April 2, 2018

Good morning, all!

This week has been really amazing, especially with the incredible conference this weekend. This truly was the most lift-changing conference of my life! To quote my mother, it was "so uplifting, so edifying, and a real look into the future of the church and the work!" I am so happy for the opportunity we had to watch.  I just can't stop thinking about conference! I am so excited for the progress and future of this church - the work is hastening from a walk to a full on sprint!

We were able to try a lot of people this week, though a lot of out YSA were out of town for spring break. We were able to visit Murtaugh and Hansen again, and even though there weren't a lot of people home, we visited with one family and they gave as 3 YSA people to visit that should be in our ward but are not. We're excited to find them and hopefully start working with them! Little miracles!

Love you all so much! Keep the things that you learned from conference in your minds and hearts and apply what you've learned! Heavenly Father blessed all of us with so much council and loving direction (if your heart and ears were open), don't let it go to waste!!

Have an amazing week!

Sister Carlson

March 26, 2018

Good morning, everyone!

This was a week full of learning experience! What a great opportunity to grow.

Sister Marshall had MLC this week, so I got to be with Hermana Nielson for the day! She was just a week out into the mission, so fun! That day, we had an appointment with our new investigator Emily. We had an appointment with her on Tuesday, but when we went she had a lot of things to do, so we ended up helping her with a sink full of dishes! It was a great time to get to know her better, and we were able to share a couple principles and set up a return appointment. The past two have fallen through, but we're hoping that the next one will work out!

On Saturday, we were able to go to Murtaugh and Hansen (very far part of our area) to find some people! It was fun to drive and explore that part of our area, and we did find a couple people home (but there are a lot of people who were already away on spring break - so fast!). It was good to meet with those people.

Sunday, we had ward conference. It was amazing to hear the ward and stake leaders in this area speak to the needs of the YSA 1st ward. We heard about the priesthood, missionary work, the Holy Ghost, and more! Needless to say, my notes were amazing :)

Please prepare for conference and Easter this upcoming weekend - we will all be spiritually filled. 

Have a great week everyone!

Sister Carlson

March 19, 2018

Good morning, everyone! 

What a week it's been. Transfer week is always crazy, but when it comes I'm always surprised! I'm just silly and a little forgetful, I guess :)

Sister Marshall and I survived transfers! Yay! The only bad news is that I get to be the one to send her home to Hawaii at the end of this transfer (noooooooooo!). 

On Tuesday, we were in a trio for a couple days with Sister Gossling because her companion, Sister Hansen, was going home! We were together until Thursday, and it was so fun! Sister Gossling is one of the happiest, friendliest people I know! She's from Texas and has been on her mission for 4 1/2 months. Working in both of our areas was a blast!

Thursday, we were back to just the two of us and our one ward. We got right to work! One of the most exciting things from this week is that we found 2 new investigators - Ricky and Constance! They are amazing! We found them when we were trying to find someone from the YSA who is less active. She lives in an apartment complex, and when there was no answer for her, the spirit tapped my shoulder and told me to knock on her neighbor's door. After a little hesitation, we did. We knocked 3 times and were about to leave when Ricky opened the door. We visited and shared the video Who Is Jesus Christ. The next day we came back and had a lesson with him, Constance, and their daughter Aspen. They are amazing and ready to learn. Sadly, we'll have to pass them off to the family ward missionaries in that area, but it was so cool to find and teach them. The Lord is constantly preparing people, and if we listen to the spirit, we will be able to be an instrument in the hands of God and bring others unto Christ. What a privilege!

I love this mission and I love the people in the Twin Falls YSA 1st ward! I feel lucky to be serving here - I'll get at least 6 months here, what a blessing!

Love you all so much! Never delay a prompting and trust in the Lord!

Sister Carlson

March 12, 2018

Good morning, everyone!

