Last Letter from Wyoming…

Its true, when the area gets going then you get..transferred. 

This whole week as we saw miracles happen all I could think was "its coming" lol.  People to teach were popping up like weeds, and our ward councils were so effective. Its been a great week to end on here in Green River, besides the fact that its just my time..my mom has been praying me out of here lol it was bound to happen.

My prediction? Back to the big PC. But that's just prophecy according to Sister Efnor.

What has Green River taught me?

How to appreciate the small things in life, and be grateful for what I have. The things that don't matter will wither away, but the things that do matter are eternal. Like families.

The Green River stake had a fireside all on missionary work last night. The area seventy, Elder Clark, and our mission president came up to speak about hastening the work, but also specifically to more "seasoned" members about serving senior missions.

They had a couple that just recently returned from Kenya speak on their experience. Stories of having sacrament in a tin roofed tent, the rain beating down so hard that you couldn't hear the speakers. When it would get that loud the members would just stop and sing hymns until it stopped, their stories were so inspiring!

Although serving in a place like Kenya would give stories for people to "Ooo" and "Ahh" about, the husband referred to a scripture that I have read over quite a few times and brought it to a new light.

Doctrine and Covenants 4:1-4

1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.                         3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;                                                                                                               4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

No where in that verse does it say "only in Kenya", "but only open your mouth if you have a name tag on", "this only applies to people who have testimonies of steel". It doesn't matter where you are, who you are, this scripture applies to you! 

We all have reservations, fears, excuses, but "When you are on the Lords errand, you are entitled to his help". Like any other aspect of life, we need not go it alone. The area seventy said "It is not if you should serve a mission, but what kind?"

Amen-

Love,

Sister Efnor

This week… Now I'm all caught up!

Thursday afternoon we hitch-hiked our way down to the valley. That night we had the blessing of being able to go to the Jordan River temple, the build up of going to the temple is so exciting! I love getting to visit the Lords house! At dinner on Sunday the lady who fed us described it perfectly "You walk in with the weight of the world, and then..that weight just vanishes.."

Following the next day the mission had zone conference, there were so many great trainings. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many diligent, and spiritual missionaries. 

This scripture says exactly how I feel when I am re-united with people that I have served around and with...

Alma 17:2 " Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God." 

  

Anyways...

This whole month we as a mission have been studying patience, this has been so inspired and exactly what I needed. Go figure.  (Mom insert- there is a whole part to this letter of struggles that she has had to face in Green River that is not included in this letter but just sent to me- I am amazed at how she is at a place that I have at my age, recently come to… The blessings of SERVICE- I think we grow more as the giver than the receiver for sure)

Studying more on this topic has opened me eyes to how influential being a patient person can be, the effects can be immediate or sometimes only seen later on. A certain aspect of patience that really stuck out was, having the ability to overcome discouragement. 

Preach My Gospel says, "When you are patient, you hold up under pressure and are able to face adversity calmly and hopefully."

In a talk given by Val R. Christensen he gives the example of Enoch when he was facing some opposition. The Lords counsel to him was "Lift up your heart, and be glad; and look" Moses 7:44

There are at least three steps to take when striving to overcome discouragement:

1. 1. 
   You can work on changing your attitude toward the problem. Even though you can’t change the circumstances in which you work or live, you can always change your attitude.
2. 2. 
   You can receive help from those who are close to you—your family, friends, and ward members, those who love you the most.
3. 3. 
   You can develop a more powerful and complete trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I love these steps!

The first, changing your attitude, so much can be achieved if we just flipped the situation around. Or as I put it, just get over it! "  After experiencing the death of parents, crop failure, and sickness, she was encouraged with a spiritual experience that changed her attitude. While attempting to seek divine help, she heard her mother’s voice: “Zina, any sailor can steer on a smooth sea, when rocks appear, sail around them.” A prayer came quickly: “O Father in heaven, help me to be a good sailor, that my heart shall not break on the rocks of grief”.

The second, receiving help from others, for some..this can be quite difficult. What I like about his step is that i feel like it would prepare us for the 3rd step, trust in the Savior.

 Alma 34:3: “And as ye have desired of my beloved brother that he should make known unto you what ye should do, because of your afflictions; and he hath spoken somewhat unto you to prepare your minds; yea, and he hath exhorted you unto faith and to patience.” 

The message is simple: problems faced are going to take a long time to solve. If we place a little more patience in the process and a greater amount of faith in the Lord, our challenges will find their way toward successful conclusions.

I am so grateful for the experiences that I have had in this past month that have helped me exercise patience.  I know that the Lord is aware of us, our fears, past, present, financial issues, passing of loved ones and so on.  In the Doctrine and Covenants we read this: “If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God with supplication, that your souls may be joyful” (D&C 136:29)

Love,

Sister Efnor

I just remembered a whole blog post by Sister Efnor that I missed because I was out being a cowgirl!! It's like Christmas!

Friday night I had a dream..

