(June 19th)
Its the final week of the transfer again. It Goes so fast now. Before you know it I'll be home. Not yet though. There is still more to learn, more people to help more opportunities to take.
I truly know that as we make ourselves available and do our part in acting in faith, Heavenly Father will make us instruments in His Hands. It was just so with a young lady we were walking towards on the street yesterday. She was on the phone but she hung up to talk to us. She had just been kicked out of her house and said that God told her to keep walking and she would run into two girls. Well He was right. We walked with her as she talked and we gave her a book of Mormon and our phone number. She said she would read it every night. We were able to say a prayer with her, too and I know that she has great faith and things will work out. All she needs is the Gospel. It was so cool to be an answer to someones prayers. Though we don't have any way of contacting her unfortunately, I know that we will see her again.
Our bishop in San Clemente ward texted us about a non-member lady who needed help moving and was told by her landlord that she should ask the Mormons, they could help. I thought it was cool that even among nonmembers we are known for the Christ like acts that we do.
We had a really Good Sunday yesterday. There was a homecoming in one ward and a farewell in the other. I was able to meet more people and write down their names this time so I can remember them better. The spirit was very strong at both meetings.
I am so Blessed to be able to serve here in this beautiful area of the Lords vineyard. The work, works. Sister Wright and I have seen this as we have pushed through the hard times and reached out to other people. It heals the soul to serve and it also helps Heavenly Father to help his children.
I love you all and know you can do it!
Love,
Sister Crossett
(June 26th)
We went to dinner at the Hansens house and the youngest girl (blonde) was named Lauren, and I told them that was my sisters name. They were a super cool family and they even had a pet rat. He was super fat and his name is Will.
This passed week has been so busy. We found 2 new investigators from just following up with someone who said to come back another time. Amanda and Justin. We taught them the restoration and then just Amanda the plan of Salvation and she has a lot of questions. Then we felt like we should go back to a street we walked down a few weeks ago and so we planned in a time to go tracting there. We were late to our planned time but we both felt prompted to go to a specific house and a lady answered who was super friendly and told us to come back. Then it was time for lunch so we were walking back to our car and we saw a lady watering her lawn. We almost didn't go talk to her but I insisted. Rosie invited us right in and we taught the restoration to her and her husband. They are so humble and ready. On top of all the success we've seen the potentials we have, transfer calls were on Saturday and sister Wright and I are both staying (sister Wrights last transfer so I'll be killing her ;) mission lingo) but the elders in the Forster Ranch ward are both leaving and we are taking on all of their work as well as still covering San Clemente ward. It will be busy but it will be good to keep us motivated and push us to improve. Our investigator Sofia also came to church for the first time Sunday and there was a really good Gospel principals lesson on the holy ghost perfect for her. Miracles are happening and I'm so grateful to be a part of them. I know that Heavenly Father notices even the little things that we do right and blesses us for them. I know that as we continue to diligently study the Book of Mormon and Pray sincerely, we will receive heavens Help in our lives and we will come to know of the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel to the earth. I know that families can be together forever through the Plan of Happiness which is centered on the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.
I love you so much and pray for you daily.
Love,
Sister Grace Crossett
Monday, June 26, 2017
Monday, June 12, 2017
San Clemente
( May 22 )
Sister Wright likes to get things done as quick as possible on p-day and the library opens at 10 so we got here just a bit after 10 today. There is so much to write about. I was transferred to the San Clemente Zone and am double covering two wards! Crazy right?! Its different from Utah where they cover multiple stakes but 2 wards is actually pretty overwhelming for me. Sunday was fun :) all day church! It will take some time to adjust again but I am grateful to be stretched and changed. Heavenly Father is continuing to prepare me for my life ahead. The San Clemente and Forster Ranch Wards are our wards. Sister Wright is from Holiday Utah and guess what?! When I asked her where she went to High School She said cottonwood and so apparently she was really good friends with Haley and she was in all the musicals we went to see there. Peter pan and Tarzan and Shrek. Super cool! Maybe if you see Haley you could tell her Caitlin Wright is my new comp. and says hi. sister Wright is very organized and such a good missionary and I'm so excited to grow and learn from her. And We actually have quite a bit of work to do in our two wards. We have an investigator getting baptized on Saturday of this week. Her name is Brooke and she is golden. Though I didn't get to teach her a lot I am grateful to be a part of her conversion to Christ.
