(Posted by Steph's Dad 12/19/07)
Holiday Greetings!
I only have 10 minutes because we have a lesson today at 12 (one of our investigators could only meet then this week) and then a man wouldn't get off the computer at his assigned time so I had to sneak onto a different one.
Anyways, things here are great. We have been able to do lots of Christmas things for investigators (a great way to increase daily contact with them!) and then we've been able to deliver the DVD Joy to the World to referrals we've received from members. We were able to get 20 referrals just for our area alone and the two sets of elders got a few as well. It's been great to share a Christmas message with people and invite them to learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We've seen some success from it and we're hoping for more.
Last Thursday we had mission conference. It was held at the Kirtland visitor's center as well as the Kirtland temple. They asked me to play the piano, so I was able to play "the Spirit of God" while over 100 missionaries sang it in the Kirtland temple. I caught a glimpse of what it must have been like for the saints to hear heavenly hosts singing with them as well. It was beautiful. President also gave us an opportunity to bear our testimonies while we were in the temple. It was again beautiful and amazing and an experience I'll never forget.
We're getting excited for Christmas--the Tallmadge ward really spoils the missionaries and I feel like I can't repay them for all they're giving us, Joy to the World referrals included. I'll be giving you a call in the afternoon on Christmas day, it'll probably be after we eat dinner around 1pm EST. Nicole, I'll try to call you on your cell phone too.
Yesterday we had a great time--I saw a man out on the street while tracting so we walked down to talk with him. He was starting to shovel his walk so Sister Corbridge offered to help. She ended up shoveling for an hour while I taught him the first lesson and a bit of the second. He'd met with missionaries before and we're excited to go back to meet with him again. Sister Corbridge is pretty sore today :) but it was worth it.
We also were able to have 5 lessons with a member present because a member of the singles branch, Leah, came with us for the day. I loved being able to share the gospel with her there. It was just a good day to teach and testify about Jesus Christ.
Sorry again for this being so short, but we have to get going to our appointment :) I love the Lord, I love this work, and I love love love you!
Love,
Sister Cannariato
p.s. I sent a padded envelope for the family...i hope it gets to you in time. you can open it when you get it! Love.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
War and Peace
(Posted by Steph's Dad 12/13/07)
Hola my familia!
I hope things are going well for you in idorut. That's my new word for where all of you are. Ha.
A couple things before I forget. Dad, I talked with Dave Cook and Callie Shaw/Shawl, who both went to school with you. Their daughter lives in our ward and they came out to bless their new grandbaby. They also informed me that the same year Brother Cook was Mr. Incredible for Shelley High, you were too. Is that true?!?
Secondly, Dawn, could I get the alfredo sauce recipe from you? I have a less active family that wants it and I'd love to give the recipe as a Christmas gift.
Thirdly, I had a couple in our ward came up to me the other Sunday, the Seavers, and informed me that "their missionary" was Keith Bond! It was so cool to see how connected the work is. They LOVE Elder Bond and I guess had recently talked with him. I didn't even realize that he'd served in the Tallmadge ward so it was way cool to hear their conversion story and see how the work missionaries do continues to bless the lives of those they taught years later.
I would love to say that this week has been the best of the mission so far, and it has. But it's also been the hardest. I continue to be amazed by the Lord's involvement in the work but also amazed at how much it can hurt when people make poor choices. But even though I've had a heavy heart in the midst of those difficult things, the Lord has blessed me with deep peace and comfort, knowing that He is conducting this work.
We had the opportunity to take Richard to Kirtland last Thursday. It was so great to go to a place full of the Spirit. Richard was very touched by the film, Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration as well as the tour. We were able to talk openly with him about baptism (the tour guide even told him that she wanted an invitation to his baptism! I loved it.) and get his feelings about how he's gaining a testimony of the Restoration. It was a great tour. Brother and Sister Stebel drove us there, and I think it was also a very important experience for them to have as well. I'm grateful to have been blessed with the chance to bask in the Spirit of light and truth at Kirtland.
The Lord has really blessed us in the past week in our finding efforts. Last week we found twice as many investigators as we have since I've been here! The Lord really blessed us. I think the Lord knew that we needed to have that support from our finding because many of our investigators that were consistent and solid have begun being flaky/have so much going on that they aren't making meeting with us a priority. Grr. I still love them but want them to just get on the ball about things and recognize the importance of the message! But knocking sense into them doesn't work, because the Spirit isn't in the wind or the earthquake, but in the still small voice. And they have their agency to choose to accept or reject the message we share. I just want to be able to share the message I guess. Sorry, I'm ranting. I just want people to get it! But agency and the Lord's timing are critical factors to that process and I need to just be a willing instrument in His hands to assist in that work.
But then the Lord has blessed us too. Saturday night we got a call from one of our investigators (yes, one of the formerly consistent ones) who called to let us know he'd be at sacrament meeting on Sunday. It was so great to have him there. He enjoyed it and I think will be bringing his kids to the ward Christmas party this Saturday. I look forward to continuing to build upon the things he already knows and strengthening his faith in Jesus Christ.
Another blessing this week has been a project Sister Corbridge and I put together to deliver the DVD "Joy to the World" as a gift to referrals we receive from members. We have received 15 referrals through it and I'm so grateful the members are willing to share the Christmas story from both Old and New world perspectives. If there is anyone you are thinking about sharing the gospel with, Joy to the World would be a great gift to give them to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ and help them get a taste of Lesson 1 from PMG. We were able to deliver 2 last night and it was great to talk with people about Christ. Sister Corbridge and I memorized the nativity story from Luke 2 and Matthew 2 and I loved being reminded of that sacred night in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago.
Monday we had district meeting combined with our whole Zone. They're going to start doing that every 2nd Monday of the month so the Zone Leaders can relay the workshops they hear during mission council. We talked a great deal about our role as healers, the need for commitments, and about the need to make plans of action for the goals that we set. I loved the workshop about spiritual healing, going off of the scripture in Matthew (chapter 4? I don't have a Bible with me) where Christ went about teaching, preaching, and healing. Our role as missionaries is to invite people to come unto Christ by helping them become clean from their sins. In asking them to make commitments, we're essentially asking them to repent and align their lives with the teachings of the restored gospel. That's why commitments are so important; they provide a way for individuals to progress. One of my favorite things we talked about was choosing the commitment and/or identifying the concerns, THEN creating a lesson plan rather that doing it in the reverse order. It's like in all of my teaching classes--you start by stating the objective, what you want to have the students accomplish, THEN write the plan. I needed the reminder and also someone to help me see how to apply it to the gospel message.
I'm so excited for this Christmas season and for the chance I have to talk with people about the true meaning of Christmas. Thanks for you love, support, emails, letters, pictures, stories, prayers, etc. I'm so grateful I have such an amazing family--the longer I'm here the more I realize just how blessed I've been in my life. Thank you for your examples of Christlike love and diligence and for helping me to see what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
I hope all is well and I love love love you!
Love,
Sister Cannariato
P.S.
1. when a former investigator opened her door, she was wearing a coat but no pants. she came outside to talk with us for a bit then to clean up some of her yard. yep, without pants.
2. another pants story. while tracting a younger guy came around the back of the house to talk to us. as he walked up, his shorts (which were so low that he was wearing them as pants underneath a really long t-shirt) fell. he casually grabbed them but still, i had a hard time not laughing.
3. I had the nicest dinner at a investigator's house the other night. dim lights, sparkling cider, music playing softly in the background...it was gourmet! then she and her member sister asked me to play the piano for them. For the life of me, I couldn't remember a single piece! I got through maybe 5 measures and then went blank. That's what I get for not memorizing arrangements of church hymns, I guess!
4. we have a Christmas chain :) and it's short. Christmas is less than two weeks away...crazy!
Hola my familia!
I hope things are going well for you in idorut. That's my new word for where all of you are. Ha.
A couple things before I forget. Dad, I talked with Dave Cook and Callie Shaw/Shawl, who both went to school with you. Their daughter lives in our ward and they came out to bless their new grandbaby. They also informed me that the same year Brother Cook was Mr. Incredible for Shelley High, you were too. Is that true?!?
Secondly, Dawn, could I get the alfredo sauce recipe from you? I have a less active family that wants it and I'd love to give the recipe as a Christmas gift.
Thirdly, I had a couple in our ward came up to me the other Sunday, the Seavers, and informed me that "their missionary" was Keith Bond! It was so cool to see how connected the work is. They LOVE Elder Bond and I guess had recently talked with him. I didn't even realize that he'd served in the Tallmadge ward so it was way cool to hear their conversion story and see how the work missionaries do continues to bless the lives of those they taught years later.
I would love to say that this week has been the best of the mission so far, and it has. But it's also been the hardest. I continue to be amazed by the Lord's involvement in the work but also amazed at how much it can hurt when people make poor choices. But even though I've had a heavy heart in the midst of those difficult things, the Lord has blessed me with deep peace and comfort, knowing that He is conducting this work.
We had the opportunity to take Richard to Kirtland last Thursday. It was so great to go to a place full of the Spirit. Richard was very touched by the film, Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration as well as the tour. We were able to talk openly with him about baptism (the tour guide even told him that she wanted an invitation to his baptism! I loved it.) and get his feelings about how he's gaining a testimony of the Restoration. It was a great tour. Brother and Sister Stebel drove us there, and I think it was also a very important experience for them to have as well. I'm grateful to have been blessed with the chance to bask in the Spirit of light and truth at Kirtland.
The Lord has really blessed us in the past week in our finding efforts. Last week we found twice as many investigators as we have since I've been here! The Lord really blessed us. I think the Lord knew that we needed to have that support from our finding because many of our investigators that were consistent and solid have begun being flaky/have so much going on that they aren't making meeting with us a priority. Grr. I still love them but want them to just get on the ball about things and recognize the importance of the message! But knocking sense into them doesn't work, because the Spirit isn't in the wind or the earthquake, but in the still small voice. And they have their agency to choose to accept or reject the message we share. I just want to be able to share the message I guess. Sorry, I'm ranting. I just want people to get it! But agency and the Lord's timing are critical factors to that process and I need to just be a willing instrument in His hands to assist in that work.
