June 10, 2013 — Week #13 “The Sticker Aisle. . .”

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Mike Meservy

Sister Meservy’s Letter from June 10, 2013

SUBJECT:  The Sticker Aisle…

Well that was a good week. I can’t believe I am almost done with my second transfer. There is only a week left! Time is soaring.

I have a few wonderful stories from this week.

First of all, Liberty Lake has this annual Yard Sale- and it’s kind of a big deal. SO people come from all over, and the people who live all over Liberty Lake put their old things in their yards to sale.  The roads are packed with people and cars. It’s wonderful. Especially when you have a message to share with all of God’s children.  It was wonderful to meet people all morning and to be out in the warm sun, and lunch was great because we got to talk to all the vendors and look at the wonderful things they were selling in the park.  I love liberty lake.  Also… I got a free bridesmaids dress.  Which was needed- I’ll send a picture home to my family and they can just get a card board cut out of me in that dress for my siblings weddings this summer. It’s a hideous lavender dress.  That will work for both weddings, right? I could even send the dress home for Brighton to wear.  . . because she’d probably love it as well and then we could match.

Also… I think you’d like to hear about something really great that happened this week.

Sister Beck and I were trying to contact a referral that was given to us by an adorable 12 year old boy in our ward. Sadly the referrals parents didn’t exactly welcome us into their home. 🙂 But it was a good effort for the little missionary in our ward. Everyone follow his example. Please. HELP YOUR  MISSIONARIES! They need you. Anyway, back to the story.  We knocked on a door on our way back and the woman was not interested.  Then as we bore testimony of Jesus Christ and related our beliefs to hers, she pointed to my Book of Mormon and said, “I have one of those.  And I’m reading it.”

In obvious excitement we asked what she thought. She then began explaining how she knew that Joseph Smith couldn’t have written it on his own, and that it must be scripture from God.  Then she asked us about the restoration, and the plan of salvation, and we talked about Jesus Christ.  She excitedly took our pamphlets and our number and said that she would pray about it all and read and study and call us when she had a list of questions. She was wonderful.

Please pray for this woman. She didn’t set a follow-up appointment with us but promised to call when she has time to talk. So please pray for her.  She told us that she truly thinks Mormons are the only religion that actually live by their religion.  That was a relief to hear because practically every 2 houses are LDS in this area. We are grateful the members are representing Jesus Christ’s Gospel in a good way. Then she told us that she has been praying for an answer and she was amazed that we knocked on her door at that time.  Missionaries have never knocked on her door before. It was a miracle.  All of it. One of those things you only read about in the ensign. 🙂 and in emails home from missionaries. 🙂

I know that God’s hand is in this work and he is so aware of every one of his children! We can all turn to him!

Please, turn to him. Run to him. 🙂 His arms are open. His hand is stretched out, no matter what you have done, his hand is stretched out still. 2 Nephi 19 &20. 🙂

I love yall. 🙂

Love,

Sister Meservy

PS: There may be a problem here:  I can get through buying all my groceries in 8 minutes, but when I get to the sticker/ coloring book/ paint/ markers/ paper aisle… I could spend all day there. Dreaming of the joys I would have writing home with all those wonderful things. 🙂  Instead… I glue cough drop wrappers and pictures from ensigns to my letters. 🙂 Totally just as good.

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June 3, 2013 — Week #12 “I’m on the pencil, but you’ve got to do the writing.”

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Mike Meservy

Sister Meservy’s Letter from June 3, 2013

SUBJECT:  “I’m on the pencil, but you’ve got to do the writing.” – Elder Holland

Hey Family! And others. Who are quite important as well. 🙂 

Real Quick: I apologize for the lengthiness of my letters.

So to start off… one of the wonderful things that my companion and I get to do in this area is visit The Good Samaritan. It’s an Evangelical Lutheran assisted living center and we get to go play bingo with the residents and help them with their activities.  I’ve mentioned it before, if you remember, the petting zoo. 🙂

Well over the weeks I’ve written down some of the great advice these people have given me… and I think it’s time to share.

I was talking to one kind woman, Zella, and I told her that her hair was beautiful and I loved her sweater.  I expressed, “I hope that one day I have good style like you.” To which she was flattered and responded with, “Well, you just have to do it.”

So there you have it.  If you want good hair. Do your hair.  If you want good style, wear things that are stylish. And to compare it to the gospel, as we should do with everything ;), If you want to be like the Savior… you should just do the things that he did.  Yes, my dear friends, in the words of Zella, You just have to do it.

