Any Type of Service? 9/8/2014

This week went off as one of the more interesting ones. Got to go on exchange with another sister missionary and we got along great. She helped me out with somethings I was struggling with so that was nice. It was crazy stormy on Saturday, their was a massive storm that lasted about halt an hour but had me wondering if the tornado warning sirens would go off, but they didn't. 

On our way into a Braum's (ice cream store/market) we contacted the first lady we saw and after she rejected the would you be willing to hear a breif message about our faith type question i offered if there was any type of service we could do for her. She double takes and says are you serious? then she had to lean against a car as tears started to show. After many 'are you for real?'s and a pinch to check, she told us how she had just prayed to God to send someone help her move. She showed amazing faith and I was so touched and filled with the spirit to have our offer to help and give service be a blessing to someone else. Though during most of this event a guy in the opposite parking spaces behind us just 20 feet away was yelling towards us "It's a scam!' as he was getting into his truck. Luckily he just proceeded to get into his truck and leave but every few seconds yelling 'Its a scam'. The adversary is working harder and harder everyday to draw the attention of those around us to look into the darkness instead of into the light.

 I hope that we can all continue to be that light to others, but not to shine so bright as to blind them, but to guide them through the darkness.

Loving to shine, Sister Baker.

I love what other missionaries put on their planners

I cant help taking pics of the clouds here they're so beautiful

TV Talk 9/1/14

The hardest thing I've found in trying to live day to day as a missionary is staying away from the television.

My ADD kicks in so bad! I have to ask for them to turn it off so I can focus (plus we're supposed ask them to turn their TV off anyway). Whenever the TV is on my mind automatically tunes into that rather than the Spirit. Then when TV shows or movies are brought up I'm the one that gets the conversation or even lesson derailed. It's a hurtle I need to go over, but at least it's possible. 

It was tough to cut myself off when I entered the MTC but with the lack distractions there I was fine. Then I got to the outside world where the TV is on all the time in almost every person's home I've been to and that's when it became a struggle. But I am fully aware of it.

 I was tested a lot this week.  Sometimes I was good and diligently tried to focus on the person we came to see, but sometimes I wasn't and I would sneak glances at the screen. I love the adventures and the ideas that shows and movies today have, but I remind myself they are only temporary. I have to remind myself that we will only take with us the knowledge that we gain from this life and not the 10 Season collection of our favorite shows and movies.

 Don't get me wrong, the second I get the opportunity when I get back from my mission I'll imagine I will be spending a week catching up on the TV shows and movies I missed while on my mission!  But I understand better each day what will matter most in the end.  Most importantly I know that my mission won't really be over, ever. I will continue to be a member missionary and I know that my service will continue on as long as the call to serve is given to all.

Thanks for all you do. Keep giving service and God will keep blessing you, whether you see it or not. Also don't forget tithing :) I love you ALL.

Loving to know,

Sister Baker

Love this piece of chalk art.

Sulu and Scotty at Sister Stinson's

More from Sister Stinson's house-our favorite homebound member in the ward who lived it when we cam and shared a message with her!

Sulu and Scotty are my favorite

cute chameleon food

Oh there is no hiding khan...no hiding

My desk is on the right...

Sowing Seeds

The ward mission leader and ward missionaries have set up a plan on how to help the members Serve, Befriend, and Extend invitations. The growth begins when a seed in planned which comes from showing our faith. The seed grows in good soil which is how we can serve them. The plant is nourished by water which is opportunities to be surrounded by the Spirit, like going to someone's baptism, or to a church activity. Then they continue to grow with the help of the missionaries which is sunshine.

Its been getting to the normal temperatures here the high 90's to low 100's. Greatful for air-conditioning.

Sister Wyss is AWESOME. Turns out she is from Murry. Its a small world after all.

Met a nice less active member whose two children are amazing. Still trying to nail down their names but they are adorable. You'll see why in the pictures below.

I love you all I love your letters and Emails and packages. Thank you for all that you do. Have a good week I love you, I love you, I LOVE YOOOOU.

Loving to sow, Sister Baker

Growing Every Day 8/18/2014

Saturday night Sister Stumm and I got the dreaded call. Transfers.

I'm staying! Sister Stumm is going to Rowlett! 

In Garland 3rd Ward, efforts are continuing to grow in missionary work towards what members can do to get referrals. We are comparing it to planting a seed. The seed is the example we set for others, the rest was perfect in applying the missionary work to members. Or something I've been thinking about using to sum it up: Serve, Befriend, Extend. Serve your neighbor, befriend them, extend an invitation to an activity or church. I hope that Sister Wyss, whom I am thrilled to meet, can help me in proposing this idea and work out the kinks to any problems or questions the members might have.
 
We have been meeting with families and members in quick 15 minute lessons and explaining the "We Are One" vision. I feel like I'm starting to get used to remembering member's names and remembering things about them. They are even becoming friendlier every time we see them. So far we have gained many insights and even been able to help a few members with challenges they face with their missionary opportunities.

It's been hard creating an environment of hope for some of those that we visit because of each person's circumstances. It's hard when the only thing we can do for them is pray. Yet, I know the blessings that come from it and I know it will help them with the things they face. My prayers have never been so long in my life, I pray for many of those we teach and some I've never met that other missionaries need help with. The power of pray is a gift we all carry and I've never been more thankful for it than right now.

I'm looking forward to meeting my new companion Sister Wyss and facing the new challenges and experiences in the future that will help me grow. Good things ARE coming.

Loving to grow, Sister Baker

Gnome Sweet Gnome 8/11/14

My area is catching the spirit of the message of "We Are One". Once or twice a week, Sister Stumm and I get the opportunity to visit member families in the ward and our focus is sharing the "We Are One" video and telling them more about what we can to help catch that vision for themselves. More importantly we also have been showing them the 'Dayton's Legs' Mormon message and asking them how they can apply it to themselves. We have been inviting them to simply pray for missionary opportunities and we plan to follow up with them a week later. 

As for how I am doing, I am still struggling to remember what needs to be accomplished next in my mind set. I'm starting to form the habit of what or who is next on the schedule that we need to take care of next, but I'm still slow to remember. I'm trying to write things down more before I forget and it has been helping. I'm becoming more confident in contacting people without hesitating or second guessing myself, I know that the Spirit will always reside with me as long as I open my mouth. I 'm nervous about transfers coming up, but I'm willing to work with whatever I get faced with.

Loving the work, Sister Baker

Shout out to everyone who has written me:

THANKS FOR YOUR WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT!

I really LOVE to hear from y'all! I wish I had more time to write you individually. I'll try but no promises :)

Gnomes, man  they're everywhere!

The skies here, the pictures don't do it justice

The week in review

Over the past week:
The Garland 3rd ward is showing more effort in supporting us in giving referrals. The ward missionaries are really thinking deeply as to how to help the members of the ward ask and invite their friends to come to church and other church activities. They taught the 'We are One' message by President Eyring specifically to help us out. They are really warming up to us. We had all of the ward missionaries present at our last meeting for the first time and it was an amazing experience.

I feel like Sister Stumm is definitely continuing in helping me contact everyone I see and not be afraid of what I will say before hand. I'm grateful for the experiences I've gained from being her companion so far. I'm still lagging in trying to connect with members and not just remember there names, that is something I have been struggling with for a while. I hope to be able to communicate better with them and be genuine about it. I'll let you know how it goes.

Loving the work, Sister Baker

This awesome lady in our ward has a chameleon business and this is in her house. ITS SO AMAZING