Going slow and steady, but I will finish.
From August 4, 2011
Oh my goodness! Sister
Valentine and I have been so busy this week! We feel truly blessed. It has been
a week unique to any other on my mission. It starts with no GPS, so we are now
reliant on the ancient art of maps. Then it goes to a ton of people we had at
church on Sunday- ten
nonmembers! We have had teaching appointment after scheduled member visit after
teaching appointments all week! We have a few times double booked our days
because Sister Valentine writes something in her planner to see someone and
then I schedule something else...
This week is one that I have never forgotten on my mission. It was at the time of so many miracles flowing out of Heaven! Overbooked teaching appointments, people just walking into church asking where to go, there was a baptism the following weekend... this is every missionary's dream! It was wonderful. I am so grateful that I had a companion that was diligent and obedient and taught me to work hard, because I learned right at the start of my mission that it was by those things that the blessings would come, and it is so true!
Being busy with positive things is one of the greatest feelings in the world. I knew that it would be so essential for me to maintain a positive attitude and busy schedule when I came home from my mission. I admit that is is so incredibly hard to not fall back into old habits, and I am sad to say that on a few occasions I have, but I am SO GRATEFUL for repentance, knowing that I can change anything in my life to become more like the Savior. It is such a joyful blessing to my life.
I miss being a busy missionary though. I was in contact with President McKee recently (I still love that man and his amazing family!!) and I told him that I want to add my testimony to the returned Elders and Sisters that have gone before me, that although life might seem easier outside of the full-time mission life, I would trade places with them in an instant. I miss the people that I love so much, I miss what I was able to do every day. Tonight I even thought to myself, "If I could just go to sleep tonight and wake up in Tennessee in the morning...."
My dear Tennessee and Kentucky friends, I miss y'all. I wish that I had more time to spend with you. There is so much more that I know I could learn from you. I'm grateful for the snippets of time that I did have.
Aside from that mushy stuff though, I do want to say that I am so blessed to have the life that I do now! And it is crazy. Just so that some of you might get a better idea of why I might not be in as close of contact as I would like, it's because Heaven has blessed me with this life:
Story for another time, I turned down the option to go to BYU. Big change in plans. Not expected. Heaven told me loud and clear that it's not time to go back yet. To this day, I am still thinking, "WHAT??!!" As a result of that, I needed to figure out what I WAS going to do with this time. My loving parents mentioned my predicament to my dear sweet grandparents who shared their experience when my aunt returned home from her mission. I suppose that there wasn't much opportunity for her at the time, so they lovingly loaded up her car and sent her to find a job and a place to live. I guess she just packed up and left, and landed in Provo, Utah, and found a great job, got accepted into BYU, and later met her husband and all that great stuff.
Well, wanna know what my parents helped me do next?
Loaded up my car, drove to a town in Utah that I had never been to before to live with a dear sweet sister that I barely knew (my two sisters do know her well) who offered to let me stay for as long or short as I like and has a spare room for me to rent. She has been my angel in more ways than one. I couldn't ask for a better roommate. I'm grateful that I at least had that to go on.
Next few weeks was job hunting. I had some GREAT leads. Unfortunately, and surprisingly, I didn't feel right on the first few offers that I had. Finally I was to the point where I was in need of a paycheck, and I got a call back from one place a friend told me to apply- Good Earth Natural Foods. I love that job. I also went in and took a job at Five Guys because I worked there before my mission and knew I could get hired on easily. People tell me that my two jobs are conflicting. That may be true, but they're not conflicting to my bank account.
In the middle of all of this, I was attending a singles ward where I didn't know a single soul. I think that one of the most surprising things to happen in my life occurred when I was called and sustained to be in one of the the Relief Society presidencies (there are two) of that singles ward. I knew the RS president and maybe one other girl I could call by name, and the bishop who was actually released to fulfill a stake calling that day. I guess God knows best. Strike that. I KNOW God knows best. Still trying to figure out His sneaky plan for me though.
Also, the first Sunday I attended was coincidentally ward conference. The stake leaders were there and brought a stack of applications for us young'uns to work in the temple. I knew that this would be a great way to keep the temple in my life a priority, so I took one. A couple of weeks later, I was interviewed, and a month later, I began my shifts as an ordinance worker. It's quite the daunting task, but I love it. If you hold a current temple recommend, and the thought just came to you that you could work in the temple, DO IT. At lease meet with your bishop about it. You will be amazed at the blessings that will come.
And on top of that, I am dating like crazy, and I'm having a party with it. I average one date a week. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I've lost count on how many different guys... I'm enjoying it while I can because I don't know how long it will last.
