What a Wonderful Ride it hasBeen

Well, it's been a ride hasn't it?

I can't believe I have reached the final week of my mission.  In honor of this final week I just want to bear my testimony for this last email.  

I know that Jesus Christ lives.  He is the Savior of the world sent here to do the Fathers will, to save our souls.  I can't express fully the way I feel or how this mission has changed my eternity.  When it all comes down to it, I have learned that nothing during this life matters then preparing our souls to meet God.  Jesus will come again, we will see him and know he is the Christ.  We will one day stand face to face before him to be judged of our works.  This will happen I know it.  I am thankful that because of him, all my sins can be made free. 

"Because of Him guilt becomes peace, regret becomes relief, despair becomes hope, because of him we have second chances, clean slates, new beginnings, there is no such thing as the end because of him."

This is true.  I have felt the atonement work in my life on my mission and I know that I can be clean. I know that this is the true church on earth.  This is literally Jesus Christs own church established by him since everything began.  Doing Jesus Christs will, making our desires his desires, is the single most important thing we can do.  Nothing else matters.  The goal is to live in the Celestial Kingdom, to be with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and to be with our families for eternity.  

I know that the Book of Mormon is true.  It is not a replacement of the Bible in anyway.  It is simply "Another Testament of Jesus Christ".  It declares Christs gospel in it's perfect simple form. I know through prayer all of us will get the answer that this Book is truth.  Because The Book of Mormon is true, the message of Joseph Smith is true.   I know without a doubt Joseph Smith is a prophet.  He was a vessel on earth for the Lord.  He translated the Book of Mormon and restored all the Priesthood keys (the authority to act in the name of God) through Jesus Christ. Now we have a prophet to day on earth. I sustain and know that President Monson is a prophet.  He is truly a Moses in our day.  This message of the Restoration is our privilege as members of his church to share to the world preparatory to his second coming.

I know that anyone can change and everyone has good in them even if it seems impossible to find.  This message of Jesus Christs gospel isn't news to any of us.  We just have to help our brother and sisters who have never heard the mesage be reminded of it.  

All the turmoil on earth doesn't matter, all the rebellion doesn't matter.  What matters is receiving the gospel (Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End) living it, and never denying it.  Sometimes enduring is the hardest part.  But, we can do it.  Enduring is possible and I know it's worth it.   I know that Jesus Christ loves all of us.  If we could only see us the way he sees us.  He see's our potential when we do not.  He is our cheerleader when we have no one.  He is our forgiver when we are hard to forgive others or ourselves.  

I am sincerely asking all of those who have not yet taken the time to pray for themselves to find out if the Book is true to please pray now.  If you feel you have gone off the path a little it is never to late to come back.  Christs arms are always open.  Our own salvation is more important then anything I can express.  I know we have a Prophet, I know temple work is a real thing where we can be sealed for time an all eternity to our families (Matt 16:19),  I know the Lord is Hastening his work, I know the second coming will soon come, and I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints is the true church on earth there is not a doubt in my mind.  Please pray and ask God what it is you need to do to progress further spiritually.  He truly hears every word, you are his precious child.  

 If there are two things I know for coming home

#1 Heavenly Father loves me

#2 Jesus Christ lives

I am so thankful that I am part of today's "Army of Helaman." All the Elders and Sisters serving throughout the world are fighting for truth to be made known.  We are fighting for the souls of our brothers and sisters that we love.  We are fighting to bring souls unto Christ. Together members, leaders, and missionaries will win the fight.  It has been an honor to wear his name below mine for a year and a half.  I am grateful that for the rest of my life I will be part of this army. May us all be diligent, faithful, and obedient in the things our hearts knows are right.  

2 Nephi 31:20 "Wherefore, is ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

D&C 14:7 "If you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God."

I know all these things to be true.  

John 12:25 "He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."

Living eternally with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and our families is the most important thing.  Because of Jesus Christ it is all possible.  Nothing else matters. I know all these things are true.  In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

These pictures are by Mark Mabry I couldn't help but post a few.

