Become More Christ like In Our Actions 4.25.16

HELLO AGAIN (: wow, Monday already? This week was kind of crazy for Sister Birchett and I. We didn't have too much time to proselyte due to our schedule. We had the mission activity Monday, P-day Tuesday, Wednesday district meeting, Thursday exchanges, Friday new missionary follow-up training, Saturday weekly planning, and Sunday church, and today The Columbus Zoo. Though it was packed with a lot, it honestly was one of the most spiritual weeks for me personally. I was able to be taught by the spirit on how I can better represent my Savior and teach the people of Ohio. 

We had the wonderful opportunity to attend the temple Friday with new missionary follow-up training. It was such a peaceful experience. I really enjoyed the experience we had at the temple as we got to sit in the house of the Lord.

We were contacting at a park next to apartment on Friday where we met J. We showed her the Hallelujah video and she said she enjoyed the theme of rediscovering Christ and finding new life through Him. She explained a story she had heard where a man was rushing to get to the taxi so he wouldn't be late to work. As he was rushing, he pumped into a fruit vendor and the fruit fell everywhere. He had two choices: continue to rush to the taxi or help the vendor clean up. He chose the latter and as he helped pick up the fruit the vendor simply said, "Are you Jesus?" The vendor, who was blind, mistaken the man for Jesus. This story really struck me, especially being a set apart representative of Christ. Everyday I wear a black nametag with my Saviors name on it. Do people recognize ME as a servant of the Lord? When we were baptized, we each made a promise with God that we would taken upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ.  We make a promise to share our testimony to others, be an example to others, and to love others just like Jesus would. May we all strive to become more Christ like in our actions. How do we do that? As we study the life of our Savior Jesus Christ and the Atonement, our testimony will be strengthened; it will drive us to become more like Christ. Elder Robert J. Whetten said "Conversion means consecrating your life to caring for and serving others who need your help and sharing your gifts and blessings. Every unselfish act of kindness and service increases your spirituality. God would use you to bless others. Your continued spiritual growth and eternal progress are very much wrapped up in your relationships--in how you treat others. Do you indeed love others and become a blessing in their lives? Isn’t the measure of the level of your conversion how you treat others? The person who does only those things in the Church that concern himself alone will never reach the goal of perfection. Service to others is what the gospel and exalted life are all about."

Last night we were about to leave our apartment to go to a near by park when we felt prompted to stay near our apartment for a little bit. We ended up meeting L. She wasn't interested in our message but after she allowed us to help her bring her groceries into her apartment (we always ask if we can do service like that for people and they decline. Her "yes" was SO refreshing!) When we got inside, on her wall was a pink sticky note in MY HANDWRITING that said, "God Loves You". It was a sticky note that I had put on a former investigators door last week and somehow made it on to her door. She said her and 7 yr old look at it everyday before they leave because it reminds them of that simple truth and brings peace into their day. What a little tender mercy for me. Even though that sticky note was intended for someone else, it brought L and her daughter peace for the past week. 

Wow, this week has taught me so much and helped me grow so much. I've learned to rely on the spirit and let it direct me as I serve the Lord and the people of Ohio. I know that The Gift of The Holy Ghost is a sacred gift giving to us to comfort us, lead us, guide us, warn us, and testify to us. This past week I really felt the comfort from the spirit. My 8 yr old nephew was baptized on Saturday and whole my family was in Georgia. I could have felt homesick and upset that I wasn't with my family but, the true nature of the Comforter enveloped me. I felt all weekend so at peace with being on a mission and serving the Lord. Though, it is hard sometimes not being with the family, I felt so peaceful with being here. I know that God loves us and desires us to grow everyday. He knows us. Jesus is the Christ. He lives and reigns today. The Book of Mormon is true, is another witness of Jesus Christ and contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I so testify in the name of Our Beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen. Until next Wednesday...due to transfers next week. With all my love...

