Friday, February 26, 2016
Hes Been There Before
In Sacrament meeting recently I heard this beautiful poem spoken and thought I'd share since I'm sure all missionaries feel this way at times. Just remember who is always there.
Hes Been There Before
The alarm bell rings at 6:30, I stumble to my feet
I grab my companions bedding and pull off his sheets
A groan fills the room, is it already time to arise?
It seems like just a second ago, I was able to shut my eyes
The morning activities follow- study, prayer and such
When it’s time to leave the apartment, you feel you haven’t accomplished much
“We have a super day planned,”
My comp. says with a grin
I lowly utter a faithless breath,
“Yeah, if anyone lets us in.”
With the word of God and my faithful Schwinn, we ride off in the street prepared to
Face another day of humidity and heat
It’s 9:30 in the evening, the day is almost through
My champion and I are riding home not accomplishing what we thought to do
We ride up to the mailbox, hoping to receive a lot
Only to look inside and hear my echo reverberate “air Box”
We go up to our apartment, the day is now complete
The only thing to show for our work is a case of blistery feet
It’s past 10:30 p.m. My companion is fast asleep,
Silence engulfs me all about and I begin to weep
In the midst of sadness, I kneel down to pray
I need to talk to father, but I’m not sure what to say
“Oh, Father” I begin, “What happened to us today?
I thought we’d teach somebody, but everyone was away
My hands, my aching hands- worn, hurt and beat;
If our area was any smaller, we’d have knocked every street”
“Why on missions are the days so much alike?
The only difference about today was the flat tire on my bike
Will you send some cooler weather? The heat is killing me
I sweat so bad, it gets in my eyes, it’s very hard to see”
“Why do I have to wear a helmet, isn’t your protection enough?
People always laugh at me, and call me stupid stuff
Please send us investigators so I may give them what they lack
I want to give them Books of Mormon, the weight of them hurts my back”
“And what about my family: They don’t have much to say
I’m sick of not hearing from home day after day after day
Oh Father, Why am I here am I just wasting time?
Sometimes I just want to go home, I’m sorry but that’s on my mind”
“My companion, Heavenly Father, what are you giving me?”
The way he rides his bicycle, I don’t think he can see
Now you have it, I can’t go on, I don’t know what to do
That, my Father in Heaven, is the prayer I have for you”
My prayer now finished, I stand up, then jump right into bed
I need my rest for tomorrow, we have another long day ahead
Sleep start to overtake me, I seem to drift away
Then it seems a vision takes me to another time in another day
I’m standing alone on the hill. The view is very nice
A man walks to wards me and says, “My name is Jesus Christ”
Tears of joy well up inside, I fall down to His feet
“Arise,” He states, “Follow me to the shade. You and I need to speak”
My attention’s towards my Savior, total and complete
He says, “Your mission is similar of what happened to me
I understand how you feel, I know what you’re going through
In fact, it would be fair to say I’ve felt the same as you”
“I even know how you felt when no one listened to you
At times I felt not quite sure what else I could do
I know you don’t like to ride a bicycle, for you a car would be sweet
Just remember the donkey I rode wasn’t equipped with 21 speeds”
“I understand you don’t like sweating, in fact it’s something you hate
I remember when I sweat blood from ev’ry pore, oh the agony was great!
I see you don’t like your companion- you’d rather have someone else-
I once had a companion named Judas who sold my life for wealth”
“It’s hard to wear a helmet and have people make fun of you
I remember when they put thorns on my head and called me King of the Jews
So you feel burdened down by the weight of your pack
I recall how heavy the cross was when they slammed it on my back”
“Your hands hurt from tracting and knocking on doors all day
I guess when they pounded nails into mine, I ached in a similar way
It’s hard not to hear from home when your family’s not there to see
I lost communication on the cross and cried, “Father, why hast Thou forsaken me?”
“We have a lot in common, but there’s a difference between us you see
I endured to the end and finished my mission, so follow and do like me”
He embraced me with His arms and His light filled me with His love
With tears in my eyes I watched as He went back to the Father above
I stood with awe and wonder when a beep rang in my head
I listened and heard the alarm, then realized I was in my bed
My companion let out a groan, “6:30 already, no way!”
I sat up and said, “Come on, I’ll even carry your scriptures today!”
No matter what we go through,
When we feel we can’t take more
Just stop and think about Jesus Christ,
He’s been there before!
By Elder Troy Whittle
Texas Houston Mission
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
My Missionary
I heard this missionary story awhile back and don't know how accurate it is but thought I would share it with my missionary this week.