This area has a very different feel than the other areas I've served in. I think the main reason is because it is a beach town. Everyone surfs and goes to the beach all the time. You could call some of them beach bums but they are still super cool. Our apartment has a cool view of the ocean too, which I have yet to see so far on my mission. It is so beautiful and definitely a blessing while I am getting adjusted to the area and the people and everything new. Though a lot of people that we talk to here are just not open or willing to listen or too busy, I know that there are those that are prepared for us to teach and invite to come unto Christ. We had a cool experience this week where we were knocking on a door of a potential and I heard a noise like running water and we didn't know exactly where it was coming from. No one answered so we started walking back to our car and sister wright saw a fausset of water on across the street and no one around. We walk over to maybe turn it off and a guy walks out who's name is Dave. He was working on some plumbing stuff but he said we could go by and teach him on Friday. Since then we have picked him up as a new investigator but It is just so interesting how heavenly father leads us to people sometimes. I know that His work is here for all of us and as we continue to keep our covenants and do His will, we will be provided for and see miracles and blessings as we do so.
Have a Sunny Week!
Love,
Sister Crossett
( May 30 )
I was so very grateful to have been able to be a part of Brookes Baptism on Saturday. She is an example and inspiration to me of someone who has a testimony and wants to share her light with others. It is almost second Nature for her to just love and be kind to others and I know that will only continue to grow. Sister Wright and I are looking forward to a successful week and hope to please the Lord with our efforts to be a little more. I love my Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ and I want to take advantage of each opportunity that will come in serving and leading others to the Savior.
Have a blessed day and a miraculous week!
love,
Sister Crossett
( June 5 )
You are right. All will be fine, good, and right. And you know, its because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He is the way. We had a really amazing lesson with our investigator Sofia this week. We reviewed the restoration and invited her to kneel and pray with us to know if what we were teaching her is true. It was so powerful and she has such great faith. She said she felt much more open and comfortable talking to God in the way we taught her. She also was able to come to the adult session of Stake Conference with visiting 70 Elder Cordon. All the messages, especially from elder Cordon where exactly what she needed. He talked about the vital importance of reading the scriptures as a family in the home, and also about keeping the Sabbath day Holy. Sister Wright and I were also able to sing in the stake Choir and I was so grateful for that blessing. We sang a really pretty arrangements of The Lord is My Shepard, and Love at Home.
I just want to do Gods Work, and please him. Because we are imperfect, we fall short sometimes. That is why I am so grateful for the plan of Happiness, which is centered on Jesus Christ Atonement.
I don't know what else to say but I love all of you and I hope that you are taking advantage of the opportunities and blessings God has given to you.
love,
Sister Crossett
( June 12 )
Dear mom,
That was perfect. All of what I needed to hear. Make sure, when you are feeling displaced and frazzled, to remember what will never change: Our Heavenly Fathers love, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Eternal Families!!
Thank you for enduring. You are a great example to me on that. Hold to the faith, and the Rod!!
This week has been really Great and we have seen so many miracles. We got a new investigator named Heather and we are so excited to work with her. She was actually raised in the church and was baptized at 8 but had her records removed when she was in college. She is so prepared at this time and wants us to come back. It is early into teaching but we feel very good about her progressing. I was also very grateful that Elder Cordon came to speak to us and It really helped me get good spiritual fuel for the rest of the week. My interview with president and sister Clark was amazing too. They always say what I need to hear. . Then to top it off I got to go to the temple with a family name that sister Wright helped me find. Sister Wright is actually really good at it and she helped me find a family name that I took to the Temple on Saturday. It was so amazing to do that for one of my ancestors. Bertha Lucia Olmstead now just her sealing needs to be done. Their is also a name I've been reserving and it needs a baptism and confirmation maybe Anne would like to do it.
I love family history and the temple! We have even found more success in talking to people on the street about it and also with less actives I don't know if she accepted it on the other side yet but I know she will and I was able to learn and feel the spirit inspire and teach me while I was there. I love the temple! Sister Wright is still having a hard time. Satan is working really hard and I know its because he knows that we have some amazing things still in store for us here. I know that through diligent study and prayer, we will gain an increase in the faith that we need to keep being directed by the spirit.
Grace's Testimony for the girls at Daughters of Zion camp.
Dear Sisters,
I have been thinking of you a lot. I have been so blessed and have grown so much on my mission and from serving the lord. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, including Faith, Repentance, Baptism ( or keeping of Covenants) Receiving the holy Ghost each day and continuing to endure and move forward will help us in all aspects of our lifes. I've seen it work in the lives of the people I have served in California and I have seen it work for me. I know that the love of Our father in heaven and the Gospel is something that will never Change. Hold to your faith. Live what you believe. I love and pray for you sisters.
Have a great Week!!
love,
Grace Crossett
Sister Wright likes to get things done as quick as possible on p-day and the library opens at 10 so we got here just a bit after 10 today. There is so much to write about. I was transferred to the San Clemente Zone and am double covering two wards! Crazy right?! Its different from Utah where they cover multiple stakes but 2 wards is actually pretty overwhelming for me. Sunday was fun :) all day church! It will take some time to adjust again but I am grateful to be stretched and changed. Heavenly Father is continuing to prepare me for my life ahead. The San Clemente and Forster Ranch Wards are our wards. Sister Wright is from Holiday Utah and guess what?! When I asked her where she went to High School She said cottonwood and so apparently she was really good friends with Haley and she was in all the musicals we went to see there. Peter pan and Tarzan and Shrek. Super cool! Maybe if you see Haley you could tell her Caitlin Wright is my new comp. and says hi. sister Wright is very organized and such a good missionary and I'm so excited to grow and learn from her. And We actually have quite a bit of work to do in our two wards. We have an investigator getting baptized on Saturday of this week. Her name is Brooke and she is golden. Though I didn't get to teach her a lot I am grateful to be a part of her conversion to Christ.
