I have a busy week coming up. Today is P-day, Tuesday is our mission/christmas conference which I am suppossed to be singing in, but I have this really weird cough. The same one I had in Pleasanton. I think it's allergies. Anyways, that should be interesting. AFter Tuesday things get even crazier. Sister Kleisler gets to go home for Christmas, but then that leaves me without a companion for two weeks. So I am going into a trio. My new companions will be Sister Harward and Sister Christiansen. They're cool. President told us our new area will be Texas North. Hahaha. sigh. I serve in North San Antonio and they serve in Canyon lake which is even norther. And their area is huge, and my area is a decent size. So for two weeks we'll be covering both areas (Aka we don't get extra miles so I'll be delegating a lot of assignments to the Encino Park ward missionaries. For Christmas...well, I have no idea where I will be. oh well. Then we have transfers on January 8th and I'll get a new companion and go back to Encino Park. However, we won't have a place to live cause the Smiths need us to leave cause their son is coming home from his mission....So that's up in the air. I haven't finished packing or cleaning so I got to run, but here's some highlights:
I went to the Temple and I saw Sister Bonner (I lived in her house for 6 months back in Anderson Mill). Sister Liddiard (First Area's bishop's wife), Sister Dickson, and President Dickson (First area's former stake president), and then the Young couple (Brother young was Joshua's fellowshipper). It was super cool.
Gale and Theresa Skousen gave us three referrals. So far we've only been able to contact the Weich family. They were so sweet. We shared the Christmas story found in the Book of Mormon (Samuel's prophesy and the sign in the sky). They enjoyed it very much. They said they still had a Book of Mormon from when Gale and Theresa gave it to them almost ten years ago. After we shared our message they shared a little about their Catholic belief and then she gave each of us a rosary. It was really nice. So they probably wont be converting anytime soon, but they really appreciated our visit which was neat for us. Interestingly enough, when we reported this visit in PEC Brother Jones came up after and told us he knew the Weich family and he was actually planning on seeing them this next week, so he said he'd keep tabs on them for us. Cool.
Merry Christmas everyone
love,
sister johnson
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
My Motivation
12/14/2009
I have a testimony of prayer. I know that Heavenly Father answers prayers. I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon. It is the word of God and I find the guidance that I need to fulfill my purpose. I have a testimony of the first principles of the gospel of Christ. Those principles are the means through which we can apply the healing power of the atonement. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and I know that because of the Book of Mormon. The Christ's priesthood power was restored by Joseph Smith and that power can turn promises into eternal binding covenants. Absolute truth does exist and even though we live in a relative and subjective reality clouded by social lenses, we have access to absolute truth through the Holy Ghost. Jesus Christ is real and His power is real. Jesus Christ is the evidence of our Heavenly Father’s love.
This is why I'm on a mission. This knowledge has given me greater blessings than the blessings I invariably would have received had I not accepted the gospel. These greater blessings (being bound with family for eternity, entrance into the celestial kingdom to live with God forever, complete remission of my sins, the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost, being made perfect through Jesus Christ) are available to all of God's children, but we are the only ones who know about it so we have to tell everybody. Every single person on this planet has been and will continue to be blessed by the atonement of Christ without condition, but there are some blessings that are too precious to force upon us. We have to receive them and we do that by showing God that we're willing to change and align our priorities with His and make whatever sacrifice is necessary to deserve it...and then is the gift given to us? No. Our best effort isn't good enough for eternal justice because we're little children, but it's good enough for Christ. So we have to petition for a greater portion of His grace (greater than the grace we already receive unconditionally). Christ teaches that we can't have these greater blessings without being healed/cleansed by Him (through baptism) and He wont force it upon us without our permission which we give by our faith, repentance, and endurance:
"And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end."
Knowing this, is it any wonder that Christ would command us to be baptized and live faithful to the covenant we make with him?
"Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day." 3 Nephi 27:19-20
Why immersion in water? Why by the priesthood authority found in the restored church? Why must we do it this way? I could come up with all sorts of answers, but in all honesty I have no idea. But I know that the Book of Mormon is true because I have received a witness of it by the Holy Ghost. I know that the Prophets today receive direct revelation from God because I have received a witness of this from the Holy Ghost. Therefore I'll do whatever is necessary because I want to be with my family for eternity, I want to live with God again, I want all these greater blessings. And I'm on a mission because I want everyone else to have these blessings as well.