But then the Lord has blessed us too. Saturday night we got a call from one of our investigators (yes, one of the formerly consistent ones) who called to let us know he'd be at sacrament meeting on Sunday. It was so great to have him there. He enjoyed it and I think will be bringing his kids to the ward Christmas party this Saturday. I look forward to continuing to build upon the things he already knows and strengthening his faith in Jesus Christ.
Another blessing this week has been a project Sister Corbridge and I put together to deliver the DVD "Joy to the World" as a gift to referrals we receive from members. We have received 15 referrals through it and I'm so grateful the members are willing to share the Christmas story from both Old and New world perspectives. If there is anyone you are thinking about sharing the gospel with, Joy to the World would be a great gift to give them to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ and help them get a taste of Lesson 1 from PMG. We were able to deliver 2 last night and it was great to talk with people about Christ. Sister Corbridge and I memorized the nativity story from Luke 2 and Matthew 2 and I loved being reminded of that sacred night in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago.
Monday we had district meeting combined with our whole Zone. They're going to start doing that every 2nd Monday of the month so the Zone Leaders can relay the workshops they hear during mission council. We talked a great deal about our role as healers, the need for commitments, and about the need to make plans of action for the goals that we set. I loved the workshop about spiritual healing, going off of the scripture in Matthew (chapter 4? I don't have a Bible with me) where Christ went about teaching, preaching, and healing. Our role as missionaries is to invite people to come unto Christ by helping them become clean from their sins. In asking them to make commitments, we're essentially asking them to repent and align their lives with the teachings of the restored gospel. That's why commitments are so important; they provide a way for individuals to progress. One of my favorite things we talked about was choosing the commitment and/or identifying the concerns, THEN creating a lesson plan rather that doing it in the reverse order. It's like in all of my teaching classes--you start by stating the objective, what you want to have the students accomplish, THEN write the plan. I needed the reminder and also someone to help me see how to apply it to the gospel message.
I'm so excited for this Christmas season and for the chance I have to talk with people about the true meaning of Christmas. Thanks for you love, support, emails, letters, pictures, stories, prayers, etc. I'm so grateful I have such an amazing family--the longer I'm here the more I realize just how blessed I've been in my life. Thank you for your examples of Christlike love and diligence and for helping me to see what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
I hope all is well and I love love love you!
Love,
Sister Cannariato
P.S.
1. when a former investigator opened her door, she was wearing a coat but no pants. she came outside to talk with us for a bit then to clean up some of her yard. yep, without pants.
2. another pants story. while tracting a younger guy came around the back of the house to talk to us. as he walked up, his shorts (which were so low that he was wearing them as pants underneath a really long t-shirt) fell. he casually grabbed them but still, i had a hard time not laughing.
3. I had the nicest dinner at a investigator's house the other night. dim lights, sparkling cider, music playing softly in the background...it was gourmet! then she and her member sister asked me to play the piano for them. For the life of me, I couldn't remember a single piece! I got through maybe 5 measures and then went blank. That's what I get for not memorizing arrangements of church hymns, I guess!
4. we have a Christmas chain :) and it's short. Christmas is less than two weeks away...crazy!
Monday, December 10, 2007
two months already?!?
(Posted by Steph's Dad 12/10/07)Hola,Greetings from snowy Stow! It's been snowing basically since the 1st and I can't wait for the next 4-5 months of it :) Luckily it was only really windy one day so tracting hasn't been too shabby.A couple things for this week. Thank you for the emails this week! I loved hearing from each of you and hope things continue to go well. So from Dad's email he said Monica and Nate are coming this weekend--does that mean you're staying all the way through Christmas or are you doing Christmas early? Just curious.Monday was my two-month mark and Sister Corbridge didn't let me forget! She's so great. She gave me a bunch of quotes about Kirtland and the prophecies that it would be built up again. I'm so grateful I can assist in that work. Sister Corbridge also let me know that as of Monday, I've completed 1/9 of my mission and that January 3rd will be 1/6. It was CRAZY to think of it like that. While I was in the MTC a speaker informed us that in the Lord's time, a mission lasts 2.16 minutes...so we need to sprint. I loved that idea. Time really does fly and we need to make the most of it. I'm so grateful that I can be in Stow, serving the people here, and beginning my 2.16 minute sprint in such a great place.This week was great--we had some memorable things happen. First, we've been praying about how to address Gail's concerns and decided we needed to boldly approach the subject. As we did so, she informed us that she too had been praying about how to voice the concerns that she has so it was great to see the Lord answering all of our prayers. Though we're still working on resolving her concerns, I'm so grateful that the Lord allows us to work through the Spirit to help people see the importance of the message we share. With Gail though, it's still going to take some time. She feels we put prophets up on pedestals and that they tell us too much while at the same time she won't read from the Book of Mormon because there aren't any other churches that believe in it and if she asked her pastor he'd probably tell her not to. She believes that people could have been in the Americas and written a record but she feels reading it would be a betrayal to the Bible and to God. That she's always been taught the Bible shouldn't be added to and that even though Revelations wasn't the last book written it's just compiled at the end, she's been taught that it is and doesn't really want to acknowledge that. As we've read to her during lessons, she doesn't disagree with any principles that are taught in the book but still won't read. It drives me crazy but at the same time I know that her concerns are valid. It's also great to know that as we teach and testify with clarity and conviction and promise her blessings for taking that leap of faith, the Spirit will work upon her and help her to realize the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.Secondly, we had two awesome tracting experiences this week. On Saturday morning we were tracting in a nice, new neighborhood. We approached a lady speed walking and were planning on leaving a pass-along card with her. She said she couldn't stop because she was on a mission so we started walking with her...for 50 minutes. I'm sure it was hilarious to see two missionaries speed walking while teaching the first to a lady. But she was great and we have a return appointment with her. The second was right at the tail end of tracting on Monday night. It was getting close to being too dark but we decided to knock on a few more doors. When Karen came to the door, there was such a great feeling about her and her home. She and her daughter are new investigators and I can't wait to teach them more. To see the spirit that people can possess is so cool and I love being able to add to the light and knowledge and truth that people currently have.The ward here in Tallmadge is so amazing. This past Sunday a super nice lady gave both Sister Corbridge and I a hat/scarf. I wish I had a picture of it, because though it looks a little old lady-ish (it has a fur hat with a scarf attached to it), I think I'm going to break down and wear it when it gets really cold. Then we get fed several times a week and it's so nice to be invited into homes where the Spirit resides and the food is good too! :) One of my favorite families is a family of recent converts, the Stebel family. They live around the corner from us and are so great. Though they're experiencing some hard things, they continue to build upon what they already know and are learning how to rely on the Spirit and their testimonies of the gospel to help them. The mother and father are actually going up to Kirtland with us tomorrow to take Richard; I'm really excited for all of them (and for me too) to have a sacred and spiritual time there.Other than that, I don't have a lot to report. There have been a few hard days, but even in the midst of those hard times I see the Lord guiding me and guiding the work to bring to pass His purposes. Thank you for your prayers and your letters and your love. I pray for you daily and hope that you continue to strengthen your testimonies and receive the blessings you need. You're so great and I love love love you!Love,Sister Cannariato
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
The Latest from Stow, OH
Posted by Stephs' Dad 11/28/07
Hello family!
Transfers were today, but seeing as how I’m emailing you, it means I wasn’t transferred. I get to stay in Stow for at least another 6 weeks. I’m really excited about it and I can’t wait to see the work progress even more while I’m here during the holidays. Sister Corbridge is also staying and boy was I glad--I love working with her and learning from her example.
Thanksgiving was really great. We ate at the church and it was actually really fun. We weren’t able to play lightning with the family because we had another house to get to (the Stebel family had invited us over for dessert, converts of about 9 months). Afterwards we went to the big apartment complex where one set of elders lives to play ping pong and pool. It was the first time I’d put jeans on since I got to Ohio…I almost forgot what it was like! We then rushed to a lesson with an investigator that evening. All in all it was a great Thanksgiving!
The only difficult thing about Thanksgiving was that I felt like it really disrupted the work. We weren’t allowed to proselyte or contact that day, so I didn’t know what we were going to do in the evening (we did have one lesson which was nice). Also, most people we talked with didn’t want to meet for most of the week because they felt the stress of the holiday and wanted to get everything in order. Lame. But it was funny because with every cancellation or change in our schedule, the Lord blessed us with another opportunity. Isn’t He just great? I’m so amazed by the involvement of the Lord in our everyday lives, both here in the mission field and also in all our current paths. Even with Nicole being able to stay at the Springville Museum—it’s just so great how the Lord micromanages our lives and blesses us with things we really need rather than what we think we need.
So some of the blessings with this week—we were able to meet a Russian woman who doesn’t speak a lick of English (I understood “Russian” “bye” and “no”) and a few days later take a Russian Book of Mormon to her. She wanted to give us money for it and we told her no it was a gift. She then gave us each an apple in return. We’re searching the ward to see if anyone knows Russian but so far haven’t had luck. I hope that she’ll take the time to read from the Book of Mormon.
The next blessing. Richard finished the Book of Mormon! He talked with me on the phone for about 30 minutes the other day asking questions and discussing the feelings he’s had as he’s read. He’s truly experiencing the power of the Holy Ghost and I hope that soon he’ll be able to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost—it’s now just a matter of meeting Gail’s needs and addressing her concerns. We were able to prayerfully plan a lesson for Gail on Monday where we talked about her concerns—it was awesome because she had been praying too, wanting to know how to go about voicing the concerns that she has. I love the Lord. We were able to get things out in the open and I realized it’s not so much that she disagrees with things (though she does to a certain extent) as much as it is she hasn’t fully understood and feels rushed. I know that it will take time and that it will ultimately be here decision to join the church, but I also couldn’t stop picturing her in all white clothing that night. I continually pray that I will know how to best help her understand the importance of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and that the Lord will help her recognize the promptings of the Spirit that this is Christ’s church again on the earth.
This week, in addition to being off because of cancellations, has just been tiring. We’ve been working really hard trying to find and teach, teach and find. Sister Corbridge even fell asleep while saying companionship prayer yesterday morning—it made me laugh but it’s just a reflection on what we’re trying to do and how hard we’re working to help bring souls to Christ. And I love it, I really do.
