Letter from Sister Tiffany Johnson January 27, 2014

Hello Family and Friends,

I agree with you guys that the weeks just go by so fast. I barely blink an eye and its Monday again. I feel like I am running an up hill race and just some how serving. The coolest part though is when I lay in bed at night and review all that I have done in the day and in my mission; I am happy. I love being out here feeling every possible emotion and learning how to be happy in the dark times as well as the good. I can't really explain it but now I understand just a little better why we have trials. Its through those trials that we can learn to turn and rely on our Savior, feel his love and support, and truly feel what true happiness is. Trials force us to grow and make big decisions that will forever affect our lives. We get to choose if we are going to blame God for the trials or if we are going to praise Him for them. As I have been working through some of my trials I have felt that support of my Savior through prayer and through those around me.

As a missionary I hear one phrase so often which is "How can a Loving Father in Heaven allow this to happen to me?" my reply to that is its because he is our loving Father that he allows us to fall. Please find a way to choose the right way on viewing our trials. Do not allow yourself to become angry with God. I have seen how this will affect you life. If you allow those negative thoughts into your heart, I can promise you it will never bring you true and lasting happiness. Turn to him, Trust in him, and through him you can over come all things.

The miracle of the week for me has to be working with Monique who has been excommunicated twice. She approached the elders about visiting with her and they tried but allowed her to slip through the cracks because they don't believe in her. They think its crazy that she has been excommunicated so many times. We met her through a member referral. When we first met she was extremely hard to talk to and I really wasn't sure if things were going to work out. However, now after working with her and her husband for the last 4 weeks I have changed my views completely. They are truly amazing, together they are attending the addiction recovery meeting, reading their scriptures, attending church, and begging for us to meet with them more often. (They aren't in our boundaries so they drive to meet us each week. And we find a ride to attend church with them in another town each week) Her husband Dustin has a baptism date for February 22 and is doing all that he can to prepare himself for that date. Monique is now actively meeting with her bishop so that she too can be baptized someday. Talking to her on Sunday after her meeting with the bishop I was filled with so much peace. She looked at me with a big grin and said "I threw away all my illegal drugs this morning. I haven't been taking them since I have been meeting with you. So I thought why have that in my home." I just gave her the biggest hug and reassured her that she was doing the right thing. Its truly amazing that she did that one on her own because she was taking those drugs for her bad back pain. She decided she would rather follow and trust in God. So she just deals with the pain. I am so proud of her. They are also cutting down on their smoking. This week we are going to teach them the word of wisdom officially (they bring it up and we teach it but this week we are going to go over in depth and commit them to fully live the word of wisdom) I believe that they are ready and pray that they continue to progress like they have been. I feel like a proud parent watching them. Dustin also surprised me with the best news. He had been missing sacrament meeting and showing up for the last hours of church because he had work. But yesterday he talked to his boss so now he is no longer working on Sundays. :D YEAH!!!

I hope that all of you are doing well and are able to see the miracles that are happening all around you. Know that I love you and keep all of you in my prayers.

LOVE Always

Sister Johnson

Letter From Sister Tiffany Johnson January 20, 2014

From: Tiffany Johnson <tiffanyj@myldsmail.net>

Subject: Weekly letter

Date: January 20, 2014 3:28:54 PM PST

Hello everyone, sadly it's been another one of those hard weeks where
I am just glad it's over. To start on the high Monday, my relief
society president took me shoe shopping. She cried after my talk than
saw my shoes and said please let me buy you new shoes. I felt bad.
Because it's not like I am broke but she wouldn't take no for an
answer. So she bought me two new cute pairs of shoes and two pretty
dresses that actually fit (because I picked them out). I was touched
by the love she had shown for me and wore my shoes with pride. Tuesday
came with a crash. Literally I crashed my bike trying to prevent
myself from getting hit by a car. I banged up my knees and elbows
pretty bad. When I got up I heard my companion screaming and then
looked to my right to see 5 young construction workers running to my
aid. Embarrassed by what just happened I tried saying I was ok and
jumped on my bike to ride away. But as I tried to pedal away I
realized I wasn't moving and that my chain had fallen off. Turning
more red I pulled over and fixed my bike 2 of the construction workers
were looking at my now blackened hands and said for me to follow them
to there truck so they could help me clean up. They thought they had a
towel but didn't, so one man had a shirt in the car that he had been
wearing earlier and handed it to me. Of coarse it was white. I tried
telling him it's ok but he insisted so I whipped my hands and totally
ruined his white shirt with grease and blood. We had 2 more
appointments so I decides we would continue working and I would
bandage myself later. But the lady at the last appointment took one
look at me and said "sister Johnson what have you done to yourself"
she helped me clean my cuts and then I realized the worst thing that
had come from my crash. I had destroyed my brand new shoes. They had
tons of holes in them.
   So that night on the way home I sadly walked to the relief society
presidents home and showed her the shoes apologizing. She started
crying again and said "she didn't care about the shoes and was worried
about me." (If you couldn't tell she is pretty emotional) She took my
shoes and literally came back the next morning with not only a
replacement pair but also another more durable pair. She explained
what had happened to me to the workers at the store who remembered me.
so for free they exchanged my shoes and gave her a discount on another
pair. Blessings!
       Things started to cheer up. We had a new investigator and I
had new shoes. But Thursday changed that. When we went to Yuba skilled
nursing home we found out the lovely Sister Burton had passed away.
She was like our loving mother here. We visited her 2 times a week for
the last five months. I promised myself I wouldn't cry but when we
walked into the room to see an empty bed and her husband there alone
it was hard to take it all in. When we asked if we could do anything
he said "just say a prayer please Sister Johnson" as I started the
prayer I just lost it and started crying. I had tons of flash backs of
all the good times we have had. And I felt the love that she had for
me and the church. I felt that she had found peace and was finally
able to make it back home. I am so thankful for the knowledge we have
of where we go and that we know we can see our loved ones again. It
brings joy to my life to think that finally Sister Burton is no longer
in pain and one day I will see her again in a perfect state. Right
when we left the room I got a call our new investigator dropped us.
Just adding to the pain.
     Don't worry I am not depressed I realize this is just a test. I
have so many great people that we are still teaching and this weekend
we found a few new ones. I love this gospel and I love my mission.
Transfers came and I am staying in Yuba there is still work for me to
do :)
      Love you guys.
        Sister Johnson.
Sorry this letter seems depressing. Things are looking up.