So, between two jobs, relief society meetings, working in the temple, dating, and trying to keep my life somewhat organized... My book is full. I usually work four days a week 8am-11pm with an hour break between the two jobs, and on the days I don't work at both places, I am at the temple, in a RS meeting, or squeezing in some time for a date. Sundays are amazing. I get to sleep in. Meetings start at 1 and then my night is full with family and friends and church firesides. I live for Sundays.
I love it that way.
So, just a shout out to my friends, no matter where you are: I have not forgotten you. I pray for you, and I hope you are doing well, and that we can talk soon :)
The other purpose is to say that I know that filling life with the most important things makes most of the difficult or seemingly impossible things easy.
Say "yes" to doing something good that you didn't think you had time for.
I love you all!
Sister Kimberlee Franson
Showing posts with label Choices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Choices. Show all posts
Monday, March 11, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Flashback #27: Tough Days and Decisions
Dear friends, I am here to finish what I started. I have six more draft posts to publish. This post is unique because it was drafted twice while I was still a missionary. I'm home now. I spent the holidays in Idaho and then moved to Utah. More details on that to come. The stats on Blogger says that I still get occasional page views even though I haven't posted anything for night on two months. That almost makes me want to cry just knowing that I've been away from Tennessee for that long. I miss everyone there so much and I think of so many people every day that I want to call or write a letter or send pictures to. Anyway... that's not the point of this post! No mission-sick mushiness here! Not yet! Anyway, the italicized part is obviously from the first draft in September 2011 and the rest of this post with the exception of the concluding paragraph were written as I was preparing this to be my next flashback.
Hello friends! I remember this day. I also remember many other days like it. So, for those of you who think that going on a mission is fun and exciting, I am here to tell you that it is not always fun and exciting. But is it rewarding? Absolutely.
September 21, 2011
This week... has been one of the most challenging weeks of my entire mission up to this point. I've had some really tough moments before, but this week it has been spread out gradually day after day. People just aren't home for some reason. We had one of the ward members who was so sweet to drive us around for two nights in a row, and we visited house after house, knocked on door after door, and Sister Anderson and I are to the point where we are trying to find people who have been taught over a year ago to try again just so we can have someone to teach. Want to know how many lessons we have taught this week so far to a non-member? One. And the member that we brought with us got along so well with that non member that they did most of the talking to each other. And that is GREAT! We love it when members come out with us! But this week that has been it. The only people who have let us into their homes this week besides that are members, active and less active. People have cancelled and not shown up to appointments. Yesterday we couldn't get a ride to meet one of our appointments, so we had two choices: walk or ride our bikes. We figured it would take us an hour to walk so we decided to ride our bikes. Up and down hill after hill we went, fixing broken chains and waiting at stop lights along the way until we finally got to the church where we were meeting our appointment. Annndd.... no one was there. We rested for a little while, tried to call, and then headed right back.
Today has been pretty much the same. We walked to a christian thrift store that we volunteer at every week putting clothes away, hanging them on hangers, organizing, and whatever else they need us to do. It's something that I sincerely look forward to every week because I know that they can use the help.
... The part of that story with the thrift store is that we went there and it was closed for whatever reason. It was indeed a bad day, friends.
We were blessed here in the Tennessee Nashville mission to have a general authority named Elder Perkins come and teach us last Thursday. He and his wife (and our mission president and his wife!) gave us many words of wisdom and ways that we can improve as missionaries and help the work to move forward. There was one thing he said though, that I really love. Please forgive me for not having the direct quote, but it went something like this:
Your mission shouldn't be the best two years (or eighteen months) of your life, but it certainly can be the most important two-year decision.
A mission only lasts for a short time. There are other things that happen in life that are vital for us to draw closer to Heavenly Father, and a mission can definitely prepare us for making those decisions when the time comes.
And let me tell you, sometimes those decisions are hard. The most important thing we can do is to make those decisions wisely and with Heavenly Father in mind. I can testify to you that God doesn't only make up the difference for the sins in our life, but He makes ALL the difference for the choices we haven't even made yet. So, dear friends, for those of you who are wondering about how to decide to go on a mission, be sure that you take it to Heavenly Father. I testify that He will give you a clear and concise answer about what He wants you to do. And I have never met anyone who regrets that decision.
Have an action-packed day!
-Kimberlee
Hello friends! I remember this day. I also remember many other days like it. So, for those of you who think that going on a mission is fun and exciting, I am here to tell you that it is not always fun and exciting. But is it rewarding? Absolutely.
