Letter from Sister Tiffany Johnson, December 17, 2013

Hello Everyone,
     Well my NEW companion is Sister Woods. She is from England and because of that she has a strong accent. People in our area have a hard time understanding her and so they look to me for translation. Haha Luckily I understand her just fine, it must be because God put us together as companions. I do at times struggle understanding what she is asking for because they refer to things differently in England. So for example last night she asked me if we had "100 and 1000s" I asked if she meant a 100 grand bar? She looked at me like I was the crazy one and then kept saying 100 and 1000s like I would know what she was talking about. After about a half hour of what seemed like the weirdest game of charades I figured out she was talking about SPRINKLES! So shopping together is interesting. But she is a really sweet girl and is really nice to wake up earlier than we have to so I can work out. (She hates working out so it is really nice that she makes the sacrifice for me).
       Our area is blowing up. Its been one miracle after another. Our first day together we had an appointment with Tasha and her daughters. (They are getting baptized in 2 weeks) For the last couple of days I had been praying for help as to how I could get Tasha's little sister Sierra to start taking the lessons with us. Finally that night I felt inspired that it was time. So I asked if she would join us. She told me that she will just sit in the other room and listen. As I was about to start the lesson I felt the spirit tell me that it wasn't good enough for her to just sit in the other room and that she needed to be involved in the lesson. So I got up, took a deep breath and said while handing her a pamphlet. We are going to read the first paragraph together and I am going to be asking you a question. She looked at me a little shocked and then I smile. As I walked back to my seat in the kitchen she got up and followed me to the kitchen. The lesson went amazing she was really receptive and opened up to us about her thoughts and feelings. My companion then invited her to be baptized. Sierra gave a hesitant sure and tried to leave it at that. I felt like she should set a date though so not knowing what day I walk to the calendar and just pointed to a random date and asked her if she would prepare herself to be baptized this day. She looked at me then at the day. She gave me a nervous sure. Then she looked back at the day and just stared at it. The spirit filled the room as everyone just watched her in silence. Sierra began to cry and whispered YES. It was amazing the spirit was so strong. The date that we set with her is January 25th. We know get to opportunity to help prepare her for this date. I don't believe that I did anything special but I know that God really wanted to teach Sierra that night and I luckily just got to be a part of it. My companion and I literally skipped for joy to our bikes and where then embarrassed to realize that the family had followed us out and they were laughing and saying good bye to us.
    The miracles didn't stop there. When we got to the apartment I realized we had a missed call. I quickly called the number back and heard a familiar voice on the phone saying "Sister Johnson, I am so glad to hear from you. Do you remember me?" I thought and thought and then was filled with joy when I realized that it was Brian and young man we met months ago at a less active members home. We had given had talked to him a little about our beliefs but were unable to set up a return appointment and he didn't have a phone but we got his address. A few weeks later we were riding past his home and I felt like we should stop and check on him. But I kept riding, the feeling didn't leave. I turned to look back at his apartment, there he was riding his bike towards us. I was so caught off guard I didn't know what to say so I said HI. He looked at me and asked how we were doing. Sadly he was late to work and speed off before I could set up a time we could come teach him. I felt awful that I didn't immediately follow the promptings of the spirit and I thought that possible that I might have just blown a great opportunity with teaching Brian. Over the next few weeks his name would come to mind and I would just feel bad about it because I didn't do as I was asked. But now here he was calling us, he explained on the phone that he just bought a phone and asked his friends for our number. He said that he doesn't know why but felt like we could help him and direct him on the right path. I literally ran across the apartment and pulled out my planner and said "when can we come over?" He laughed and we were able to set up an appointment. It was incredible! The lesson with him went very well, he asked a lot of good questions and committed to read the Book of Mormon. He also gave us a soft commitment to be baptized if he finds it to be true. So keep him in your prayers.
   Here is a funny story for you guys.So this morning I woke up at 12:30. I felt awful and jumped out of bed calling out to my companion saying "o my goodness we slept in till midday. Hurry get up we have to get to work." I than ran to the window and looked out to see that it was still really dark. My companion was in a daze in her bed saying but its still dark outside. My heart was racing so fast that I just couldn't focus and I told her no its midday we have to get going, I can't believe we slept in so late. I felt like the worst trainer.  Than when I took a moment to slow down and looked at Sister Woods she explained to me that it was not midday but that it was 12:30 in the morning. Now my feelings of fear were replaced with embarrassment. When I woke up at the correct time in the morning I hoped that last nights crazy fest was just a dream and that Sister Woods didn't think I was crazy. But while we were eating breakfast, she looked at me and said Remember when you went completely crazy last night and started running around the house. Haha We had a good laugh about it and just decided that I was crazy but she will keep me as her companion anyways.  I think being a trainer is stressing me out and my night panic attack last night is proof of that.
    Know that I love all of you and Love my mission. It is amazing being able to give the best Christmas gift of all which is the GOSPEL. This is the true church, the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Don't be scared to share it. Miracles are happening everyday and not just to the people wearing the missionary badge.
             Stay close to the spirit and never hesitate or doubt what you are feeling prompted to do.
                    LOVE ALWAYS,
                            Sister Johnson