  

Playing Catch Outside the Kitchen Window

Here's the story for the week y'all! We had an awesome experience that happened last night.  Sister Brown and I were determined to get all of our tracting in for the week right?  Well, that required us tracting at a late hour of the day.  But we were determined.  While we were walking, Sister Brown walked past this couple.  She looked at me and said, "do you feel we need to go talk to them?"  I looked over and thought, "Yes."  But, she decided we would talk to them on the way back only if they were there.  We said a prayer in our heart and continued on.  Along the journey, we saw a group of black kids playing some street ball. 

 

Now here's the thing, earlier yesterday we were with a person who hasn't been to church in a long time.  We helped her make some necklaces. However, I was getting sooo frustrated.  I don't know why, but being crafty makes me super stressed!!  We started to tract after we made the necklace, and Sister Brown said, "You were stressed out while making that huh?"  Yes I was!! I don't know why.  Like, most women think that stuff is super relaxing.  But the only thing I can think while being crafty is all the stuff I need to do after I get done.  So then I stress to get it done faster, which stresses me out even more.  Then Sister Brown says, "We just need to find some kids you can play some sports with. That's what's relaxing to you huh?"  I got thinking, all of a sudden I realzied how right she is!!  Everytime we are at a member house and the children are playing catch with a baseball, football, or passing a soccer ball I am always playing with them while Sister Brown talks.  Being active is relaxing to me!! I don't feel stressed when I play a game of catch, frisbee, tennis, soccer, basketball.  Especailly with children, I could play all day. 

 

I've always had this dream. Here's the dream:

One day I will be doing the dishes in the kitchen look out my window and see my future spouse playing catch with a football or baseball in the yard.  That was a dream, all I can picture.  Kind of cheesy but true!!

As of lately, I've realized, why am I dreaming that I will be in the kitchen?  That's not who I am.  Granted I can clean like you wouldn't believe.  But, shoot the dishes can be put on hold!  I will be out their playing catch with my husband and child.  Why would I stay inside...when I can be active with the ones I love outside.  Nothing is more relaxing and less stressful to me then that. 

 Anyways back to the story...bunch of black kids playing some street ball.  Well, I'm not going to say this was my first time playing street ball.  Hey I might not be very good, but it's so fun to play with the kids.  So we did.  Haha I bet they thought we were crazy...especailly cause were two white girls in skirts.  But, I don't care I loved them and playing with them. 

 

Now, on the way back, we walked past the house where the couple was, and guess what?  They both were there!!  We of course stopped.  We taught the entire restoration and they said they believed it all without a doubt.  It was amazing!!  Sister Browns eyes got super teary:)  I love her.  We have such a great companionship and we teach very well together.  But, we've been invited to come back this week.  So we'll let y'all know how that was:)  I have a strong testimony on everyone is in our life for a reason.  If we are always striving to have the spirit with us, we will always be in the right place at the right time.  No one is placed in our path by accident.  I love this gospel!! We are ready for a week of work as I continue to sprint to the finish.

Love y'all always.

Love Sister Jenkins

 

 

 

 

Lovable Poodle!

 

 So this one time I made a pancake for Sister Brown

 

and she loved it

 

Do I looked stressed?

 

 

All I wanted was to teach an Asian

We were on bikes all week this week and it was good.  At least I'm getting a little bit of tan right?

Instead of writing a huge email about what we did everyday this week I'm more in the mood to just share stories as of lately.  

Basically what happened this week, was Sister Brown and I decided to get online to Mormon.org for a minuet.  While we were I saw this video of Elder Holland going to Asia.  The work there apparently is just exploding.  As I was watching I saw the Elders and Sisters serving there.  I couldn't help (I didn't mean to) but ask the question, "Why didn't I get sent to Asia?"  Like was I not worthy enough to go teach Asians? I was slightly upset while we were riding bikes home.  Then I started saying a heart prayer to Heavenly Father just letting him know all the feelings I was having.  We almost got to our apartment and I hear Sister Brown talking to someone who pulled up next to us on the side of the road. "How you ride bike?"  Sister Brown replies, "We'll teach you?!"  I looked behind me and see it's an Asian lady talking to her!!  I freaked out in happiness and asked this cute Asian lady to pull over into our apartment complex and we would talk to her (she was holding up traffic).  We talked to her for min, and we got her contact information.  We will hopefully see her this week!  