On his mission in Zimbabwe this Elder was on splits with a bunch of other Elders and they were walking when a bunch of teenagers came running up with knives. In the panic and hysteria everyone started running to get away and this Elder tripped and was left behind. The group came upon him and started stabbing him. He said a prayer and (being the little guy he was asked for strength), he was overcome by the strength of angels as he said and literally threw the attackers from his body. Scared by the immense power, and a little freaked by it all the attackers ran away. He fainted immediately due to blood lose. A lost elderly couple came upon his body and took him to the hospital. Where they discovered that even though he was covered in blood and his shirt and garments torn to pieces, nothing beneath the garments was hit. Nothing vital was damaged. He recovered safely and though he has a large scar the extent of his arm and across his face. He is alive.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Parents of RM's Do's and Don'ts
For the Parents of Returned Missionaries
Do's and Don'ts
Full article here
1. DO remember your purpose and their purpose - it is the same. The overarching purpose is the same.
Though they leave from the mission and come home into a new life. We all still have the same purpose. To invite others to come unto Christ and become more like Him. Remember that this is what they eat, sleep and drink as a missionary and it should be the same for us. Don’t be surprised if they still eat sleep and drink it. Embrace it. Be humble and learn from what they have learned. They have so much to teach.
2. DO be the kind of adult you want them to be! The bar was raised for them but it was also raised for you.
Understand Preach my Gospel because that is their language. If you know the language of Preach My Gospel, you’ll know their language. If you haven’t already, don’t be afraid to pull out the manual and read through it. If you do, it’s guaranteed that your communication with them will improve when they get home.
3. DON’T treat them like you did before their mission. DO let them be something better and greater than they were before.
Ask them how they think they have changed. Ask them to teach you what they have learned. Remember, they are not the high school kid who you knew before. They have been through a rigorous program for 18 months to two years and there is no way that they are the same. The worst thing you could do is let them lose what they have gained on the mission. This may be uncomfortable, but love them enough to let them rise above who they were before their mission. Feel free to share this article with your recently returned missionary about how they can keep the missionary “glow” forever: www.thereturnedmissionary.com/keeping-the-missionary-glow/
4. DO encourage them in their daily personal prayer and scripture study and DO hold daily family prayer and scripture study and weekly family home evenings with them.
Support them to keep the same standards they kept when in the mission. And when they are ready and the circumstances permit, encourage them to go to the Family Home Evening activities in their YSA wards. Until then, do the best you can to support the standards they lived in the mission. This will bless your home.
5. DON’T let them have a long vacation, but DO strongly encourage them to become anxiously engaged after a short rest.
A happy returned missionary is a busy returned missionary. If you do decide to go on a short family trip or vacation after their mission, this is fine. But when you get back, help them to stay busy! Provide a list of things that they can do that will keep them busy. They are used to working longer hours than a full-time job in the regular world. If they don’t get working soon, it will be quite a shock to them. Don’t be afraid of rest, but help them to keep working hard. Hard work is a good thing. You know this.
6. DO use a balanced approach in encouraging them regarding dating and marriage, finding a job, getting an education, church service, family responsibility, etc.
Encourage them. Don’t pressure them. They are already used to setting goals and achieving them, but this is a brand new world for them. There will be more articles on this website that will cover many of these subjects such as dating, marriage, employment, education, etc. Just make sure they know they are loved and above all help them remember the highest in themselves, that they are born to be great, and that the best always happens after the mission.
7. DO lovingly help them to become functioning adults, dressing and acting the part.
They are expected to be adults for two years or 18 months. They budgeted for themselves, shopped for themselves, did their own laundry, cleaned their apartment, paid rent and utilities, went to the doctor and everything else. Don’t take that away from them when they get home. Let them be functioning adults again. Though you should make sure that they get all the medical and dental help when they get home. You also may suggest a new wardrobe for them when they return, but don’t be offended if they don’t want your style advice. Here is a quick post from our blog about why it is a good idea for RMs to refresh their wardrobe, if possible.
8. DO encourage them to pick one ward to attend and to have a calling in that ward as soon as possible, rather than float between YSA ward and your home ward.
From the church handbook: “Eligible members may, in consultation with their parents, choose to be members of the YSA ward or to remain in their conventional ward.” (Handbook 2, section 16.4) If you can, encourage bishops to call them immediately as ward missionaries and as temple workers (where possible). Returned Missionaries need the same things as new members: (1) A friend, (2) a calling, and (3) nourishment by the good word of God.
9. DO encourage them to attend their sacrament meeting and other meetings as well as the temple and institute, every week.
