Ever since we reset our goals to double digit numbers we have been busier than we have ever been. which at times doesn't seem possible. I don't know how we are able to fit it in but thanks to The Lord we are. We are blessed with a full schedule and then some. But that doesn't mean it's smooth sailing or easy. Satan is working over time as well and this week I felt it.
To start, Glen who was on date for this last Sunday but called us and said "girls we need to talk. " with the somber tone in his voice I knew a break up was in our future. We went to his home with the relief society president and asked what has been going on. Turns out him and his wife had been fighting non stop about his baptism she doesn't support his desire and is coming up with everything to complain about and pull him away. She then said that she doesn't want us coming over anymore that it isn't appropriate. She said she never wants to see us in her home again. Which is weird because she was so friendly and appreciative of us just a few days previous. But glen tried to explain that we always have a female adult present and that we literally just talk about the gospel around the table. He said he has grown to love us as his nieces but she wouldn't change. He almost broke into ties having to tell us this. He wants to be baptized to bad but his wife just won't support him. He had to push back his date and break up with us. Luckily there are elders in the ward they are Spanish elders but we felt it was better then no missionaries at all. Glen loves them and is happy to work with them just sad he can't visit with us any more. The worst part is we don't think he has much longer to live. He is
just physically breaking down in front of us. It's slow and painful so it just breaks my heart. I pray he can make it in to the waters of baptism and that the elders can give him the spiritual support he needs.
But Satan didn't stop there we were about to go to our next appointment when we received a call from Laura who too had a baptism date and felt in a prayer that the church was true. When we answered the phone she sounded weak and trembling. She proceeded to tell us that she was in a terrible car accident the night before. That she was hit by a drunk driver. She should have died in the accident but was able to walk away completely fine. She was scared and overwhelmed so she asked for us to reschedule for next week she needed to breathe and relax and just didn't want company. It was scary to know someone we know came so close to leaving us. I feel that she was saved for a
reason, that god needs her still on the earth. I know she needs to get baptized and do the work of her family. We feel that every time we are there. Please keep her in your prayers that she can come to the same conclusion and also be able to see the miracle that was just preformed in her life.
Gaby was originally set to be baptized but I refused to approve her for an interview. She really really wants to be baptized but is not ready. She doesn't have a testimony of latter day prophets and
still smokes a lot every day. I explained to her the importance of these things but she could not move passed the thought that Christ just wants us to be baptized. She doesn't think it needs to be in any
specific way or that she needs to be living a certain way. I will not allow herself to take on this great covenant with God if she is not ready to take on her end of the promise. She was offended that I said
no, that she needs to take some time and make some changes for her betterment. She felt judged and that we were following the counsel from man not god. I bore my testimony of these things that we are
messengers of God called to share his truth and help people come to follow him. It is now up to her to decided if she will earnestly pray for truth or just stubbornly stick with what she feels is right. But
for me I am immoveable. I know these things are true that this is the way that We have been taught to do these things. And I will do all that I can to help her but only by what the spirit directs me to do. I
will not bend to her. I fear my father in heaven not man. I love her and because of that I am bold and honest with her. She knows we love her and feels that love just hurt by being told not yet.