I feel as if that was the Lord saying, "You wanted an Asian, you got an Asian."  At that moment I realized I would've been fine in Asia.  But the Lord needed me here.  People that I have met and love dearly needed me to be here.  I especially needed to be in the MJM.  Funny huh?  That's my story for the week.  I love y'all!

Have a good one. 

Love Sister Jenkins

Best Companionship ever

Love my girls Zemp and Brown!!  

Here's the video link to what started my Asian dilemma

Shout out to Dad

Shout out to Dad

I will do a shout out to my cute Dad for fathers day!! I love him so much and I am so thankful that I have been blessed with a Dad who honors and respects his priesthood. He's truly been an amazing example and hero for me in my life. I reflect all the memories he was able to give me as a child. I'll never forget being on the Farm with my cute Dad.

Story Time: When I was small, there was anight that Dad and I had to move pipe just us on this huge field. I was so tired and didn't think I could pick up anymore pipe. I remember looking at my Dad, gentle and strong with the pipe and with me. As he walked I remember following directly behind him because it was always easier to follow in his footseps through the mud. It was also eaiser to follow because as he would walk the grain would brush down....if I stayed close enough I could get through the grain easier.

I remember my Mother years back sharing a similar story about my sweet Grandpa right before he passed away. I have this in common with her. I understand that through the mud of the water when moving pipe it's easier to follow in Dad's footseps.

My Grandpa will forever be my mothers hero like my Dad will be mine. After all Dad's are always a daughters first love. I love my Grandpa, and my mind reflects to his gentle and firmness as a grandfather growing up. He had such a strong testimony of the gospel and he was brilliant with things regarding life, I miss him and am grateful for the example he set in my life. In fact there is a song he would always sing with my mother growing up. It's called, "You are My Sunshine."



In loving memory of
My Grandpa Reed Jensen

The other night my comp and I were singing that to go to sleep (because we have bats outside our apartment that live in the roofing and they kept hitting our window so we couldn't sleep). The next day a member told us that "You are My Sunshine" is Louisiana's state song! My Grandfathers mission was in Texas. I know it covered some of Louisiana, but I'm not 100 percent sure on that. But it meant so much to me.

My Dad has such a strong testimony of this church. I know his spirit is strong, I will always be grateful for the eternal influence he has on my life. I love him. I will always cherish the memories we have. He's just a giant teddy bear as my mother would say. I know he is!! He gives the best hugs ever! Dad, thank you for everything you do. Following "In your footsteps" is the best path to take yet. Thank you for honoring your calling as a father, I know there was always one that would protect and love me that's you. I love you dearly.

Anways y'all. That was the week and those are my thoughts!

Love you all.

Love Sister J

 

Will Work for Chicken Nuggets

"Will work for Chicken Nuggets" seems to fit an experience that happened this week perfectly. Sister Brown and I were tracting. We didn't have a dinner appointment and it was slightly late in the evening but we were determined to find at least one person to teach. Door after door no one answered.  We knocked on this one of course a miracle happened. She seemed stressed, she had a lot of clothing and things in her carport. You see, we always ask people if they need help with anything and they always say no. However, this lady after we asked said,

"Yes I do. I have a garage sale I'm in charge of in the morning because we need the extra money and it's super overwhelming. I just don't see how I'll be able to handle all of this." Immediatly we were put to work. In the middle of organizing her carport. She gets on her knees crying thanking Heavenly Father for sending two angles that represent Jesus Christ to come help her. It was precious. We were happy to be there.

 

We worked for about an hour and then she offered us dinner. She said it wasn't much, but she was cooking some chicken nuggets! We of course jumped at the offer.  We were able to have a gospel discussion and eat chicken nuggets together. So we ended up getting Dinner! They wanted us to come back this week, we will see how it goes. Personally I am looking forward to it. I have hope that things are going to work out.