10. DON’T encourage them to participate in worldly media, movies, or video games they missed while on the mission. DO strongly encourage them to follow the standards and guidelines found in For the Strength of Youth and Preach My Gospel.
Read more http://www.thereturnedmissionary.com/for-the-parents-of-returned-missionaries/
Do's and Don'ts
Full article here
1. DO remember your purpose and their purpose - it is the same. The overarching purpose is the same.
Though they leave from the mission and come home into a new life. We all still have the same purpose. To invite others to come unto Christ and become more like Him. Remember that this is what they eat, sleep and drink as a missionary and it should be the same for us. Don’t be surprised if they still eat sleep and drink it. Embrace it. Be humble and learn from what they have learned. They have so much to teach.
2. DO be the kind of adult you want them to be! The bar was raised for them but it was also raised for you.
Understand Preach my Gospel because that is their language. If you know the language of Preach My Gospel, you’ll know their language. If you haven’t already, don’t be afraid to pull out the manual and read through it. If you do, it’s guaranteed that your communication with them will improve when they get home.
3. DON’T treat them like you did before their mission. DO let them be something better and greater than they were before.
Ask them how they think they have changed. Ask them to teach you what they have learned. Remember, they are not the high school kid who you knew before. They have been through a rigorous program for 18 months to two years and there is no way that they are the same. The worst thing you could do is let them lose what they have gained on the mission. This may be uncomfortable, but love them enough to let them rise above who they were before their mission. Feel free to share this article with your recently returned missionary about how they can keep the missionary “glow” forever: www.thereturnedmissionary.com/keeping-the-missionary-glow/
4. DO encourage them in their daily personal prayer and scripture study and DO hold daily family prayer and scripture study and weekly family home evenings with them.
Support them to keep the same standards they kept when in the mission. And when they are ready and the circumstances permit, encourage them to go to the Family Home Evening activities in their YSA wards. Until then, do the best you can to support the standards they lived in the mission. This will bless your home.
5. DON’T let them have a long vacation, but DO strongly encourage them to become anxiously engaged after a short rest.
A happy returned missionary is a busy returned missionary. If you do decide to go on a short family trip or vacation after their mission, this is fine. But when you get back, help them to stay busy! Provide a list of things that they can do that will keep them busy. They are used to working longer hours than a full-time job in the regular world. If they don’t get working soon, it will be quite a shock to them. Don’t be afraid of rest, but help them to keep working hard. Hard work is a good thing. You know this.
6. DO use a balanced approach in encouraging them regarding dating and marriage, finding a job, getting an education, church service, family responsibility, etc.
Encourage them. Don’t pressure them. They are already used to setting goals and achieving them, but this is a brand new world for them. There will be more articles on this website that will cover many of these subjects such as dating, marriage, employment, education, etc. Just make sure they know they are loved and above all help them remember the highest in themselves, that they are born to be great, and that the best always happens after the mission.
7. DO lovingly help them to become functioning adults, dressing and acting the part.
They are expected to be adults for two years or 18 months. They budgeted for themselves, shopped for themselves, did their own laundry, cleaned their apartment, paid rent and utilities, went to the doctor and everything else. Don’t take that away from them when they get home. Let them be functioning adults again. Though you should make sure that they get all the medical and dental help when they get home. You also may suggest a new wardrobe for them when they return, but don’t be offended if they don’t want your style advice. Here is a quick post from our blog about why it is a good idea for RMs to refresh their wardrobe, if possible.
8. DO encourage them to pick one ward to attend and to have a calling in that ward as soon as possible, rather than float between YSA ward and your home ward.
From the church handbook: “Eligible members may, in consultation with their parents, choose to be members of the YSA ward or to remain in their conventional ward.” (Handbook 2, section 16.4) If you can, encourage bishops to call them immediately as ward missionaries and as temple workers (where possible). Returned Missionaries need the same things as new members: (1) A friend, (2) a calling, and (3) nourishment by the good word of God.
9. DO encourage them to attend their sacrament meeting and other meetings as well as the temple and institute, every week.
10. DON’T encourage them to participate in worldly media, movies, or video games they missed while on the mission. DO strongly encourage them to follow the standards and guidelines found in For the Strength of Youth and Preach My Gospel.
Read more http://www.thereturnedmissionary.com/for-the-parents-of-returned-missionaries/
Thursday, March 20, 2014
What to send SISTERS?
Our first WHAT TO SEND section was great for Elders but I know how much we needed one ESPECIALLY FOR SISTERS!
