He is not here; for He is Risen

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2015-04-1010-he-lives-celebrate-easter-because-jesus-christ-lives?lang=eng

He lives. I am so grateful to have been taught this. The above link shows a video that is quiet powerful. Please watch it!!

John 20:15-17

"15... Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God."

Can you imagine what it would be like to be there when Christ was on the Earth? Who would you be? Maybe you would be someone like the late Peter, dedicated to the truth until the end. Maybe you would be among the lucky few that caught a glimpse of His miracles. Maybe you would have been there on Calvary, a relative to one of the thieves mourning the loss of a loved one. Maybe you would have been a person at a nearby market with the blessing of hearing the Savior's sermons on the other side of your tent. Maybe you would have been a young kid, or maybe someone hard of hearing that was healed. Maybe you would have been one confused and misinformed among the masses as He was condemned before Pilate (This idea was from sacrament yesterday)

No matter what kind of person we would have been, how blessed are we to know of Him, and that He lives! I am grateful for the good people in my life and the examples of countless saints who show the love of Christ through their service.

The Woman's Broadcast this week was focused on serving others, and I love the large reminder to focus and help those around us. I read the talk "The Priesthood Man" by President Eyring this morning, and it was exactly what I needed! It talks about praying for opportunities to serve others, to serve quickly, and then to quickly pray for another person to serve once the act is done. How I admire the Savior's constant desire to help those around Him. I have LOVED this Easter season, and am sad to think it is already over! Being a missionary on Easter is unique and something I will never forget. I was with other families as they shared their testimonies of the Savior, and how the Savior has helped them. It was SO GREAT! I didn't think I would be in this position a year and a half ago, but it has been a blessing that has literally changed my life. 

For Easter, we had dinner with the Jones and the Ellsworths: some of the greatest people in the branch. We had an ACTUAL EASTER DINNER!!! It's weird to think I didn't know these people a few weeks ago, and how much it felt like I was "Home" being in their apartment yesterday. It was a conformation to me that this church HAS to be true, as these strangers show me the pure love of Christ. I am so blessed. 

This week was full of: miracles, Michigan people, sun, and snow. 

Spring? Haha. Maybe next year! We were going to have trade-off's this week, but had to cancel due to the BUCKETS of snow! Then is rains? Then sun? It's so weird! But on the plus side, I can wear all seasons of outfits in one week:) 

One of the biggest blessings was with one of our investigators Jerry. He has had a pretty rough background, and has struggled with finances. He expressed to us on Thursday that He feels like God isn't answering his prayers, and that He is alone in the world. After many prayers in our behalf, and after sharing testimony of Christ's reality, Jerry got a job THAT AFTERNOON!!! IT WAS SO EXCITING!!! Also, Lacey came to church for the first time yesterday, and that girl is going to change lives. Even though it was her FIRST time at church, she was passing notes to a woman who was clearly struggling at church yesterday to comfort her. WHO DOES THAT!?! What a great example of Christ ALREADY! 

Another cool thing was that we were able to work at a Catholic food bank this week. It was so fun to be with a bunch of strangers that turned into friends as we worked together to help others. Another great thing about Petoskey is that most people here are retired and pretty well off considering they live right here on the shore. There seems to be the extremes as far as wealth goes. So it's fun to work with retired trying to do their part. Ah, it was so fun!

Overall, the work is going well! I feel like this letter is scattered all over the place. And if that is true, SO SORRY!!! Here is literally the only joke I know in payment for the confusing letter: Why were the Lamanites knees sore? Because of the Nephites! HA! 

Have a great week! I know the Lord lives, and am beyond blessed to serve Him. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Xoxo

Sister Ensign 

Happy Easter

Searching for Summer

Ta-Da...Spring!