September 21, 2011
This week... has been one of the most challenging weeks of my entire mission up to this point. I've had some really tough moments before, but this week it has been spread out gradually day after day. People just aren't home for some reason. We had one of the ward members who was so sweet to drive us around for two nights in a row, and we visited house after house, knocked on door after door, and Sister Anderson and I are to the point where we are trying to find people who have been taught over a year ago to try again just so we can have someone to teach. Want to know how many lessons we have taught this week so far to a non-member? One. And the member that we brought with us got along so well with that non member that they did most of the talking to each other. And that is GREAT! We love it when members come out with us! But this week that has been it. The only people who have let us into their homes this week besides that are members, active and less active. People have cancelled and not shown up to appointments. Yesterday we couldn't get a ride to meet one of our appointments, so we had two choices: walk or ride our bikes. We figured it would take us an hour to walk so we decided to ride our bikes. Up and down hill after hill we went, fixing broken chains and waiting at stop lights along the way until we finally got to the church where we were meeting our appointment. Annndd.... no one was there. We rested for a little while, tried to call, and then headed right back.
Today has been pretty much the same. We walked to a christian thrift store that we volunteer at every week putting clothes away, hanging them on hangers, organizing, and whatever else they need us to do. It's something that I sincerely look forward to every week because I know that they can use the help.
... The part of that story with the thrift store is that we went there and it was closed for whatever reason. It was indeed a bad day, friends.
We were blessed here in the Tennessee Nashville mission to have a general authority named Elder Perkins come and teach us last Thursday. He and his wife (and our mission president and his wife!) gave us many words of wisdom and ways that we can improve as missionaries and help the work to move forward. There was one thing he said though, that I really love. Please forgive me for not having the direct quote, but it went something like this:
Your mission shouldn't be the best two years (or eighteen months) of your life, but it certainly can be the most important two-year decision.
A mission only lasts for a short time. There are other things that happen in life that are vital for us to draw closer to Heavenly Father, and a mission can definitely prepare us for making those decisions when the time comes.
And let me tell you, sometimes those decisions are hard. The most important thing we can do is to make those decisions wisely and with Heavenly Father in mind. I can testify to you that God doesn't only make up the difference for the sins in our life, but He makes ALL the difference for the choices we haven't even made yet. So, dear friends, for those of you who are wondering about how to decide to go on a mission, be sure that you take it to Heavenly Father. I testify that He will give you a clear and concise answer about what He wants you to do. And I have never met anyone who regrets that decision.
Have an action-packed day!
-Kimberlee
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Flashback #26: Ch-Ch-Changes
Let me tell you friends, I love my mission, and my mission is not easy. You've probably heard me say that before, and you've probably heard a lot of other missionaries and returned missionaries say that before. It is the greatest thing ever.
I've gotta admit, my mind has been on overload lately. I am going home next week. Monday night I felt a lot like this:
Post from last fall 2011
I confess, I
had a hard moment yesterday. As a missionary, you have a lot to remember, and I
also had a lot on my mind, and then I was told something I didn't really want
to hear.
I was
frustrated. One of my favorite talks came to my mind about a currant bush. I was very much feeling like the
currant bush, and I was sympathizing probably a little too much. Sometimes when
we face a trial, we feel beaten down, neglected, like we're being punished,
like we are worthless, but that's not true in the eyes of the Lord.
I really felt miserable! With my mind going everywhere I also ran into the problem of not having a filter when I would say stuff. I really made myself look really silly, especially at dinner time. I went home that night asking myself, "What is wrong with me? Why can't I pull it together? Why can't I clear my mind?"
I still don't have the answers to everything. I sure as heck pretend like I do sometimes! Confidence can go a long way! That may be a slight character flaw of Sister Franson. I think that God doesn't give me all the answers to keep my humble. Strike that. I know that's why God doesn't give me all the answers. I still woke up this morning and I took some extra time to pray to ask Heavenly Father to help me clear my mind and to apologize and ask for forgiveness for my pride and personal flaws. I just really want to be a good missionary! It is a constant battle.
I then began pondering and quickly became so grateful for repentance and forgiveness, just the simple ability to move on. To me, that is the great message of the gospel- that we can CHANGE and one day we will changed ultimately to be perfected through Christ forever. (See Enos 1:27)
That's the great hope of the gospel to me. I am constantly messing up, constantly making myself look crazy, and constantly needing to repent. So, for my last week, I am still focusing on trying to change. I know that because of my Savior, Jesus Christ, that I can change and that it is never too late.
