Tracking

getting pumped for tracting!!

the door of opportunity is open! 

I love our door, it has a picture of Christ on it- that's another thing that makes me feel like a missionary. I love it so much!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Love 

Sophia <3

Gratitude!

Hello!!

Crazy week with Sister Milligan going home. The ward threw a "surprise" farewell for her! 

It's hard to keep anything from each other in a companionship, especially if I am one of those companions. :) 

I like to know about surprises though! haha & she was prepared for it which was nice. 

I have such a strong testimony that one of the most ideal ways to do missionary work is at these type of get togethers where everyone is relaxed. We set up so many appointments and connected with less actives.

I have been praying lately to overcome more of my fear of man and strengthen my fear of God! 

I've been given the strength to ask two part-member families to take the lessons! Both husbands!! 

maybe not in the boldest ways, but asking was still bold! :)  "Ain't nobody got time for [Fear!]" :) 

Having the Priestood in these homes will greatly strengthen their family and their relationship with their wives!

Both are so dedicated to the gospel!! 

I've also been striving to give out at least one Book of Mormon a day 

and always have a pocket full of Mormon.org cards ready to go!! 

I am also learning that it is the small and simple rules are there to protect us. That is why we read 3 pages of the white handbook everyday. Just like in the scriptures, many may not obey with exactness because of the simpleness of the way. but...

"LOOK AND LIVE!!" 

Alma 37:46! 

I am grateful to have been with Sister Milligan, she is such a strong person. 

I have definitely been strengthened through trials. 

My health has been hard to manage, we called the mission nurse Sister Kopetsky last week about my fatigue! 

I'm grateful that I've been able to learn how to be Self-sufficient both spiritually (with my testimony)

and physically (with managing GBS effects). 

Self-Sufficient is my personal theme for November! I have a theme every month. 

Speaking of November.... the package came at the perfect moment!! like it always does. (no need to stress with timing now that I said that, but I just know that as we live right we help more people than we realize! we are at the right time and place without "trying")  Those Brrrrr Essentials are the cutest!! I was looking for twinkle lights when we volunteered at the Bethesda thrift store the day before! (every Wednesday we volunteer there) I really really needed some sunshine on Thursday!! You guys have spoiled me! 

wow. I seriously count my blessings every day. I love that sign you sent that says- there is always something to be grateful for.  Speaking of counting blessings- I've been thinking this week!! It's almost Thanksgiving!! We have great plans with great people! But I am going to send you my journal entry via mail next week so that when you guys get back from Branson you can paste it in the Thanksgiving journal!! YEAH!!! Happy turkey day! Do the turkey trot for me!! 

I can't believe I am halfway done with my mission on the 26th! Halfway can be hard! haha It's like saying- "ONE MORE TIME!" :) But wow has it gone by fast! There is so much more I have to learn. & Mom, that was extremely inspired that you asked me about Joseph Smith- we talked to a very sad man who used to be a strong member of the church but was led away by deceit.  I don't know everything about it- but I know the book of mormon is true and everything stands or falls with this one truth. pretty bold statement to be the one true church!! Everyone can find out for themselves that it is. I'm grateful that my mission has strengthened my testimony of so many things- but if you have a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon and you pray to know- you will know. Just as James 1:5 promises. We testified to this man that this church only brings people closer to Christ and that he felt that when he was first baptized and can not deny that. and that we don't know the details of all things but that the fruits of this gospel are WONDERFUL!! :) 

God is not the author of confusion. He makes things simple so that we can return to live with Him. 

I do not believe in a God who tries to confuse us. I believe in a God of order who loves us!! 

His promises are the only sure things we have in this life. 

The temple is a beautiful place where we can escape this world and REMEMBER who we are. 

I have a list that I've made of Rational thoughts in my journal because people can be so irrational! 

Questions to ask myself like: Do I feel good? Do I see light in this? Does this bring me closer to Christ? Do I feel peace if I make that decision? etc.

It's fun to make a list like that! It strengthens your spirit to discern things as they really are!!

Fun challenge as we are preparing for thanksgiving! Stop and think about what you are grateful for. Literally. 