XOXO,

Sister Detamore 

This is E. Sister Alius and I tracted into her about two and a half months ago. She is currently being taught by the Spanish elders due to the language barrier. one day a couple weeks ago she was driving on the road and saw us and pulled over just to say hi and give me a hug. We also stopped by to see her the other night because we have her daughter as a potential investigator. We were able to sing to her and she recorded it and said she's going to show it to all her friends at her church! She literally is my best friend and I'm so grateful for my mission because I would've never met this sweet lady without it. She is near and dear to my heart. I LOVE my Esthela

Service Project last week

4 of us outside the temple

Columbus Zoo

 

Our Roadmap to Living With Him Again 4.19.16

HELLO EVERYONE (': I just want to take a minute and thank each of you for everything you've done for me. The love, support, letters, emails, pictures, videos, and everything else. I truly have come to realize how blessed I am. God has given me the greatest friends and family; oh my, I feel so incredibly blessed! Everyday I'm just reminded that I have so many people cheering me on and it truly keeps me going. So THANK YOU.

I can't believe that I hit 7 months on Saturday. I'm shocked by how fast time really does go by. Though it's been some of the hardest 7 months of my life, it has been the most memorable and enjoyable 7 months of my life. I've learned so much as I have represented my Savior Jesus Christ. I have experienced the strength that comes from the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I've learned how much inner joy and happiness comes from living the gospel. I LOVE THIS GOSPEL SO MUCH (':

Last Monday we had a family in our ward, The Leggs call us and ask if we could share a message with a family (The Johnson's...mom, dad, 11 yr old C, 10 yr old C) that they have become close with. While Sister and Brother Legg were in Idaho two weeks ago looking for job opportunities because he's a doctor, the kids stayed at the neighbors house. They read from the Book of Mormon every single night while they were there. (So young family...oldest 13 yr old and youngest 1 yr old reading the Book of Mormon at nonmembers house every single night.) Well long story short the Johnsons asked for a copy of the book of Mormon and so The Leggs gave them four copies with their testimonies in them. They had been reading from the Book of Mormon every night as a family a week before we taught them. We had our first lesson with the Johnsons on Sunday and it was incredible. The spirit was so strong and it was incredible to hear the Leggs testimonies; especially where Bro. Legg converted when he was 21 yrs old. I asked them why they enjoyed reading the Book of Mormon as a family and they expressed that it brought peace and comfort. They accepted the soft invitation for baptism and they were so intrigued. We have a chapel tour with them on Friday. I know that this gospel can bring this family closer together.

Please pray for the Johnsons family that they will feel this message is true. I love this family (':

Yesterday we as long as half of the mission had the opportunity to plant 450 trees at OSU. It was such an incredible experience to come together as servants of the Lord and do service. As us Powell sisters and Delaware sisters were planting trees a guy named R came up to us and asked who we were. We were able to talk about our purpose and what we do as missionaries...we then led into sharing about the restoration. It was such a natural conversation, I loved it! We invited him to read the Book of Mormon. He didn't give us his information for others missionaries but said he would get on Mormon.org to order one. It was an answer to my prayers because I prayed that we could find a teaching opportunity while we were at the service project.

This week, yet again, I learned more about the importance of prayer.

At the beginning of my mission, sadly, I didn't even think to write my dad personally every single week. Honest mistake which I feel horrible about ): BUT at some point, I received an email from a family member that told me that my dad would really like to hear from me personally and that he desired to hear from his daughter. My heart broken as I realized that I had forgotten to write my dad...I then realized right then how much love my dad had for me. My heart was filled with gratitude for the incredible father that I have. Throughout the weeks of my mission, I've compared this experience to our Heavenly Father.

My earthly father desired to hear from me each week that I wrote and he was sadden when he didn't hear from me. I realized that love and desire that my earthly father has for me, my Heavenly Father has for me too. Our Heavenly Father loves us and he desires to hear from us. I have realized how important sincere prayer truly is. I have had many experiences when I truly prayed sincerely and felt my Father in Heavens love. He loves us so dearly. Our Father in Heaven is aware of each of us. I know that He has given us the gospel so that we can be happy. It is our roadmap to living with Him again. I know the church is true. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us and is AWARE of each of US. I know that Christ lives and is our Savior, Redeemer, Brother, and Friend. I'm so thankful for the time I have to represent Him. I so testify in the name of our Beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen. Until next Monday...love and miss you all!