This area has a very different feel than the other areas I've served in. I think the main reason is because it is a beach town. Everyone surfs and goes to the beach all the time. You could call some of them beach bums but they are still super cool. Our apartment has a cool view of the ocean too, which I have yet to see so far on my mission. It is so beautiful and definitely a blessing while I am getting adjusted to the area and the people and everything new. Though a lot of people that we talk to here are just not open or willing to listen or too busy, I know that there are those that are prepared for us to teach and invite to come unto Christ. We had a cool experience this week where we were knocking on a door of a potential and I heard a noise like running water and we didn't know exactly where it was coming from. No one answered so we started walking back to our car and sister wright saw a fausset of water on across the street and no one around. We walk over to maybe turn it off and a guy walks out who's name is Dave. He was working on some plumbing stuff but he said we could go by and teach him on Friday. Since then we have picked him up as a new investigator but It is just so interesting how heavenly father leads us to people sometimes. I know that His work is here for all of us and as we continue to keep our covenants and do His will, we will be provided for and see miracles and blessings as we do so.
Have a Sunny Week!
Love,
Sister Crossett
( May 30 )
I was so very grateful to have been able to be a part of Brookes Baptism on Saturday. She is an example and inspiration to me of someone who has a testimony and wants to share her light with others. It is almost second Nature for her to just love and be kind to others and I know that will only continue to grow. Sister Wright and I are looking forward to a successful week and hope to please the Lord with our efforts to be a little more. I love my Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ and I want to take advantage of each opportunity that will come in serving and leading others to the Savior.
Have a blessed day and a miraculous week!
love,
Sister Crossett
( June 5 )
You are right. All will be fine, good, and right. And you know, its because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He is the way. We had a really amazing lesson with our investigator Sofia this week. We reviewed the restoration and invited her to kneel and pray with us to know if what we were teaching her is true. It was so powerful and she has such great faith. She said she felt much more open and comfortable talking to God in the way we taught her. She also was able to come to the adult session of Stake Conference with visiting 70 Elder Cordon. All the messages, especially from elder Cordon where exactly what she needed. He talked about the vital importance of reading the scriptures as a family in the home, and also about keeping the Sabbath day Holy. Sister Wright and I were also able to sing in the stake Choir and I was so grateful for that blessing. We sang a really pretty arrangements of The Lord is My Shepard, and Love at Home.
I just want to do Gods Work, and please him. Because we are imperfect, we fall short sometimes. That is why I am so grateful for the plan of Happiness, which is centered on Jesus Christ Atonement.
I don't know what else to say but I love all of you and I hope that you are taking advantage of the opportunities and blessings God has given to you.
love,
Sister Crossett
( June 12 )
Dear mom,
That was perfect. All of what I needed to hear. Make sure, when you are feeling displaced and frazzled, to remember what will never change: Our Heavenly Fathers love, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Eternal Families!!
Thank you for enduring. You are a great example to me on that. Hold to the faith, and the Rod!!
This week has been really Great and we have seen so many miracles. We got a new investigator named Heather and we are so excited to work with her. She was actually raised in the church and was baptized at 8 but had her records removed when she was in college. She is so prepared at this time and wants us to come back. It is early into teaching but we feel very good about her progressing. I was also very grateful that Elder Cordon came to speak to us and It really helped me get good spiritual fuel for the rest of the week. My interview with president and sister Clark was amazing too. They always say what I need to hear. . Then to top it off I got to go to the temple with a family name that sister Wright helped me find. Sister Wright is actually really good at it and she helped me find a family name that I took to the Temple on Saturday. It was so amazing to do that for one of my ancestors. Bertha Lucia Olmstead now just her sealing needs to be done. Their is also a name I've been reserving and it needs a baptism and confirmation maybe Anne would like to do it.
I love family history and the temple! We have even found more success in talking to people on the street about it and also with less actives I don't know if she accepted it on the other side yet but I know she will and I was able to learn and feel the spirit inspire and teach me while I was there. I love the temple! Sister Wright is still having a hard time. Satan is working really hard and I know its because he knows that we have some amazing things still in store for us here. I know that through diligent study and prayer, we will gain an increase in the faith that we need to keep being directed by the spirit.
Grace's Testimony for the girls at Daughters of Zion camp.
