Simplicity in Chtist

 Hey y'all!

[Summary at the very bottom cuz I know not everyone has the time or attention span to read this.]

This last transfer, my last transfer, we have been focusing on the simplicity found in Jesus Christ. When we know the Savior, we know what truly matters. As we focus on Christ, the gospel becomes easier to understand, not easier to live, but simple to understand. I love the simplicity that comes as we choose to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

In the book of Numbers we learn that, “the people spake against God, and against Moses,” so, “the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.” 

Tough.

The people realized they messed up and they went to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.”

In answer to Moses' prayer the Lord answered, “Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.”

And now we should have a happy ending where all the people repent and look to the serpent on the pole and live happily ever after. But instead…

“because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished.” (1 Nephi 17:41)

Yikes.

Why is it so hard to look to the Savior? Because is it so easy to look to the Savior.

It’s so hard because all it takes is reading the Book of Mormon everyday and it’s so easy that I still struggle. It’s so hard because it’s simply praying to Heavenly Father and it’s so easy because I don’t want to kneel or speak out loud. Why is it so hard to focus on Jesus Christ? Because it's so easy.

I’m so grateful that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have incredible patience because so often, I turn away, just like the children of Israel. I forget, I complain, I think I should have more than manna. But I can look to Christ and live. The Savior invites simplicity into my life. Elder M. Russell Ballard promised, “It is in simplicity that [we} will find… peace, joy, & happiness.”

President Russell M. Nelson said, “Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life & teachings of Jesus Christ. Learn more about His Atonement, His love, His doctrine, & His restored gospel of healing & progression!” 

I invite you to focus more on Jesus Christ and allow Him to help you simplify your life. I promise that as you focus on Christ and simplify you will experience increased peace, joy, and happiness, I promise this in the name of Jesus Christ.

Still holding to the rod, 

Sister Owens 

Summary: When we focus on Jesus Christ we don’t die from fiery serpent bites.

Updated (& corrected) information regarding my homecoming talk 

Location 

691 E Cedarview street Tooele  

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cedarview+St,+Tooele,+UT+84074/@40.5563673,-112.2786781,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8752bdb42ab180b9:0xfa04d530fb210631!8m2!3d40.5563673!4d-112.2786781!16s%2Fg%2F11smn8djr_?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D 

Time

9:00 am 

The last email I sent said 10:30 and that’s wrong. Come at 9:00.

Be there or be square (because you’re not around).

Treasured Treasure

 Hey y’all!

[Summary at the very bottom cuz I know not everyone has the time or attention span to read this.]

"Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine."

Exodus 19:5

I liked the idea that the Lord's covenant people are a treasure to him.

As I studied this verse I thought of the things I have treasured throughout my life. I thought about my old toys and how I loved all of my stuffed animals and dolls equally but I had one particular doll that I treasured and felt a bigger need to protect, Pinky Dinky was special to me. Not in a loved-her-more-then-the-rest-way but in a this-doll-needs-me-and-I-need-her-way. 

In Come Follow Me, President Russell M. Nelson was quoted, "In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term from which peculiar was translated is segullah, which means ‘valued property,’ or ‘treasure.’ … For us to be identified by servants of the Lord as his peculiar people is a compliment of the highest order”

This insight from President Nelson brought the term "treasured treasure" into my mind. To treasure something means to protect, value and cherish something or someone. A treasure is something very valuable.

At seminary I listened as the teachers discussed this verse and I remember them saying that the Lord doesn't love the people who have made covenants with him more than those who have not. All of us are of infinite worth to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, but covenant keepers have done work to be obedient to Their commandments and they have a special relationship with the people who have taken upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ.

Making and keeping covenants invites the Lord's protection and blessings into our lives. As we worthily partake of the sacrament each week we are entitled to the companionship of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost warns us of physical and spiritual dangers. The Holy Ghost can spare us from pain and embarrassment. And we can always have the Spirit with us as we treasure our covenants in the same way Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ treasure us. 

I love my Savior, Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father and I treasure my covenant relationship with Them.

Still holding to the rod,

Sister Owens

Summary: Heavenly Father loves you. Jesus loves you. I promise as you make and keep covenants with Them you will better treasure them and you will know how much they treasure you.

The Gatherer

 Hey y'all!

[Summary at the very bottom cuz I know not everyone has the time or attention span to read this.]

Last time I spoke of goats and sheep. 

So... chickens. not yet though.

