11 months :). Racine 1/22/18

Dear everyone,

What a week it has been! We had so much go on. There was zone conference, interviews with President Williams, and exchanges all in one week! It was awesome. It was a very spiritually filling week. Hopefully this video works, sorry for the interruption from brother Briggs...I had attempted to shoot him with my handy dandy nerf gun (missed:/). SO he was trying to lure me out so he could get me back. Aaaaand then a war ensued. I won of course.

Other things from the week: I got to try an English dessert (I forgot the name). But sister Umhoefer made it for us when we went over to help her put her MANY Christmas decorations away. It was strawberry jello with strawberries in it and whipped cream and cake bits on top. So good!
​
President Williams training at zone conference was one grace. He promoted a lot of discussion which made it interactive and fun. We discussed Ether 12:27

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

He pointed out that it says "weakness" not weaknesses. Our weakness is that we are mortal and sin because of the natural man within each of us. Heavenly Father gives us this weakness because He wants us to humble ourselves before Him. He wants us to come closer to Christ and become like Him. The only we can do that is through Jesus Christ. I felt as I listen to his training that I can develop more faith and trust in Christ as I learn more about Him, focus my thoughts on Him, and emulate Him more daily. I would encourage you all to take this invitation in the Book of Mormon to heart! We can become so much more as we humble ourselves and come closer to Christ. 

This week I had a moment where I was so happy and grateful to be a missionary. At zone conference we all say the standard of truth. That standard is so comforting. No matter what happens the work of the Lord will go forth to everyone. No matter any mistakes I make. And I get to be a part of it! Along with so many other missionaries! I am honored to be a part of this great force for good.

Love you all! Have a wonderful week and don't forget to see the good. :)

Sister Johns
PS Also we won the golden plates! We had the cleanest car at zone conference. :)

All you need is love. Racine, 1/16/18

Dear lovely people,

I hope you all have had an wonderful week! It's been awesome here. I dont really know where to begin so I'll try a day by day shot of this week. :)

MONDAY: we had a nice P-day. Hung out with our district and played some chair soccer. I am REALLY bad at it. But it's fun. We stopped by a Bible referral that night named Gail. She was this sweet black lady. She really opened up to us about her life. She has been through a lot and is really struggling now. I really felt for her. It was so hard to listen to her and watch her and not feel the urge to help her somehow. But I felt a little helpless. We shared with her the Book of Mormon. That is often the only help I can give people. Within that Book is hope. It testifies of Christ and His divine love for us. 

TUESDAY: we had an awesome district meeting. We got to have dinner with this cute old couple--Dave isn't a member but he has grown to love the missionaries. :) We have Pizza Tuesday a lot at their house. We taught Monica and Richie that night. We read out of the Book of Mormon, Alma 36. It was so nice! MOnica has a desire to learn more. She wants religion in her life because of her new baby on the way. :)

​Our district! We have a Spanish couple in our district. The hermanas are in a trio.

WEDNESDAY: We volunteer at the food pantry. MAry-ann is in charge there. She's this super particular old lady haha. She bosses everyone around. We had an AWESOME lesson with Michael! We taught him about the Plan of Salvation. It was exactly what he needed to hear. There is so much hope and love within that plan that Heavenly Father has for us. He really wants to change his life and follow Christ. So we accepted our invitation to be baptized. The Spirit was so strong. I know that there are times I say things that I don't plan of saying--or somehow it all makes sense (which isn't normal haha).

THURSDAY: We had a lesson with Javier. He is doing well. Just searching for an answer to the Book of Mormon. We met with Felicia. She is wonderful. She is struggling with health problems and so finds it hard to make time to read the Book of Mormon. But we read with her and it was good. She really liked it. She told us that she is in too far to back out now. :) We had dinner with this awesome family in our ward. They have 8 kids and it was so crazy at their house. I loved it haha.

