Letter 11

June 28, 2010

So this week has been AMAZING!!! We have 3 new investigators 2 boys ages 20 and 25 a women names Cilia with 5 kids and pregnant! She is so amazing! We tracked into her when we were trying to get a hold of her neighbor Jerry (crazy Indian man) he was never home, so when I saw them playing ball outside their broken down house and laughing I had to come over and see what the fun was! We talked and we gave her "Finding Faith in Christ" DVD in Spanish and said we would come check on her again. This was when I first got here! We visited her weekly after that and sometimes 2x's in a week. 2 days ago we came with the Spanish Elders to deliver caramel corn with a scripture "With the faith as a grain of mustard...nothing will be impossible unto you" and then we sang "I am a child of God" all the verses! We said we love her, and hope she gets better and then left. (I had called her earlier and she had said that she was at the doctors, she was sick 7 months pregnant too). Then last night we went to go visit Jerry AGAIN....he was there, talking on his phone and shooed us away with a fling of his wrist. NO problem....we walked right over his lawn to talk with Celia who had family and her kids were playing soccer smashing their faces in the dry dirt of her front area. She was so happy to see us...like we were old friends, she was open and her kids were now used to seeing us and trusted us more. She continued to show me her 9 month old baby girl and we ooded and awed at her cuteness!!! ADORABLE! I asked so did you and your family get to watch the DVD I left with you? She said her kids did, but she hasn't yet, she said they don't know much about God of Jesus, and she was excited to set up a date on Sunday to teach a lesson!!!! what started with us just being her friend, and caring for her and her kids has grown into a deep love for her and an excitement for us to teach her, so far I will tell you how the lesson goes on Sunday!

Clark and Mike are the other 2 investigators and they have been coming to church for 2 weeks now and we taught them last week, watched the testaments and they watched the restoration video with the members (Clark is dating a Mormon girl and Mike is his best friend, also friends with Mormon girls brother....our concern is that Clark is putting on a show for the Mormon girl he's dating...not sure yet....

Mike seems more interested.) We teach them tomorrow, they both received a book of Mormon and we challenged them to read 3 Nephi 9-11 and pray about Joseph Smith and the book of Mormon to find out their truthfulness. They both agreed they would.

Billy is 76 lives in a broken down trailer with 6 dogs!! So cute, he is pretty awesome, we teach him tomorrow with a member (who is very missionary focused about 6-ish years old) Billy didn't believe in the 3 kingdoms and that Jesus created the world (thinks God did) but he also said there were other people before Adam and Eve came, they their family married, but when we showed him scripture explaining that 2x2 the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve separated and multiplied and replenished the earth, he excepted that and we moved on, so I think if we back up what we teach with doctrine he will except other things. (He reads the book of Mormon and the footnotes too!) He’s so cool, always with a smile, and god fearing man! We took him caramel corn yesterday and sang "I am a child of God" and "Families can be together forever". He loved it!

This week has been a blessing in many ways because I've been really sick...not sure what it is, allergies or something....sinus headaches, pounding clogged up, yucky.....so I have been taking some stuff to help and I tried Clairton one day, but that night I had it the worst, I know mom is about to strangle me through the computer! :) love you! I need to take my vitamins, I know, I am going to when I get home. But any other suggestions would be helpful!

I am very homesick today :( which isn't the best, but my back is constantly in pain and this sickness is really taking it out of me, plus other stresses of companionships and investigators and old things I need to learn to let go of. I know my savior lives and loves me and each of you, don't let old things get in the way of the miracles that are before you, don't let them blind you into thinking thoughts of self loathing or frustration or anger or sadness, remember everything that leads you to believe in God, or I will add leads you to be truly HAPPY is of GOD, anything that leads you to be sad, or stressed, or apprehensive, or non-trusting or worried cometh from the one who laughs in the faces of those he has deceived. The lord knows my needs as he does each of your needs, "how oft do I gather you, as a hen gathered her chickens, and you would not..." Are we the ones that because of passed experiences "will not" come to the Savior when he calls us to perform out duties!? Will we be willing and able to fulfill our FULLEST POTENTIAL? I know that I want to be, everyday I put my name tag on, it's no different than everyday I woke up before I had the nametag and you too! We are all members of the TRUE and only FULLY RESTORED church of Jesus Christ. we have the Gospel restored to us through constant revelation of prophets and apostles how are ordained of God, all men who are worthy that hold the priesthood (the Power of God, to act in his name) received it originally from the one and only true son of God, our savior and brother Jesus Christ. There is no other way whereby men can receive Eternal Life and Exaltation. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoso believeth in him, shall not parish, but have ever lasting life.

Mom, Dad, I love you so much, I miss you more that words can describe, my heart aches right now for you and my dear family whom I love and miss every day! your letters and love and gifts of encouragement are so soothing to who I am, and although tears roll down my cheeks now I know that the work which I am doing is the work God intends each of us to do, I now understand maybe a little how the savior felt when he said he had no place to go to call home or rest his head. I know that God calls every worthy priesthood holder to serve in the field, for behold the field is white, all ready to harvest, and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with all his might the same layeth up in store that he parisheth not, but bringeth forth salvation to his soul. Oh my loved ones. I feel so strongly to add something, which at this time I fear I should not. But remember the Lord's love and read the Saviors words, for they are TRUTH! They are talking of the things to come, the end is near, and those of us who are prepared SHALL NOT FEAR!