Jesus Christ is my best friend. He likes to make metaphors and he is really good at it. He knew I liked chickens and so he put these verses in the Book of Mormon where I would find them. Some background on these scriptures; In Jerusalem Jesus Christ was crucified, he died, and was buried. On the other side of the world in the Americas there was darkness for three days, this darkness testified of Christ's death. After three days he was resurrected he went and visited his disciples in Jerusalem and he also spoke to the believers who had experienced darkness during the time of his death. These are some of his words to those in the dark.

3 Nephi 10:4-6

4. O ye people of these great cities which have fallen, who are descendants of Jacob, yea, who are of the house of Israel, how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have nourished you. 

5. And again, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.

6. O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft would I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart. 

Perhaps you are in some kind of darkness now. Perhaps my friend, Jesus, left these verses for you too.

Mama chickens gather their chicks under their wings to protect and comfort them. Jesus Christ gathers us to protect and comfort us. What would it be like to receive a hug from Jesus Christ?

I would feel protected, comforted, and loved. I get to feel that way when I read the scriptures and when I partake of the sacrament and when I attend the temple. Sometimes I even get to feel that way when I see some chickens, because even they point us to Jesus Christ. If you feel like you are in darkness I promise that Jesus Christ is the light as you turn to him you will feel his protection, comfort, and love.

This week I participated in a companionship study exchange. Rather than going on a 24 hour exchange with one of the sisters in the zone like teaching missionaries do, I had a study exchange. The sister I met with helped me feel like Jesus was giving me a hug. I was inspired by her faith and her devotion to Jesus Christ. I wasn't having the best day but she demonstrated Christ-like love that lifted my spirit and gave me hope. I felt seen, I felt gathered.

Happy Easter dearest friends! My friend Jesus, and I love you very much!

Still holding to the rod,

Sister Owens

Summary: Jesus is light. He is also a chicken, symbolically not literally. He loves you and wants to gather you in the same way mama chicks gather baby chicks under there wings to protect them. Let him protect you.

#Humbling

 Hey y'all!

[Summary at the very bottom cuz I know not everyone has the time or attention span to read this.]

Apparently missions don't last forever :( and I've kind of been doing this for awhile so last week I got an email regarding  My Plan  basically this means part of my missionary responsibilities is planning some stuff for life after my mission. 

Please enjoy a short description of the existential crisis I've been experiencing as I try to make plans.

I've heard tales of a shoulder angel and a shoulder devil. Most iconically Kronk from Emperor's New Groove.

Well, I don't think I have an angel and a devil. This week I felt like I had a shoulder Jacob and a shoulder Esau. Esau likes eating jerky and takes a lot of pride in his hair and is real tough. Jacob likes growing food and flowers and is a real momma's boy. And, like, I'm both. 

Inner Jacob and Esau have been fighting over the birthright. But for me I'm just trying to decide which college to go to. 

Esau says, “Girl, you know which college you want. Just do it.“

Jacob says, “Sister Owens you know which college Heavenly Father wants you to go to and you know everything works out a lot better when you are obedient. Follow the prompting.”

I applied for and was accepted to the Jacob college but I still keep looking at the Esau college and selfishly wishing Heavenly Father will change his mind. But I know Heavenly Father is looking at me and saying, “Trust me.”

And so I'm trusting because Esau college is, for me, a mess of pottage. And right now I want it because I'm hungry and I've been working hard and I want easy. 

But Jacob college means eternal blessings not temporary comfort. Heavenly Father wants me to be happy and he wants me to become more like his son, Jesus, who seldom had it easy. Heavenly Father knows where that is going to happen. 

I am learning humility. It's been a hard lesson, but I'm learning.

Still holding to the rod,

Sister Owens

Summary: Choosing a college is hard. God knows more than you and me and all of us.

Cinderella (Sister Owens is not a shoe loser but she is a princess.)

 Hey y'all!

[Summary at the bottom cuz I know not everyone has the time or attention span to read this.]

Regarding Cinderella (2015 live-action)

Once upon a time my grandparents took me and my sister to see the live-action Cinderella movie at the theater. I fell in love with this movie because of its beauty and the message of courage and kindness. I watched it yesterday with Cordelia. Ten year old me was quite impressed and frankly so is twenty year old me.

Regarding Courage 

Earlier this year I was asked to give a little talk on courage for a young women's event in my ward. Courage is described as not being afraid of doing what is right, but has also been described as doing what is right despite being frightened. 

There are many scriptural examples of courage including the two thousand stripling warriors, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, Esther, Daniel, Nephi everyone who has ever had reasons to be afraid of doing the right thing and has done it anyways.

I think we have all been asked to do good things that are scary for us. I was asked to conduct zone conference a little while ago and it kind of made me want to cry but I still said yes and even though it was scary the whole time I did it because I knew that's what Heavenly Father wanted me to do. 