"I may fall, but I will always RISE - this weeks' favorite quote from a PI

How many missionaries does it take to change a light bulb? Two-but the light bulb has to want to change.  Hahah that still makes me laugh! HELLLLOOOO people! How are all of you doing? I hope you had a great week, and are getting excited for this upcoming Easter week!! On Mormon.org/Easter, there are many different ways to invite the spirit of Easter into your home this week. Will you go to that website and check it out?  This week was unexpected, but we saw so many miracles. Our district is striving to have 21 new investigators in the next week and a half. It is a fun challenge because it means we need to teach someone new almost every day. It is amazing how the Lord helps us do His work. Are you as sick as the State of Michigan? Apparently EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE, (except me!) has been getting sick -almost like a bad head cold, but it's a flu. The doctors said it has been the busiest two weeks of the year. Sister Smith was sick on Friday and Saturday, which allowed me to study, organize, and do some crafts for people. (She made Easter Treats for the Primary Children.) It's sad to see her so sick, but I had some great time trying to get caught up on all of the small things. The branch has been so kind and offered help in many ways. I will forever love the branch of Petoskey. On Wednesday, we had a great experience. In one of my letter's I received last week, I learned the importance of following the promptings of the Spirit the first time. We doorknocked on a woman's home, and when I said "We are representatives and servants of Jesus Christ" she started to bawl and closed the door on us. We were confused, so we turned to walk away. Sister Smith said, "Should we go back?" After a prayer, we let ourselves in, and taught this sobbing woman about God's reality and His love for us in sending His Son Jesus Christ. We showed her some Easter videos and the Spirit was so strong. She was agnostic, but we called her this weekend, and she said she has been praying. AWESOME!! Thank thee Heavenly Father.  On St. Patrick's Day, we taught some lessons in which the Spirit was present, and it was great. It was an awkward 33 degrees, warm enough to rain, but cold enough that my whole body was shaking. We were soaked, and no wonder no one opened their doors-we were drenched! Ha! I have never had a less- glammed up St. Patrick's Day, but it was definitely one for the books.  We had branch conference this weekend, and it was fun to see more people! They challenged us to read D&C 88 - which I read this morning, and the parts that related were awesome.  I am thrilled for Easter, and I know He lives! Have a wonderful week!!!  Xoxo Sister Ensign Coldest St. Patrick's Day of my Life!

WE'RE IRISH ALL YEAR LONG :)

https://www.mormon.org/easter?cid=HP_SU_3-13-2016_dMIS_fSPC_xLIDyL1-A_

 

Before continuing reading this letter, please push that little minimize line on your screen and watch the video in the link above! It is the new Easter video! It's great! So sit back, throw in the popcorn, and enjoy the latest and greatest 2 minutes and 14 seconds from the only true church here on earth. #hallelujah   Miracles happen every single day of our lives. Sometime miracles come blatantly in front of our eyes. Other times, we have the privilege of looking for the miracles. This week, overall was good. Nothing too difficult, or too exciting. But overall, good. Sometimes, weeks like these are a nice breather after some busy ones, and before the General conference and Easter hustle. (I have never been more excited for conference in my life than I am now. It has turned from a week playing with cups in pajamas into a week that helps strengthen me, and helps me know how I can strengthen those around me. I can't wait for the next couple weeks. :) It is definitely warming up, and people are beginning to move back in. That also means that people are off on Spring break, so this town is still very small. But it is showing signs that people will be returning soon! The warmth was such a blessing, and one day it actually hit the 60's. A family here visited in SLC this week, and said SLC has more snow than here. Boom baby. That's what I'm talking about! It's been great. And with the time change, it will be great to be out later at night when families are at home. I so desperately want to find a family to teach and baptize this transfer. My adapted motto has been "Pray until something happens". A family (a couple with a baby girl) came to church for the first time yesterday, and I can't help but be excited. Who knows what will happen, but I am determined to work as hard as I can to accomplish whatever the Lord needs me to while being up here in Petoskey, Michigan. We did have a trip down to Lansing this week for a training on Service. The Church is changing some things about service for missionaries, and we now have been asked to do 10 service hours a week, instead of the previous two. It was fun to be with so many people, and I even met some missionaries from the Detroit mission. It was fun and it was great to see President and Sister Jacobsen. Man, they do so much. We met some other mission President's and it was surprising to see the age difference. There is no way President does what he does, at his age, without the help of God. What a blessing he is to us all.

   Mary is doing well! We did family history with her this week, and I choked on my water from laughing so hard at what she was saying. What a gal. Her brother-in-law passed away last night, so we'll be seeing the family this whole next week. We are hoping the family will be more open to hearing about the plan of Salvation now. Mary seems to be ok, but we're keeping an eye on her. Love her. 

 I am doing well, and am excited for another week to help people in whatever way I can. Happy St. Patrick's Day! Oh, what a good day. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I. If you do love the holiday, you must be either 110% Irish, a drinker, or an Irish Dancer. So assuming the latter, turn out your feet, smile you heart out, and have so much fun in the shows this week!!! I can't wait to hear all about it! These truly are some of the most fun days of the year!! #anirishevening

I know the doctrine taught in this church brings happiness and peace to everyone who is humble enough to hear it! I am grateful for the chance to be here! Have a great week! Love you!!

