(Posted by Stephs's Dad 12-29-08)
Hi everyone!
I hope this fine morning finds you happy and healthy. I’m just getting ready to head over to the Crystal Clinic but they bumped back the surgery to 2:30 so I had some time this morning to actually write.
I did find out from one of our investigators that Crystal Clinic is one of the top surgical centers in Ohio—so I guess I’ll be well taken care of.
This past week was really great—we experienced a lot of opposition but the blessings just kept flowing. I know that the adversary works really hard to frustrate the work in order to debilitate and distract us as missionaries. Well, he didn’t succeed! We had a really great week and were able to see a lot of miracles.
We finished up delivering our Joy to the World referrals and I loved being able to go into homes of members’ friends and help them to feel of the spirit. We’re going to try to stop by a few of them again and I’m excited for it.
We were able to teach Emily again this week and she talked about how she’s finally beginning to be comfortable with prayer. We asked her if she’d prayed about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, to which she replied yes and that she knows that it’s true. I wanted to commit her right then and there! But we’ve been getting a vibe from her mom that we need to take things slow and give her opportunity to make the decision in her own time and way. I love seeing her progress though and I’m sad that I’ll miss out on her appointment this week!
We were able to teach a husband and wife named Dave and Sue. They are FANTASTIC and are planning on coming to church this next Sunday. They had great, probing questions and the spirit was really strong as we watched the Restoration DVD with them. Sister Van Meter said that she could picture the two of them as senior missionaries! Love it. We also have an appointment with them this week and I look forward to hearing how that goes as well.
So it’s true—I’m heading in for my surgery today. Sister Zirker, from Idaho Falls, Idaho, will be coming down with President and Sister Peterson today and will be with Sister Van Meter for the week. I’m way excited for them because Heavenly Father totally packed our week full of appointments and assignments from the PEC. I am really excited for Sister Van Meter and Sister Zirker to tear it up while I’m gone!
Not much else to report or say…I hope that you have a wonderful new year and that it’s everything you could ask for and more. I hope that the winding down of the holidays go well too.
I know that our Heavenly Father lives, He loves us and wants us to return to Him. I know that He provided a means for that return through the Atonement of His Only Begotten Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. The Atonement is truly the great equalizer in this life and enables us to overcome sin, death, and affliction. What grace! I am so incredibly grateful for His life and His sacrifice. We truly are blessed to have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ again available to us in beautiful simplicity; it's a privilege to represent the Savior and invite God's children to come to Him.
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as I spend some quality time in beautiful Kirtland. You’ll be hearing from me again soon!
I love love love you.
Sister Cannariato
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas!
(posted by Steph's Dad 12-24-08)
Happy Christmas!
I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Things here in Wadsworth are going well and I’m trying to make the most of my time before I have to go up to Kirtland in a week.
This past week we were able to teach a really great part member family. The husband has just started coming back to church and is super excited about the gospel and preparing to receive the Melchizedek priesthood. We were able to teach him and his wife with their home teachers (one of whom is the ward mission leader) about the plan of salvation. The spirit was really strong as we taught them and Erin even cried. They are expecting their first child and I think it really hit home with them. Sister Van Meter and the sister from Kirtland will go see them next Monday and I can’t wait to hear about it!
Emily (the 16 year old) came out to church again this past week and it was so great to have her there. She just is eating it up and I am so grateful to be a part of seeing her come to an understanding of who she is and how much God loves her.
Lex asked me about the Joy to the World referral thing, and yes, we’re doing it again this year. We’ve had about 10 people/families given to us and we’ve been able to stop by and deliver 3 of them so far (I know, we’ve got to get on the ball if we’re going to get them done before Christmas!). As we were driving home last to write our weekly letters to President, I felt like we needed to stop by one of the referrals. At that point it was four degrees and there were 35mph winds and it was not going out weather, but I still felt like we needed to stop by. So we did. The family had just recently lost their father/husband and they were in need of a message of hope about the Savior. I felt really strongly like we needed to offer a Book of Mormon to her in addition to the DVD that the boy from our ward had given them. She was really excited to have it and committed herself to read from it that night. It’s amazing to see what peace and hope the gospel brings!