I really love Heavenly Father and I want to do what he wants me to do. 

Jesus felt this way too, in the garden as felt intense pain and loneliness when he said, "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42)

That's courage. Knowing something is going to be uncomfortable at best and doing it because you love someone. 

Regarding Kindness 

Once upon a time I had a constant brawl getting my locker combination correct in middle school. I want to say the lock was just tricky but no one else seemed challenged by it when they helped me get in the locker. This locker had me stressed all the time. Luckily, the girl with the locker above mine would notice my wrestles and offer to help. She was always so happy to help and she saved me from being late to class at least once a week. I'm so grateful for her kindness. 

I don't think she remembers helping me with my locker. I don't know if she remembers me at all. But I do remember her. I remember her kindness, her smile, all her help. I love her. Like really, I admire her so much even though I only know her from helping me open my locker nine years ago.

At the end of Hunger Games, Katniss, who's seen a thing or two and knows how good and how bad humanity can be, tells us about a sort of game she plays where she lists off every kind or good act she's seen someone do. 

There are times I like to play this game too. 

Kindness matters. Courage matters. 

Still holding to the rod,

Sister Owens

Summary: “Have courage and be kind.” -Cinderella 

Matthew 16

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/16?lang=eng 

Luke 22

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/luke/22?lang=eng 

Hunger Games Quote

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/10611020-i-make-a-list-in-my-head-of-every-act  

I wrote this bad poem for you. 

Courage and kindness 

If we had more

Night would be shorter

Day longer

Every kind act is 

Reflected back

Every courageous act

Leaves the world a 

Little more lovely

Amen.

Hands

 Hey y'all!

[Summary at the very bottom cuz I know not everyone has the time or attention span to read this.]

Yesterday we had a sister's study activity. Which basically meant wearing pajamas, talking about things we want to do differently, creating goals and eating cookies. Wow, being a missionary is the best.

As we discussed our lives as missionaries one sister commented on how she felt when she was in the temple, explaining how her white dress and everything was beautiful until she would look down at her hands. 

This sister serves at the This Is The Place Monument, where missionaries dress as pioneers and help people learn about early Utah history and the way people lived in those times. This Sister is a blacksmith there and often gets scars and burns on her hands from the work and demonstrations she does. 

When she is wearing a dress for church or while she is in the temple in her white gown she feels self conscious and perhaps sometimes even ashamed of her hands because of the scars.

As she expressed this to each of us I couldn't help but see the parallels to Jesus Christ.

My dear friend, Jesus, also has scars from his service. No one served quite like him. No one suffered quite like him. 

President Thomas S. Monson, then Elder Monson, gave a talk entitled, “Hands” in this talk he speaks of the sanctity of hard working hands.

Of the Good Shepherd’s hands Elder Monson said, “This was the determined hand which drove from the temple the money changers. This was the loving hand that blessed little children. This was the strong hand that opened deaf ears and restored vision to sightless eyes. By this hand was the leper cleansed, the lame man healed—even the dead Lazarus raised to life. With the finger of this hand there was written in the sand that message which the winds did erase but which honest hearts did retain. The hand of the carpenter. The hand of the teacher. The hand of the Christ.”

It is a sacred privilege to be the Lord's hand as his service missionary. An honor even more for this sister who will forever look at her hands and find Christ. How sacred that her service should reflect the Savior’s.

“I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!

Such mercy, such love, and devotion can I forget? …

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!”

His hands are always stretched towards us. Accept his hand. Let him help you. Oh how he loves you. When Jesus looks down at his hands he thinks of you. 

To this fellow missionary and representative of Christ, I humbly share, Psalm 24:3-4

“3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?

4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.”

Your hands are clean and you are worthy to enter the Lord’s house. Thank you for taking upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ. You are an exceptional representative of the Lord. However, I would kindly suggest that we find you some high quality, thick, leather gloves.

I hope all of our hands can be a little more like Christ's.

Still holding to the rod,

Sister Owens

Summary: Let us not be ashamed of the service we do in the Savior’s name. Celebrate those scars that make you more like Jesus Christ. Do more of what the Savior would do.

Sources

Hands

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1972/10/hands?lang=eng 

I Stand All Amazed

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/hymns/i-stand-all-amazed?lang=eng 

Psalm 24

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ps/24?lang=eng

 

Testimonies are treats

 Hey y'all!

[Summary at the very bottom cuz I know not everyone has the time or attention span to read this.]

Happy Halloween!!!

One of my jobs at seminary is occasionally teaching the adaptive needs seminary class. It's been a sacred experience to testify of Jesus Christ with these beautiful kids and with their peer tutors. Everyone in our class is so friendly and the Spirit can easily be felt as we learn together!