I love you all so much,

From here to heaven,

Sister Judkins

Letter # 10

(A letter I sent to Prez Hansen,

Thought you might enjoy it!! )

WOW, what a week. It's crazy I got here and sis Mullins was sick the first 2 days, but we still had God put work in front of our paths, and I know there are miracles waiting and ready to happen. So many things I found out.

1. We have 1 ward missionary -looking to get 4-6

2. The sister before stopped going to PEC and Ward correlation....we are starting up this week to stay.

3. TONS OF LESS ACTIVES-ready to possibly come back...needs love (VT and HT need to be used more)

4. so many part member families

5. BIG ward....not missionary minded ... YET!

6. Tomball have really been over attracted and possibly under served. It's like 2 parents (missionaries) with Lots of kids.... (Tomball area ward, old inv, etc.) they want and need that attention from someone, to feel the love and fellowshipping in action...our goal is to get that fire started.

It's a different area here, more reserved, we have to start small, sincere to gain the trust of the ward and L/A and investigators....starting small in a camp fire and building it with a strong foundation keeps the fire burning longer, brighter and stronger, rather than throwing gasoline all over and waiting for it to burn off and die out. I feel that the ward has GREAT potential, as missionaries we need to 1. strengthen the relationship and communication with the leadership in the church and us as missionaries, that way we are not doing it by ourselves, because we can't and even if we start a fire, it wont stay...we can't burn out the ward.

I’m truly excited, exhausted and feel honored to be here. Little by little Tomball WILL feel the fire.

Sister Mullins and I couldn't be more different, Patience is a task I must learn in this companionship. I have come to respect the things she holds so dear to her, and support her in decisions she makes.

Last thing....I learned 2 days ago, we were squabbling over an idea I brought over from Katy area I called it "Missionary Member Lessons" she felt we should teach the members one thing and I thought another, I was upset because I felt the spirit strong and she said she felt the spirit strong.....I literally stopped talking in the middle of a sentence and started writing and finishing our nightly routine, I went to bed and didn't talk to her, she did the same. I was then studying the New Testament (I finished the book of Mormon June 15th...it's TRUE) and came across Matthew 5 about agreeing with your adversaries quickly so as not to be in their way....I sat and prayed to Father in Heaven. and told him why I was upset and asked why I was upset, it's so silly...the impression came...AGREE WITH HER....ugh...I thought at first but then the thought came: it doesn't matter WHAT you teach it only matters that we get in their homes.

IT WAS WAY COOL! I know that it was inspired!

Thank you President Hansen, sorry it's so long. It’s going to be a trying transfer with lots of lessons.

Sincerely and love,

Sister Judkins

Letter #9

Crazy week!! Ok so I am getting transferred to Tomball, Texas:

29807 Tomball Parkway

Park at spring creak

Apt# 376

Tomball, TX 77375

OH YEAH BABYY!! I was so not excited when I first heard I was moving, 1st because I had so much Ice cream in the freezer and I knew I couldn't take it with me, I would have to either EAT IT ALL or share it or leave it!!! :( so you know what I did....no I didn't eat it ALL....I shared, and I'm gunna eat the rest!!! Ha ha!!! And share some more. And because I heard that no one wants to go to Tomball, everything I heard about that place was bad, lots of nothing happening there. I love tracting and talking to people and finding God's children who want to hear about the Gospel, and as I have said before we don’t do enough talking to people. well, I guess Our heavenly Father has a since of humor, and that's why I'm going to Tomball "tracting central" with a companion that is known as the "Liahona" I hear she is a lot like my MTC companion. :) We will come to love each other and teach with the spirit, I know it. Because that is why we are here, to teach and share the spirit with those around us!!! so I'm more excited now, I've said goodbye to Katy 1st ward, (which was hard, I absolutely love this ward and have made some life long friendships that have taught me so much) at first I thought, maybe I didn't do anything here, and the lord is taking me out to just throw me in Tomball, but my mind has since then changed, and my heart needs to be full of faith, and love because when you judge there is no room for love!!!

Ron is doing so well, he is an investigator for about 7 months or so, and he quit smoking, drinking (used to be an alcoholic) and now working on quitting chewing. But I just head that he is going to surprise is wife and be baptized before his fishing trip in August!!! AHAHAHAH!!!! He’s Freak’s AWESOME!!!! I love this guy. He’s going to be a great asset to the Lord's church, to help bring others to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and find Eternal Life!!!! I'm so grateful for him.

Jose is going to jail for a while (unpaid tickets) needs to quit social drinking and smoking weed (medicinal purposes, so he says) when he decides that is important he will be baptized.

