Tuesday, November 6, 2018
My Farewell Talk
My farewell talk is below if you would like to read it and know some more about what I believe:
My farewell talk--- geez luweez it is here
Hi! For those of you who don’t know me my name is Rachel Formica. I have been called to serve a mission in the London England mission. I report to the Preston England MTC in about a week and a half! I got my call back around Christmas time. And back then April seemed so far away…. I would say to myself, Oh I don’t need to do that now I have plenty of time…. And now I am like dang it, I am pretty much out of time and I still have stuff to do!
The story of me going on a mission dates back all the way to when I was really little. My dad would always say where do you want to go on your mission? And I would answer Mcdonals!... I think Ill take London over McDonalds. So a mission has always really been in the back of my mind. Then up at school I met some people and the thought of a mission got pushed even further back in my mind. That all changed in October 2012. I don’t know if you guys were watching October Conference… but it was just a normal conference day for our apartment. We sat down to watch it and President Thomas S. Monson gets up and starts talking about missions and guys… and I sat straight up. I just had this feeling like oh my gosh what is he gonna say… and then he lowers the boom…. (tell the story).
One question that I have been asked repeatedly is why am I going. And honestly it is probably the hardest question for me to answer. Not because I don’t have reasons, but because there are so many and it is just an indescribable feeling I have. President Hinckley has said, "Today many sisters are being called to serve. Many more are preparing to serve. Not because they aren't married or don’t have anything else to do, but they have the desire to serve." And that is exactly why I am going. I have a desire to share the gospel with those who don’t have it. I have a desire to come closer to and serve my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I have a desire to become the best person I can be by devoting 18 months of my life to serving others. I have a desire to share how I have found true happiness and the key to true happiness, which is… this gospel.
The word gospel means good story or good news. And that is exactly what the gospel is! The gospel is a ray of hope in the difficult journey of life. So what exactly is the good news? The good news is that all mistakes and sins can be overcome! That no matter where you are in life, you have the chance to repent, to be pure again, and return to live with your Father in Heaven. President Thomas S Monson said, “We need to bear in mind that people can change. They can put behind them bad habits. They can repent from transgressions. They can bear the priesthood worthily. And they can serve the Lord diligently.” And how is this possible? Through the atonement of Jesus Christ. "The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the central fact, the crucial foundation, and the chief doctrine of the plan of salvation… prophet Joseph Smith said everything about our religion is only “appendages” to the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The atonement is the foundation of the gospel, and our job? Go and teach it to everyone!"
In Elder Bednar’s talk “the enabling power of the atonement” He suggests we are very familiar with the redeeming power of the Atonement but not with the enabling power of the atonement. “The enabling power of the Atonement strengthens us to do and be good and to serve beyond our own individual desire and natural capacity.” Because I have the enabling power of the atonement I have the strength to do difficult things. Like going on a mission! I am getting a little nervous about serving even though I know I obviously don’t look it...haha However, I know that through the enabling power of the atonement I will be able to do whatever the Lord needs me to do.
Also my fears and nerves were put to ease after reading that In Gethsemane Jesus Christ comforted his disciples saying, “Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.” Elder Holland said, “This is the most universally disobeyed commandment. I am convinced that none of us can appreciate how deeply it wounds the loving heart of the Savior of the world when he finds that his people do not feel confident in his care or secure in his hands.” This was a shock to me when I read it. I had never thought of it that way. There have been so many times when I have been afraid or felt so hopeless. After hearing that I know that if I rely on the atonement there is no need to fear anything. The trick is to rely on the atonement to receive its enabling power when burdens seem too overwhelming.
This does not only apply to missions, but to every aspect of our lives. Every one has problems in their own life that seem unbearable, but just remember, there isn’t one problem that our Savior Jesus Christ did not suffer for. Through the atonement there is not any problem that you cannot repent of. No trial you cannot overcome.
On the first page of Preach My Gospel it says that the purpose of a missionary is to: “Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.” Elder Russell M. Nelson gave a talk that stated: In every problem present in the world, the atonement is the answer. Ask the missionaries they can help you! The means by which they help is through the atonement. As a missionary or member, if we see meet someone who is struggling, it is not our job to judge them. It is not our job to see them as too difficult to teach. It is not our job to deem them as too far off the path. It is our job to see their heavenly potential, to see them as our brothers and sisters and as children of our Heavenly Father.
Our beloved Prophet Thomas S. Monson said, “We should develop the capacity to see men not as they are but as they can become when they have a testimony of the gospel, and when their lives are in harmony with its teachings.” He told of a young successful missionary, who when asked how he baptized so many people he responded, he saw everyone as they could be. He saw them dressed in white, living the commandments regardless of their actual appearance or situation. We have the responsibility to see individuals not as they are, but rather how they can become, because through the atonement of Jesus Christ everyone can repent and reach their fullest potential. This requires hard work and effort and change.
I don’t know about you guys, maybe it is just me, but I have found that there are about three different stages when I am faced with something new. Either a big project, a change in life, or for me the most recent has been a semester in school. The first stage is the planning stage. It is the stage where we are hopeful. We look at the task ahead and think, “oh we can do that.” For me with school I think I am going to read all of the chapters ahead of time. I am going to spend 4 hrs in the library everyday, I am going to not procrastinate with HW and studying…. This lasts a few weeks tops.