I love you all,
Sister Johnson
For those with questions go to mormon.org
I have a testimony of prayer. I know that Heavenly Father answers prayers. I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon. It is the word of God and I find the guidance that I need to fulfill my purpose. I have a testimony of the first principles of the gospel of Christ. Those principles are the means through which we can apply the healing power of the atonement. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and I know that because of the Book of Mormon. The Christ's priesthood power was restored by Joseph Smith and that power can turn promises into eternal binding covenants. Absolute truth does exist and even though we live in a relative and subjective reality clouded by social lenses, we have access to absolute truth through the Holy Ghost. Jesus Christ is real and His power is real. Jesus Christ is the evidence of our Heavenly Father’s love.
This is why I'm on a mission. This knowledge has given me greater blessings than the blessings I invariably would have received had I not accepted the gospel. These greater blessings (being bound with family for eternity, entrance into the celestial kingdom to live with God forever, complete remission of my sins, the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost, being made perfect through Jesus Christ) are available to all of God's children, but we are the only ones who know about it so we have to tell everybody. Every single person on this planet has been and will continue to be blessed by the atonement of Christ without condition, but there are some blessings that are too precious to force upon us. We have to receive them and we do that by showing God that we're willing to change and align our priorities with His and make whatever sacrifice is necessary to deserve it...and then is the gift given to us? No. Our best effort isn't good enough for eternal justice because we're little children, but it's good enough for Christ. So we have to petition for a greater portion of His grace (greater than the grace we already receive unconditionally). Christ teaches that we can't have these greater blessings without being healed/cleansed by Him (through baptism) and He wont force it upon us without our permission which we give by our faith, repentance, and endurance:
"And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end."
Knowing this, is it any wonder that Christ would command us to be baptized and live faithful to the covenant we make with him?
"Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day." 3 Nephi 27:19-20
Why immersion in water? Why by the priesthood authority found in the restored church? Why must we do it this way? I could come up with all sorts of answers, but in all honesty I have no idea. But I know that the Book of Mormon is true because I have received a witness of it by the Holy Ghost. I know that the Prophets today receive direct revelation from God because I have received a witness of this from the Holy Ghost. Therefore I'll do whatever is necessary because I want to be with my family for eternity, I want to live with God again, I want all these greater blessings. And I'm on a mission because I want everyone else to have these blessings as well.
I love you all,
Sister Johnson
For those with questions go to mormon.org
Monday, November 30, 2009
The Dynamic Duo is Back
So I’ve been transferred and you’ll never guess who my new companion is…it’s Sister Kleisler again! Crazy! This is her last transfer on the mission and then she’ll go back home. The first time I saw Sister Kleisler was my first full day in Texas a year ago. A bunch of missionaries were on a bus driving to Austin and Sister Kleisler and her companion at the time sat in front of me. Sister Kleisler was talking and gabbing and talking like she normally does and then I remember her pointing to her companion who was about to go home and say, “And after I kill her off I’m going to— ”. ‘What in the world?’ I thought, ‘Who are these people? What is going on? Missionaries killing missionaries? What?’ I soon realized that she was using lingo to say that she, Sister Kleisler, would be her companion’s last companion before her companion, went home. Companion. I just wanted to see how many times I could use the word companion in one sentence, companion. Everyone says that a mission is like I mini life: you’re born leaving your old life behind, you fulfill your purpose, and then you die and go back home. So the first time I met sister Kleisler she was talking about how she was killing off her companion and now I will be the companion that kills her off. Haha. Yes, it’s a morbid analogy and I’m not sure why I perpetuate it. I guess I’ve just given up trying to fight missionary culture and instead embraced it.
So we’re up in North San Antonio in ward called Encino Park. On Thanksgiving we participated in the ward’s annual Turkey Trot to the Temple (the temple is real close to us…cool!). So we trotted to the temple and we were meeting a bunch of the ward members. Because we’re right by Fort Sam there’s a lot of military personnel in the area. Sister Kleisler mentioned that in our ward there were a lot of military doctors. Military doctors? I wonder if this is Gale and Theresa Skousen’s old ward. There are a ton of wards all over San Antonio so it was a slim chance, but I asked around and lo and behold this is the same ward that the Skousens were part of back however many years ago they lived here. Everyone that’s been here awhile remembers them and luckily for me the Skousens left a good impression so now they think I’m cool by nature of the fact that I know them. Blessings.