My companions are AWESOME, I'm going to miss them, Sister Smith and Sister Davis have taught me MUCH....trying and not trying....God works in mysterious ways to mold his children into the person he knows they can become. I called the mission office today and Sister Chestnut said she keeps hearing good things about me and gets so excited about what I am doing....I was shocked....me? Really? What am I doing? I there hasn’t' even been a baptism? Were my thoughts, but wow!! That made me feel like the Lord knows me and out of 150+ missionaries, the mission office and president Hansen and his wife and the Chestnuts and Young’s and Walkers. I love them....they remind me of my parents, always wanting me to live up to my potential, but lifting me up when I am down, or low. I'm so grateful for that!!

We had an interesting meeting last night, with a couple that believes that everyone has a predestined life, everything is already set (devils plan, no choices) he believes that we are not all children of God, but rather he called people who’re Gods’s Donkeys....I know.....my heart sunk....I felt jittery and shaking the last 2 hours before they even got there...I thought it was my blood sugar, (happens sometimes) but when I got up and left to say a prayer (while sis Davis and him were almost bible bashing) literally both had pulled bibles out and are fighting with "their own interpretations" no one can win with interpretation vs. interpretation./...so I left and knelt in the hallway and prayed, asked God what I should do, I dismissed Satan, and continued my prayer, the feeling of calmness came with a warm "whoosh" all down my body, and then a voice "they are not ready now...." so I said, what do I do? Nothing really came except to talk with the quitter (2years married wife 2nd marriage) and yet highly opinionated too. I felt that to show frustration is wrong, contention is of the devil, and if it is being aroused the time to teach is over.....wow....those are not my words....wow....I'm grateful for living prophets that lead and guide us, not with his opinions or interpretations, but through the power of God, Priesthood!! My brothers and the men that I love out there, PLEASE stay true the priesthood and be strong always!!! Because it is the power of God that makes the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints true. It sets it high above the rest. Why? Because it's God's church! His gospel and his plan of happiness. :D I'm so grateful. Well, this was a good experience for me, because it teaches, and you know it takes 7 times until someone will expect the Gospel. You don't know if you’re the 1st, 4th or 7th....what are job is to teach and share our testimony with EVERYONE we meet....we don't have to preach, just share a small something. An invitation to learn.

Examples speak loader than words. (Thanks mom and dad) SO TRUE!!! Hey family invite numbers to learn. Fellowship those less active. (Carefully and following the spirit, bring them to good activities, don’t' go with them to things that will not increase your testimony in Jesus Christ and his atonement). 1/4 of the members of the church are less active, we need to reach out to them and love them. Friendships....everyone needs them!!! Be one...and you will have one!!! I say this with so much love in my heart, I with I was better before I came out here. SO Important!!!

Thank you for your letters. and testimonies: John, I want to tell you how your testimony strengthened other missionaries... during last District meeting we had a spiritual thought testimony lesson and they were asked to share an amazing change in our testimony. I shared about what you wrote to me little bro. of how you have ALLWAYS KNOWN! And when you were Joseph Smith in that play thing years ago, how you came to me with so much excitement, you wanted to be perfect...and John you were! Perfect for that roll, perfect faith in which Heavenly Father is, and the roll he wants you to play. You know that roll, I don't have to say it because I know my brother, and you know me. I love you more than words can describe, I want to see you happy Johnny boy. That will never change. Happiness comes from searching diligently in the scriptures and praying mightily to God. WE ARE the JUDKINS....NEVER SURENDER!

"I never said it would be easy, but I did say it would be worth it...."

Dad, I feel impressed to tell my worries for you. I can't tell you how many tears I have shed for your health, and also mom's. Mentally, and physically. I have been extremely sad that you can't eat the foods you could before; I know that would be so hard for me!!! SO HARD, and I can try and comprehend. I don't want you to be sad, I pray for your heart to strengthen all day every day in my heart. And the heart of our family to bind together "tight, like unto a dish". Daddy, I miss you, my heart has grown tender for you than I've ever felt. I want you to know how much I love and respect you and am so flabbergasted at how you started the Business out of NOTHING. (With god's help yes). Your example to me of how a leader should lead is overwhelming and yet, simply beautiful, and I am reminded of your example regularly. Dad. I want you to enjoy every day, I am grateful that you had this happen, because if not, you wouldn't be here! And I wouldn't have my daddy to write to and say funny things to, and be excited to see tears in his eyes when he sees me get off the plane when I come home from a 1 1/2 year mission in Texas. DAD!!!! Stay strong! BE happy, you are my dad!! You’re always happy, and you have mom!! Mom and dad, I'm so blessed to have you both, alive and WELL, and sooooooooSSOOOOOO HAPPY!!! Mom, your strength in the story of your life is breathtaking and makes me want to be more like you every day!! I can't tell you how much I miss you!! Sometimes I pray that I can feel your hug, or you scratch my back or you lying next to me watching TV on your bed late at night. Or just being together. I LOVE YOU BOTH SO MUCH!!!

Thank you for all the pictures, Lydia, Jed, Julie, and John Joe. :D I see how mom slept all those pictures in PERFECT!!! Love your poses in John's graduation!!! Mom you look HOT!!!!! HOTT MAMA!!! Not even kidding, DROP DEAD GORGIOUS!!! Dad, you’re lucky. Love your hair mom, very cute. Dad I'm so glad you cut your hair, you look so good!!!!