Satan being so powerful didn't stop there though. Marcos who was on date to be baptized this Sunday had his baptism interview Wednesday. But he didn't show up his normal ride was out of town and then an emergency with a friend came up. I was stressed about him being able to get his interview and wanted to make sure he was really prepared for his baptism. So we reschedule for the next day. Luckily he made it there. We met with him before the interview. I was impressed to share with him truth. That after his baptism and theses few days before will be full of trials that satan will work hard on him. We expressed the importance of enduring to the end. we shared that we must create a rock foundation on Christ so that we can not fail in the midst of these trials. We all felt the spirit so strong and he committed to push through and hold to the faith. Sunday rolled around and he showed up looking sharp and excited. However his fellowshipper sister elder pulled me aside and said that her husband wasn't with her because he woke up and didn't know anyone. I looked at
her and said I think he's having a stroke you need to be taking him to the hospital. She stayed for sacrament and then called her home and heard her husband was still confused and so she rushed off. However in the process she took Marcos white underclothes. So before the baptism we realized this. We were worried about brother elder and prayed for his safety and rushed around trying to find someone to bring white underwear. I was talking to a lady in the ward and she said" you with
him having a stroke and not having the right underwear you guys should just push his baptism back" right when she said that I felt an over whelming feeling come over me and say no it has to happen today. All the signs point that this is the right thing to do and that even brother elder would say not to wait for him. It was a trial, of our faith. Marcos knew this as well. What we had warned him of just a few days previous came through and he held his head up and said I am still getting baptized. I turned to the elder that was performing the baptism and said what do we do. He felt we should look in the closet were the baptism clothes are kept. We did and found a random male garment shorts that was his size. We looked at each other and I said "if we cut off the symbol isn't it not longer a sacred garment?" He looked at me and said I believe so. I prayed in my heart to know if that's what we should do. It felt a little sack religious but we were running out of options no one in the area had white underwear for him. So we talked to a few leaders and the said we should go with what we
had. So we did. Marcos never knew where we got the white short or what they were but they fit and he was baptized an hour after church. I can honestly say it was one of the most spiritual baptisms I had been too. When I finally got to see him in his whites I just knew he had done the right things and that God was supporting us. As we shared the restoration during the changing period the spirit was so powerful, in the room. Everyone there felt it and expressed how touching it was. We know we were tested, and Marcos remained strong. I pray he continues to do so.
Brother elders as of now is doing well he had a mild stroke and is happily back at home, glad to hear Marcos is baptized.
Helaman 5:12
I know that things happen for a reason, that when the road gets rough there must be a beautiful sunrise around the corner. Things are going great and it love being a missionary I feel my testimony
growing each day. It's so important to continue working on the basics of studying our scriptures, praying, and family home evenings. When we do these things we strengthen ourselves and protect ourselves/family from the adversary. But the truth is it won't eliminate the trials but it will allow them to be manageable. We will understand that God still loves us and are able to have the strength to over come. Never forget who you are. You are children of God with great worth. You can over come all things. We must do our part though.
I love you all and so happy to call you all my friends and family.
Love sister Johnson
Update on the finger: this doctors office is frustrating I called and told them that I broke my phone and they needed to save my new number. But they didn't so when my doctor got called for an emergency surgery they couldn't get ahold of me to change my appointment. So we drove the 2 hours to show up and have them tell us he isn't there to meet me. So I begged for my X-rays to at least be done. That was done and then they said I could meet another doctor. So we waited for about 4
hours and went in. The doctor took one look at my finger and said he can't help me. He didn't know why they made me wait. So now I have to come back next week and meet the guy so I can plan the surgery. Sorry this is really late I literally just got home and am so sick of being
in the car.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Letter from Sister Tiffany Johnson June 9, 2014
Well to start I'll share with you the trial that happened at the
beginning of the week. We were at the church using the internet to
update lessons. I had to use the bathroom so I slipped the phone into
my cardigan pocket and went. When I got up to flush the toilet I
leaned just a little to forward and my phone came toppling out and
crashed landed inside the toilet right at the moment I flushed. It was
sucked up into the pipe opening. I with my cat like reflexes threw my
hand in there and down the pipe and happened to catch it before it had
gotten to far. My broken finger happened to be bent in such a way that
it could scoot the phone out. (There's onw benefit of my finger still
not being fixed) I washed my hands about a thousand times and began
praying. We got home and there was no rice in our cupboards to dry the
phone out with. So we went to our neighbors, none of them had rice.
What is wrong with people. But then I remember an active member lives
right behind us. I knew she would have some. We were able to get rice
from her and left our phone in the rice for 24 hours in hopes it would
dry. It was a long day spent trying to get our oil changed in redding
with out a phone. It just seemed like one of those days that nothing
went right.