I’m always amazed at how much the Lord wants to bless us. I really think that it’s also amazing just how those blessings come by obedience to the commandments and direction the Lord has given us. Whenever the Lord gives a commandment, he also gives a blessing. And as I’ve been thinking about D&C 130:20, I’ve been thinking about how it says, “there is a law…upon which all blessings are predicated” in relation to the Bible Dictionary definition of prayer where it says that prayer is to “secure for ourselves and for others the blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional upon our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.” I don’t know if this makes sense or if this is an accurate interpretation/application, but I definitely think that there is a law of prayer and that by praying, we obtain blessings that are predicated upon our working for them through prayer and obedience. Those are two principles that I am striving to live more fully while here in the OCM and desire to receive those blessings that are predicated upon the laws of God.
Well folks, that’s probably it for me for this week. I hope that you’re gaining strength from reading PMG, studying your scriptures, and committing to live the gospel to a greater degree in your life. Thanks for all you do and I love love love you!
Love,
Sister Cannariato
Hello family!
Transfers were today, but seeing as how I’m emailing you, it means I wasn’t transferred. I get to stay in Stow for at least another 6 weeks. I’m really excited about it and I can’t wait to see the work progress even more while I’m here during the holidays. Sister Corbridge is also staying and boy was I glad--I love working with her and learning from her example.
Thanksgiving was really great. We ate at the church and it was actually really fun. We weren’t able to play lightning with the family because we had another house to get to (the Stebel family had invited us over for dessert, converts of about 9 months). Afterwards we went to the big apartment complex where one set of elders lives to play ping pong and pool. It was the first time I’d put jeans on since I got to Ohio…I almost forgot what it was like! We then rushed to a lesson with an investigator that evening. All in all it was a great Thanksgiving!
The only difficult thing about Thanksgiving was that I felt like it really disrupted the work. We weren’t allowed to proselyte or contact that day, so I didn’t know what we were going to do in the evening (we did have one lesson which was nice). Also, most people we talked with didn’t want to meet for most of the week because they felt the stress of the holiday and wanted to get everything in order. Lame. But it was funny because with every cancellation or change in our schedule, the Lord blessed us with another opportunity. Isn’t He just great? I’m so amazed by the involvement of the Lord in our everyday lives, both here in the mission field and also in all our current paths. Even with Nicole being able to stay at the Springville Museum—it’s just so great how the Lord micromanages our lives and blesses us with things we really need rather than what we think we need.
So some of the blessings with this week—we were able to meet a Russian woman who doesn’t speak a lick of English (I understood “Russian” “bye” and “no”) and a few days later take a Russian Book of Mormon to her. She wanted to give us money for it and we told her no it was a gift. She then gave us each an apple in return. We’re searching the ward to see if anyone knows Russian but so far haven’t had luck. I hope that she’ll take the time to read from the Book of Mormon.
The next blessing. Richard finished the Book of Mormon! He talked with me on the phone for about 30 minutes the other day asking questions and discussing the feelings he’s had as he’s read. He’s truly experiencing the power of the Holy Ghost and I hope that soon he’ll be able to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost—it’s now just a matter of meeting Gail’s needs and addressing her concerns. We were able to prayerfully plan a lesson for Gail on Monday where we talked about her concerns—it was awesome because she had been praying too, wanting to know how to go about voicing the concerns that she has. I love the Lord. We were able to get things out in the open and I realized it’s not so much that she disagrees with things (though she does to a certain extent) as much as it is she hasn’t fully understood and feels rushed. I know that it will take time and that it will ultimately be here decision to join the church, but I also couldn’t stop picturing her in all white clothing that night. I continually pray that I will know how to best help her understand the importance of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and that the Lord will help her recognize the promptings of the Spirit that this is Christ’s church again on the earth.
This week, in addition to being off because of cancellations, has just been tiring. We’ve been working really hard trying to find and teach, teach and find. Sister Corbridge even fell asleep while saying companionship prayer yesterday morning—it made me laugh but it’s just a reflection on what we’re trying to do and how hard we’re working to help bring souls to Christ. And I love it, I really do.
I’m always amazed at how much the Lord wants to bless us. I really think that it’s also amazing just how those blessings come by obedience to the commandments and direction the Lord has given us. Whenever the Lord gives a commandment, he also gives a blessing. And as I’ve been thinking about D&C 130:20, I’ve been thinking about how it says, “there is a law…upon which all blessings are predicated” in relation to the Bible Dictionary definition of prayer where it says that prayer is to “secure for ourselves and for others the blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional upon our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.” I don’t know if this makes sense or if this is an accurate interpretation/application, but I definitely think that there is a law of prayer and that by praying, we obtain blessings that are predicated upon our working for them through prayer and obedience. Those are two principles that I am striving to live more fully while here in the OCM and desire to receive those blessings that are predicated upon the laws of God.
Well folks, that’s probably it for me for this week. I hope that you’re gaining strength from reading PMG, studying your scriptures, and committing to live the gospel to a greater degree in your life. Thanks for all you do and I love love love you!
Love,
Sister Cannariato
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Happy Thanksgibbin'...back
(Posted by Steph's Dad 11/21/07)
Hallo!
I hope all of you are doing well. We're going to have preparation day tomorrow instead of the usual Wednesday but President told us we could email today (since places are open) and then we'll be able to celebrate without interrupting the work. Just fyi, a really nice family in our ward is having us over for dinner--they actually reserve the church building and have all their family eat together and then use the gym and do skits, play basketball, etc. so it should be a blast. I think I may curl up for a nice nap on one of the couches in the foyer or something...we'll probably just go home afterwards and lay in bed. That sounds nice :) I hope you're all prepared for the big day. Dawn, do you have the cards with each item already placed in the serving bowl? Who's in charge of the mashed potatoes? Don't forget to make a sculpture! I hope your meal is wonderful and know that I'm thinking about you all. Jake and Nicole, please travel safely to Boise; Nathan, Monica, Ethan, and Blake, please travel safely to Utah.
This week has been great. We've definitely seen the Lord's hand in the work--even when original plans were altered, it ended up being for the best.
For starters--Wednesday. We normally meet with Brent M/W/F--he wasn't able to meet due to a new job he picked up. We scheduled a meeting for 7pm with Tara at a part member's home--she was late. We started our lesson at about 7:30 and right at the tail end Drew, one of the boys from the part-member family who isn't baptized, got home and sat in on the tail end of the lesson. We're now meeting with him regularly and if the situations with Tara or Brent would have been different, we'd have missed out on Drew. I love that the Lord is orchestrating the affairs of this work--turning what appear to be negatives into great opportunities.
Thursday we found another new investigator who is amazing--her name's Natalie and she just moved here from Cincinnati. She's looking for a church up here, was raised Catholic but is now attending Christian churches, and shares our views about the Godhead. She invited us into her home that day and we taught her again yesterday--my favorite part about it was when she sincerely asked, "How can I know what's true?" towards the end of the lesson. I love seeing people who truly have the desire to know for themselves of truth and are willing to seek it out for themselves.
One thing I love about being a missionary--you have no shame. We were supposed to meet with Tara on Saturday but she called to cancel because she wasn't feeling well. We grabbed a can of soup and took it over to her, then proceeded to read the Book of Mormon with her and teach her a short lesson. We also have been spending a lot of time in the Walmart parking lot at night, because sisters can only knock doors in well lit areas after dark but we cannot knock doors at night in Stow due to a city ordinance. So we contact, meaning we stop people when they're walking to/from the store and talk with them. If that's not awkward, I don't know what is, but I actually love it. It just makes me laugh and we get to talk to a whole lot of people. Usually we offer them a pass-along-card and see if we can meet with them another time. It's not as effective as tracting, but we have met a couple people from it. I think the thing with contacting is not only to get a lesson in but also just to give individuals contact with the church. I heard from someone that it takes the average person multiple contacts with the church before they're interested in taking the lessons/learning more. Though the goal is more investigators, I know that this work will help down the road.
This week in district meeting I was asked to give a workshop on the topic, "How can I apply principles of faith in missionary work" and I wanted to share some study ideas with you because the principles apply to all of us. I came up with 5, pulling them from Romans 10:14-17:
1. Believe in Christ yourself (Romans 10:11; Moroni 7:33; Mark 9:19-23; 3 Nephi 27:21) 2. Be Obedient (Mosiah 2:24; 1 Nephi 16:28-29; D&C 112:28; 130: 21) 3. Pray (Mosiah 27:14; Mark 9:17-18, 28-29) 4. Hear through the Spirit and the scriptures (3 Nephi 11:2-6; Alma 37:8-10) 5. Act in your office (D&C 81:1,3-6; 107:99)
I have been able to study faith for several days (both because of the workshop and because of mission-wide study topics that we do every Wednesday) and I continue to be more and more amazed at the magnitude and power of faith. It's amazing and I am working on developing faith as power in missionary work; I hope you all can do the same in the work you're called to do at this time, missionary work included. :)
It was Sister Corbridge's birthday yesterday--I sneaked in phone calls to members while she was in the shower and the bathroom this past week and we were able to have a surprise party for her at a member's home. The members here in the Tallmadge ward are amazing--and so dedicated to helping the missionaries in whatever way possible, even with a birthday! I think she felt pretty special. We were also able to commit someone to live the word of wisdom yesterday, so I think that was an even better birthday present for her :)
Dad, thanks for letting me know about getting another set of missionaries in our stake. It's a little different out here--we have 3 sets just in our ward! I hope that both sets will be able to find people that are prepared to hear the gospel in our stake. I'll be praying for you!
Goodness me. Another week, another novel. Let me know if this is too long/boring/detailed and I'll give you the summarized version in greater summary :)
Again, have a fabulous Thanksgiving and I love love love you!
Sister Cannariato
P.S. Dawn, you had asked in your letter what I wanted for Christmas...a scripture case (probably just a plain black canvas one unless you find something that screams "Sister Cannariato"), a warm, soft, scarf (it can be a color other than black but just not too crazy), some more thermal bottoms, more of those mint chocolate chip cookies the laurels made :) or even the recipe, a cardigan (maybe beige, brown or black?)...and lots of prayers. Dad, thanks for the info. Love you all!