"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God." Moroni 10:32
These are the last words from the great prophet Moroni in the Book of Mormon. I know that these are wise words to live by. So, my dear friends, I extend to you that same invitation: Change your life today. Come closer to Christ. Rid yourself of your burdens and your sins and your sorrows. He can help you to change. He will help each of us to one day be perfected and live with Him again.
I sincerely hope that you all have an action-packed day!
Love, Sister Franson
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Flashback#25: "In the Details"
Today I want to talk about happy things! Just a quick update on Sister McKee- Thursday at 12 noon Tennessee Time (11am MST) we had a prayer for Sister McKee. My companion and I each prayed for a very long time. From what it looks like, we had many other wonderful Saints join us. We received an update that she did make some great improvement yesterday surrounded by her family! Please to feel free to visit President's updates with us here.
"The Lord is in the details of our lives," President Monson so lovingly said last October in General Conference. From the miracles and improvements we have seen in Sister McKee, I know that is true. I also know that from many other experiences on my mission, and this story is a portion of one of those.
Coming from the beginning of January 2012.
Let me tell you a little bit about my week!!
Last Saturday night: I was surprised, very surprised, to find out that I would be moving from Clarksville, Tennessee, to serve in the Hopkinsville ward and Fort Campbell branch. I was expecting to be serving in Clarskville for a long time, but I suppose the Lord has other plans for me.
Sunday and Monday: Regular missionary life in Clarskville /slash packing and getting ready to leave.
Tuesday: One of the weirdest days ever. I decide to leave everything in Clarksville as opposed to taking it all to Franklin and back just to move 20 minutes away. A recent convert named Courtney was awesome enough to drive us down to Franklin for this whole proccess. We held transfer meeting, and old missionaries went home and new missionaries came in with bright eyes and fresh ties! (and skirts). I met up with Sister Warwood and a sister from the Fort Campbell branch and she took us out to lunch then we headed back home. We stopped in Clarksville to pick up all my stuff... and I still managed to leave some things there...
That night we visited some people on post. I haven't met a single unkind person yet! Everyone is so welcoming and awesome to the missionaries! It is wonderful!
Wednesday was great! We worked on the Hopkinsville ward. It was Wednesday night that I started realizing that I "knew" more people than I thought here! I had a missionary companion who had served in Hopkinsville/Fort Campbell area and she told me about how amazing the saints are here. She truly loves the people, and I am quickly seeing why!
Thursday and Friday was back working on post, and it SNOWED!!! Holy cow it was cold! We weren't anticipating that. Thank goodness on Friday we bundled up a lot more! Saturday was more work in the Hopkinsville ward. We even attended a Catholic Mass- first time in my life! My goodness... it was different!
This is very much a middle portion of the story. One event that I know was divinely inspired started on my Sunday in Clarksville. I met a family that sat on a bench near the back row. They soon told me that they lived on Fort Campbell, and the very night before was the call that I received telling me that I would be transferred there. I set up an appointment with this family by faith, hoping and praying that it would work out in the new area I was assigned with a new companion.
My companion and I were very blessed to teach this family about the gospel. The mother was already baptized but had not attended church for a long time. As we continued to teach them, the Father and two sons old enough accepted the invitation to be baptized. Their twin girls just under a year old were blessed the Sunday following the baptism after the confirmations. This is a family that I have really grown to love so much. I continue to pray for this family and I think of them often. This family taught me so much and I believe that they were a gift to my life from God.
There were so many other miracles and blessings that took place in the area, and I learned powerful lessons from so many others that I met. Last Friday, just over a week ago, I discovered that lessons from that time are not over yet! It just so happens that Sister Tauoa has a cousin that lives in Clarksville. It so happens that her cousin's best friend lives on Fort Campbell. It so happens that I know both of these sisters and look up to them a lot! We received permission to go to lunch with them while they were in Franklin. We all had a wonderful time and I am grateful beyond words that I got to see both sisters and I know that Sister T. was as excited and happy as I was!
Dear friends, I don't think that coincidences are without consequence. I believe that they are more often blessings in disguise. Sometimes we call them tender mercies. We may not see them at the time, but God has a purpose for everything.
What are some tender mercies that you have seen in your life today?
Have an action-packed day!
Love, Sister Franson
"The Lord is in the details of our lives," President Monson so lovingly said last October in General Conference. From the miracles and improvements we have seen in Sister McKee, I know that is true. I also know that from many other experiences on my mission, and this story is a portion of one of those.
Coming from the beginning of January 2012.
Let me tell you a little bit about my week!!
Last Saturday night: I was surprised, very surprised, to find out that I would be moving from Clarksville, Tennessee, to serve in the Hopkinsville ward and Fort Campbell branch. I was expecting to be serving in Clarskville for a long time, but I suppose the Lord has other plans for me.