Brenda and Brian Snow Family Update

Dallin, Kassidy, Austin

Brooklyn, Brian, Brenda, Jordan

 

Life in the home of Snow, this past year has been full of stuff I am sure.....my purse is empty and the kids are growing up way to fast! The house gets cleaned only to get messy. Money earned only to be spent. Food bought than gone. (Did I mention they were growing? I don't think boys can ever really be "full" !) This past year Kassidy graduated from High School and from Dental assisting school (although still looking for a job in the field) moved out and is now living with Aunt Ramona and Uncle Devin, and loving it.

Austin is  a junior in High School this year, and also this year has become the tallest person in our family. (Much to his delight) He worked this past summer at 7Peaks Water Park to earn some spending money & to save. He is now on the JV Ballroom team at school and loving it ! Taking new art classes and draws all the time.

Dallin is now in 8th grade. And just passed Brian in height. (Hoping to catch up to Austin) This past summer Dallin was able to earn a little money as well through mowing lawns for some neighbors. Dallin will also help Brian in fixing boats and is good to help that way. He still enjoys baseball and did a lot of hiking this summer with a friend and his family. Not little hikes either. To the top of Y Mountain, Squaw Peak . Sometimes biking to the hike and then hiking. But the best bike ride is the one to BYU Creamery. Dallin also started back into piano lessons this year. He would rather not but mom says it is good for him.

Brooklyn entered double digits in age this year. Can't believe she is 10 and in 5th grade !! This summer was soccer and softball sports to keep her busy (and mom and dad running around !!). When school started she started piano lessons and plays for us all the time. She joined the school choir and also started orchestra playing the violin. Brooklyn keeps us going !

Jordan is now 8 and was baptized this last year. He is in 2nd grade and doing great !  (Although reading is not his favorite subject, recess is !) Jordan played soccer this past year and baseball. Brian was his coach and Jordan thought that was the best !  Jordan is also doing after school art class and gets to bring home some fun projects. He also started piano this year and is doing pretty good.

Brian is still working BYU and is now working in the Cannon Center. He is still working on boats here and there and was lucky enough to do a boat winterization when we received our first snow fall......(OK, maybe 'lucky' isn't the word, he certainly wasn't warm and fuzzy when done.) Dallin was lucky enough to help (thank goodness he did)! Brian was more than willing to share his cold hands when he came in. ........ Just imagine lots of screaming.

Brenda, is still working for Aunt Vicky and liking what she does. Still doing laundry and fixing dinner....usually. Always finding new projects for Brian to do, and trying, trying, trying to keep peace in this crazy family.

We have been truly blessed with a wonderful family and count our many blessings each day. Loving this Holiday season to refocus the spirit of Christmas and the reason for the season.  Spending time with each other whether it be 4 wheeling or family movie or temple square. Being with  my family is what brings me the greatest joy.

Letter from Sister Tiffany Johnson December 10, 2013

Alright FAMILY and Friends are you ready for the results of Transfer calls.