When you are at a stop sign say a couple things you are grateful for! We had a lesson in relief society yesterday and that was the cute 20 something year old teachers suggestion. She is a convert to the church and said after class. Giving up cappichinos was SO worth it! as she talked about joining the church. There are strong members here. & I am excited for my new companion Sister Prestwhich. we've been riding with her and sister cosgrove (we met her mom at shirley's bakery) up to meetings and I've gotten to know her! She is a hard worker and so gentle and sweet!! This ward is ready for the next level! (Thanks Brother Cook!) We'll be bumping our member present lessons even higher in the coming weeks. 

Great things ahead, always. That's another thing that's sometimes hard to remember but extremely important- our Heavenly Father has our best interest in mind. 

Obedience brings protection and blessings. 

I love you all SO incredibly much!!!!!!!

--

Steadfast & Immovable in Christ!

Love, 

Sister Osmond

BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE!!!  <3

& remember...

HE MADE IT!! JARED IS BAPTIZED!!

Jared and his 8 yr old stepson Derek
Baptized Together! 

Jared's family is seeing GREAT blessings by keeping the commandments and centering their home on Jesus Christ. 

"Yes, it's crazy at times! But we've never had ORDER in our home like we do now!! We prioritize family first."

Jared's Family

 Wow, this week... I tell ya! I love being a missionary. 

First of all, I cannot thank you enough for teaching me about Christ and the restored gospel!

I know that this is probably one of the greatest blessings of the the gospel--Happy Homes!!

I love you all so much.  This week was truly incredible with Jared's baptism!!

We went to visit their family on Friday and he said, 

"When Sister Pond warned me it was going to be a tough week... I have to admit, I laughed a little bit. I couldn't imagine life getting any crazier. But it did!! 

Our electricity went out, our car broke down, I had to work overtime, etc. But you know what? I don't even care! 

My spirits are high!!"

He showed up to the baptism in his blue jeans and a white shirt- ready to go. But extremely exhausted. 

Then- the most beautiful thing happened. After he was baptized, he stood there for a moment with his eyes closed- taking the moment in. 

When he finally came back to his seat he exclaimed- "I feel like I've just had 10 extra hours of sleep!" 

Sister Milligan and I had never seen him SO Happy! What a complete transformation in 6 months! 

He had peace at his core! 

& that happiness only amplified as he was confirmed a member of the church the next day

and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Our lesson in Gospel Principles class was on the Priestood- He will be a wonderful and worthy Priestood holder 

in just a couple weeks! 

He is converted. From Heroine Addict to Everyone's Hero! 

This was one of those experiences that absolutely changed my life. 

I am so grateful to know their family!! His wife Kathryn is a member but hadn't been to church in a long time- as she has been taking the lessons with Jared she said last week, 

"I feel more worthy than I ever have! It is the greatest feeling! 

Rock bottom was the foundation on which I re-built my life."

I learn so much from their inward strength. 

The plan is that they will be sealed in the temple as a family in one year from now! 

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the greatest gift to all. 

Which way do you face? 

It is not about distance, it's about DIRECTION.

...here are a couple of GREAT quotes from another investigator Nicole- we are hoping she will be baptized this month!

-"When you say, 'I'll leave it in God's hands!' Leave it there!!"

-"You can go wrong with people, but you can't go wrong with God!"

-"If you let God help you make decisions... you'll be fine."

Words to Live by!!

We had Zone Conference on Thursday and I was able to hold an original copy of the Book of Mormon!

Original Book of Mormon

Usually you see them behind glass- but the convert couple that spoke to us have a copy specifically for letting others hold it in their own hands, strengthening testimonies, and teaching the individual of the reality of the Book of Mormon and what it means for them.  

I want to share my special experience with you: 

As I held that red covered copy and ran my fingers through the 200+ year old, crisp, browned pages- a pure voice came into my mind.

"You know it is true!"

My response thought was: Yes, yes I do know it's true. 

And knowing that it's true for myself has brought the greatest comfort and guidance in my life. 

I later reflected on this sacred experience. 

I realized that I had felt the spirit just as clear while reading my blue covered Book of Mormon during the school year or in my missionary apartment during studies. & that I regarded those experiences just as sacred as the one I had this week while holding an 1800s original copy. Wherever you may be and However you read its words- 

you can feel of God's love for you. And know for yourself that this resource of hope and guidance was brought forth today by His power.

It is an additional witness of His divine son- even Jesus Christ. 

Steadfast & Immovable in Christ!

Love, 

Sister Osmond

Zone Conference