Sunday and Monday: Regular missionary life in Clarskville /slash packing and getting ready to leave.
Tuesday: One of the weirdest days ever. I decide to leave everything in Clarksville as opposed to taking it all to Franklin and back just to move 20 minutes away. A recent convert named Courtney was awesome enough to drive us down to Franklin for this whole proccess. We held transfer meeting, and old missionaries went home and new missionaries came in with bright eyes and fresh ties! (and skirts). I met up with Sister Warwood and a sister from the Fort Campbell branch and she took us out to lunch then we headed back home. We stopped in Clarksville to pick up all my stuff... and I still managed to leave some things there...
That night we visited some people on post. I haven't met a single unkind person yet! Everyone is so welcoming and awesome to the missionaries! It is wonderful!
Wednesday was great! We worked on the Hopkinsville ward. It was Wednesday night that I started realizing that I "knew" more people than I thought here! I had a missionary companion who had served in Hopkinsville/Fort Campbell area and she told me about how amazing the saints are here. She truly loves the people, and I am quickly seeing why!
Thursday and Friday was back working on post, and it SNOWED!!! Holy cow it was cold! We weren't anticipating that. Thank goodness on Friday we bundled up a lot more! Saturday was more work in the Hopkinsville ward. We even attended a Catholic Mass- first time in my life! My goodness... it was different!
This is very much a middle portion of the story. One event that I know was divinely inspired started on my Sunday in Clarksville. I met a family that sat on a bench near the back row. They soon told me that they lived on Fort Campbell, and the very night before was the call that I received telling me that I would be transferred there. I set up an appointment with this family by faith, hoping and praying that it would work out in the new area I was assigned with a new companion.
My companion and I were very blessed to teach this family about the gospel. The mother was already baptized but had not attended church for a long time. As we continued to teach them, the Father and two sons old enough accepted the invitation to be baptized. Their twin girls just under a year old were blessed the Sunday following the baptism after the confirmations. This is a family that I have really grown to love so much. I continue to pray for this family and I think of them often. This family taught me so much and I believe that they were a gift to my life from God.
There were so many other miracles and blessings that took place in the area, and I learned powerful lessons from so many others that I met. Last Friday, just over a week ago, I discovered that lessons from that time are not over yet! It just so happens that Sister Tauoa has a cousin that lives in Clarksville. It so happens that her cousin's best friend lives on Fort Campbell. It so happens that I know both of these sisters and look up to them a lot! We received permission to go to lunch with them while they were in Franklin. We all had a wonderful time and I am grateful beyond words that I got to see both sisters and I know that Sister T. was as excited and happy as I was!
Dear friends, I don't think that coincidences are without consequence. I believe that they are more often blessings in disguise. Sometimes we call them tender mercies. We may not see them at the time, but God has a purpose for everything.
What are some tender mercies that you have seen in your life today?
Have an action-packed day!
Love, Sister Franson
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Flashback #23: Learning to Face Reality
This was from way way back towards the beginning....
A few days ago I asked what it means to be blessed. When it get's right down to it, a blessing is 'something good.'
Well friends, now I have come to see how a blessing is so much more than simply a good thing. It truly is a gift from God. I know that my mission has been one of the greatest blessings I have ever been given in this life.
I have a dear friend of mine- actually my very first mission companion from the days of the Missionary Training Center- who asked if all of us sisters who came to Tennessee together at the same time could write a post about our experiences and what we've learned.
Well... she just HAD to remind me.
I've kind of been in denial in some ways. I have so many mixed feelings about going home. Regarding what I could post, I have thought about it, and thought about it, and thought about it. I think that even if I wrote the most elaborate, tear-jerking, emotional post, it really wouldn't do justice to my whole experience as a missionary.
Over this process and pondering, I have come up with a small handful of gems:
There are some things in life that cannot be gained in any other way but by experience. I can testify that a mission is one of those things! Gaining a testimony and spiritual knowledge of the Jesus Christ and His gospel is another. I am told that motherhood is another one, and I know there are many other examples. If you have the opportunity to go on a mission, I can promise you that serving a mission will bless and positively influence every other major life event you will encounter. Ask the Lord, and you will have your personal witness testify to you of the importance of your call to serve.
People are real. This might come as a shocker to some. I have been able to see real people, living real lives, overcoming real challenges. Having a companion 24/7 has also taught me a lot about myself and how I build relationships with others, and I am so grateful that I have learned how I can build and strengthen relationships with friends, family, and others for the rest of my life. This principle has also taught me much about Jesus Christ and how real He is, and how He thinks about us. Think about what you are doing right now, or what you will be doing ten minutes from now. How would Jesus Christ do it? How would the home of the Savior look? How would He feel if he saw what you have done so far with your day and with your dealings with others? The Savior is more than just a man who died for our sins. He knows each of us, and He knows us well. So does our Heavenly Father.
