The Spirit Speaks...

The Gibson's baptism was incredibly spiritual. Donnie had an overwhelming feeling of cleansing as he was baptized. The Spirit was so strong during the talks. Julia just couldn't stop smiling. And then in the confirmation, Wendy felt an incredible amount of peace. You know how strong spiritual experiences can make you tired? Well that happened to them and to me. I am exhausted from this weekend and I'm so grateful it's p-day.

 

Here's some other reasons this weekend was exhausting, I gave a talk on Sunday, sang with the choir, had someone critique my talk, Steve and his family is coming to a head in a trial they're going through, and I just can't shut up when i'm talking about the gospel so I end up talking a lot. I'm just tired.

 

But I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I am meant to be here, now. 100%.

 

When I was first choosing to serve a mission, I was sitting in the temple and I felt a pull on my heart. I felt like someone needed me somewhere else. That was a huge part of my decision. I may have been delayed... but maybe that was part of the plan as well. I needed to be here at this time. This is when the Gibson's, Steve, Danielle, Sammie, Dena, Desiree, Morgan, and so many others needed me. I say me... but that's not true. They needed the gospel. I think they would have found it eventually... even if it was when the Gibson's older daughter baptized them when they were dead. haha. but I am so grateful Heavenly Father trusts me enough to get a peak at his work. He does some amazing stuff. I'm so grateful to be here.

 

Thank you for praying for me. I feel it and I need it. I have a small amount of letters to respond to and i'm hoping to have the time to do it today.

 

Policy change: we can wear sandals! Not flip flops - but some nice sandals. Super excited to get some today. :)

 

Love,

Sister Cornelsen

Happy Family...

:D This is the Gibson Family. :D They got baptized on Saturday and were confirmed on Sunday. :D 
They had some very powerful experiences of cleaning, and clearing, and happiness in their conversion and commitment process. :D  I can't explain to you how much I love this family! 
:D The older daughter, with the shorter hair, is going on her mission in June to Guatemala. 
She is already a fantastic missionary. :)

Ending and Beginnings

The Lone Mountain -South District. Elder White, who has food allergies, and Elder Buckingham, who got his visa to go to Samoa, are leaving our mission. Sad day for us.  New beginnings for them.

Opposition... and Blessings...

March 3, 2014

The Gibson's have been feeling the opposition as they get closer to their baptism. But the cool thing is they recognize it. And they fight it. They have strong testimonies. In Sunday School, Wendy shared how she felt the spirit when she went to General Conference 3 years ago. She had no idea what it was, but she recognized that there was a different feeling in that room and especially when President Monson spoke. It was really cool.

 

We went to the temple and saw the new, new movie. it was wonderful!!!! 

I highly recommend it. I left having a better understanding of my Savior's role and His love for me.

 

Patty and Roger, the older couple, have officially dropped us. They flat out said they don't want to come to church and they don't believe we're the only church with priesthood authority. I'm not incredibly surprised because they've been contentious in our lessons. but it's still incredibly sad that they refuse to take part in the blessings of the Atonement. I hope that all of our lessons have prepared them to learn later.

 

Steve has commited to live the Word of Wisdom. which is HUGE!!!! His family are social drinkers and will, without asking, open a beer and hand it to him. But he now understands it's a commandment and he's prepared what he will say when his family does that. I'm super proud of him. :)

 

Sunday evening we went to see a performance by the Zion's Youth Symphony and Chorus. It's in the smith center, downtown. Dena went with us. It was lovely. It was all about the atonement. And I realized that the Savior went through so much… for you… for me.

 

Jesus is the Christ. He is our Savior.

 

Love,

Sister Cornelsen

God's Hand...

February 24, 2014

HELLO!!!!!

Guess what... Danielle is going to be baptized!!! I can't tell you how much I appreciate God's hand right now. Just when I was wanting to redo what I did in Meadows, She comes up here. This is God's work. I am so blessed to see it. :) March 29th. :)

Morgan's baptism was BEAUTIFUL! He's 9 right? well, he wanted to share his testimony at his baptism. And it was a legit testimony. He knows the church is true. he knows God is happy that he was baptized. Don't be surprised if you see his name in church news as he grows up. His grandpa baptized and confirmed him. in his blessing, there was a lot about being a missionary to his friends and his siblings. The Spirit was so strong. :)

Anna is trying the 3 week experiment of church. She's going to see if it makes a difference in her life if she comes. She kept up with the first week. We did the thumb test. and she put her thumb up. I hope it stays that way. because I always feel better for going to church. :)

Well, things are going great. I think I have some airborne allergies down here. I keep getting sinus headaches. but I got some Claritin. hopefully that clears it up.

5 months left... mixed feelings for sure. here's my plan. attend the singles ward and be involved as possible. ask the ward employment specialist for some help starting my career. and serve God. I haven't gotten much more than that but I really do believe that if  I put God first, all other things will fall into their proper place or fall out of my life. so I'm moving forward in faith and working my butt off. haha.  :) Life is great.

Love you all!

Sister Cornelsen