The second stage is when things have started to go downhill. Doubt has crept in. Things have gotten
harder than you expected and you lose faith and you think there has to be an easier way. This wave
usually happens to me after my first set of midterms. I slack off a bit, get behind on a couple of
assignments, the reading builds up to the point where there is no way I am catching up, and I begin to
feel hopeless. I think why did I ever take on this load. There has to be an easier way… maybe if I
switched my major or dropped some classes. But eventually after what seems like forever, we make it
through the task. We look back and realize it was necessary for us to overcome this task and see how
much we have grown because of it.
These stages are similar to the atonement with the Savior, not that I am saying it is anything near what the Savior experienced, I am saying however, “How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him?” "If He could come forward in the night, kneel down, fall on His face, bleed from every pore, and cry, 'Abba, Father (Papa), if this cup can pass, let it pass,' then little wonder that salvation is not a whimsical or easy thing for us. If you wonder if there isn’t an easier way, you should remember you are not the first one to ask that. Someone a lot greater and a lot grander asked a long time ago if there wasn’t an easier way. And we have to remember that it is because of His suffering, that we can overcome our suffering. Through the atonement we can receive comfort and strength.”
When I was younger every week for family night we would choose a hymn to learn the words and practice singing. Every week we would try and sing a different one, but one that seemed to be Adam’s favorites was “How firm a foundation”. I used to think it was his favorite because it is a loud song, that you can really belt, and for those of you who know Adam you know he isn’t the quietest boy. Without fail for a solid year Adam was always singing How firm a foundation at the top of his lungs, whether in the bath, playing with his toys, or just around the house. And he would sing it with such firm resonance. Later I found out that he would sing it when he was scared. For a while there he used to be really afraid of different things. For example, he didn’t like to go down the dark hallway alone, so my parents taught him this song, and after he learned it every time he was afraid to do something, he would sing this song.
"Fear not I am with thee oh be not dismayed, for I am thy God and will still give thee aid,
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee, to stand,
Upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand…
When through fiery trials they pathway shall lie, my grace all sufficient shall be thy supply.”
I love those words. This may become my new favorite hymn. His grace is all sufficient. No matter what struggle we are facing we don’t need to fear, because through the atonement we can receive enabling power to overcome it.
One example I have seen lately of someone relying on our Heavenly Father and the atonement and receiving enabling power is that of my sister Rebecca. I don’t know if everyone knows but this past weekend she had a pretty severe surgery. It was completely unexpected. My mom had just driven up to Utah to help me pack and drive me home, when Becca just got really sick the second day my mom was there. It was a complete blessing that my mom was in town to take her to the ER and have this surgery performed. Although this could have been a pretty scary time for Rebecca I haven’t seen her once not have a smile on her face. She could complain why did this have to happen to me? I just had jaw surgery, give it to Rachel she has never had anything like this. Or she could have been really angry that she had to get behind a week in school and have to make up three tests, and so many other things. But she has relied on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and accepted this and has moved forward with a cheerful and positive attitude. When I have a hard time on the mission, I am going to try and meet it with the same attitude that Rebecca has met this challenge with.
I am so excited to go and serve the people of England. I am excited to share the beauty of the Atonement and how we can receive strength and comfort from it. I cannot wait to share this gospel which brings me so much happiness, to everyone one that I meet. I definitely will miss my family, but I heard a quote I love. I am Giving up my family for a short amount of time so I can help others be with their families for forever.
Monday, September 29, 2014
-- "I guess she ran out of headlines"... Mom
we had a great week last week. so many strange but great things. we are
teaching such amazing people here, it breaks my heart to leave.....
mum you asked about some investigators:
C.- nicest most amazingly prepared person you ever did meet. she is
getting baptised the Saturday after I leave..... she could this weekend, but
because of conference the bishop doesn't want any baptisms. sad, but it doesn't
really matter when, just the fact that she is, is the important thing. but
honestly she is great I wish you could meet her. just this morning she called,
and said, talking about conference, "I am so excited! and it is in the evening,
so I was wondering if we could do a dinner before and after to bring everyone
together from church and we could talk about the things we learned from one of
the sessions together." she is going to make such a great contribution to the
ward.
S. -- he is such a miracle. I'll tell you about him later though too long
of a backstory. but he is a young single adult, about 26? works as a
microbiologist something. it is so brilliant how the three of us just became
like instant friends. so sad to be leaving. but he is progressing really well.
has never been raised with a belief but really interested in finding out if God
is there.
lots more people we are teaching but I am too tired to write about them.
honestly I feel so blessed that God is allowing us to meet such amazing people
here in this area.
strangest thing of the week: there was a traveling fair thing in old town. which is where we live. one
morning we wake up and look out our window and BAM. street has been closed and
there is this massive fair! open from 3-11PM for 2 days.... could not sleep at
all. we decided the next night to walk down it and take a few pics and stuff.
the next morning wake up and lo and behold..... gone as quickly as it came.
my ward is not too big. probably the standard English ward. i am so bad at estimating numbers. maybe like 70 people come? maybe more idk. a few families. there is only 1 YW i think and 1 YM.... probably 12 kids in primary.
you asked about why last p-day was on saturday....... Saturday was an adventure on it's own. honestly i will just tell you in person, long story. we attempted to see the Lion King. key word is attempted. crazy how even not doing missionary work, all plans never go as you expect them to ha but we had a great day in London anyways. really loved it. that's another thing i have learned. plans never go as you expect, but why get angry or upset? doesn't change anything! just enjoy the moment.