This week I taught a lesson about the following scriptures.

Doctrine & Covenants 124:2-3

2 Your prayers are acceptable before me; and in answer to them I say unto you, that you are now called immediately to make a solemn proclamation of my gospel, and of this stake which I have planted to be a cornerstone of Zion, which shall be polished with the refinement which is after the similitude of a palace. 

3 This proclamation shall be made to all the kings of the world, to the four corners thereof, to the honorable president-elect, and the high-minded governors of the nation in which you live, and to all the nations of the earth scattered abroad.

I explained to the class that today we would be making proclamations of the gospel to the world. I said we wouldn't visit presidents or kings but we would go and share our testimonies with some neighbors. 

In the spirit of Halloween I made everyone missionary name badges so we could dress up as missionaries. Then we went testimony or treating. Much like trick or treating you approach someone's door and then rather than saying, “trick or treat” you bear your testimony and then you are given a treat.

First we visited Brother Hardy, the seminary principal. We knocked on his office door and he invited us all in. One by one we each shared our testimonies. Brother Hardy shared his too and he expressed to us that we had made his office a better place. I could tell he meant it because his eyes were filled with tears. I could feel the Spirit too. We got our treats and headed to our next neighbor.

The next person we visited was Sister Legge, our administrative assistant at seminary. We approached her desk and she was happy to receive our class. We introduced ourselves, (using our missionary titles) and again one by one bore our testimonies. I loved the way that some of our testimonies changed from the little walk between Brother Hardy's office and Sister Legge’s front desk. I love how beautifully and simply we each proclaimed the gospel truths we knew. 

We didn't have any more neighbors but I decided to close the classroom door and I pretended to be another neighbor. They knocked on my door and shared their testimonies with me. Testimonies are such powerful gifts. I cried as I listened to their pure and simple testimonies. I’m happy no one overcomplicated their testimonies, they simply shared what the Spirit told them to share.

As everyone settled back into their desks I shared the following scriptures.

Doctrine & Covenants 18:15-16

15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! 

16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!

I closed my lesson with my testimony that sharing the gospel brings us joy! Everytime we share our testimonies we bring souls closer to Christ and we will have joy as we help others come unto Christ!

This Sunday is fast and testimony meeting. I invite each of you to ponder your own testimony. And, if you decide to share your testimony with your ward then I promise you will feel joy from bringing souls closer to Christ. Please remember we share our testimonies with words and deeds. Singing a hymn can be a testimony. Inviting someone to sit next to you can be a testimony. 

I testify that there is joy in bringing souls closer to Christ! I testify that Christ lives and He loves and knows each one of us! And, I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I love you all! I hope you reflect on your testimony!

Still holding to the rod,

Sister Owens

Summary: My service sites are better than yours and testimonies bring souls closer to Christ which gives us joy!!! Also happy Halloween!

I'm Glad Strangers Got In My Car

 Hey y'all!

[Summary at the very bottom cuz I know not everyone has the time or attention span to read this.]

Happy Friday! Happy General Conference weekend!

This week I had zone conference! I volunteered to drive people because sometimes transportation gets a little messy for service missionaries. All of the missionaries in the zone met at a church house and then we all stood around in the parking lot talking until it was time for riders to find drivers. 

That morning I had been introduced to two new sisters who had very recently transferred home, Sister Fawson and Sister Smart. A few weeks before that I had met Sister Merritt as we were walking to our cars at the same time and sort of helping one another not get caught in another conversation so we could go home.

That morning the four of us were standing by each other and chatting. When it was time to go I said I could take four people and the three of them decided to come with me. My dad's car's name is Gator, I told the sisters this as we walked towards the car, and they agreed it was a very good name for this particular car. 

As we drove we got to talk with each other and get to know each other and listen to music. I enjoyed driving because I didn't have to participate in the conversation, I got to listen and I love to listen. They were all so funny and it was so uplifting. It was easy to be with them.

We stayed together throughout the whole day, although they couldn't leave me because I was their ride home. It was the first zone conference in this mission for all of us but because we had each other it wasn't really an anxiety inducing experience, it was just fun.

When our conference concluded one of these sweet sisters asked me, “do you think Gator wants to go and get ice cream?” And I said, “why, yes, I think he would.” So then we all went and ate ice cream together. Laughter and ice cream are such a good combo.

On the drive home we were deciding which ice cream flavors each of us would be if we were ice cream and they said that I would be cookies and cream because, “it's hard not to like.” That's like a huge compliment.

