Are you religious? No. I'm Christian: 8/8/15

Okay. This week has been strange and all over (with one of us getting sick, the sisters needing to go to reno and going on splits, and just days where things went crazy). So many funny things.

*This guy passes us in a motel trying to contact another lady and mumbles

"Galatians 6:5"

"OH cool. What's that one?"

"I have no need to answer any man because I have applied the blood of Christ and have no need to do anything more" (Actual Scripture: "For every man shall bear his own burden." So close)

"Nice. So are you very religious?"

"NO. I'm CHRISTIAN."

Then he walks away. We all look at each other in silence for a few seconds and I finally say "So... It that his name? Hi Christian. I'm Sister Golding!"

*We walked into the WRONG house for dinner and spend 15 minutes talking to this lady thinking they just forgot she was feeding us dinner.

*A random car drives past and stops a little too early for it to be at the stop sign and then reverses up to our car. Sister Underly somewhat scared yells 

"We're gonna get SHOT!" 

"Roll down the window! What if they want to be baptized!"

So we roll down the window. Most random conversation ever. Then they see the bages and tell us where there house is and to come visit anytime and drive off. So crazy! When does that happen?

On a More spiritual note.

I've been thinking a lot about the miracle of Christ calming the storm (Mark 4). I would see videos of this account and wonder why the disciples were SO worried. But then I thought of the story from the point of view of one of the disicples. The waves "beat into the ship" so much that it was "now full". The water had filled the boat so much that it was filled to it's maximum capacity. Death was imminent. Then they turned to the Savior and there he was "asleep on a pillow". What they must have felt was complete abandonment. They asked, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" Do I matter so little to you that you can sleep while I am fighting for my life? I feel like I and many people have been in that boat. I remember times where I was drowning in trials and sorrows and the heavens seemed closed. I would pray in my own way "Master, carest thou not that I perish". You have all power, can't you take this away? But he always, in his own time, says "Peace be still". He let's the boat get full but he will never let us drown.  Then comes the rebuke.

"Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"

Which reminds me of a similar rebuke I use to think was very harsh. When Peter walks on water and falls into the water after seeing the winds and waves.

"O thou of little faith"

Didn't they face death? Didn't he just WALK ON WATER? Didn't they desert everything they own to follow the Savior" As I thought I came to realization that perhaps the rebuke wasn't towards their faith in whole. But they were rebuked because they feared. Just as cold is the absence of heat. Just as darkness is the absence of light. Fear is the absence of faith. All of our fears can be overcome through faith.

Not once does the Lord say fear, worry, be anxious. He always says "Peace, be still" "Be strong and of a good courage. Be not afraid. Neither be thou dismayed for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest" "Doubt not, Fear not." Faith is truly the antidote to fear. He tells his disciples, "if you turn to me, you have no need to fear."

Sorry this is a long email. I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Another funny moment...

* We talked to these VERY VERY intoxicated people. the drunk guy mumbles "This morning, this is so weird, but this morning I was just singing 'Mary did you know' do you know that song? Now you guys are here." Then he starts singing and I start singing along and he FREAKS out and starts slapping his buddy. "SPARKY! SPARK! I was singing this song this morning and. this is so weird. She just started singing! OUT OF NOWHERE!" Then he sang the first line and made a motion to me "SING IT! SING IT!" then he put his arms in the air and swayed as I sang. Yep. Pretty fun.

* Then a man walked down the stairs and Mary Did You Know guy yells out "TONY! TONY! Come over here for a second. You need to shake hands with this lady. Tony shakes my hand and walks away. We pass Tony on the way back to the car and say "Hey! It's Tony right?" "No, it's Bob." "I thought... you were Tony" "HE doesn't know me! He has no clue what he is saying!"

If you squeeze lemons... : 8/3/15

If you squeeze lemons, you get lemon Juice

If you squeeze oranges, you get orange juice.

If you you squeeze Christ, you get Jesus Christ

If you squeeze a Mormon....