I asked her if she was still doing the list of things she loves about England -- ya i am the worst and completely have forgotten about the whole "things I
love about England" thing. still love England, just forgot to write one each
time. sorry! this weeks: you can ALWAYS talk about the weather. everyone does.
honestly always. no matter what. because it is so crazy. always something to
talk about. and people love talking about it. speaking of the weather, today
it is spitting with a bit of misty fog.
got to play football with the whole zone today! well just all the other
elders. the other sisters didn't come, and sister Larson didn't play.... but it
was SO FUN!.... i forget how much i like sports until i play them. too bad i am
going to be stuck in hemet with no one to play with. except you adam. i will
make you play with me all the time :) McKay could take offense at this, cause he loves to play, but he probably won't have time to play anyways. :(
sorry this is a lame email. so many miracles have been happening, but i
will just tell them to you later. (when she gets home, we'll have her write them down and we'll put them on as a final blog post).
i love England! i love being a missionary. and i love the gospel.
It is general conference this weekend! are you as excited as i am?
probably not.... probably not possible. Our ward is having a challenge, to
think of a question or concern or problem you are having in life and come to
conference thinking about it, and if we come with a teachable heart and mind and
ask Heavenly Father to help us receive and recognise an answer, I know that we
will. how lucky are we that we have a prophet to help direct and guide us. I
know that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and just as He worked
in the past through a prophet, there is one leading and guiding us today.
loved this video - worth 1 minute and 5 seconds. :)
My farewell talk is below if you would like to read it and know some more about what I believe:
My farewell talk--- geez luweez it is here
Hi! For those of you who don’t know me my name is Rachel Formica. I have been called to serve a mission in the London England mission. I report to the Preston England MTC in about a week and a half! I got my call back around Christmas time. And back then April seemed so far away…. I would say to myself, Oh I don’t need to do that now I have plenty of time…. And now I am like dang it, I am pretty much out of time and I still have stuff to do!
The story of me going on a mission dates back all the way to when I was really little. My dad would always say where do you want to go on your mission? And I would answer Mcdonals!... I think Ill take London over McDonalds. So a mission has always really been in the back of my mind. Then up at school I met some people and the thought of a mission got pushed even further back in my mind. That all changed in October 2012. I don’t know if you guys were watching October Conference… but it was just a normal conference day for our apartment. We sat down to watch it and President Thomas S. Monson gets up and starts talking about missions and guys… and I sat straight up. I just had this feeling like oh my gosh what is he gonna say… and then he lowers the boom…. (tell the story).
One question that I have been asked repeatedly is why am I going. And honestly it is probably the hardest question for me to answer. Not because I don’t have reasons, but because there are so many and it is just an indescribable feeling I have. President Hinckley has said, "Today many sisters are being called to serve. Many more are preparing to serve. Not because they aren't married or don’t have anything else to do, but they have the desire to serve." And that is exactly why I am going. I have a desire to share the gospel with those who don’t have it. I have a desire to come closer to and serve my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I have a desire to become the best person I can be by devoting 18 months of my life to serving others. I have a desire to share how I have found true happiness and the key to true happiness, which is… this gospel.
The word gospel means good story or good news. And that is exactly what the gospel is! The gospel is a ray of hope in the difficult journey of life. So what exactly is the good news? The good news is that all mistakes and sins can be overcome! That no matter where you are in life, you have the chance to repent, to be pure again, and return to live with your Father in Heaven. President Thomas S Monson said, “We need to bear in mind that people can change. They can put behind them bad habits. They can repent from transgressions. They can bear the priesthood worthily. And they can serve the Lord diligently.” And how is this possible? Through the atonement of Jesus Christ. "The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the central fact, the crucial foundation, and the chief doctrine of the plan of salvation… prophet Joseph Smith said everything about our religion is only “appendages” to the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The atonement is the foundation of the gospel, and our job? Go and teach it to everyone!"
In Elder Bednar’s talk “the enabling power of the atonement” He suggests we are very familiar with the redeeming power of the Atonement but not with the enabling power of the atonement. “The enabling power of the Atonement strengthens us to do and be good and to serve beyond our own individual desire and natural capacity.” Because I have the enabling power of the atonement I have the strength to do difficult things. Like going on a mission! I am getting a little nervous about serving even though I know I obviously don’t look it...haha However, I know that through the enabling power of the atonement I will be able to do whatever the Lord needs me to do.
Also my fears and nerves were put to ease after reading that In Gethsemane Jesus Christ comforted his disciples saying, “Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.” Elder Holland said, “This is the most universally disobeyed commandment. I am convinced that none of us can appreciate how deeply it wounds the loving heart of the Savior of the world when he finds that his people do not feel confident in his care or secure in his hands.” This was a shock to me when I read it. I had never thought of it that way. There have been so many times when I have been afraid or felt so hopeless. After hearing that I know that if I rely on the atonement there is no need to fear anything. The trick is to rely on the atonement to receive its enabling power when burdens seem too overwhelming.
This does not only apply to missions, but to every aspect of our lives. Every one has problems in their own life that seem unbearable, but just remember, there isn’t one problem that our Savior Jesus Christ did not suffer for. Through the atonement there is not any problem that you cannot repent of. No trial you cannot overcome.
On the first page of Preach My Gospel it says that the purpose of a missionary is to: “Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.” Elder Russell M. Nelson gave a talk that stated: In every problem present in the world, the atonement is the answer. Ask the missionaries they can help you! The means by which they help is through the atonement. As a missionary or member, if we see meet someone who is struggling, it is not our job to judge them. It is not our job to see them as too difficult to teach. It is not our job to deem them as too far off the path. It is our job to see their heavenly potential, to see them as our brothers and sisters and as children of our Heavenly Father.
