THANK YOU,
Oh man I really miss spending time with ya'll and being home. That’s for sure. I love you!
YES I GOT THE PACKAGE mama! Thank you :) 2 weeks ago about. Sorry I didn't write sooner, I've been taking the pills they are really helping and thank you so much! Mom! :) My address is still
Longmire
Peppertree apt #204
College station, TX
Same one you have!!! Thank you!
I need a pair of thick tights, colored (dark purple maybe, or something) it's cold!!! And um....stamps....hair clips....like "errand of angels" movie...like bigger bows, or clips (bigger not little ones) if you see any super cute ones :) Or if Jill or Megan want to make me one! :) Umm...mom...I love the silk tops you sent me!!! YOU WERE RIGHT! They’re awesome in the cold....not in the hot, but way awesome in the cold weather! THANK YOU!!! I LOVE THEM!!! I need to know where I should send a BIG package of my stuff when I need to ship some stuff home in a few months probably. Where should I send it, like journals, planners, letters, books, etc. umm...I'll think of other things I need latter. I know stuff is tight. So it's ok these aren’t' necessities, I just would like professional cute clips and a pair of colored cute tights to be warm....Oh and my shoes… maybe mom could you look to see if you see any good bike/ walking shoes sketchers....the other ones we bought I kept one, but the other hurt my feet so I gave them to Sister Cramer. Hers were falling apart. But I need really hard bottoms, not too much flexibility in the soles, those are best for biking. If you come across anything send me a picture ....I do need that. My feet are starting to have sores. ...:) It’s OK!!! Thank you!!! Love you.
Ok, funny...:) sooooooooooo FUNNY!!!! Last night, we were trying to contact some people and knocked on the 1st door (duplex) the next door neighbor answered to tell us he didn’t' live there and we ended up teaching her 1 1/2 hours!! And she wants us for dinner next week, but doesn't want to learn more .... Yet... :) She knows a lot though even helped send off her friend's son on his mission. Ok....not the funny. He he!!! Ha ha BAAAHAHA!!! Ok...
So remember Bob, we tracked into him and had an incredible lesson and he was crying and told us to come back any time. So we went by his house and I had to pee SUPER BAD!!! So I just said let’s ask Bob..... :) ....so (its 7:40pm) pitch black....he answers and I ask, "Hey I have kind of a funny question, can I use your bathroom? We're far away from our apartment is that OK if I use yours?"
He looks at me with a dumbfound look "ugh....I guess so..."
"Are you Bob?" I ask "No" he says....AAHAHAHAHAHAHH, I burst out laughing, "oh so you don't even know who we are~??" "Nope," I introduced us and what we do, and he said with a beet red face.
"Oh man, Bob pulled a fast one on you, he told me ya'll might be coming by."
I was laughing so hard by now with him (Mike, who was Bob's friend)...."Well can I still use your bathroom!!???"
"I guess"....I went in so quick in the bathroom because at this point I was laughing so hard I could have peeded myself.... hahahaha!!! I just laughed trying so hard not to be loud enough for them to hear.... while I left my new greenie out there with this random guy....HAHA!!! The day couldn't have gotten BETTER....then I came out and taught him a lesson and had prayer and invited him to learn more...he said no....then I told him to get Bob's address and call us and we'll send the elders to him....and pretend he has committed to baptism....Mike was bust'n up laughing at this time too! And his dog loved me A LOT so I think he really liked us too!....hahah!!! We kept laughing and we're going to bring him cookies this week with our testimonies of the plan of Salvation to say thank you.... Oh too funny! He was beet red and hitt'n his hands together say'n "oh don't worry, he'll know ya'll came here, he'll probably hear it right after ya'll leave!!! He'll get an ear full!" ...."I said well, I am sure glad we did meet you, and thanks for letting us use your bathroom Mike!...
Then we left!!...laughing all the way to our next appointment. hahahah!!!! Too funny! Don’t worry we're gunna find Bob and send the elders to him!!! :) Mike ratted him out and told us his address!! Ha ha!!! Great friends!!!
Yes I'm training, it's tough because you feel like your never doing enough, always a feeling of inadequacy and you’re not good enough in the back and front on my head. Satan is working hard. When you have a new missionary they are (in this case) very much on fire! Sister Fonua is incredible, VERY ready and prepared to be here! She has studied a lot and knows SO MUCH MORE than I did when I first came out here!!! I didn't know anything! Plus I acted sometimes as if I knew everything! ... Oh what a humbling experience. Although I have always been aware of my nothingness and God's greatness I have been in constant reminder of it with my new Greenie-Power companion. She is truly putting everything I've learned with patience and everything I loved about Katie training me and dad training me to manage the store...(they at that time were the perfect examples for me) and my mothers constant example, we sometimes just don’t' really see until latter.
Training has really put my faults right in front of my face and consistently having a prayer in my heart to my Lord and Father in Heaven. Oh how grateful I am to feel my Savior's love for me, you our family our spiritual family (all of God's children.) How I am trying with all my heart to realize the potential my Heavenly father wants me to live up to, it's hard to feel that I am so far from being who he expects and wants me to be. Everyday it seems like Satan tries to tare us down and say, "you will never reach your potential, so why even try?" Those are the times when I remember the scripture, "if all men where or ever would be like unto Moroni, the very gates of Hell would shake".....so...you would think, how hard is Satan trying to lead away the chosen and the strong and the weak as well. He wants to ruin families, wreck good friendships, and make you feel unworthy for the companionship of not just the Holy Ghost, but our savior and even our own Father in Heaven. How happy it does make me when I start my prayer with "dear kind Heavenly Father......" what a plain and precious thing that has been distorted over the years. God is our father, we are spiritual children of him and he sent us here to receive bodies, experience good and evil and choose to have faith in his son, our brother Jesus Christ that through him and the infinite atonement which he suffered for all, we can repent, be baptized by one holding the authority given to him by one who received the original power from Jesus Christ who received his by his Father. And then the Holy Ghost can be given through and only through that same power by the laying on of hands, and as we feel the Holy Ghost's promptings, we may choice to be perfected in him, we can choose our eternal salvation. Whether we will live with God in his kingdom or if we choose to not stay strong to the end, to be slothful, or lazy, or let Satan’s knot tying lies wrap us so tight we believe that we will NEVER reach our potential. When Christ is right, they’re succoring us (running to us) arms open ready to help us burst the bands that hold us bound. I know that we give our BEST....because Heavenly father gave his best....his only begotten son that whoso believeth in him shall not parish, but have ever lasting life.
Family I am so happy to be a missionary, and though times are hard, I know that our brother and savior are with me and my father in heaven is with me. When I fall and hurt and cry and don't want to get back up and ask, "why does it have to be so hard?" My father has already known that struggle and he has it covered with my older brother who was the best life this world has ever known. And yet he was bruised for our iniquities, and with his stripes we are healed. He knew many of us need something here for us, and so he has given me my family..... That will be his hands and (letters) we are his hands...he can help us feel his love, we just need to show that love to others.
I love the work, I love you all with my whole heart!
From here to heaven
-Love, Sister Judkins
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Letter #41
Hello family and friends,
I'm TRAINING THE TONGAN!!!!!!! AHAHAHAH!!! YES FOR REALL!!!! AHAHAH!!!!