Supposedly you get Joseph Smith. We ran into this guy who really like deep religious philosophy. It was a VERY interesting conversation of learning. He wanted to show us that you can't put a box on a religion or else you cease to "squeeze" Jesus Christ. Something we tried to help him understand is the role of a prophet. Christ only gets to physically be on the earth and lead his people twice--His mortal ministry and His second coming. Don't you think, he would call someone just as he has in the past to lead His people and His church prior top the second coming? We do not follow Joseph Smith, we worship and follow our savior Jesus Christ. Very interesting conversation. We often run into people who want to save the missionaries because we have been brain washed... supposedly. I can tell you something though. No one could make me believe something based solely off their word. At one point the man said "If you are so confident in your faith you need to challenge it." To which I responded with full confidence "Oh, I challenge it everyday and everyday I know even more that it is true." I later used his challenge to me in response to the fact he had never actually read all of the Book of Mormon, "If you are so confident in YOUR faith, you need to read and challenge this book." In the end, he looked at me and said, "I like your challenging feisty spirit. You have obviously done some questioning. I like it." I don't know how much he got out of that conversation but my testimony grew leaps and bounds as I challenged my faith once more and found once again that it is true. He asked why they send the young ones out. To which I quoted Paul, "When I am weak, then am I strong". When it is the truth, when we have God on our side, it doesn't matter if you are the most eloquent,  knowledgeable speaker. It is the truth. How else could a 19-21 year old defend their faith to someone who can quote the bible back and forth in English, Hebrew, and Greek and make him think? The lord has always called the weak and simple, the fisherman to do His work. It's the truth. If it's the truth then nothing else matters.

We have seen so many miracles and amazing things this week. Week two has gone smoother than week one by a lot. Definitely faster. This week flew. I love missionary work. We are enrolled in a great cause.

I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Trio? Try Triple Threat: 7/27/2015

This week has been the longest week in my life and yet it has passed by in a blur. So much happens in a day. We added up our areas and this week we had 61 lessons! God has definitely given us miracles in abundance. So much happens that mornings feel like they were weeks ago. We  now have 4 people with a baptism date that we are helping.

It's interesting covering a ward by myself. I talked with President this week and they do intend to keep the areas separate so it's up to us to keep the area alive. We fasted that finding would just fall into our laps because we don't have time to find, we got 5 referrals! 

You know how some people just throw their kids into the pool to teach them how to swim? That's pretty much been my week. Either sink or swim. I definitely feel like I'm dog paddling but I'm staying above!

The trio was an adjustment but after a few days it was a lot of fun. I think the moment of offical bonding was when we realized we could do three part harmony. We have been singing a lot. I love it. I usually take the Tenor line an octave above, Sister Underly takes the Alto, and Sister Grandy rocks the melody. It's been good. 

Spiritual Moment:

I've been studying a LOT about Luke 15: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. My brother-in-law posed the question, why are there 3 different stories to say the same thing. This morning I read over it another time and realized they are not the same at all! The sheep wanders off innocently, almost unaware. A sheep is symbolic of innocence. They enter a sin unsuspectingly and soon find themselves lost. In order to get back to the fold, those who represent the savior put them upon their backs and carry them home. The lost coin: It gets lost through the carelessness of others. It takes the efforts "seek(ing) diligently" and "sweeping", cleaning out the offenders own dirt to bring them back. Then you have the prodigal son, someone who willfully disobeys or turns against their Heavenly Father. For them, you just have to watch and wait for them to "come to themselves" and start their own walk home. Then when they come, run, greet them with open arms. You have to let go of past grudges and welcome them back rejoicing.

I don't know if that is completely correct but it's what I felt thisa morning. Hope you all have a great week!

Birthdays, Bug Bites, and Goodbyes: 7/20/2015

***********NEW ADDRESS*****************

Plans changed, I moved in with the STLs so my address has changed. SEND MAIL!

4827 Killdeer Rd

Carson City, NV 89701

Okay, they aren't bug bites. The day after my birthday I woke up with red dots covering my whole body. We thought they were bug bites, maybe ants in the bed. Then they grew and multiplied. We talked to a doctor and he checked it out--Pityriasis Rosea. Imaging mosquito bites over your whole body. It's non-contagious and should go away on it's own by next Thursday.