John looks way too old, Joe is still silly. LOVE IT! Well I guess we all are yes!! Ha ah!

The church is true!!! I love t!!!! AMAZING!!!! I love you all!!!

LOVE YOU FROM HERE TO HEAVEN

-Sister Judkins

P.S. My mission president and his wife are AMAZING, they are kind and gentle and President always asked how I'm doing and asked about my family and my dad how you are doing. He shares scriptures and he actually worked with hearts for 25+ years. He said people who have heart attacks live longer most of the time and are happier, because they have had a wake up call and realize the simple fun facts of life and family and it changes their life. I know it's changed my life. And you too dad, but I was so grateful he said that. How interesting that he had all this background with hearts and he's my mission president!!! Can you say INSPIRATION!!! Thank you LORD. He took us out to lunch the other day and I started tearing up, because I remember going out with dad and mom and they were tears of joy. I love him, and I guess they talk about me at the mission office or something, I don’t' know. Ha!!

Get ready TOMBALL.....here comes SISTER JUDKINS!!!!! .....be afraid, be very afraid. :D

Letter #8

Family and Friends,

To be ENGAGED in the WORK!!!! Wow!!! What a week, crazy. Thank you for the letters, mom, and thanks for being my eyes and ears.D ha ha!!! I am realizing every day that I am more and more like my parents go figure....how that happened... thank you for sending me letters :) I smile HUGE when I see my letters covered with "I love my missionary" on them!!! I remember when mom you were in the office every week all I remember was you covering letters with hearts and teddy bears and Return with Honor stickers ha ha!!! :D I love that the name on those letters now, are now; Sister Janna Judkins :D BIG SMILE!! THANK YOU!! Missing my family every day!!!

Mom, Dad, Tasha, June, Grace, Peter, Josh, Erica, Brody, Aiden, Jacob, Meagen, Jacan, Page, Jill, David, Lydia...CLAIR, John, Joe, Julie babe, and Jed!!!! I love you all so much!!! I wanted to name everyone out today!!!! I put all your names in the temple each time I go!

Ok AWESOME WEEK! Full of crazy stuff! 1st I was reading 3rd Nephi 9 GO READ IT!!!! Its right after Christ died and before He is resurrected and shows himself to America. WOW! The gospel is true! I don't want to be those who are met with God's anger; there are so many people that forget that going to church is IMPORTANT!!! So important. 1st when you partake of the sacrament you are washed clean of your sins each week, yes like your being re-baptized, you are covenanting with God to keep those baptismal covenants and take his name upon you and always remember him. I challenge each of us to take a small thing... THAT WE ARE NOT DOING WELL...and make it important this month. I can't tell you the difference I see with people that have such strong testimonies but they don't go to church. My hearts breaks, literally, because God knows if we were able to get to church or if we made an excuse. "Come to me, and I shall give thee rest"....Sunday is the day of rest set apart because our Heavenly Father knows each of us, our strengths, our weaknesses and he blesses us for making the sacrifices to come to church, read our scriptures with family and personally, to pray continually and with our family, Sacrifices...."God so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son and whoso shall come unto him shall not parish, but have everlasting life". Do we really truly understand that partaking of the sacrament is excepting his atoning blood to purify our imperfect lives, so that one day after we have fulfilled our time on earth and partook of the atonement to become clean we may enter into the Celestial Kingdom of God, the ONLY place where families can be together forever! And where we can be truly happy, knowing that we "made it".

I want you to know of my testimony of Jesus Christ and his Atoning Sacrifice,

"Therefore, whoso repents and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for as such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved" - 3 Nephi 9:22

After Christ had said these words among others, there was ...silence.... when I read this chapter, my heart burned my eyes began to see, my mind was quiet and my soul knew at that point. I know my savior died and suffered for our sins so that we can become clean and live with our Father again. "No unclean thing that enter into the kingdom of God". But this is the sad part. Our father in Heaven would take all of us back, he wants to, he yearns to and I know he sheds tears when his children that he's watched grow, and taught through his servants :(earthly parents, brothers and sisters, temples, scriptures, prophets, church leaders, good friends, etc.) Fall short, and "forget" or "make other things more important". But most importantly I KNOW my savior LIVES. And because he lives, so shall we, if we

1. Have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

2. Repent and use that sacred gift of the atonement (you will suffer even as I....)

3. Baptism for the remission of sins.

4. Receive the Holy Ghost by the Priesthood Authority of God.

5. ENDURE....enjoy....to the end. :)

I love you so much and I except nothing less then when we pass and are able to meet God our father. I want him to point to his son, and say "you know my beloved son, Jesus Christ." and he will say "This is Janna, my sister, who has used the atonement and followed me, father I will make her clean through her faith...Father receive Janna into your arms forever and as I pass to go home I will see my family waiting for me, all in celestial white, and the smile on all our faces will simply say...

"....We made it...."

