Monday, December 12, 2016

Kimber mail 12-12-2016: "You're a Water Bottle, Sneeze for Cheese and Answered Prayers"


   Hey hey mis amigos! How goes lighting the world?! Keep up the great work. Its not to late to get started if you haven't. Mormon.org has some great ideas if you need some ideas! Also please don't be afraid to share the #LightTheWorld with any of your peeps! Everyone needs it. You never know who's heart you can help touch J 
   This week Sister Roper and I had some powerful and fun experiences lighting the world. There was a ton that went on but I just want to share some of my favorite experiences from the week:
   1. At the beginning of the week I was trying to give a little pep talk to Sister Roper in studies and I attempted to use an analogy I made up and ended up saying 'You're a water bottle! Be proud of that!' Ha, ha, ha, ha, I honestly have no clue... and can't even remember what I was trying to get at but it did give us a good laugh and got us pumped to share the good news this week!
   2. We were out workin’ in the cold and felt like we should stop by this one family's house.  It was really cool because we ended up doing some family history with them and sharing the Light that way.  The dad also showed us their dog Scooby's cool trick- that's right, he sneezes for cheese. What a talent. I feel like that is something I should master.  ;)
   3. We decided for the 'sharing scriptures' day we would wrap up 6 Books of Mormon (‘cuz it was day 6) and follow the Spirit to drop them off.  It may sound crazy but it was a super cool experience even though it was freezing and rainy and foggy, the Lord helped us.  I don't know if the people we dropped them off to will read them or look at them - but you never know. Our testimonies may be just what they need right now or in the future! 
   4. We felt like we should go try a couple less active-members while we were out working this week, so we did. Both were powerful experiences: First, we visited with this sweet older lady. After the prayer she started going on about how the church took up so much of her life and how she doesn't see any blessings of us and told us that we were too young to understand anything. I really don't like when people say that, ugh!... I may not know everything, but I do know enough truth!!  So I prayed for charity and told her that we do know the gospel brings peace and more blessings that anything else could.  Sister Roper and I shared how we both have come to know of the truth of the restored gospel and the scriptures. The Spirit was strong.  Second, we were on our way home at night and Sis. Roper felt like we should stop and see this lady that lives close to us.  So we did and at first she and her family were all over the place - but as we showed them the video, peace filled the room and they couldn't stop expressing how much they loved it!  We left reminding them that they are loved and the Spirit was strong once again. 
   5. This last one is a combination of Saturday night and Sunday.  So Saturday, we had our ward Christmas party. We sat by this older lady, Sister Whisler, who I haven't really gotten to know that well, so I was excited.  She is always so cute and excited to be at church and even though she has a lot of physical problems and has some tremors, she always sings loud and proud.  I love it!!  She shared all about her family with us and how she loves the gospel because even though she's the only member in her family, the gospel is family too. I felt so much love for this dear sister it was awesome!  Well Sunday it snowed. She and the couple that brings her to church were on their way and got into an accident.  We rushed with the senior couple, the Thompsons, to the hospital to see her. She was just chilling in the ER with her church clothes on and her scriptures in hand.  When she saw us she got SO excited.  Her doctors had to calm her down.  But she motioned for us to come over and immediately grabbed my hand.  She kept saying how sad she was that she missed church and the choir - 'stinking snow plows!'  Ha, ha, ha and told us to tell her all that she missed.  She kept rubbing my arm and telling me that she loved me.  My heart melted.  She was one of the most selfless women I have met!  Who, instead of complaining about the pain she was in was enthralled with making sure we knew we were loved.  I heard the dreaded words fall out of my mouth "Sister Whisler, before we go we want to sing a song for you,"  WHAT?!   Ahhhh, here we go, ha, ha tis the season. ;)  I said a little prayer for the Lord to help us make it sound good.  We started singing away in a manger and it seemed like the bustle and stress of the ER died for a moment.  It was quiet.  Peace filled the little curtained room.  Sister Whisler managed to get all the strength she could to sing along. As we sang the last verse she sat there with the biggest smile on her face and tears came to my eyes "Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay. Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care. And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there."  At that moment I realized a different meaning to the Light the World for the day.  We are ALL God's children. Young or old. He is closer than we realize and when we turn outward in love like Sister Whisler taught me yesterday, miracles happen!
   I want to end by sharing my Light the World for today with you! Today is Day 12- Jesus Taught Others and So Can You!  So I'll try to keep this brief but today I want to pass down to you what my amazing grandparent and parents have taught me. 
   Grandma and Grandpa McDonald- They have such a great gift of turning outward and listening. Every time you see them or talk to them they just make you feel like the star and are always ready to listen to whatever you want to share. I love that they are so optimistic no matter the good or bad that comes their way. This is something that has really helped me throughout my mission and changed my life. Love you Grandma and Grandpa McD!!  :)
  Grandma and Grandpa Stoddart- They have pure charity and a gift to be able to make memories last. I love that they both are walking lights of what they believe and aren't afraid to remind anyone they see that they are loved. I've tried to emulate that example as I've been gone and I've seen wonderful things happen. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Stoddart! Love you both. :) 
   My Angel Mother- Her testimony of the gospel is undeniable. She sticks to her beliefs and does not waiver. I love that she is always there to make me laugh and to be patient with me. She is a great teacher it's quite the gift. As I've been on my mission I've tried to testify with the same emotion my mom has and it has changed me. I've also tried to be patient as I've been called on to lead and teach. Love you mommy :)
   The Best Dad EVER- Oh man I love my dad.  Anyone that knows him knows that he loves his Savior and that he walks the walk. Something that I've learned from my dad that has changed my world is the power of prayer. My dad is the greatest example of going straight to the source and talking it out through the good and bad with our Father in Heaven. This has changed the way I've been able to be a disciple for Him. Love you Daddio :) 
   I wish I had time to write out more but you get the gist. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to serve through this Christmas season. Time is flying and I am just realizing more and more each day how grateful I am to be a full-time servant of the Master.  I love my Savior.  I love you all! Have a wonderful week filled with light and cheer J 



Love, Sister McD.


Ponderize: "I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me....give me strength that I may burst the bands with which I am bound" ~ 1Ne 7:17 
Commitment: Pray as the savior taught ~ Elder Uceda 
Charity Attribute: bear, believe, hope and endure all things





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