Though that's no fun but this week has been SO fun. We have seen so many good things happening in Hot Springs. Some very powerful lessons were taught this week. The not-so-spiritual highlight from this week was that it was my birthday! Most the day was normal proselyting. In keeping with tradition I have only gotten yelled at on my birthday! 

We were walking in this apartment complex. Our appointment fell though so we went to contact a Less Active in the same complex. Walking to the door I see a lady and call out "Hey, how are you today?".....nothing. We are a little closer and the member who was with us walks a little closer, makes eye contact and asks "how are you doin'?"... nothing. She stares and looks away. So we brush it off and get to the lady's door. We knock and wait. We knock again. About that time we see the silent lady walking towards the door we were at. Turns out she lives next door. I say Hi one more time to which she goes "ROT IN HELL!" and slams the door and locks it! BAhaha It took all I had not to laugh. I think I did pretty good. We write a note for our Less active who was not home and the member we were with goes "We should write her a note" "ummm.. not so sure that's a good idea." "Come on. Let's do it." We write on this note "You are a beloved daughter of God" and walk away. We try to contact a few more people and finally we were walking our member home and the silent lady walks past us with her laundry. a few steps later she turns around and FLIPS US OFF! Hahaha. I don't know why I think it's SO funny but it's just like how can you be so upset with someone who has never done anything to you? It makes me want to know the story. 

To end my birthday we went to a less actives house and had a "fake" 21st Birthday with IBC Cream Soda and Sparkling Apple Cider Martinellis on the back of his pick up. It was SO much fun and then of course it got more serious and we taught a lesson about Christ and what he's meant in our lives and how we can't wait to see him in the temple. He agreed to start working towards the temple that night. It was perfect.

Then for the sad part. Sister Ash finished her mission and is on her flight home to Wyoming as I type. I already miss her so much. Last night we dropped her off in Sparks and that was the end. She is an amazing sister and she has served so well during her 18 months. She has made such a difference in the lives of the people here and for me. 

I am now with the STLs and it's kinda strange because it's been made obvious to me by multiple leaders that it is more like they cover their area and I am more of the single sister over Hot Springs and am just waiting for my new companion who should come at the transfer in four weeks. But we will live it up as a trio for now.

It's funny. We are the beginning of a joke now. A blonde, a brunette, and a red head!

Goodbye Time

Learn ALL The Things: 7/13/2015

Hello Everyone! This week has been good with lots of emotions--sad and confusing but hilarious and amazing.

Monday and Tuesday was packing up and getting in those last lessons (aka the sad part). Wednesday, Sister Clegg got dropped off the Transfer bus in Lovelock. We got to spend the day together there until the transfer van was heading West--a perfect time to transition and get to know each other. It was so much fun. It was at the drop off that another missionary told me "You companion goes home in like ten days. Are you sure that's who your companion is?" 

Wednesday night I get to the mission home and get filled in. My companion goes home next Monday. I have 10 days to learn the area then I will be put with the Sister Training Leaders in a trio. I will teach them the area and we will cover both wards. It's a very strange situation but I'm ready for the challenge.

Carson is a fun place to be. There are SO many people it's crazy. Sister Ash and I get along very very well. We both keep saying "Why aren't we together longer!" or "Where have you been my whole mission!". It's been fun to get out and work hard in my new area. Always on my toes! 

I'm excited for this next week I can promise there will have some fun stories. One of our investigators talks to spirits (obviously) and is from a long line of witches. She drew Sister Ash's "Guardian Angel"....

"His name is Muelt and he said this picture is accurate except the ears are a little off!"

This picture is quite creepy and he has a sickle. Being a missionary is definitely interesting. But there are so many good times. Moments where the spirit is just there and wonderful chances to hear experiences with God.

We ran into this older couple who are now taking the lessons. God has played a huge role in their lives and has performed many many miracles. But they find him in the small things as well--the sunrise, the beauty of the world. We shared Alma 30:44 with her

" Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator."

I love the pattern in the scriptures. Many times the Lord commands to "Stand Still", "Be Still". We have to stop and slow down. It is then we see the evidence that God is in everything. Even when we think he isn't there, that is when He carries us.

Love you all and have a great week!