Our beloved Prophet Thomas S. Monson said, “We should develop the capacity to see men not as they are but as they can become when they have a testimony of the gospel, and when their lives are in harmony with its teachings.” He told of a young successful missionary, who when asked how he baptized so many people he responded, he saw everyone as they could be. He saw them dressed in white, living the commandments regardless of their actual appearance or situation. We have the responsibility to see individuals not as they are, but rather how they can become, because through the atonement of Jesus Christ everyone can repent and reach their fullest potential. This requires hard work and effort and change.
I don’t know about you guys, maybe it is just me, but I have found that there are about three different stages when I am faced with something new. Either a big project, a change in life, or for me the most recent has been a semester in school. The first stage is the planning stage. It is the stage where we are hopeful. We look at the task ahead and think, “oh we can do that.” For me with school I think I am going to read all of the chapters ahead of time. I am going to spend 4 hrs in the library everyday, I am going to not procrastinate with HW and studying…. This lasts a few weeks tops.
The second stage is when things have started to go downhill. Doubt has crept in. Things have gotten
harder than you expected and you lose faith and you think there has to be an easier way. This wave
usually happens to me after my first set of midterms. I slack off a bit, get behind on a couple of
assignments, the reading builds up to the point where there is no way I am catching up, and I begin to
feel hopeless. I think why did I ever take on this load. There has to be an easier way… maybe if I
switched my major or dropped some classes. But eventually after what seems like forever, we make it
through the task. We look back and realize it was necessary for us to overcome this task and see how
much we have grown because of it.
These stages are similar to the atonement with the Savior, not that I am saying it is anything near what the Savior experienced, I am saying however, “How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him?” "If He could come forward in the night, kneel down, fall on His face, bleed from every pore, and cry, 'Abba, Father (Papa), if this cup can pass, let it pass,' then little wonder that salvation is not a whimsical or easy thing for us. If you wonder if there isn’t an easier way, you should remember you are not the first one to ask that. Someone a lot greater and a lot grander asked a long time ago if there wasn’t an easier way. And we have to remember that it is because of His suffering, that we can overcome our suffering. Through the atonement we can receive comfort and strength.”
When I was younger every week for family night we would choose a hymn to learn the words and practice singing. Every week we would try and sing a different one, but one that seemed to be Adam’s favorites was “How firm a foundation”. I used to think it was his favorite because it is a loud song, that you can really belt, and for those of you who know Adam you know he isn’t the quietest boy. Without fail for a solid year Adam was always singing How firm a foundation at the top of his lungs, whether in the bath, playing with his toys, or just around the house. And he would sing it with such firm resonance. Later I found out that he would sing it when he was scared. For a while there he used to be really afraid of different things. For example, he didn’t like to go down the dark hallway alone, so my parents taught him this song, and after he learned it every time he was afraid to do something, he would sing this song.
"Fear not I am with thee oh be not dismayed, for I am thy God and will still give thee aid,
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee, to stand,
Upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand…
When through fiery trials they pathway shall lie, my grace all sufficient shall be thy supply.”
I love those words. This may become my new favorite hymn. His grace is all sufficient. No matter what struggle we are facing we don’t need to fear, because through the atonement we can receive enabling power to overcome it.
One example I have seen lately of someone relying on our Heavenly Father and the atonement and receiving enabling power is that of my sister Rebecca. I don’t know if everyone knows but this past weekend she had a pretty severe surgery. It was completely unexpected. My mom had just driven up to Utah to help me pack and drive me home, when Becca just got really sick the second day my mom was there. It was a complete blessing that my mom was in town to take her to the ER and have this surgery performed. Although this could have been a pretty scary time for Rebecca I haven’t seen her once not have a smile on her face. She could complain why did this have to happen to me? I just had jaw surgery, give it to Rachel she has never had anything like this. Or she could have been really angry that she had to get behind a week in school and have to make up three tests, and so many other things. But she has relied on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and accepted this and has moved forward with a cheerful and positive attitude. When I have a hard time on the mission, I am going to try and meet it with the same attitude that Rebecca has met this challenge with.
I am so excited to go and serve the people of England. I am excited to share the beauty of the Atonement and how we can receive strength and comfort from it. I cannot wait to share this gospel which brings me so much happiness, to everyone one that I meet. I definitely will miss my family, but I heard a quote I love. I am Giving up my family for a short amount of time so I can help others be with their families for forever.
My farewell talk is below if you would like to read it and know some more about what I believe:
My farewell talk--- geez luweez it is here
Hi! For those of you who don’t know me my name is Rachel Formica. I have been called to serve a mission in the London England mission. I report to the Preston England MTC in about a week and a half! I got my call back around Christmas time. And back then April seemed so far away…. I would say to myself, Oh I don’t need to do that now I have plenty of time…. And now I am like dang it, I am pretty much out of time and I still have stuff to do!
The story of me going on a mission dates back all the way to when I was really little. My dad would always say where do you want to go on your mission? And I would answer Mcdonals!... I think Ill take London over McDonalds. So a mission has always really been in the back of my mind. Then up at school I met some people and the thought of a mission got pushed even further back in my mind. That all changed in October 2012. I don’t know if you guys were watching October Conference… but it was just a normal conference day for our apartment. We sat down to watch it and President Thomas S. Monson gets up and starts talking about missions and guys… and I sat straight up. I just had this feeling like oh my gosh what is he gonna say… and then he lowers the boom…. (tell the story).