XOXO,

Sister Detamore

1. Love Her!

2. 7 Months...what?!

3. GO BUCKEYES

4. All day, everyday

5. Mission Service Project shirts!

 

Not Immediate Perfection But Immediate Progression 4.11.16

It's been a pretty slow week but sweet is the work! We unfortunately dropped 99% of our teaching pool but I've learned to keep pressing forward. Everyday I realize the true beauty of the gospel and the blessings that come from faithfully living it. I have found an inner happiness and joy that I've never felt in my entire life. I know that the only way to experience the inner happiness and joy the gospel brings is to FIRST live the gospel. I feel so humbled to serve in The Great Ohio Columbus Mission. My Heavenly Father has blessed me with the best mission, mission president, companions, wards, etc...wow, I feel blessed! 

We had a wonderful opportunity to have interviews with President Daines. I think the biggest thing I've learned from my mission president is that God doesn't call us because we are perfect or because we have to be perfect; He qualifies those He calls. I often look at my imperfections and want to give up...I feel as if I'm not good enough or never will be. Many times I wonder why am I here, why am I training? I'm not perfect nor will I ever be BUT what I've truly learned the past week is that our Beloved Savior doesn't demand immediate perfection but immediate progression. We are given years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, EVEN seconds, to change and progress. We are given tools from our loving Father and Savior in Heaven to progress. We each make mistakes, we are mortals but our mistakes don't define us, they refine us. Through the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ, "weak things become strong" (ether 12:27). I've come to realize that there truly is opposition in all things. I love what Elder Dallin H. Oaks said last week in the Sunday afternoon session, "Opposition permits us to grow toward what our Heavenly Father would have us become." Through our struggles and hard times, we are becoming who are Father in Heaven would have us become. 

After interviews and district meeting on Wednesday we had to get gas and while we were there I decided to get hot chocolate. As we were checking out, I decided to spark up a conversation with the guy at the cash register which I've never done before. We were able to set up a return appointment and met with him Friday. As we taught him, I was reminded of the special and sacred opportunity I had to sit in lessons as my dear best friend Justin was taught by the full-time missionaries. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for giving me the opportunity to be a part of that. That experience with Justin is something that motivates day by day. I've seen the gospel bless his life and the way he beams, I picture that for every one of my investigators. THANK YOU JUSTIN FOR LETTING ME BE A PART OF YOUR JOURNEY. 

On Friday when we were weekly planning, I decided to call a bunch of formers in the area book to set up times to meet them. One person I called was M who was the teenager I taught my first day in Powell. She said she wouldn't be home this weekend but set up a time for us to come visit her this coming Tuesday. She said we could visit her mom that night and I just brushed it off and said we would see her Tuesday along with Ma. While we were out knocking doors with a wonderful member of ours (Sister Logan), M's mom came to my mind so we decided to go. Her mom welcomed us in and gave me a hug saying that she missed me and hadn't heard from us in awhile. That was such a tender mercy. We showed her the new video, Hallelujah, and tears filled her eyes as we discussed the love of our Savior. I can't wait to go visit this sweet family this Tuesday!

The work has been difficult and there are times where I feel as if I can't go on but I'm thankful every single day to be here. As I have served the past months, my testimony has been strengthened and my conversion deepened. When times get hard, and they will, may each of us remember Elder Jeffery R. Hollands wise words, "Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever." We are never alone as we walk this mortal journey back to our Heavenly Home. I have come to truly see that there is help from both sides of the veil and that there a many cheering us on. We have a loving Father in Heaven who is aware of each of us. He loves us with an infinite love. I know that Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet and restore Christ's church back on the earth. I know our Savior lives. I so testify in the name of Our Beloved Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen.  Until next Tuesday...(due to a mission service project at OSU where we will be planting trees) I love you all. I appreciate everything that each of you have done to show your love and support. 