Here’s another cool connection. On Thanksgiving we were over at President and Sister Foote’s house for a Thanksgiving dinner (we actually had four Thanksgiving dinners which was awesome). So we were talking about how I knew the Skousens and then Sister Foote asked if I knew the family that was in a car accident on Thanksgiving years ago. Uh…yes, I replied, I’m the oldest daughter of that family. Come to find out she knew my mom in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Wiltbank and Peterson family were good friends in Fort Collins and two of the biggest families in the ward. Then they both moved to Texas. The Petersons moved to Bryan and the Wiltbanks to Beeville. What’s funny is that we realized that I had totally gone over and visited Sister Foote’s parents when I lived in Bryan 10 years ago. I didn’t remember the name Peterson, but I definitely remembered the names Lola and Delvar. So Jody Peterson Foote has a lot of connections with my family.
Here’s one more random connection. Brother and Sister Riding in this ward know Jill and Tracey Bellistan (I can’t spell it correctly but I can spell in phonetically). Jill was my young women’s president back in Lindon. Apparently they’re good friends.
It’s a small world, and the Mormon world is even smaller.
So the ‘Dynamic Duo’ is back! (That’s what the AP’s call us). It’s neat being Sister Kleisler’s companion again because we can just jump right in without having to go through the awkward first-week-as-companions thing. We teach really well together so it’s fun to be in lessons and just easily transition back and forth.
Oh, I forgot! I’m living with members again. Nancy and Jeff Smith are empty nesters for the time being so we’re living with them. They are awesome. Unfortunately for us their son is getting home from his mission soon which means we can no longer live here. So we’ll be moving out in January. Speaking of where I live, here’s my new address:
2210 Encino Cliff
San Antonio, TX 78259
Well, I love you all! Have a great day!
sj
So we’re up in North San Antonio in ward called Encino Park. On Thanksgiving we participated in the ward’s annual Turkey Trot to the Temple (the temple is real close to us…cool!). So we trotted to the temple and we were meeting a bunch of the ward members. Because we’re right by Fort Sam there’s a lot of military personnel in the area. Sister Kleisler mentioned that in our ward there were a lot of military doctors. Military doctors? I wonder if this is Gale and Theresa Skousen’s old ward. There are a ton of wards all over San Antonio so it was a slim chance, but I asked around and lo and behold this is the same ward that the Skousens were part of back however many years ago they lived here. Everyone that’s been here awhile remembers them and luckily for me the Skousens left a good impression so now they think I’m cool by nature of the fact that I know them. Blessings.
Here’s another cool connection. On Thanksgiving we were over at President and Sister Foote’s house for a Thanksgiving dinner (we actually had four Thanksgiving dinners which was awesome). So we were talking about how I knew the Skousens and then Sister Foote asked if I knew the family that was in a car accident on Thanksgiving years ago. Uh…yes, I replied, I’m the oldest daughter of that family. Come to find out she knew my mom in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Wiltbank and Peterson family were good friends in Fort Collins and two of the biggest families in the ward. Then they both moved to Texas. The Petersons moved to Bryan and the Wiltbanks to Beeville. What’s funny is that we realized that I had totally gone over and visited Sister Foote’s parents when I lived in Bryan 10 years ago. I didn’t remember the name Peterson, but I definitely remembered the names Lola and Delvar. So Jody Peterson Foote has a lot of connections with my family.
Here’s one more random connection. Brother and Sister Riding in this ward know Jill and Tracey Bellistan (I can’t spell it correctly but I can spell in phonetically). Jill was my young women’s president back in Lindon. Apparently they’re good friends.
It’s a small world, and the Mormon world is even smaller.
So the ‘Dynamic Duo’ is back! (That’s what the AP’s call us). It’s neat being Sister Kleisler’s companion again because we can just jump right in without having to go through the awkward first-week-as-companions thing. We teach really well together so it’s fun to be in lessons and just easily transition back and forth.
Oh, I forgot! I’m living with members again. Nancy and Jeff Smith are empty nesters for the time being so we’re living with them. They are awesome. Unfortunately for us their son is getting home from his mission soon which means we can no longer live here. So we’ll be moving out in January. Speaking of where I live, here’s my new address:
2210 Encino Cliff
San Antonio, TX 78259
Well, I love you all! Have a great day!
