I'm Dreaming of a White & Brown & Windy Christmas!

What a wonderful Christmas week.  It was so fun to be sharing the message of our Savior’s birth all week.  We participated in several Christmas activities, but boy was it cold!! Last Monday we went Christmas caroling on a hay ride. I made sure to bundle up real warm. I think I had about 6 layers on. Haha!

A family in our ward anonymously provided Christmas for another family who is struggling.  They asked us to be the deliverers. That is one of my favorite things to do at Christmas. When we got to the house on Christmas Eve that had nothing under their tree, but when we left it was full. That is the Spirit of Christmas—giving to others!!

On Thursday our mission had a Christmas devotional & talent show. Our district did a missionary’s 12 Days of Christmas song. So funny! I also did a piano duet/battle of “chopsticks” with Sister Stone.  We had a lot of fun.:-)

Christmas Eve was nice. We spent most of the day delivering Christmas cookies & sharing a quick Christmas message. We spent the evening with one of my favorite families, the Stockings. We had an entertaining performance of Luke 2.

Christmas was exciting, of course, because we got to Skype home! That was nice. I love my family!!

Oh, reason for the subject: It didn’t snow on Christmas, but it was so SO windy, the snow blew around, combined with dirt. The snow drifts looked like an Egyptian desert because of all the dirt & wind.

Overall this whole week was fabulous. I love being a missionary at Christmas time.

Ponderize: Luke 2:7

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

I am sure the innkeeper didn’t know he turned down the Savior of the world, but if he did I would guess he’d make room.  Let us each make room for Him—Let Him in!

From Idaho to you,

XoXo

Sister Carling

While Proselyting we had to stop to take pictures with the horses!

Christmas day Picture!

This week is one of the best ALL year! Merry Christmas!

Hello friends & family!

This week's update will be short & sweet!!

I could just say: IT'S COLD HERE and that would sum things up.  Haha.  Although it is cold, we are enjoying our time, none the less.

Highlight #1: We taught the Ashby's, Christian and Jacee the Word of Wisdom and Law of Chastity this week.  The most exciting part is that the Ashby's are ready, willing and excited to quit smoking! Wahoo!  Baptism here we come!:-)

Highlight #2: We've been door-bell ditching the "12 days of Christmas" gifts for a family.  It's a little different here because there's snow and ice everywhere.  One night Sister Fitt couldn't stop quick enough so the ice got the best of her.  Haha. They didn't catch us though, so it's all good.

Highlight #3: It's cold here! Idaho winter=cold, wind, snow and ice.  We decided to take some pictures for a Christmas card but we chose a day that was windy like no other! I'm pretty sure I've never experienced being so cold in my life because of wind.  We're doin' our best at stayin' warm.

Ponderize: John 3:16

For God so loved the world , that he gave his only begotten Son , that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

This week is one of the best ALL year. I believe because we know that God sent His Son for US! What better reason to celebrate!?! Not everyone realizes it, so make sure to share with everyone the reason for the season.

From Idaho to You,

XoXo

Sister Carling

It's freezing here!

Howdy Ya’ll!

How’s the weather?  It’s freezing here.  Like, literally.  It’s 32 degrees outside today.  One night this week it got down to FOUR flippin’ degrees.  This weekend I hear it’s supposed to get down to -2.  Brrr! That’s Idaho for ya.  I think I’m getting acclimated because 32 degrees doesn’t sound or feel very cold to me anymore…Haha!

Because this week was transfers it was a bit crazy & adventurous.

Last Monday our zone participated in the Burley Light Parade!  We just sang Christmas songs & advertised #LIGHTtheWORLD.  It was like 19 degrees outside.  We could see the air coming out of our nostrils.

The rest of the week with Sis. Leach consisted of making visits to investigators, less-actives & members.  We had some awesome lessons.

One morning we walked down to the Snake River (right around the corner from our house) and discovered it was frozen over solid! That was crazy!

Thursday was transfer day and we had to drive to Twin Falls.  It was snowing a lil’ bit on the drive there.  While we were waiting it started snowing a lot more…By the time we left there was probably about 2 or 3 inches of snow that had fallen.  Here’s the scary part—I had to drive back to Burley (45 minute drive) in that snow storm!!  I ain’t never driven in snow, let alone on a highway during a snow storm!! But, we made it back safely.:-)  I’m kinda proud of myself for how well I am doing on the snowy, icy roads.