This week was really good! The crowning event was Trevor's baptism on Saturday. What an amazing experience. There was a little scare at the beginning so started 20 minutes late, but it was exactly what it needed to be. So many of his family members and friends from Kimberly came (as well as a good handful of our YSA) - there was SO much love in that room. The room was simply packed!! I am so thankful to have been here to teach Trevor and see his progress. He is so amazing, and I am so proud of him!!
I love the people in this area so much. There has been a lot of contact with people who are uninterested and don't want to talk with us. If this was at the beginning of my mission, I would probably be sad because of the rejection, but now I am heartbroken because of their dwindling faith and lack of progression - they are not happy! I love them all so much, but I know that I can't force them to move forward. It makes me think of how frustrating it must be from Heavenly Father to see us stumbling and bumbling about when we have to truth right in front of our faces! But then again, He is perfect and understanding of us, so He probably wouldn't be frustrated per say :)

I know other things happened, but these are the only things at the forefront of my mind, so that's about it! We have transfers on Thursday, so I'll let y'all know next week what happens!! 

Love you all so much! Thank you for your love and support 

Sister Carlson

March 5, 2018

Good morning, everyone!

I can't believe it's already March! So crazy, the time flies! 

This week has been one of many changes. As some of you know, I've gotten Facebook back! It's been so strange to have this tool, I'm still trying to figure out how to use it. But it's been wonderful. Sister Marshall has been teaching me some things, and we're learning as we go. We've been able to find some people in the ward who we don't know through Facebook, so that's very exciting!

Zone conference was this week, and it was wonderful as always. We talked a lot about our new technology and social media, so many things to learn!

We've also been preparing for Trevor's baptism. Everything is coming together, and we are so excited for him! He is an amazing person to serve with.

This week, my eyes have been opened to all of the tools that Heavenly Father gives us because he loves us and wants us to succeed! With technology, the essays released by the church (which I just found out about yesterday from Bishop Bezas), and Jesus the Christ (I've just started studying it again, such an amazing book!), and everything else, it's impossible for us to deny that Heavenly Father has left us alone on this earth. He love us! He wants us to return! He has given us all of the tools we need to succeed! 

Love you all so much! Have an amazing week! Remember that Heavenly Father loves each and every one of you (because I know He does)!!

Sister Carlson

February 26, 2018

Good morning, everyone!

It's been the craziest week (I know I say that a lot, but I mean it this time)! There were so many things that happened, and so many things that didn't because there was too much to do! I suppose it's a blessing to have this much, but it makes for a crazy week!

On wednesday, we had exchanges! Sister Meredith came to our area and Sister Marshall went to their area. And I love Sister Meredith! We've been in this district together for about 4 months now, and I just love and admire the amazing missionary she is! We had two set lessons that day, with Alex and Katelynn. Katelynn's lesson went so well! We taught the Restoration, and both her and Amanda were rapt! The spirit was so strong in the room. And, Amanda is now a referral for Sisters Meredith and Fetterman! Exchange blessings! Alex's lesson went really well too! We had a sister with us, just recently returned home from her mission, and she was on FIRE! The spirit is amazing in softening the hearts of people, even ourselves :)

Thursday, we had to drive up to Boise for an appointment I had. It wasn't snowing in Twin Falls, but as we came up, with was snowing really hard! There was one point on the highway that I was trying to merge, and I completely lost control of the car! We were slipping and sliding on the ice and I was sure we were going to roll off the road into the fields of Idaho. But by the hand of the Lord, we were protected and I regained control of the car. It was so scary, but Heavenly Father protects us! And after that, I drove 45 in an 80 zone the rest of the way there :)

Friday, we had District Meeting where we started to clean out our Facebook! We are going to active on Tuesday at our zone conference, and I am simultaneously excited and terrified! The Lord is hastening His work, and when we trust in Him and hang on, we'll be able to use the tools He's given us so effectively!

Saturday was very special. We had the opportunity to serve at a mosque that is opening up in Twin Falls. Our YSA ward volunteered to help paint the inside, and it was such an incredible opportunity. The people there were so grateful for the help, and there was such a spirit of unity there. Our bishop is really pushing to strengthen our ties of friendship with others faiths in Twin Falls - he is such an amazing man! When we finished, they fed us lunch, and they prayed before we ate. It was so cool! They sing their prayers, and I was really touched that they shared that with us. After their prayer, Sister Marshall said a prayer too (they invited her to). So incredible! The shared a little about what they believe, and I was struck by some of the similarities to our religion. In religion, we all have the same end goal - to return into the presence of God! I am so thankful for this opportunity, for it strengthened my testimony of love and charity.