P.P.S. We raked leaves at Richard and Gail's house for over 4 hours on Saturday (we'd planned on taking about 1 1/2 hours, including a lesson); afterwards Gail volunteered to pray and cried because of our willingness to help. It made the exhaustion so worth it.
Hallo!
I hope all of you are doing well. We're going to have preparation day tomorrow instead of the usual Wednesday but President told us we could email today (since places are open) and then we'll be able to celebrate without interrupting the work. Just fyi, a really nice family in our ward is having us over for dinner--they actually reserve the church building and have all their family eat together and then use the gym and do skits, play basketball, etc. so it should be a blast. I think I may curl up for a nice nap on one of the couches in the foyer or something...we'll probably just go home afterwards and lay in bed. That sounds nice :) I hope you're all prepared for the big day. Dawn, do you have the cards with each item already placed in the serving bowl? Who's in charge of the mashed potatoes? Don't forget to make a sculpture! I hope your meal is wonderful and know that I'm thinking about you all. Jake and Nicole, please travel safely to Boise; Nathan, Monica, Ethan, and Blake, please travel safely to Utah.
This week has been great. We've definitely seen the Lord's hand in the work--even when original plans were altered, it ended up being for the best.
For starters--Wednesday. We normally meet with Brent M/W/F--he wasn't able to meet due to a new job he picked up. We scheduled a meeting for 7pm with Tara at a part member's home--she was late. We started our lesson at about 7:30 and right at the tail end Drew, one of the boys from the part-member family who isn't baptized, got home and sat in on the tail end of the lesson. We're now meeting with him regularly and if the situations with Tara or Brent would have been different, we'd have missed out on Drew. I love that the Lord is orchestrating the affairs of this work--turning what appear to be negatives into great opportunities.
Thursday we found another new investigator who is amazing--her name's Natalie and she just moved here from Cincinnati. She's looking for a church up here, was raised Catholic but is now attending Christian churches, and shares our views about the Godhead. She invited us into her home that day and we taught her again yesterday--my favorite part about it was when she sincerely asked, "How can I know what's true?" towards the end of the lesson. I love seeing people who truly have the desire to know for themselves of truth and are willing to seek it out for themselves.
One thing I love about being a missionary--you have no shame. We were supposed to meet with Tara on Saturday but she called to cancel because she wasn't feeling well. We grabbed a can of soup and took it over to her, then proceeded to read the Book of Mormon with her and teach her a short lesson. We also have been spending a lot of time in the Walmart parking lot at night, because sisters can only knock doors in well lit areas after dark but we cannot knock doors at night in Stow due to a city ordinance. So we contact, meaning we stop people when they're walking to/from the store and talk with them. If that's not awkward, I don't know what is, but I actually love it. It just makes me laugh and we get to talk to a whole lot of people. Usually we offer them a pass-along-card and see if we can meet with them another time. It's not as effective as tracting, but we have met a couple people from it. I think the thing with contacting is not only to get a lesson in but also just to give individuals contact with the church. I heard from someone that it takes the average person multiple contacts with the church before they're interested in taking the lessons/learning more. Though the goal is more investigators, I know that this work will help down the road.
This week in district meeting I was asked to give a workshop on the topic, "How can I apply principles of faith in missionary work" and I wanted to share some study ideas with you because the principles apply to all of us. I came up with 5, pulling them from Romans 10:14-17:
1. Believe in Christ yourself (Romans 10:11; Moroni 7:33; Mark 9:19-23; 3 Nephi 27:21) 2. Be Obedient (Mosiah 2:24; 1 Nephi 16:28-29; D&C 112:28; 130: 21) 3. Pray (Mosiah 27:14; Mark 9:17-18, 28-29) 4. Hear through the Spirit and the scriptures (3 Nephi 11:2-6; Alma 37:8-10) 5. Act in your office (D&C 81:1,3-6; 107:99)
I have been able to study faith for several days (both because of the workshop and because of mission-wide study topics that we do every Wednesday) and I continue to be more and more amazed at the magnitude and power of faith. It's amazing and I am working on developing faith as power in missionary work; I hope you all can do the same in the work you're called to do at this time, missionary work included. :)
It was Sister Corbridge's birthday yesterday--I sneaked in phone calls to members while she was in the shower and the bathroom this past week and we were able to have a surprise party for her at a member's home. The members here in the Tallmadge ward are amazing--and so dedicated to helping the missionaries in whatever way possible, even with a birthday! I think she felt pretty special. We were also able to commit someone to live the word of wisdom yesterday, so I think that was an even better birthday present for her :)
Dad, thanks for letting me know about getting another set of missionaries in our stake. It's a little different out here--we have 3 sets just in our ward! I hope that both sets will be able to find people that are prepared to hear the gospel in our stake. I'll be praying for you!
Goodness me. Another week, another novel. Let me know if this is too long/boring/detailed and I'll give you the summarized version in greater summary :)
Again, have a fabulous Thanksgiving and I love love love you!
Sister Cannariato
P.S. Dawn, you had asked in your letter what I wanted for Christmas...a scripture case (probably just a plain black canvas one unless you find something that screams "Sister Cannariato"), a warm, soft, scarf (it can be a color other than black but just not too crazy), some more thermal bottoms, more of those mint chocolate chip cookies the laurels made :) or even the recipe, a cardigan (maybe beige, brown or black?)...and lots of prayers. Dad, thanks for the info. Love you all!
P.P.S. We raked leaves at Richard and Gail's house for over 4 hours on Saturday (we'd planned on taking about 1 1/2 hours, including a lesson); afterwards Gail volunteered to pray and cried because of our willingness to help. It made the exhaustion so worth it.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
4 weeks since throw up
It was so great to hear from so many of you this week. Thanks for your emails, your letters/cards, and your prayers. I feel so blessed to have so much support and it's been needed :0)
It was another good week, one with funny stories and great spiritual insights. We were able to head up to Kirtland with two of our investigators on Saturday. It was such a great experience both for me and for the investigators. We watched "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" and took a tour through the saw mill, ashery, Johnson Inn, Whitney home, and the Newel K. Whitney Store. I LOVE the Joseph Smith movie and every time I watch it it strengthens my testimony greatly. Being able to go to the Translation Room above the Newel K. Whitney Store where 17 revelations were received was so powerful; but going into the School of the Prophets had a profound impact upon me and all that were there. I was so amazed by the spirit that could be felt in that small room and to know throught that Spirit that Jesus Christ truly appeared to men there in that room. I was humbled again to know I've been sent to such a special, historic place to teach about and testify of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
We had stake conference this past Sunday and the focus was centered around Preach My Gospel. Our Stake President, President Centers, had asked everyone in the stake to read at least 4 sections from PMG before the conference. I was so impressed with the messages that were shared about the importance of relying on the spirit, keeping commitments to the Lord and helping others to do the same, and the importance of the Book fo Mormon for true conversion. President Peterson spoke about PMG and shared a story told by President Monson:
President Monson had been out of town on church business and got back late one evening to find Elder Ballard standing on his doorstep. Elder Ballard was holding the final draft of Preach My Gospel in his hand, as it was going to the printers the next day. Elder Ballard asked if President Monson would look over it just once more and President Monson consented. He told his wife he'd be to bed in a few minutes and began reading. He read all through the night and didn't realize it was morning. I know that the Brethren all contributed to the writing of this book, but to know that even those that helped author it caught the vision of this great resource is such a testimony to me of its power. It's been said numerous times (and I think it's attributed to President Packer) that Preach My Gospel was compsed on the other side of the beil and written/put together on this side. I testify to the truthfulness of that statement. The Lord truly is preparing His people for the Second Coming and this volume can support the scriptures in helping us to strenghten our testimonies of Jesus Christ, find those who are ready to hear and accept the gospel, and deepen our understanding of the teachings of the restored gospel. I love the scritpures, I love the Lord, and I love being able to stand as a witness of His Holy name. It's hard to represent a perfect person, but I am so grateful that the Lord has trusted me to be an instrument in His hands.
I have to go now, but I'll write more next week about the progress of our investigators and the funny stories from Stow. I love you all and please know you're in my prayers.
Love love love you,
Sister Cannariato
It was another good week, one with funny stories and great spiritual insights. We were able to head up to Kirtland with two of our investigators on Saturday. It was such a great experience both for me and for the investigators. We watched "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" and took a tour through the saw mill, ashery, Johnson Inn, Whitney home, and the Newel K. Whitney Store. I LOVE the Joseph Smith movie and every time I watch it it strengthens my testimony greatly. Being able to go to the Translation Room above the Newel K. Whitney Store where 17 revelations were received was so powerful; but going into the School of the Prophets had a profound impact upon me and all that were there. I was so amazed by the spirit that could be felt in that small room and to know throught that Spirit that Jesus Christ truly appeared to men there in that room. I was humbled again to know I've been sent to such a special, historic place to teach about and testify of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
We had stake conference this past Sunday and the focus was centered around Preach My Gospel. Our Stake President, President Centers, had asked everyone in the stake to read at least 4 sections from PMG before the conference. I was so impressed with the messages that were shared about the importance of relying on the spirit, keeping commitments to the Lord and helping others to do the same, and the importance of the Book fo Mormon for true conversion. President Peterson spoke about PMG and shared a story told by President Monson:
President Monson had been out of town on church business and got back late one evening to find Elder Ballard standing on his doorstep. Elder Ballard was holding the final draft of Preach My Gospel in his hand, as it was going to the printers the next day. Elder Ballard asked if President Monson would look over it just once more and President Monson consented. He told his wife he'd be to bed in a few minutes and began reading. He read all through the night and didn't realize it was morning. I know that the Brethren all contributed to the writing of this book, but to know that even those that helped author it caught the vision of this great resource is such a testimony to me of its power. It's been said numerous times (and I think it's attributed to President Packer) that Preach My Gospel was compsed on the other side of the beil and written/put together on this side. I testify to the truthfulness of that statement. The Lord truly is preparing His people for the Second Coming and this volume can support the scriptures in helping us to strenghten our testimonies of Jesus Christ, find those who are ready to hear and accept the gospel, and deepen our understanding of the teachings of the restored gospel. I love the scritpures, I love the Lord, and I love being able to stand as a witness of His Holy name. It's hard to represent a perfect person, but I am so grateful that the Lord has trusted me to be an instrument in His hands.
