JayLynn E. Loves: April 2018

Man where do I begin?! This week was crazy!!!

A Missionaries Worst Nightmare

Bed bugs. We spent most of the week getting rid of bedbugs!!! And it was not fun. So it turns out that my last apartment in Fallon is infested with bedbugs! I havent seen any bite marks but my last companion, Sister Minton had them all over. We didnt know what it was tho at the time. But She finally went in to the doctor after I left and it was confirmed that we had bedbugs. They even lifted up the mattresses and saw them! aww gross! I haven't seen anything unusual on my skin haha but We were worried that I may have brought them to my new area. So we were told my our mission president to spend the week going through the procedures to make sure we don't have any. We spent a full day hanging out at the laundrymat drying all of our stuff. (heat kills bedbugs). We also had the exterminator come and he said we are clear now! Well lets hope so.

Zone Conference

As a Sister Training leader, we give lots of trainings to the other missionaries in the area. We had a Zone Conference this week which consisted of all the missionaries serving in Carson City and Fallon areas. Sister Cluff and I gave a training on the importance of finding people to teach. We taught how if we have the faith, The Lord will lead us to people or he will lead the people to you. We talked about the importance of talking to everyone and finding opportunites to serve and help. I am grateful for this time I have to serve as a Sister Training Leader. I am learning so much!

Walker Branch

I had the opportunity to attend the Walker Branch yesterday! Its about an hour drive to the church from our house. It was an awesome experience. We had a total of 20 people attend which is so wierd to me coming from Utah and the chapels are full. But the Spirit was still very strong. Thats something that never changes no matter where you go,,I feel at home when I attend church! The feeling is the same! The Branch presidency spoke about the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Afterwards we had a potluck which they do every 4th sunday of the month. Everyone is so nice and welcoming! We had a great time!

Richard

We had another lesson with Richard, Our investigator. He is anxious to hear back from the First Presidency of the church for confirmation to get baptized. He said he has waited 65 years and has learned a lot of patience. We taught the importance of the Priesthood. He understood everything we taught and didn't have any questions. Richard has a powerful testimony of the gospel. I am excited for him!

Book of Mormon 65 day Challenge

President Chesnut invited us all to participate in the Book of Mormon 65 day challenge! Where we read the BOM in 65 days haha. Why 65? Because thats how long it took for Joseph Smith to translate it!! I have started the BOM for the 4th time now being here on my mission! but this time, I am reading it as if I was Joseph Smith translating it. Its cool reading it with a different perspective. But my testimony is growing stronger every time I pick up the book of mormon. I know its true!

I am not the type of person who is comfortable in speaking in front of people. I sweat like crazy and my nerves are out of wack! Let's just say I'm an emotional wreck! lol This past monday, one of bishopric came over to my place and asked if I could give a talk on Sunday. To my surprise I wasn't hesitant to accept and than I asked if it was just only or for me and my husband. But he kindly said no for the my husband but that the Bishop specially asked for me. After a few moments of conversing, we said good bye and I sat on my coach wondering about this talk. I was given the topic from this past General Conference from Elder David A. Bednar called "Meek and lowly of Heart". This was a wonderful talk and I was excited to read it again and speak upon it to my ward. It took this whole week to pounder and reflect on the important principles that was given that I may relay it to the congregation. Sunday arrived and i was extremely nervous. Sacrament program began and than it was time to speak. The first sister took the majority of our speaking time, so I prayed real quick to see what the Lord wants me to relate in this wonderful message that I now have to shorten. As I got up I stumbled on a few words because I was overwhelmed with my nerves. I gave my talk as brief as I can and felt a bit good about it. So I wanted to share my full talk on my blog because it was a awesome message and because I wasn't able to share it completely in church. lol

My Brother & Sisters Aloha!

I am filled with joy this morning in the opportunity to speak to you on a wonderful message given in this past General Conference by Elder David A. Bednar. The title of his talk is

"Meek and Lowly of Heart".

I pray the Holy Ghost will teach and enlighten us as we learn together about a vital aspect of the Savior’s divine nature that each of us should strive to emulate.

Elder Bednar presented a few examples that highlighted this Christlike quality and attributes which Ill briefly share.

Example #1

In the New Testament, we learn about the rich young men who asked Jesus what can he do to have eternal life? The Savior told him to keep the commandments and "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me."

“But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”

Compare the response of the rich young man with the experience of Amulek.

Amulek was an industrious and prosperous man with many kindreds and friends. He described himself as a man who was called many times but would not hear, a man who knew the things of God but would not know. A basically good man, Amulek was distracted by worldly concerns much like the rich young man described in the New Testament.

Even though he had hardened his heart, Amulek obeyed the voice of an angel, recieved the prophet Alma and took care of him. He was spiritually awakened during Alma’s visit and was called to preach the gospel. Amulek then forsook “all his gold, and silver, and his precious things … for the word of God, [and was] rejected by those he knew.