Another woman, usually very cranky, decided this one day in particular that she would talk with us. Usually when we ask if we can visit with her she just says, “Now I don’t think so.”  She doesn’t remember much, or know much, and it is terribly frustrating for her. As we walked by this woman, Helen, we stopped to talk.  Obviously concerned for us, she told us that we needed to come up with some sort of a jingle and sing it as we walked down the hall so that people knew we were coming. She repeated again and again, “I think you’d do well.”   🙂  Well we sang her a quick song and then she was sure of it.  We would certainly do well if we had a jingle.

Uh…. and from that we learn… that everyone would be better off in life if they had their own jingle. 🙂

There is one member of the church that we know of at The Good Samaritan.  Her name is Leah.  🙂  As I left on Monday she said, “Have a good day.”

I responded, “Oh, I will.”

And she replied, “If you’re a good Mormon you will.”  She’s not all the way there, but at least she still remembers what it is to be a Mormon!  🙂 We can always have a good day, because GOD LOVES US, and the Savior has atoned to relieve of our pains!

Finally,

I have a testimony of humor and laughter.  I overheard a woman talking to another woman at the Good Samaritan, explaining the importance of laughter.

She said, “In everything there’s humor.  I could sit here all day and laugh like heck… But I’d wet my pants.”

There is humor and joy in EVERYTHING. I know that’s true.  As Brad Wilcox says, “If you can laugh at it, you can live with it.”  and I’d like to add: If you’re living with it, you can laugh at it. 🙂

The Lord loves yall, and I do too.

Remember, our lives will be better if we face life with a positive attitude and when things come up, look to the Lord and say, “I just have to do it.” There is no other option. We must remain faithful and endure.

Then remember, if you need to, to come up with a jingle to remind you that “you’ll do well.” Because you will. And you are doing well.

Add on the idea that you decide if you’re going to have a good day, and I promise it can be good, if you are following the Savior.

And Finally, REJOICE.  Laugh. Have fun.  You are wonderful. Remember that. 🙂

The church sure is true. 🙂 And every testimony I hear against its truth just makes my commitment to sharing it stronger!  People need this.  Paint a tag on your heart.  And remember, the most important name on that tag is His.  With the Saviors help we can all go out and preach the gospel. A work of which Joseph Smith said, “After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel.”

That’s for each of you. Pray for help. You are a missionary. 🙂

I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU! 

Keep being the best. Keep writing me. I love it. Keep serving others. I am so grateful for yall.

Love,

Sister Sarah Jane Meservy.

“This is thy work and I’m only the instrument. I’m on the pencil, but you’ve got to do the writing.” – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

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May 29, 2013 — Week #11 The complications of TEXTING . . . . as a Missionary

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Mike Meservy

Sister Meservy’s Letter from May 29, 2013

SUBJECT:  The complications of TEXTING . . . . as a Missionary 

FAMILY AND FRIENDS! 🙂

Story number one:

This week we text one of our potential investigators and asked him if we would be able to meet him to teach a lesson since bible study (which he usually attends) was canceled. . . His response was awesome.

He replied: “would we want to meet tonight for a little teaching somewhere in particular? Maybe the yogurt shop by Albertsons” . . . We didn’t really know what to say.  But sadly we couldn’t meet him for yogurt. So we just suggested the church as our location for our “little teaching.”

Story number two:

We sent out our daily scripture text (a text we send to all of our investigators, less actives, and recent converts daily) and one of the less actives responded: “If it’s not love let it go. saying for the day love, love u”

So there you have it. The yogurt shop by Albertsons is not the ideal location for teaching. And remember folks, if it’s not love let it go. 🙂

Story number three:

I’m grateful for texting when we get awesome messages from our progressing investigators. 🙂 Things like:  “THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO HELP ME GET CLOSER TO GOD.”

That’s always a good feeling. 🙂

So… missionary work out here in the beautiful Liberty Lake area is wonderful. Sister Beck and I went to the temple this morning (with Sister Hood (my trainer) and her companion Sister Huffaker) and we had such a wonderful time. 🙂

I just have to say… I am so grateful for last transfer. . . I really feel like it taught me to be SO grateful for every little miracle that I see.  We have people to teach in Liberty Lake, and it is wonderful. I am so grateful for the experiences I am having, but I don’t think I’d be as grateful if I’d starting out with the work progressing like this.  This is no thanks to my efforts.  The Lord is over this work and it is wonderful to see it all play out.  As I look back on my whole life and how my mission has gone so far- I wouldn’t change one thing.  Heavenly Father knows each of us SO PERFECTLY.  He gives us the things in our lives that will truly make us the happiest we could ever be. I’ve been pondering a lot this last wee of all the experiences that have helped me grow throughout my life.