XOXO

Sister Detamore 

 

Before AND after the snow

My study wall

 

He Desires To Hear From Us 4.4.16

Another week has come and gone already! What a fantastic conference weekend we had. I feel like each session just kept getting better and better. I'm so thankful for the guidance, encouragement, advice, and uplifting messages we receive from conference. Conference is such a tender experience as a missionary...never has it been this important to me in my life. I'm thankful for the closeness of the spirit, allowing me to learn how I can become better and help Gods precious children in The Great Ohio Columbus Mission. I could go on and on about the things I've learned. What a incredible experience we all have to listen to words of our dear leaders.

We had some pretty incredible experiences with N this week. We had a lesson with Sister VonNiederhausern this week. The spirit was so strong as we discussed our purpose here on earth. One of my favorite things about teaching her is that she has so much to add to the conversation...it's not just a lesson, it's a discussion! As we were teaching, her mom walked in and started to (in a nicely rude manner) bash Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. We tried to explain them to her but she wouldn't listen. Nsimple stood up for us and told her mom to leave. Sister VonNiederhausern explained conference and invited her to watch Sunday afternoon session with us and she accepted! After a beautiful closing prayer by N, she asked us about the other sessions. She asked if she could watch the Saturday afternoon session with us. We had the privilege to watch the 2nd Saturday session with N at the stake presidents house. I loved the opportunity to be in a home where the spirit was already so strong and listen to the leaders of the church. After, N had a lot of great questions about what some of things that had been discussed. She was confused why we had to be members and have a recommend to enter the temple. President Welch boldly but we love bore his testimony on the temples and how we desire ALL to enter the temple but that we have to be worthy to enter it because it's The Lords House. We then had the opportunity to watch the second session on Sunday with Noelle at the VonNiederhauserns and then had dinner with them. N expressed how peaceful she felt as she watch the session and things she learned.

Whenever she didn't understand something, she would turn to Sister Birchett and I to get an answer. As she watched conference, she held the Book of Mormon in her arms with her notes she was taking and would flip through the pages from time to time. This precious daughter of God is learning the message her Father in Heaven desires her to hear...how proud He must be. I'm excited to see where the message of the restored gospel will take Noelle. She has become someone so special to me and I know the God loves her. Please pray that N will act upon the promptings of the spirit and that she will accept baptism. I know that prayer can help her receive the heavenly help she stands in need of.

We had the opportunity to watch the first Sunday session at the church with our investigator Mt. She was intrigued by the story that Bonnie L. Oscarson told of the story about the lady looking down at the temples. She knew there was a temple in SLC but had no idea there were even more! We were able to briefly explain temples and that we can discuss more about them our next visit. She struggles with the idea of one true church but I know as she reads the Book of Mormon and prays about Joseph Smith, her concern will be resolved. Please pray for her as well, that she will come feel that our message is true and that she will have a desire to baptized this month.

We did a lot of knocking this week which at times can be quite heart wrenching but I know as we plant seeds, Miracles will happen! One man we met yesterday wasn't interested but we did have an incredible conversation about prayer. It helped me realize the importance of prayer in our lives. God is literally the Father of our spirits; He desires to hear from us. Sometimes I feel that my prayers are inadequate, that He doesn't hear them because they aren't good enough.

But what that man taught me last night is that no matter how simple or complex a prayer is, Heavenly Father hears them. He yearns to hear from us...we are HIS children.

How thankful am I to be able to serve here in the Ohio Columbus Mission. It has been one of the toughest things I've ever done. Being mocked at, pushed off porches, yelled at, laughed at, but never will I not stand up for my Savior Jesus Christ. He has sacrificed for me more than I will ever be able to sacrifice for Him. He has felt every single pain and heartache that I experience. I have the opportunity to represent my Savior for 12 more months and to stand as a witness for Him. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that He lives; He reigns today. He is in the very details of our lives. We will notice Him if we seek Him. I love this gospel. I love the change it brings and how it prepares us to live with our Father and Savior in heaven again. I know that Joseph Smith was visited by God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a living day prophet who holds the keys of the priesthood. I so testify in the name of Our Beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen. Until next Monday..with all my love.

XOXO,

Sister Detamore