Saturday, March 30, 2013

Special Discount For SMW Followers!

Hello, Sisters!

Sis-Miss
http://www.sis-miss.com/

This amazing website, Sis-Miss that I just adore, has created a Special Discount just for Sister Missionaries of the Word Followers!!!  AMAZING, right?!?!

At checkout, you can enter the code SM15 to get $15 off orders of $75 or more.

Spread the word and check them out! Don't forget to FOLLOW Sister Missionaries

Friday, March 29, 2013

A Word for the Hesitant Missionary

So ever since I decided to serve a mission, I've noticed i've had this stalker dude. He's super creepy and follows me everywhere I go. His name is Satan. I knew the fear and doubt would come along with being a Missionary, but what I didn't know was how to deal with it. We are all going to struggle with this throughout the mission process.
When I came across President Uchdorft's talk, I was reassured and comforted. Look at Uchdorft's advice for the Hesitant Missionary.
It reminded me that the Work is good and with God, we can be granted a restraining order.

http://www.lds.org/liahona/2013/02/a-word-for-the-hesitant-missionary?lang=eng

A Word for the Hesitant Missionary



Dieter F. Uchtdorf

A Word for the Hesitant Missionary


Disciples of Jesus Christ have always been under the obligation to take His gospel to the world (see Mark 16:15–16). Nevertheless, sometimes it is difficult to open our mouths and speak about our faith to those around us. While some members of the Church have a natural gift for talking to others about religion, others are a little hesitant or may feel awkward, embarrassed, or even fearful of doing so.
To that end, may I suggest four things that anyone can do to follow the commission of the Savior to preach the gospel “unto every creature” (D&C 58:64).

Be a Light

A favorite saying of mine often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi reads, “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.”1 Implicit in this saying is the understanding that often the most powerful sermons are unspoken.
When we have integrity and live consistently by our standards, people notice. When we radiate joy and happiness, they notice even more.
Everyone wants to be happy. When we members of the Church radiate the light of the gospel, people can see our happiness and sense the love of God filling and overflowing in our lives. They want to know why. They want to understand our secret.
That leads them to ask questions such as “Why are you so happy?” or “Why do you always have such a positive attitude?” The answers to these questions, of course, lead perfectly into a conversation about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Be Conversational

Bringing up the subject of religion—particularly to our friends and loved ones—can seem daunting and challenging. It doesn’t have to be. Mentioning spiritual experiences or talking about Church activities or events in casual conversation can be easy and pleasant if we invest a little courage and common sense.
My wife, Harriet, is a wonderful example of this. When we were living in Germany, she would find a way to work Church-related topics into her conversations with friends and acquaintances. For example, when someone asked about her weekend, she would say, “This Sunday we had an impressive experience in our church! A 16-year-old young man gave a beautiful talk in front of 200 people of our congregation about living a clean life.” Or, “I learned about a 90-year-old woman who knitted more than 500 blankets and gave them to our Church’s humanitarian program to be shipped to people in need all around the world.”
More often than not, the people who heard this wanted to know more. They asked questions. And that led to opportunities to talk about the gospel in a natural, confident, nonpushy way.
With the advent of the Internet and social media, it is easier today to talk about these things in a conversational way than ever before. What we need is simply the courage to do so.

Be Full of Grace

Unfortunately, it is so easy to be disagreeable. It happens too often that we argue, belittle, and condemn. When we become angry, rude, or hurtful with people, the last thing they want is to learn more about us. It is impossible to know how many people have either left the Church or never joined because someone said something that hurt or offended them.
There is so much incivility in the world today. Because of the anonymity of the Internet, it is easier than ever to say toxic or grating things online. Shouldn’t we, the hopeful disciples of our gentle Christ, have a higher, more charitable standard? The scriptures teach, “Let your speech be alway[s] with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6).
I like the idea of our words being clear as a sunny sky and full of grace. Can you imagine what our families, wards, nations, and even the world would be like if we could adopt this simple principle?

Be Filled with Faith

Sometimes we take upon ourselves too much credit or too much blame when it comes to others accepting the gospel. It’s important to remember that the Lord doesn’t expect us to do the converting.
Conversion comes not through our words but through the heavenly ministrations of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes all it takes is one single phrase of our testimony or about an experience to set in motion the softening of a heart or the opening of a door that can lead others to experience sublime truths through the promptings of the Spirit.
President Brigham Young (1801–77) said he knew the gospel was true when he “saw a man without eloquence, or talents for public speaking, who could only say, ‘I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that the Book of Mormon is true, that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of the Lord.’” President Young said when he heard that humble testimony, “The Holy Ghost proceeding from that individual illuminate[d] my understanding, and light, glory, and immortality [were] before me.”2
Brothers and sisters, have faith. The Lord can magnify the words you speak and make them mighty. God doesn’t ask you to convert but rather to open your mouths. The task of converting is not yours—that belongs to the person hearing and to the Holy Spirit.