Nothing less you hear!!!!! Nothing.... I want my family forever all of you. The amazing thing is, I know this is how each of us feels in our hearts. WE are the JUDKINS! :D and nothing ever stopped us, and nothing ever will, as long as we fight with GOD on our side and let any things that we were or are offended by GO!! LET it go. There is too much sometimes in our family, getting offended and keeping hold of it. "If we judge, we have no time to love." I have had to learn this 100 times over and still with my companions, but we had a lesson on Sunday of not getting offended, and choosing the road of overwhelm them with LOVE. That’s what I need to do when I feel offended, which is sometimes daily!! image trying loving someone that doesn't love you....then I thought....maybe they feel like I don't love them.....so why would they show love to me... you see how that works. Neither of us felt love from the other. Charity is the pure love of Christ. The ultimate Christ like attribute. Sharing, caring, loving, HUMILIDY.

As you can see it's been a great learning week for me. I am so grateful for it! Though hard, my father knows me.

Ok real quick.

1. Rachel set a new baptism date as June 24th

2. Jose still wants to get baptized, no date now, but he is doing GREAT!

3. Latoya is Amazing we see her on Wednesday and we hope to set a baptism date, well, at least that's my plan. She’s sooo ready! Her baby is so cute with her little fro.

4. Transfers next week, Sis Davis are leaving, guessing Sister Smith and I will stay together. WAHOOOOO!!!! LEARNING TIME.....

5. RIDING MY bike in 100% humidity is SO MUCH FUN!!!! -----I better get skinny from it-------

6. Crazy, awesome day Sunday, missing people, crazy were staying with members for FREE, working off their rent, they were "homeless" and have been treated with so much charity and love and they went missing 6 days ago, we came over (we do service and visit regularly w/ them). We did some detective work and found crumpled notes and all their stuff was 1/2 gone, everything was packed and they were gone, pots out and dirty, lights on, stunk like smoke. we found a package that was overnighted, so we looked up who it came from and I picked the phone up and quickly dialed the number.... oh man... this women said she hasn't sent anything she’s been getting calls from all over the world about these fake checks, her identity got stolen and she didn’t' send anything....I was SUPER FREAK'n out!!!....SO COOL!!! But sad yes. Then she said open the package and we did, it was a check for $4,030 AHAHAHAHHA!!! Can anyone say TUISION!!! ha ha!!!

Ok so then we went to church, everyone thought maybe they were kidnapped or dead or something, I said she left for good, and she won’t be coming back. I knew it! Anyways, we went to church and then after taught some people, as we drove past, we saw police cars AWEEE!!! SWEET I said, so I got my companions and we called, and came over to the member’s home, where they stayed at (in their apt). She was so shaken up, a police man drove up as the same time, and I was like THIS IS CRAZY!!!Where’s my tazor....let me at em.....let me at em....the member found the blog of the lady's daughter, oh boy, you guest it!!! Called her the devils advocate and that she should have died in the 9-11 attack!! That her house will drown and something will happen to those who have wronged her, not by her, but by god. And said she was a SLAVE....and will not stay one more day, scary Hugh!? Yes, well the member has 3 boys and was shocked! Cray psycho people pray for this family, and for these two ladies’ they are very messed up and ungrateful and lazy, but they are still children of God and pray that they will be distracted with other things. (They didn't have a car, they had someone come pick them up. sketch, I know.

PRAY, for God protects his children.

7. Lots of great moments this week. The lord lives, god is our father, and missionary work is AWESOME! Can’t wait for the younger 4 to get out here. John, Joe, Jed and Julie babe!....

Ok I love you; Ive got to go family and friends.

Love you so much,

Sister Judkins

Letter #7

May 31, 2010

Dear Family and Friends,

Ok CRAZY WEEK!!!! Mom thank you for the package I LOVE YOU!!! you are totally inspired, the brewers yeast I was so anxious to get it in I took a spoon full right there while I guzzled down water....UGH!!! Remember how you would punish us by making us do that....well I remember why it was such a punishment!!! But the bugs are so big!!! and so I'm so happy! I'm wearing the sun scream too, so I don't die and shrivel up like a raisin in the WONDERFUL weather!! ha ha! gotta love it!!!

G-ma thanks for telling me how to say full, llama..... mi Corazon es llama. YEAH!H!H!H!H!H!H!H

Oh mom, do you know who of my missionary friends are home!? I think they're all about ready or already home!!

ARE'T YOU JUST SO EXCITED ABOUT LIFE!!!! :D

OK this week has been full of finding out who I am and why I am here!!! I hear that it happens a couple times through out the mission!!! Well miracles still happen and GOD IS GOOD!!! I fasted this Sunday for all my worries and my motto this month of June (aka the rest of my life)...."DON'T WORRY" My father in heaven knows who I am and loves us each individually, just like when He appeared to Joseph Smith to answer a 14 year old boy's question....and called him by NAME...HE KNOWS our names. How amazing!!!