Independence Day from Sin & Transfers: 7/6/2015

Lori's baptism was amazing and truly special. It was on the fourth of July and we kept calling it "Independence day from Sin". She always talks about how she has been searching for 46  years for a church who tells her the truth and answers her questions and now she knows her search is over. Something she said that truely touched me in her testimony at the baptism is "For the first time I feel comfortable in my own skin, I feel comfortable in my own house and that is something for a person like me". She was confirmed yesterday and she has just been beaming. Yesterday I turn to her and say "I don't know if this is weird, but you LOOK brighter!" "What do you mean?" "You just look like a massive load of burdens and darkness has been lifted from you."

To this she said, "That's because it has. Do you know how much darkness has been in my life? And now, it is ALL gone. It's gone and I have a new life."

We absolutely love her. It's because of people like Lori that missionaries are sent out. There are those in darkness searching and needing the light. It was a perfect ending to the wonderful time I have spent in Lovelock.

Transfer calls were last night. Turns out they are sending me to the Hot Springs ward in Carson City! It is in the same zone as Gardnerville and I have actually been on exchanges there! From what I remember it's a fast pace and energetic area. My companion is Sister Ash and I've only met her in passing a few times, but I hear she is amazing. Unless there are multiple Sister Ash's, this is her last transfer and I plan to make it count :)

I love this work and can't wait to see what the Lord holds in store. Hope you all have a great week :)

Another BIG thing from this week was we met the New Mission President and his wife! They are SO cute and I fell instantly in love. They are so nice and fun. Everyone got to take pictures. So, here is President and Sister Chesnut!

​Another Big Thing (in size but not importance) We found a GIANT cactus. Sister Liddle kept saying it was real and I kept shaking my  head "No.. way!" Finally I got the nerve to touch it. Definitely metal. But it is still cool. There is just a giant cactus in the middle of nowhere!

Holy Hot Cakes: 6/29/2015

This week has been hot. Really hot. And there was rain so a little humid hot. Our car temperature gauge read 110 degrees this week and over 100 was just expected. Since we've been working on dropping people who really aren't moving forward and progressing, we were out finding in it. Here is a good summary of our week:

*Two O'clock in the blisteringly hot sun (107 degrees), we walk onto the property of a less active member and over the overgrown weeds to the front door. We knock. Nothing. We knock again and hear a faint voice in the distant and aren't sure whether they are talking to us

"Uh.... Can you repeat that?"

Nothing. We stand outside a bit longer... awkwardly so. Then we hear this booming angry  voice, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!" 

"Hi, we are the missionaries from your wife's church. Is this somebody someone's house"

A larger man walks around with a big scowl on his face.

"Yes but, WHY DID YOU COME TO THE FRONT DOOR!"

"Uh.... because it's your front door?"

"YOUR SUPPOSE TO USE THE SIDE DOOR!"

"Okay, sorry about that"

"Well, my wife has blood clots in her leg and is not taking visitors right now and I'm taking a ciesta see. So, we are not taking visitors right now." 
*Man walks inside and slams door. We shrug our shoulders and walk back to our air conditioned car.

Yeah.. that's a good summary of our week. But it's been really good too. We are finishing up the lessons for a lady's baptism this week! The whole experience with her has been neat to be a part of. We love her so much. This work is amazing and great! The good moments always make up for the bad ones. You forget the bad days but you never forget the good ones.

This week I've really been thinking about how we are drop (or don't visit as often) those who are not keeping commitments that we leave with them. A few weeks back a missionary at his homecoming said "I have to be progressing". This has made me think about how I can't be a progressing investigator, but am I a progressing missionary? Am I a progressing daughter of God? If God was leaving commitments with me, what would they be and would I be keeping them? Then I ran into this Preach My Gospel quote by Boyd K. Packer

"'If we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw and wait until we come seeking and listening and say in our manner and expression, like Samuel of ancient times, ‘Speak [Lord], for thy servant heareth.’ (1 Sam. 3:10.)” (“The Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53).

The Lord does do what we do in a way. When we don't listen he has to step back, but the second we come seeking him and willing to change he is there to help us and we will be granted a greater portion of His spirit which brings us happiness.

Well, I hope you all have a great week! Stay cool ;)