We had mission conference up in Kirtland this past week…it was FANTASTICO! I loved every minute of it. They had it at the stake center instead of the temple this year (which was fine—it was still a very powerful and spiritual experience) and I was able to play the piano again. We sang songs and had some great workshops about the Book of Mormon and the Atonement. Our mission has been given a challenge to read the Book of Mormon in two months starting January 1st. I am SO excited to do it because it means I’ll get to read the whole Book of Mormon another time on my mission. I can’t think of a better thing to do. :0)
I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that it will bring us closer to God. By reading it, pondering the message it contains, and sincerely asking God if it is true will bring a greater understanding of Jesus Christ to our lives and prepare us to return home to our Father in Heaven. What a blessing to know of the restored gospel and to have tangible evidence of the prophetic call of Joseph Smith. It’s been amazing as a missionary to seek that confirmation and to deepen my testimony of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith. The spirit will always testify of truth and I know that as we ask with real intent our prayers are answered.
One last thing. While driving in a more remote part of our area, we definitely were held up for a moment or two by a HORSE and BUGGY. Yes, that’s right: a horse and buggy. We cover a small portion of Amish country in our area and it was fun to see. I love Ohio!Thanks for all you do and I hope your Christmas days are merry and bright and that all your Christmases are white this year! TALK TO YOU THURSDAY!
Love love love,Sister Cannariato
Happy Christmas!
I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Things here in Wadsworth are going well and I’m trying to make the most of my time before I have to go up to Kirtland in a week.
This past week we were able to teach a really great part member family. The husband has just started coming back to church and is super excited about the gospel and preparing to receive the Melchizedek priesthood. We were able to teach him and his wife with their home teachers (one of whom is the ward mission leader) about the plan of salvation. The spirit was really strong as we taught them and Erin even cried. They are expecting their first child and I think it really hit home with them. Sister Van Meter and the sister from Kirtland will go see them next Monday and I can’t wait to hear about it!
Emily (the 16 year old) came out to church again this past week and it was so great to have her there. She just is eating it up and I am so grateful to be a part of seeing her come to an understanding of who she is and how much God loves her.
Lex asked me about the Joy to the World referral thing, and yes, we’re doing it again this year. We’ve had about 10 people/families given to us and we’ve been able to stop by and deliver 3 of them so far (I know, we’ve got to get on the ball if we’re going to get them done before Christmas!). As we were driving home last to write our weekly letters to President, I felt like we needed to stop by one of the referrals. At that point it was four degrees and there were 35mph winds and it was not going out weather, but I still felt like we needed to stop by. So we did. The family had just recently lost their father/husband and they were in need of a message of hope about the Savior. I felt really strongly like we needed to offer a Book of Mormon to her in addition to the DVD that the boy from our ward had given them. She was really excited to have it and committed herself to read from it that night. It’s amazing to see what peace and hope the gospel brings!
We had mission conference up in Kirtland this past week…it was FANTASTICO! I loved every minute of it. They had it at the stake center instead of the temple this year (which was fine—it was still a very powerful and spiritual experience) and I was able to play the piano again. We sang songs and had some great workshops about the Book of Mormon and the Atonement. Our mission has been given a challenge to read the Book of Mormon in two months starting January 1st. I am SO excited to do it because it means I’ll get to read the whole Book of Mormon another time on my mission. I can’t think of a better thing to do. :0)
I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that it will bring us closer to God. By reading it, pondering the message it contains, and sincerely asking God if it is true will bring a greater understanding of Jesus Christ to our lives and prepare us to return home to our Father in Heaven. What a blessing to know of the restored gospel and to have tangible evidence of the prophetic call of Joseph Smith. It’s been amazing as a missionary to seek that confirmation and to deepen my testimony of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith. The spirit will always testify of truth and I know that as we ask with real intent our prayers are answered.
One last thing. While driving in a more remote part of our area, we definitely were held up for a moment or two by a HORSE and BUGGY. Yes, that’s right: a horse and buggy. We cover a small portion of Amish country in our area and it was fun to see. I love Ohio!Thanks for all you do and I hope your Christmas days are merry and bright and that all your Christmases are white this year! TALK TO YOU THURSDAY!