We have a group chat and I'm excited to get to know each of them better. Sister Merritt, Sister Smart, and Sister Fawson were evidence that God is aware of me, knows my heart, and loves me.

I know God is aware of you, knows your heart, and loves you. I hope that you're able to notice the tender mercies and evidence of God's love in your life. They are there, I promise. I promise it will get better.

Love you! 

Still holding to the rod,

Sister Owens

Summary: Zone conference= Yay! Carpooling with random strangers I met five minutes ago=Yay! Ice cream= Yay! You're going to be okay because God is watching out for you.

The Iron Rod

 Hey y'all!

[Summary at the very bottom cuz I know not everyone has the time or attention span to read this.]

Once upon a time there was a prophet named Lehi. Some of the identities he valued most were: father, husband, child of God, disciple of Christ. Lehi was a good man & he knew his Savior. 

Lehi lived in a city where the people were being wicked and the Lord warned him to leave so Lehi took his family and only what they needed and they left.

Lehi and his family lived in the wilderness and it was hard. They missed their friends. Their home. They had to work hard to get food and everyday they were just so very tired. But the Lord promised to take care of them as they obeyed His commandments. And the Lord did take care of them, He always keeps His promises.

Lehi loved his family. He was completely in love with his wife Sariah and he wanted her to be happy, he always did his best to take very good care of her. They had four sons; the oldest was Laman, then Lamuel, Sam, & last Nephi. Lehi loved his boys. He hoped they would grow up to be righteous, and firm and steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord. 

Sometimes Lehi would ask his boys to do things that were very hard. One time they had to travel all the way back to their home town so they could get a very special book. People tried to hurt them but the Lord protected them. Their mother was very afraid for them but as they turned to the Lord they were all okay and they all learned new things & grew in faith! 

One day as they tarried in the wilderness Lehi had a dream or in other words he saw a vision. 

It began in a dark and dreary waste. Lehi traveled in the darkness for many hours.

How would you feel if you were in darkness for hours?

I would be very scared & if I was there for a really long time I might start to feel hopeless.

After Lehi had traveled in the darkness for the space of many hours he began to pray to the Lord & asked for mercy, he knew the Lord was merciful!

Some time passed and Lehi saw a field, and he saw a tree with fruit that makes people happy! So Lehi went to the tree and he tried a piece of fruit and it was the best thing he had ever tasted! 

What's the yummiest thing you've ever had? 

I really love my mom's cinnamon rolls and her chocolate chip peanut butter cookies! 

Lehi also saw that the fruit was white, really, really white, it might have looked like it was glowing! Lehi says that the fruit made him so happy that he wanted his family to try the fruit too!

Lehi notices a river near the tree and at the head thereof a little way off, he saw his family! But they were confused and didn't know where they should go. So he got their attention and invited them to come and try the fruit! 

And not all of them came. Laman and Lemuel, his two oldest sons, didn't come and try the fruit with the rest of the family. This made Lehi very sad.

Lehi’s dream continues and he sees an iron rod between the tree and the river. 

Then Lehi sees us! Or at least people like us. And then the mists of darkness come. It's physical darkness. You can feel it sometimes.

All of us struggle in the darkness. But we know to hold onto the iron rod. As we cling to the rod we can press forward through the mist of darkness.

The darkness is real but so is the iron rod! And everyone who clings to it, everyone who holds fast to the iron rod, they get to partake of the fruit. 

Would you hold onto the rod? I hope you would. I hope you are! The iron rod is the Book of Mormon! It leads us through darkness and helps us come closer to God!

The fruit is God’s love! Clinging to the iron rod is the easiest way to reach the fruit.

Have you ever felt God's love? What is it like?

It is the opposite of darkness. It's light! Overwhelming goodness, it feels like everything is worth it.

As the people hold the rod of iron and move forward they get to try the fruit! They rejoice! It is so wonderful to be a part of something so marvelous!

The next part is so sad, even more sad than when Laman and Lemuel didn't come to the tree. But it's important so I'm going to tell you about it. 

Some of the people make it to the tree and they try the fruit but then they see this building. On the other side of the river there's a huge building with all kinds of people in beautiful clothes and they were mocking those at the tree of life. The people in the worldly palace would point and scoff at everyone by the tree.

And as many as heeded them, fell away. 

People who ate the fruit chose to leave the tree because they stopped focusing on what was most important.

What is most important to you?

Are you spending your time on the things that are most important in this life, and in life after this one? Are you giving the Lord a fair share of your time?

Please stay. Please come and partake of the fruit, please feel this joy with us. And then please stay. Yes, people will mock and the world will cast doubt at you but please stay. Stay focused on Jesus Christ. Remember what His love feels like.

