The Elders getting ready to practice wrestling moves....
(She is making the sign say: Must. Not. Have. Coffee. Now.)
Friday, January 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Letter from Jan 24th
Dear Family!
This is the best thing of my whole life. I am grateful everyday for the hand of the Lord. We talk of Christ, we preach of Christ, and write according to our experiences so our family many know to what source we have turned for a remission of our sins. It is only through His grace that any of this work is possible! I love the Savior so much and acknowledging that, He trusts me more. He uses me more because He knows I've shown my willingness and desire. But the greatest part is that even when I haven't done enough to show I am ready for what He has in mind, I just have to bow down and repent, calling up on is Mighty name and he delivers me. Delivers me into his marvelous work and fills me with His love.
Sandra* was baptized on Sunday. The power of godliness is manifest in the ordinances we have the opportunity to take part in. There is an undeniable spirit. That is the power of the Lord. You can say the world is flat and really believe it...but even after years of thinking that, it didn't change the shape. Some things are eternal and unbendable. The Lords love and awareness of His children never ends. He is always there to guide, instruct, and reshape. His forgiveness never ends. Read Leviticus 26!
He always hears our prayers. Ours is the job to make those sacred communications with him significant and meaningful. If we faithfully commune with Deity, we will be blessed with more faith unto the fulfilling of our righteous desires. Prayer is a tool of infinite worth. Every prayer is heard. When we see answers to our prayers pointing us in the direction we though about going, we know that our will is becoming like his will.
Mark* is making huge progress. He made a list of things he believes in. He is so close to baptism. He needs more faith and he needs a testimony that God has a prophet today. God is so merciful. After a great tracting hour I thought it would be good to go to 7-11. (I could think of my own reasons not to go and reasons to go-but didn't really think much about it) Then in 7-11 I wasn't stressing (and driving the spirit out) by thinking come on come on! we have to get to our job, get out, get working...just was content and stayed in spiritual space. then I left the building and walked straight to the middle of the parking lot, not even pausing at our car....why?? Well after a minute of standing like and idiot in the middle of the parking lot and old Cadillac comes bouncing into the parking lot. Mark* drove by and saw me.WHOA!! We talked and exchanged encouragements. Coincidence or arrangement? Your heart will tell you that the Lord constructed this meeting! I feel the power of miracles so much when I make every decision guided by the spirit of the Lord. Be worthy. Be listening. Sometimes it feels like I am shutting my brain off, I'm not controlling things here...but I know that it is much more than that. It is submitting to the spirit of the Lord. It is a guiding beacon in mission work. As we serve others we are blessed to a higher extent so we may have the capacity to do eternal good for our fellow men. If you need some help feeling or recognizing the spirit in your life, try to serve others. You will be blessed with more of His spirit.
Read the Book of Mormon. Strengthen your faith in the Savior by looking for his teachings that have promises attached. Try them. Test them. I know that as you do so with a willing heart, your mind will be filled with and understanding that is not given by the world. Heavenly Father has so much to share with us. Use your time here on earth to learn more than temporal lessons. Master this life by following The Master. I love you so much.
OHH!!! really really, just listen to the spirit. I pulled up to a stop sign and saw a lady at the bus stop. 'I should go talk to her' ..hmm--ok!! I will! I get out of the car and leave our vehicle conveniently at the stop sign. Cars didn't have too much trouble figuring out that the little silver Corolla was not going anywhere. We invited the woman, Mariel*, and she is going to be baptized in February. Now, what would have happened it I had wrestled with the idea? If I had hesitated? If I would have even driven around to find a parking spot somewhere near, the bus would have come too soon and she never would have come on a tour. She never would have come to church with her girls. she never would be reading the book of Mormon now. and she never would know the peace that is in our church and never seen the smile on Sandra's* face when she got baptized. Don't hesitate at those thoughts! They come and are the most prized possessions. They will bring you so much joy. The Lord works in small and smile ways. Don't be confounded by the Lord. Get to know Him and submit your thoughts to his. Don't succumb to the evil one. When we turn our minds over to His voice, we find a voice that is divine. We are his spirit children and have been born again. Remember your covenant of power and have his spirit to always be with you.
I love you family! The lord is in my thoughts. Baptism is in my thoughts. You are in my thoughts. I love you so much! Share your thoughts with others!
Love Sister Clendening
*Names changed for privacy
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Letter Excerpts from Jan 10th
So I got transferred out of Gig Harbor and into Tacoma. They took the Elders out and put Sisters in so neither of us know the ward or the area. Then to make things even busier with moving, going through the Elder's notes, trying to figure the ward out and teach people- Sister Fox gets sick! She came out with me on Tues and Saturday but the other days she was sick. I am really working hard to stay on top of the miracles and still be the kind of person and missionary the Lord wants me to be. It is so interesting the way the Lord arranges things to help you grow the most.
Today I am visiting sister Gandolph in Gig Harbor and picking up my new glasses. (too bad we won't get to match each other) but it is therapy for both of us. What a wonderful thing the gospel is!!!
An AMAZING miracle. I went to this recent convert's house and met his fiance. The first thing she told me is, "I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet." She also knows the Book of Mormon is true. Then we were able to teach the Book of Mormon to Sarah who was raised Catholic but had questions that were never answered in the Bible and :) we answered them! The Lord just timed everything right,so that we pulled over and just saw them in their garage and went to talk with them. The Lord works in wondrous ways.
Oh I was sad to leave Gig Harbor because Paul* didn't get baptized yet. But I am so honored to be trusted to open the Sunset ward to Sisters. President Bowen wants me to bring excitement into the ward. Perfect, that is right up my alley. I am so grateful to be assigned this assignment! Wow! And we are seeing success already. President Bowen holds the keys over missionary work here and the Lord exercises those keys in complete righteousness and understanding. so many opportunities have presented themselves because of the elder to sister change. I love serving a mission.
I am glad to hear that your Christmas went well. You can send mail to the office for now. I live with a member but we are very close to the office and go there often enough.
Kindness is something I want to develop more of. How was every one's experience with sharing the Book of Mormon with a friend or sharing something about the gospel? I want reports back! :) I love you all so much. You are getting blessings as I am getting them. When we keep the commandments we can also receive his glory. Its all about what we let into our hearts. You, family, are on the inner most part of my heart. I will always care for you! Please let me know how I can support and love you better.
Lovingly sister Emily Clendening
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