Dear Sisters,
I have been thinking of you a lot. I have been so blessed and have grown so much on my mission and from serving the lord. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, including Faith, Repentance, Baptism ( or keeping of Covenants) Receiving the holy Ghost each day and continuing to endure and move forward will help us in all aspects of our lifes. I've seen it work in the lives of the people I have served in California and I have seen it work for me. I know that the love of Our father in heaven and the Gospel is something that will never Change. Hold to your faith. Live what you believe. I love and pray for you sisters.
Have a great Week!!
love,
Grace Crossett
Thursday, May 18, 2017
The Last of Las Flores
(May 8)
This week has been a slower week but we've still seen so many miracles. We met a guy who believes in God and Jesus but not in the bible because its been changed so much. We told him about JST and gave him the Book of Mormon and we ordered him a bible with JST and everything and he is excited to read both! hoping to teach him more this week. We have had an Iranian man and his son coming to sacrament meeting for 2 months now but we haven't been able to teach him during the week. They stayed after once for second hour and we taught them the restoration and invited him to read and pray but that was it. On Sunday they came again and we found out that his wife has been not too happy that they go to church so that has been the struggle. The man says he feels the spirit and he wants so badly to learn more though, so we are just praying that we will have the opportunity to teach them and that his wifes heart will be opened. I know that faith in Jesus Christ and Repentance through making changes to your life are how we can become more like our Savior. That is why we invite people to make and keep commitments, to pray and read the Scriptures and Come to church. So their hearts can change through The power of the Holy Ghost.
I don't know if you remember that I can skype you on mothers day next Sunday. I'm sure you have :) If not Surprise!! We are skyping at the Elliots house and we were thinking about 3:30 our time. I hope that works for you guys. If not we will have sister Elliot Text or call you. It will work out :) I'm So Excited to see you all!!
I'm doing alright with my battle. (Last months post) Its still a work in progress. I just want so badly to do all that Heavenly Father needs me to do here, especially it being my last week ( I think) in the ward and area. I'm feeling a big change. Possibly San Clamente zone, even more down south. We'll see. Mission President says he'll see what he can do about a change ;) I love President and Sister Clark so much and they are just what I need and they have said I am just what they need. Heavenly Fathers plan is so perfectly organized. Its Amazing!!
Love,
Sister Crossett
A final picture from the bishops home at FHE on Monday the 8th. Sisters Crossett and Peterson, Elders someone and Williams
(May 16th)
We did a facebook video call on Mother's Day. Grace had been sick with a cold and soar throat. She told us that she is being transferred to San Clemente, just as she predicted, and her new companion will be Sister Wright. She'll be in the Forster Ranch Ward. She sounds and looks like she's doing great!
It was so great to see you guys yesterday. It was exactly what I needed. We have everything squared away for transferring and I am so excited for a new transfer of Change.
With me being sick we were pretty much home all week trying to help me get better. I am feeling much better now though. It was very unexpected for the Las Flores B Area to be Closed. It is hard to say goodbye to everyone we have been working with and give them to the Elders to care for, but I know heavenly Father will help everything to work out. After all it is His work, and His plan. I am always so amazed by transfers and how it all works together in the end. One of the Hardest parts for me was having to explain to our Iranian investigator and his son, who have been coming to church for 2 months, that we will not be able to see him again for a while or sit with them at church. They were very sad but they also were very grateful for the change that they said they have been experiencing in their hearts and souls. They said they will always come to church. I know that one day they will be baptized and that I will be able to see them again. I am so grateful to have been able to be an influence in there conversion to Christ. I know that this work, the work of Salvation, is the most Important work on earth, and as we help our Heavenly Father Gather his Children into the kingdom, and keep his Commandments, we will be blessed with all the things we stand in need of.
I love you all so much!!
Love,
sister Crossett
Pictures: Easter cookies from bishops wife, Easter with sis. Peterson, Elephant at the Library
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Jesus Christ is the Healer of our Hearts
April 17th
I was able to go on exchanges with one of my Sister Training Leaders, Sister Fullmer from Farmington, UT on Saturday in Her areas. Miracles happen on exchanges. We talked to a Jewish lady at the door for more than an hour and I know that she will be baptized. The spirit softened her heart and we were able to even pray with her before we left. I love Sister Fullmer so much and was able to learn so much from her about how to be a better missionary. She is so obedient and really wants the best for everyone, not just because she is an STL. One thing that she was inspired to tell me to work on is finding joy in the work. I really needed to hear that because I get so caught up in trying to make sure I am doing things right and making a difference that I forget to enjoy the journey, enjoy the process. I am really trying to work on this and find the good in every day. I know that there is an Eternal plan for us and that plan and way is Jesus Christ. He lives, He loves us and we can do all things through Him.
Easter was great and we were well taken care of. So many people came to church! Our investigators and the Elders investigator and his girlfriend, too! I am so sorry this seems so rushed and may not make sense but I want you all to know that I love you and that Everything will work out as you are obedient and just try your best to follow Jesus Christ.
