In Which I See Christmas For What It Should Be

Dear Family,

Merry Christmas Adam! The day before Christmas Eve :)

This week has been great! We had fantastic lessons with both B and A, and A's progressing so much! I feel so blessed to be working with her and seeing her faith grow, which makes my own faith grow. It's amazing to see them progress!

During this month of December, I’ve started to realize how much I love being a missionary at this time of year! Our message to the members this month has been John 3:16-17. We tell members how Heavenly Father gave us a priceless gift- His Son- and His Son gave us the ultimate gift- the Atonement. Then we talk about some things that we can give Christ for Christmas. It’s funny to hear the kid’s answers (they tell us Jesus would like toys for Christmas). Their hearts are in the right place and it’s so cute to see them want to give Christ things that are important to them!

I love being away from the commercialized aspect of Christmas. I love not worrying about presents or being occupied with Christmas movies or stuff like that (although we’ve been listening to Christmas music for the past 2 months now). It’s amazing to see and feel the Spirit of Christmas, which is so much stronger when you’re a missionary. That doesn’t mean we’re not excited for Christmas day, but there are things that need to be the center of Christmas, like Christ! I’m so grateful I get to experience Christmas as a missionary. It's one of the most amazing experiences.

Have a great Christmas and love you all!

Love

Sister Rogerson

In Which Good Decisions are Made

Dear Family-

 

Sorry it's been a while since I've written! Days just go by so much faster than they should!

 

This week was a little bit slow, then we had the absolute best day yesterday! Our investigator, A, came to church by herself. Usually her less-active husband comes with her, but for some reason he didn't yesterday. A found a ride and got there by herself. She also gave the opening prayer in Gospel Principles, and that was the first time she's prayed in front of people before. She really sees the importance of church and enjoys coming. We have a lesson with her tonight, and I trust God that it will go well!

We also had a huge miraculous miracle yesterday! We've been working with a less-active, C, and her recently baptized daughter Ca. We've also been teaching Ca's dad, B, who isn't married to C and is not a member. Yesterday C and B decided to get married! They've been together for 16 years, and have wanted to get married but never did it. They talked to Bishop Lomenick, who told them he would do it for no cost. Their plan is to get married in January or February. I'm so happy for them!

With this particular experience, I've learned that there is no knot that God cannot untangle. Since He knows the outcome of all things, He knows what events will lead to good decisions. All we have to do is actually follow the promptings we get from the Spirit that will help us figure out how to solve life's puzzles.

I've been reading in the book of Revelations, and I'm amazed at how many of the prophecies in that book have come to pass already! We as missionaries really are here to help people prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord. We can do that by the Spirit if we are worthy of it. God has called us here to serve in California, and there is no way He is going to let us fail. Several experiences have made me realize that God does not forsake anyone. I have felt His protection all around me. I tell Sis. Wall all the time- "There is NO WAY this gospel is not true!"

I'm so happy to serve here! I love it!

Have a great week!

 

Love,

Sister Rogerson