Love love love,Sister Cannariato
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Meniscus Malfunction, Soon to be Fixed
(posted by Steph's Dad 12-17-08)
Hi family,
I know I’m emailing a little later in the day than usual but I just wanted to send you my first official email from Wadsworth!
I really like it here and the area is doing well. The elders that were here before were so good and they had really built up the area. We actually went to the ward Christmas party on Saturday evening and one of the sisters in the ward (she’s actually the mayor of Wadsworth) paid them the best compliment I’ve ever heard. She said that they reminded her of Ammon—they were diligent in serving and then went about doing their missionary labors with quiet dignity. I thought it was such a nice thing to say and I hope that we can live up to the high standard that Elder Hicks and Elder Paulson set.
This past week we spent most of our time trying to contact investigators, less actives, and familiarize ourselves with the ward. There are some really good things happening. Wednesday evening we went to teach a young woman named Emily. She had ordered a Book of Mormon because she’d heard about it from a friend (someone who’s also not a member). The elders had taught her a couple times but I think sisters will be good for her because she’s only 16. She’s been reading from the Book of Mormon and any time we talk about it her face just lights up. She really wants to be involved and she came to church this past Sunday. The young women of the Wadsworth ward were so great and just welcomed her right in. The best fellowshipper was actually a foreign exchange student from Germany who’s not a member either...I love it!
This week we’ve got some great appointments lined up and I’m excited for it. We’re also going to have mission conference on Thursday up in Kirtland and I’m looking forward to having another great experience like last year. I’ll let you know how it goes.
So I got the blog post via email about my knee. Dad pretty much summed it up but I have a few more details for you. I’ll be having the outpatient arthroscopy (sp?) in Medina on December 29 at 1:30. President and Sister Peterson will come down and pick me up after the surgery and take me to Kirtland where I’ll spend about a week to recover. A sister from Kirtland who is in a triple-up will come down to be with Sister Van Meter. Then we’ll switch back after I’m back to at least driving capacity.
It’s kind of crazy just thinking about spending time in Kirtland. Weird, but cool at the same time. Most likely I’ll spend time at the sites with the senior couples but I still don’t know all the details as of yet. I’ll keep you updated.
This has been a really interesting experience because it’s helped me to have another experience with personal revelation. Initially I was completely against getting it taken care of because I don’t feel it’s that bad and I figured I only had three months left so I wouldn’t worry about it. Even when I was talking to the doctor about it I told him I’d probably just wait. Then I talked with Sister Peterson who asked me what I wanted to do. I tried to have the ready answer of "just wait" but she asked just the right questions to get me to be open to the Sprit. The next morning was transfers and I was trying to get all my things packed and organized when I just got the urge to go into our study room and pray for a bit. I poured out my heart to Heavenly Father asking Him what I should do (since before I’d prayed but was looking for my answer instead of the Lord’s answer). As I prayed, I counseled with Him about my options and went from praying a prayer of "this is what I want—tell me it’s okay" to "help me to align my will with Thine." It became clear as I prayed that God wanted me to get this taken care of now. After I made the decision, I was filled with peace and knew everything would be okay. Truly, sweet is the peace the gospel brings!
Now that this is kind of figured out (well, as much as it can be at this point) I love being able to focus on Wadsworth, the people here, and making the most of my two weeks before surgery. I hope that all of your Christmas preparations are going well and that you’re finding time to remember the Savior during the holidays. Thanks for all you do and know I’m thinking about each of you!
Love love love
Sister Cannariato
Since some of you have been asking for my address, I’ll include it here:
Sister Stephanie Cannariato
295 Third St.
Wadsworth, OH 44281
Hi family,
I know I’m emailing a little later in the day than usual but I just wanted to send you my first official email from Wadsworth!
I really like it here and the area is doing well. The elders that were here before were so good and they had really built up the area. We actually went to the ward Christmas party on Saturday evening and one of the sisters in the ward (she’s actually the mayor of Wadsworth) paid them the best compliment I’ve ever heard. She said that they reminded her of Ammon—they were diligent in serving and then went about doing their missionary labors with quiet dignity. I thought it was such a nice thing to say and I hope that we can live up to the high standard that Elder Hicks and Elder Paulson set.