That night, we were knocking on a less actives door. There was no answer, but I do think that they of their next door neighbor let out their dog to scare us away. And I'm sad to say that it worked!! We turned around and saw a HUGE St. Bernard staring at us (I was so spooked). We started to walk, and it kept following us. Sister Marshall was petting it, but I was totally freaked out. I told it to go home, and it barked really loudly at me. I got in the car shortly after that :) But it's crazy because I love dogs! This one just really scared me? Oh well, tudo bem!

That's just about everything for this week! Thank you so much to everyone for your continued prayers and support, we can feel them from here!

Have a great week and stay warm!

Sister Carlson

February 20, 2018

Good morning everyone!

Surprise, our preparation day is today instead of yesterday because of President's Day! (Good job Ivy, you guessed right! :>)

It's been such an amazing week. I'll try to cover the most important things!

It snowed on Sunday! It was just for like half an hour, it was crazy hard hail, then snow, we even got some thunder! Luckily, Sister Marshall and I were inside doing our studies, so we missed the bad part. It has been a mild winter, so we've been due for our cold snap, and here is is! My phone says it is 4 whole degrees this morning! Burr!

The Lord's hand has been so evident this week - it's incredible to see. We have been able to find people home, to visit at exactly the right time, and more! There's too many to even list. 

On Valentine's Day, we had three appointments, which was such a blessing (I was nervous to just go contacting on THAT day :) ). Sister Marshall and I ended up also heart attacking three people with the rest of the day, so fun!

At the forefront of my mind is yesterday. So, Sister Marshall had MLC (missionary Leader Council) because she's a Sister Training Leader (we have single ones here instead of a companionship), so I got to spend the day with Sister Gossling and Sister Rapp. My area (YSA 1) covers both of their areas, so our day was kind of just a modge-podge of all our people combined! We had a lesson with one of Sister Gossling's investigators, and it was a really sweet experience. She is 10 and has such a pure testimony. Also at the members' house who hosted the lesson, they had 23 puppies. I was a very happy sister missionary! :D

All of our investigators are amazing. Trevor, Alex, and Katelynn are all just amazing people - Sister Marshall and I are so blessed to work with them all! Though we are sad because Katelynn is moving next week, we're glad to have been able to meet her and teach her a little :)

I'm definitely forgetting things, but that's it for now! Thank you for the continued love and prays (and letters and emails :>)!

Sister Carlson

February 12, 2018

Hello everyone!

What a wonderful week it's been! The hand of the Lord has been so clear and apparent in this area - we have seen miracles and have been blessed so much. We've received three particular blessings - Trevor is officially on date for March 10th and we have 2 new investigators!!!

Our lesson with Trevor was so incredible. When we extended to invitation for the 10th, he smiled and looked at the floor. I asked why and he said "I was actually thinking of March 15th, but I saw that it was a Thursday, so your date is better." He was so SO ready to accept this invitation. We are so incredibly excited for him and the progress he's made!!!

The two new investigators we have received were both referrals. One was from the elders and the other just popped up on our Area Book Planner. We had a hand off lesson with Alex and the elders, and we found Kaitlyn yesterday, which was a miracle in and of itself. So we'd knocked at her place before and there had been no answer. Sunday night, I had a terrible headache and was in a bad mood, but I knew I'd be disappointed in myself if we turned in an hour early. We were driving to contact someone that had been brought up in ward council, but I received the impression to visit someone else (another potential with little interest). I didn't follow the prompting at first, but when we circled back around, we went down 6th street. We saw Kaitlyn's lights on and knocked, found out she lived in an apartment out back, visited with her and she is so golden. She is so ready for the gospel. I testified with all my heart that her Heavenly Father loved her, and that her trials were for her good, for her growth. The spirit was so strong. We set up a return appointment, and she said "I would actually really like that." I am so thankful that Heavenly Father can use His imperfect, sometimes stubborn children to hasten His work. I thankful that I did end up following that prompting - that was a very immediate answer.

