Karigan's Mission Chicago West: Nov 21, 2016

I am very grateful for lots of things! And one is hymns. We had a special stake conference and we sang the hymn " Where Can I Turn for Peace" and can I just tell y'all I just love that hymn! It's a hymn that's definitely brought me a lot of comfort. The world wants us to go to worldly answer for help. They want us to use their resources for guidance and healing. It may seem to help for a moment, but that's just Satan so DON'T DO IT. In all reality the Savior is the only one who can and will give us peace and other things we need. He will never leave us. He will always help us. One of my very best friends and I were talking about this hymn recently-- how when we partake of the sacrament we can receive peace and happiness. I know that's so true. We may not want to go to church or read our scriptures, but I know when we take the time, we feel so much better. There have been many times I go to the temple or sacrament meeting and feel SO COMPLETELY empty and leave soooo full of happiness and peace and love and just every good thing you could think of.

I also really love the hymn "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" because I really do know we have a loving Savior. His name is Jesus Christ. I know he suffered and died for us. Because I know Jesus Christ lives, I am happy. Knowing this brings peace into my heart. I know it can bring these happy feelings to teach of you. You just gotta let him in.

I have REALLY come to know importance of Sacrament Meeting People try to talk to me, and I'm like "WILLIS, THINK ABOUT JESUS ", or even signing Jesus in sign language (haha thanks Mom 😂)

GET THIS (drum roll please haha) EVERYTHING we've shared w/ members this week was addressed in Stake Conference. It was yet another manifestation that we have been following the Spirit in the ways of the Lord...saying and doing what He'd have us. Seriously feels cool. The speakers hit on EVERY topic and several of the scriptures we've referenced this week. SERIOUSLY WOW.

As we were driving back from Stake Conference, Sister Irvin shared what she learned in Saturday session. It REALLY hit me...

We don't put blood on our doorposts, but we do have signs we show to the Lord of our love and appreciation and respect for him. WHAT IS YOUR SIGN TO THE LORD??? ... attending Sacrament meeting, attitude on Sabbath? Are you looking to please the Lord or someone else? Those things will give us protection from the things to come.

GRATEFUL FOR:

At Stake Conference there was this little girl in front of us making me laugh and smile--reminded me of when I was her age. She was a feisty one--and grumpy--kind of a pill. Her parents were so patient and gentle with her. It reminded me of my wonderful parents. I'm very grateful for all they do for me and have done. I'm grateful they kept going on raising me even though I was a difficult little child. 😂#troopers
My amazing family! #eternalfamilies and my awesome support system!
Opportunity to serve my mission. I know this is my mission. It's the best one, and I've learned and grown so much. I've met so many wonderful people and many prayers have been answered.
IT HASN'T SNOWED HERE YET---I AM SO HAPPY ABOUT THAT!
Wonderful members in this mission who help us out so much
Salad, Veggies, Fruits. Yeah, I just wanna eat that forever. Nothing else. I'm dying with all this dessert. And yet, here comes the holidays ... Oh boy haha. 😁
I am grateful for so many things but that's just a glimpse into it :)

🌞🌞🌞CELESTIAL KINGDOM OR BUST 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞

We have new Sister Training Leaders. They asked us some random questions to get to know us better. They asked, "If you could live anywhere for the rest of your life, where would it be ?" I said, "Celestial Kingdom" and we all had a good laugh. My companion couldn't decide where she would go, so doing my best to help I said, "well, ya know, Texas is basically the same thing 😂"

Remember to tell people you're grateful for them! Express your appreciation. Let us ALL come together and do a little better. Everyday I want y'all to find at least one thing you're grateful for and express it to someone. There's literally 1000's of ways to do so.

*Write a letter (maybe to your favorite missionary of ALL time --cough cough--letters may just be her favorite thing ever ;)

*sing a song. As Buddy the Elf once said, "the best way to spread Christmas cheer (Christ's cheer) is singing loud for all to hear." SO LETS DO IT.

*do something for someone. Don't just sit around, don't expect someone to know you're thankful, ACTUALLY GO AND LET THEM KNOW.

*Let them see and feel it.

*Hold the door open.

*Buy SOMEONE'S food in front of you at Taco Bell!

*Bake chocolate chip cookies, and send it to them!

*Go serve.

*SMILE 😊 at someone!

*Send them a text.

*Go let someone know you love and appreciate them.

We all have our different ways to express our appreciation. Go and do!

Let's help others be uplifted and loved. Christmas is coming. It's a perfect time to start preparing by looking for extra ways to be more like Him and to help others feel of His love with the holiday spirit.

And if you feel stuck go to PINTEREST cause it always has lots of fun ways to help people cheer up during the holidays. Also prayer! If you don't know what to do, PRAY! Ask God how you can use your talents to help his children.

Te quiero mucho,

Hermana Ällowitz