1. Nail Accessories: Anything from polish to a file, to a little manicure kit.
2. Make-up Bag: A cute new make-up bag that they could use for travel or to store basics in, you could even fill it with deodorant, perfume, razors, shaving cream, etc.
3. Lotion: Bath and Body Works was big when I was growing up and we loved getting a new scent for Christmas or a Birthday. Soap, shampoo, body wash, body butter, anything scenty! Or have you tried the Mary Kay Satin Hands, heavenly! A special treat they may fall in love with, and lets face it every girl needs a little pampering :)
4. Hand Sanitizer: Bath and Body Works sells really scenty ones which I totally love to store in my purse.
5. Hair Accessories: Bows, clips, headbands, ribbon, turban scarf, hair ties in all sorts of colors and thin little rubber bands are nice too if they are really into hair. You could even send along a little hairstyle book for new things they should try. Or make your own with cute ones you see online that you think they will like. And what if you surprised them with some leave in conditioner, dry shampoo, or curling gel; any of these products may make their morning routine a little faster on the crazy days. You could also send her a new brush, try this WET BRUSH! I am in love with it!
6. Jewelry: You can go out and splurge on your missionary or make something even more special. Check out our post HERE on some great DIY jewelry ideas.
7. Make-up: Whether it is a simple new chap-stick or a vibrant new color for their eyes. A little change in their morning routine with something a little different and new will sure to brighten their spirits. Make-up Wipes are a great little stuffer too, they make washing up all the easier, especially after a long day.
8. Cold Weather Accessories: Gloves, scarves, hats, warm wool socks, ear muffs, etc.
9. Tissues: The individually packaged kind are great. Especially since they come in all the fun patterns and they are easy to store in a purse or backpack. Sisters can always use tissues, I think they tend to use them a little more often then the Elders and it is nice to have them on hand.
10. Toothbrush / toothpaste / floss picks / mouthwash / white strips: Anything dental is sure to be something they prob are not exactly splurging on, so if you get them all the nice stuff they are sure to appreciate and take the extra effort to brighten their smile.
11. Medicine: The little travel tubes of Tylenol, Excedrin, or the beloved Midol are sure to come in handy ;)
12. Fluffy Slippers
13. A Frame: Let's face it our Sister's out there are more than likely willing to put a little extra time in to make their transitioning apt feel like home. And a framed photo of family may just be that extra special touch that motivates them all the harder. I also love these cute printables, for all the different seasons/holidays for them to switch out and bring a little extra deco to their home away from home.
14. Notepad and pen: Whether it is glitter or princesses sometimes a fun little notepad is a great child calmer, "Can you draw me a picture?" Or let special members or investigators right down a message in it before you leave the area, as a momento to look back on in years to come. An address book is also great to store contact info in for those that they hope to catch in touch with.
15. A Belt: Lets be honest belts are in. And whether it is a big chunky one or a bright colored skinny one, it may add a little spice to your Sister's revolving wardrobe. I am in love with the skinny belts from Forever 21, they may not be supreme quality but you can't beat the inexpensive price along with the trendy styles.
1. Nail Accessories: Anything from polish to a file, to a little manicure kit.
2. Make-up Bag: A cute new make-up bag that they could use for travel or to store basics in, you could even fill it with deodorant, perfume, razors, shaving cream, etc.
3. Lotion: Bath and Body Works was big when I was growing up and we loved getting a new scent for Christmas or a Birthday. Soap, shampoo, body wash, body butter, anything scenty! Or have you tried the Mary Kay Satin Hands, heavenly! A special treat they may fall in love with, and lets face it every girl needs a little pampering :)
4. Hand Sanitizer: Bath and Body Works sells really scenty ones which I totally love to store in my purse.
5. Hair Accessories: Bows, clips, headbands, ribbon, turban scarf, hair ties in all sorts of colors and thin little rubber bands are nice too if they are really into hair. You could even send along a little hairstyle book for new things they should try. Or make your own with cute ones you see online that you think they will like. And what if you surprised them with some leave in conditioner, dry shampoo, or curling gel; any of these products may make their morning routine a little faster on the crazy days. You could also send her a new brush, try this WET BRUSH! I am in love with it!
6. Jewelry: You can go out and splurge on your missionary or make something even more special. Check out our post HERE on some great DIY jewelry ideas.
7. Make-up: Whether it is a simple new chap-stick or a vibrant new color for their eyes. A little change in their morning routine with something a little different and new will sure to brighten their spirits. Make-up Wipes are a great little stuffer too, they make washing up all the easier, especially after a long day.