I have to go now, but I'll write more next week about the progress of our investigators and the funny stories from Stow. I love you all and please know you're in my prayers.
Love love love you,
Sister Cannariato
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Snail Mail Address
Sister Stephanie Cannariato
4533 Fishcreek Road
Stow, OH 44224
Posted by Steph's Dad -
4533 Fishcreek Road
Stow, OH 44224
Posted by Steph's Dad -
A Delayed Hello from Ohio
Greetings one and everyone!
I'm so so so SO sorry that it's taken me so long to email. I'm glad that you got my letter in the mail...I'm sorry I wasn't able to email--we held transfers that day and didn't get a chance to make it to the library for the internet.
I arrived at the SLC airport and was able to call many of you but wasn't able to catch everyone. Our flight was on a little Canadair jet for Skywest and we flew straight to Cleveland. Well, straight's a relative word, because it was so turbulent-y that I ended up puking. Yep, that's right. Good thing I'd stuck an entire change of clothing in my carry on so I could change my shirt before I met President Peterson. Ugh, I'm embarrassed to tell the story but man, it was so funny. I felt very humbled when I met President, because I had all these plans of looking and presenting myself as my best self but my stomach and Heavenly Father had other ideas. We had a great dinner at the Mission home in Westlake then had interviews. I was so impressed by the Spirit in the mission home and it was a blast to be there with 14 other missionaries (originally it was supposed to be 17 but we lost one to stay at the mtc to improve his English, one to the flu/sinus infection, and one to double pneumonia...I was so glad that mine was a one-time deal when there was no turning back).
We got up bright at early at 5am the next morning (so really 3am) to have breakfast and head to Kirtland. We were able to take a tour with a Community of Christ curator as well as Karl Anderson, the foremost authority on Kirtland history. It was amazing to go to Kirtland and see the beauties there. We were able to see the pulpit where the series of visions found in D&C 110 were received, the third floor office where Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ and received D&C 137. We were also able to sit in the pews and sing "The Spirit of God." Following the tour we went to the Newel K. Whitney Store and held a meeting in the same room as the School of the Prophets. It was a powerful experience to be in the same room where the prophet Joseph Smith had been, where Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and hosts of angels appeared, and where D&C 89 was received. President Peterson gave us a few minutes to kneel in prayer in the small room and dedicate our missions to the Lord. I was able to read through my patriarchal blessing and see just how my call as a missionary to establish and build up the Church in the Kirtland area is a fulfillment of that sacred blessing. I am truly amazed by how the Lord facilitates our learning and growth.
After Kirtland we held transfer meeting in the Kirtland Stake center. I was the last sister to be paired up with my companion because we were the closest to Kirtland (though it's still a ways away). My trainer is Sister Stacie Corbridge and we were assigned to the Stow area. It covers Stow and small parts of Hudson and Munroe Falls. We're part of the Tallmadge ward, which two sets of elders and us cover. Sister Corbridge was here last semester and was "shotgunning" the area (meaning the area was closed due to the Kirtland sisters being called out to do the visitor center and the missionaries were called to reopen it). She and Sister Knecht worked like crazy to reestablish themselves in the ward and I was able to reap the benefits during my first week.
Since Wednesday was preparation day, we just traveled back to Stow and I was able to go contacting on my first day. The very first house we went to said we could come back the next day (but they weren't there, surprise surprise) but it was good to get out and get talking to people on my first day. We also taught a less active sister and visited a young woman whose family is less active but she was never baptized. I was exhausted but so happy to have had a fantastic first day in the field.
The last week has been crazy! We've been able to go tracting nearly every day for a couple hours and although we haven't found anyone through that, I feel like that work we've put in is helping us when we teach the solid investigators we already have.
We're teaching Richard and Gayle, a couple where the husband is already in Alma 35 and the wife is still having a difficult time accepting there is any other scripture but the Bible. We've taught them twice this week and it's made it interesting to try to address their needs when they're on such different levels. I'm glad to have the special ed background to at least help with ideas to differentiate the lesson a little bit to address both of their needs, but it's definitely a process. My first lesson Gail cried and Richard loved, our second was a little more neutral and Gail loved it but I felt Richard didn't get as much out of it. We're working on getting them to church but Gayle's not ready to change because her roots are so deep in her church. We'll just have to keep working.
The same issue is happening with another one of our investigators, Brent. He's reading and praying about the Book of Mormon but his kids love the church they go to currently so he doesn't want to change. He's going through a divorce and Sundays are one of his days with the kids so he doesn't want to do anything to jeopardize that. And Mom doesn't even take them to church so he's trying to keep religion in their lives.
So yeah, I think our biggest obstacle is not that people don't have faith, but that they have a strong faith. So many people say thanks but no thanks when we knock on their doors because they are happy with their religion and the current status of their faith. As we've taught, I think our greatest challenge has been trying to help people progress. Change is hard for most people and it's a process only they can choose to do. I hope I can help them see the fulness of joy that the gospel can bring and help them to know for themselves that the Church is true.
We've also had a couple of other things come together in the last week. First, the young woman I told you about earlier is interested in us teaching her and her family is okay with that. We met with her last Saturday and I'm really excited to teach her. A family in our ward has been going through the adoption process for four siblings, two of which are over 8. We taught them about the plan of salvation Monday night for FHE and I am so excited to teach them so they know for themselves that they want to be baptized. We're also teaching a really nice mother of 3 with one on the way who converted to catholicism 3 years ago but loves to learn about religion. It's great that she believes authority is important but hard to teach that the authority was taken from the earth (Dad, you can probably relate after going to Italy and teaching many catholics).
My most spiritual lesson was with a lady who'd been taught about 6 months ago, Judy. She believes in the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith but her husband is very ill and wanted her to stop taking the lessons. She's opened her doors again to us and we were able to reteach lesson 1. The Spirit was almost tangible as I accounted the Joseph Smith story. Man, that account has such power and it's one of those things that people definitely feel different about (some, I guess, recognize it as the spirit and others just recognize that feeling as odd). But it was amazing to bear witness of the reality of that prayer and that vision. She was going to come to church, had a plumbing problem, so sent her son to come instead! We're going to try to teach him with his mom tomorrow.
Monday we had district meeting and it was great to get to know the elders in our area better. We're all experiencing success to some degree and it looks like we may have a baptism this month! Tuesday we had Zone Conference and I LOVED being able to learn more about how to be a better missionary. Though I've been able to stay really busy and keep active in the work, I definitely felt like there were things I needed to be doing better to make the work move at a rate the Lord wants, not at the rate of my personal capacity. I need to have faith that the Lord will provide the way and the desire to be exactly obedient so the Lord can in fact use me as an instrument in his hands.
I know that this was crazy long, but I just had way a lot to tell you. I hope you're all doing well and please know that I love love love you! Thanks for your letters, your prayers, and your support. I think about you all a great deal and thank Heavenly Father that I was blessed with such a great family. I hope you have a great week and you'll be hearing from me next Wednesday!
Love,
Sister Cannariato
P.S. I don't actually think I can check the blog, so if you want to email me your posts, then I can read them and that'd be great! I'd love to hear about the Walter Fam in OR, the Romney fam in P-Town, Lex in Rex, and the Boise clan. You're so great!
P.P.S. CONGRATULATIONS BECCA!!! I'm excited for you to be in all-state. Liza, how's the application? Did you get in? And when will you be interviewed for the Hinckley? Lexi, how are classes and college life? Nic, did you find a job? Jake, how's school for you--surviving? Monica, how are the boys and the house? Nate, how's the new job? Dawn, how's life with just two at home? How are the cubs and have you seen Box recently? Dad, congrats on the new office! I hope you continue to settle in and things go well for you downtown. Please tell Grandmas and Eddie I say haldo! Have a fantastic week!!!
P.P.P.S. Someone has asked if everyone can email me. The answer is yes, I can get emails from anyone, but I'll only be writing the family via email and the rest snail mail. Just fyi.
I'm so so so SO sorry that it's taken me so long to email. I'm glad that you got my letter in the mail...I'm sorry I wasn't able to email--we held transfers that day and didn't get a chance to make it to the library for the internet.
I arrived at the SLC airport and was able to call many of you but wasn't able to catch everyone. Our flight was on a little Canadair jet for Skywest and we flew straight to Cleveland. Well, straight's a relative word, because it was so turbulent-y that I ended up puking. Yep, that's right. Good thing I'd stuck an entire change of clothing in my carry on so I could change my shirt before I met President Peterson. Ugh, I'm embarrassed to tell the story but man, it was so funny. I felt very humbled when I met President, because I had all these plans of looking and presenting myself as my best self but my stomach and Heavenly Father had other ideas. We had a great dinner at the Mission home in Westlake then had interviews. I was so impressed by the Spirit in the mission home and it was a blast to be there with 14 other missionaries (originally it was supposed to be 17 but we lost one to stay at the mtc to improve his English, one to the flu/sinus infection, and one to double pneumonia...I was so glad that mine was a one-time deal when there was no turning back).
We got up bright at early at 5am the next morning (so really 3am) to have breakfast and head to Kirtland. We were able to take a tour with a Community of Christ curator as well as Karl Anderson, the foremost authority on Kirtland history. It was amazing to go to Kirtland and see the beauties there. We were able to see the pulpit where the series of visions found in D&C 110 were received, the third floor office where Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ and received D&C 137. We were also able to sit in the pews and sing "The Spirit of God." Following the tour we went to the Newel K. Whitney Store and held a meeting in the same room as the School of the Prophets. It was a powerful experience to be in the same room where the prophet Joseph Smith had been, where Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and hosts of angels appeared, and where D&C 89 was received. President Peterson gave us a few minutes to kneel in prayer in the small room and dedicate our missions to the Lord. I was able to read through my patriarchal blessing and see just how my call as a missionary to establish and build up the Church in the Kirtland area is a fulfillment of that sacred blessing. I am truly amazed by how the Lord facilitates our learning and growth.