Ok this week has been full of incredible miracles.... 1st mom thank you for your letter. That I hope you know was a miracle! And a sincere loving answers to me from my heavenly Father. I know that things are going to turn around because the Lord promises that if we are obedient and follow him, you will prosper in the land. And how incredible to me when I received your letter with the miraculous news of the store. My testimony of obedience has been strengthened to a knowledge and not just faith. I know my Heavenly Father keeps his promises. Thank you family and friends for your prayers I could feel them this week!
Well with Transfers here it is…. I'm staying in college Station my comp is going to Kleinwood, and I am getting the English sister that is coming in (who we believe is from Tonga :) I've been doing the Haka all week getting ready with my warrior faces! Get ready College Station 3rd ward we are getting GREENIE FIRE!!!! It’s incredible, President Hansen called me this morning for a pep talk about my commitments of being 100% and really wanting to, to please Heavenly Father and for my family and the area I'm serving to start seeing blessings! I'm so incredibly grateful! PRAY FOR MY NEW BABY!!!! (Mission lingo, gotta love and hate it, at the same time)
I feel like I've been changing so much lately. My spirit is so sensitive to things around me and the WORK IS GOING GREAT! But there’s always MORE that we can be doing. I'm learning how to give all of me, it's a hard thing to give to the Lord, but a must for him to shape you and mold you into the person he wants you to become to reach your fullest potential. and to be Happiest.... :)
Bill is incredible, we taught him 2 times and he is getting BAPTIZED!!!! He's so ready, the spirit was so incredibly strong during his lessons!
Troy we found tracting, remember him? :) Well the lesson went so AWESOME!!! The spirit was strong and I feel a little like 1/2 and 1/2 with him, there’s something interesting about him. So I'm careful and listen to the spirit as to know what he will need to continue until he gets baptized. He said he'd come to church and get baptized. pretty cool!
The area is white and ready to harvest, we just need to get out there and sharpen our sickles and get ready to harvest!!!
Katie thanks for your HUGE letter ...LOVED IT.... :)
Family thank you for your letters of encouragement and love. I read them over and over again and feel the love I have at home cheering me on and how I cheer them on everyday too!!! Know that I'm being obedient and miracles are occurring and I'm not perfect and I still need to repent but what a blessing to know when you truly repent, you are clean and the Lord remembers your sins no more. So even though mine are little tiny things that I don't mean to break, it's important to realize they are not obedient and to start again! Broken heart and contrite spirit.....what does that mean? Think about that this week!
I love you all so much, pray for SISTER FONUA she's my new Tongan Greenie.....she is going to bring FIRE POWER, and I am going to learn to lift her high and the Lord will take her higher. I will learn to be happy for her successes and to fight for right together!!! I love you all so much!
I get to go to Houston Tuesday till Thursday and go to the temple Wednesday at 10am with my new greenie!!! so pumped!!! EXPECT MIRACLES.....WHEN OBEDIANC IS A QUEST!!!!! :)
Love you from here to Heaven!
-Love you,
Sister Judkins
Daddy,
You’re so strong and you have such incredible abilities! Dad! I'm so happy to see different traits and talents that I'm working on that you and mom have passed on to me. I'm so happy that you and mom NEVER GIVE UP!!! That's something that I have a double dose of, you and mom no matter what NEVER give up, and I really don't think it's in our vocabulary. Dad I want you to listen to something and have mom and the kids listen to it, this is to all the mission presidents, but I want you to know that this is my mission in a nutshell.
go to You-tube watch this movie:
"Missionary Work and the Atonement"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBXcNosn50g
This is why I'm here, daddy, mom, family....These feelings are real, I have felt them, when my body begs for rest.....when I am rejected and spit upon, I remember there was someone a lot greater.........a lot BETTER.....
This is what keeps me going in times where I can't do it alone....I think that this will touch you dad like it did me....bringing tears to my eyes that I couldn't stop the flow of. I love you dad and know I am being obedient!!! Thank you for encouraging me, now I know this will encourage you dad! Let the spirit guide your thoughts and decisions as you have always taught me to do!
I love you,
Your daughter that misses you dearly,
Sister Janna Judkins
I'm TRAINING THE TONGAN!!!!!!! AHAHAHAH!!! YES FOR REALL!!!! AHAHAH!!!!
Ok this week has been full of incredible miracles.... 1st mom thank you for your letter. That I hope you know was a miracle! And a sincere loving answers to me from my heavenly Father. I know that things are going to turn around because the Lord promises that if we are obedient and follow him, you will prosper in the land. And how incredible to me when I received your letter with the miraculous news of the store. My testimony of obedience has been strengthened to a knowledge and not just faith. I know my Heavenly Father keeps his promises. Thank you family and friends for your prayers I could feel them this week!
Well with Transfers here it is…. I'm staying in college Station my comp is going to Kleinwood, and I am getting the English sister that is coming in (who we believe is from Tonga :) I've been doing the Haka all week getting ready with my warrior faces! Get ready College Station 3rd ward we are getting GREENIE FIRE!!!! It’s incredible, President Hansen called me this morning for a pep talk about my commitments of being 100% and really wanting to, to please Heavenly Father and for my family and the area I'm serving to start seeing blessings! I'm so incredibly grateful! PRAY FOR MY NEW BABY!!!! (Mission lingo, gotta love and hate it, at the same time)
I feel like I've been changing so much lately. My spirit is so sensitive to things around me and the WORK IS GOING GREAT! But there’s always MORE that we can be doing. I'm learning how to give all of me, it's a hard thing to give to the Lord, but a must for him to shape you and mold you into the person he wants you to become to reach your fullest potential. and to be Happiest.... :)
Bill is incredible, we taught him 2 times and he is getting BAPTIZED!!!! He's so ready, the spirit was so incredibly strong during his lessons!
Troy we found tracting, remember him? :) Well the lesson went so AWESOME!!! The spirit was strong and I feel a little like 1/2 and 1/2 with him, there’s something interesting about him. So I'm careful and listen to the spirit as to know what he will need to continue until he gets baptized. He said he'd come to church and get baptized. pretty cool!
The area is white and ready to harvest, we just need to get out there and sharpen our sickles and get ready to harvest!!!
Katie thanks for your HUGE letter ...LOVED IT.... :)
Family thank you for your letters of encouragement and love. I read them over and over again and feel the love I have at home cheering me on and how I cheer them on everyday too!!! Know that I'm being obedient and miracles are occurring and I'm not perfect and I still need to repent but what a blessing to know when you truly repent, you are clean and the Lord remembers your sins no more. So even though mine are little tiny things that I don't mean to break, it's important to realize they are not obedient and to start again! Broken heart and contrite spirit.....what does that mean? Think about that this week!
I love you all so much, pray for SISTER FONUA she's my new Tongan Greenie.....she is going to bring FIRE POWER, and I am going to learn to lift her high and the Lord will take her higher. I will learn to be happy for her successes and to fight for right together!!! I love you all so much!
I get to go to Houston Tuesday till Thursday and go to the temple Wednesday at 10am with my new greenie!!! so pumped!!! EXPECT MIRACLES.....WHEN OBEDIANC IS A QUEST!!!!! :)
Love you from here to Heaven!