sj
Monday, November 23, 2009
just another roller coaster week
James got baptized!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay! He got baptized on November 22 which is cool for me because that date has not always evoked the happiest memories. It’s a sad day for me because of what I lost, but now it can be a happy too because it will remind me of the rebirth that comes with binding yourself to Christ through baptism. He almost didn’t get baptized though. Of course the adversary had to have one last stab at James. We had an appointment with James the night before the baptism. He called us on his way home from Austin. He told us that he wasn’t going to make the appointment because they were going to be late getting back. Why? Because they were having to stop the car every ten minutes to let James run out and …how can I say this delicately…well, so he could be sick. Anyways, he had the worse flu bug ever. Fever, puking everything thing. Was he still going to get baptized? Well…he still wanted to. He didn’t want to postpone it and said he’d be fine. The next day ward told us to postpone the baptism because he was sick and we were starting to come to the same conclusion…however, we are missionaries and we know that postponing a baptism is usually a very, very bad idea except for extreme circumstances…I don’t have enough time to explain why, but just trust me. Well, we left it up to James and there was nothing stopping him. So we filled up the font, set up the chairs, printed out the programs, and then waited because during the middle of church James had to go home and sleep. And we waited….everyone was asking us what we were waiting for…oh, just James, the person getting baptized. We called him and he kept saying he had to grab random stuff. What was taking him so long? It was only 45 minutes…but that is a long time in that situation. Anyways, no one really cared because Pleasanton ward is awesome and the people just relish life as they live it and aren’t bothered by sudden changes in plan. Well, finally James came in. Everything was ready to go, everyone was there…except for one person. Charles Bray…James’ best friend and a recent convert himself who had since gone less active. The whole time we taught James he told us how he knew Charles would come to his baptism because he would know how important it was for him. Oh sad day. He started to step into the font when suddenly the door opened and in walked Charles!!!! Everyone gasped and smiled to see him since he hadn’t been to church for quite awhile. Sister Dodge and I were ecstatic. So James got baptized. It was quick and simple…nothing fancy or huge because ordinances are just a gate. Baptisms are not my favorite part of the mission…they are way too stressful. My favorite part as being a missionary is visiting my recent converts after baptism and seeing their testimonies grow and watching them come closer to Christ. Best experience ever.
And guess what! Anna-marie is getting baptized. We taught her last week and invited her to be baptized. She was hesitant so we talked awhile longer with her and then we asked her again…and she said yes! As soon as she did the entire room filled with the Spirit. It was cool…and of course she started crying and it was great. She told her mom and her bother back in Dallas after our appointment. Her brother was so excited about it as she read parts of the Book of Mormon to him over the phone. He asked if he could have a Book of Mormon too. So we sent the Dallas missionaries over to him and they talked to Anna-marie’s whole family and her brother for sure is now getting baptized and the rest of her family wants to learn more. Oh wow, oh wow. Sister Dodge and I are so glad we stopped to talk to her the time we did a month ago. It made the hundred billion times we talked to people who were not ready totally worth it.
So things in Pleasanton are going really well…the sad part is…I’m getting transferred…tomorrow. Sigh. I’m totally sad. I am going to miss Anna Hopp (my October recent convert sooooooooo much!) She is learning so much and she’s coming back to church now because she is finally healed enough from her surgery to come back. I am going to miss James and Anna-Marie. I’m going to miss Clarissa and Toby (other converts) and the Swaims, Partridges, and Mitchells. I know going to a new place will be good, but I was not prepared for how much I would have to say good bye on my mission. It’s awful. But I’ll hold tight because the Lord has never led me astray and I’m starting to trust that more and more.
farewell pleasanton
sj
And guess what! Anna-marie is getting baptized. We taught her last week and invited her to be baptized. She was hesitant so we talked awhile longer with her and then we asked her again…and she said yes! As soon as she did the entire room filled with the Spirit. It was cool…and of course she started crying and it was great. She told her mom and her bother back in Dallas after our appointment. Her brother was so excited about it as she read parts of the Book of Mormon to him over the phone. He asked if he could have a Book of Mormon too. So we sent the Dallas missionaries over to him and they talked to Anna-marie’s whole family and her brother for sure is now getting baptized and the rest of her family wants to learn more. Oh wow, oh wow. Sister Dodge and I are so glad we stopped to talk to her the time we did a month ago. It made the hundred billion times we talked to people who were not ready totally worth it.
So things in Pleasanton are going really well…the sad part is…I’m getting transferred…tomorrow. Sigh. I’m totally sad. I am going to miss Anna Hopp (my October recent convert sooooooooo much!) She is learning so much and she’s coming back to church now because she is finally healed enough from her surgery to come back. I am going to miss James and Anna-Marie. I’m going to miss Clarissa and Toby (other converts) and the Swaims, Partridges, and Mitchells. I know going to a new place will be good, but I was not prepared for how much I would have to say good bye on my mission. It’s awful. But I’ll hold tight because the Lord has never led me astray and I’m starting to trust that more and more.
farewell pleasanton
sj
Monday, November 16, 2009
visualize whirled peas
People keep asking us about our political views so I’ve decided that in this letter I will give it to you. This applies to all nations, cultures, and ethnicities regardless of time and space.