 

This week was good, it's weird that I only have a month left. All I could think this week was how much I truly love the south. I love these people so much. But, you know I don't think my email needs to be huge this week.
Love Sista J

 

A cute cafe in Stonewall!

 

 

We saved a turtle crossing the road

 

 

Dad's favorite team:)

 

 

 

 

Because of Him

Just a reminder to always remember him:)

Be an Instrument

Hey y'all:) 

Well, here was the week.  

Monday: It was the day of service.  So we painted the Glass families house all day--it was a solid day.  We also were able to teach Daniel at a resturant he's coming along really well.  He's the first investigator that has ever read the BofM as far as he has.  He's read to 2 Nephi 12!  It was pretty cool.  He was talking about all the stories that he had read I was pretty impressed! That doesn't happen to often.  We were so happy.

Tuesday was pday because it was transfer day.  But,  y'all already knew that so.. there goes Tuesday.  

Bah, this email is boring.  I'm not really in the mood to type up a huge email y'all.  We've had some great investigator lessons this week though.  Like, most of our investigators will be progressing soon.  Emily is amazing!! We visit her house at least a couple times a week and discuss the gospel.  She had us over for dinner with her brother and husband.  We had shrimp and had to peel it ourselves.  We watched the restoration DVD and the spirit was super strong.  Her brother was so excited to come to church Sunday that he went and bought a new tie for it.  

I just have such a strong testimony of the spirit and what it can do.  This week I am physically and spiritually exhausted.  It's really how missionary work should be.  I am so thankful that near the end of my mission we're still working as hard as ever.  It's been a super emotional week I think a lot of you understand.  I love it here so much.  I love the south I really do.  I love the spirit I am able to feel every single day.  We met this week with one of President McD's counselors, "President Houston".  I am so thankful that we met with him.  He gave me great coming home advice and told me that I am doing a wonderful job at my missionary work.  There was also a lot said that was an answer to all of my prayers. 

 Basically I'm more motivated to become the person the Lord wants me to be.  This mission has truly saved my salvation.  Without it, I don't even know where I would be or what my outlook on life would be like.  I have a long ways to go.  But, I can at least have the hope and faith that as long as God is number one in my life everything will work out.  Kind of trying to keep all the emotions together.  It might also be possible that I am crying as I write this.  5 weeks is not a lot of time, but I know that I'm going to keep working my hardest.  I love these people so much, every person does have good in them if you look at their hearts.  I'm not saying my goodbyes (even though it sounds like it) I'm just full of thanks!  It's like my need for people to receive this message of the gospel is greater then ever.  

I truly feel as if I am clay in the makers hands.  At church yesterday President Houston talked about how the organ in our building is the happiest organ in all of Stonewall.  Why?  Because it gets to be played every week.  It's an instrument that is constantly being used.  In Alma 29:9 (my mission scripture) it talks about being an instrument in the hands of the Lord, "and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul unto repentance."  

Now I know why we are always so happy at the end of the day when we do missionary work.  It's because the master is using us.  We are literally his instrument and I am the happiest I've ever been because I am in his total and complete control.  Trusting that he's going to make me sound beautiful the way I make the piano sound, gives me hope.  Sometimes it's difficult, but I want to be the best instrument I can be.  I want to be out of my case and being used for him.  Anyways it's a cool analogy I felt that I appreciated the calling I have as a missionary a whole lot more. 

Okay there we go, I feel a lot better about this email.  Sometimes just going through each day is...a drag to write.  But, y'all there's to much in my heart at the moment to really express the way I feel.  I hope y'all have a fantastic week.  As the classic song goes, "It's Alright, have a good time cause it's alright."  Everything is all right.

Love Always Sister Jenkins

We gave puppies a bath!

Don't get clouds like this in Utah.

Hey Mom!.....are you attempting to cook again?

Cookie fail....thought they needed more butter after my batch.