That worldly palace with the people in the beautiful clothes is destroyed. The building falls. No one there receives the everlasting joy that we partake of at the tree.

Lehi loves his family so he beckons them to come to the tree and to stay at the tree. 

I love my family, you're all a part of my family and I invite you all to do the very same.

Lehi is so sad when some of his sons choose not to come to the tree.

I want you all to be happy so I invite you to come and feel the Savior's love by holding to the iron rod, by reading the Book of Mormon.

Will you read the Book of Mormon everyday?

I promise I will. I promise. And I promise that as you read the Book of Mormon everyday you will gain a personal witness that Jesus is the Christ and that He is your personal Savior, you will feel His love. 

If you're already reading the Book of Mormon everyday I invite you to stay and to beckon others to come and feel this great joy.

There will be opposition. The pride of the world will never approve of the humility required for discipleship. But let our confidence be in Christ. 

I am confident in the Savior. I can testify of His love and power. I am confident in the Book of Mormon, I know it testifies of Jesus Christ. I say these things and I make those promises in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Still holding to the rod,

Sister Owens

Summary: 

1 Nephi 8

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/8?lang=eng

Here's the link to my mission pictures album:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZMqcVg4i6kAMWJVH9

Untitled 1

 Hey y'all!

[Summary at the very bottom cuz I know not everyone has the time or attention span to read this.]

It's transfer time yet again. Previous to this transfer every area I've been in I've stayed for two transfers but this time I did what's called a one & done. I got my taste of Woodington & now I'm off to who knows where with who knows who.

Because it's another move I get to do a “here's what I learned from here email”l so without further ado:

♡ The white & yellow corn is the best. Corn should be picked/harvested before it gets too big and yellow. The proper way to eat corn is rolled in a stick of butter (salted) and then additional salt put on that.

♡ Communication is kind. I am still learning this. People feel good when you talk to them. People enjoy it when you share your feelings and thoughts. 

♡ People are so grateful for rain and that is so sweet.

♡ Okra is just the first two letters. No matter how it's prepared it's just ok. 

♡ It's alright to be struggling in periods of change. Some people call this wobble. There's a cool BYU Devo on it but mostly I love how professionally & seriously the word wobble was used to describe the feelings of fear and doubt and excitement that comes in times of readjusting and change.

♡ Learning to be a good steward helps us to better trust ourselves and notice everything the Lord has blessed us with. As we take care that which is sacred we see more as the Lord sees.

♡ The Book of Mormon truly testifies of Jesus Christ & His gospel. There are things that Jesus Christ has asked us to do and He will always, always help us do those things He asks.

♡ DEET ruins plastic. Plastic like name tags. Once upon a time basically everyday this last transfer I was getting eaten by mosquitoes so I tried a stronger bug spray, one with DEET & then it got on my name tag & the heat + the DEET = a ruined name tag.

♡ Book of Mormons can melt. My Book of Mormon that they gave me my first day in North Carolina leaves little blue melted Book of Mormon stains on the inside of my bag, my hands and my clothes. So in case you're wondering, a Book of Mormon can melt. I remember going into my first district council and seeing everyone's Book of Mormons, well-loved, well-used, and well, beaten up & I just felt so ashamed of mine and how crisp and new it looked.

♡ The Mount Olive Pickle Parlor exists & it's a big dill.

♡ I just really love the Book of Mormon so much. It's so simple and so true. Anyone can know for themselves if it's true. It might take some work but it's so worth it. As I testify of the Book of Mormon I just feel like I'm doing what's right. The Book of Mormon is the only thing that can really consistently give me confidence. The Book of Mormon points me to the Savior and the Savior points me to joy, hope, peace, charity, all good things come from Christ. The Book of Mormon is what points us to Christ and it opens the way for good things.

♡ Sometimes people communicate that they love you by feeding you food that might make you think they are trying to clog your arteries, but they actually do love you. And don't want to clog your batteries, they want to have a positive effect on your heart. 

♡ The Lord can and will use any skill and ability that you consecrate. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are perfectly aware of us and they are very good at making miracles happen. 

♡ You can't destroy the word of God. Our friend Eddie was baptized a little while ago and Eddie has seen miracles in his life he has a simple and pure testimony of Jesus Christ. He's wonderful. A few years ago Eddie's house burnt down. This was his childhood home. His mom would pick pecans off of the trees and he taught his son how to fix motors there. And then his home burnt down and he lost a lot. A lot, a lot. But not his testimony and he had a couple copies of the Bible and the outside of those bibles were burnt but the inside was fine. He likes to tell everyone that, “you can't destroy the word of God.” I know that's true. 

