32 where we read not only about faith but also about "desire." I have been privileged to have been with her in this process and to have learned so much from her perseverance. When asked if she believes God loves her... at times (hard times) the answer has been, "No, how could anyone KNOW that?" She may even make reference to that warm feeling and say, "How do I know it’s not just a flux in temperature or that I am not just making it up?" To be honest I have asked myself the same question at times. But I am so grateful for the scriptures. He tells us that if we can only but muster a "DESIRE to believe" then (of our own free will) we must CHOOSE to let this desire work in us. I have seen in my own life, my companions’, and those we speak with... they are right on the cusp. They are so close to being able to feel of God's love and that quiet confidence that comes as we heed His still small voice. But it is and always will be their choice.

         The baptism went great this past week. We had several of the people we have been meeting with come out to see it. Roger and Denise are a newly married couple we are meeting with. His wife is a member but he is Catholic. The Blotti's were there. Sister Elliott got to come back and visit. Greg and Liz were there and then came to church the following day. They went out and bought all new church clothes. As we meet with them. It seems like EVERYTHING we say just makes his face light up. He glows. He grins from ear to ear. When he hears the truths of the gospel. When he hears how families truly can be together forever... it resonates with him. Liz was sharing with us that in preparing their vows... they always felt wrong about putting in "till death do us part." The words they chose to replace it with was, "throughout all eternity." When they shared that story with us... my heart was so full that words can’t describe. There truly are people that search. People that have had the truth implanted in their hearts and yearn and hope that their desires will come true. But, as we know from Alma, that desire, coupled with the truth... turns into a faith. Turns into a comfort and knowing that we truly will be able to be with our families again. I know that this church is true. But I haven't always known it. In fact, the world can distract us and can confuse us and can stifle the answers that we may otherwise receive from a loving Heavenly Father. I know, through serving others, that God lives. That no matter how far away we may turn from Him or the many times that we may doubt His existence or the expanse of His love... He is real. His love is simple and if we can just desire to believe in Him. Desire to know this "comforting" feeling that others speak of. Then, as we let that desire work on us and move us to our knees, we will feel of His love. He truly will become an anchor for us in our lives. We will feel calmer, less frazzled. We will have more hope. We will look forward to a life with Him and we will serve all those around us on our journey.

         Did I ever tell you that I LOVE being a missionary? Well I do. And I love the gospel. And I am REDICULOUSLY grateful for all the people that have put up with me over the years and loved me. I am grateful for my sweet family and I love you all to death! On my trunky planner that Sister Garfield made for me it says, "Forever Green." Which I find to be an extremely fitting not only for my mission, but my life. I remember first getting here and a missionary telling me that my "Greenie Fire" would eventually wear off. I remember wondering why it would "wear off." Because "greenie fire" simply means to be excited about the gospel. Well I AM! And I hope to be that way forever. No matter what challenges I may face in life. I know that the Lord will help me and comfort me. You’re all the best! I love you all!

Love,

Sister Mitchell            

Success and Trials? Written January 7, 2013

Dear Family,

         I have come to find that whenever things are starting to turn out "good," that trials strike. I think I am learning a life lesson right now that has been a long time coming. We had an awesome lesson with The Kasey's this past week in which we taught about the Restoration of the Gospel. The discussion was great, there was such a warm feeling in their home and joy just exudes from them. I can't wait for you to meet them! When asked why Greg wants this for his family, his reply is always something along the lines of, "I want us to be a stronger unit." The two of them are SO sweet to each other and Greg frequently mentions how Liz is one of the biggest blessings God has given him. So to hear him say that he wants to be a "stronger unit" just teaches me that, even when we think we are doing well, the gospel can strengthen and deepen our love for those around us. It truly does improve the quality of our lives.

Sister Siemens and Sister Mitchell

         The work is moving here now the way it was in Dry Creek and I forgot how overwhelming it is when that happens. We have Angelina's baptism this Saturday. Heather's is next Saturday. Then the Saturday after that is the Kaseys. Then we have a bunch more incredible people that are progressing and just doing great. There is not enough time in a day! When there is no one to teach I feel helplessly reliant on the Lord. I plead with Him that we can be able to touch to lives of many within our area. And then when I get what I asked for.... Does it get any easier!?!?! NO! Haha. In fact... I wake up at all hours of the night with a thought or idea. When I run, shower, drive or eat, my thoughts are constantly darting from one person to another. Like the scriptures say, I feel like my "anxiety is great!" But you know what I came to the realization of this week..... I LOVE IT! I love that feeling of helplessness. When he has entrusted us with so many people I begin to see how I cannot do it without Him. It’s then that I KNOW that He is in charge of this work. I can feel Him strengthening me and helping me to do things far beyond my capacity.

A third Companion????

         So when I say there have been trials. I don't mean the kind that makes me want to give up. I mean the kind that re-assures me that I am on the right path. Salvation is not easy. When we are doing what is right, we will face opposition. Like the parable of the sower. Our seed may fall on soil and strike root for a moment but if we do not continue to nurture it... it will wither. There are so many people here in Auburn that have made this decision to come closer to Christ and in turn... they still face opposition. But I think I am learning the lesson at the same time as our investigators that... the key isn't to "avoid the storm" but it is to "choose the right while the storm rages." When we make the right choices even amongst our trials. It shows great faith and then our Heavenly Father knows that we will follow Him selflessly. I love the Lord and am so thankful for His influence in my life and the lives of those we meet with. The Blottis’ and Angelina have really been struggling this week and my heart just aches for them. But I know they will be strengthened if they turn to Him. I am so grateful for you guys and for all you do. Speaking on March 10th eh? Wow. I can't believe how quickly time has flown. I guess sometimes I take comfort in the fact that we get to serve God for our "whole" lives. We get to serve in many callings in our life. I think about the many people from the Twelve Oaks 1st Ward who have had an effect on my through their church callings. Not even just the Twelve Oaks Ward but there are even people I remember from Tucson. Sister Moore. There are many truths I learned from those people that have helped me in my life and have helped me build a stronger relationship with my Father in Heaven. I am so grateful to have parents who have a testimony of that and have lived their lives according to His gospel. I love you guys! Thanks for all you do                 

Love,

Sister Mitchell