Kimber Mail 11-09-15: "Not a Fan but Doin' All I Can!"

  "Not a fan of what Sister McDonald", you ask? Lemme tell you! Well it's now week 12 - the last week of my training...WAHOO!!!   This last week (week 11) is where the trainee (me) gets to lead out the area (meaning you make all the decisions and navigate and take charge of lessons,) and the trainer (Sister Hansen,) acts like she is brand new to the area and can't help much. So... basically I'm not a fan of being the head honcho and leading! I tell ya what, it's a lot harder than one would expect.  Sister Hansen is a CHAMP. Even though this week was a toughie I have seen major growth in my leading abilities and confidence gained in leaps and bounds this week. Plus, we made it out alive, so hey! That's always good, right?! :P   The Lord seems to have a way of putting us in circumstances that try us and help us to stretch and grow. 

   We had Stake Conference this weekend and one of the people that spoke shared that "if you don't allow trials to break you, and drop to your knees, the spirit will 'school' you!" Time and time again I've learned so many things from the Spirit and been able to endure and turn my weakness into strengths with the Lord's help. If you are struggling or need help turning something to a strength please, fall on your knees and pour your heart out to our Heavenly Father. I know he will help you through patience to become strong and even better. 

   One thing I've seen grow a ton in me already is my testimony. Continuing to learn about my Savior and His plan for me, continually asking questions to God and listening for the answers has changed me.  I have never felt more happiness and peace in life!!  :)   I know that comes from truly knowing Jesus Christ and wanting to spread His love with all of His children all around me. Man it's awesome!!  Knowing that I can repent and keep working at being better and use his grace is everything. (Because he IS the difference needed to make up the gap where we fall short, as WE then have to do all we can!) This week as we went with the other sister missionaries to their investigator's Christian Bible study thing, it was a cool experience - but sad at the same time. The main speaker and audience expressed great fear about death and my heart couldn't help but ache. I am so grateful for the knowledge we have that death is not even close to the end!  :)   I am also beyond grateful for great leaders in the church called by God to be courageous and stand for the truth that is revealed to them. What a blessing, to be able to be a witness of the Lord's fully restored truths on the Earth today and to be able to stand boldly and support the great leaders, acting under the direction of the greatest examples and leaders ever - Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. I love this gospel and love that we are asked to just faithfully do our best, doing what they ask of us, and if we mess up then we have the wonderful gift of repentance and a new day!  Have a wonderful week friends and family and know that I'm praying for you each personally (yes I really am loving long prayers - for reals) and know the Lord is there to bless you if you reach out and ask Him to help. 

Weekly love, 

~Sister Kimber McDonald 

Ponderize: "I cry unto my God in faith and know that he will hear my cry!" 2nd Nephi 33:3 

Quote: "You are doing better than you think you are doing!" ~ Elder Holland (Sat Afternoon) 

Kimber Mail 11-02-15: "Teaching Testifying and Touchin' Hearts!"

Man I tell ya, this week was SO very filled with blessings. Well every week is...but there's something about humility that opens your eyes to recognize even more! So I'll just do a synopsis of something each day that touched my heart and strengthened my testimony. 

Tuesday (27): We had dinner with the Leavitt Family and they shared with us that we should always remember that none of our efforts go unnoticed by the Lord. Even a little smile or compliment could make someone's day! Earlier at Forums on campus I saw this guy who normally I'd be a little leery to talk to.  BUT I'm workin' for the Lord and He loves ALL (and is good at reminding me that ha,ha) so I go and smile and this guy just opens up about how he has a belief in Christ but he's struggling and needs direction. Well hey look at this! That's why I'm standing out here buddy!!:) I was able to sincerely share how coming to know my Savior even better from prayer and reading from the scriptures has changed my life. He smiled a huge smile and walked away reading the first pages of the Book that has changed my life. I love the Book of Mormon! 