-Love you,
Sister Judkins
Daddy,
You’re so strong and you have such incredible abilities! Dad! I'm so happy to see different traits and talents that I'm working on that you and mom have passed on to me. I'm so happy that you and mom NEVER GIVE UP!!! That's something that I have a double dose of, you and mom no matter what NEVER give up, and I really don't think it's in our vocabulary. Dad I want you to listen to something and have mom and the kids listen to it, this is to all the mission presidents, but I want you to know that this is my mission in a nutshell.
go to You-tube watch this movie:
"Missionary Work and the Atonement"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBXcNosn50g
This is why I'm here, daddy, mom, family....These feelings are real, I have felt them, when my body begs for rest.....when I am rejected and spit upon, I remember there was someone a lot greater.........a lot BETTER.....
This is what keeps me going in times where I can't do it alone....I think that this will touch you dad like it did me....bringing tears to my eyes that I couldn't stop the flow of. I love you dad and know I am being obedient!!! Thank you for encouraging me, now I know this will encourage you dad! Let the spirit guide your thoughts and decisions as you have always taught me to do!
I love you,
Your daughter that misses you dearly,
Sister Janna Judkins
Monday, January 3, 2011
Letter #40
"I love the mountains, I love the dandelions, I love that I can't spell, and I love my family I love the slammed doors, I love the stressing, I love the bed bugs, I love the broken bike, and I love the freezing cold..... La la la la la!!! "
How many of us have sung this song before!!! HA HA!!!!
Ok...but for real..... I love missionary work!!!!
This week we GOT 35 LESSONSSS!!!! YAOHOOO.....and totally got 11 lessons on Saturday! The 1st day of the year!!! 2011!!! That was the most I had ever gotten (and hadn't reached it since my 1st transfer with my trainer) so still didn't beat it, but wait this week! But totally just tied it!!! Sister Davis should be so proud ;) he he!
We’ve been tracting tons and seeing miracles happen all around us what an incredible year!! I can't wait to see what happens!!!
1. We found a family: The Grimes. Tracted into them and my comp did the door approach and he said" well we already go to church...” then the spirit spoke and said BE BOLD.....my specialty!!!....."Do you know that Christ came on the earth to restore his father’s church and gospel and most importantly his authority to have the true church on the earth? We believe Jesus gave that authority to his apostles, but after they were all killed, God took that authority off the earth and their was so much confusion and many churches were formed trying to find what Jesus Christ taught, but they didn't have the authority. We believe it's important to not just go to church, but to find the true church on the earth. Our message is that this true church Jesus Christ was here to restore with the Authority given to him by God have been restored on the earth and we are looking for those who are ready to hear and except this message that is there is a living prophet on the earth today that has the authority from God. Will you be interested in this message?" he said ...."....ugh....yea...ok"..... SO COOL! I never say the words "true church" ever usually because it ruffles feathers, that's how I know came out of my mouth was the spirit.....we walked away and I tried REALLY hard not to jump up and down, because I could feel it...."did you feel that," I said...."OH YEAH" my comp said as we walked away. We have the 1st lesson with him Wednesday! At 7pm.... :) he has 3 kids 20, 18 16 girl and 2 boys.
MIRACLES!!!
We are working incredibly hard to reach our goals. Especially of doubling our baptisms by March (MY BIRTHDAY!!!) 30 to 60 YES this CAN so be DONE!!! With God Nothing is impossible....I love that.....
I would like to see how everyone is doing on their New Year goals. Mine is BEING OBEDIENT 100%....ha ha! But I'm doing GREAT, had a day of hardship, but thank goodness for repentance!! Though your sins be red as scarlet they will be as white as snow. :) Peace love and charity!!! I'm missing my family and beloved friends though!!! That’s for sure. But this helps me be happy! :) I get my gold star....then that much closer to a MANICURE!!!....Yup....I'm bribing myself to be obedient, hey you do it with kids and potty training....it's a proven way for success! :P)
Hmm.....another woman we tracted into was incredible. Lisa, she had this face of "don't you dare waste my time".....and it was my door. Well, I started sharing and with all my heart bore testimony of Joseph Smith and actually shared the 1st vision and recited it to her. I wasn't quite sure how to read her, but we had been there for at least 15 minutes at her door step and she listened like .... You have some gumption kid.....yes; I know I live with myself every day. Ha ha! At the end we gave her a chapter to read 3 Nephi 27 and bore testimony that we are here to invite her, she said "I appreciate the boldness you (looking straight into my soul) spoke with about what you believe in"....we gave her a BOM and our # and said call us... she said ." If I become more interested I'll give you a call." wow...I walked away from that door my heart bouncing and racing....she's going to call...I know it...maybe not now, but she will call!!!
Don’t give up! The gospel is true, it's the only thing that brings happiness and joy in a world that is searching, how grateful I am to now the truth that I lived with God before as his spirit daughter. And I am not just his creation but his daughter, and he loves me and wants to see me happy and progress to reach my potential, repent of my sins, be baptized by his authority by water and the fire of the Holy Ghost and then to hold on tight to the gospel and work my whole life just like Jesus Christ his son did, my brother. I know the book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, if any of you are searching or want to know read the book. For in it you will find truth eternal! And the truth will set us free.
How happy and grateful I am to know that through the restored gospel and in the temple families can be sealed together forever! Not just till death do you part, but for all time and eternity. Wow....
I love you all with each piece of my heart!
Love you all from here to home (Heaven)
Sister Judkins
How many of us have sung this song before!!! HA HA!!!!
Ok...but for real..... I love missionary work!!!!
This week we GOT 35 LESSONSSS!!!! YAOHOOO.....and totally got 11 lessons on Saturday! The 1st day of the year!!! 2011!!! That was the most I had ever gotten (and hadn't reached it since my 1st transfer with my trainer) so still didn't beat it, but wait this week! But totally just tied it!!! Sister Davis should be so proud ;) he he!
We’ve been tracting tons and seeing miracles happen all around us what an incredible year!! I can't wait to see what happens!!!
1. We found a family: The Grimes. Tracted into them and my comp did the door approach and he said" well we already go to church...” then the spirit spoke and said BE BOLD.....my specialty!!!....."Do you know that Christ came on the earth to restore his father’s church and gospel and most importantly his authority to have the true church on the earth? We believe Jesus gave that authority to his apostles, but after they were all killed, God took that authority off the earth and their was so much confusion and many churches were formed trying to find what Jesus Christ taught, but they didn't have the authority. We believe it's important to not just go to church, but to find the true church on the earth. Our message is that this true church Jesus Christ was here to restore with the Authority given to him by God have been restored on the earth and we are looking for those who are ready to hear and except this message that is there is a living prophet on the earth today that has the authority from God. Will you be interested in this message?" he said ...."....ugh....yea...ok"..... SO COOL! I never say the words "true church" ever usually because it ruffles feathers, that's how I know came out of my mouth was the spirit.....we walked away and I tried REALLY hard not to jump up and down, because I could feel it...."did you feel that," I said...."OH YEAH" my comp said as we walked away. We have the 1st lesson with him Wednesday! At 7pm.... :) he has 3 kids 20, 18 16 girl and 2 boys.
MIRACLES!!!
We are working incredibly hard to reach our goals. Especially of doubling our baptisms by March (MY BIRTHDAY!!!) 30 to 60 YES this CAN so be DONE!!! With God Nothing is impossible....I love that.....