One we met a women named Rachel. She is going through a tough time right now, but a pest control guy named Chris came to her door and instead of selling pest control gave her so much more. She politely declined his offer but quickly said "wait, I have something for you." she runs back with a scripture, you see she passes out scriptures to those she meets. He said thank you and proceeded to ask if she'd ever heard of the Book of Mormon, she said "no" he bore his testimony and shared with her the testimony and experience that Joseph Smith had in the Forest in 1820. "After 5 minutes of him talking, I knew it was true." Rachel said to me and my companion a few days ago while we were sitting in her room teaching her of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. She was so excited, after 30 minutes with Chris, she ordered a book of Mormon and that's where we came in. We met and taught with her and Rachel has committed to being baptized on June 12th 2010. She is awesome, very prepared and spiritual. She is starting her life over in every aspect of life, and now spiritually as well!!!

After teaching Jose about the Word of Wisdom, we haven’t really gotten in with him too much.

It's hard when your entire life you've been taught that baptism is a check off your list of things to do, when in reality in the Church of Jesus Christ you take upon yourselves Christ's name forever, to live like him and follow the prophet as we strive for perfection in and only through using the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. "For this is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." Immortality meaning immortal....but ETERNAL LIFE means with God, happy, Celestial kingdom. LIFE. Immortal is given to all men (this is called the resurrection, which Because of Christ overcoming death is given to everyman. but unfortunately most religions feel that this immortality means ETERNAL LIFE....there is a huge difference.)

I've learned that God is Just and through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ he is also Merciful. For God can only be Merciful if the price of justice has been paid. And it has! What a remarkable thing to realize that God wants to spoil us and just give us bodies and then grab us from sin and take us home, what loving father wouldn’t want to do that. But he can't. WE have our AGENCY.

We had two of the coolest opportunities. After dinner with a member, they gave us so much FOOD!!! oh wow I was so happy, my mouth was watering and I couldn't wait to dive into the lasagna, brownies, the most delicious strawberry short cake I've EVER HAD IN MY LIFE, rolls, (not as good as yours mom...no one beats those killer rolls) but ok you get the point, it's making me hungry even thinking about it!!! We were driving home and stopped by Jose's house to see if he was home, he wasn’t'. It was pouring rain and we ran back in the car, then it came... INSPIRATION!!....right in front of us was a family that just became reactivated in the church!! AMAZING family with 3 very ACTIVE BOYS. They were the family that played the TRICK ON ME....my 1st door I tracked!!! ha ha!!! If you don't know that story I believe it's in my 1st letter, or ASK MY MOM!!! Anyways. BAMB...the spirit came....earlier that week we had visited with them and she expressed what stress and financial difficulties they’re going through. Their fridge and cupboards were close to empty...."we should go visit them" I said to Sister Davis. "No, she's sick". I said, "EVEN BETTER, lets bring her some food." then it came Sister Davis said after some more persuasion, "Ok, LETS BRING ALL OF IT." "ALL OF IT I SAID!!!???" my heart and stomach did flips. I felt like a kid that said give your little brother your ice cream cone. It only took about 2 seconds of turning in the back seat covered with bagged muffins, lasagna, rolls, and veggies, brownies when I quickly jumped out of the car and said "OK". And running our arms full of food through the pouring dirty rain of Texas to bang on this families door, as soon as he opened the door we scurried in dumping the food all over the kitchen table. We saw his dinner at that point....4 corn dogs. this grown man's eyes got HUGE as we showed him all the food HUGE BAGS.... maybe 20 brownies, 15 muffins, 8 servings of vegetarian (actually delicious) lasagna and rolls, etc etc.... oh and banana bread 10 huge bricks!!! He started eating right away!!! We chatted a little told them we loved them and to EAT and ENJOY!!! WOW!!!! I love it!!! My heart is warm right now talking about it!!! AMAZING! I loved it so much. THIS IS THE WORK OF CHRIST!!! SHARE my friends and family and ward. SHARE!!! And LOVE like the SAVIOR WOULD!

Sharing has been a very weak point for me....anyone that knows me really well, knows that!!! It’s embarrassing to admit. but mom and dad... I'm doing so well. Because I know that when we put the kingdom of God 1^st, ALL ELSE WILL FOLLOW!!! IT WILL!!! Do you know that!!!! SO AMAZING ISN"T IT!! That’s the scripture of the week that I kept thinking during my fast yesterday!!! (Speaking of that, how’s the 40 day fast going in the ward?).

Oh yesterday I fasted because I needed to find out who I am and I wanted so desperately to be Janna again. Contentions have been many this week and getting offended is popular last week. So I needed to be happy even when I felt like bawling my eyes out. GUESS WHAT!!! I'm SOooooooooooooooo HAPPY! I love the gospel, I love feeling the spirit, I love serving I love my family and my friends. I love knowing that when I put God 1st everything else I need will follow and things my family needs and friends will follow through faith all things are possible!!! THEY ARE!!!! WHY? Because God keeps his promises and is an honest God, and he cannot lie.

READ Nephi 2. Speaking of the Book of Mormon, I am now in Heleman 5!! SO HARD to finish when your doing missionary work. but hey don't give up on me yet!!! I am gunna finish before next transfers FOR SURE!!!! :D HOW IS YOUR READING GOING???