My companion and I were at Home Depot, and there was a man there. He had a teaching record in our area book and previous missionaries had said to not go near him because he was a stalker...something like that. Anyways, at some point the guy was trying to rip my name tag off of my shirt. To which my reply was "I may represent Jesus, but that doesn't mean I wont beat the crud out of you!".  The end.  (What, Why?? lol)

The beginning of this week was rough, my companion came down with some icky stomach flu. 

But she recovered by the end so we were able to go get some work done. 

This past Sunday there were two recent converts that were able to bless and pass the sacrament in two different wards.  It was great looking at their wives and kids and seeing their beaming faces as they watched their dad/husband administer to the ward.

It was a great opportunity for me to reflect on the progression that I've seen in my own life these past months I have been serving.  Probably the best kind of growing pains I've ever experienced lol

“Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;

“And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God” Mosiah 27:25-26.

Elder Bednar said "..the conversion described in these verses is mighty, not minor—a spiritual rebirth and fundamental change of what we feel and desire, what we think and do, and what we are. Indeed, the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ entails a fundamental and permanent change in our very nature.." 

I thinking about how it is so easy to have the schedule I have, and study the way I do, because I only have one purpose right now. I want to start making plans that will help me in continuing on the path I have started on.  Elder Bednar goes on to say "..And after we come out of the waters of baptism, our souls need to be continuously immersed in and saturated with the truth and the light of the Savior’s gospel. Sporadic and shallow dipping in the doctrine of Christ and partial participation in His restored Church cannot produce the spiritual transformation that enables us to walk in a newness of life. Rather, fidelity to covenants, constancy of commitment, and offering our whole soul unto God are required if we are to receive the blessings of eternity."

I just got news that an aunty and uncle of mine are going through the temple for the first time in the coming week.  The gospel changes people!  We stretch, grow, fall, get back up, turn to the Lord always...then all at once we look back to see an old box on a shelf, full of the things that we thought we were.  Now refined, we see who our Heavenly Father always knew we could be.

Love,  Sister Efnor

When I opened my emails today, I received some pretty heart crushing news.  As I sat and pondered about the family being effected… What they must be feeling,  and the gap that is ever present in their lives now.  Immediately I was brought to my knees in prayer.  Thinking about what I should say- the words, "I know that only You can relieve the pain this family is feeling", came to my mind.

This is so true. The memories can never be replaced.  However, the knowledge that I have gained for myself, that we will be reunited with our loved ones that have departed from this earth, brings me such comfort and joy.

In a lesson we were having with an investigator, the member we had brought shared a very personal experience. At a very young age, one of her sons had passed away. As she told us about the sorrow she felt at the time, the smile on her face never once faded.  She bore testimony that although this was a huge trial in her life, she knew that she would once again be reunited with her son.  The reassurance that she knew where her son was, brought her an even greater happiness.

That night after the lesson my companion and I were talking about the strength of this woman.  We cannot imagine the pain that follows losing one of your own children.  It really was the gospel that helped her through.  The difference it made in her life was that instead of pulling away, she turned towards the Savior in her time of distress. 

“The family is one of God’s greatest fortresses against the evils of our day. Help keep your family strong and close and worthy of our Father in Heaven’s blessings. As you do, you will receive faith and strength which will bless your lives forever.” 

I know that the family is ordained of God and that they are eternal.  Though we may face challenges on all ends of the spectrum, be it a loss of a loved one, a child/sibling gone way ward, diseases, depression, whatever it may be… All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Click here.

Rest in love Mercedes.

Love,

Sister Efnor

Whats new?

-I have a new companion! Sister Kent!

-Our mission now has ipads!

So the full week leading up to transfers my companion sister Vanderziel was praying that there would be a snow storm that would close the interstate so she wouldn't be able to leave Wyoming. Fast forward to Tuesday, we are driving on the interstate. I can't see a thing! Nothing!  The other missionaries that were coming down from other parts of Wyoming said that we would all just caravan. So as we are going literally 40-35 mph on the interstate I look over at Vanderziel and say "Happy?  You had enough faith to make it snow, but not enough to close the dang thing!" lol We started driving at 9:30 and didn't get to the mission office until 3:00…that isusually like a three hour drive -__- but it was good, made for some funny memories.  Especially when I had to get out and chisel out all the ice under our tires because it was clogging up everything.  Yeah, i love the snow...

When we finally made it down to civilization I was able to pick up my new companion, whom I already love! Sister Kent!  She hails from the lush tree covered land of Virginia.  Meaning, she says "ya'll" 20 times in one conversation lol She has been out a little longer, and is a little older than me and is already teaching me so much!  She's been a member for about 2 years and has such a testimony building conversion..the Lord really does work through us, we are His hands to help bring others unto Christ.

Listening to her story has helped me appreciate even more the testimony that I have, and the testimony that my parents have, and always shared with me as I was going through life.

On Sunday a few of the people we are teaching actually came to church! WOWWEEEE!  That was really exciting, showing them where all their classes were, and having all the ward members introducing themselves. We are teaching this guy and he said that he hates crowds, he hates new places and new people..but, he said that his first day at church he felt like he was at home. The importance of people not just having a fellowshipper, but a FRIENDshipper, is so important! I saw that in action this past Sunday when members of the ward made sure no one was sitting alone in their classes, or just simply introducing themselves and shaking their hands.