After Kirtland we held transfer meeting in the Kirtland Stake center. I was the last sister to be paired up with my companion because we were the closest to Kirtland (though it's still a ways away). My trainer is Sister Stacie Corbridge and we were assigned to the Stow area. It covers Stow and small parts of Hudson and Munroe Falls. We're part of the Tallmadge ward, which two sets of elders and us cover. Sister Corbridge was here last semester and was "shotgunning" the area (meaning the area was closed due to the Kirtland sisters being called out to do the visitor center and the missionaries were called to reopen it). She and Sister Knecht worked like crazy to reestablish themselves in the ward and I was able to reap the benefits during my first week.
Since Wednesday was preparation day, we just traveled back to Stow and I was able to go contacting on my first day. The very first house we went to said we could come back the next day (but they weren't there, surprise surprise) but it was good to get out and get talking to people on my first day. We also taught a less active sister and visited a young woman whose family is less active but she was never baptized. I was exhausted but so happy to have had a fantastic first day in the field.
The last week has been crazy! We've been able to go tracting nearly every day for a couple hours and although we haven't found anyone through that, I feel like that work we've put in is helping us when we teach the solid investigators we already have.
We're teaching Richard and Gayle, a couple where the husband is already in Alma 35 and the wife is still having a difficult time accepting there is any other scripture but the Bible. We've taught them twice this week and it's made it interesting to try to address their needs when they're on such different levels. I'm glad to have the special ed background to at least help with ideas to differentiate the lesson a little bit to address both of their needs, but it's definitely a process. My first lesson Gail cried and Richard loved, our second was a little more neutral and Gail loved it but I felt Richard didn't get as much out of it. We're working on getting them to church but Gayle's not ready to change because her roots are so deep in her church. We'll just have to keep working.
The same issue is happening with another one of our investigators, Brent. He's reading and praying about the Book of Mormon but his kids love the church they go to currently so he doesn't want to change. He's going through a divorce and Sundays are one of his days with the kids so he doesn't want to do anything to jeopardize that. And Mom doesn't even take them to church so he's trying to keep religion in their lives.
So yeah, I think our biggest obstacle is not that people don't have faith, but that they have a strong faith. So many people say thanks but no thanks when we knock on their doors because they are happy with their religion and the current status of their faith. As we've taught, I think our greatest challenge has been trying to help people progress. Change is hard for most people and it's a process only they can choose to do. I hope I can help them see the fulness of joy that the gospel can bring and help them to know for themselves that the Church is true.
We've also had a couple of other things come together in the last week. First, the young woman I told you about earlier is interested in us teaching her and her family is okay with that. We met with her last Saturday and I'm really excited to teach her. A family in our ward has been going through the adoption process for four siblings, two of which are over 8. We taught them about the plan of salvation Monday night for FHE and I am so excited to teach them so they know for themselves that they want to be baptized. We're also teaching a really nice mother of 3 with one on the way who converted to catholicism 3 years ago but loves to learn about religion. It's great that she believes authority is important but hard to teach that the authority was taken from the earth (Dad, you can probably relate after going to Italy and teaching many catholics).
My most spiritual lesson was with a lady who'd been taught about 6 months ago, Judy. She believes in the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith but her husband is very ill and wanted her to stop taking the lessons. She's opened her doors again to us and we were able to reteach lesson 1. The Spirit was almost tangible as I accounted the Joseph Smith story. Man, that account has such power and it's one of those things that people definitely feel different about (some, I guess, recognize it as the spirit and others just recognize that feeling as odd). But it was amazing to bear witness of the reality of that prayer and that vision. She was going to come to church, had a plumbing problem, so sent her son to come instead! We're going to try to teach him with his mom tomorrow.
Monday we had district meeting and it was great to get to know the elders in our area better. We're all experiencing success to some degree and it looks like we may have a baptism this month! Tuesday we had Zone Conference and I LOVED being able to learn more about how to be a better missionary. Though I've been able to stay really busy and keep active in the work, I definitely felt like there were things I needed to be doing better to make the work move at a rate the Lord wants, not at the rate of my personal capacity. I need to have faith that the Lord will provide the way and the desire to be exactly obedient so the Lord can in fact use me as an instrument in his hands.
I know that this was crazy long, but I just had way a lot to tell you. I hope you're all doing well and please know that I love love love you! Thanks for your letters, your prayers, and your support. I think about you all a great deal and thank Heavenly Father that I was blessed with such a great family. I hope you have a great week and you'll be hearing from me next Wednesday!
Love,
Sister Cannariato
P.S. I don't actually think I can check the blog, so if you want to email me your posts, then I can read them and that'd be great! I'd love to hear about the Walter Fam in OR, the Romney fam in P-Town, Lex in Rex, and the Boise clan. You're so great!
P.P.S. CONGRATULATIONS BECCA!!! I'm excited for you to be in all-state. Liza, how's the application? Did you get in? And when will you be interviewed for the Hinckley? Lexi, how are classes and college life? Nic, did you find a job? Jake, how's school for you--surviving? Monica, how are the boys and the house? Nate, how's the new job? Dawn, how's life with just two at home? How are the cubs and have you seen Box recently? Dad, congrats on the new office! I hope you continue to settle in and things go well for you downtown. Please tell Grandmas and Eddie I say haldo! Have a fantastic week!!!
P.P.P.S. Someone has asked if everyone can email me. The answer is yes, I can get emails from anyone, but I'll only be writing the family via email and the rest snail mail. Just fyi.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Letter from Sister Cannariato
Hello family!Being the brillant missionary I am, I wrote down everyone's addresses but not their email addresses. So sorry this is getting forwarded to all of you from Dad's account. If you'd email me at this address then I can write you back and it'll be a happy day :)Also, this email is going to be a novel because you're the only ones I can write on email and there's so much to say to fill you in. Plus I don't have everyone's emails memorized/with me. But normally I'd love to write you individually so then it'll feel like I'm talking with you.My email address is stephcan@myldsmail.net. You can email me at this account address at any time but I only have 30 minutes on the computer per week, so some responses may come more slowly through the mail. But I would love to hear from all of you to find out how things are going!Things here at the MTC have been fantastic. I've been able to spend so much time immersed in the gospel and I love it! We normally have P-day on Fridays but last week we had class to make up for conference so that's why it's taken me half of my mtc stay to get on the computers and email. I've really appreciated all of the letters I've received. It's been so nice to hear about how things are going.Just fyi, you can send me letters through dearelder.com--it gets delivered at least 2x/day and it's free while I'm in the mtc. Then it's normal postage but they'll mail it for you. The only bad thing is that I can't write you until Fridays, but still, for your convenience it's there.So, the mtc. I have two teachers, Brother Mecham from Mesa, AZ and Sister Haymond, from the Cleveland area! Her dad is a bishop out there and they have a set of elders and a set of sisters that serve in their ward, so I may get to serve with her family, watch conference at her house, or possibly even see here during Christmas or something. That'd be crazy! But honestly, I couldn't have asked for better teachers. Through their examples and instruction I've really been able to gain a better understanding of my purpose as a missionary and how to go about accomplishing the work the Lord's asking me to do.I just have to put in a plug here about Preach My Gospel. I know Nicole and Jake and Grandma are studying it, but I would recommend it be a study aide to everyone. It explains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ succintly and beautifully, making it not only easy for us to share it with those not of our faith but also enhancing our understanding of the doctrines of the kingdom as well. I loved studying it prior to this mission but I don't think I realized what a great resource it really was. I also think that because of my calling and being set apart my understanding has grown ten-fold concerning it. It's really a great tool for learning how to study more effectively too to get more out of the scriptures.Yesterday I went to a meeting with my zone where we talked about the importance of having a balanced approach to missionary work. We discussed the importance of church members, church leaders, and full-time missionaries in the acts of conversion, retention, and activation. I loved the insights I gained on the charge "every member a missionary" and how we need to help new converts by giving them 1. a friend, 2. a calling/responsibility, and 3. nourishment by the good word of God (Pres. Hinckley said these three things). I think that the missionaries have that role of baptism and starting the process of conversion but since it's a process, we need members and local leaders to continue that conversion process and support new and/or reactivated members. The work that I do in Cleveland wont' be of much worth, especially after I leave an area, if the members don't support the new members. It's the same in your areas too.Whoa, I need to get off my soapbox! Sorry. But yeah, I've loved the insights I've gained. I'm so grateful to have this mtc experience. Some people said that you're on a spiritual high all of the time, which made me think of EFY, but it's totally different. You're feasting on the spirit but you have a specific purpose and, for me, it's more of an overwhelming sense of peace and assurance that the Lord's hand is in this work as well as an expanding of my mind to comprehend more of the gospel with greater clarity. It's just so cool.Like I wrote, my companion is Sister Dickson and she's awesome. She's such a hard worker and we've been able to accomplish so much here in the mtc. I love teaching with her because of the testimony she has and the spirit she carries. We get to practice on volunteer investigators on occasion, which has been by far the most amazing experiences while here. Being in a mock home with a mock investigator but still having the Spirit witness that the words you're saying are true; it's such a great feeling.I don't think that I've gained the freshman in the 10 days I've been here, but there sure is a LOT of food. Sister Dickson referred to a scripture that someone else shared with her about the consequences of mtc food: Jeremiah 4:19. It's hilarious and I thought you'd appreciate it. For me, I usually stick to cereal and fruit in the morning, salads or wraps, and occasionally having one of their pasta dishes. I'm excited to be in a place where I won't be sitting all day and I can actually make my own food :) And though it's crazy to think it's so close, I only have about 10 or 12 days left here.We got to go to the temple this morning for the first time since I've been here. That's going to be the thing I miss the most out in Cleveland (besides you...love love love).Well, my time is almost up...but I just want you all to know I love you and appreciate your support and your prayers. The gospel of Jesus Christ is so amazing and I'm so grateful that we know of it's truthfulness. I'll be thinking of you and praying for you this week!Love,Sister Cannariato
Sunday, September 30, 2007
it's official
As of 6pm tonight, I will officially be set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am so excited that the day has come so I can get started! I don't think the experiences I've had in the last two months could have gone any better or smoother. I have felt the Lord's hand in my life as I've prepared temporally and spiritually for the mission, put my affairs in order, and said my goodbyes to those that I care about. I feel so incredibly blessed. I know the mission will challenge me in ways I never thought possible (which I will really come to know and understand by going through it), but I also know that it will bless me in ways I never imagined. I can't wait.