Example #2

During a dangerous period of war described in the Book of Mormon, Moroni exchange epistles with Pahoran the governor of the land. Moroni's army was suffering from the lack of support from the government, wrote to Pahoran “by the way of condemnation” and accused him and his fellow leaders of thoughtlessness, slothfulness, neglect, and even being traitors.

Pahoran easily might have resented Moroni and his inaccurate allegations, but he did not. He responded compassionately and described a rebellion against the government about which Moroni was not aware. And then Pahoran declared:

“Behold, I say unto you, Moroni, that I do not joy in your great afflictions, yea, it grieves my soul. …

“… In your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart.”

Example #3

In general conference 6 months ago, President Thomas S. Monson’s invited EACH OF US to study, ponder, and apply the truths contained in the Book of Mormon.

President Russell M. Nelson describe his response to that invitation.

He said: “I have tried to follow his counsel. Among other things, I’ve made lists of what the Book of Mormon is, what it affirms, what it refutes, what it fulfills, what it clarifies, and what it reveals. Looking at the Book of Mormon through these lenses has been an insightful and inspiring exercise! I recommend it to each of you.”

President Henry B. Eyring likewise emphasized the importance in his life of President Monson’s request. He observed:

“I have read the Book of Mormon every day for more than 50 years. So perhaps I could have reasonably thought that President Monson’s words were for someone else. Yet, like many of you, I felt the prophet’s encouragement and his promise invite me to make a greater effort. …

“The happy result for me, and for many of you, has been what the prophet promised.”

the Savior and His prophets have highlighted an essential quality that all of us need to more fully understand and strive to incorporate into our lives.

In the scripture, the characteristics the Lord used to described himself were: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Also the Lord declared, “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.”

the Savior chose to emphasize meekness from among all the attributes and virtues He potentially could have selected.

Meekness is a defining attribute of the Redeemer and is distinguished by righteous responsiveness, willing submissiveness, and strong self-restraint.

This quality helps us to understand more completely the respective reactions of these 4 noble servants.

For example, President Nelson and President Eyring righteously and rapidly responded to President Monson’s encouragement to read and study the Book of Mormon. Though both men were serving in important and visible Church positions and had studied the scriptures extensively for decades, they demonstrated in their responses no hesitation or sense of self-importance.

Amulek willingly submitted to God’s will, accepted a call to preach the gospel, and left behind his comfortable circumstances and familiar relationships.

And Pahoran was blessed with perspective and strong self-restraint to act rather than react as he explained to Moroni the challenges arising from a rebellion against the government.

The Christlike quality of meekness often is misunderstood in our contemporary world. Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; and gracious, not brash. A meek person is not easily provoked, pretentious, or overbearing and readily acknowledges the accomplishments of others.

Whereas humility generally denotes dependence upon God and the constant need for His guidance and support, a distinguishing characteristic of meekness is a particular spiritual receptivity to learning both from the Holy Ghost and from people who may seem less capable, experienced, or educated, who may not hold important positions, or who otherwise may not appear to have much to contribute.

Meekness is the principal protection from the prideful blindness that often arises from prominence, position, power, wealth, and adulation.

Meekness is an attribute developed through desire, the righteous exercise of moral agency, and striving always to retain a remission of our sins. It also is a spiritual gift for which we appropriately can seek. We should remember, however, the purposes for which such a blessing is given, even to benefit and serve the children of God.

As we come unto and follow the Savior, we increasingly and incrementally are enabled to become more like Him. We are empowered by the Spirit with disciplined self-restraint and a settled and calm demeanor. Thus, meek is what we become as disciples of the Master and not just something we do.

The most majestic and meaningful examples of meekness are found in the life of the Savior Himself.

The Great Redeemer, who suffered, bled, and died “to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, provides the ultimate example of righteous responsiveness and willing submission as He suffered intense agony in Gethsemane.

And when he was at the place, he said unto [His disciples], Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

“And he … kneeled down, and prayed,

“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

The Savior’s meekness in this eternally essential and excruciating experience demonstrates for each of us the importance of putting the wisdom of God above our own wisdom.

Mormon identifies meekness as the foundation from which all spiritual capacities and gifts arise.

“Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope.

“And again, behold I say unto you that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart.

“If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity.”

The Savior declared, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Meekness is an essential aspect of the divine nature and can be received and developed in our lives because of and through the Savior’s Atonement.

Brothers and Sisters,

I love this gospel! It has brought me great joy of enhancing my spiritual understanding. I love my Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ for their never ending LOVE they have given unto me regardless of my flaws. I love my family! They're my greatest support and because of them I am who I am today. I love the Holy Spirit! It has testify many great & important things that has strengthen my faith & testimony. I promise that our redeemer Jesus Christ will guide, protect, and strengthen us as we walk in the meekness of His Spirit. I testify these truths and promises in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Hi Fam! Its been a BUSY week!

Transfers!

Transfers was crazy! But I managed to get all my stuff packed in time! We borrowed the Elders car and made our way down to Reno where I met my new companion, Sister Cluff!