I would like to see how everyone is doing on their New Year goals. Mine is BEING OBEDIENT 100%....ha ha! But I'm doing GREAT, had a day of hardship, but thank goodness for repentance!! Though your sins be red as scarlet they will be as white as snow. :) Peace love and charity!!! I'm missing my family and beloved friends though!!! That’s for sure. But this helps me be happy! :) I get my gold star....then that much closer to a MANICURE!!!....Yup....I'm bribing myself to be obedient, hey you do it with kids and potty training....it's a proven way for success! :P)
Hmm.....another woman we tracted into was incredible. Lisa, she had this face of "don't you dare waste my time".....and it was my door. Well, I started sharing and with all my heart bore testimony of Joseph Smith and actually shared the 1st vision and recited it to her. I wasn't quite sure how to read her, but we had been there for at least 15 minutes at her door step and she listened like .... You have some gumption kid.....yes; I know I live with myself every day. Ha ha! At the end we gave her a chapter to read 3 Nephi 27 and bore testimony that we are here to invite her, she said "I appreciate the boldness you (looking straight into my soul) spoke with about what you believe in"....we gave her a BOM and our # and said call us... she said ." If I become more interested I'll give you a call." wow...I walked away from that door my heart bouncing and racing....she's going to call...I know it...maybe not now, but she will call!!!
Don’t give up! The gospel is true, it's the only thing that brings happiness and joy in a world that is searching, how grateful I am to now the truth that I lived with God before as his spirit daughter. And I am not just his creation but his daughter, and he loves me and wants to see me happy and progress to reach my potential, repent of my sins, be baptized by his authority by water and the fire of the Holy Ghost and then to hold on tight to the gospel and work my whole life just like Jesus Christ his son did, my brother. I know the book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, if any of you are searching or want to know read the book. For in it you will find truth eternal! And the truth will set us free.
How happy and grateful I am to know that through the restored gospel and in the temple families can be sealed together forever! Not just till death do you part, but for all time and eternity. Wow....
I love you all with each piece of my heart!
Love you all from here to home (Heaven)
Sister Judkins
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Letter #39
Hello family and friends,
I love you all and miss you dearly and wow this Christmas was incredible!!! How grateful I am we had 2 baptisms and are looking for more through tracting at EVERYONES HOUSE!! Asking for referrals and praying and through my new 2011 game plan that I've already started on because you should never just wait for a date to start something great!!!! :) Ha just made that up right now!!!
1.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!! DEC 27th 2010
I'm sorry I didn’t' write yesterday, the library was closed and so we are writing today!!! YEEE HAHAHAH!!! Mom how incredible you are I wish I could run and jump on your FACE!!!!!! I love you!!! I'm sending you a special letter today in the mail!!! Very special!!! You will cry.. :) But I love you mom and you’re my shining light!!!
Well I wanted to share with you what I wrote to President today!
President,
Hao and Yao’s baptism was beautiful and they are passed to their ward elders and excited! It was sad to let them go, but I'm excited for their progression!
After my phone call home (which I wanted to let you know was way longer then 1 hour and I'm sorry) but there was something I learned that I’d never really understood before. And although calling home was hard the Lord had bigger things in store for me, and I'm beginning to feel them as I have put my new game plan in play!
So my game plan for the 2nd 1/2 of my mission is this:
1. 100% obedience in the morning schedule and nightly planning (which I've not truly done since my 1st transfer nightly planning, I didn't understand how important it was, until now)
2. Giving thanks to my Heavenly Father for all things all day. (Saying prayers to thank Him for every little tiny thing that goes right.
I'm on my 3rd day of doing these 2 things and I have seen the miracles, one being that my joy is fuller. I have a calendar that I put a gold star on and a paw print sticker and at the end of the month, I reward myself with something special. I know this sounds silly, but I wanted to share it with you because I've never been more excited about being 100% obedient with the things I can control then these past 3 days! And that is a miracle. I know this is what has been holding me back from giving my all and trusting God with my whole heart! I'm sorry I went over time, but I do want you to know that I won’t do it again, and that the Lord had the best Christmas gift to give to me through this Christmas away from family and all, I've been holding TIGHT to my trust in God and faith that if I'm 100% obedient and praise Him in all things then, I am allowing him to bless me, his children that are investigating the church and my struggling but happy family!
President, I felt impressed to send you these short clips of my family's Christmas this year. And express to you the deep admiration I have for you and your wife and each missionary that serves and puts their trust in God when we step away from home and fully carry our Saviors Yoke.
Merry Christmas President.
Love,
Sister Judkins
I love you all and miss you dearly and wow this Christmas was incredible!!! How grateful I am we had 2 baptisms and are looking for more through tracting at EVERYONES HOUSE!! Asking for referrals and praying and through my new 2011 game plan that I've already started on because you should never just wait for a date to start something great!!!! :) Ha just made that up right now!!!
1.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!! DEC 27th 2010
I'm sorry I didn’t' write yesterday, the library was closed and so we are writing today!!! YEEE HAHAHAH!!! Mom how incredible you are I wish I could run and jump on your FACE!!!!!! I love you!!! I'm sending you a special letter today in the mail!!! Very special!!! You will cry.. :) But I love you mom and you’re my shining light!!!
Well I wanted to share with you what I wrote to President today!
President,
Hao and Yao’s baptism was beautiful and they are passed to their ward elders and excited! It was sad to let them go, but I'm excited for their progression!
After my phone call home (which I wanted to let you know was way longer then 1 hour and I'm sorry) but there was something I learned that I’d never really understood before. And although calling home was hard the Lord had bigger things in store for me, and I'm beginning to feel them as I have put my new game plan in play!
So my game plan for the 2nd 1/2 of my mission is this:
1. 100% obedience in the morning schedule and nightly planning (which I've not truly done since my 1st transfer nightly planning, I didn't understand how important it was, until now)
2. Giving thanks to my Heavenly Father for all things all day. (Saying prayers to thank Him for every little tiny thing that goes right.
I'm on my 3rd day of doing these 2 things and I have seen the miracles, one being that my joy is fuller. I have a calendar that I put a gold star on and a paw print sticker and at the end of the month, I reward myself with something special. I know this sounds silly, but I wanted to share it with you because I've never been more excited about being 100% obedient with the things I can control then these past 3 days! And that is a miracle. I know this is what has been holding me back from giving my all and trusting God with my whole heart! I'm sorry I went over time, but I do want you to know that I won’t do it again, and that the Lord had the best Christmas gift to give to me through this Christmas away from family and all, I've been holding TIGHT to my trust in God and faith that if I'm 100% obedient and praise Him in all things then, I am allowing him to bless me, his children that are investigating the church and my struggling but happy family!
President, I felt impressed to send you these short clips of my family's Christmas this year. And express to you the deep admiration I have for you and your wife and each missionary that serves and puts their trust in God when we step away from home and fully carry our Saviors Yoke.
Merry Christmas President.
Love,
Sister Judkins
Monday, December 20, 2010
Letter #38
Christmas..... It's my favorite time of the year!!!!