The Gospel is TRUE. I have also come to know what it means to be true. I have heard many philosophical comments and I have read many talks and listened to sermons that say truth is subjective and relative. I am here to testify that truth is NOT subjective, nor is it relative. There is indeed perspective in this world, but actual events and reality cannot be altered. I don't know if many Christians realize what they are saying when they casually say that the church is true. I can't even do it justice to describe what it means. I suppose that the adjective that I go to most is real. God is real, He is tangible, Joseph Smith really did see Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in 1820. The Book of Mormon is an actual account about a real ancient American civilization. Faith is an actual principle given to us by God. Repentance works, baptism is essential and powerful for the remission of our sins, the Holy Ghost does in reality communicate and protect us, and once a man or woman knows this, the gospel cannot be forsaken, neither should spiritual progression be stopped. That is not the plan of God. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints truly is God's church and has the authority therin.
There is always a choice. I love to change. I can also testify that change can be difficult. It can require the difficult challenge to humble one's self before God and sometimes our fellow brothers and sisters. Try to change though! If you are upset, just smile. Try to sincerely smile. President McKee has often said that we can change our attitude as easily as we can change what we wear. I KNOW that we cannot always control what happens to us, but we can control how we react to what happens to us, and when we do that in a manner pleasing to God, then we are on the path to mastering and overcoming the natural man.
Only the Savior knows how we feel. This kind of ties back in with the first point. I have come to... strongly dislike the phrase, "I know exactly how you feel." No one does. Our lives and personalities are so unique that no one can possibly know but God. There are some that may be able to empathize or relate, but it is not possible to know exactly how someone else feels. Instead, I have learned that the best way to handle a delicate personal situation is to just say to the person, "I can understand why you feel that way" or "I have felt similar (not to be confused with exact) feelings like that before" and then you can bridge that situation to the gospel. This default in life is part of God's plan. We need to turn to the Savior and no one else to feel completely consoled and light from our burdens. Time is also an essential part of God's plan. If we could go back in time or remember things perfectly, we would learn much less and rely on the Savior very little.
I have learned so many other things. My understanding and knowledge of Christ's church and His gospel has expanded in a way I couldn't have predicted or understood a year and a half ago. I understand better the why of the gospel and how I want to exercise and use each principle in my life and with my family. I have also learned how I can have greater faith, and I have learned the importance of waiting... a lot.
So, dear friends, this post isn't goodbye. Yet. I still have a small handful of weeks. As a dear friend of mine reminded me, although my service as a full-time missionary is coming to an end, I am not going back to my old life, but I am looking forward to a new life with many wonderful opportunities, and many more blessings to look forward to and be grateful for.
Dear friends, the church is true. I can promise you that. I hope that you will take the time to find out for yourselves.
I pray that each of you will have an action-packed, blessed day!
Love, Sister Franson
A few days ago I asked what it means to be blessed. When it get's right down to it, a blessing is 'something good.'
Well friends, now I have come to see how a blessing is so much more than simply a good thing. It truly is a gift from God. I know that my mission has been one of the greatest blessings I have ever been given in this life.
I have a dear friend of mine- actually my very first mission companion from the days of the Missionary Training Center- who asked if all of us sisters who came to Tennessee together at the same time could write a post about our experiences and what we've learned.
Well... she just HAD to remind me.
I've kind of been in denial in some ways. I have so many mixed feelings about going home. Regarding what I could post, I have thought about it, and thought about it, and thought about it. I think that even if I wrote the most elaborate, tear-jerking, emotional post, it really wouldn't do justice to my whole experience as a missionary.
Over this process and pondering, I have come up with a small handful of gems:
There are some things in life that cannot be gained in any other way but by experience. I can testify that a mission is one of those things! Gaining a testimony and spiritual knowledge of the Jesus Christ and His gospel is another. I am told that motherhood is another one, and I know there are many other examples. If you have the opportunity to go on a mission, I can promise you that serving a mission will bless and positively influence every other major life event you will encounter. Ask the Lord, and you will have your personal witness testify to you of the importance of your call to serve.