Wednesday (28): I'm starting to read Jesus the Christ and I love it! I'm learning so much. Slowly but surely!! As I was reading I thought an interesting point was made that Jesus Christ was personally known by few and his fame came AFTER his death. I guess I really never pondered on that before. It made me realize that most of my "success" or "fruits" from my labors will be made known after my mission and years to come but all he asks is we give it our all! 

Thursday (29): We were able to teach 2 new people and I love teaching and being able to testify of these truths that have brought more happiness and peace than anything ever has or will. It's my favorite to see the light go on in their heads and realize we aren't just crazy but that what we are teaching can change their lives. The gospel is really simple, we just do our best and keep improving with the help of Christ! 

Friday (30): We were about to leave forums frustrated, cold and disappointed that today was a struggle. As soon as we were about to leave this guy runs up to me. (Normally when people do this they are either really happy or really angry with you). So he starts going off about how someone gave him a Book or Mormon earlier and how he thinks we are wrong. I think one of my biggest growths I've seen so far is being able to stand up firmly for this gospel because I love it with all my heart. I told him that if he wanted we could sit and talk but we aren't here to bash. The spirit softened his heart and he sat and listened for 20 minutes. We had a great talk about the restoration, the Book of Mormon, our main beliefs and I was able to just bear testimony to him. By the end it was cool to see him walk away with a different perspective and a better understanding which hopefully will mean to him actually reading the Book to see for himself. Testimony is the spirit's best friend!

Saturday (31): We were able to go to the Sekubu families' baptism (the Elders taught them) and they are straight from AFRICA. HOW COOL RIGHT?!?!:D This baptism was so special. The dad, Charles, was baptized first and afterwards was so overcome by the spirit he just stood there crying for a good 3 minutes. I love seeing this gospel change lives, mine included. Who you are, where you've come through or how "qualified" you think you are doesn't matter. To the Lord, ALL are welcomed and wanted and I know this gospel is for all. 

Sunday (1): Fast Sunday brought a great peace and comfort to top off the end of this great week. I know my Savior lives and loves me and you! He is constantly by our side, sometimes we are just too stubborn to turn to him. Let him lift you. Let him wipe your tears and comfort you when all seems lost. Let him listen when no one else seems to be listening. Let him be your best friend and pull the heavy load of life right along side you. Please remember just how much He loves you!! 

Much Love, 

~Sister McDonald.

Ponderize: "I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." ~ Ether 12:6 

Quote: "Come and talk to me and I'll help you through" ~ Elder Foster (sat afternoon) [Even though this was referring to parents and children, I like to also think of it was our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ]

Kimber Mail 10-26-15: "Destined for greatness!"

   Happy Monday everyone! Hope you have all had great weeks and been able to feel the Lord's hand in blessing you no matter what kind of week you may have had :) 

   This week I learned so many lessons. I guess the main one I'm seeing reoccur (which must mean I stink at it and need to really work on) is patience. Man has it been a week filled with patience and love or what?! Well this week started off rough we needed to find more people to teach so Sister Hansen and I set off Tracking. Even on exchanges (which were awesome). We knocked on so many doors. #PracticallyAPro. After 3+ hours of rejection we were finally able to give out a Book of Mormon. Now this may not seem like much and you may be thinking "wow Sister McDonald what is your life?!" But let me tell you, after a hard day, it was an extreme tender mercy of the Lord. I have come to really appreciate even these trying times because it's through the though times my testimony grows even stronger. I know that this gospel is the one way of sure peace in this chaotic world. Through the Book of Mormon I have come to not just know OF my savior but to really KNOW Him. And for that I am forever grateful.  I love getting in any portion of my testimony in the short moments at the door because any chance to testify of truth is the best!! 