Every Member a Missionary

My dear friends, today there are more ways than ever for us to open our mouths and share with others the joyful news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is a way for everyone—even the hesitant missionary—to participate in this great work. We can each find a way to use our own particular talents and interests in support of the great work of filling the world with light and truth. As we do so, we will find the joy that comes to those who are faithful and courageous enough “to stand as witnesses of God at all times” (Mosiah 18:9).

Teaching from This Message

One effective way to teach is to “encourage those you teach to set … goals that can help them live the principle you have taught” (Teaching, No Greater Call [1999], 159). Consider inviting those you teach to prayerfully set a goal to share the gospel with one or more people this month. Parents can discuss ways younger children could help. You could also help family members brainstorm or role-play ways to bring up the gospel in regular conversation and think of upcoming Church activities to which they could invite a friend.

Sis-Miss

Having a hard time finding clothes that are modest AND fashionable attire for the mish? Look no further!!!

I just found this AMAZIIIING online store called Sis-Miss- Sister Missionary Apparel.

Check them out because I found sooo many cute things! You even get free shipping on orders of $30 or more.

I put together some of my favorite outfits. Check 'em out!

Jaye.e Button-Up Blouse
Jaye.e Button-Up Blouse. Also in Blue!
http://www.sis-miss.com/collections/tops/products/jaye-e-button-up-blouse

Covet Chevron Stripe Skirt
Covet Chevron Stripe Skirt. Can go with sooo many colored blouses!
http://www.sis-miss.com/collections/skirts/products/covet-chevron-stripe-skirt

Ruffle Pocket Sleeved Blouse
Ruffle Pocket Sleeved Blouse. Also available in black and coral. This is my favorite blouse. It is so simple yet adds a flare to any skirt.
http://www.sis-miss.com/collections/tops/products/ruffle-pocket-short-sleeved-blouse

Covet Multicolor Striped Skirt
Covet Multi-Colored Stripe Skirt. My Fave skirt! Love the yellow! So fun and not too crazy to match with!
http://www.sis-miss.com/collections/skirts/products/covet-multicolor-striped-skirt
Blue Bow Flats
Blue Bow Flats. So cute! With very good support.
http://www.sis-miss.com/collections/dress-shoes/products/blue-bow-flats


Check them out for more cute clothes!! :)
SIS-MISS
http://www.sis-miss.com/collections/dress-shoes/products/blue-bow-flats

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Mission Call Update

The number of Sister Missionaries around the world is increasing every day. The work is moving and the Lord needs us woman to spread the Gospel far and wide!

Sister Luisa Parkinson from Auckland, New Zealand has been called to serve in the Canada Vancouver Mission!

Sister Summer Allen from Mesa, Arizona has been called to serve in the St. George Utah Mission!

Sister Rebecca Tanner from Pleasant View, Utah has been called to serve in the Paraguay Asuncion Mission!

Sister Shaylin Cox from Hurricaine, Utah has been called to serve in the Nagoya Japan Mission!

Sister Aubree Herchie from Atlanta, Georgia has been called to serve in the Stockholm, Sweden Mission!

Sister Emily Shelton from North Ogden, Utah has been called to serve in the West Indies Mission!

Sister Jasmine Medsker from North Ogden, Utah has been called to serve in the Spokane, Washington Mission!

Sister Lindsey Gavin from Pleasant View, Utah has been called to serve in the Dallas, Texas Mission!

Sister Marjorie Watson from Wells, Englad has been called to serve in the Scotland/Ireland Mission!

Sister Lauren Merrill from South Ogden, Utah has been called to serve in the Burmingham, England Mission!

Sister Emily Woods from Pleasant View, Utah has been called to serve in the Paraguay, Asuncion Mission!

Sister Camille Weller from Ogden, Utah has been called to serve in the Arequipa, Peru Mission!

Sister Malory Brown from St. George, Utah has been called to serve in the Manchester, England Mission!

Sister Camilla Balding from Austin, Texas has been called to serve in the Reno, Nevada Mission!


Wow! What a marvelous work that is moving forth! If you've recieved your mission call, send your name, where you are from, and your assignment!! Thanks, Sisters!

sistermissionariesoftheworld@hotmail.com

So You're Serving A Mission: WHY?

So, why are you serving a Mission?

Have you ever been asked, "So WHY a mission?" Or, have you ever thought that about someone else? I know I have! So, I asked some fellow Sisters who've recieved their call just that, "Why?"