Xoxo

Sister Ensign

Pictures

WELCOME TO THE FOLD SISTER EATON

Oh, if only every week in the mission field could be a week like this week. 2 Nephi 2:11 This week was so good!! To begin, MARY SUE EATON WAS BAPTIZED!!! Mary was taught by some Elders a few years ago, but didn't connect with them. When Sisters knocked on her door a few months ago, she said they could come back. Oh and behold, a few lessons and months later, Mary was baptized! She is a Southern girl up in Northern Michigan, and one of the funniest people on the planet. I adore her!! She says, "You girls are crazy! I'm glad we get to keep you!" Haha!! Her baptism went well. She has a bad knee, and had to be baptized twice since she didn't go all the way under. It ended beautifully, and she is becoming much more bold in standing up for her beliefs and herself. You go, Sister Eaton! We all love you! There were so many miracles, and during her confirmation, she was told that she'll go to the temple and receive her endowments, and that some of her family will be baptized because of her example! HOW COOL IS THAT!?!? This week we also went up the the Sault St. Marie. We saw Canada, and met some of the most fun older people in a Taco Bell. There is a group of  members who live in Canada, but come to Taco Bell in America every Wednesday afternoon for lunch because the Taco Bell is better here. HAHAH!!! They were so excited to see us, and especially to see Sisters. I am loving it up here. The Sault is a few hours away, and it was a neat experience to see Lake Michigan and Huron. The Bridge reminds me of the Golden Gate in San Fran, so it was fun to drive across while thinking of my Dad. We also had transfer calls this week! AND!?!?!?  SISTER SMITH IS STAYING!!!! Wahoo!!!!!!! Everyone is so excited she'll be here another few weeks!!! She will have been here almost 8 months by the time she leaves, so I'm especially excited to see what the Lord has in store for us in extending her time here. We talked with the Branch President Yesterday, and our cute little branch of Petoskey is struggling. We are so small. Man, these members have to be some of the most dedicated members in the Church. There is one couple that drives 4 hours every Sunday to help the branch in the upper peninsula. How can we help these members keep that fire or rekindle the flame that was once there?  Thank goodness Easter, and Conference are coming up. They are both desperately needed. Attending Church, Praying, and Reading the scriptures seem to be the answer. Any thoughts on how to help people continue to feel the Holy Ghost? We are in a fast and constant prayer mode that we will find a family to teach and baptize this transfer, because we think that could help everyone.    We saw many of the members in the branch this week, and the more I meet, the more I am humbled by their dedication. They do so much for the Church and the Lord. These are modern day pioneers, and I am beyond grateful I have the opportunity to serve along side of them.  It is also becoming much warmer! People are beginning to come out of their hibernation caves and come outside to enjoy 45 degrees. So many people are in shorts and t-shirts! It is fun to see some grass and only have to wear two coats! I can't get my hopes too high because another storm is bound to come, but I am so so happy that Spring truly is on the way!!  Sacrament meeting was so great yesterday. If you are struggling with something, please go to the Lord fasting, and I promise you in the name of Jesus Christ you will receive some comfort. The church is true, and the book is blue. I know that Christ lives, and I know that He will give you guidance and direction. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.    Have a great week! Love you!! Xoxo Sister Ensign  (Side note from Mom:  Camille says that a lot of celebrities come to Petoskey.  She keeps getting stopped by people and then they apologize saying, "I thought you were Amanda Seyfried or sometimes Dakota Fanning.  She says she is starting to feel famous!!)

The Sun'll come out ....maybe tomorrow...or next month.

Hello family and friends alike!

I hope you are doing well and are staying warm, wherever that may be. If it is under multiple layers of thermals and wool socks, I hope the prophecy of an early Spring from Mister Ground Hog is keeping you as warm as it is keeping me. :)

Side note, I know there are many favorite Holidays, especially those celebrating the Birth and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Is anyone, however, as excited that ST. PATRICK'S DAY IS COMING AS I AM!?!?!? AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy St. Patrick's Day to all you Lads and Lassies out there and I hope the luck of the Irish will be shining down on you this St. Patties. (Mom sent her a huge box of St. Patrick's Day decorations and things and she was most excited!) 

This week was so great, and one of the most tiring I've had. We pretty much door knocked all week long, and so I was beyond grateful for warmer weather in the 30's. With lots of door knocking comes a lot of potential investigators!!! It was great!! We had one woman who we later called that said, "I've been searching for a church. I feel like God sent you to me. I've done some research, and what I am looking for is a church that will help bring me closer to Christ, bring me happiness, and allow me to help others"....hi. ok. That conversation NEVER happens!! I have been praying and fasting to find a family to teach, to baptize and to take to the temple, all month long.  Brenda may just be the answer to that prayer!  It was so exciting!!

 

We had trade offs this week, and I was with Sister T.  She has been out for 5 weeks, and it was so fun to be with her.  I love brand new missionaries!  They are so in tune with the Spirit, and have to rely on it.  To all those who are worried about not knowing what to say when you first come out into the field- YOU ARE SO GREAT!!!  You are doing a better job than you think you are.  Sister T. is from Tonga (possibly our only foreign missionary) and she and I had so much fun together!  I adore her!