Mom..... :) I love your concerns for me!! Do you know that!? ;) I am doing better, getting a physical therapist for my neck and back went to doctor and got medicine for my skin (picking up today) my staff is almost gone, bed bugs are DEAD!!!! Merry Christmas to ME!!! Thank you! :) ha ha! Now I am just trying really hard not to get sicker than I already am. Got a soar throat, my comp is really sick, trying to take care of her. NO SWEETS....I'm working on that....mom you are right, it is better not to eat sweets when you want to get better. now if my comp would just listen to me... ha ha! all and all I'm staying warm (yes I bought a new coat (bright red)) I look like red riding hood! ha ha! But I'm staying warm with scarfs and coats and gloves. Thank you! And (I peaked in one present...I took a pair of your fuzzy socks with me to members and people so when I take my shoes off, I'm still warm ha ha!!! Picture it....bright green and blue fuzzy socks ha ha! So warm and yes I know what you’re all thinking..... :) ..."I would."...
Thank you to the ward and family that have sent me Christmas surprises!!! :) I love them...mom I really want to know what is in that little box.....have no idea! : P every time I receive a letter, card or something I scream and get so happy inside, thank you! I'm sending stuff out today! :D
This week has been intense, helping a family move, teaching Rachel and HAO and YAO are getting baptized CHRISTMAS!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAY AYAYAYAYAYAY!!!! They passed their interviews and are really excited to go to the temple and get the priesthood! This week we are having a Mission wide fast starting tonight at 6pm until tomorrow! This is the 1st time in many years that they've done this and I'm so excited to see the miracles that WILL follow! We are fasting for 3 things
1. families to teach
2. the desire to reach our goal next year to double our baptisms of 30 to 60 a month by March!!!
3. faith in our desires
This is incredible and once in a life time experience and we missionaries are excited to see the hand of God scoop up his children and help us teach those that are ready and waiting or searching!
Rachel we met with and she is so cute she was wearing the coat :) she was so thankful because she'd been so cold. and GUESS WHAT....she is pregnant! (The lord works in mysterious ways doesn’t' he) I was worried how we could get her to stop smoking and then she told us she was pregnant and can't smoke because it makes her sick!!! YES!!! (spiritual upper-cut) she also said her baby Loki act differently when we are around. "I've never seen him act like this with people that come over except when you sisters come....and I really love it"....that is so neat to me because that must mean we are doing our job right if little Loki (celestial baby) is acting super happy and jumpy and excited!!! cute chukka monkey!!!
Another tender mercy was Amy is planning on attending church Jan 2nd 2011! and is starting to notice the tender mercies of the Lord in her life ...slowly....but her heart is beginning to soften...slowly....but the Lord knows her. this is VERY exciting for her family!
We are praying for a family this week to find and teach!!! (the number that comes to mind has been 8) My comp and I both had that come to mind...THAT IS EXCITING!!!!!! how thankful I am to have my family growing together in the gospel!! I love the Book of Mormon and Bible and scriptures because they are words of God spoken through Prophets and Jesus Christ and I love praying to know that the spirit testifies of the truthfulness to me because I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father! the father of my spirit! how grateful I am for each of you. Sunday I began to cry when I thought of my home, I was sad and then a tender mercy that was sent from a father in Heaven told me to "be still Janna and listen" a special musical number was being performed and I could tell he was improving! It started with the 1st Noel, then it came upon a mid-night clear....then right when I heard this voice the tune came clear as caroling angels....."We'll bring the world his truth"....tears filled my eyes as I clutched my heart and closed my eyes. I remembered my most prize position my gold and silver and myrrh and frankincense....the one this that brings me Joy no matter what....my family.....a vision flooded my mind of my family singing my last Sunday together before I left "as sisters in Zion and my brothers coming in ringing the good news: "We'll bring the world his truth".....how special, that whole song was just for me! I think of the wise men giving their gifts and I connect my family....if I were a wise women what gift would I give....My most precious?....my family!!!.....What does it mean to give your family? I cannot express to you how it feels, but I can express to you that although it is the hardest thing I've done in my life, we give our best so Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father can give their best to us! What are we willing to give up this Christmas so that we can truly let More Christ in our lives!!! to LET him give us what we need to become what our Heavenly Father WANTS us to become! "The Lord would have me serve in the mission field"...that means he wants me here, and what a better gift I can give than give my Heavenly father what he wants from me. Keep my commandments....if ye love me, keep my commandments. in this there is safety and peace!!!
I love you all and each so dearly and with all my heart!!!
Love you from here to Heaven,
Sister Janna Judkins
p.s. Mom and family we will call around evening time 7pm....(if it changes I'll let you know!) :) I love you! almost time to talk with you ....can't wait!!!!
Mom..... :) I love your concerns for me!! Do you know that!? ;) I am doing better, getting a physical therapist for my neck and back went to doctor and got medicine for my skin (picking up today) my staff is almost gone, bed bugs are DEAD!!!! Merry Christmas to ME!!! Thank you! :) ha ha! Now I am just trying really hard not to get sicker than I already am. Got a soar throat, my comp is really sick, trying to take care of her. NO SWEETS....I'm working on that....mom you are right, it is better not to eat sweets when you want to get better. now if my comp would just listen to me... ha ha! all and all I'm staying warm (yes I bought a new coat (bright red)) I look like red riding hood! ha ha! But I'm staying warm with scarfs and coats and gloves. Thank you! And (I peaked in one present...I took a pair of your fuzzy socks with me to members and people so when I take my shoes off, I'm still warm ha ha!!! Picture it....bright green and blue fuzzy socks ha ha! So warm and yes I know what you’re all thinking..... :) ..."I would."...
Thank you to the ward and family that have sent me Christmas surprises!!! :) I love them...mom I really want to know what is in that little box.....have no idea! : P every time I receive a letter, card or something I scream and get so happy inside, thank you! I'm sending stuff out today! :D
This week has been intense, helping a family move, teaching Rachel and HAO and YAO are getting baptized CHRISTMAS!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAY AYAYAYAYAYAY!!!! They passed their interviews and are really excited to go to the temple and get the priesthood! This week we are having a Mission wide fast starting tonight at 6pm until tomorrow! This is the 1st time in many years that they've done this and I'm so excited to see the miracles that WILL follow! We are fasting for 3 things
1. families to teach
2. the desire to reach our goal next year to double our baptisms of 30 to 60 a month by March!!!
3. faith in our desires
This is incredible and once in a life time experience and we missionaries are excited to see the hand of God scoop up his children and help us teach those that are ready and waiting or searching!
Rachel we met with and she is so cute she was wearing the coat :) she was so thankful because she'd been so cold. and GUESS WHAT....she is pregnant! (The lord works in mysterious ways doesn’t' he) I was worried how we could get her to stop smoking and then she told us she was pregnant and can't smoke because it makes her sick!!! YES!!! (spiritual upper-cut) she also said her baby Loki act differently when we are around. "I've never seen him act like this with people that come over except when you sisters come....and I really love it"....that is so neat to me because that must mean we are doing our job right if little Loki (celestial baby) is acting super happy and jumpy and excited!!! cute chukka monkey!!!
Another tender mercy was Amy is planning on attending church Jan 2nd 2011! and is starting to notice the tender mercies of the Lord in her life ...slowly....but her heart is beginning to soften...slowly....but the Lord knows her. this is VERY exciting for her family!