The next morning I got ready for the day and then grabbed my rice
bag phone and began to pray. I prayed for the miracle that our phone
could be fixed so that we can continue to help his children in this
area. I felt like it had to work we needed it to do the work
efficiently. So I then reassembled the phone said another quick prayer
and hit the power button. Nothing. I thought maybe I didn't hit it
hard enough. Still nothing. Maybe I should hit the button
repetitively, nothing. Then a thought popped into my mind. Maybe the
battery is dead. So I ran and put it on the charger. After study's I
went to check on my phone feeling spiritual up lifted and confident. I
went to turn it on but my phone was super hot to the touch. Than I
looked at the screen and it was completely fogged up and steaming. I
believed I totally fried it. I was upset with myself knowing that this
was going to make thing very difficult and stressful. But the work has
to go on. So we set off for work with no phone. Everyone appointment
we had or member we ran into asked why we didn't respond or something
about the phone. I had to reply with what happened. They would laugh
and tease me. I quickly realized I had two options I could be
embarrassed and allow it to hurt my feelings or just join in on the
the jokes and laughter. I chose the latter. It was still frustrating
that we couldn't call people or get our messages but getting upset
wasn't going to help.
My companion and I decided there had to be something good come
out of this trial. So we prayed to find out what. We knew god could
have easily fixed my phone but he didn't and we were determined to
find out why. Tuesday evening we had a lesson with Laura who has a
testimony of the church but is scared to make the change. She is also
sweet but very timid and reserved. When I had to explain to her why I
couldn't call her she broke out into laughter. I had never seen her
genuinely laugh or smile so big. I was in shock. After the lesson I
sat in the car feeling completely happy seeing Laura laugh.
My companion and I decided that was worth losing our phone. It was a
beautiful sight and the spirit was so strong after hearing her laugh.
But knowing Our father in heaven there has to be multiple reasons why
this happened to our phone so hear our some more reasons we came up
with: it was a great conversations starter that broke the ice, it made
the entire ward laugh, people tried to help and give us there phone,
we became more appreciative of the phone and modern day confidences we
have, we were able to miss out on hearing a nasty voice mail that a
man had left on our phone and I am sure many more. Though it was a
challenging week going with out our phone. It taught me a lot. I loved
getting to come up with new jokes about our situations and hearing the
jokes the people we work with came up with. I feel even more loved by
them though they know I am imperfect and a blonde. The trial still
continues as we still don't have our phone back but we at least have a
phone from the mission off that we are borrowing.
Life is short and we are going to continually have lemons
thrown at us. It's up to us what we are going to do with them, I
intend on making lemonade and enjoying the blessing to follow.
To update you on the work... Things are still going great up
here. Marcos ended up pushing back his date to the 22nd which was
truly for the best. I have learned that it's not about pushing people
into the font but about preparing them to take this first step closer
to God. Helping them understand the importance of these things and how
it is a life long process. Marcos is figuring that out and finally
applying the lesson to his life. He finally started reading the Book
of Mormon and loves it. He comes to church and comments in class. When
he walks down the hall now it is with a new found confidence that he
knows he belongs there. He is on top of the world and happy to be
there. The ward loves him because he is so friendly and genuinely
sweet. I have always liked working with him because he is respectful.
However this week in our lesson I actually learned about his past and
have a huge respect for him and what he's gone through. Turns out he
was abandoned by his parents at a really young age and lived on the
streets he resorted to steeling and doing things he internally felt
wrong about. He was living in San Rosa and had bad influences around
him. But for some reason that never spoiled him. When we teach him I
have never heard him complain, he is the first one to step up to help
with what ever anyone needs, he is also appreciative of any kindness
shown to him. And when he shared his store it wasn't to gain pity but
to say I am not worthy of baptism. I was touched by his strength. He
had full right to be angry at the world and at God and yet didn't. His
"father" figure just passed away a few months ago and what did he do,
he turned to God. He asked us how he can make right the wrongs in his
past. How does he apologizes for the people he never met that he stole
from. I thought about it and said by completely changing your ways
now. Turning to go and repenting of those thing and then go out and
help other do the same. Be an example to those around you, stand as a
witness to God. To me Marcos is an example of a man who is an expert
at making lemonade out of all his lemons. He is pleased to announce he
will be baptized in 2 weeks.