Love,
Sister Crossett
April 24th
I will try to explain this as best I can. I'll be honest. Last week was one of the hardest weeks of my life. It was also one of the most eye opening for me. I would have days where I literally felt so depressed that I couldn't get myself to do anything or get out of the apartment. When I did, I didn't feel worthy of facing people. I was in a constant battle with myself and nothing I did seemed to work permanently. Prayers, scripture study, talking to Sister Peterson and serving the people only helped temporarily. I felt helpless and hopeless. That's not what this life is about! It's all about LOVE. At least that is what myself and countless others that have been helping me along this long process of learning about myself have discovered. Looking back at my life the reason for my struggle has been myself. I didn't LOVE myself. I have been so hard on myself.
After a long, hard, excruciating day on Friday, we finally decided to call President Clark and ask if we could meet him in person to talk. We called right before dinner and he said to come to the mission home at 8:30. We didn't have a member dinner appointment but we had some member money so we decided to go to our newly discovered favorite place to eat, Tropical Island Smoothie ( the Island Green Smoothie is my favorite). After dinner I still felt awful, so we went home and I got to read my Patriarchal blessing and pray some more. I didn't believe that any of those things could come true. As we were leaving, our STL's, Sister Fullmer and Michell, stopped by to bring us a talk that they knew would help. Perfect timing. I had gone on exchanges with Sister Fullmer the previous weekend and she pulled me aside and complimented me on just how amazing of a missionary I am and how she looks up to me and learned so much from me on exchanges. It was all fine and dandy but, I still didn't believe her. I literally didn't believe any of what anyone said to build me up.
We drove to Irvine and I read the talk. It helped a little and I was in higher spirits than I had been. President and Sister Clark were there and Sister Peterson and we all came to the conclusion that I didn't love myself, and that it has been Satan's tool against me for all of my life. They gave a few suggestions. Write down everyday, things that you love about yourself and then look back and thank God continually for those gifts that he has blessed you with and talents he has given you. So I'm putting it to the test. It is still hard. I have to change this long kept habit that has gone on inside my head for so long that has almost become my character.
Now what does this have to do with the work or my mission or investigators? It has everything to do with it. As I learn and try to love myself, I will be able to truly say and teach people that the atonement of Jesus Christ is here for us NOW. Accept Him. Use Him. Believe Him. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the light that we must hold up. I love Him and I love myself and all of you.
I don't know that all of that should be shared with everyone but, If you feel that it should then I trust you to share it.
(Obviously I felt that it should be shared. We all go through Valley's of despair and need to hear how others get through them.)
I love you mom. I will be just fine. Thank you for all that you do, noticed and unnoticed.
You keep smiling, and loving yourself too :)
Love,
Sister Crossett
May 1st
Transfers are right after mothers day, so I'll get to tell you all about it! :) I've been here 6 months and 4 months with Sister Peterson. Sister Peterson wants me to be her comp for the rest of her mission. I love her, but I need a change. It has been so good to work with her though. Did you know I'm almost half way?!
Our old Friend Moe, who was baptized in December is coming back and his wife is already here. They may not be in our ward anymore but, we are so excited to have him back!
This week has been a great week of improving for me. I'm feeling lots better than before and trying to do all the things my mission leaders have been suggesting.
We had some really good days where we talked to absolutely EVERYONE and saw miracles including teaching the restoration on a driveway to a guy we drove passed and then went back for. We gave him a Book of Mormon and invited him to read.
As we look for the good and the blessings, Heavenly Father will give us exactly that :) He loves us and wants the best for us.
I know that Jesus Christ is the Healer of our Hearts, and if we have a desire to serve him and do good, having faith, repenting and trying again, we will feel of His love and be able to share that with others.
We are enough.
Love,
Sister Crossett
I was able to go on exchanges with one of my Sister Training Leaders, Sister Fullmer from Farmington, UT on Saturday in Her areas. Miracles happen on exchanges. We talked to a Jewish lady at the door for more than an hour and I know that she will be baptized. The spirit softened her heart and we were able to even pray with her before we left. I love Sister Fullmer so much and was able to learn so much from her about how to be a better missionary. She is so obedient and really wants the best for everyone, not just because she is an STL. One thing that she was inspired to tell me to work on is finding joy in the work. I really needed to hear that because I get so caught up in trying to make sure I am doing things right and making a difference that I forget to enjoy the journey, enjoy the process. I am really trying to work on this and find the good in every day. I know that there is an Eternal plan for us and that plan and way is Jesus Christ. He lives, He loves us and we can do all things through Him.
Easter was great and we were well taken care of. So many people came to church! Our investigators and the Elders investigator and his girlfriend, too! I am so sorry this seems so rushed and may not make sense but I want you all to know that I love you and that Everything will work out as you are obedient and just try your best to follow Jesus Christ.