We are praying for a family this week to find and teach!!! (the number that comes to mind has been 8) My comp and I both had that come to mind...THAT IS EXCITING!!!!!! how thankful I am to have my family growing together in the gospel!! I love the Book of Mormon and Bible and scriptures because they are words of God spoken through Prophets and Jesus Christ and I love praying to know that the spirit testifies of the truthfulness to me because I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father! the father of my spirit! how grateful I am for each of you. Sunday I began to cry when I thought of my home, I was sad and then a tender mercy that was sent from a father in Heaven told me to "be still Janna and listen" a special musical number was being performed and I could tell he was improving! It started with the 1st Noel, then it came upon a mid-night clear....then right when I heard this voice the tune came clear as caroling angels....."We'll bring the world his truth"....tears filled my eyes as I clutched my heart and closed my eyes. I remembered my most prize position my gold and silver and myrrh and frankincense....the one this that brings me Joy no matter what....my family.....a vision flooded my mind of my family singing my last Sunday together before I left "as sisters in Zion and my brothers coming in ringing the good news: "We'll bring the world his truth".....how special, that whole song was just for me! I think of the wise men giving their gifts and I connect my family....if I were a wise women what gift would I give....My most precious?....my family!!!.....What does it mean to give your family? I cannot express to you how it feels, but I can express to you that although it is the hardest thing I've done in my life, we give our best so Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father can give their best to us! What are we willing to give up this Christmas so that we can truly let More Christ in our lives!!! to LET him give us what we need to become what our Heavenly Father WANTS us to become! "The Lord would have me serve in the mission field"...that means he wants me here, and what a better gift I can give than give my Heavenly father what he wants from me. Keep my commandments....if ye love me, keep my commandments. in this there is safety and peace!!!
I love you all and each so dearly and with all my heart!!!
Love you from here to Heaven,
Sister Janna Judkins
p.s. Mom and family we will call around evening time 7pm....(if it changes I'll let you know!) :) I love you! almost time to talk with you ....can't wait!!!!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Letter #37
11 day’s!
Hao and Yao are doing awesome!!! Dec 25th is coming up fast we talked of chastity and wow with them this week and they are committing and doing awesome!
Joseph Choka from Ghana has a baptism date for Jan 15th!!! He works soooo much, but we met with him 2 days ago and he's always so happy to meet with us, he even put off work because he said, this is more important than money!!! Talking about meeting with us!! He's so excited about getting baptized and getting the priesthood too, we might start teaching his 14 year old son too!!! TOTALLY RAD!!! I love missionary work!
My back is killer, but I have another test on it soon, I'm getting electrode or something so we can fix the problem. I was so spoiled in Tomball with people that helped me....now it's tough.....but the work is worth it!!!
Biking is a killer....not really losing the weight that I want to, but that's probably because I got REALLY delicious fudge from mom!!! mmmmm mom!!! Thank you for that package family because I screamed all the way to our next apt. :) and mom don’t' worry I am not opening up anything because I can't...you said please of the letter....ugh....but I love looking at them under our Christmas tree!!! Yes we do have one, infact we combined our pennies and have lights up everywhere and ornaments too!!! :) They make me smile from here to ear and it makes me think of my favorite part of Christmas.
I love this season because it's the BEST!!! and finding is hard and so worth it.
Ok miracle of the week.... story time.....
Do you remember that 16 year old girl with the 7 month baby with dark makeup that can't stop smoking? Ok well we went in for an appointment with her and well the lord worked a miracle with me.....it started 2 1/2 weeks ago when I bought this beautiful black coat with fur around the hood and this special collar that felt like a sweater and nice warm pockets and ohhh....it was the most beautiful coat I could ever ask for ... I wore it every day as my companion and I would bike in the near freezing temperatures ... mmmm ... it was such a blessing......
.......Back to the lesson with Rachel....we were watching the restoration DVD and Rachel had mentioned that she had a coat "somewhere" ....but during the movie I heard a small whisper say: "Janna...give her your coat" ...no not my coat I thought....I don't have another one...and I don’t' have money to get one. plus she says she has one somewhere...."give her your coat" I heard again.... my heart was burning as I stood up before we left and asked "do you have a coat Rachel?”somewhere" she said "do you want mine I asked? I don't want to steel your coat from you....and at that moment the spirit didn't have to whisper again I knew what the Lord expected of me. "Here try it on" I said... she handed me her baby and I took off my coat.... "it looks good...it's warm"....it's yours....I said....the walk out the door and into the freezing temperatures made my heart heavy. Tears began to fill my eyes as I thought about what just happened...I felt sad...for people that don't have, for those that do, for those that have to give up something, and for those that receive something they didn’t' have...I knew that the Lord at that moment takes care of his children...and the way he does that is through his children! this knowledge...for me was a true Christmas gift! ....
I love my savior my family and my gift of life on this earth...."This is more important that money" Joseph Choka our investigator says....he's right....it is more important and God will provide for his children ALLWAYS!!! I testify that this is true and that the Book of Mormon is a gift that Jesus Christ is our savior and is real and will succor us when we stand in need of succor. I Know Heavenly Father love each of us. I know that because right now although I am utterly alone....I am NOT alone. and although I am not home we know where to find "home"....and we know what to do and what Heavenly Father expect us to do to get back home to be with him and our families forever! I bare you my solemn testimony and witness that I know this church is the only fullness of the truth and those who have it....hold tight, like never before. I love you, I love the gospel. and I love our savior Jesus Christ...in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love you from here to "Home"
Sister Judkins
Hao and Yao are doing awesome!!! Dec 25th is coming up fast we talked of chastity and wow with them this week and they are committing and doing awesome!
Joseph Choka from Ghana has a baptism date for Jan 15th!!! He works soooo much, but we met with him 2 days ago and he's always so happy to meet with us, he even put off work because he said, this is more important than money!!! Talking about meeting with us!! He's so excited about getting baptized and getting the priesthood too, we might start teaching his 14 year old son too!!! TOTALLY RAD!!! I love missionary work!
My back is killer, but I have another test on it soon, I'm getting electrode or something so we can fix the problem. I was so spoiled in Tomball with people that helped me....now it's tough.....but the work is worth it!!!
Biking is a killer....not really losing the weight that I want to, but that's probably because I got REALLY delicious fudge from mom!!! mmmmm mom!!! Thank you for that package family because I screamed all the way to our next apt. :) and mom don’t' worry I am not opening up anything because I can't...you said please of the letter....ugh....but I love looking at them under our Christmas tree!!! Yes we do have one, infact we combined our pennies and have lights up everywhere and ornaments too!!! :) They make me smile from here to ear and it makes me think of my favorite part of Christmas.
I love this season because it's the BEST!!! and finding is hard and so worth it.
Ok miracle of the week.... story time.....
Do you remember that 16 year old girl with the 7 month baby with dark makeup that can't stop smoking? Ok well we went in for an appointment with her and well the lord worked a miracle with me.....it started 2 1/2 weeks ago when I bought this beautiful black coat with fur around the hood and this special collar that felt like a sweater and nice warm pockets and ohhh....it was the most beautiful coat I could ever ask for ... I wore it every day as my companion and I would bike in the near freezing temperatures ... mmmm ... it was such a blessing......