FRIDAY:We got permission from President Williams to watch President Monson's funeral. It was so nice! I love that man. He was truly a prophet of God. Before planning in the morning we made sugar cookies. Sister Gorder's nick name is poo..because I don't know why? But her aunt sent her a package and in it was the poop cookie cutter (like the emoji) and a sugar cookie mix. SOOO we had to make some. :)

SATURDAY: We went on exchanges with our sister training leaders. We tracted into a this awesome black lady. She told us that she was going to a church around the corner but is looking for another church. So we are excited to start teaching her! 

SUNDAY: We had a linger longer after church. Which is just dinner basically. So our poor investigators who showed up at church had quite the adventure! Almost 4 hours of church haha. But Janessa and her family came! She loved it. She is basically already mormon cause she has 6 kids 9 and younger. 

So that was our week. Sorry for the longness. :) But something I've been thinking about recently is charity and how important it is. 1 Cor 13:1-3

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

I hope that we can all feel the love that Christ has for each of us as we read His word. I know that if we can develop that love for others that we will be blessed. We need to follow His example and love everyone!

Have a marvelous week!

Sister Johns

Soooooo.... Racine, 1/8/18

Hello everyone! 

SO it has been quite the week! Wednesday sister Eadie and I went to volunteer at the food pantry in Racine. As we were having lunch (the best sandwiches according to Brother Briggs...because he made them) we got a call from the assistants (missionary leaders). They told us that sister Eadie was getting TRANSFERRED to Waukesha! And I was getting a new companion. AND they wanted us at stake center asap. WE both freaked out. I was sooo sad to leave my companion! Sister Eadie hates packing....and it took us a good 3 hours. But we finally got ALL her stuff into our car and headed out. She had no time to say goodbye to everyone which was really hard. My new companion is sister Gorder. I actually have served in her zone before so we know each other! That was a pleasant surprise. She is awesome! We are both short together. :) It will be a good change. I think it will help the area to change things up. 

MIRACLE of the week: So we have been inviting the people we're teaching to come to church. And many told us they'd actually come once the time changes to 1 (we had 9 am before). SO we were expecting quite a few people. But one by one things happened and we weren't sure who was even coming. So church started and only Javier was there. But midway through sacrament Oliver and his whole family showed up! His dad is a member of the church but his mom is not. He has 3 brother as well. They haven't been to church is a looooong time! We were so excited. Then Ethia and her whole family showed up as well! She is so sweet and has 4 kids. Their grandpa also came! It was a miracle. This is the family that was very unsure if they should come to church. The father is very protective of his family and wanted to make sure that this was the right decision for them. He prayed about going to church and told us a few weeks ago that it wasn't for them. We had a lesson last week and were able to talk to him about his beliefs. We helped him realize that it is similar to ours! Because we took that time to listen, we gained his trust and they committed to coming to church! Miracle really do happen. 

Funny things: Brother Briggs and I have been having an on going war. I can't remember if I already told you this? But he went out and bought a nerf gun! So when sister Eadie was here we both were against him haha. So funny. 

Sister Gorder hit her 9th month mark this week, so we went to Panera to celebrate. Man I love that place. 

We had a lesson with Felicia! She's awesome. I love how much she loves the gospel already. Once we start teaching her the Spirit seems to fill the room. She gets much happier once we get there. She is dealing with a few rough things, but she really really wants to find the right path for her and her son. He is SO cute. Cummani (sp?). 

These past couple of transfers with sister Eadie have taught me a lot. I am reminded about how central Jesus Christ isin the gospel and this work of spreading the gospel. There is no way I could do this on my own. Our message that we strive to share is of love. 

Alma 33:22-23

22 If so, wo shall come upon you; but if not so, then cast about your eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their works.

23 And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will. Amen.

When we nurture the knowledge of Christ in our hearts is causes us to act in faith. I am learning that faith in Him casts out all fear. I hope that we can do all we can to nurture that faith in Him. 