Glenn is also excited to be able to show his faith to God
and be baptized as well. Though Glenn and Marcos don't really know
each other just stories about each other they are excited to share the
date with one another. Glenn just returned home from vacation his
health is still going down but he continues to push through and stay
positive. He knows he doesn't have much time on the earth but what is
most important is that he makes the most of what he's got left. He
made his wife listen to the Book of Mormon on the way to Idaho and she
listened. she is starting to soften towards us and maybe will start
letting us teacher her. She helped Glenn understand some of the verse
and he said she comprehends it pretty well. I am just happy that he is
doing well and his faith is staying strong. This coming baptism will
be truly a special time. I feel truly honored to be apart of there
conversion story, I have been humbled by there stories.
So now you can see how can I have any room to complain
about not having a phone when I have great men of God who have and are
going through a lot more than that and ar choosing to being
optimistic. I know they feel like I was called here to teach them but
I know the truth, I was called hear to be taught by them. I am
thankful for this, that I am able to be an instrument in The Lords
hand. To be able to receive the blessing of having great faithful
people to call my friends.
Love sister Johnson.
Sent from my iPad
beginning of the week. We were at the church using the internet to
update lessons. I had to use the bathroom so I slipped the phone into
my cardigan pocket and went. When I got up to flush the toilet I
leaned just a little to forward and my phone came toppling out and
crashed landed inside the toilet right at the moment I flushed. It was
sucked up into the pipe opening. I with my cat like reflexes threw my
hand in there and down the pipe and happened to catch it before it had
gotten to far. My broken finger happened to be bent in such a way that
it could scoot the phone out. (There's onw benefit of my finger still
not being fixed) I washed my hands about a thousand times and began
praying. We got home and there was no rice in our cupboards to dry the
phone out with. So we went to our neighbors, none of them had rice.
What is wrong with people. But then I remember an active member lives
right behind us. I knew she would have some. We were able to get rice
from her and left our phone in the rice for 24 hours in hopes it would
dry. It was a long day spent trying to get our oil changed in redding
with out a phone. It just seemed like one of those days that nothing
went right.
The next morning I got ready for the day and then grabbed my rice
bag phone and began to pray. I prayed for the miracle that our phone
could be fixed so that we can continue to help his children in this
area. I felt like it had to work we needed it to do the work
efficiently. So I then reassembled the phone said another quick prayer
and hit the power button. Nothing. I thought maybe I didn't hit it
hard enough. Still nothing. Maybe I should hit the button
repetitively, nothing. Then a thought popped into my mind. Maybe the
battery is dead. So I ran and put it on the charger. After study's I
went to check on my phone feeling spiritual up lifted and confident. I
went to turn it on but my phone was super hot to the touch. Than I
looked at the screen and it was completely fogged up and steaming. I
believed I totally fried it. I was upset with myself knowing that this
was going to make thing very difficult and stressful. But the work has
to go on. So we set off for work with no phone. Everyone appointment
we had or member we ran into asked why we didn't respond or something
about the phone. I had to reply with what happened. They would laugh
and tease me. I quickly realized I had two options I could be
embarrassed and allow it to hurt my feelings or just join in on the
the jokes and laughter. I chose the latter. It was still frustrating
that we couldn't call people or get our messages but getting upset
wasn't going to help.
My companion and I decided there had to be something good come
out of this trial. So we prayed to find out what. We knew god could
have easily fixed my phone but he didn't and we were determined to
find out why. Tuesday evening we had a lesson with Laura who has a
testimony of the church but is scared to make the change. She is also
sweet but very timid and reserved. When I had to explain to her why I
couldn't call her she broke out into laughter. I had never seen her
genuinely laugh or smile so big. I was in shock. After the lesson I
sat in the car feeling completely happy seeing Laura laugh.
My companion and I decided that was worth losing our phone. It was a
beautiful sight and the spirit was so strong after hearing her laugh.
But knowing Our father in heaven there has to be multiple reasons why
this happened to our phone so hear our some more reasons we came up
with: it was a great conversations starter that broke the ice, it made
the entire ward laugh, people tried to help and give us there phone,
we became more appreciative of the phone and modern day confidences we
have, we were able to miss out on hearing a nasty voice mail that a
man had left on our phone and I am sure many more. Though it was a
challenging week going with out our phone. It taught me a lot. I loved
getting to come up with new jokes about our situations and hearing the
jokes the people we work with came up with. I feel even more loved by
them though they know I am imperfect and a blonde. The trial still
continues as we still don't have our phone back but we at least have a
phone from the mission off that we are borrowing.
