Flashback #28: Still Collecting Miracles.

My mother is going to kill me.

You might think that I'm not sleeping now out of excitement. Ok. That may be partially true, but I'm actually not sleeping because I have one of the most overpowering and overflowing feelings of gratitude I have ever had. I remember only twice feeling more blessed than this. The first occurrence was in college when I was the recipient of a very unexpected and inspired gift. The other and still strongest feeling of gratitude came at the end of my mission realizing what Heavenly Father and the Savior had done for me allowing me to learn from them for the last 18 months of my life.

To all of you recently returned missionaries out there, or maybe prospective or current elders and sisters- I advise you not to fall into the social trap of "trying to get back to normal." It is overrated. Hold on to that feeling and attitude of love, service, kindness, and spiritual sensitivity that you hopefully acquired on your mission. It's much more difficult to get back once you realize it is slipping away.

I have now been home for five months and seven days.

It has been a conflicting five months and seven days.

I miss Tennessee so much. I am grateful to be with my family. I am grateful to interact with the people that I have. I have been so blessed to have EVERY opportunity that I have ever wanted in my life presented to me. Every. Single. One. I attribute it to my missionary service, and to the lessons I learned there, but I still miss it. I miss the food, the people, I love the humidity, I love the trees, I love the culture, I love the beautiful artistic homes, I love the cozy more humble southern homes, I love the fireflies, the smell of the hot summer morning, the street performers, how it seems like you can hear music playing from anywhere if you listen hard enough, and of course I love the people. So much.

Ok, Sister Franson, er, Kimberlee... time to move on.

 My gratitude comes as the result of nothing less than a miracle for me. I am so incredibly blessed with an opportunity to go back to Tennessee for a week. I had someone that motivated and helped me through this whole process for it to happen. I don't think that this friend realizes how much it means to me. He may. I hope so.

My dear friends, brothers, and sisters,

 I want all of you that I have met to know that I love you and I am so grateful for each and every one of you who allowed me to enter the walls of your home and share a piece of your lives with me. I could easily spend years in Tennessee serving you again. I would love nothing more, and that is not what I am called to do anymore. There are others who have stepped up to the call. I have one week, and although I may not make it to each of you, know that I wish I could. I still remember the funny stories you told me from how you met your spouse to how you found the gospel to how you shot a mouse behind the neighbor's refrigerator. I remember the funny moments when your kids would say something embarrassing at the dinner table, and my companion and I would suppress our laughter until we got in the car. We sure love you for that :) I remember the prayers said in our behalf. I remember how I felt strengthened when you would pray for my companion and me by name in church services. I remember the rides you gave, the dinners you served, the investigators you fellowshipped, the pictures you took, the family moments you invited us to. It was you who helped me to be the woman I am today.

 I am grateful for you. In May of 2011, I was a very scared little sister with purple glasses and fuzzy hair. By December of 2012, I had ditched the glasses for contacts, and still had fuzzy hair, and found some confidence. Taking one more off the Flashback list, here's a post from two years ago this summer:



"Lately I've been working on the Christlike attribute courage. Working on it- I may be not as successful as I'd like. Even still, there is plenty that I need to be more courageous about.

Like sharing the gospel, for one. You may be thinking, "Sister Franson, you are on a mission right now! Isn't that being courageous?" To which, dear friends, I may say, "Well that may be true, but I've already conquered the fact that I am here, now it comes down to conquering the fear!"

I'm going away for a while, you see
To find what the Lord has in store for me.
I'm going on a mission, far far away,
To have "much so fun" teaching about Jesus each day.

I'm going to Nashville! How exciting! I'm told
That in Tennesee, it doesn't get nearly as cold
As it might in Idaho, snowing and blowing.
I'm ready to leave! Come on, let's get going!

The MTC food isn't as great as Mom's cooking
Sometimes, I trade nametags with friends who aren't looking...
The first few days are hard and there's no telling when"


.... I was right. There's no telling when. With anything. At the beginning of my mission you couldn't convince me that I'd be where I am now.

And I am grateful.

Seriously though... I broke out into random poem in this blog post. No wonder I didn't finish it.

Have an action-packed day, friends :)
Still-a-sister-but-not-a-missionary Kimberlee Franson

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

Flashback #20: Writing in the Sand

One year plus a day to this post. Hmm... it's interesting that I found this little thought because of what's been on my mind lately.

October 26, 2011

Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the [trials which] ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.  -Exodus 14:13

I had the chance on Wednesday night to go to institute: scripture study for young people ages 18-21. (More details surrounding this circumstance to come!) I must have been blessed enough to go on a fabulous night. One of the stories discussed was the woman taken in adultery in John 8. The teacher then said something that I really loved:

"The wisest choices are made when you take some time to stoop down on the ground and write in the sand for a while."

This, my friends, is so true. I once had a college English professor who taught the same concept. On the day that she would return our grated and edited papers, we were not allowed to talk to her about that grade. End of story. After we had a good nights rest, sometimes a few nights, we could talk to her. It's human tendency to react rashly to something that upsets us. Well, I'm pretty sure the followers of Moses were pretty panicked.