We've also had so much success in finding things out about members - less actives, those that have moved, etc! This has been such a successful week!

Something that President Bartlett invited us to do a few weeks ago was to memorize a scripture from the Book of Mormon about the Savior that we can think about during the sacrament. I memorized Alma 11:40 "And he shall come into the world to redeem his people; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those that believe on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else." This has been so wonderful - it's helped me focus so much better during the sacrament. I'd like to invite all of you to participate with me in this - you can memorize as many or as few as you'd like.

Love you all so much! I'll send pictures in a minute!

Sister Carlson

February 6, 2018

Good morning, everyone!

Thank you so much for all of your emails this week! They made me smile, and I've seen so many consistent themes in what you've all said and what I've learned this week - thank you for being instruments in the hands of the Lord in helping me see what He needs me to know :)

So! This week was transfers, and SIster Snow has gone to Meridian (my greenie area!) with her best friend from high school, Sister Dalton (crazy!). Sister Marshall came down here with me, and I love her so much! She is an amazing missionary, from Hawaii, has five sisters, and this is her second to last transfer! I am so thankful to be with her - it's been amazing so far, and I'm excited for the rest of this transfer :)

The most exciting news of this week is that Trevor knows he needs to be baptised! Now he's going to pray about a specific date, but Sister Snow and I were so excited for him (our lesson with him was the day before she left, what a tender mercy!)

With our smartphones, we get referrals really really quickly, so people have been popping up like crazy this past week! We had 4 pop up right before transfers that were in all caps, so Sister Marshall and I tried them all. Sadly, 3 of them had moved and the people living there weren't interested, and the one that still lived there wasn't interested either. But what a cool opportunity we have to try these people so immediately when we get them because of smartphones! I feel so blessed and privileged that we get to use these new tool in the Idaho Boise mission!!

Fasting and priesthood blessings are so incredibly powerful. My testimony on these things have been strengthened this week, and I know that Heavenly Father is mindful of His children, and that He loves each and every one of us infinitely. What a blessing and reassurance it is to know the He loves us, wants us to have joy, and is doing all he can to help us along!

Have an amazing week, everyone!

Sister Carlson

January 28, 2018

Hello, everyone!

It's been a great week! I've been able to learn so much - what a privilege it is to serve a mission and have this opportunity! :D

So at the forefront of this week, we've received and started using our smartphones! It's crazy! We have so many extra tools to use now - extended pamphlets, lds tools, maps, etc! We're excited to be getting Facebook soon as well so we'll be able to reach people in that way too.

I've been able to learn a lot these past couple days of using technology. It's hard! I have so many bad habits from before my mission - including but not limited to, taking it out just to take it out, being on it too much, being distracted by it, etc - I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to relearn good, healthy phone habits. I will most definitely need to rely on the Lord and the missionaries around me for help, but I know that this will help me for the rest of my life. I am so grateful that the Lord has brought technology into the Idaho Boise Mission at this time.

We had exchanges this past Saturday, and we saw so many miracles!! Sister Snow stayed here in Twin and I went to Kimberly, and over here they found two new investigators and a couple referrals for other missionaries! What an amazing experience.

We also had stake conference, which was incredible. The spirit there was so strong, and there were so many of my questions that were answered during those two meetings. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father loves us so much that He will inspire other on what to say. I am grateful for the power of prayer - we literally get to communicate with the Father of our spirits. Isn't that amazing?

We've also seen miracles with love. As we've extended love, people have opened up so much. One example is of a girl in our ward named Harlie. We'd never met her before this past Monday, and she is an amazing, sweet person. On exchanges, they had a big dinner with her and some friends, and she is so excited about coming back to church. She's even going to bring her boyfriend with her - another member of the ward that we haven't been able to meet with for the past 3 months! What a miracle, and it was all brought about by love. Love is power.

Transfers are this Thursday! Sister Snow and I have literally no idea what will happen, so we may be in for a big surprise! We'll see!

Love you all!

Sister Carlson