.......Back to the lesson with Rachel....we were watching the restoration DVD and Rachel had mentioned that she had a coat "somewhere" ....but during the movie I heard a small whisper say: "Janna...give her your coat" ...no not my coat I thought....I don't have another one...and I don’t' have money to get one. plus she says she has one somewhere...."give her your coat" I heard again.... my heart was burning as I stood up before we left and asked "do you have a coat Rachel?”somewhere" she said "do you want mine I asked? I don't want to steel your coat from you....and at that moment the spirit didn't have to whisper again I knew what the Lord expected of me. "Here try it on" I said... she handed me her baby and I took off my coat.... "it looks good...it's warm"....it's yours....I said....the walk out the door and into the freezing temperatures made my heart heavy. Tears began to fill my eyes as I thought about what just happened...I felt sad...for people that don't have, for those that do, for those that have to give up something, and for those that receive something they didn’t' have...I knew that the Lord at that moment takes care of his children...and the way he does that is through his children! this knowledge...for me was a true Christmas gift! ....
I love my savior my family and my gift of life on this earth...."This is more important that money" Joseph Choka our investigator says....he's right....it is more important and God will provide for his children ALLWAYS!!! I testify that this is true and that the Book of Mormon is a gift that Jesus Christ is our savior and is real and will succor us when we stand in need of succor. I Know Heavenly Father love each of us. I know that because right now although I am utterly alone....I am NOT alone. and although I am not home we know where to find "home"....and we know what to do and what Heavenly Father expect us to do to get back home to be with him and our families forever! I bare you my solemn testimony and witness that I know this church is the only fullness of the truth and those who have it....hold tight, like never before. I love you, I love the gospel. and I love our savior Jesus Christ...in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love you from here to "Home"
Sister Judkins
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Letter #36
Hola Harmano's y harmana's,
Yahooo!!! CHRISTMAS!!!! Mom...oh no don't you dare send it to the office!! TO ME!!!! The last package you sent came and I loved it!! You found the green things!!! :) G-ma used to give to us...but I shut it too tight and now I can’t' open it...but I screamed for 1 hour because I was so excited about it!!! Thank you for that mom and the sun rider awesome and the tea tree oil. I will use for staff infection? Can I use it for that!?
Super excited for Christmas how about you!!!!!??????????
Ok so this week was incredible, we are finally working in our 3rd ward. It started off really hard though because we had to give up 5 investigators to the elders that took our 1st ward and now are praying and working hard to find in this new HUGE area! On bikes...super duper fun....I haven’t ridden out there yet....pray for me!!1 ha ha! We went tracting the other day and it was INCREDIBLE my companion and I were led to a street and the last door we knocked on we ran into a girl name Rachel. She had BLACK eye shadow on that looked like she took a black sharpie and colored on her eye lids. We walked to the door and the person at the door (looked mighty different also...definately could fit in with the Portland crowd) ha-ha! said "are you looking for Rachel?" .....Mum....then this bright eyed young women practically jumps to the front door and says "are ya'll Mormons? I love Mormons".....I was so confused I didn't know what to think. But This was Rachel....so her mom married a Mormon for a while before she met her ex-girl friend...yes I said girlfriend...Rachel says' "she's my mom, and /I still love her." We started to talk and ended up teaching the plan of happiness to her in her backyard as she smoked cigarettes. Poor thing told us she was 16 years old, and has a 7 month old baby boy and is married to a 21 year old. wow!!! Her house was full of honestly it seemed to me like a crazy house with lots of confusion and pretty sure many were shooting up with ....not good things. She was amazing though....her eyes and soul are lost, and during the lesson I asked, "what is one thing that makes you smile when you think about it?" She said without hesitation," my baby..." We explained then how that joy is something she can have all the time and enjoy when she follows Heavenly father's commandments, because it makes us free and happy. She wants us to come back Wednesday...so we're really excited because she'd be in our area and is married so we can teach her!! A real miracle led by the holy ghost.
Satan is working hard to frustrate this new area that we're working in, my companion doesn't ever really get excited or at least she hides it really well, anyone that knows me knows I love getting excited and happy, because it relieves bad feelings. Heavenly Father teaches, "be happy" when he puts Adam and eve in the garden. I love this. You have either two out looks in life....happy or not happy....everything that's good and leads you to believe in Christ comes from God, if not it's not of God. So any feelings other than happiness don't come from Heavenly Father. I think about this....when I'm angry or hurt or offended or whatever...how does that make me feel better....why don't we put away our pride and act as a child would: meek, submissive, loving no matter what, caring, smiling and not letting little things get in the way. I challenge each of us this Christmas to look at a situation we just can't or won’t let go of. a family member, a friend a co-worker, a member of the church, bishop, stake President, me and you.....what is your rope that binds you from being truly happy? .....And act as if you were Lydia or June and Grace or Jacan or Aiden, a little child....What would they do?....Don't they keep loving even when we sometimes hurt them? How is it so easy for them to love and forgive so quickly? Or say, "I'm sad because you...." and why can't we forgive so easily and not hold grudges or hold back, because "they deserve it"....The savior. I would imagine he would not only forgive us but I'm sure he would run to us kneel down to our level and gently grab our arms and wipe our tears and say "all is well....you are forgiven....now let it go....and go in peace...be happy."
Oh a joy this Christmas season. How blessed I am and we all are...for we have the restored gospel that brings Good tidings of great joy!!! You know Gospel means: "good news" and what is the great news we have? The plan of Happiness. so then the angels when they came to tell everyone, "we bring good tidings of great joy" they were really saying.... " We bring you the good news of the Gospel; the Plan of Happiness".....Hey we have that don’t' we....makes sense yes....? How wow and guess what that's all I do all year is I get to share that message with all that I come in contact with....I get to share the gospel of the plan our Heavenly Father has for his children....Who are lost....battered...scared...bruised....broken....lonely.....scared.....looking....and maybe some are on the verge of giving up.....like the old violin....but what happens at the end of that story?... The "touch of the master's hand"....
I have seen his hand in the work...why? Because this IS his work. We're merely tools and if we don’t' perform to our potential we are put through a fire until we are perfected in him. and I know that this is possible. we are not perfect, but the refining fires of God we can be through the atonement and us choosing to Endure to the end.
A special moment happened this past thanksgiving I don’t' think I shared. because I left on my mission. I bought a little necklace...a mustard seed. and when we went through all the trials I personally had to go through I would wear it and hold tight to it, hoping for it to give me extra faith when I was drained....I continued to wear it all through my mission until last week....I've talked of Amy who we actually found her baptism records and she IS a member....I felt prompted to give her something thanksgiving night (we went to dinner with, her parents who had no family w/ them, she was working 80-105 hours a week). I jumped out of the car and was so excited...what am I supposed to give her I thought....then it came...."oh no..." I thought. not that....she won’t think it's as special to me as it will be to her....but the whisper came again and I slowly opened my wooden box and pulled out my rusted, dirty battered little mustard seed....and wrote a note to explain....I sealed the letter and gently tucked my little goldfish-greenish mustard seed in a strategically taped letter. and wrote AMY on the front....I hurried and ran to give it to her parents to give to her and ran back in my apt. shocked at my empty hand....the next few days she called and thanked me....but then Sunday her mom came to me and said this;
"I don't think you know how much that little mustard seed meant to Amy. When she got it she opened it up and with tears in her eyes instantly put it around her neck...." Well we had a lesson with Amy on Thursday and guess what!!!?? Bishop came...and gave her a blessing and talked with her and Amy is meeting with him on Tuesday to start to lift her Heavy burden she has tried to carry on her own for this 10+ years. Keep her in your prayers. She is actually excited for it too. :) AMAZING!!! next step TEMPLE!!!