In figuring out what I wanted to say on my last pre-mission post (wow, that sounds so 19-year-old-BYU-freshman-on-facebook. Yuck. Oh well.), I decided I'd leave with what I wrote to my mission president on the back of my personal information sheet:
My testimony about the Ohio Cleveland Mission is pretty simple: I know it's where I'm supposed to be. The story is long and the circumstances somewhat complicated, but ultimately, I have learned that when God speaks, I must obey and when God calls, He also qualifies and blesses. There is no other place I would rather be and no other work I would rather be doing than teaching individuals and families in the Ohio Cleveland Mission for the next 18 months.
I know there is a God. I know He lives and has a body of flesh and bones just as tangible as our own. I know Jesus Christ is His son. I testify that Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the world and was resurrected, thus enabling us to overcome temporal and spiritual death through His sacrifice. I know God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
I know God loves His children and made a way for us to return to Him by repentance, baptism, laying on of hands by proper priesthood authority to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, keeping His commandments, and exercising faith in His son Jesus Christ.
The fullness of the Gospel truly was restored to the boy prophet Joseph Smith. I know God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him and ushered in this dispensation. I know that the Book of Mormon contains the word of God, is the keystone of our religion, and brings joy, happiness, and knowledge essential for exaltation. I know it is a true book.
I testify that the windows of heaven are not closed, but are open as in days past and that a prophet is on the earth today. I know that the Plan of Salvation is God's handiwork and enables us to live together eternally as families as we make and keep sacred covenants and activate the Atonement in our lives.
I am so grateful for this privilege to serve and learn in the Ohio Cleveland Mission. I can't wait!
In figuring out what I wanted to say on my last pre-mission post (wow, that sounds so 19-year-old-BYU-freshman-on-facebook. Yuck. Oh well.), I decided I'd leave with what I wrote to my mission president on the back of my personal information sheet:
My testimony about the Ohio Cleveland Mission is pretty simple: I know it's where I'm supposed to be. The story is long and the circumstances somewhat complicated, but ultimately, I have learned that when God speaks, I must obey and when God calls, He also qualifies and blesses. There is no other place I would rather be and no other work I would rather be doing than teaching individuals and families in the Ohio Cleveland Mission for the next 18 months.
I know there is a God. I know He lives and has a body of flesh and bones just as tangible as our own. I know Jesus Christ is His son. I testify that Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the world and was resurrected, thus enabling us to overcome temporal and spiritual death through His sacrifice. I know God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
I know God loves His children and made a way for us to return to Him by repentance, baptism, laying on of hands by proper priesthood authority to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, keeping His commandments, and exercising faith in His son Jesus Christ.
The fullness of the Gospel truly was restored to the boy prophet Joseph Smith. I know God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him and ushered in this dispensation. I know that the Book of Mormon contains the word of God, is the keystone of our religion, and brings joy, happiness, and knowledge essential for exaltation. I know it is a true book.
I testify that the windows of heaven are not closed, but are open as in days past and that a prophet is on the earth today. I know that the Plan of Salvation is God's handiwork and enables us to live together eternally as families as we make and keep sacred covenants and activate the Atonement in our lives.
I am so grateful for this privilege to serve and learn in the Ohio Cleveland Mission. I can't wait!
D&C 39:13-15
Saturday, September 22, 2007
confessions
1. I am not dedicated to my blog.
2. I hate no, loathe being the center of attention.
3. I slept in til 8:30 this morning.
2. I hate no, loathe being the center of attention.
3. I slept in til 8:30 this morning.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Blake's Birthday Bash
babysitting (sigh of exhaustion)
Monica and Nate went to Portland for a few days and asked me to babysit Blake and Ethan. Boy, did we have fun! It made me realize just how much I love my nephews and what an amazing Mom Monica is. Though I was exhausted afterward, we had a blast!
A little tower building
A little tower building
Some Messy meatball subs
Standing practice-Blake's close to walking!
a day of fishing
Since there was mutiny aboard USS Cannariato/Almond, Dad, Lex and I decided to go on a day hike to Lost and Hidden Lakes southwest of Cascade Reservoir instead of a 3-day backpacking excursion. Dad took his float tube while Alexis and I fished from the shore. Apparently, the float tube made a difference; Dad caught 20+ fish while I caught 2 and Lexi caught, well, lily pads. Some good fishing, naps, and laughs were had. Thanks Dad!
return to idaholand
Moving back to Boise from Provo was, to say the least, an interesting experience. I haven't lived at home for longer than a Christmas break since the summer of 2003. Wow, I sound really old. I was torn between wanting be done and not wanting to leave; I couldn't decide which felt stronger. I think the knowledge that I'd be back to visit made it better.
I never thought I'd say it, but I do miss Provo. Well, the people in Provo. Over the last 5 years I've been able to form lasting friendships that have brought joy and timeless memories. It was hard to say good bye, but I knew it was time to go.
So, I packed. And packed. And packed. In the end, I think I made my dad proud; his packing skills must be hereditary. Here's what Lola looked like for the drive home
And I could still see in my rear view mirror.
I never thought I'd say it, but I do miss Provo. Well, the people in Provo. Over the last 5 years I've been able to form lasting friendships that have brought joy and timeless memories. It was hard to say good bye, but I knew it was time to go.
So, I packed. And packed. And packed. In the end, I think I made my dad proud; his packing skills must be hereditary. Here's what Lola looked like for the drive home
And I could still see in my rear view mirror.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
In case you were wondering
Since I'll be spending the next little while in Cleveland, I thought I should inform everyone what I've learned since Wednesday.
CLEVELAND FACTS:
CLEVELAND FACTS:
- Flag
- City seal:
- mayor-Frank G. Jackson
- residents are called "clevelanders"
- Nicknames-the forest city
- Famous Clevelanders-Halle Berry, Drew Carey, Dorothy Dandridge (first African American to be nominated for best actress for the academy award), Phil Donahue, Margaret Hamilton (played wicked witch of the west), Langston Hughes, Don King, Toni Morrison, Paul Newman, Charles Oakley and John D. Rockefeller
- Named for General Moses Cleveland when founded on July 22, 1796; declared a city in 1836.
- Home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum
- Record high 104; record low -20. July is the warmest month with a mean temperature of 71.9 and January, with a mean temperature of 25.7 is the coldest. Normal yearly precipitation is 38.7 inches.
- A Christmas Story was filmed here.
- Home of the Indians, Browns, Cavaliers.
- Named the "most tortured sports city" in 2004.
- Area: 82.4 sq mi
- Elevation: 623 feet
- Population (in 2000): 478, 403
- Time Zone: (EST) Eastern Standard Time
- Area Code: 216
- Click here for the City of Cleveland's website
oh, and by the way, CLEVELAND ROCKS!
why no one should let me out of the house
I know it happened last Monday and I'm pretty sure it was at FHE, but I don't know exactly how I did it. Oh well, it'll heal.
the call
No, not the backstreet boys song (sorry to disappoint, Nicole.). I received my mission call eight days after my interview with President Bratt. I was super surprised, expecting it to come at the earliest this upcoming Wednesday. I was able to coordinate things and had four or five cell phones sitting out to let in those that couldn't be there in person.
my former roommate Emily
me and Nic
talking to the fam
the group who were there while i opened it (minus jake, nicole, aunt chris, uncle john, and isaac)
And (drumroll please) the actual opening:
Here are some shots and the actual video of me opening it...though I must put out a disclaimer that the videographer (bless his heart) didn't know that he needed to hold the camera one direction...but there you go.
my former roommate Emily
me and Nic
talking to the fam
the group who were there while i opened it (minus jake, nicole, aunt chris, uncle john, and isaac)And (drumroll please) the actual opening:
Saturday, August 11, 2007
a little timeline.
Since my blog is entitled "a quick succession of busy nothings," I thought I'd relay a series of events.
July 1: I don't know which word to use, but I was informed/told/commanded/inspired to go on a mission while fasting
July 3: Talked with my Bishop and received a blessing from my old hometeachers confirming I should go
July 6: Nicole got married!!!
July 12: I finally told my parents and family that I was going on a mission
July 18-21: Filled out papers online
July 22: Bishopric interview
July 23: Dentist appointment
July 25: Doctor's appointment
July 31: Stake presidency interview
August 8: Mission call comes in the mail
October 3: Report to the MTC to serve for 18 months in the Ohio Cleveland mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!
Wow, I think that short explanation would make Dawn proud!
July 1: I don't know which word to use, but I was informed/told/commanded/inspired to go on a mission while fasting
July 3: Talked with my Bishop and received a blessing from my old hometeachers confirming I should go
July 6: Nicole got married!!!
July 12: I finally told my parents and family that I was going on a mission
July 18-21: Filled out papers online
July 22: Bishopric interview
July 23: Dentist appointment
July 25: Doctor's appointment
July 31: Stake presidency interview
August 8: Mission call comes in the mail
October 3: Report to the MTC to serve for 18 months in the Ohio Cleveland mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!
Wow, I think that short explanation would make Dawn proud!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
in memoriam
During the course of my training and career in special education, I had the honor of working with a dedicated, organized, loving, master teacher named Laura Stuver. Not only did she help me survive my summer practicum (the only time in my life I can remember when my dad requested to give me a blessing), I had the privilege of completing my student teaching in her classroom for kindergarteners with Autism. She died after battling cancer for a year while maintaining her job teaching students and mentoring teachers.
Her distinct style impacted my own teaching more than any other individual and I feel blessed to have known her and worked with her. Below is her obituary, which was printed in the Deseret Morning News today.