  I am officially going to be a Trainer! There is only ONE new sister missionary coming this transfer so I thought that I was safe and wasn't going to be asked. I also thought I was safe because nobody called to talk to me about training like they did with my old companion. So it came as a complete shock when I heard that I would be training, so much so that I had to listen to the message a few times. I don't feel at all prepared to take on this big responsibility since I literally just finished my own training on saturday. I thought they would choose someone a lot more experienced than me to train this one sister. But when I received the call from the APs after the transfer call I felt a little more comfortable with this change. They said that they fasted and prayed for weeks, to know which Sister should train. They than reassured me that it was my name that continued to come to each of there minds and that they know God needs me to train this Sister. I too know that this is the Lord's mission and that he has a plan for us, so who am I to stand in the way and doubt his plan. I am humbled by this call and know this is going to be one of the most stressful transfers for me, but with God on my side all things are possible. At this moment I feel like the father in Mark 9 who is plead with Christ to help his son. And he says in verse 24 "the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I  believe; help thou mine unbelief." Luckily for me I know that it is only through Christ that I can make this step in my life and I pray each night that he too will help mine unbelief. I may not know the scriptures like I should, or the area as well as I need too, but I know that I am a daughter of God. That this is the true church and I need to take the counsel in Matt. 10:19 which states "take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak." I need to forget myself and happily get to work. So thank you for the support, the cheers, and the advice. It is greatly appreciated. If you have any advice feel free to send it my way.

    For this last week it has been pretty good. My companion was still hurting from the accident so we had to walk, my feet were so cold that it felt like I was walking on ROCKS. So next week I hope to find time to buy boots. But we were able to see miracles.  For example Tasha, the first lady I ever taught on my mission is on fire right now. Last sunday she stood us up again and didn't come to church. So we went to her home. I got up the courage and tried to be as bold as possible and asked "why have you not been coming to church each week, when you always commit to go." She than looked at me a little shocked and after a few moments of silence she than said "I have been afraid of hurting my dads feelings and scared what he will do when he finds out that I am joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and am no longer going to go to his church with him." We thanked her for her honesty and than I told her about how she has too attend church 3 times to be baptized. I continued by explaining that though it will be hard to talk to her dad she needs to make a decision that is going to be best for her and her daughters. We left not sure what Tasha was going to do. However, Tuesday evening we were surprised to see a post on Facebook by Tasha. This is what she posted "December 28, 2013 My girls and I are gonna be Baptized @ The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints. We are very happy and have made the decision to commit our lived to Jesus Christ Our Savior. Please no judgement towards me or my children. Sorry if I offend anyone but I have to let my fear of disappointment go for the future of myself and my family. We have been looking into this future and we have decided to dedicate our lives to be able to go out and minister the word of God to the world. I love everyone equally and have a strong feeling about our future. I love you all."  Her father later told her that he is going to support her with this decision and wants her to do what is best for her family. Tasha came to everything we invited her too this week including both stake conference meets. She told everyone there about her baptism and continues to post her experiences about church and our lessons online. Her friends are beginning to show interest as well. So we plan to start teaching some of these people and she is wanting to invite a lot of her friends to her baptism. It is truly incredible. She said one evening that she wished she could be a missionary like us. I replied by saying she is an incredible missionary to her friends and family. So she said she would become a Facebook missionary for us. So if anyone wants to feel free to add Tasha Azevedo as a friend and you can hear about her next few weeks preparing for baptism from her. :D

            Well I love each of you so much and I want you to know that I love my mission. I know I am supposed to be here right now and teaching these people. I pray that each of you during this Christmas season can find someone to share the gospel with (it can be small such as inviting them to a church event). "We are simply asking all members to pray, knowing that if every member, young and old, will reach out to just “one” between now and Christmas, millions will feel the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. And what a wonderful gift to the Savior."

(Elder Ballard http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/put-your-trust-in-the-lord?lang=eng) Please read this talk if you need ideas or support on how to do this. But there is no greater gift that you can give to someone than the gospel. 

           I LOVE YOU All. 