This past week we spent most of our time trying to contact investigators, less actives, and familiarize ourselves with the ward. There are some really good things happening. Wednesday evening we went to teach a young woman named Emily. She had ordered a Book of Mormon because she’d heard about it from a friend (someone who’s also not a member). The elders had taught her a couple times but I think sisters will be good for her because she’s only 16. She’s been reading from the Book of Mormon and any time we talk about it her face just lights up. She really wants to be involved and she came to church this past Sunday. The young women of the Wadsworth ward were so great and just welcomed her right in. The best fellowshipper was actually a foreign exchange student from Germany who’s not a member either...I love it!
This week we’ve got some great appointments lined up and I’m excited for it. We’re also going to have mission conference on Thursday up in Kirtland and I’m looking forward to having another great experience like last year. I’ll let you know how it goes.
So I got the blog post via email about my knee. Dad pretty much summed it up but I have a few more details for you. I’ll be having the outpatient arthroscopy (sp?) in Medina on December 29 at 1:30. President and Sister Peterson will come down and pick me up after the surgery and take me to Kirtland where I’ll spend about a week to recover. A sister from Kirtland who is in a triple-up will come down to be with Sister Van Meter. Then we’ll switch back after I’m back to at least driving capacity.
It’s kind of crazy just thinking about spending time in Kirtland. Weird, but cool at the same time. Most likely I’ll spend time at the sites with the senior couples but I still don’t know all the details as of yet. I’ll keep you updated.
This has been a really interesting experience because it’s helped me to have another experience with personal revelation. Initially I was completely against getting it taken care of because I don’t feel it’s that bad and I figured I only had three months left so I wouldn’t worry about it. Even when I was talking to the doctor about it I told him I’d probably just wait. Then I talked with Sister Peterson who asked me what I wanted to do. I tried to have the ready answer of "just wait" but she asked just the right questions to get me to be open to the Sprit. The next morning was transfers and I was trying to get all my things packed and organized when I just got the urge to go into our study room and pray for a bit. I poured out my heart to Heavenly Father asking Him what I should do (since before I’d prayed but was looking for my answer instead of the Lord’s answer). As I prayed, I counseled with Him about my options and went from praying a prayer of "this is what I want—tell me it’s okay" to "help me to align my will with Thine." It became clear as I prayed that God wanted me to get this taken care of now. After I made the decision, I was filled with peace and knew everything would be okay. Truly, sweet is the peace the gospel brings!
Now that this is kind of figured out (well, as much as it can be at this point) I love being able to focus on Wadsworth, the people here, and making the most of my two weeks before surgery. I hope that all of your Christmas preparations are going well and that you’re finding time to remember the Savior during the holidays. Thanks for all you do and know I’m thinking about each of you!
Love love love
Sister Cannariato
Since some of you have been asking for my address, I’ll include it here:
Sister Stephanie Cannariato
295 Third St.
Wadsworth, OH 44281
Monday, December 1, 2008
December my foot! Are you serious?!?
(Sorry I have been remiss in posting Steph's letters - I will repent. Steph's Dad.)
Happy December!