♡ I learned stuff about tobacco like how to recognize what crop it is. And that it helps with bee stings. And it's hard to quit smoking. 

♡ It's good to have neighbors. It's especially good to have good neighbors and to be a good neighbor. Neighbors are good.

Those are the main lessons that come to mind. Love ya folks! 

As a goodbye it felt fit to write one last Woodington poem. Please enjoy.

Where the people are welcoming

Open doors and open hearts

Other nice, uplifting thing

Diabetes because they can COOK & BAKE

I am glad to have been here 

Nothing quite like it

Grandma's and grandpa's found here

Talk a little funny but the love all the same

Okey dokey

No complaints

Still holding to the rod,

Sister Owens

Summary: I'm leaving Woodington. I learned stuff while I was here. Yay!

Here's the link to my mission pictures album:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZMqcVg4i6kAMWJVH9

♡

 Hey y'all!

[Summary at the very bottom cuz I know not everyone has the time or attention span to read this.]

Last week I talked about mosquito bites and how they were not cool. This week, for the first time in my life, I got stung by a wasp. Maybe mosquitos aren't soooo bad.

We were going to teach a friend about the word of wisdom. But, before the lesson even began the wasp stung me & our friend pulls out a cigarette and breaks it in half and sticks onto the sting, he then pours some water on it & for the remainder of the lesson I sat with cigarette slush on my hand. Also, this friend informed that I ought to begin smoking so that I could always have a cigarette when the wasps came. …yikes.

We also got to go to the temple this week it was really wonderful. I learned that revelation comes when we are looking for specific revelation. As we come with questions and come prepared to find answers we can receive the personal revelation we need. 

We also had zone council & zone conference. A lot happened. It was all very good. 

I gave a talk. Again. It went well.

Im too tired to write this. I love you and I love Jesus and that's the point of this email and every email. 

♡

Still holding to the rod, 

Sister Owens 

Summary: I got stung by a wasp. Love.

Here's the link to my mission pictures album:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZMqcVg4i6kAMWJVH9

MosQUITos

 Hey y'all!

[Summary at the very bottom cuz I know not everyone has the time or attention span to read this.]

This last week just before a member meal I was the victim of a mosquito bite. Please also note that since my mission I've come to a knowledge that I'm slightly allergic to mosquito bites which leads mostly to more swelling than the average person might get. This unfortunate wound was on my forehead. 

It was huge. 

It was like I was back in a trio, with an extra companion that lived on my forehead.

Highly unfortunate. Next time I'll take pictures. 

Luckily the members we were with are really cool and one of them works at the hospital so she had me put fancy chemicals on the bite so it would CALM DOWN. And it did. 

It also feels relevant to note that I carry something called after bite in my bag everywhere I go because I live in constant fear of mosquitos.

If you know me you may know that I love a good metaphor. Even more than that I love a bad metaphor. My favorite bad one is as follows, “he was as tall as a 6’4 tree.” Terrible. I love it. 

So here is a bad metaphor for you all to enjoy. A bad analogy if you will, mosquito bites are much like sin. 

I myself sometimes try to overcome mosquito bites without any help. This usually means scratching the bites because then it temporarily feels better. But after I do that the relief is so short and the bite swells up more and it often gets more itchy. It can also lead to infections if I break the skin and then ick gets in there, which is super duper unfortunate and then I really really would need help dealing with it. If an infection goes untreated I'm not sure what all happens but it can't be good. And some of my past mosquito bites are scars now because I itched them so much. 

I myself sometimes try to overcome sin without any help. This usually means hiding, even lying and/or convincing myself something isn't a sin or just trying to hide it from other people or even God. But after I do that the relief is so short my heart breaks more and I'm even more afraid to ask for help, but I need it more. If I continue to this I might deny the promptings of the Spirit and I might start breaking my covenants and further distancing myself from God, which is super duper unfortunate and then I really really would need help dealing with it. If I choose not to repent I become uncomfortable with my identity as a child of God. I begin to despise myself, my God, everything. Some of the sins that we try to deal with on our own can scar us. 

What I have been learning to do when I get mosquito bites is turn for help right away. Put on after bite. After bite has fancy chemicals that decrease the swelling and the itching. Sometimes after bite can sting for 2-3 seconds but it is always worth it for how quickly it prevents other problems. If I do scratch the bite a little and then put on after bite the after bite still helps and usually I won't have any other issues. Sometimes the mosquito bites are more severe, like the one on my forehead. Luckily I was at the right place at the right time to get all the extra help I needed. 