                    LOVE SISTER JOHNSON

1355 Stabler Ln #6

Yuba City, Ca 95993
(Feel free to send by snail mail of any advice:)

Letter from Sister Tiffany Johnson, December 3, 2013

Hello Family,

This week has been full of adventures. To start we were at a less active members home for dinner Tuesday, her husband is our investigator. However, during dinner he got extremely light headed and couldn't get up. So the ambulance was called and he was taken to the hospital. It was really awkward for us because we couldn't really do anything. But I had an impression to ask the wife if she would like the ward to bring dinner for the next couple of days. She said yes and thanked us. So the ward stepped up to the plate and brought over some dinners. It was good for the family to see how the ward could help them and they are happy to have us over this week. The husband was having internal bleeding but is doing much better now. I know that we were supposed to be their at that moment even though it was awkward, but we were able to calm down there kids (teenagers) and help them feel supported by the ward.

The next day we were on the worst street of our area (Melton) teaching Daniel when all of a sudden there neighbor came running out crying and calling the ambulance to come save her sister. It turned out this lady we know was having blood clots and the same guys that picked up our investigator from the night before were there to pick up Brenda. They looked at as funny. But it was a miracle we were there as well because Brenda's family looked at us and said "we need you help, we need you to pray for Brenda." So we went inside and knelt down around a coffee table was full of ashes, cigarettes, and different drugs. At the end of the prayer, I looked up at Brenda's niece and she just started to say "wow this is crazy I have goose bumps everywhere." We than taught a little about who we are and what we do. We went to check on this family the next day and Brenda was home and just started thanking us for praying for her. She than said that she needed us to pray with her for her aunt and that she wanted to go to church with us. So we said a prayer and talked with her for a little while. Before leaving I invited her to a baptism for another ward that night. She said she would love to go and she also wanted to bring her niece a little 8 year old named Arissa. They came to the baptism and it was such a spiritual experience Arissa loved it. She thought it was really cool and begged me to introduce her to the elder who in her words "dunked that lady". So Elder Johnson talked with her about baptism and he took a picture with her. She was so excited and felt so special. She said she would like to go to church with us.

Though each of these experiences were pretty odd we were able to pick up 7 new investigators. I love how God works, I never know why I am some where but I know that he has a plan for me and my companion. I will keep you guys posted on the progress of these individuals.

I had an amazing Thanksgiving with a crazy, blunt older lady that is less active in the ward. She is a smoker and the smell of her home just stains our clothes. But it was so fun having thanksgiving with just the three of us. We cooked together and when we were pulling the food out of the oven she literally jumped for joy saying "its going to be good, its going to be good" it was really cute. We spent the evening listening to her life story and laughing our heads off. At the end of the night she looked at me and said "You want to come over for Christmas?" At that moment I had an overwhelming feeling of love towards her and knew I had to say yes. Though it would be nice to have Christmas in a nice home that doesn't smell like smoke, I knew it was more important to spend it with this single sister.

Friday night my companion crashed her bike into a trash can. It was awful having to watch her go down and not be able to help. So I ran over to her, picked her up and then fixed her bike. She hurt her arm pretty bad so we had to call it an early night. The next morning we tried going out on our bikes again but she crashed again. So we decided to put the bikes away and walk. This made everything difficult because we don't live in our area and we had appointments all over town. So we were late and had to cancel some of them. I know that with everything there is something to learn. We now have to rely on the ward a lot to drive us around. They have been really supportive and have helped us out a lot. Another benefit was that since we were on foot we were able to talk to a lot more people and even stopped by our investigators Ashley's home randomly since we were walking past it. It was a miracle that she was home because we haven't been able to contact her for the last two weeks. She was happy to see us and set up two appointments with her for this week. One of the lessons I am most excited for was set up for Saturday. I actually took a leap of faith and scheduled that lesson for Ashley before talking with her because earlier that morning I was talking with Brooke (my recent 15 year old convert) and invited her to be a missionary with us for a couple of hours on Saturday. I knew it would be good to have Brooke go to a lesson with Ashley because they go to the same school but we had not spoken with Ashley in a long time. So I looked at my schedule pretending there was a lesson written down and said "You should come with us Saturday at 4, we have a great lesson planned". Brooke was so excited and said yes and I was just praying we could get a hold of Ashley and she would be able to have a lesson at that time. Miracles do happen because it was just a few hours later when we were able to get a hold of Ashley and she just so happened to be free Saturday at 4. :D I love when things just work out. I know that this is the Lords work and that he is the one guiding us.

I love you guys and love this gospel. Keep up the great work.

Love sister Johnson