One question that I have been asked repeatedly is why am I going. And honestly it is probably the hardest question for me to answer. Not because I don’t have reasons, but because there are so many and it is just an indescribable feeling I have. President Hinckley has said, "Today many sisters are being called to serve. Many more are preparing to serve. Not because they aren't married or don’t have anything else to do, but they have the desire to serve." And that is exactly why I am going. I have a desire to share the gospel with those who don’t have it. I have a desire to come closer to and serve my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I have a desire to become the best person I can be by devoting 18 months of my life to serving others. I have a desire to share how I have found true happiness and the key to true happiness, which is… this gospel.
The word gospel means good story or good news. And that is exactly what the gospel is! The gospel is a ray of hope in the difficult journey of life. So what exactly is the good news? The good news is that all mistakes and sins can be overcome! That no matter where you are in life, you have the chance to repent, to be pure again, and return to live with your Father in Heaven. President Thomas S Monson said, “We need to bear in mind that people can change. They can put behind them bad habits. They can repent from transgressions. They can bear the priesthood worthily. And they can serve the Lord diligently.” And how is this possible? Through the atonement of Jesus Christ. "The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the central fact, the crucial foundation, and the chief doctrine of the plan of salvation… prophet Joseph Smith said everything about our religion is only “appendages” to the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The atonement is the foundation of the gospel, and our job? Go and teach it to everyone!"
In Elder Bednar’s talk “the enabling power of the atonement” He suggests we are very familiar with the redeeming power of the Atonement but not with the enabling power of the atonement. “The enabling power of the Atonement strengthens us to do and be good and to serve beyond our own individual desire and natural capacity.” Because I have the enabling power of the atonement I have the strength to do difficult things. Like going on a mission! I am getting a little nervous about serving even though I know I obviously don’t look it...haha However, I know that through the enabling power of the atonement I will be able to do whatever the Lord needs me to do.
Also my fears and nerves were put to ease after reading that In Gethsemane Jesus Christ comforted his disciples saying, “Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.” Elder Holland said, “This is the most universally disobeyed commandment. I am convinced that none of us can appreciate how deeply it wounds the loving heart of the Savior of the world when he finds that his people do not feel confident in his care or secure in his hands.” This was a shock to me when I read it. I had never thought of it that way. There have been so many times when I have been afraid or felt so hopeless. After hearing that I know that if I rely on the atonement there is no need to fear anything. The trick is to rely on the atonement to receive its enabling power when burdens seem too overwhelming.
This does not only apply to missions, but to every aspect of our lives. Every one has problems in their own life that seem unbearable, but just remember, there isn’t one problem that our Savior Jesus Christ did not suffer for. Through the atonement there is not any problem that you cannot repent of. No trial you cannot overcome.
On the first page of Preach My Gospel it says that the purpose of a missionary is to: “Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.” Elder Russell M. Nelson gave a talk that stated: In every problem present in the world, the atonement is the answer. Ask the missionaries they can help you! The means by which they help is through the atonement. As a missionary or member, if we see meet someone who is struggling, it is not our job to judge them. It is not our job to see them as too difficult to teach. It is not our job to deem them as too far off the path. It is our job to see their heavenly potential, to see them as our brothers and sisters and as children of our Heavenly Father.
Our beloved Prophet Thomas S. Monson said, “We should develop the capacity to see men not as they are but as they can become when they have a testimony of the gospel, and when their lives are in harmony with its teachings.” He told of a young successful missionary, who when asked how he baptized so many people he responded, he saw everyone as they could be. He saw them dressed in white, living the commandments regardless of their actual appearance or situation. We have the responsibility to see individuals not as they are, but rather how they can become, because through the atonement of Jesus Christ everyone can repent and reach their fullest potential. This requires hard work and effort and change.
I don’t know about you guys, maybe it is just me, but I have found that there are about three different stages when I am faced with something new. Either a big project, a change in life, or for me the most recent has been a semester in school. The first stage is the planning stage. It is the stage where we are hopeful. We look at the task ahead and think, “oh we can do that.” For me with school I think I am going to read all of the chapters ahead of time. I am going to spend 4 hrs in the library everyday, I am going to not procrastinate with HW and studying…. This lasts a few weeks tops.
The second stage is when things have started to go downhill. Doubt has crept in. Things have gotten
harder than you expected and you lose faith and you think there has to be an easier way. This wave
usually happens to me after my first set of midterms. I slack off a bit, get behind on a couple of
assignments, the reading builds up to the point where there is no way I am catching up, and I begin to
feel hopeless. I think why did I ever take on this load. There has to be an easier way… maybe if I
switched my major or dropped some classes. But eventually after what seems like forever, we make it
through the task. We look back and realize it was necessary for us to overcome this task and see how
much we have grown because of it.
These stages are similar to the atonement with the Savior, not that I am saying it is anything near what the Savior experienced, I am saying however, “How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him?” "If He could come forward in the night, kneel down, fall on His face, bleed from every pore, and cry, 'Abba, Father (Papa), if this cup can pass, let it pass,' then little wonder that salvation is not a whimsical or easy thing for us. If you wonder if there isn’t an easier way, you should remember you are not the first one to ask that. Someone a lot greater and a lot grander asked a long time ago if there wasn’t an easier way. And we have to remember that it is because of His suffering, that we can overcome our suffering. Through the atonement we can receive comfort and strength.”