Sister Meservy and Sister Beck

Outside the Spokane Washington Temple

 

 

 

 

I am so grateful for all the trials I have faced, for all the people I have met, and for all the ways I see the Lord’s hand in my life DAILY. He is real.  He is watching out for us. If you are going through something hard, remember, the Lord knows you and loves you and all things we experience are for OUR GOOD. Trust Him.

I wouldn’t change one thing about my entire life even if I could.  I am imperfect, and that is terribly frustrating for me sometimes, and most likely for God as well, but the Lord is helping me improve.  He loves me and I trust Him, and I am leaning on Him- because let’s be honest, I’m still trying to figure out the whole missionary thing… 🙂 I want to be a more effective, more diligent, more obedient, and more creative missionary. So I’m working on that. 🙂

I do love this work though. I am so grateful I came on a mission.  And I’m grateful for the time I’ve already had out here.  I’m also grateful for the four months I had with a mission call.  And for the time I spent in Provo.  The time I had at home. For my wonderful family. For my callings. My singles wards. My home ward. All the bishops I’ve had. 🙂 And stake presidents. And seminary teachers. And Religion Professors.  Employers. Friends. All of it.  I love my life and I love all the people I’ve been associated with.  Heavenly Father has been too good to me. If you are reading this email, I am grateful for you. 🙂 I’m grateful for prayer.  I am grateful for scriptures.

Also, the Ward Mission Leader over the Mica Peak ward is awesome.  His name is Brother Gummersall. He reminds me of Jeff Ray and Hank Smith… 🙂 SO obviously I think he’s one of the coolest people ever. Luckily it’s a mission rule to make daily contact with your ward mission leaders.

Being a missionary is THE BEST.  But guess what? EVERYONE CAN BE A MISSIONARY, and you don’t even need an official name-tag. As Elder Andersen says, “If you’re not a full-time missionary with a missionary badge pinned on your coat, now is the time to paint one on your heart… The Lord needs you now more than ever to be an instrument in His hands.  All of us have a contribution to make to this miracle.”  So contribute. Please contribute.  As a missionary, I get to serve a lot more effectively when the ward helps me out.  So help.  Talk to all of your friends.  Be an example. Invite people to take the missionary discussions IN YOUR HOME. 🙂  He also said, “Pray to your Heavenly Father. This is His sacred work. He will guide you in what to do. He will open doors, remove roadblocks, and help you overcome obstacles. The Lord declared, “The voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, … and none shall stay them” I promise, if you pray to him names and faces will come into your head! He will guide you to who has been prepared. The missionaries need you.  The Lord needs you.

Be a missionary. 🙂
It’s the best.
The Lord loves you. 🙂
I love you.  Courage, and on, on to the VICTORY!  Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad.
Bring that joy to others. 🙂
I love you!

Love,

Sister Meservy

 

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May 24, 2013 — Sister Meservy and current companion Sister Beck

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Mike Meservy

Sister Meservy and her companion Sister Beck . . . .

Sister Meservy and Sister Beck

Tonight I received a text message from someone in Sister Meservy’s current ward. . .

“These two girls are dong great things! Thanks for sharing them with us. My husband is one of their ward mission leaders. We LOVE them!”

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May 20, 2013 — Week #10 Olga is Usually Cooking . . .

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Mike Meservy

Dear Family,

So this week was wonderful. I’ll give you some highlights:

We were giving a tour of our church to a nonmember with a group of his friends that are members of the church.  One of the members happened to be the librarian, and she loves her calling.  And I mean she really loves it.  If only everyone loved their callings as much as this woman. 🙂  But as we finished the tour and were talking about baptism she announced, “I can show you the LIBRARY!” And there the herd proceeded to the library to look at the old giant copy machine, the church magazines, and the stapler. . .  The church is true. Even in the library.