 

We saw quiet a few less actives and some investigators this week. The most exciting? M.!!! She had her baptismal interview this week, and she'll be baptized on Saturday!! We are so excited for her, and know she will be so blessed for joining. Satan is really attacking her family right now, trying to distract her, but she has remained faithful, and she's ready to go. I love M. S.  She calls me "Crazy" and I think it is the funniest thing every time. I always tell her how much I love her, and for the first time after church yesterday she said, "You know, saying 'I love you' is a hard thing for me. I was never taught that growing up'". To which I said "Well honey, we're going to have to change that pronto". Last night, we called her for some info for her program for Saturday, and she said, "OK, I love you too.."!!!!!!!!! WAHOO!!!!! I freaked out!! I said "I knew we would wear off on you!!!" It was so fun!  I love her!!

 

Overall, it was a great week.  The Lord is blessing us in our efforts to be exactly obedient.  My patriarchal blessing talks about the blessings that will come when I strive for exact obedience, and I already can see the blessings of it.  How did the Bible video watching go?  The actor who portrays Christ is AMAZING!!  My favorite part is when He says, "And I lay down my life for the sheep".  So good! Will you read 2 Nephi 31  in honor of M.'s baptism this week?

 

Have a great week! You are loved! The church is true! :)

Xoxo

Sister Ensign 

Also, thank you for the letters this week!! They are so appreciated!! Thank you!!

 

 

 

HE ANSWERS PRAYERS!

"Hey Valentine, to me-you doth not stink" ---I laughed way too hard when I read that during Valentine's day. Oh Mormons, haha.  This week was warm, which was more than gladly accepted as we were outside finding for the majority of it. It was up to the 40s!!! Oh it was so warm I could have cried.

 We had dinner with some of the funniest members this week. The K’s are an elderly couple who made it big in their earlier days, lived the life of the rich, thent decided  they wanted to live on a farm in the middle of nowhere and make maple syrup for fun. Hahah!! They are so fun! Brother K is way into hunting, so he showed us his double vaulted gun room-which has every gun you can think of.  It was an elders dream.  Overall, I love this place. These people make me so happy!

 We had a few great lessons with Mary this week!  She is getting baptized a week from Saturday, and we are so excited for her. The branch president announced it in Sacrament Meeting yesterday, and she turned bright red from the attention. She's so fun. We taught her about baptisms for the dead, and are hoping to go with her in the near future. Tomorrow we are having a family history lesson with her and are going to find some names she can take! We are hoping to surprise her with some scriptures, but she keeps insisting on buying some soon. Does anyone have ideas of how to distract her for the next week and a half? Oh how I love Miss Mary.

 We had interviews on Wednesday. It was great to see President and Sister Jacobsen, and it was great to see other missionaries. It made me grateful for the time I have spent with some of the world's greatest companions, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Him. President said he will do all he can to get me home in time for school! Thank goodness I have a while before I begin figuring that all out again! I love Petoskey.

 We have been teaching a man who is in Rehab, and we aren't quite sure of his intentions in meeting with us. But, some of our lessons with him went really well this week, and he said that he keeps praying to know if this is true. I hope he'll stick with it, because it will change his life like nothing else can. 

OHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Awkward moment of the week?!?! HAHHAHA!!!!! Ok, so for some reason, we have met so many naked men this week. (Which isn't all that uncommon, but it has been an uncommon amount in the duration of a week). We met an older naked gentleman who came to the door with a blanket around himself. I started to begin laughing when he said, "Sorry, I wasn't expecting anyone today"...WHAT!?! Is that a thing if you're alone!?! HAHA!!! TTHHHEEENNN he started showing us a scar on his leg from a car accident, and I lost it when the blanket began to slip. I started SOBBING I WAS LAUGHING SO HARD!!!!!! I had to turn around so he couldn't see me laugh. He said "Why are you laughing?" and I couldn't respond. Sister Smith was a champion as she spoke the rest of the door because I had completely lost my marbles "Yeah, he lost 'em good!" (Hook reference :)) . Anyway, I couldn't stop laughing the rest of the day!

 We saw so many miracles this week, including some of the kindest people who were placed in our path exactly when we needed them. I know Heavenly father looks out for His missionaries, because prayers were answered right when we needed them. This week brought its fair amount of challenges, but I'm grateful to know that He is always there to help us. I know He lives. Have you watched the Bible Videos on LDS.org? They're actually extremely good! Will you go watch at least one of them today? They have helped me understand the Bible, and the life of the Savior greatly, and I know they'll do the same for you!

 
Have a great week and know you are loved and are being prayed for! The church is so, so true, I know it.

XOXO

Sister Ensign :)