When I was younger every week for family night we would choose a hymn to learn the words and practice singing. Every week we would try and sing a different one, but one that seemed to be Adam’s favorites was “How firm a foundation”. I used to think it was his favorite because it is a loud song, that you can really belt, and for those of you who know Adam you know he isn’t the quietest boy. Without fail for a solid year Adam was always singing How firm a foundation at the top of his lungs, whether in the bath, playing with his toys, or just around the house. And he would sing it with such firm resonance. Later I found out that he would sing it when he was scared. For a while there he used to be really afraid of different things. For example, he didn’t like to go down the dark hallway alone, so my parents taught him this song, and after he learned it every time he was afraid to do something, he would sing this song.
"Fear not I am with thee oh be not dismayed, for I am thy God and will still give thee aid,
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee, to stand,
Upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand…
When through fiery trials they pathway shall lie, my grace all sufficient shall be thy supply.”
I love those words. This may become my new favorite hymn. His grace is all sufficient. No matter what struggle we are facing we don’t need to fear, because through the atonement we can receive enabling power to overcome it.
One example I have seen lately of someone relying on our Heavenly Father and the atonement and receiving enabling power is that of my sister Rebecca. I don’t know if everyone knows but this past weekend she had a pretty severe surgery. It was completely unexpected. My mom had just driven up to Utah to help me pack and drive me home, when Becca just got really sick the second day my mom was there. It was a complete blessing that my mom was in town to take her to the ER and have this surgery performed. Although this could have been a pretty scary time for Rebecca I haven’t seen her once not have a smile on her face. She could complain why did this have to happen to me? I just had jaw surgery, give it to Rachel she has never had anything like this. Or she could have been really angry that she had to get behind a week in school and have to make up three tests, and so many other things. But she has relied on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and accepted this and has moved forward with a cheerful and positive attitude. When I have a hard time on the mission, I am going to try and meet it with the same attitude that Rebecca has met this challenge with.
I am so excited to go and serve the people of England. I am excited to share the beauty of the Atonement and how we can receive strength and comfort from it. I cannot wait to share this gospel which brings me so much happiness, to everyone one that I meet. I definitely will miss my family, but I heard a quote I love. I am Giving up my family for a short amount of time so I can help others be with their families for forever.
Monday, September 15, 2014
"Do Not Enter"
This week was a great week. Honestly so good. we have found some amazing
people. Heavenly Father truly is preparing people and is at the head of this
work.
not much time so I will just tell one story, doesn't really have
to do with missionary work though. just me and my dumb ideas. luckily sister
Larson is a champ.
but we were running a bit late one day. and on our map we saw this footpath
(they are all over England) that would take us exactly where we needed to go.
perfect right?..... at the end of the footpath there is this huge posh gate that
is bolted and chained and a posh ancient mansion type place. on the left of the
path though there was a park, and we figured it was the park that was shown on
the map. so we decided that instead of going all the way back the long way we
would just hop the fence. now let me tell you. this wasn't some tiny
little fence. it was tall and had pokey things on the top. we almost ripped
holes in our skirts, but we were able to hop it.
turns out it wasn't the park we thought. but a private football
training ground, with no exit except through a locker room
thing. that definitely wasn't happening. so we were creeping around trying not
to be seen, when we found this gate at the back that said Do Not Enter..... so
what did we do? We entered.... looking back probably not the wisest thing to do,
but we were desperate!
turns out it meant do not enter. it was no man's land between people's back
garden and this training facility. and the entire thing was just trees bushes
and thorns. no you may think I am exaggerating about this, but as Sister Larson
as my witness, and the videos I will show you when I get home, I am not. we were
on our hands and knees crawling through stinging nettle, dirt, and thorns. It
was the funniest thing. we were just laughing the entire time. finally we
heard a busy road and we able to make it to another big fence and hop it and end
up on the side of a busy motorway. we were freeeee!
ended up taking WAY longer than just going back the way we came. but it
worked out because A) it was a fun adventure and B) we were able to use it the
next day when we were teaching at a youth conference.
It is a perfect demonstration of the fact that God has given us the gospel,
the commandments, and standards to help us. It is like the map we had. How
many times in our life though do we believe that it is easier, or more
convenient, or more popular to disregard what the map says and take our own
way. and each time we took our own way it got harder and we got more and more
over our heads. if we just follow the map that Heavenly Father has given us we
are able to avoid all the stinging nettles and thorns of sins. and luckily we
have repentance as well.
ironically later that day, we lost our map
 |
| pic from zone bbq last p-day |
so much to say but like I said i'll just tell you in a few weeks. literally
a few weeks. it really has been a week of miracles though.
and thanks for your prayers for Danie and Mario. Mario was baptised on
Saturday! Danie is getting baptised at the end of the month. Stella is also
getting baptised the week after I leave :( sad part about having General
Conference the last weekend because no baptisms that day so we had to schedule
it the week after. but that is okay, just so happy for her. she is the cutest
woman from Ghana, and probably has the 2 cutest children I have ever seen.
believe you me, I love them. i'll send a pic next week of them.
I had to give a talk this sunday, but it was definitely not as good as
yours adam. that was so great! thanks for sending it to me mum.
Love you! thanks for everything. :) hope you have had a great week.
thanks for the emails you are the best. love you!
Sister Formica
and I have been away from hemet too long, I am losing my gangsterness as
you can tell from the pic....
ps
love this scripture: “...when he falls he shall rise again, for his
sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase, saith the Lord”
(D&C 117:13). sometimes it isn't the result that Heavenly Father is
interested in, but what we are willing to sacrifice
Monday, September 8, 2014
ahhhhnotimeeeee
A lot to say and no time to say it!