People are real. This might come as a shocker to some. I have been able to see real people, living real lives, overcoming real challenges. Having a companion 24/7 has also taught me a lot about myself and how I build relationships with others, and I am so grateful that I have learned how I can build and strengthen relationships with friends, family, and others for the rest of my life. This principle has also taught me much about Jesus Christ and how real He is, and how He thinks about us. Think about what you are doing right now, or what you will be doing ten minutes from now. How would Jesus Christ do it? How would the home of the Savior look? How would He feel if he saw what you have done so far with your day and with your dealings with others? The Savior is more than just a man who died for our sins. He knows each of us, and He knows us well. So does our Heavenly Father.
The Gospel is TRUE. I have also come to know what it means to be true. I have heard many philosophical comments and I have read many talks and listened to sermons that say truth is subjective and relative. I am here to testify that truth is NOT subjective, nor is it relative. There is indeed perspective in this world, but actual events and reality cannot be altered. I don't know if many Christians realize what they are saying when they casually say that the church is true. I can't even do it justice to describe what it means. I suppose that the adjective that I go to most is real. God is real, He is tangible, Joseph Smith really did see Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in 1820. The Book of Mormon is an actual account about a real ancient American civilization. Faith is an actual principle given to us by God. Repentance works, baptism is essential and powerful for the remission of our sins, the Holy Ghost does in reality communicate and protect us, and once a man or woman knows this, the gospel cannot be forsaken, neither should spiritual progression be stopped. That is not the plan of God. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints truly is God's church and has the authority therin.
There is always a choice. I love to change. I can also testify that change can be difficult. It can require the difficult challenge to humble one's self before God and sometimes our fellow brothers and sisters. Try to change though! If you are upset, just smile. Try to sincerely smile. President McKee has often said that we can change our attitude as easily as we can change what we wear. I KNOW that we cannot always control what happens to us, but we can control how we react to what happens to us, and when we do that in a manner pleasing to God, then we are on the path to mastering and overcoming the natural man.
Only the Savior knows how we feel. This kind of ties back in with the first point. I have come to... strongly dislike the phrase, "I know exactly how you feel." No one does. Our lives and personalities are so unique that no one can possibly know but God. There are some that may be able to empathize or relate, but it is not possible to know exactly how someone else feels. Instead, I have learned that the best way to handle a delicate personal situation is to just say to the person, "I can understand why you feel that way" or "I have felt similar (not to be confused with exact) feelings like that before" and then you can bridge that situation to the gospel. This default in life is part of God's plan. We need to turn to the Savior and no one else to feel completely consoled and light from our burdens. Time is also an essential part of God's plan. If we could go back in time or remember things perfectly, we would learn much less and rely on the Savior very little.
I have learned so many other things. My understanding and knowledge of Christ's church and His gospel has expanded in a way I couldn't have predicted or understood a year and a half ago. I understand better the why of the gospel and how I want to exercise and use each principle in my life and with my family. I have also learned how I can have greater faith, and I have learned the importance of waiting... a lot.
So, dear friends, this post isn't goodbye. Yet. I still have a small handful of weeks. As a dear friend of mine reminded me, although my service as a full-time missionary is coming to an end, I am not going back to my old life, but I am looking forward to a new life with many wonderful opportunities, and many more blessings to look forward to and be grateful for.
Dear friends, the church is true. I can promise you that. I hope that you will take the time to find out for yourselves.
I pray that each of you will have an action-packed, blessed day!
Love, Sister Franson
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Flashback #22: Share Your Light!
From November 15, 2011. It's a good thing I read this today. I think I have some repenting to do...
I had an experience on Saturday that was a small defining point in my mission, and I'm afraid it may continue to be. Yes, I said afraid, and I am, because it is something I am very self-conscious about.
Saturday we had a baptism!! YAY! We love those! Earlier that morning when Sister de Montigny and I were working out our schedule and calling our AWESOME elders that we share an area with, they asked if either one of us could play piano. For a long time I have dreaded that question. I am the classic example of the kid whose mom kept telling her to practice and she never really did so her piano skills are next to useless except in a desperate situation.
Apparently it was a desperate situation.
We had no one to play the hymns that the lady being baptized had requested. So, I agreed, as long as I could get some practice time in. Luckily I was able to, but I knew that they wouldn't be perfect by any stretch of the imagination.
I was so nervous to play. I felt awful and embarrassed. For someone who has played the piano for as long as I have, I SHOULD be better at this. I again asked the elders later that day if we had any more options. They tried, but with no success. I. was. stuck.
So, that night, the baptism was great. The Spirit was there, there was a great turn out of people from the ward and even two people who the missionaries are teaching. It was so nice, and Lisa, the woman being baptized, did something that she will remember and cherish for the rest of her life, and that is to make that ever so important promise to follow her Savior and do the will of Heavenly Father and be baptized. And we somehow managed to make it alive through the hymns. I do admit though, that I was so frustrated with myself that I didn't ever want to own up to the fact that I can kind of play piano or call myself a musician ever again. I was serious!