The rest of the weekend was fun, as Sis. Fitt is getting to know the people and area.  We had a wonderful lesson with Jackie & Brittnie—taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are so ready and excited to be baptized.  Brittnie says nothing is going to stop her—especially Satan! Haha

I still think it’s crazy that I hit my year mark.  I haven’t seen any of ya’ll friends or family for over a year now.  Like, woah! Life has been the best adventure this past year, though!

Ponderize: Alma 38:9

And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.

Anything—ALL things—are possible because of Jesus Christ.  Repentance is the way to access that salvation through Him. It is real. He is real. Let’s be real and use the Atonement of Jesus Christ!

From Idaho to you,

XoXo

Sister Carling

Our zone at the Light Parade! 

Me and chickens. Yeah. haha

 

That is the Snake River behind us.  Yes, it is frozen over!

 

Year mark!
 

 

Me and Sister Fitt when we were about to leave Twin Falls!

1 Year Gone!

My weeks seem to be going so slow but at the same time, can you believe I have been gone 1 full year this week?!?!  Crazy!  I can hardly believe that! Man, oh man, what a great year it has been.  I feel like the same person, yet totally different and changed.  I'd say it's a good change.  My testimony has increased with personal stories and experiences to go with my growth of knowledge.  The level of the amount of joy I have felt is indescribable when individuals whom I've come to love feel changed by the Spirit.  The excitement and happiness usually brings me to tears. I just found out someone I taught in Boise is getting baptized and I'm so HAPPY!!  I have learned and felt what the influence of the Holy Ghost can do.  Knowing that I have acted on or spoken by the power of the Holy Ghost are some of the most satisfying experiences I have ever had. My knowledge and appreciation of the Book of Mormon and other scriptures continues to grow as I study and apply them.  My desire to share the knowledge of Salvation burns as I think about what my Savior Jesus Christ did.  And that's what--or who-- this is really all about--Jesus Christ!  He's the center to my testimony and life and that is what I am here to share!

 

We had a few very special moments this week as we taught and testified of Jesus Christ. We were teaching the Plan of Salvation to our investigator Jackie and her 15 year-old daughter Brittany.  In the middle of teaching "Earth-life" Brittany says, "Mom, did you tell them the news?"  Jackie indicated that she had not, then announced "Brittany would like to be baptized." Yay yay yay!!  :D  They were both so happy and we were ecstatic! So, we set a baptism date for January 13th!  That was probably the biggest highlight of the week. 

 

We also were able to set a baptism date for our our 9 year old investigator, Jaycee for January 14th! Exciting stuff.  

 

There were some other bomb.com lesons this week where the Spirit was hulk strong and I wish I could talk about 'em all  But, time is short.

 

Has everyone been participating in #LIGHTtheWORLD??  We've been trying our best out here.  It's such a great way to unite together.

 

Ponderize: 3 Nephi 18:24

Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed.

 

Christ said, "I am the light..." Also, "Ye are the light..."  It's interesting we are both the light, but as he says here we are the light as we hold up His light.  We hold it up by doing what He did. )Here's another plug for #LIGHTtheWORLD)  I encourage y'all to participate in the calendar because it is giving us specific ways to hold up that light!

 

Also, we just got transfer results! Sister Leach is going to Boise and I am staying here another transfer with Sister Fitt!!

 

 

 

From Idaho to you,

 

XoXo

 

Sister Carling

 

 

 

 

Exchanges with Sister McOmber!

 

 

 

 

Matching headbands!

 

Zone breakfast this morning

 

Stuffed like a Turkey and Dead like a Duck!

This week was a bit of a whirlwind but there was some exciting stuff.

Last Tuesday we went on exchanges--I was with Sister Fenton for the day! We taught Christian the Plan of Salvation, which was awesome! He still needs to tell his family he's been meeting with us and wants to get baptized. He knows he's gonna do it, but we just have to figure out when!

 

Best part of the day:

I saw Brother Conant (our ward mission leader) and his "dunk boy," as he calls him, (aka the missionary that baptized him 12 years ago, who was visiting from Mesa, AZ!) outise gutting something.  I knew they just got back from hunting so I quickly pulled over to go join them.  I jumped right on the offer to slice open the mallard ducks. haha! I loved it!  That was probably a big highlight of my week.  So fun. :)

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Mine was pretty special.  We participated in the local 5k Turkey Trot with some members.  We added a lil' twist to it though.... We did it 3-legged! Okay, not the whole thing, but we prolly did a total of a half mile that way. :)

 

The Moon family had us over for brunch and dinner.  I was stuffed like a turkey! She even made things special gluten-free just for me. :)  We also got to visit more people on that day, which was wonderful.  This year I was extra grateful because I saw first hand people who have almost nothing, wheter it be temporally or even with family.  I'm beyond grateful for my amazing family, home, and many other blessings in my life. 