We had a zone bbq with President and Sister Jordan in St. Albans at my old
ward mission leaders home....... so posh..... but now I have no time to email!
sorry
quick question. last few weeks for anyone to make a request of anything
they want from England. Anyone anything. food, chocolate, souvenirs. Like ask
Sherrie or Corisa if they want something or anyone else who has been to England
and wants something or if people are just curious. what chocolate would you
like family? I don't know what kind to bring home so please tell me!
I am now wearing my moccasins (well actually Rebecca's moccasins that I
stole about junior year in high school) around a lot because I am having some
feet problems and all my shoes kill and they are the only ones that don't hurt.
Soooooo not quite sure how sister Jordan would feel about it, but they don't
look THAT much different than my sperries right?
also we had a zone meeting last week and at every zone meeting they have a
man challenge for us to do as companions. guess who won the man challenge? but
actually we had a big advantage, one of the four sisters in our zone didn't want
to do it so we used all three of us. but one person would hold the plank
position for as long as they could and when they fell their companion had to
start and whichever companionship lasted the longest won!! and we lasted the
longest. out of 22 elders.... I know I know be impressed haha we discovered we
just needed to talk to each other while we were doing it to distract the person
holding it. so they asked me math equations. it really helped!
thank you so much Grandma Formica for the card. I loved it. Also
funny note they don't say Grandma here. you would be called nan......
We ate popcorn on our roof to celebrate my 17 month mark :)
not going to lie this week there was a day that was one of the hardest days
I have had in a while. but it was good to be able to remember that we always
need to rely on the Lord. that this is His work. we can't do it without Him.
And that no matter what if we are doing all we can then we can feel disappointed
but never discouraged. and I have realised that is good advice not just for a
mission, but for life!
I love you! hope you have a great week. ps so happy! people are saying
there is going to be another heat wave! whoooooo
Love ya!
Sister Formica
I (Mom) was reminded of this scripture in 2 Corinthians 4, vs. 8, especially:
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Monday, September 1, 2014
"granddad don't worry, I will teach how to play xbox."
"granddad don't worry, I will teach how to play xbox."
so cute. we heard a little boy say that to his granddad as they were
walking ahead of us. It is insane how great little kids are with technology.
when I get home I am sure that adam is going to be showing me how to do and work
everything!
I know I have said how much I love England. but I decided (at the very end
of my mission oops), that each week I am going to say a reason why I love
it!
1. everywhere you go there are wild blackberries growing.
everywhere. without fail and they are so delicious.
I read this verse this morning and I loved it. so true. it is right when
Ammon is reflecting on the missionary work that he and his brothers have been
able to be a part of. Alma 26:35-37
"Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were
men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and
my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all
wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful
Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his
name."
This just describes exactly how I feel. I could not have said it better
myself.
This area is beautiful! it reminds me a bit of Colorado. without
the amazing mountains of course. but it really is a nice place. and the ward is
good as well. it is predominately English and pretty small , but there are some
great families. Sister Larson is so funny. honestly hilarious. she should be a
comedian. She is from Utah and we could not be more opposite but we get
along brilliantly. She does not like sports one bit. she is a beautician, and
knows all things hair, make-up and nails. and she loves theatre and acting. we
are having a lot of fun together. she is having some health challenges. we have had to go to the
doctor and get some tests done, so I feel really bad for her having to deal with
this, but she has been feeling better lately so hopefully she will recover soon!
I am so excited to serve here and really get to know the members here and
serve them! I think that is going to be my focus this transfer -- service.
Serving my companion, serving the members, and the people here in Stevenage.
speaking of service, quick little miracle. we were in the library teaching
a member how to use the computer (such a cute lady from Ghana) and this
gentleman called me over and asked for my help on how to scan something. (I
think he thought I worked there) but I showed him how and we got talking
and started talking about my missionary work and everything and we ended up
calling over the member and Sister Larson and having a lesson right there about
the Book of Mormon and the Restoration. The more I learn about the Saviour, the
more I learn his way of teaching and going about His work was all centred on
serving others. It truly helps us have pure love for the people around us.
I hope you have a great week. I love you!!
Ps thank you so much Grandma and Grandpa Chipman; I got the card you sent
and loved it!
pps when I get home can we go to the dentist like straight away. it has
been way to long. I think we have good enough hook ups to work that out. ya?
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
"you is well old innit"
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL!!!
If you think the subject line and this next joke are funny, then you
understand English humor. How do you know that Heavenly Father is English?
Because every time He introduces His son, He says that He is well pleased.....
ha ha ha it's funny i promise.
so I decided since I am going to see you soon, i have to leave some stories and pics for then, so we will have something to talk about and I won't be boring! so the rest of my emails will be pretty bland sorryyyyyy :)
but other news many first of my lasts. i am moving again. i know i was not
expecting it. at all. wasn't too pleased originally, but I realised I was
probably a bit too comfortable and happy here, and life is about growing and
stretching and improving, and this is giving me a great opportunity for all of
those. I am moving to Stevenage with Sister L. from Utah. it'll be good. So off I go. feel
a bit jipped getting moved away from this amazing area after just 6 weeks, but
hey I'll go where you need me to go!
I am also really sad to leave Sister Jacobsmeyer. she has been such an
amazing companion. we have seen sooooo many miracles together, and have had so
much fun! good news is she is transferring from BYU-I to BYU next spring, so we
are going to room together! look at everything she did for my birthday! (pic) it
was so sweet. even sweeter was she woke up in the middle of the night to do it,
and sleep is a VERY precious thing as a missionary.....