Love,
Sister Crossett
April 24th
I will try to explain this as best I can. I'll be honest. Last week was one of the hardest weeks of my life. It was also one of the most eye opening for me. I would have days where I literally felt so depressed that I couldn't get myself to do anything or get out of the apartment. When I did, I didn't feel worthy of facing people. I was in a constant battle with myself and nothing I did seemed to work permanently. Prayers, scripture study, talking to Sister Peterson and serving the people only helped temporarily. I felt helpless and hopeless. That's not what this life is about! It's all about LOVE. At least that is what myself and countless others that have been helping me along this long process of learning about myself have discovered. Looking back at my life the reason for my struggle has been myself. I didn't LOVE myself. I have been so hard on myself.
After a long, hard, excruciating day on Friday, we finally decided to call President Clark and ask if we could meet him in person to talk. We called right before dinner and he said to come to the mission home at 8:30. We didn't have a member dinner appointment but we had some member money so we decided to go to our newly discovered favorite place to eat, Tropical Island Smoothie ( the Island Green Smoothie is my favorite). After dinner I still felt awful, so we went home and I got to read my Patriarchal blessing and pray some more. I didn't believe that any of those things could come true. As we were leaving, our STL's, Sister Fullmer and Michell, stopped by to bring us a talk that they knew would help. Perfect timing. I had gone on exchanges with Sister Fullmer the previous weekend and she pulled me aside and complimented me on just how amazing of a missionary I am and how she looks up to me and learned so much from me on exchanges. It was all fine and dandy but, I still didn't believe her. I literally didn't believe any of what anyone said to build me up.
We drove to Irvine and I read the talk. It helped a little and I was in higher spirits than I had been. President and Sister Clark were there and Sister Peterson and we all came to the conclusion that I didn't love myself, and that it has been Satan's tool against me for all of my life. They gave a few suggestions. Write down everyday, things that you love about yourself and then look back and thank God continually for those gifts that he has blessed you with and talents he has given you. So I'm putting it to the test. It is still hard. I have to change this long kept habit that has gone on inside my head for so long that has almost become my character.
Now what does this have to do with the work or my mission or investigators? It has everything to do with it. As I learn and try to love myself, I will be able to truly say and teach people that the atonement of Jesus Christ is here for us NOW. Accept Him. Use Him. Believe Him. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the light that we must hold up. I love Him and I love myself and all of you.
I don't know that all of that should be shared with everyone but, If you feel that it should then I trust you to share it.
(Obviously I felt that it should be shared. We all go through Valley's of despair and need to hear how others get through them.)
I love you mom. I will be just fine. Thank you for all that you do, noticed and unnoticed.
You keep smiling, and loving yourself too :)
Love,
Sister Crossett
May 1st
Transfers are right after mothers day, so I'll get to tell you all about it! :) I've been here 6 months and 4 months with Sister Peterson. Sister Peterson wants me to be her comp for the rest of her mission. I love her, but I need a change. It has been so good to work with her though. Did you know I'm almost half way?!
Our old Friend Moe, who was baptized in December is coming back and his wife is already here. They may not be in our ward anymore but, we are so excited to have him back!
This week has been a great week of improving for me. I'm feeling lots better than before and trying to do all the things my mission leaders have been suggesting.
We had some really good days where we talked to absolutely EVERYONE and saw miracles including teaching the restoration on a driveway to a guy we drove passed and then went back for. We gave him a Book of Mormon and invited him to read.
As we look for the good and the blessings, Heavenly Father will give us exactly that :) He loves us and wants the best for us.
I know that Jesus Christ is the Healer of our Hearts, and if we have a desire to serve him and do good, having faith, repenting and trying again, we will feel of His love and be able to share that with others.
We are enough.
Love,
Sister Crossett
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Prince of Peace
It will be a little different coming home to a new place but I don't think it will be hard because missionaries are nomads anyway. We learn to adapt and adjust to new people and surroundings. Our apartment is in Ladera Ranch and it is so nice! It is still outside our area but only a 3-5 min drive.
I'm doing just fine. I definitely believe that if we are to ask people if we can help them we must be willing to accept and ask for help ourselves. Especially to our Heavenly Father. He is ready and willing to help us anytime, as long as we ask. Ask, Seek, Knock.
I have been trying to decide on a Christ like attribute to work on this transfer and I haven't placed one yet but I have a lot of Ideas. I am thinking patience and possibly a second of knowledge. I absolutely loved the conference talk on how Jesus "Beholding him, loved him." Beholding is much more than just looking or noticing someone. It is deeper and much more meaningful. For me it means to search to understand and love a person. I am trying so hard to do that with sister Peterson because I know it starts with myself and the lord, then myself and my companion, and then we can help others. I want to be always ready to help someone else when needed but when I haven't helped myself and received that spiritual strength then I don't feel ready to help others. I'm working on that. It takes practice for sure but I know that its worth every minute to know our Savior better and to follow Him. He is the Greatest example of patience, of "Beholding", and of Peace. He is the Prince of Peace.
