Gratitude, Dude

Dear friends and family,

Happy Thanksgiving week!! This past week we got transfer news.  The zone leaders called on Friday night, and like we had predicted, Sister Gomm is being transferred out and I'm staying here in Susquehanna!

 

Goodbye to Sis. Gomm

I will miss her like crazy because she has taught me SO much and we've become like two peas in a pod, but I know there are many more good things to come.

So the Slater family... Wow, I love them!!! They have been members for just over a year now, but they decided to start the lessons over again with us to strengthen their testimonies of what they already know. It is also giving me a great opportunity to teach all of the lessons! So we taught the Restoration and it went really well. We had them start off by writing on a piece of paper why they began taking the lessons, and at the end of the lesson why they are continuing to stay in the church and do what they do. It's amazing the growth they have experienced through the gospel, and that they recognize it too! Brother Slater also taught the gospel principles lesson and did a great job and is a natural. 

We also met with the Davis family, who are also recent converts. We just stopped by the see how they were doing, set up another appointment and share a quick message. We read Mosiah 2:41 with them, and talked about how keeping the commandments and loving God really do bring us true happiness. They have 4 kids and they were all getting a little crazy, but we got them to sit and follow along when we read the scripture. Their 6 year old told us that he loved Heavenly Father and so we talked about how praying is a commandment and Heavenly Father loves to listen and answer our prayers. He really wanted to say the closing prayer, so of course we let him, and it was the cutest thing ever and such a great example to the rest of the family. 

We have been unsuccessful in finding people to teach lately (like going 2 hours of knocking doors and talking to absolutely nobody) but this week we met a man named William who invited us back next week, and a woman named Jennifer who invited us back next week as well, and another investigator who we have been trying to see since I first came to this area and invited us for Thanksgiving dinner at her house. I'd say that's a pretty successful week!! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am so grateful for the little things that make life sweet! Those tender mercies which our loving Heavenly Father gives us. In Alma 34:38 it says, "That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you." I LOVE the idea of "living in thanksgiving daily"!! We have been given so much, but are so much happier when we recognize our blessings, and express our gratitude, especially to our Heavenly Father! Several weeks ago during a visitor center training meeting, Sister Walker, our director's wife asked each of us to make a list of our blessings. Since that time I have gone back to my list of blessings again and again, adding something new every couple days or so, or just looking back on it. I just can't list all the blessings I have in my life!! Everything from "30 degrees and NO WIND! :)" to more serious things like the "The Atonement of Jesus Christ," have made it onto my list, and I feel happier just looking at all I've been given, and thanking my Heavenly Father for them in my daily prayers.

We had a "PRS family" Thanksgiving dinner before Sister Simmons (she's amazing!) went home.   We went around the table and all said something we were thankful for. Something that kept coming up was everyone's gratitude for being on a mission, in this place, at this time. I realized that "because I have been given much, I too must give," and that is one of the reasons I'm here on a mission right now. I am so grateful to be staying in this area because I know there is so much more I can do here for Heavenly Father's children who come to our site or whose doors I knock on. I've blessed with wonderful companions and experiences I wouldn't trade for anything.

Looking back - meeting everyone on day 1

I hope each of you will live in an "attitude of gratitude," and recognize the Lord's hand in your life daily! He has blessed us each with so much, and continues to do so! Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Love,

Sister Larsen