Until the next day.
Third hour of church, Relief Society, or women's meeting. The congregation's Relief Society president stands up and says, "Any pianists in the room? Sister missionaries! Thank you!" No, I did not volunteer myself, but apparently piano players are few and far between in this area that I am currently serving in. So, I fumbled through the hymns in Relief Society. Thankfully I did know how to play at least one of them!
What I would come to find later, in my next area, is that there were even fewer piano players than before. I ended up for a little over a month I think playing the piano for the primary children in church. It was a blessing and a challenge. Playing the piano is something that I like to do, but I am being honest when I say that my skills are not where they need to be for me to play well and feel confident and comfortable about it. Primary was great because the songs are much more simple. It was at the same time challenging because I didn't get to attend my regular classes with my new friends that I brought to church, some for the first time.
Then I get transferred to where I am now. For the first three weeks there were two other excellent piano players in the area and the ward has enough people to play. Well... now it's between me and one other elder. Our district leader called me a few weeks ago and asked me if I would play. I am so ashamed of my skills that I told him no. Later, I did regret that decision (actually prompted by reading this old blog post) and decided that I need to repent. Later, yes, I did play the piano for our missionary meetings when asked to. I can't play as well as I'd like, but I still do find joy in the things I can play. I think it's because it's something that God would be happy with- sharing talents no matter how grand or small they might be.
So, my invitation dear friends:
Choose a talent that you have, and share it with someone today.
Love you much! Have an action-packed day!
Love, Sister Franson
I had an experience on Saturday that was a small defining point in my mission, and I'm afraid it may continue to be. Yes, I said afraid, and I am, because it is something I am very self-conscious about.
Saturday we had a baptism!! YAY! We love those! Earlier that morning when Sister de Montigny and I were working out our schedule and calling our AWESOME elders that we share an area with, they asked if either one of us could play piano. For a long time I have dreaded that question. I am the classic example of the kid whose mom kept telling her to practice and she never really did so her piano skills are next to useless except in a desperate situation.
Apparently it was a desperate situation.
We had no one to play the hymns that the lady being baptized had requested. So, I agreed, as long as I could get some practice time in. Luckily I was able to, but I knew that they wouldn't be perfect by any stretch of the imagination.
I was so nervous to play. I felt awful and embarrassed. For someone who has played the piano for as long as I have, I SHOULD be better at this. I again asked the elders later that day if we had any more options. They tried, but with no success. I. was. stuck.
So, that night, the baptism was great. The Spirit was there, there was a great turn out of people from the ward and even two people who the missionaries are teaching. It was so nice, and Lisa, the woman being baptized, did something that she will remember and cherish for the rest of her life, and that is to make that ever so important promise to follow her Savior and do the will of Heavenly Father and be baptized. And we somehow managed to make it alive through the hymns. I do admit though, that I was so frustrated with myself that I didn't ever want to own up to the fact that I can kind of play piano or call myself a musician ever again. I was serious!
Until the next day.
Third hour of church, Relief Society, or women's meeting. The congregation's Relief Society president stands up and says, "Any pianists in the room? Sister missionaries! Thank you!" No, I did not volunteer myself, but apparently piano players are few and far between in this area that I am currently serving in. So, I fumbled through the hymns in Relief Society. Thankfully I did know how to play at least one of them!
What I would come to find later, in my next area, is that there were even fewer piano players than before. I ended up for a little over a month I think playing the piano for the primary children in church. It was a blessing and a challenge. Playing the piano is something that I like to do, but I am being honest when I say that my skills are not where they need to be for me to play well and feel confident and comfortable about it. Primary was great because the songs are much more simple. It was at the same time challenging because I didn't get to attend my regular classes with my new friends that I brought to church, some for the first time.
Then I get transferred to where I am now. For the first three weeks there were two other excellent piano players in the area and the ward has enough people to play. Well... now it's between me and one other elder. Our district leader called me a few weeks ago and asked me if I would play. I am so ashamed of my skills that I told him no. Later, I did regret that decision (actually prompted by reading this old blog post) and decided that I need to repent. Later, yes, I did play the piano for our missionary meetings when asked to. I can't play as well as I'd like, but I still do find joy in the things I can play. I think it's because it's something that God would be happy with- sharing talents no matter how grand or small they might be.
So, my invitation dear friends:
Choose a talent that you have, and share it with someone today.
Love, Sister Franson
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