Monroe-Week 6

Well, Elder Phillips is almost ready for Christmas.  His current companion is going home and Justin just found out that he will be staying in Monroe but will be training a new missionary, so I guess that makes him a senior companion. He says he is not sure why the Lord has called him to be a trainer but he is looking forward to the learning experience.  His week has been good and they have met with a lot of less active members....half the ward he says but it is all part of the missionary work.  He is working hard but he says he hasn't seen a ton of success but he knows he is making a difference.  It sounds like he has been busy with the holiday scene.....going caroling, setting up christmas trees, going to parades and musicals.  He did include his miracle for the week...."I was praying on Saturday night and I was asking my Heavenly Father what it is I need to do better, because I know I can be better than this and I was having a tough time with it and then the phone rings and Elder Stevens answered and it was the AP's calling me to tell me taht I would be training and I am not sure if that has anything to do with it but I know that I am training for a reason.  I know that it won't be easy but God calls who he calls for a reason."

Monroe-Week 5

Justin sound great. He will be spending the holiday with a great family by the name of the Wrights in Monroe.  We are going to be able to Skype with him.  He says that they have picked up a new investigator.  He did share with us his miracle for the week.  I am really grateful for the miracles and small things that he shares with us.

 "There is a guy in our ward, he is in his late 40's, he has been on dialysis for like five years or something and he has a young son like 15 and he has a wife that he needs to support.  This man is a saint, he is just so grateful that he is still on this earth and that he is able to stay and support his family.  He has an amazing heart and has taught me so much about life and how to care for others instead of ourselves.  We have given him a couple of blessings since I have been here and the spirit was strong when we gave them, even though I had no idea what I was going to say.

He did say that he is freezing his butt off in Georgia and in his email this week his dad and I will be telling him to buck up since it is about 30 degrees warmer there than here.  We are really looking forward to seeing and talking with him on Sunday.

Monroe -Week 4

Justin has had a good week so far.  He says that they are very busy as missionaries right now.  They have been helping the members alot. They have not have very much success with the referrals that they received a couple of weeks ago but the members are talking to friends and Justin is hopefully that something will come out of that.  We are looking forward to our Christmas Day call from him and because he will be spending it with a family there in Monroe, we will be able to Skype with him.  I am so excited!!  He shared with us his small miracle for the week......a young pastor that we met a few weeks ago showed up after church looking for us. He talked to the bishop and said he wanted to meet with us again and that he wasn't trying to bash but he really felt something.  I know that he felt the spirit...I know it with all my heart, because I felt it too.  It is amazing how the spirit can soften even the hardest hearts."

Merry Christmas from Georgia!!

Missionary Christmas

I belong to a Missionary Mom website with other mom's whose sons and daughters are serving missions.  I received this poem this morning in an email and just wanted to share it with you.

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving, the thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Claus, my decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts and ties, two suits and socks....No fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because....This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time in the Temple, my testimony stirred.
I've re-read November's Ensign, felt strength come from His words.
Our family prays more frequently, my tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because, this year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers, gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion, their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence, I'll miss his smile a ton.
For two years we will pray for him, We're giving Christ our son.

I stare at his face when he's not looking. I memorize his eyes, their shine.
He's always hungered for the part of him that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard, his choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand this year, I'm giving him my son.

Past gift have lost their glitter, I think I finally understand. 
Christ's birth should be celebrated by giving him a hand.
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns that all his packing's done.
My gift has taken years to make, this year I'm giving Christ my son.

I know there's one who understands, the sacrifice I'm making.
Who knows the gift I willingly give, the toll it will be taking.
For He has done it all before, Greater love...there could be none.
For years ago God gave to me His only begotten son.

The hands I washed, the hands I held, the hands I taught to pray;
Now knock on doors to find the ones who will listen to what he'll say.
Because I know Christ needs him, until all the gathering's done,
My gift has taken years to make...This year....I'm giving Christ my son.

I hope and pray that each one of us will go out today looking for opportunities to do as sthe Savior did, and love as He does.  I want to share my testimony with you that I know that the gospel is true and that I know that my Savior lives and loves me.  I know that the work that Justin is engaged in, is the Lord's work and that he is blessing the lives of many in Georgia.  I say these thing in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

Monroe-Week 3

Justin reports this week that he had a great Thanksgiving.  They had a turkey bowl on Thursday morning as a priesthood body and then he had lunch with the Leach family and dinner with the Wright family.  They have been doing lots of service in the area which he says is great but he wants to teach more so that is their focus.  He says that weather is cooler but it chills ya to the bone.  His miracle for the week was they received 6 referrals from the Gladys Knight that was held in Georgia so he is excited about having more people to visit.  He can't believe that he has been gone almost six months, he says he loves serving the Lord and is grateful for all the love, prayers and support.  He ended his email for the week with his testimony.....I know that Jesus Christ died for us and that if we accept and follow him that we will be saved and make it back to live with our Heavenly Father.  I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and the Bible as well.  And that the Book of Mormon is not inspired of man but it is inspired of God.  I know that Joseph Smith saw Jesus Christ and God in the sacred grove and that the fullness of the gospel was restored through him.  I know that God is aware of us, knows us and wants the best for us and that if we ask him, he will tell us what is best for us.  Ask and ye shall receive.