Our mission for this month is studying about patience lol (mom knows why i laugh at this).

Anyways in a talk given by President Uchtdorf titled  -Continue in Patience-... "There is an important concept here: patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can-working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!"

another section that I really enjoyed "Patience is a process of perfection. The Savior Himself said that in your patience you possess your souls. ¹¹  Or,to use another translation of the Greek text, in your patience you win mastery of your souls"

Who doesn't want a little more self mastery? haha I'm always excited to see what is waiting for me as I delve deeper into this gospel. It is so rewarding, "Of all treasures of knowledge the most vital is the knowledge of God, His existence, powers, love and promises."
I know this to be true.

Sister Efnor

Here are some pictures purely for your entertainment! lol- 

Granger's post office is a double wide-

One of many…

Our investigators holder for their babies pacifiers. 

Their cemetery- not even kidding!

And lastly… Some Granger outdoor beauty! 

Even in Green River the Lord has work to be done-

My companion is outtaaa heerreeee! So tomorrow I get to drive 3 hours to pick up my new buckaroo! Should be fun...

Things have been going really good here in Green River, almost all the people that we are teaching came to church yesterday!  It was a great fast Sunday.

Well... Im really sorry but I dont have to much else to update you on.  So, I'd like to share something that I learned from my personal scripture study.

(I was reading in Helaman 5)  Helaman is talking to his sons and basically starts bearing his testimony.."(verse 9)  O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world.....(verse12)  And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

These are just a few verses that particularly stuck out to me as I was reading the chapter.

As I was pondering this scene, what it must have been like..I thought about how when Helaman passes on, his sons will know what is most important to him. What he held most dear.

Then I thought...when I'm not around, or when I die, what will people remember about what I held most dear?

Then as i read on in the chapter it talked about the great miracles that came from Helaman sharing his testimony to his sons.. (verse 17) "And it came to pass that they did preach with great power, insomuch that they did confound many of those dissenters who had gone over from the Nephites, insomuch that they came forth and did confess their sins and were baptized unto repentance, and immediately returned to the Nephites to endeavor to repair unto them the wrongs which they had done.....

 (verse 18)  And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did preach unto the Lamanites with such great power and authority, for they had power and authority given unto them that they might speak, and they also had what they should speak given unto them"

WOW!   

All that came from Helaman sharing his testimony and being a good example!?! 

Main points I learned (just in case that didn't make sense lol)

1. Not just through your words, but also through your Actions- will be what shows people what matters most to you. (How you CHOOSE to live)

2. Testimony's are some powerful stuff.  Share em!

I understand this video doesn't illustrate exactly what the scripture is talking about, but its a classic..click here

Love, Sister Efnor

**This is a Sister to an Elder that is serving in AZ, who's current companion was in the MTC with me.  (Did you get all that?… It's a small world)

Green River!!  

Talofa!
So, this is what's going on in my neck of the woods!

Madison and Brian had a baby in December, Brian is a member and Madison is not. We have been teaching Madison for about a month now and their baby was blessed this past Sunday.

The baby was getting blessed in Mckinnon, about an hour away from Green River. So, over treacherous icy roads we went to go support Madison and Brian! They were so happy to see us there! We have a lesson with them tonight and the bishop is even going to join us so it should be a good one. As a missionary, time and time again your blessed with opportunities to watch people grow in the gospel, and grow closer to Heavenly Father. 

I love it. I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT!

At a dinner appointment the members gave us a name of a lady who doesn't come to church anymore and as they put it "wont turn you away." So we thought we'd go make a visit. We got to talking about family and doing family history. She is 1 of 10 brothers and sisters. When her mom was young her parents split, but her she decided to stay with her dad in Green River. At a young age she was left alone because her dad had to go fight in the war..

At the age of 14 she got married! Wowza! Following came 10 kids! I was thinking about how important it is to keep a record of our lives, and to learn more about those that have past...just a random thought I had this week.

Here is a great video on how cool family history can be: click here

At our last Zone Meeting our leaders challenged us to make a more concentrated effort to use the Book of Mormon in all of our lessons. I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR THIS! Its helped me to re-evaluate my study time. I've been getting so caught up in different talks from conference etc, which isn't a bad thing, but Im going around everyday challenging people to read the Book of Mormon. So it would only make sense that I practice what i preach. Turns out, all those promises of feeling the spirit more, drawing closer to God...are true! lol He doesn't lie guys! When he makes a promise, its FOR REAL! I can say that I have felt all of that, and on top of that i feel like during lessons my testimony of the Book of Mormon just keeps growing and growing.

I love the invitation in the last two paragraphs of the introduction to the Book of Mormon..

"We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is His revalator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah."

Elder Hollands testimony of the Book of Mormon  <---click here!

Read, and ask.

Love,  Sister Stephanie Michelle Efnor

 W- for Wyoming!!