We had a really cool experience with this video last week. We were walking to a potentials house and a teenage boy passed by with a phone in hand. We didn't say anything but hello. On our way back to the car after the potential wasn't there, the boy walked passed again the same way he had come and I had the Idea to ask him if he had internet access. We had not seen the #Prince of Peace Video yet, for which we had pass along cards to pass out, so we asked him if he would pull up the video for us. He agreed and we all watched the video there on the sidewalk. It was very powerful and he said It was pretty cool after. I know that his heart was touched. If you haven't seen it yet I highly recommend it. It has been a good week. Though I am still trying to figure out exactly what heavenly father needs us to do here, we know we are making a difference in our own little way with our talent and abilities and with His help. I know Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and if we will follow him and our Savior, we will see things happen that we could never do on our own.
Happy Easter!!
Love,
Sister Crossett
The Zone
Monday, April 3, 2017
Conference, a move and a startling experience
Mommy, :D
I hope you loved The Women's conferences as much as I did. I thought of you especially during the first talk. Proverbs 3:5-6 :) President Eyrings was amazing too.
My week has kind of been all about Following Jesus Christ. That is what we are all striving to do after all right? He is the perfect example and I have grown so much closer to him as I have studied more about him in the Book Of Mormon. It has been such a blessing to be able to testify of him to all those that we come in contact with. We had a bit of a startling experience over the past week. That perhaps shouldn't be shared with everyone but it is very near to my heart. We received a referral from the spanish elders. They Met her while tracting in the Sable apartment complex. She said she was very interested in learning and they got her information and we called and set things up for an appointment. She had to cancel a few days later because of some family emergency stuff but she still said she wanted to meet us soon so we kept in contact. Finally after a few more tries to set something up we decided to just go stop by and see if we could at least meet her. Through her texts she sounded so sweet and genuine and such a testimony of Heavenly Father. It was last sunday night when we stopped by and she let us in. She seemed anxious but she also expressed how our visit was an answer to her prayers. We were able to share a little bit of the Restoration and talk to her about the resurrection (Loss of a family member). She didn't tell us much about what she was going through but we left her a Book of Mormon and she said she already knew it was true but would read it anyway. We couldn't set up a return appointment but she said she would keep in touch. We texted a few times throughout the week with no response. We decided to stop by on Friday to see how she was doing and her Fiance answered the door. We asked for Lauren and He said that she had passed away on Monday. It was a surprise and a shock to us but we know that Lauren is learning and accepting the lessons on the other side and I am so grateful that we were able to teach her the first lesson.
After that experience, we got to teach a father and his son the Restoration on Sunday after they attended sacrament with us and It was amazing. Amazing Blessings are happening and I am truly and deeply grateful for Heavenly Fathers care for me and for all of his Children. I know He loves us, I know Jesus Christ is our Savior and that as we pray always, we can have his spirit to be with us as we are obedient to his commandments.
( April 3 )
Its been a rough day. Ironically enough I am going through moving struggles too. Sister Peterson and I are staying together in Las Flores but we just moved out of our apartment with roommates and into one without. It is a really nice apartment and we will be able to focus a lot better with just us but it will take some adjusting to. I need to settle in. I want it to be a good transfer. I want to see miracles. I know we will as we are obedient and just do our best. I'm sorry I don't have a lot of words today. I'm fine but prayers are always appreciated. I Loved conference. They just keep getting better don't they? I thought of you and the family all through out as well. Joy D. Jones's talk especially for you. Anne and Lauren need to listen to or watch Gary E. Stevenson's talk again too.
I'm sorry I didn't get a recording of it but I was able to sing the same song I sang in sacrament meeting, at the Temple music devotional yesterday. "How Great Thou Art". I thought I did pretty well and I even felt it too. I hope that others were able to be touched by it as well. No investigators at conference but the work is going very well. We have an Indian investigator, a Persian investigator and 2 Spanish investigators. It is definitely a melting pot.
All I can say is that as we always strive to have the spirit with us as Ronald A. Rasband talked about, we will be able to receive protection and direction in our lives.
I love each of you dearly.
Stay strong.
Love,
Sister Crossett
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
3 in 1
(March 6, 2017)
The time is flying by so fast.... Well for me anyway. 6 months is just about the perfect timeon the mission. not too new, gotten the hang of things, and also not
too dangerously close to the end. I'm actually almost 7 months now but
I'm rounding Down ;).
Did you Ever do Road show? Well our Stake youth did it saturday. The Wards put together
their own one act musical style production. Las Flores did Super Heros
Vs. Super Foods. Costumes and all. It was Super fun! (punn intended)
All the mutual's for months in advance were in preparation and
rehearsal for 2 performances. I can honestly say that It is worth it
in my book. Sister Peterson and I got to go and stand in the back to
watch and they looked like they were having so much fun and I could
just feel the unity and love that they had for each other.