I love missionary work, even through bed bugs and hurt bodies and sweat and gaining weight, and slammed doors, how I love that little spark we see in those that are truly ready and humbled.....I love my savior, I love my Father in Heaven and I am so grateful to be a missionary and serve. Yes it's hard always....but wow!!!! 2 ways to look at life....HAPPY or not happy.... LIFE IS INCREDIBLE and we are numbered. God bless us every one!!!
Love you forever and always from here to Heaven,
Sister Judkins
Yahooo!!! CHRISTMAS!!!! Mom...oh no don't you dare send it to the office!! TO ME!!!! The last package you sent came and I loved it!! You found the green things!!! :) G-ma used to give to us...but I shut it too tight and now I can’t' open it...but I screamed for 1 hour because I was so excited about it!!! Thank you for that mom and the sun rider awesome and the tea tree oil. I will use for staff infection? Can I use it for that!?
Super excited for Christmas how about you!!!!!??????????
Ok so this week was incredible, we are finally working in our 3rd ward. It started off really hard though because we had to give up 5 investigators to the elders that took our 1st ward and now are praying and working hard to find in this new HUGE area! On bikes...super duper fun....I haven’t ridden out there yet....pray for me!!1 ha ha! We went tracting the other day and it was INCREDIBLE my companion and I were led to a street and the last door we knocked on we ran into a girl name Rachel. She had BLACK eye shadow on that looked like she took a black sharpie and colored on her eye lids. We walked to the door and the person at the door (looked mighty different also...definately could fit in with the Portland crowd) ha-ha! said "are you looking for Rachel?" .....Mum....then this bright eyed young women practically jumps to the front door and says "are ya'll Mormons? I love Mormons".....I was so confused I didn't know what to think. But This was Rachel....so her mom married a Mormon for a while before she met her ex-girl friend...yes I said girlfriend...Rachel says' "she's my mom, and /I still love her." We started to talk and ended up teaching the plan of happiness to her in her backyard as she smoked cigarettes. Poor thing told us she was 16 years old, and has a 7 month old baby boy and is married to a 21 year old. wow!!! Her house was full of honestly it seemed to me like a crazy house with lots of confusion and pretty sure many were shooting up with ....not good things. She was amazing though....her eyes and soul are lost, and during the lesson I asked, "what is one thing that makes you smile when you think about it?" She said without hesitation," my baby..." We explained then how that joy is something she can have all the time and enjoy when she follows Heavenly father's commandments, because it makes us free and happy. She wants us to come back Wednesday...so we're really excited because she'd be in our area and is married so we can teach her!! A real miracle led by the holy ghost.
Satan is working hard to frustrate this new area that we're working in, my companion doesn't ever really get excited or at least she hides it really well, anyone that knows me knows I love getting excited and happy, because it relieves bad feelings. Heavenly Father teaches, "be happy" when he puts Adam and eve in the garden. I love this. You have either two out looks in life....happy or not happy....everything that's good and leads you to believe in Christ comes from God, if not it's not of God. So any feelings other than happiness don't come from Heavenly Father. I think about this....when I'm angry or hurt or offended or whatever...how does that make me feel better....why don't we put away our pride and act as a child would: meek, submissive, loving no matter what, caring, smiling and not letting little things get in the way. I challenge each of us this Christmas to look at a situation we just can't or won’t let go of. a family member, a friend a co-worker, a member of the church, bishop, stake President, me and you.....what is your rope that binds you from being truly happy? .....And act as if you were Lydia or June and Grace or Jacan or Aiden, a little child....What would they do?....Don't they keep loving even when we sometimes hurt them? How is it so easy for them to love and forgive so quickly? Or say, "I'm sad because you...." and why can't we forgive so easily and not hold grudges or hold back, because "they deserve it"....The savior. I would imagine he would not only forgive us but I'm sure he would run to us kneel down to our level and gently grab our arms and wipe our tears and say "all is well....you are forgiven....now let it go....and go in peace...be happy."
Oh a joy this Christmas season. How blessed I am and we all are...for we have the restored gospel that brings Good tidings of great joy!!! You know Gospel means: "good news" and what is the great news we have? The plan of Happiness. so then the angels when they came to tell everyone, "we bring good tidings of great joy" they were really saying.... " We bring you the good news of the Gospel; the Plan of Happiness".....Hey we have that don’t' we....makes sense yes....? How wow and guess what that's all I do all year is I get to share that message with all that I come in contact with....I get to share the gospel of the plan our Heavenly Father has for his children....Who are lost....battered...scared...bruised....broken....lonely.....scared.....looking....and maybe some are on the verge of giving up.....like the old violin....but what happens at the end of that story?... The "touch of the master's hand"....
I have seen his hand in the work...why? Because this IS his work. We're merely tools and if we don’t' perform to our potential we are put through a fire until we are perfected in him. and I know that this is possible. we are not perfect, but the refining fires of God we can be through the atonement and us choosing to Endure to the end.
A special moment happened this past thanksgiving I don’t' think I shared. because I left on my mission. I bought a little necklace...a mustard seed. and when we went through all the trials I personally had to go through I would wear it and hold tight to it, hoping for it to give me extra faith when I was drained....I continued to wear it all through my mission until last week....I've talked of Amy who we actually found her baptism records and she IS a member....I felt prompted to give her something thanksgiving night (we went to dinner with, her parents who had no family w/ them, she was working 80-105 hours a week). I jumped out of the car and was so excited...what am I supposed to give her I thought....then it came...."oh no..." I thought. not that....she won’t think it's as special to me as it will be to her....but the whisper came again and I slowly opened my wooden box and pulled out my rusted, dirty battered little mustard seed....and wrote a note to explain....I sealed the letter and gently tucked my little goldfish-greenish mustard seed in a strategically taped letter. and wrote AMY on the front....I hurried and ran to give it to her parents to give to her and ran back in my apt. shocked at my empty hand....the next few days she called and thanked me....but then Sunday her mom came to me and said this;
"I don't think you know how much that little mustard seed meant to Amy. When she got it she opened it up and with tears in her eyes instantly put it around her neck...." Well we had a lesson with Amy on Thursday and guess what!!!?? Bishop came...and gave her a blessing and talked with her and Amy is meeting with him on Tuesday to start to lift her Heavy burden she has tried to carry on her own for this 10+ years. Keep her in your prayers. She is actually excited for it too. :) AMAZING!!! next step TEMPLE!!!
I love missionary work, even through bed bugs and hurt bodies and sweat and gaining weight, and slammed doors, how I love that little spark we see in those that are truly ready and humbled.....I love my savior, I love my Father in Heaven and I am so grateful to be a missionary and serve. Yes it's hard always....but wow!!!! 2 ways to look at life....HAPPY or not happy.... LIFE IS INCREDIBLE and we are numbered. God bless us every one!!!
Love you forever and always from here to Heaven,
Sister Judkins
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