Thank you I love you, I love you, I love you sooooooooooooooo much!!!! I'm doing well; my heart is extremely llema today!!! FULL! My companion has been sick (sister smith) she is finally feeling better). THERE ARE SO MANY READY to hear the word and enter the waters, we just have to find them and most of the time members are the key factor. The WARD: you are the most amazing family ward I've been in and so loving and caring, reach out to your friends and when the time is right INVITE and share what you know. You don't have to be pushy but INVITE... you will be AMAZED at what happens!!! I love you all so much!!! Thank you for your letters and support!

Love you Mom & Dad; I fasted for you yesterday and our STRIPPLING family. I can't express my gratitude enough....I love you....Thank You!

Love you from here to Heaven,

Sister Judkins :D

Letter #6

May 24^th, 2010

FAMILY, yes you are all my family. did you know we are all spiritual brothers and sisters and our spirits truly remember eachother!?

thank you for the letters... I love you all so much! I wish I could give you hugs...but because I can't, I'll tel you I love you and let GOD give you a hug from me!! :D Mom, thanks for writing me your testimony, I used it this week, with a recently activated member of the church. she was expressing how hard her marriage life was with her 3 young boys because of financial stress and abusive father from her past. threats of seperation were being thrown out from her husband and feeling of stress came up through hurtful words such as "well you just don't have faith". because she turned off the cable to save money, he got upset and told her she had no faith, mom, you told how when you read the book of mormon and you felt the spirit from head to toe. mom I told her this: "You are a choice daughter of God, you are here for a reason, you have these 3 boys for a reasona and are married to yoru husband for a reason, you are a choice daughter, the spirit is in your home when we come in and that is the most important thing. You are the Heart of your home, whether you want to be or not, YOU ARE!" I saw tears form in her sparkling eyes. "You are loved," I gave her a hug and whispered in her ear... "don't you EVER forget that". WOW!. thank you mom! becasue who you are and the things you taught me and how you said you recognized the spirit helped me with listening and ACTING on the promptings of the SPirit! Thank you for your Testimony mom! you desearve more than what I can say in words...I love you so much. thank you!

AND TO ALL THE MOTHERS, WIFES, DAUGHTERS, WOMEN OUT THERE!!!! you are GOD's choice WOMEN!...remember who you are, why you are here and dont' EVER let anyone or anything make you feel less than this: A DAUGHTER OF GOD who has been chosen to raise the next generation, whether your own kids or by your example with people around you!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! ALL OF YOU! even those who who are lost....find yourself.... FIND YOUR FAITH and GO and BE!

Ok this week has been AMAZING!!!! SO many wonderful things to tell you! I wish I had more time.

1. Jose has set a baptizm DATE!!!! YES!!!!! I KNOW!!!! June 12th! ok heres the story it's truly amazing....pray for him to follow through and feel God's love and continue in GOD.

Ok so on tuesday we went over, Sister Smith and I to teach the Plan of Salvation. (we have taught for 2 weeks). I really had to go potty so I told my companiona and she said "you can't hold it!!??" "NOPE" I said. this is relavent I promise! so we said our hellos when jose let us in and then I asked to use his restroom. while I was in there I felt so peaceful, and excited to teach him, but it was so funny I had the calm thought to desmiss satan. (I wasn't scared, or anyting,) but I didnt' hesitate, I've learned that GOd sends promptings for a reason and I wouldn't question them I'm want to follow through, so right then and there as I sat, I dismissed satan 3 times. and washed my hands and went and taught a great lesson of the plan of Happiness. then as planned I asked him if he would follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized as the 1 step to be a member of the celestial kingdom?

he hesitated and kind of squirmed. he said "ya know, I jsut dont' know" he began to explain his hesitation, he said "I don't want to scare you or antyhing but I feel evil spirits and they have come to be at night time in this house". you have to understand Jose has been in gangs and seen and heard a lot more than any of us would wish for. "everytime I try and get closer to God I feel this cold, scary feeling. the night that I became Christain I had a dream where the devil came to me and had my children by his side and said if you do this I wont go after you, I'll go after yoru kids. I woke up sweating and scared and told my wife".

ok do you see where this is going? I kept quiet as my companion quickly interupted him to tell him that what he needs to do is pray and he will recieve strength. he asked "is there anything that you do for that?" was his question. I knew at that second why Heavenly Father told me to dismiss satan. I spoke. "Jose, I know you know that satan is real, just as much as God lives, so does satan, and he doesn't want you to get closer to god and especially not get baptized. you KNOW THIS. jose, do you remember when we talk about the priesthood power? the power to act in God's name, which every worthy man in the church can recieve, I have 2 things for you. 1 we can have a man that holds that priesthood come to your home tonight and through the power of God dedicate and bless your home. "I'de like that." he said. before I could even finish. and 2. you have a power now as a child of God to dismiss satan from your presence. do you know that. his eyes got really big and he shook his head. You are a Son of God, and he has given this power to his children. and at that moment, as if my mouth was moving but my words were not coming out I expressed to him and taught him how to dismiss Satan. "3 times". I said. "and he has to leave. he CANNOT STAY". it was amazing, the spirit was so strong. I knew what God wanted his son to hear. I then said, "Jose you are a choice son of God, he knows you and the asset you are to him raising your 4 kids and being the head of this home, he needs YOU!" pause. I than asked with eyes that were fixed on his. "Jose, can we put you on for June 12th for you to follow Christ's example and be baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God?" he looked at me and said. "Yes, I'll try it out". with a big smile on his face.