   We were able to have President and Sister Johnson (Mission Pres and wife who ARE THE ABSOLUTE BEST MAN I LOVE THEM:D) come and have one on one interviews with all of us in our zone. When I met with President Johnson he said something that really will stick with me. He said that just because our outward results aren't the same as other missionaries it doesn't mean we are failing. As long as we are doing what the Lord asks- to be obedient, to teach and preach to the best of our ability and work our hardest we are doing the right thing. We will be blessed. Those of you that know me know i'm a perfectionist and it's super hard for me to not see things work out perfectly right way. But, shortly after this meeting we returned home and were able to set up 4 lessons for the next day. Guys this is huge! More than I've ever taught in one day before! It was such a blessing and I truly have a testimony that when we stop comparing our results/ outcomes in life with those around us we see what the Lord has in store for us. We just have to keep being diligent in staying close to Him and working our best and hardest. He IS the difference and is ready to help us if we just reach out. May we all better reach out this week and personally reflect our own lives to see what He has in store for us. Have a wonderful and blessed week! 

Love, 

~Sister Kimber McDonald 

Ponderize: Moroni 10:32 "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ..." 

Quote: "Don't focus on what we can't do, instead focus on what we can do!" -Elder Stevenson (Sat Morning session) 

Kimber mail 10-19-15: "Let the Holy Spirit Guide!!!"

   Well this week has been a toughie because Tuesday mine and Sister Hansen's stomachs started hurting (along with a majority of the missionaries here in state college). We think some sort of stomach bug was going around (which is lovely because my stomach is already awesomeeee) but I'm feeling a lot better today! Should be a better week. I learned real fast being sick on the mission is no bueno!! For one your mom isn't here to make you feel better and two you don't wanna put a halt or slow down the missionary work - BUT resting up really did help. 

   So some quick experiences where I really saw the spirit working and helping this week: 

1) we are trying to be better about sharing the gospel on the bus (It's a major toughie!) so normally we will split up so we force ourselves to talk haha. Well Tuesday night going to institute I somehow kinda fell asleep...(i know bad missionary but no one was by me and I really wasn't feeling good) and all the sudden something doesn't feel right and the spirit is telling me to open my eyes. Turns out I missed the stop!! It's the weirdest feeling not having your companion right there. Plus downtown at night is sketch so I freaked out a bit. But I hurried and got off and frantically prayed and raced to find Sister Hansen. Our reunion was joyous I'll tell you what! 

2) At forums I prayed to know what to better say.  It was awesome to be talking to people and really feel like I should say something. with 2 people I met as we talked about things specific to them I was able to share my testimony and give them a Book of Mormon promising that if they read it it will help with ___ problem or whatever need may be because it has done that time and time again for me! 

3) I have noticed the spirit prompting me throughout times of teaching what to say or what not to say, who to talk to and when I need to immediately leave. Simply put the ultimate teacher is the spirit and when He speaks we NEED to hearken. To hearken as I learned in seminary years ago is to listen and promptly obey and I have seen times this week especially where I have and haven't promptly obeyed and I can tell you it's just better to obey first off!! 

   Hope you all have a great week and ask the spirit to prompt you and guide you and hearken!! 

~Love, Sister McDonald 

Ponderize: Alma 17: 31 "My brethren, be of good cheer and let us go in search of the flocks, and we will gather them together and bring them back unto the place of water" 

Quote: "If you are there for the Lord, He will be there for you!!" -Elder Hales (Saturday Afternoon) 

Kimber Mail 10-12-15: "Conversion the Continuing Cycle!"