Here are their responses:

"I have been a member my entire life, but it wasn't until after high school that I really understood what that meant. I am blessed with parents who are so sure of their faith that it was easy for me to just rely on their testimonies. But, when I went away to college, I learned pretty fast that I needed to find my own testimony, or I would never really know who I was. I started praying for guidance and revelation to know that this was the true Gospel. I'll never forget the peace that I felt and I knew at that moment, that I was part of something amazing; the true church of Jesus Christ. It was soon after that I decided that I wanted to serve a full time mission when I was 21, which was 3 years away.
     At first, I was so sure, that nothing anyone said could make me think a mission wasn't for me. After about a year, I started dating and was told by many that marriage could be the mission that I was meant for. Feeling uneasy, I realized I had never really prayed to know whether serving a mission was part of God's plan for me or not. This being that partly, I was stubborn in thinking that I knew what was best for me and the other part being that I was afraid that God would tell me I wasn't supposed to serve a mission. That night, I knelt by my bed and told the Lord that I was ready to do whatever He wanted. All I needed was a push in the right direction.
     The next day was October 2012 Conference. I was in bed sick, so my roommate and best friend was taking notes for me. All of a sudden I heard her scream. She raced into my room with tears streaming down her face. I thought someone had died, so a little worried, I asked her what was wrong. She said that the age had been changed to 19. She didn't need to explain, because I knew. I felt this jolt shoot through my body that overwhelmed me and I knew that this was the answer I had been waiting for; I was going to be a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I will be serving the people of South Houston Texas, Spanish speaking, where I am blessed to share the that which has been the best gift in my life, the Gospel and my testimony of its truth."
 Sincerely,
 Hermana Arielle Scott
"I am the oldest of 5 in my family.  
My mom grew up in the church, but her parents were coverts.
My dad has been a convert for about 11 years.  
I have had only 1 cousin serve a mission, and he had to come home early due to a knee injury.  
My mom's family now only has her and two other siblings and her mother that are still active in the church, and none of my dad's family has converted.  

Last September I started my first semester of college at BYU-I, which I love so much.  In the first couple of weeks my roommate and I went to the temple, and there I sought revelation from Heavenly Father to know what to "work on" during the semester to improve myself and to progress more.  As I pondered and prayed in the temple I heard/felt, that I need to go prepare to serve a mission.  I immediately thought "That's three years away" since I am only 18 and sisters couldn't serve until age 21.  But I said to myself, 'Alright, Heavenly Father, I will start preparing to serve a mission.'  I began to study my scriptures differently, reading Preach My Gospel, and studying about the temple.  

In the October General Conference following, President Monson announced the age change, allowing elders to serve at 18 and sisters at 19.  That three years I had, quickly became 9 months. There were many mixed emotions at that point.  I was scared, yet very excited. 

Since the announcement, I know that Heavenly Father wants me to serve my mission.  I have my papers turned in and I should have my call on Thursday. I am serving my mission, because Heavenly Father has asked me to, but also because I want to.  I know that the gospel is true and it has brought me so much happiness and I want to share that happiness with others.  I also want to be an example to my family.  I will probably be the first full time missionary for my family, so it is quite the responsibility, but I know that the Lord will bless me and give me the ability to be a good missionary."
-Sister Rylee Nelson
"In my patriarchal blessing, it tells me that I have the gift of love, and that I should seek to find out more about that gift.  One day while I was pondering whether or not I should serve a mission, I was reading in the Book of Mormon about Jesus Christ.  I realized that Christ has tremendous love for all of Heavenly Father's children, and that's why he spent his whole mortal live serving them (and still serves us even now).  I realized that if I had any part of that love, this gift of love, that I needed to serve His children too.  When I thought that, that's when the Sprit entered incredibly powerfully into my heart.  That was the first moment I knew, without doubt, that I needed to serve a mission.  I was still afraid and I thought, "Father, I don't want to do this.  I can't do this."  Immediately, I was filled of my Heavenly Father's love for me so strongly, it was the most wonderful feeling I have ever experienced in my life.  I was also filled with incredible joy, gratitude, and peace.  I knew I couldn't do it alone, but my fear left me because I knew I wouldn't do it alone, He would be with me, strengthening me the whole time.  

Over time, my acknowledgment of my revelation has grown more and more into my own personal desire to serve.  At first, it was, "I'll go where you want me to go because I trust you."  Now, I am incredibly excited.  I am really looking forward to serving my mission.  The day that I'm writing this is exactly three months before I enter the MTC.  I know with all my heart that this church is true, and I want to share the joy I feel in this gospel with other people."
-Anonymous