8. Cold Weather Accessories: Gloves, scarves, hats, warm wool socks, ear muffs, etc.
9. Tissues: The individually packaged kind are great. Especially since they come in all the fun patterns and they are easy to store in a purse or backpack. Sisters can always use tissues, I think they tend to use them a little more often then the Elders and it is nice to have them on hand.
10. Toothbrush / toothpaste / floss picks / mouthwash / white strips: Anything dental is sure to be something they prob are not exactly splurging on, so if you get them all the nice stuff they are sure to appreciate and take the extra effort to brighten their smile.
11. Medicine: The little travel tubes of Tylenol, Excedrin, or the beloved Midol are sure to come in handy ;)
12. Fluffy Slippers
13. A Frame: Let's face it our Sister's out there are more than likely willing to put a little extra time in to make their transitioning apt feel like home. And a framed photo of family may just be that extra special touch that motivates them all the harder. I also love these cute printables, for all the different seasons/holidays for them to switch out and bring a little extra deco to their home away from home.
14. Notepad and pen: Whether it is glitter or princesses sometimes a fun little notepad is a great child calmer, "Can you draw me a picture?" Or let special members or investigators right down a message in it before you leave the area, as a momento to look back on in years to come. An address book is also great to store contact info in for those that they hope to catch in touch with.
15. A Belt: Lets be honest belts are in. And whether it is a big chunky one or a bright colored skinny one, it may add a little spice to your Sister's revolving wardrobe. I am in love with the skinny belts from Forever 21, they may not be supreme quality but you can't beat the inexpensive price along with the trendy styles.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
DIY Jewelry
Looking for a new gift idea to put in your Sister Missionary's package?
I have been noticing a whole lot of DIY Jewelry posts via Pinterest and I can't help but think how fun it would be to make a special piece of Jewelry for your Sister Missionary.
Whether it's for a birthday or holiday your missionary is sure to treasure this piece of home made by you.
You could also send her all the supplies and a little DIY pamphlet for her to make her own, if she is more into this kind of thing then you are.
Now just imagine these wrapped in a little tissue paper tucked in a cute little craft box tied with a ribbon, and you have the perfect gift for your favorite Sister Missionary, which she can't help but adore.
Gold Tube Bracelets
Hoop Earring Redo
Rhinestone Redo Necklace
Fishtail Braid Bracelet
I have been noticing a whole lot of DIY Jewelry posts via Pinterest and I can't help but think how fun it would be to make a special piece of Jewelry for your Sister Missionary.
Whether it's for a birthday or holiday your missionary is sure to treasure this piece of home made by you.
You could also send her all the supplies and a little DIY pamphlet for her to make her own, if she is more into this kind of thing then you are.
Now just imagine these wrapped in a little tissue paper tucked in a cute little craft box tied with a ribbon, and you have the perfect gift for your favorite Sister Missionary, which she can't help but adore.
Gold Tube Bracelets
Hoop Earring Redo
Fishtail Braid Bracelet
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Birthday
Lets face it our Missionary's Birthday isn't the same without family and friends to surround them and Mom there to make it just right.
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| Meridian Magazine |
But ... I found a whole bunch of the very best birthday ideas to make your missionary feel just a little more festive and a lot closer to home!
Birthday Countdown
Includes Printables!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Poster
Birthday Photo Album
Missionary Girlfriend and Family alike this is a fun idea with lots of the printables she used to attach messages from loved ones, along with the photos and inspirational quotes! LOVED THIS!
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Birthday Activity
"Around The Clock Missionary Birthday"
What You Will Need:
17 small presents (there is a specific poem that goes with each present, you can use the same presents we used or modify the poem to fit your needs.)
A small day planner
Tooth Brush
Scripture High Lighting Pens
Bobble head pen (purchased at Desert Book)
Stickers (stickers are fun for missionaries to give to kids)
Cookies (We made chocolate chip cookies and put them in an empty Pringles can to mail.) You can also buy prepackaged cookies such as Mrs. Field’s.
Breath Mints
Chap Stick
Two missionary approved CD’s (for one of the CD’s you could sing your missionary Happy Birthday and burn it to a CD)
Pringles or any favorite chip
Rice Krispie Treats (or any favorite treat)
Bicycle Light or small flash light
Favorite Candy (on the poem card fill in the name of the candy)
Birthday Candles ( you could also buy hostess cupcakes for the birthday missionary)
Floss
Reading Light
For the instructions go to the Parties and Patterns site, she has the print-outs and the full activity guide.
Photo Collage
One Missionary Girlfriend's photo collage to her missionary on his Birthday! Missionaries love pictures and you can't go wrong with sending him faces from home.
Birthday Money Box
Birthday Money Umbrella
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