Can you believe today is December 1? I’m seriously weirded out by it. I cannot believe that 2008 is almost over. I just got to Ohio—seriously!We had a really good Thanksgiving. We ate with a less active family and it was delicious. They are really great and we want them to get back to church! We’re going eat with them again this week and I look forward to being in their home. The spirit is there and we just need to get them back into the habit of full activity.I was reading over some conference talks this morning and was really impressed (again) by the talk given by Elder Lawrence C. Corbridge of the seventy in this last General Conference. He talked about how the way of the gospel is simple and requires, as Elder Oaks put it, “the steady dedication of a lifetime.” We don’t need to fret or worry—we just need to have faith. I am amazed at how often I neglect or forget this simple principle. Especially in the turmoil that’s all around us, we need to get back to the basics and trust in the Lord. It’s then that everything will work out and work for your good.I also heard another good quote yesterday. It was this: “I don’t do everything; I do what’s important.” I find that so often we let the good things get in the way of the better or best things, and it’s easy to become distracted. Several months ago Jake wrote me an email saying that Satan doesn’t have to get missionaries to be disobedient; he just has to get them to be distracted and not do the work in the Lord’s way. The same goes for our day-to-day lives as well. We must not become distracted by things that are just things; we have to do what’s really important. I love being a missionary because it helps me to recognize that there is a lot of time in each day to accomplish the things we need to do. We’ve just got to be efficient! Oh dear, I’m starting to sound like Dad! jk,jk…really, it’s a good thing.Last year in the Tallmadge ward Sister Corbridge and I decided to do a little referral thingy where we would wrap a copy of the DVD “Joy to the World” and then hand-deliver it to ward members’ friends and neighbors. Sister Van Meter and I decided that we’d do it this year too and presented it to the ward council yesterday morning. They loved it! I’m really excited because this year we’re just more prepared to do it and we’re starting to advertise it earlier that we did last year. I loved doing it last year because we were able to get into homes where I don’t think we could have gone in to otherwise. It’s a great way to share the gospel in a non-threatening way. This year we’re also providing the option of giving them Mr. Kruger’s Christmas if they want too! I’ll let you know how it goes.Thanks again for all that you do for me and for the Lord. I feel so incredibly blessed to have been reared in a Christ-centered home where love, fun, and respect resided. Thanks for helping me become the best person I can be and I pray that my service here is sending blessings your way! I pray for you continually and think that you’re the best. Sewiouswy.Love love love,Sister Cannariatop.s. Here’s a good quote to think about. It’s from Elder Holland: “Every experience can be a redemptive experience if we remain bonded to our Father in Heaven through that difficulty. These difficult lessons teach us that man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. And if we will be humble and faithful—if we will not curse God for our problems—He can turn the unfair, and the inhumane, and the debilitating prisons of our life into temples, or at least into a circumstance that can bring comfort and revelation.”
Happy December!
Can you believe today is December 1? I’m seriously weirded out by it. I cannot believe that 2008 is almost over. I just got to Ohio—seriously!We had a really good Thanksgiving. We ate with a less active family and it was delicious. They are really great and we want them to get back to church! We’re going eat with them again this week and I look forward to being in their home. The spirit is there and we just need to get them back into the habit of full activity.I was reading over some conference talks this morning and was really impressed (again) by the talk given by Elder Lawrence C. Corbridge of the seventy in this last General Conference. He talked about how the way of the gospel is simple and requires, as Elder Oaks put it, “the steady dedication of a lifetime.” We don’t need to fret or worry—we just need to have faith. I am amazed at how often I neglect or forget this simple principle. Especially in the turmoil that’s all around us, we need to get back to the basics and trust in the Lord. It’s then that everything will work out and work for your good.I also heard another good quote yesterday. It was this: “I don’t do everything; I do what’s important.” I find that so often we let the good things get in the way of the better or best things, and it’s easy to become distracted. Several months ago Jake wrote me an email saying that Satan doesn’t have to get missionaries to be disobedient; he just has to get them to be distracted and not do the work in the Lord’s way. The same goes for our day-to-day lives as well. We must not become distracted by things that are just things; we have to do what’s really important. I love being a missionary because it helps me to recognize that there is a lot of time in each day to accomplish the things we need to do. We’ve just got to be efficient! Oh dear, I’m starting to sound like Dad! jk,jk…really, it’s a good thing.Last year in the Tallmadge ward Sister Corbridge and I decided to do a little referral thingy where we would wrap a copy of the DVD “Joy to the World” and then hand-deliver it to ward members’ friends and neighbors. Sister Van Meter and I decided that we’d do it this year too and presented it to the ward council yesterday morning. They loved it! I’m really excited because this year we’re just more prepared to do it and we’re starting to advertise it earlier that we did last year. I loved doing it last year because we were able to get into homes where I don’t think we could have gone in to otherwise. It’s a great way to share the gospel in a non-threatening way. This year we’re also providing the option of giving them Mr. Kruger’s Christmas if they want too! I’ll let you know how it goes.Thanks again for all that you do for me and for the Lord. I feel so incredibly blessed to have been reared in a Christ-centered home where love, fun, and respect resided. Thanks for helping me become the best person I can be and I pray that my service here is sending blessings your way! I pray for you continually and think that you’re the best. Sewiouswy.Love love love,Sister Cannariatop.s. Here’s a good quote to think about. It’s from Elder Holland: “Every experience can be a redemptive experience if we remain bonded to our Father in Heaven through that difficulty. These difficult lessons teach us that man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. And if we will be humble and faithful—if we will not curse God for our problems—He can turn the unfair, and the inhumane, and the debilitating prisons of our life into temples, or at least into a circumstance that can bring comfort and revelation.”