Love you all!!!

Sister Johns

 PS so it's been rather cold here for the past while--like negative and teens. But today is warmed up! It's almost 40! Blessings!

Happy Christmas and New Years! Racine 1/2/18

Hey Fam!

So wow, I don't even know where to begin! Christmas was awesome. I loved getting to talk to family. That was the best Christmas present. But I didn't get to say half of the things I wanted to! I just wanted to be with you guys haha. So hopefully I will be able to convey some of the things I didn't get to say here. :)

So we've had so many miracles these past couple weeks. 

-We got to go caroling to our investigators! They LOVED it. It was so fun! We surprised our investigators. Ethia and her family seriously loved it. They got SOOO excited when we started singing. I am pretty sure it was the cute little kids we brought with us, and not our singing haha. It was so fun to see all their faces! When we caroled to Janessa and her family she also loved it. As as started our last song of Silent Night she started tearing up! It meant so much to her! 

-Another Christmas miracle. We got a call the Saturday before Christmas from an awesome member family. They had come with us caroling and met an investigator family. He expressed his desire to bring Christmas to them, and help his kids have that experience of giving gifts so someone else. It was so fun to go and help the kids pick out a gift for their kids. They were so surprised and grateful! All the kids involved loved it. Just reminded me how Christmas is all about giving. That is how the Spirit of Christmas enters our hearts. :)

So funny thing happened. Sister Eadie and I love the nerf guns, Izzy! We've been trying to ambush brother Briggs--the member we live with. Then the day after new years we get in for the night around 9 and get pummeled by darts! Brother Briggs bought a Nerf gun too! So we're currently at war. :)

I love all the gifts I got! The ward has been also very kind. We've gotten all the lotion, soap, and nicknacks we could ever want! One member also got us some leggings, which we are using! It's finally getting cold! We are so blessed. Oh, and sister Eadie and I are staying together for another transfer! Woot WOOT!

Anyways, miracle do happen. The Lord's work will continue to happen despite our imperfections and mistakes. I am learning to have faith and really trust my Heavenly Father. I am not in charge of this work and just need to do my best to be an instrument in His hands. This past year has been wonderful! I have loved learning by serving the Lord in Wisconsin. I am so glad that I've gotten to know and love so many new people. As you start the new year take a second to reflect on the past year, dislikes, likes, and lessons learned. I hope that you can think of some ways you can personally come closer to Christ. He has called to people in the Book of Mormon times and still calls to us today. Please answer His call! Blessings await those who do. That is a promise. :)

3 Nephi 11:13-14

13 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying:

14 Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

Love you! Have a wonderful week!

Sister Johns

So the sloth is for mom if I had the money to buy and send it. :) you need one now! ;)

Christmas week eve. Racine 12/18/17

Hey all!
So I send a video this week. Hope it works!! Word on pictures. One is of our tree that we finally bought today. Super proud of it. :) Also our ward Christmas party was AMAZING. So thorough and fun. Wish you could've been there.

​To everyone who wants to be a little more festive...word of advice. Put up a tree with someone who hasn't yet. Or light your own and sit and read the Christmas story in Luke. Just take time to really think about WHY we put so much effort into Christmas celebrations. Then go out and do something kind. Smile at someone. Relax. Don't sweat the small things. ENJOY family and friends. And also blast Christmas songs--the good ones. :)

Here is our Prophet who directs us on how to be a little more Christlike:
President Thomas S. Monson has taught: “Our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given.”

Anyways, I hope that you all have a very merry Christmas eve week!!
love,
sister Johns

Video

Lighting the world! Racine, 12/11/17

Dear lovely people.

Hello! IT's been another crazy week here in Racine! And as far as the weather report goes, it's finally winter here. It was around 60 degrees last week and now it's about 25. So that's been fun. It also snowed on Saturday! 