Her distinct style impacted my own teaching more than any other individual and I feel blessed to have known her and worked with her. Below is her obituary, which was printed in the Deseret Morning News today.
| Laura Marie Stuver | | |
 Laura Marie Stuver 1970 ~ 2007 Laura Marie Stuver, 36, went home to Heaven on Saturday, August 4, 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Provo, UT on Oct. 18, 1970 to Michael D. and Marie T. Stuver. When she was almost three years old, the family moved to Parker, AZ where she attended preschool and early elementary school years. When she was 10 years old the family moved to Boulder City, NV where she completed the remainder of her public education. Throughout her early life she participated in swimming and band. She graduated from Boulder City High School in 1988 then promptly moved with her family to Provo, UT where she attended Brigham Young University. There she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. She then earned her Masters Degree in Special Education, with an emphasis on Autism, from the University of Utah. She began her career teaching an Autistic Transitional Kindergarten Class at Vineyard Elementary School in Orem, UT and became the Autism Specialist for Alpine School District. She held these positions until her death. Laura loved her job and found great joy in going to work each day to teach the little ones left in her care. She also mentored several children individually through the Respite Care Program. She became very close to them and loved them like brothers. She loved traveling throughout the United States and Europe. Some of her favorite places were Walt Disney World, Austria and Germany. Her last unfulfilled wish was to go once more with her niece and nephews to Walt Disney World. Laura loved hiking, attending musicals and plays, reading, crocheting, and spending time with her family and extended family, especially her niece and four nephews with whom she was very close. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was very faithful, had a strong testimony in the Plan of Salvation and knew that she was ready to go to Heaven. She is survived by her parents; four siblings, Kent (Darlene), Brian, Jon (Casey), Becci (David) Swinton; one niece, four nephews, and her step-grandmother, Lillian, as well as many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bessie and Lyman Tyler, Betty and Dick Stuver, an uncle and two cousins. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 9, 2007 in the Provo Parkway Stake Center, 2801 West 620 North, Provo, UT 84601. Family and friends may call Wed. evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Berg Mortuary, 185 East Center Street, Provo, UT 84606 and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday morning prior to the services at the Church (A scrapbook will be available for those wishing to bring a page to add to the memory book). Interment will be held at the East Lawn Memorial Hills. Condolences may be sent to info@bergmortuary.com Thank you, Laura, for the influence for good you have had on so many. | ||
Monday, August 6, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
it comes in threes
I promise I'm not obsessed, but the following three posts are about the same general topic...see if you can guess what it is.
Mr. and Mrs. Romney
On July 6th, 2007 my best friend and older sister, Nicole, got married to one of the greatest men I know. In honor of their recent nuptials, I have written a sad excuse for a poem, but here it is nonetheless.
This ode is for Nicole and Jake,
Two people who are far from fake,
I love them so dearly,
My voice says quite clearly,
I want what you have someday.
The care that you show to each other
The lack or the pleth’ra of brothers
Your testimonies are strong
You help others belong
I want what you have someday.
Exercising together in the early hours
Cuddling during warm April showers
Jake makes tunes on a whim,
And Nic laughs to stay trim,
I want what you have someday.
Watching The Phantom with glee,
For me it is easy to see,
Your love is eternal
Your example supernal,
I want what you have someday.
This ode is for Nicole and Jake,
Two people who are far from fake,
I love them so dearly,
My voice says quite clearly,
I want what you have someday.
The care that you show to each other
The lack or the pleth’ra of brothers
Your testimonies are strong
You help others belong
I want what you have someday.
Exercising together in the early hours
Cuddling during warm April showers
Jake makes tunes on a whim,
And Nic laughs to stay trim,
I want what you have someday.
Watching The Phantom with glee,
For me it is easy to see,
Your love is eternal
Your example supernal,
I want what you have someday.
my new mantra
I was talking with some good friends the other night about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (that is to say, dating). This topic seems to come up all too often in my apartment complex, much of it based on speculation and theory rather than action (yes, Greg, I mean this in all terms of the word). In talking with them, I came to a conclusion about dating that I’ve decided is my new mantra:
By saying this, I’m not passing judgment or simplifying the thoughts and feelings of men but attempting to counter the overanalytical tendencies of my sex. I realize that there are caveats to this, but generally speaking, it hits the nail on the head. This is something many women live by, but occasionally our girlish predisposition to grow hopeful gets the best of us, and we end up setting ourselves up for disappointment. Therefore, I am going to live by this statement when it comes to dating. If he’s really interested, I’ll be worth asking out.
Once the asking comes, though, women also need to remember it’s just a date, not a proposal (Think flashbacks to How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days when she brings over the photo album of the photoshopped pictures from their yet-to-occur wedding and trips with their two yet-to-be-born children). Again, it’s just a date, not a proposal.
You’d think love would be pretty simple: finding someone you love who loves you back. And in the end, it usually is. But how can something be so exasperating and exhilarating at the same time?
IF HE’S INTERESTED, HE’LL ASK YOU OUT
By saying this, I’m not passing judgment or simplifying the thoughts and feelings of men but attempting to counter the overanalytical tendencies of my sex. I realize that there are caveats to this, but generally speaking, it hits the nail on the head. This is something many women live by, but occasionally our girlish predisposition to grow hopeful gets the best of us, and we end up setting ourselves up for disappointment. Therefore, I am going to live by this statement when it comes to dating. If he’s really interested, I’ll be worth asking out.
Once the asking comes, though, women also need to remember it’s just a date, not a proposal (Think flashbacks to How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days when she brings over the photo album of the photoshopped pictures from their yet-to-occur wedding and trips with their two yet-to-be-born children). Again, it’s just a date, not a proposal.
You’d think love would be pretty simple: finding someone you love who loves you back. And in the end, it usually is. But how can something be so exasperating and exhilarating at the same time?
For one of my summer jobs, I’ve had the chance to watch BYU students while they teach special education students in Heber and Salem. One of the special ed students is a 16 year old named Amanda. Amanda is fantastic—she has a positive attitude, works hard, and has a great understanding of the skills necessary to function in life beyond school.One day while walking to the grocery store Amanda and I had a great talk about her love life. She told me about the boys that have been contacting her and the dates she’s been on. At one point, she exclaimed, “I just love boys.” Having her say that made me realize just how much I have to learn from her.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
the most...
So the other day my sister, Monica, was talking with her son, Ethan. He'd done something that wasn't very good and Monica said in exasperation, "Your mom and dad love you the most; we want you to be happy." Ethan responded, "No, Stephy loves me the most."
Man, I love this kid.
Maybe it's prideful, but I just have to post it again.
Man, I love this kid.
Maybe it's prideful, but I just have to post it again.
Monday, July 9, 2007
in honor of the order of the phoenix
so i know i haven't posted anything real for a while (even though i have a bunch that will be coming soon) but i had to post this because i'm going to see the 5th harry potter movie.
i chuckled.
i chuckled.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
communication, mis-
passive-aggressive
adjective
of or denoting a type of behavior or personality characterized by indirect resistance to the demands of others and an avoidance of direct confrontation, as in procrastinating, pouting, or misplacing important materials.
and, i'd like to make two important additions to this definition: being two-faced and complaining/backbiting to an unrelated source or observer.
if people just knew how hurtful it can be.
adjective
of or denoting a type of behavior or personality characterized by indirect resistance to the demands of others and an avoidance of direct confrontation, as in procrastinating, pouting, or misplacing important materials.
and, i'd like to make two important additions to this definition: being two-faced and complaining/backbiting to an unrelated source or observer.
if people just knew how hurtful it can be.
Monday, June 25, 2007
it's a love/hate thing
things I love from last week:
- rice crispy treats: I forgot how good they taste and how easy/cheap they are to make!
- the drive to heber: it's 60 miles round trip for four hours of work, but it's great think time and is just beautiful.
- finding $7 cowboy boots at DI to wear to the Strawberry Days Rodeo...complete with snakeskin.
- longboarding: I've always been nervous about board sports because I'm uncoordinated when it comes activities that require you to use your feet for skills other than running/jumping. but I went down provo canyon on a longboard saturday and realized just how great it really is. i'm thinking i may need to invest in one...
- jinxes
- late night chats with nicole
- 4-wheel drive vehicles--they make the drive to silver lake SO much smoother!
- looking at the stars while lying on an air matress in the middle of a lake
- my own bed
- hearing "lamanite" again at the manti pageant...it still makes me laugh!
- feeling the spirit
- my sunday night walk with Rachel
- loud, techno music listening, expletive shouting, drunk out of their mind neighbors while camping that have a lovers' spat until 4am and nearly start a forest fire with the size of ginormous blaze
- wanting more but not getting any...or at least as much as i want
- being content being quiet and then feeling awkward for not being louder than the next person
- feeling territorial when it's not my place to be so
- the hard ground at the manti temple pageant (though it was definitely better than the chairs, let me tell you)
- sleeping in. way sleeping in.
- funny jokes in improper settings
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Félicitations!
Check this out to see another one of the many reasons why my friends are the best. I'm so proud of you Zazzman!
BYU student ad team wins international best communications campaign
BYU student ad team wins international best communications campaign
Monday, June 18, 2007
happy pappy!
So my little sister emailed me tonight and opened up her email like this: "Happy Pappy! That's what was on the cake that Grandma Betty brought over for Father's Day dinner."
Man, I love my family.
Man, I love my family.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
why my dad is a great father
It's been a great Sunday. One of those Sundays where you come away edified after each part of church and instilled with a greater desire to make a difference during the course of the next week.
I think a big part of that was the fact that it's Father's Day. During the course of the day I was able to sit back and listen to stories about fathers from people in my ward and ponder the example my dad has been to me. I want to write a fitting tribute to him that captures just how much he means to me, just how much he is a part of who I am, and just how much I love him, but I honestly don't know how to put into words the effect his 23 years of time, effort, love, concern, and involvement have had on me. But I think that President Ezra Taft Benson was able to capture, to some extent, how I feel about my dad.
"Brethren, we are to teach the fundamental doctrines of the Church in such a way that our children may understand. Some fathers teach, but their children do not understand. This places responsibility on fathers to study and learn the gospel.
With a few exceptions, righteous sons and daughters who have attained eternal blessings are not just physically begotten by their fathers. They are spiritually regenerated by the examples and teachings of their fathers.
Great fathers lead their children to Christ."
With a few exceptions, righteous sons and daughters who have attained eternal blessings are not just physically begotten by their fathers. They are spiritually regenerated by the examples and teachings of their fathers.
Great fathers lead their children to Christ."
(“Great Things Required of Their Fathers,” Ensign, May 1981, 36).
Papa, thank you for being a great father.
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