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
A look into the life of a Sister Missionary
Here are some recent pictures from Sister Cannariato on her mission in Akron. She is quite busy doing some amazing, and also some crazy things! --Her sister Eliza
Monday, July 21, 2008
There's a Tablecloth on My Wall!
Posted by Steph's Dad 7-21-08
First and foremost, I just have to tell the entire world that I have the best family on the planet. The tablecloth was AMAZING! I can’t imagine how much time and energy must have gone into making that. But you’ll be glad to know I have it hanging up on my wall next to my bed so I can look at it and have it brighten my day each time I do. You are the best!
It’s been a pretty busy week and in order to not make this eternally long, I’ll give you some of the highlights:
1. I got a SWEET package from the best family in the whole world. I love my tablecloth!
2. I had to give a workshop about effective finding but it ended up being more about the steps that lead to effective finding, tying those to D&C 4:2. We must serve with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. I looked up the definitions for each of those words and it was powerful to see the connections between them and finding those that are searching for the truth. I also loved studying Nephi’s example of faith, diligence, and righteous desires.
3.We had a conference called "Zoned Out" Thursday where we got together with 3 other zones and had a day of fun. We had a barbeque, took a tour of the John Johnson Home (definitely the highlight), played scriptorianoid (exactly like scriptureman from seminary), "the Brethren" jeopardy, dodgeball, relay races, and human foosball. Our zone did pretty well and it was fun to spend time with other missionaries. I have to admit though, I was really wanting some spiritual nourishment that day but we’re going to have the normal workshops and things at our interviews this Wednesday.
4. Funny story. After zoned out there was a bus tour that had just pulled up with a bunch of youth from Utah on a church history bus tour. They had finished the tour and sang some hymns, so President Peterson suggested we go and sing our mission song to them (it’s "We’ll bring the world his truth" with the 2 and 3 verses changed to pertain to our mission). We did so and it was really neat to sing to them. Afterwards we went to meet some of the people and it was pretty funny to watch the Elders interact with cute high school girls from Utah. At least for me, anyway.
5. Sunday Sister Knowles sang in sacrament meeting and I accompanied her. She sang a really pretty arrangement of "O, My Father" and it powerful for me to sit and listen to the message behind that hymn as she sang. In the hustle and bustle of life today I think we neglect or disregard that divine relationship we have with our Father in Heaven. I am so grateful that we have a correct knowledge of our relationship to our Heavenly Father and how we fit into the eternal scheme of things. It’s such a blessing to know of the gospel of Jesus Christ—Heavenly Father’s plan for us to be successful in this life and return to live with Him, with the Atonement of Jesus Christ being the center of that plan!
6. I wanted to tell you about a convert of just over a year, Stacey Miles, that’s the gospel principles teacher in our ward. He used to play for the NFL and then was a successful sports agent for 15 years. He has a lot of health problems so he spends much of his time in the hospital for treatment and walks with crutches. I am so amazed at his desire to live the gospel and the strength of his testimony. He has such strong faith and I love being able to learn from his example each week. He just recently lost a friend and it’s been hard for him to deal with the grieving process. He told us Sunday that when he’s at home he’ll turn on BYU-TV, have the hymns playing on his internet, have talks from general conference on his CD player, and his lesson for gospel principle laying out so he can study it. He said that he loses himself in the gospel so he won’t go nuts. :) I loved that idea that the gospel of Jesus Christ is what brings consistency in a chaotic world, what brings peace in times of discomfort or unease, etc.
7. I just wanted to also bear testimony of the power of personal revelation. I’ve been pondering a question for about two weeks now and last night as I was getting ready for bed the answer just hit me. The Spirit didn’t stop there, but continued to bring scriptures and examples and things that’d I’d already studied about to mind to make connections that allowed me to figure out how to best proceed in applying the answers to the question. I know that "Salvation cannot come without revelation" and that "revelation is vital to [our] daily work. ‘This is the principle on which the government of heaven is conducted—by revelation adapted to the circumstances in which the children of the kingdom are placed’" (PMG 89). I know that the Lord will give you the answers you seek as you qualify for guidance from the spirit by keeping the commandments and honoring your covenants.