So funny story of the week. We talked to this old lady in our ward and she wanted us to come help her decorate her tree. She's so cute. She told us that we'd need around 3 hours. Yeah. We were surprised too haha. But we thought we could probably work harder and take less time than that. BUT with dinner and and everything it actually did take 3 hours....and we didn't actually have time to decorate the tree! haha. The tree wouldn't stand up straight, the stand was pretty old. So we put up a good fight but we lost in the end. 

So we've been teaching this awesome 9 year old in our ward, Tessa. She was going to get baptized this weekend, but some unexpected complications came up. So we had to tell everyone to not come. We then got a text from Bishop Tuesday evening saying that the baptism is still on! Maybe we were a bit overdramatic...but we freaked out. We had to arrange the speakers again and tell everyone to actually come! It all worked out well. But as we were freaking out sister Eadie had quite the encounter with an exercise ball. It bucked her off and pinned her in a corner. She fell backwards and her feet went flying haha! I had to laugh before I helped her up. It was so funny. But anyways! The baptism went very nicely. Tessa was beautiful and enjoyed it. Baptism is a time where covenants with God are made. Those promises will guide her throughout her life. It will help her on her path back to her Heavenly Father. 

Miracle of the week! So we were visiting with an awesome lady in our ward who is preparing to go to the temple. WE had some time afterwards before our next appointment and were trying to decide what we needed to do. We were just going to visit some people we didn't know in the ward, when sister Eadie said we needed to visit a lady who we had been teaching. She is going through cancer treatment and we lost contact with her. We have stopped by several times and weren't able to get a hold of her. But we thought we'd try again. We buzzed her apartment and--Miracle!--she was home and let us in! We love Wanda and are excited to start visiting her again. 

Other fun things...we had zone conference in Milwaukee! That was awesome. So many good things. 

Also, if you haven't heard of #Lighttheworld, please go to mormon.org and look it up! This Christmas time is a perfect time to reflect more on the example and life of Jesus Christ. He isn't here to help heal and serve those around us, but we can. We are His hands now on earth. So look up the video and do what you can to light the world! As we all do this I know that we will feel of His love for us and those we serve. What a blessing to be filled with that love this Christmas!

Love,

Sister Johns  

Video

December 4th. 12/4/17 Racine

Dear everyone,

We had an awesome week this week. There were so many miracles! Also it was still in the 50-60s this week. We got to wear cardigans in December in WISCONSIN! So cool. Highlight right there haha. But the real winter is supposed to be coming soooo that willl be even more fun.

So we had mutual with the young women this week! We went and talked about missionary work. It turned into a big Q and A with them. But it was amazing to see how many want to go on missions! 

 

So we haven't been able to have a lesson with Felicia for while. She canceled our appointment this week, but reshceduled for the next day. When we got there we realized she forgot about our appointment. But she let us in! It was a bit awkward for the first little bit. Her little boy was crying and fussy which made it really difficult for her to concentrate. Something seemed to be wrong. We decided to just start reading in the Book of Mormon. As we started to read her little boy calmed down and the Spirit was able to enter her home. We read in 3 Nephi 11, the account of Jesus Christ appearing to the Nephites after He was resurrected. Felicia relaxed and opened up. She told us that she just got back from an anniversary of a close family member's death. The rest of her family went out, but she went home because she didn't want to drink. She wanted to stay strong! By the end of our lesson she committed to be baptized at the start of the new year. We are so excited for her!

Sunday at church we had 3 students from a local college show up! They had to do a project in their class and study a religion. So they picked ours! We were so excited to have them there of course. They wanted to meet with several members. We got to meet with them and answer their questions. It was fun! 

We were able to watch the Christmas Devotional Sunday evening as well. If you haven't taken the time to watch it, I'd encourage you to do so this week! It was a great reminder of what the season is really about. I hope that we all will not let the opportunity of being a little more Christ-like pass us by. 

Have a blessed week!

Sister Johns