I'm worried that he said "I'll try it out". but I know that through teh power of God and the atonement he will be such an asset to teh Lord and furthering his kingdom on the earth! pray for him to follow through and except EVERYTHING! we are teaching teh WOrd of Wisdom and the Gospel tomorrow! he does tattoos for a hobby and is colovered in them himself, and smokes and drinks on acasion, so lets put faith to the test and pray for the spirit! HE"S GUNNA TO IT!!!

EXCITING 2 weeks out in the field and a baptismal date....not baptizm yet, but it soon will be!!!

Ok we met another woman her name is Latoya (having a baby TOMORROW) so golden, had a mormon freind years ago taught all the discussion pretty much, loves god, believes everything, the only thing that stopped her from gettting baptized she said back then was her smoking (since she was 14! :( crazy) but gues what she quit! her freind had breast cancer which was hariditary and she felt like a hipacrit possibly causing cancer on herself while her friend is loseing her hair through kimo. AMAZING WOMAN! we will be visiting her weekly starting in June. I believe she is ready to baptized. Her husband is awesoem he was the one that kept telling us to come back and talk to her! so supportive, he's baptist. great family! OH!! his moto, which Latoya loves is "aren't you just excited about LIFE?" PERFECT oppurtunity. did you see it!!??? I said to her. " did your friend ever tell you about the plan God has for us as his children? which you actually just stated?...she said um...I said "it's called the Plan of Happiness". her eyes got big and her mouth dropped, "No, through all the talks we had, we never talked about that, wow!" I said that is what we wanted to share with you today, and to tell you how your little girl that will be comeing in this world has lived zillions of years before and her soul is who she is, you get to watch her personality take form from sould to soul and body. and you get to be her teacher as Heavenly Father is both of your teachers. she smiled, wow!!... "I KNOW!" she said. she is amazing!!!! WOW!!!! so awesome! I'm so thrilled to get the members of relief society into her home to help her with her girl a few times a week, and help her. I feel like she is in every way ready to be baptized. they don't even watch rated R movies!!! or drink (often) or smoke. both were in teh military her 5 years, him still there 15+ years. WOW!! YES!@!!

well my companions had yet another water fight, is was needed, we had some hard weeks. so fun, I added DISH SOAP THIS TIME!!! HE HE!!! :D BAAHAHAHAH!!! so funny.

we found 3 new investigators this week!! TRACTING...YEAHHH BABY!!!! love it! my ankle is not getting better, going to buy another pair of shoes sketchers (only ones that work) special kinds, riding a bick all day really kills them...BRING On the DUCK TAPE! :) not even kidding!! yes I'm in a biking area 1/2 the time and car the other 1/2. ugh... I am allways sweaty...what a blessing no!? yes!!! I love it!!! I love the HUGE BUGS THAT BITE, the road kill I get to see flat on the side of the road. you see if we were driving I wouldn't be able to see these wonderful things. REALLY AWEOME.. I say a dried rattler snake, coiled up ready to attack...DRIED!!! SWEET!!! I know! I didnt' get a picture, cause I was on the freeway!. it's ok mom, I'm safe...:) I've got a helmet!!! with seet blue flames. ha ha! I love being missionary. I miss you all everyday, and somethimes I will cry at tight. but it's ok to cry and then get back to work for God is on our side and theres lots of work to do, PUT YOUR SHOULDER TO THE WHEEL!!! :)

I love you familia y amigos y amigas, yo missionara por Jeso Cristo y mi corason es FULL!!!!

DOnt' forget to send your testimonies to me!!! you all saw how mom's inspired a women who needed to feel that spirit and did. now go and do and be and write and send back to me!!!

be good missionaires. lve you lots.

all you young men, prepare for a MISSION!.....becasue it will prepare YOU! love you lots!!

Love you from here to Heaven, SIster Judkins

Letter #5

May 17, 2010

I was mad at my companion the other day so she was walking away from me and I had teh spraying nosel from the sink in my hand, so I just simply pushed it as it was aimed to her face!!! AH HA AHHAHAHAH!!!!! SO FUNNY!!! well then all heck broke loose she grabbed a cup, I had the sprayer and a water bottel and well by teh end we were soaked the floor was covered and we were practically peeing our pants....with laughter...that was really fun, and silly and so like our family hugh!!! yes I'm a bad example... jk!!! got to laugh right!!!? learned that from my parents and I am a full believer of it!!! ha ha!! :D

this is me on my bike with my companions, so fun!!! too much fun I know!!! h ahah!!! I did the marry poppins look!!!

-sis Judkins