But then... after their patience and faith, did they not witness one of the most famous miracles of all time?

So here's for the liken part- what do YOU do with this thought?

You are most likely worried or angry or frustrated at someone. Or something. Admit it. If you REALLY have nothing, then... well, you will at some point in your life. Guarantee. Before you react harshly though, do something to "write in the sand" for a while. Set the matter aside and do something you enjoy. Read the scriptures and pray, even if you don't think that you feel like it. That might be when you need it the most. Then, it always helps for me to talk to someone that I care about. Just to chat and tell them that you care. Doing an act of service is another great thing to do! Just find what works. Then, after you ponder and pray, make your decision about what you will do. You might not do anything. Maybe God will help to fill in the gap for you.

I still haven't mastered this subject. At all. However, it has blessed my life on more than one occasion.

So dear friends, it's time to make a sandcastle, and God will take a piece and turn it into your mansion.

Have an action-packed day!
Love, Sister Franson

Flashback #19: Have you heard???

HAVE YOU HEARD????

 

GENERAL CONFERENCE IS TOMORROW!

How great is that?!

  Sister Franson, what is General Conference?

This is a time when we get to listen to men that can be compared to Moses and Noah and Abraham. They give us personal guidance, and it is a time that we can receive personal revelation or enlightenment for us on an individual level or for our families that we give care for. What better choice can you make than to turn to the servants of the Lord to receive answers to life's questions?

So, take a question! "Prove me now, herewith!" See if it doesn't happen!

The big point is that God speaks through a prophet today! He hasn't left us to fend for ourselves or take the best guess at what his gospel really is or what the scriptures mean. I have felt the Spirit of the Lord testify to me that these men truly are inspired, and I know that as I follow their counsel, that my life has been blessed, and I have stayed protected from spiritual and physical danger. I am so grateful that I have these men to receive guidance and counsel from! See? Don't they look happy?

It doesn't hurt to have a peek :)

"Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the  Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that  wait upon the Lord shall  renew their  strength; they shall mount up with wings as  eagles; they shall  run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

*Scripture thought found from November 1, 2011

Have an action-packed day! And take good notes of General Conference!
Love love! Sister Franson

Flashback #16: With a CHALLENGE!

From... last Fall... obviously, when I was in Gallatin. 


It's time for FALL!!!

And that's all I said! Plus this nice picture. This year, as I am looking outside, seeing the leaves fall, the weather cooling down, Halloween and other Fall decorations going up, I think to myself, "NOOO!!!!!!"

Partly because I love summer time. I REALLY love summer time. This year though, Fall means something else:

It means that I am going home soon.

Yep! Home. Back to Idaho. I am really sad to know that I am leaving soon. I am trying hard not to think about it, but it is VERY hard not to. Last week, I did something that I have never done before.

I counted the number of days until I go home.

I DID! I can't believe I did that! And do you know what I found out? I have less than 100 days before I am on an airplane home! Yikes! So, instead of this number making me homesick and want time to pass by faster until I go, I did something special with this number. The number was 82. (I can't tell you how many days from today and I don't want to figure it out!). I have 82 specific things that I need to do before I go home. I won't tell you what it is (yet), but many of you may figure it out, I hope!

I think I can do it! But you know something? I can't do it alone. Most importantly, of course, I have the Savior. I am praying that he will help me with this goal. I also have a wonderful, obedient, and supportive companion that is willing to help me to accomplish this goal. There are also great, strong members of the congregation we work with that support us and give us so much help! I couldn't do it without them! And of course, there are many other dear friends and supporters for the missionaries. You are so important. We pray for you every day.

So, dear friends, do you want to be part of this miracle that is about to take place? Here is what you can do to help:

Invite the missionaries over to your home.

That's all you need to do! No matter where you are or who you are, invite the missionaries to their home and listen to what they have to share with you. WILL YOU DO THAT? When you do, tell me about it.

"By small and simple things are great things brought to pass." Alma 37:6

The best way to make the day action-packed is to invite the missionaries over! :D
Love, Sister Franson

Flashback #3: Fetchin' Fro

From July 8, 2011

Fetchin' Fro

Yep. This is my younger brother, K.C. It is his birthday today and he turns the grand age of SEVENTEEEEENNN!!! >sniff sniff< So proud of you!

So yes. This was a draft of a post that I was going to do about my brother KC. He has fuzzy hair. He's great! And he is going to be 18 this summer. Holy cow... I remember him chasing me and my sisters around and playing outside in the snowdrifts when we were younger. I've got to be honest, sometimes I do miss my family. When I go home from my mission it won't be long before KC could leave on his. Time goes by fast! I can honestly say that. So, today I am going to do something a little different. KC, this post is just for you!

I was realizing earlier this week that I am going to be missing your high school graduation soon. Mom has sent me pictures about all of the exciting things you are doing and tells me what you are involved in at school. I love that you always work hard and do well at whatever it is you decide to do! And I love that you are involved with lots of different things. I don't think you'll ever regret that.