Also, I got to go to a petting zoo. No joke. I held some rabbits, a guinea pig, pet a pony, a LLAMA, a rooster…. yeah. Also I looked at a pig. But I didn’t touch it.  🙂

You probably think that I’m making this up.  Why would I go to a petting zoo? Well, you see, we get to volunteer at a christian assisted living center and last week they were celebrating NURSING HOME WEEK! Yeah, that’s a real thing. SO naturally we got to help out with the petting zoo.  🙂  The church is true.

Then, we were having a lesson last night, with our wonderful investigator named Luke, and as we were talking about being brothers and sisters… the 11 year old in the family said, “So yeah, it’s like weird when you get married and you are like ‘this is my brother.'” . . . Thank you, Jamie. 🙂  Luckily, he still accepted the invitation to be baptized.  The church is true.

Embarrassing story? Well, I have this new habit of getting food in my hair when I eat. I learned it from my trainer. Thanks, Sister Hood. 🙂

Also, I’m learning Portuguese from my companion because she is waiting for her Visa to Brazil. . . LANGUAGE STUDY! But it’s ruining my french.  The french that I was practically fluent at. 🙂  Really though it’s funny, because the more I practice Portuguese, the more I remember how much I love french and how bad I want to learn it when I get home.

Eu sei que Jesus Christo e meu Salvador. 🙂

OKAY-  NOW IT’S TIME TO SHARE SOME MIRACLES!

So. . . on Friday our zone leaders sent out a text to our zone challenging everyone to invite two people to be baptized and report their miracles at the end of the day. . . so we were pumped.  But we had no luck all day.  We asked one person to be baptized early on while we were tracting, but nobody else would even let us talk to them.  We basically tracting and tried to contact referrals all day, but nobody would let us get very far. . . Well it was 8:15pm and I was feeling pretty excited, expecting a miracle in the next 45 minutes.  🙂  Sister Beck and I had planned to call former and potential investigators from the area book at that time, so we got in the car and began to make phone calls and I told the Lord that I knew he could make a miracle happen and we could find one more person to invite to be baptized. Well… we found a mans record from back in 2009 and decided to call him.  Turns out it was the wrong number, but we’re missionaries, so that shouldn’t stop us, right?! The conversation went a little like this:

Man: Hello.

Missionaries: Hi, is this John Smith?

Man: No, Sorry.

Missionaries: Oh, do you know a John Smith?

Man: Nope, I’ve never heard of him.

Missionaries: Well, we are the missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints. We must have the wrong number. But would you be interested in learning more about our church?

Man: I dont think so, but have a nice night.

Missionaries (woah, this guys really nice.): Alright, you have a nice night as well. Bye!

. . .

Missionaries:  We let him off way to easy.

The spirit: You let him off way too easy.

… So we continued our work. Making phone calls.

Following is a conversation that took place in Sister Meservy’s head:

The Spirit: Call back.

Sister Meservy: Ha, that’s a crazy idea. He know we just called him and it was the WRONG NUMBER. Why would we call again?

The Spirit: Didn’t you want a miracle?

Sister Meservy: Yes.

The Spirit: Call back and ask him to be baptized.

Then before I knew what was happening the phone was ringing and we were calling him back.

Man: Hello?

Missionaries: Sorry, is this the man we just called?

Man: Yes it is.

Missionaries: I am so sorry.

Man: It’s alright, who were you looking for again?

Missionaries: John Smith.

Man: Yeah, sorry, I don’t know him.

Missionaries: Well, have you ever talked to missionaries from our church before?

Man: No, but my grandson is on a mission.

Well we proceeded to have a wonderful conversation about why his grandson has loved his mission so much and why THE CHURCH IS TRUE.  And then we invited him to be baptized.  And no, he did not accept the invitation to be baptized but he said that his grandson would probably be talking to him when he got home in a month, and he would listen to his grandson. 🙂  It was wonderful.

On another note,

One of our investigators is getting baptized this Saturday and we are so excited for her! We have been seeing so many miracles all week! I swear that when you do your best and are as obedient to God as you possibly can be, HE WILL TAKE OVER AND MAKE MIRACLES HAPPEN. This is His work, and He is doing it.

I love Alma’s testimony in Alma 29:

:9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.

:10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.

🙂  Repent. It makes you happy. And then help others come closer to the Savior so that they have the desire to repent as well. 🙂  God loves you so much.

I know that the church is true. My testimony is growing so much.

Thank you for supporting me! I love you all!

Love,

Sister Sarah Jane Meservy

 

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