On Saturday, Weston was sealed to his family and we had the opportunities to witness that.  On Sunday, us missionaries in the Paul, ID stake put on a "LIGHTtheWORLD" fireside teaching members all about the initiative and how to share it.  It was a huge success! More people than expected came, and it ended up being spiritually uplifting and comically entertaining.  I hope y'all are on board for the inititative and ready to participate in the 25 days starting this week.  If not, go check out Mormon.org RIGHT NOW! :)

Ponderize: Matthew 5:14-16

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Shine your light and #LIGHTthe WORLD!!!

From Idaho to you,

XoXo

Sister Carling

Me slicing up the duck. :)) Can you tell I was excited?

 

 

Sister Fenton and I!

 

 

The Turkey Trot! 3-legged.

 

 

 

 Weston after he was sealed to his family!! <3

 We woke up to snow this morning and I built a huge snowman.  So exciting!

 

 

#LIGHTtheWORLD

What a great week! It sure has been excellent for me.  This week it got below freezing a couple times, so it's beginning to feel a lot like  season change! I don't think I'm ready for snow yet, but it's supposed to be here soon...

Highlights of the week:

We had another outstanding lesson with Christian.  He could teach us most of the lesson because he understands everything so well.  I love teaching him! We asked him who we wanted to say the opening prayer and he said, "I might at well do it." Then he said a great prayer and told God, "Thank you for sending my friends...." I was so sweet!

We found a new investigator who has been prepared to accept the gospel! Her name is Jackie.  She recently married a less active member.  We taught her lesson 1 and invited her to be baptized and she said yes!! :D  The Lord prepares people!

Well there were more highlights from this week but I have so little time.  I want to say thank you for all the birthday wishes! Yesterday was a great Sabbath birthday.  I'd hafta say the best part was watching my "Surprise Party" put on by my wonderful friends at home!  It made my entire day--no, week!!!! I have awesome people in my life. :) 

Ponderize: John 8:12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Jesus is LIGHT.  Watch and share the video "LIGHT the WORLD" at Mormon.org on Friday to find out more. :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING Y'ALL!!

From Idaho to you,

XoXo

Sister Carling

 

 

 

Don't Run over Boulders!

What an adventurous week!

For 4.5 days this week we were without a car! A few weeks back, while on exchanges, Sister Leach hit a boulder which did some damage to our car.  We took it into the shop in Twin Falls on Monday, and were told it would be ready by Wednesday.  Twin is 40 miles away, so we had to arrange a ride there to pick it up, which we did...  After we got dropped off they told us it wasn't ready but it should be ready in about 2 hours.  So we waited.  And then they told us it STILL wasn't ready but would be ready in the morning. SO we had to find a ride 40 minutes back home to make it in time for dinner, which we easily, thankfully, did.

Then we arranged a ride for Thursday morning anxious to pick up our ready car.  As we were driving into Twin they called us and said it STILL wasn't ready.  Gah!  Again, thankfully we quickly found a ride back home.  But Friday evening our car was officially ready so we picked it up and now have a fully functioning car.......4 trips to Twin later..... haha

Because we had now car, the rest of the week made for a big adventure!  We found ourselves running across a freeway overpass, walking a mile down the road passing through fields of farm land, walking around neighborhoods, riding with members, and having a grand time. :)

The other adventurous part of the week was zone conference and zone olympics! What is zone olympics you say?  Let me tell you! Our mission president thought of the fun event to motivate us to do good work-outs in the morning.  There were events such as pull-ups, sit-ups, jump rope, free-throws, stick-pull, and tug-of-war.  It was a fun event!!

All-in-all this week was quite an adventure.  We received training on the Christmas initiative #LIGHTtheWORLD which is really exciting me for this Christmas!  It's seriously the most wonderufl time of ht eyear to be a missionary!

Ponderize: 3 Nephi 27:27

Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.

What manner? The manner of Christ!  Be like Him! Make who you are like Christ!!

From Idaho to you,

XoXo

Sister Carling

An elk at Sportsman's Warehouse in Twin!

That is the rock Sister Leach hit.  Don't ask me how she didn't see it. haha

Today is her birthday and the Birthday Fairy made a visit to her! ;)

We'll be celebrating mine next Sunday!

 

 

 

Zone Conference & Olympics!!