I hope that you decide to go on a mission. It's a big choice, and I will be right there to tell you how hard it is. But I will also be right there to tell you how much fun it can be too. I have had the chance to meet people I never would have before. Sometimes when I am in their home I get the chance to step into their shoes, and then in some other ways step into the Lord's and feel how much love he has for them. It's incredible, and I don't know if I have ever understood or felt that until I came on my own mission.

Something else that is so much fun about being a missionary is that you can actually see how much people look up to you. You already have so many friends and family and people around you that do, and on a mission you will see how all of the little kids will run up to you in church to give you their best missionary handshake and how when you visit their home, they will color their own name tags like the one you have so they can be like "Elder Franson" (sometimes I even feel famous!). When you learn to work with your companions, you will make some of your best friends as you are singing to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at the top of your lungs. Just picture two 20 year old guys doing that, and I know you have a great opera voice! Haha. You will also learn how to rely on Heavenly Father and you will learn how to listen to what He specifically has to say to you. You will also see many miracles on your mission- people that are healed after receiving a blessing, people who have a desire to completely change their lives after years of neglecting God, and you will be able to see miracles in yourself. I have never felt as lucky at any other time in my life than I have on my mission. Sometimes it's hard for me to think about going home because I want to keep changing, keep serving, and know that I am staying on the Lord's team when I go and find people. There are few things better than knowing and feeling when a family is receiving you and what the Lord has you teach them.

So little brother, I hope you know that I love you! And so does Heavenly Father. I hope you take this chance to go!

Have an action-packed golfing, working, and going to school kinda day!
-Sister Franson

Hands

I saw something yesterday that broke my heart. 

Sister Warwood and I visit families day in, day out. We see a lot of people. It's just part of what we do. Yesterday, we visited a family that I have come to love and have compassion for. I think that by visiting this family, I have been able to feel more love that the Savior bestows upon His servants in a way that I never expected, and in a way that I wish I didn't have to see. 

They do not come from a perfect home. They do not come from great financial means. Although they know of Jesus Christ, they do not have a strong Christian background. 

Yesterday in our visit, the husband and wife were arguing. I could see how exasperated she was, how tired and how hard she had worked all day and felt that she had nothing to show for it. I saw how confused the husband was, seeing that this was a situation that he was tired of trying to fix. He would give suggestions to solve the problem and would be wrong. He didn't know what to do either, and he got to the point where he almost didn't seem to care. I got the impression that this was a common occurrence in their home. Their children needed attention, the mom needed acknowledgement, and the dad needed understanding. This family needed love. 

Sadly, as a missionary my stewardship only goes so far. I can't give marriage counseling, I can't take care of a home or children. I probably wouldn't be much good at any of that anyway. All I can do is share the gospel and hope they will accept it, and the family has to choose to accept and implement its principles.

As Sister Warwood and I walked away, I thought, "What would the Savior do if He was in that home? How would He feel? What would he say to them? What would He teach them?" I know how I felt, and it was not good. I wanted to help them so much. The love of Heavenly Father that I felt for them was that of deep sorrow. This family has all the access to every tool they need to build a strong and unified family, but HOW do I teach them to use it?

Well friends, I still don't know. So, I am asking something of you today. 

If there is someone you know who needs you, someone you can teach, someone you can love, someone who could use a break from the kids, someone who could use a spiritual message, someone who could use a listening ear, if there is ANYONE that you can think of who may be in need, go and be the Savior's hands for them today. You have so much power to uplift someone. The world is at your fingertips with which you click the button of a keyboard. Use those hands and see how you can heal a heart. 

 

Have a service-packed day.

Sister Franson

A Special Calling

And.... this is the big sister. This picture is sometimes how I feel about her, and this is how she sometimes feels about me. We have this understanding though, this mutual agreement that we still love each other no matter what.

     In the Old Testament, there is a story about a woman named Hannah. Now Hannah, for whatever reason, had not been blessed with children in her life. Because of this, Hannah "was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore" (1Samuel 1:10). She prayed to Heavenly Father to bless her with a son, and promised that if He did, she would give her son to the service of the Lord. The Lord then did bless Hannah with a son, and she named him Samuel. True to her word, Hannah brought Samuel to the house of the Lord to learn. He grew to be a great prophet and servant of the Lord.



    Motherhood is a divine calling. It is one of the most selfless callings that this world has. When we choose to raise our families and teach our children in the ways of the Lord, great things can happen. Hannah was later blessed with many other children in her years, and Samuel still was part of her life. Not only did Hannah's choice to teach her children of the Lord bless her family, but it was also a blessing to many other people as Samuel led them to know the Lord.



Photo by Jenn Davidson



   My older sister and her husband were recently blessed with a healthy baby boy. Because of the testimonies that I know that Brittany and Scott have, I know that they will ALWAYS choose to raise their family the way the Lord would have them. I've been told that parenthood isn't easy, that sometimes when you want the best for your children, they still have agency and can choose to make wrong choices as well as choose the right. All we can do is teach what we know and lead by example. I'm so excited for Brittany and Scott. Brittany has always been a good example for me to follow and Scott has accepted and loved our family like his own. It's through these principles of selflessness, care, and love that families can build their foundation upon Jesus Christ, "whereon if men build, they cannot fall" (Helaman 5:12)