There's your alliteration for the week haha:P   Hey, hope you all have had good weeks and are looking for miracles and the good each and every day because it's there!! What a blessing it is that no matter what kind of day we have, we always have tomorrow to "try a little harder to be a little better" as a dear former prophet, President Hinckley, once said. :) 

    This week I've seen many lives working hard on the path of conversion including my own. We had lessons with a former investigator (person that was taught by missionaries previously), a recent convert to the church, and a new investigator. It was beyond amazing to see them all in different places in life and their conversion but still working hard to come closer to Christ. That's the beautiful thing about this gospel! The fact that we believe in daily conversion (or turning toward Christ and trying to become more like Him) brings a hope and peace that nothing else compares to. This week as we met with our investigator, Adi (from Dubai - can't remember if I've mentioned him yet but if not just know that he is the sweetest and a jewel!) He exclaimed excitedly how reading from the scriptures brought a feeling of great joy! I know that as we strive each day to read from the scriptures and pour our souls out in gratitude and questions to the Lord in prayer that we will become more converted to Him and his gospel (or teachings) and feel a peace that is unlike any other. It is not enough to just have a testimony, we need to be working at being converted daily!! This week I will be striving to be more humble in the hope that I will be taught what I can do to be a better servant of the Lord. Sister Hansen and I were able to reread through many conference talks this week and one from Elder Bennett from the Priesthood session really has stuck with me. He said speaking of failure "we fail only if we fail to take another faithful step forward. We will not, we cannot, fail if we are faithfully yoked to the savior- He who has never failed us and will never fail us!" I know that we cannot fail if we endure on our path to daily conversion and if we trust in the Lord whole heartily we won't be left alone! 

     I'm going to start a new tradition of adding my "ponderize" scripture for the week and a quote from conference that I will be focusing on for the week so here we go!:) 

Ponderize: Alma 26:12 "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things"

Quote: "There is enough that doesn't go right in life...folks that focus on all that is right- they are the happiest people I know!"- Pres. Uchtdorf (women's session) 

Love, Sister Kimber McDonald ❤️

2nd Month... done! #missionnotes

 

Month #2... done!  Smooooooth Sailing :) 

Kimber Mail 10-5-15: "Chirstmas came a little early this year!"

That's right who would've thought Christmas came early but it did folks, it really did!! In what way you may ask? Well in happiness, coldness and the gift of conference!! Such a great week!!

This week was filled with happiness as we served SO much this week. We were able to serve in the huge Pennsylvania tradition- Day of Caring on Thursday. We got to go to the Penn State basketball arena and had breakfast and then set out to serve at a local cemetery sprucing up the place! It was a blast! We also did our normal service at St. Andrews helping cook dinner for the community and sister Hansen and I showed our pro' knife skills by slicing our fingers (funny enough) at the same time. But we are good no worries! Ha ha :P Bob - one of the head chefs, bought us ice cream but told the Elders several time "it's just for the sisters!!!" #PaysToBeASister!

The weather has started to get super chilly so thankfully my momma's package with my warm clothes came just in time. Sister Hansen and I keep preaching even though the rain-rain won't go away! Today it's actually nice though, thankfully :) - also side note: how crazy is it that it's already October?! And guess what?! I'm half-way done with training wahooooo!

Conference was AWESOME!! So many awesome messages and truths. I think the emphasis on going back to the basics and holding on to the gospel truths no matter what comes was a fantastic reminder!! It makes me so happy to know that we are lead by a living prophet and apostles who are called of the Lord. When the 3 new apostles: Rasband, Renlund and Stevenson were called I just felt a wave of peace come over me and I know that they are called of God. I loved sister Marriott's talk about being patient with the Lord and ourselves and knowing it'll all work out!! I also loved Elder Hales talk about taking the time to personally reflect on our accomplishments and what we can do better and where we want to be in future years. It was sweet to see Elder Stanfill (came just a few weeks ago) and Elder Clark (former pres of

BYUI) speak and hear from them! :) I loved President Monson's talk about letting our light always shine. Prayers be with him as he is doing all he can to carry out the great work and help he does for the Lord! I love him so much!! Also I loved Brother Durrants talk about "ponderizing" and I'm so excited what comes of his challenges! Ahhh there were just so many great thoughts I just don't even know where to start!! I'm going to try to reflect on one favorite quote each week and try to better implement it in my daily life.

Have a great week everyone and keep reflecting and staying close to the lord!!  

~ Sister McDonald