She is from Alpine, Utah! We actually went to the same school, graduated the same year, but I've never seen her! haha and then after we drove down to my new assigned area!

Jobs Peak Ward/Walker Branch

I LOVE my new area!! So I have a pretty big area. I cover the border of Nevada and California in the cities of Minden, Gardenerville, and Walker. Close to Lake Tahoe! This area is so pretty! It reminds me a lot of Utah. (But cleaner air) We live by the Mountains! Which is something that I've really missed. I was able to go to The Jobs Peak ward this past Sunday and Its a huge ward with lots of kids. just like Utah! Everyone is really nice here!! Its really cool to go to different areas because they all have their differences. This is an awesome area and Im glad I have the opportunity to serve here!

Richard.

Richard is an investigator that the missionaries have been teaching since the 90s. He has had a really hard life and has gone to prison several times (he has quite a story). His wife recently got baptized but Richard has some issues to work out still. He is in his 70s and he has been waiting to be baptized his whole life. He loves music and he said he has worked with a lot of Musical artists (Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder..) This Week, he was able to have an interview with our mission president, Pres. Chesnut to see if he can get baptized. Now he is waiting to hear from the First Presidency to see if he can get baptized! It could take up to 2 months. We are excited for him because he has waited so long to get baptized! We will continue to meet with him every week to make sure hes prepared.

I feel like I haven't had time to breathe this week! this week was so busy. With the responsiblities of being a Sister Training Leader. I have more things to do haha. But its been so fun! I am over the Sisters in Carson City (Sister Murdock and Strausse) and the Sisters in Reno (Sister Tauveli and Ellis). I am excited to get to know each of them and help them with the work.

I am half way done with my mission! I love this gospel so much! And I love love love being a missionary! I am learning so much everyday. Well I hope you all have a GREAT week!

Love

Sister Tupuola!

Its been REAL Fallon!!!

In Alma 22:4 it says, "Behold the Spirit of the Lord has called him another way: he has gone to the land of Ishmael to teach the people of Lamoni"

In this scripture, the Lord has called Ammon to another place to teach the people. I am grateful for the experiences that I've had in this awesome city of Fallon! But the Lord has called me another way!

Call From President Chesnut!

It was early in the morning and we were just about to start our daily planning. Sister Minton then says, "We missed a call from President!" My first thoughts were uh oh! What is he calling about?! I realized that today was the day that President calls the missionaries who are training or who is going up to a leadership position. So we quickly called him back! He answered and asked how the work was going..and then he asked if he could just speak to me! Right then I new that something big was about to go down. I went to the other room and he said, "Sister Tupuola, will you accept the responsibility to be a SISTER TRAINING LEADER! to my surprise, I wasn't scared. I was EXCITED! of course I accepted the calling! I am grateful for this chance that I have to be serving as an STL! Its a big responsiblity but I am ready to continue to learn and grow!

These feelings of discouragment that I've been having these past few days make sense. Satan will always try to get you right before something good happens! Thank you Lord! Its a great day to be a missionary!

CARSON HERE I COME!

Last night we got a call from our Zone Leaders and they gave us our transfer instructions! I will be getting transfered out of Fallon! I will be serving as a Sister Training Leader in CARSON CITY!! I will be over the Jobs Peak Ward and the Walker Branch in California!!!! I AM SO EXCITED! I've LOVED every second of my time here in Fallon! But I am excited for my new journey that I will have in Carson!

Reservation!

Sister Pearson the Primary President drove us out to the Reservation! We went and tried a bunch of people but they didn't answer. We weren't having any luck. The people in the Reservation are hard to catch. Its been kinda of a struggle because they don't like answering their doors haha. But we hear people in there! smh But I had a prompting to go visit a certain less active on our list, The Reeds. I asked Sister Pearson if we could try one more house and she said yes. I told her the address for the Reeds and she said, I was just thinking about them! So we drove over and Brother and Sister Reed happened to be out in their yard. We went out and introduced ourselves. They said we couldn't go into their house but they offered to take us out for ice cream. So we headed to Dairy Queen and we sat down and talked. We had an awesome discussion. They were both offended by some of the members in the ward so they have been attending the Native American Church. We shared a spiritual thought about loving one another and they both really enjoyed it. Brother Reed bore his testimony and thanked us for coming. After we went home and I felt prompted to call Brother Reed. I felt like I should ask him if he would speak at our Why I Believe Fireside. He hesitated at first but he said yes! We have been looking for people to speak but everyone else we asked refused. We had our Why I believe Fireside last night and it was sooooo good! Jimmy our investigator and Brother Reed spoke and bore their testimonies of Why they believe! It was awesome!

Jimmy!!!

Jmmy spoke at our fireside and the spirit was really strong! He talked about his experiences with going to different churches trying to find the right one. He said that he has finally found the right one! He expressed his gratitude for this gospel and mentioned how excited he is for the day he gets baptized! I am excited for him and hope to attend his baptism next year!

This week has been the best! I am sad that I have to leave my awesome Companion Sister Minton! We've had a lot of fun times together!