If you are worried that your social and economical and political stability is about to come crashing down follow these steps:
1. Examine and evaluate your own personal righteousness. Are you keeping God’s commandments? If not, repent. Do you know what God’s commandments are? If not, find out. Before you start judging others take a deep look within yourself.
2. Declare God’s commandments to those around you and lovingly encourage repentance.
3.Read Daily (Scriptures and accurate reports on current events)
4. Pray Frequently
5. Participate Regularly
6. Stand Firmly…but learn constantly
7. Ask yourself honestly, “Are my actions motivated by love for God and His children?”
That’s it. If your society is falling apart this is how you can save it. How do I know that? Because I have been studying a book that describes the rise and fall of civilizations and I have concluded from my studies that if you keep God’s commandments you will prosper in the land and if you don’t keep His commandments then society falls apart…Not necessarily because God is inflicting punishment, but because the natural consequence for breaking God’s commandments is destruction! He didn’t randomly pick a certain way of life and choose it to be His commandment and then attach a magical spell to it and those who live that lifestyle are magically happier and more successful than those who don’t. He knows what choices will naturally lead to the most happiness and those are the choices in which He commands us to make…but it’s still our choice. Choose you this day…
Well, shoot my chickens…my times almost up. Missionary work was soooooo awesome this week. Two people: James and Anna-marie. James is the son of a member. He has been around the church for 10 years, but never wanted to be a part of it. He was a teenager and wasn’t interested. But then he hears that the sister missionaries were going to teach one of his best friends who happens to be a less active member. So he randomly showed up for the appointment and this time it really hit him. He was ready to change…and three weeks later he’s decided to be baptized. Awesome!!!!
Anna-marie: we saw her walking down the street and felt a strong impression to go and talk to her, but because of where she was at it was really hard and awkward to go up and talk to her…but awkwardness defines our daily lives so we talked to her anyways…and guess what…she wanted to talk to us. She went to the relief society talent auction on tuedsay, had a lesson at the swaims on Thursday, and went to church with us on Sunday. After Pleasanton ward Sister Dodge and I got this crazy idea to bring Anna-Marie and James up to the singles ward (an hour drive away!) And even though they had already had 3 hours of church they totally came with us for 3 more hours!!! It was awesome. The singles branch was so excited to see two new investigators. It was awesome!
I love you all,
sj
If you are worried that your social and economical and political stability is about to come crashing down follow these steps:
1. Examine and evaluate your own personal righteousness. Are you keeping God’s commandments? If not, repent. Do you know what God’s commandments are? If not, find out. Before you start judging others take a deep look within yourself.
2. Declare God’s commandments to those around you and lovingly encourage repentance.
3.Read Daily (Scriptures and accurate reports on current events)
4. Pray Frequently
5. Participate Regularly
6. Stand Firmly…but learn constantly
7. Ask yourself honestly, “Are my actions motivated by love for God and His children?”
That’s it. If your society is falling apart this is how you can save it. How do I know that? Because I have been studying a book that describes the rise and fall of civilizations and I have concluded from my studies that if you keep God’s commandments you will prosper in the land and if you don’t keep His commandments then society falls apart…Not necessarily because God is inflicting punishment, but because the natural consequence for breaking God’s commandments is destruction! He didn’t randomly pick a certain way of life and choose it to be His commandment and then attach a magical spell to it and those who live that lifestyle are magically happier and more successful than those who don’t. He knows what choices will naturally lead to the most happiness and those are the choices in which He commands us to make…but it’s still our choice. Choose you this day…
Well, shoot my chickens…my times almost up. Missionary work was soooooo awesome this week. Two people: James and Anna-marie. James is the son of a member. He has been around the church for 10 years, but never wanted to be a part of it. He was a teenager and wasn’t interested. But then he hears that the sister missionaries were going to teach one of his best friends who happens to be a less active member. So he randomly showed up for the appointment and this time it really hit him. He was ready to change…and three weeks later he’s decided to be baptized. Awesome!!!!
Anna-marie: we saw her walking down the street and felt a strong impression to go and talk to her, but because of where she was at it was really hard and awkward to go up and talk to her…but awkwardness defines our daily lives so we talked to her anyways…and guess what…she wanted to talk to us. She went to the relief society talent auction on tuedsay, had a lesson at the swaims on Thursday, and went to church with us on Sunday. After Pleasanton ward Sister Dodge and I got this crazy idea to bring Anna-Marie and James up to the singles ward (an hour drive away!) And even though they had already had 3 hours of church they totally came with us for 3 more hours!!! It was awesome. The singles branch was so excited to see two new investigators. It was awesome!
I love you all,
sj
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