Life is short and we are going to continually have lemons
thrown at us. It's up to us what we are going to do with them, I
intend on making lemonade and enjoying the blessing to follow.
To update you on the work... Things are still going great up
here. Marcos ended up pushing back his date to the 22nd which was
truly for the best. I have learned that it's not about pushing people
into the font but about preparing them to take this first step closer
to God. Helping them understand the importance of these things and how
it is a life long process. Marcos is figuring that out and finally
applying the lesson to his life. He finally started reading the Book
of Mormon and loves it. He comes to church and comments in class. When
he walks down the hall now it is with a new found confidence that he
knows he belongs there. He is on top of the world and happy to be
there. The ward loves him because he is so friendly and genuinely
sweet. I have always liked working with him because he is respectful.
However this week in our lesson I actually learned about his past and
have a huge respect for him and what he's gone through. Turns out he
was abandoned by his parents at a really young age and lived on the
streets he resorted to steeling and doing things he internally felt
wrong about. He was living in San Rosa and had bad influences around
him. But for some reason that never spoiled him. When we teach him I
have never heard him complain, he is the first one to step up to help
with what ever anyone needs, he is also appreciative of any kindness
shown to him. And when he shared his store it wasn't to gain pity but
to say I am not worthy of baptism. I was touched by his strength. He
had full right to be angry at the world and at God and yet didn't. His
"father" figure just passed away a few months ago and what did he do,
he turned to God. He asked us how he can make right the wrongs in his
past. How does he apologizes for the people he never met that he stole
from. I thought about it and said by completely changing your ways
now. Turning to go and repenting of those thing and then go out and
help other do the same. Be an example to those around you, stand as a
witness to God. To me Marcos is an example of a man who is an expert
at making lemonade out of all his lemons. He is pleased to announce he
will be baptized in 2 weeks.
Glenn is also excited to be able to show his faith to God
and be baptized as well. Though Glenn and Marcos don't really know
each other just stories about each other they are excited to share the
date with one another. Glenn just returned home from vacation his
health is still going down but he continues to push through and stay
positive. He knows he doesn't have much time on the earth but what is
most important is that he makes the most of what he's got left. He
made his wife listen to the Book of Mormon on the way to Idaho and she
listened. she is starting to soften towards us and maybe will start
letting us teacher her. She helped Glenn understand some of the verse
and he said she comprehends it pretty well. I am just happy that he is
doing well and his faith is staying strong. This coming baptism will
be truly a special time. I feel truly honored to be apart of there
conversion story, I have been humbled by there stories.
So now you can see how can I have any room to complain
about not having a phone when I have great men of God who have and are
going through a lot more than that and ar choosing to being
optimistic. I know they feel like I was called here to teach them but
I know the truth, I was called hear to be taught by them. I am
thankful for this, that I am able to be an instrument in The Lords
hand. To be able to receive the blessing of having great faithful
people to call my friends.
Love sister Johnson.
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Katelyn Jean Johnston
Katelyn Jean Johnston
daughter of Rebecca & Eldon Johnston
born Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at 4:29 a.m.
weighing 3.05 pounds 15 1/2 inches long
Katelyn Jean Johnston was born at only 29 weeks (40 weeks is full term) on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. At 20 weeks, through an ultra sound, it was discovered that Katelyn had a heart defect so because of this, she was life flighted to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City shortly afterwards.
Katelyn was also coming breech so Rebecca delivered by emergency caesarean. Rebecca is doing well and will probably be released on Sunday. She is looking forward to seeing her baby girl in person.
Katelyn is actually doing very well considering her early arrival but will be facing surgery shortly to have a ring placed around her pulmonary artery to slow down the flow of blood (hopefully I explained this correctly).
We congratulate Rebecca & Eldon on the arrival of their baby girl and wish them the very best!!!
I will post updates as I receive them.
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