England is the most beautiful place in the world. full stop. I can't
imagine leaving and not seeing places like the pic outside my train window every
week.
really love this video. It is about pornography which is such a devatsting
thing, and is all around us today. but the power they describe that comes
through Jesus Christ can and does help us not only in this addiction, but in
every aspect of our lives. I know that this is true.
http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=3736551143001&cid=HPFR082214366
http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=3736551143001&cid=HPFR082214366
Loved hearing from you! Sounds like life is in full swing. I hope you have
a great week! I love you and miss you!
Love,
Sister Formica
A few people have asked me for Rebecca's blog. It's very similar to Rachel's:
www.sisterrebeccaformica.blogspot.com She's just starting out, serving in the Tempe, AZ mission until her visa arrives for Australia. It's been a joy sharing Rachel's experiences with you all ... slowly coming to a close. Enjoy!
Monday, August 18, 2014
"If you push the wrong button, it will explode and you will die......i'm not joking."
first things first..... BILL AND ELEANOR GOT BAPTISED!!!! it was such an
incredible experience. I loved being able to be a part of it. It was such a spiritual service. everything went smoothly. loads of people came to support,
and you could see the joy on their faces.
but BEFORE it all went so great, Sister Jacobsmeyer and I were there
filling up the font a few hours before, and the hot water was not working. so we
called the guy in charge, and he starts to give us instructions for the boiler,
and then says the subject line quote, "If you push the wrong button, it will explode and you will die......I'm not joking." ..... and the scary part. he wasn't joking.
Kinda freaking out we go in and push the button he told us, all of a sudden it
starts to make this whrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr sound (kinda like a wookie) we both
jumped so high! but since I am emailing you obviously.... it did not explode.
but it was pretty dang scary.
 |
Bill and his wife Caren and our ward mission leader, Brother D... (he is amazing)
|
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| Eleanor is the cutest dang thing in the world |
Eleanor is the cutest dang thing in the world. honestly if you met her you
just want to pick her up and give her a squeeze. she has more faith than the
world put together. she just wants to follow Jesus Christ and do what is right.
She was beaming on her baptism day.
Bill is one of my favourite people I have met here on the mission. He
acts all big and tough and grumpy, but he has a heart of gold. he is so
genuinely kind and such a big teddy bear.
With the baptisms, both of them are not so great with their motor skills.
It was very touching to see their complete faith and trust in the person that
was baptising them to be able to lower them into the water and then help them to
straighten back up. I was a bit nervous for both of them, but they went off
without a hitch! They are such great examples that no one is every too old to
change. We hear the excuse a lot that I am too old and set in my ways and can't
change. Not true. you can never be too old to follow our Saviour. so many
times in the scriptures he beckons the old and the young to come unto
Him.
and lately I have been thinking about this in relation to other things
outside of the gospel as well! people think that if you have not been doing
something since you were young, that there is no use starting later in life. why
the heck not? that is why we are here to learn and to grow. so if you want to
start a hobby or skill just go for it! if you want to learn to play the piano,
do it! if you want to start painting or sewing, or a new sport, why not! just
because you won't be an expert in it, and there may be people younger and better
than you, does not mean anything. swallow your pride and have some fun. so i
have a long list of things i want to learn and and do when I get home! :) dust
off the banjo dad because that is on the list.
there were fireworks going off last night! not quite sure why, but we
figured obviously it was in celebration for Barry and Eliza's baptism and
confirmation.
I got to go to norwich this week, and it is so beautiful there. so much
posh shopping and such old buildings. the history and culture here in England
amazes me everyday.
because of the sensitiveness of the situation i won't go into detail, but
this week I realised a big lesson that I have learned on my mission is to let
things go. Pride really is a root of all evil. It says such great things about
someone's character if they are able to just let things go. Even if they are
not wrong, to just say I am sorry, what can we do to resolve this and move
forward. It does nothing arguing back and forth, trying to get the last word
in. Not worth it.
Miracle that happened this week. On thursday, it poured. i mean the sky
opened and buckets of water came down on us, and all of our appointments
canceled or postponed, and our backup plans also fell through so we were unsure
what to do. just a bit after everything fell through, we get a phone call from
a lady named Patty. She called and said that she used to see the missionaries
about 4 years ago, and she used to help them out with lifts and stuff, and she
was just calling to see if there was anything she could do to help
us.............. miracle from heaven just fell into our lap! we went over to
her house that night and met with her and her 14 year old daughter Lisa. we had
a great lesson, and they came to the baptism and to church on Sunday! She loves
the church and the standards it has and the programs it has for the youth and
members. it is brilliant how Heavenly Father knows our lives and He knows when
the timing is right for each one of us. 4 years later with different
experiences and situations, and now she and her daughter are ready to accept and
live the gospel.
This week was another brilliant beyond brilliant week. I can't believe
next week is transfers. we have no idea what is going on. there are about a
million and one ways he could move us, because we can't both stay together
because we are both leaving next transfer..... but we would love to stay
together. we keep asking President Jordan what is going on, but he is not
giving us anything!
 |
| i wish i could send a video of the raining pic. made us quite the little jingle to the beat of the thunder. and of course the bus was 30 mins late. i was over hiding under a little bush thing trying to stay dry. didn't work. |
oh well whatever happens is going to be great! because missionary work is
the best gig in the world. we get to go around meeting new people from all over
the world with different experiences and situations, and we get to share the
gospel with them. The thing that brings me the most joy and perspective, and I
get to tell people about it all day everyday. AND I happen to be serving in the
most incredible place. London. lets be real. I never want to leave! but
i do miss and love you! have a great week! :) Rachel
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