What I have been learning to do when I sin is turn for help right away. Repent right away. The Savior's Atonement has fancy power that gets rid of the harm of sin and gets rid of the separation from God that comes with sin. Sometimes repentance can be hard for a very, very short amount of time but it is always, always worth it for how quickly it prevents other problems and heals us from the original sin. If I do procrastinate repenting from the sin a little and then repent the repentance still brings so much relief and the repentance prevents other problems related to the sin. Sometimes our sins are more severe, but the Lord has ways for us to get the extra help we need. We can always talk to our bishop or mission President or someone we trust to get the extra care we need to heal and to repent.

The best thing I can do for mosquito bites is put on bug spray. I'd like to say I have bug spray on all the time so the mosquitos never get me, but that's not true and sometimes even when I am putting on protection I still get bites! But I know the bug spray makes a difference and I know I am preventing bites by putting on protection.

The best thing we can do for sin is also put on protection. We can put on the armor of God by praying, reading our scriptures and taking the Sacrament. I’d like to say that I have the armor of God on all the time, but that's not true and sometimes even when I am putting on protection, like wearing my garments, I still sin! But I know the armor of God makes a difference and I know I am protected from temptation by wearing my garments and praying often, daily scripture study, and taking the Sacrament. 

Mosquitos suck. Sins suck. 

After- bite & medical wonders and wonderful. The Atonement of Jesus Christ & repentance are wonderful.

Heavenly Father has such a great plan for us so that we can all be taken care of with things like mosquito bites and with sin. He provided a way for us to be okay. I love Heavenly Father and I love Jesus Christ. I'm so grateful that I don't have to deal with my sins alone because I know I can't. I need the Savior. I testify of Jesus Christ's infinite love and grace that covers you and me, just like bug spray, but better. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

I love you! The Savior loves you! I hope mosquitos don't love you!

P.S. I'm giving another talk this Sunday if anyone has awesome resources for the topic, “Sharing the message of Christ with love and sincerity” send them [the resources] my way! Thanks!

Still holding to the rod, 

Sister Owens 

Summary: Mosquito bites are like sin. The Savior helps us with everything. 

Here's the link to my mission pictures album:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZMqcVg4i6kAMWJVH9

Happy Hurricane Season

 Hey y'all!

[Summary at the very bottom cuz I know not everyone has the time or attention span to read this.]

Here's some low quality acrostic poems I wrote about my new area:

What

Odd

Old

Dearies

In

Grand

Tobacco fields 

Opposums

Near

Where?

Out

Of

Densely populated

Inhabitation

Nothing

Grass

Trees

Opposum

No things

What is this place so empty?

Only the locals can tell.

On errands the Lord has sent me

Devil still tries to derail.

I stand with heart, strength & might

Not an actual building in sight.

Glorious fields both left and right.

The congregation will grow as the corn.

Onward we work spreading light.

Now rescuing souls once forlorn.

Happy Hurricane season! Hurricane season started on June 1st! This whole weekend felt a little bit like a hurricane though.

I arrived in the new area on Thursday and found out there would be a baptism on Saturday. Hurrah!

On Friday I began inquiring about the details of said baptism and we found we had much to do. So we tried to do everything. Also on Friday we had the baptismal interview.

After the baptismal interview we found out we were not having the baptism. :(

So then we unplanned a baptism. But we had a very hard time un-planning it.

So then on Saturday people showed up for a baptism that wasn't happening.

Then we thought we ruined our relationships with all the members (I don't even know the members yet but this was an unfortunate start.) 

It was sad and my companion and I cried a lot.

But then on Sunday it was fast and testimony meeting and the whole meeting ended up being about… missionary work and how they (the members) and the Lord loves missionaries?

People still loved us and never didn't love us. And everything is actually okay. 

Woodington! Yay!

My companion is Sister Senior and we were friends before and we were both very, very happy to be companions. We both like poetry and good music and letting emotions exist and we love the Lord! And I think with all the crazy circumstances we have been in we really needed each other and so we are very grateful we are together. 

Also this is my first out-of-city area and my first not a military base in my area area. And everyone is trying to give us diabetes and there is always biscuits at every meal and they always do their very best to send us home with dessert. I also can't understand people's southern accent. Also in our missionary meeting they laughed at my questions and told me it really is a foreign mission. Everything is different but I'm excited to figure it out.

I hope you enjoyed this hurricane of an email & I love you!

Still holding to the rod, 

Sister Owens 

Summary: This email is a mess. There's bad poems and slightly unfortunate stories and a brief update on my new area and my companion.

Here's the link to my mission pictures album:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZMqcVg4i6kAMWJVH9