My Birthday was grand. I was well loved and sung to. No Cake but the
Riches put candles into chocolate covered bananas and oranges and I
got to blow them out. It was also a great day for the work too. I
wouldn't have had my 20th any other way than serving the lord. The
work is so fun too.
A Roller Coaster Week but as I look back on all the harder days, I can
see way more blessings than burdens. Tender Mercies are all around us.
I asked for a blessing from my district leader on a particularly hard
day when Satan was throwing everything he had at me. He Convinced me
for a time that I couldn't do anything because I had already messed up
so badly. I want to feel ready and prepared for lessons with
investigators or a particularly busy day and if I'm not I feel very
guilty and have a hard time moving forward. In the blessing I was
promised protection and safety as I am obedient and as I study the
scriptures and pray with a sincere heart. I am ever reminded by others
and by the Lord that I cannot do this work alone. I cannot go through
this life alone. The Good news of the Gospel is that I don't have to.
We have a loving Heavenly Father who sent a Savior for us, to help us
overcome our mistakes and sins. He will always be there. We just have
to do our part to reach out to him, to keep the commandments so we can
receive the blessings that he want to give us and he knows we need but
that are conditional upon our asking for them. I know that Heavenly
Father is there for us and that his son, Jesus Christ is our Savior
and that he lives. I know that Joseph Smith translated the Book of
Mormon Through the Gift and power of God and that Its words testify of
Christ. I know that it is true. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love,
Sister Crossett
(March 13, 2017)
Thanks for all the wise words dad. I believe them :) It isn't about us. It is about the people around us and how we can be a light and an example for them. In word and In deed. I'm still working on that one but I have definitely seen that work on my mission. This week has been filled with many opportunities for teaching for sister Peterson and I. We are very overwhelmed and excited and grateful for the work we have been given and for Gods trust in us with these people. Taught a family of five the restorations on Monday and they agree to read the Book of Mormon but they want their space to do so. We would love to be able to read with them or meet with them to teach them more but we also need to respect their wishes. They are so kind and accepting of us and when we asked the ward members if they knew any of them we found many connections and friends already there. It was a comfort to me to know that there is always hope and Heavenly Father has a Grander plan than we could ever imagine. We just hope and pray that the spirit of the Book of Mormon with the help of the ward members encouragement will open the Derby families heart to the joy and light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We also were able to teach a woman named Gladys and her two kids on Wednesday. Gladys has a Great testimony of heavenly Father and a real love for her family. We shared the first two teaching points with her and the spirit was so Strong. I felt inspired to talk to her about baptism right then and there. I asked her if she came to know that the things we were teaching her were true would she be baptized and she said yes. We invited her to pray to know if this was the path that God wanted for her and her family. We are going to go back and teach her more on Wednesday. We are so excited for her!
I know that through faith and repentance we can receive the joy and hope that come through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Whenever I have felt lost or upset on my mission I have traced the reason back to a lack of connection with My Heavenly Father. He has all the answers and he want to help us and bless us. He knows what we want and he knows what we need. We just need to ask. Prayer is an essential part of the doctrine of Christ. To build our FAITH we must pray, study the scriptures, and go to church. Ask, Seek, Knock. I know these principles are true. Take your questions to our Father in Heaven. He knows so much more than we do. I was studying this morning in Alma 22 where Aaron is teaching the king what we have to do to have this hope and joy that is talked about from the spirit of the lord. I learned these word.
Kneel Humbly,
Cry Mightily,
Stand Faithfully.
Love,
Sister Crossett
(March 20, 2017)
Though I can't send all my extended family individual emails will you let them all know I love them and am so grateful for the examples they are and have been in my life?We had a very special zone conference with Elder Tad R. Callister on Thursday. He taught us more about the Atonement. I really learned a lot and I know that learning more about the Atonement will help us to better apply it and have more motivation to move forward. We need to continue to study and pray to gain strength and find answers. I know that as we put in the Practice and continue to be obedient to the commandments and the principals that Heavenly Father has asked us to live by, we will be able to do his work and be happy doing it.
Then on Saturday Sister Peterson and I got to go to a Persian new Year party that the mission president requested we put on because of all the Persian work here in California. All 6 of the non member Iranian people we invited came, and they all had a blast. There was authentic Persian food and live music and dancing. As missionaries we just had fun watching it all. Such a different culture but so kind and curious to learn more. One of the families we invited actually came to church on Sunday so that was a blessing! It was our ward conference so the bishop and Stake president talked to us and The Dad and his son loved it. They said they would definitely want to come back and we will hopefully get to teach them this week.
I hope and pray that Heavenly Father will continue to work through me, a weak and simple servant, to bring about his intricate plan for each of his children. I am ever thankful for my call to serve and hope that each of you will ask yourself what the Lord needs you to do today.
Love,
Sister Crossett
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