Letter from Sister Tiffany Johnson, January 6, 2014

From: Tiffany Johnson <tiffanyj@myldsmail.net>

Subject: Family Email

Date: December 30, 2013 12:22:13 PM PST

To: Scott Johnson <Scott4599@sbcglobal.net>, britney Johnson <britneycheree@yahoo.com>, Nichole Soelberg <nicholesoelberg@gmail.com>, Tyler Johnson <tylerjohnson321@yahoo.com>, Miranda <andamir64@yahoo.com>

Hello everyone,

       I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy new Year. I can happily say that I had a awesome Christmas. I got to see my cute family over skype even though half the time the screen would freeze. Then I got to visit a few families we are teaching and then spend the even with an old lady named Sister Wallace. I basically made half of the dinner which I enjoyed because I felt like a normal person again. Being served food all the time gets a little tiring, its nice to relax and cook with a cranky lady.  But the best part of my Christmas was Tasha, Kiona, and Janessa's baptism. I was so worried about it all week because I was basically the one in charge of it. But it turned out amazing probably the best baptism I have been to. There was a great turn out of about 40 people, half members and half were non members. After they were baptized my companion and I taught the Restoration.  It went well and I felt the spirit as we taught. I watched some of Tasha's families faces and they were all smiling and nodding there head in agreement. After words we had some nice refreshments and were able to pick up a new investigator and schedule a lesson with a few people. It was an amazing experience seeing how the gospel has really blessed the Azevedo families lives. They were so happy and love sharing with there family and friends why they are so happy.

     On Sunday the girls received the gift of the Holy Ghost. They were all really excited. When Tasha sat down next to me afterwards, she whispered to me saying "Its wonderful I actually feel apart of the ward, they do not look at me like a new person or an outsider. This is my ward." I couldn't help but smile. It just goes to show why it is so important to bring members and included members in all that we do with our investigators so that when they are baptized the transition is not difficult but smooth. I know that she felt welcomed into the ward because she has been visiting with numerous members every week. We always made it a goal to bring a different member each time we taught so that she could meet a good group of people. She loves it and always tries to guess who is her surprise guest.  I love this ward and how much they love and welcome Tasha and her family. The next two years are going to be so important for her. I pray that she continues to feel apart of the ward and continues to strengthen her testimony so that she can become a strong righteous daughter of god and Mother.  

     I don't know how I have been so blessed with such an amazing area and with great members who love and support me. Lately the members have been so incredible that they are giving us referrals. But not just giving us a name they are so excited to be apart of the missionary work that they are literally picking us up and taking us to personally meet there friends and family. Just this last week we received 5 new investigators all from the members. We have 6 referrals to contact this week with a few members and a 3 for two weeks from now.  Its wonderful to know that the ward trust us with there loved ones and want to be there with us when we start teaching them. I feel like the ward has finally caught the missionary fire and have seen the success in the area. Who doesn't want to be apart of these miracles.  Tasha is also wanting to do all that she can to be a missionary with us. We are teaching as of right know 3 people because of her efforts and she plans of finding us more. :D

      Keep us in your prayers that we can meet the needs of this area and that the people we meet will be spiritually ready for this message. I love each of you so much and am truly happy to be able to call you family. Thank you for your love and support.

         LOVE Always,

               Sister Johnson

Funny Story:  My companion hates having open doors in the apartment and I love having all the doors to the room open (there are only 2 doors :D small apartment). One day when she was finished using the bathroom she decided to shut it behind her. About an hour later I went to go use the restroom to find that not only was the door shut but we were locked out. I wiggled the door in hopes that maybe I was mistaken. But nope we were really locked out. I tried to card swip it open but that didn't work. Than I decided to go from the outside and break through the window. I had to go to the restroom so bad I guess my judgement calls were lacking because that window would never let me through. Its about 7 feet off the ground and way to small. So that was a bad idea. So we threw our pride out the window and went to go get our manager (a recent convert we are teaching) for help. No luck she was not at work yet. So I said a prayer I really had to use the restroom. So we went back to the apartment and I kneeled down at the bathroom door and tried wiggling the door more saying please let me in. Then I looked down on the ground and saw a bobby pin that had fallen out of my hair. I had a feeling I should pick the lock with it. So I didn't and after about 3 minutes of wiggling it I succeed at breaking into my own bathroom. SUCCESS! So dad you can't hate those bobby pins that I used to leave around the house all the time. They are so convenient.

MIRANDA--guess who i am quoting "you little criminal" 

Pictures from Sister Tiffany Johnson January 3, 2014

1st picture: I made this Christmas sweater from Sister Wallace's door decoration and pinned it to my shirt :D I know classy right?

Last Picture: Me and the Fat cat. I can't wait to be the classic cat lady in the future. (with Possy, Sister Wallace said if she dies, I get the fat cat :D) SCORE!

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:)