I probably better end because I could go on forever, so I’ll just end by saying that I love you, the gospel’s true, and you’re all fabulous. Have a fantastic week!
Love,
Sister Cannariato
First and foremost, I just have to tell the entire world that I have the best family on the planet. The tablecloth was AMAZING! I can’t imagine how much time and energy must have gone into making that. But you’ll be glad to know I have it hanging up on my wall next to my bed so I can look at it and have it brighten my day each time I do. You are the best!
It’s been a pretty busy week and in order to not make this eternally long, I’ll give you some of the highlights:
1. I got a SWEET package from the best family in the whole world. I love my tablecloth!
2. I had to give a workshop about effective finding but it ended up being more about the steps that lead to effective finding, tying those to D&C 4:2. We must serve with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. I looked up the definitions for each of those words and it was powerful to see the connections between them and finding those that are searching for the truth. I also loved studying Nephi’s example of faith, diligence, and righteous desires.
3.We had a conference called "Zoned Out" Thursday where we got together with 3 other zones and had a day of fun. We had a barbeque, took a tour of the John Johnson Home (definitely the highlight), played scriptorianoid (exactly like scriptureman from seminary), "the Brethren" jeopardy, dodgeball, relay races, and human foosball. Our zone did pretty well and it was fun to spend time with other missionaries. I have to admit though, I was really wanting some spiritual nourishment that day but we’re going to have the normal workshops and things at our interviews this Wednesday.
4. Funny story. After zoned out there was a bus tour that had just pulled up with a bunch of youth from Utah on a church history bus tour. They had finished the tour and sang some hymns, so President Peterson suggested we go and sing our mission song to them (it’s "We’ll bring the world his truth" with the 2 and 3 verses changed to pertain to our mission). We did so and it was really neat to sing to them. Afterwards we went to meet some of the people and it was pretty funny to watch the Elders interact with cute high school girls from Utah. At least for me, anyway.
5. Sunday Sister Knowles sang in sacrament meeting and I accompanied her. She sang a really pretty arrangement of "O, My Father" and it powerful for me to sit and listen to the message behind that hymn as she sang. In the hustle and bustle of life today I think we neglect or disregard that divine relationship we have with our Father in Heaven. I am so grateful that we have a correct knowledge of our relationship to our Heavenly Father and how we fit into the eternal scheme of things. It’s such a blessing to know of the gospel of Jesus Christ—Heavenly Father’s plan for us to be successful in this life and return to live with Him, with the Atonement of Jesus Christ being the center of that plan!
6. I wanted to tell you about a convert of just over a year, Stacey Miles, that’s the gospel principles teacher in our ward. He used to play for the NFL and then was a successful sports agent for 15 years. He has a lot of health problems so he spends much of his time in the hospital for treatment and walks with crutches. I am so amazed at his desire to live the gospel and the strength of his testimony. He has such strong faith and I love being able to learn from his example each week. He just recently lost a friend and it’s been hard for him to deal with the grieving process. He told us Sunday that when he’s at home he’ll turn on BYU-TV, have the hymns playing on his internet, have talks from general conference on his CD player, and his lesson for gospel principle laying out so he can study it. He said that he loses himself in the gospel so he won’t go nuts. :) I loved that idea that the gospel of Jesus Christ is what brings consistency in a chaotic world, what brings peace in times of discomfort or unease, etc.
7. I just wanted to also bear testimony of the power of personal revelation. I’ve been pondering a question for about two weeks now and last night as I was getting ready for bed the answer just hit me. The Spirit didn’t stop there, but continued to bring scriptures and examples and things that’d I’d already studied about to mind to make connections that allowed me to figure out how to best proceed in applying the answers to the question. I know that "Salvation cannot come without revelation" and that "revelation is vital to [our] daily work. ‘This is the principle on which the government of heaven is conducted—by revelation adapted to the circumstances in which the children of the kingdom are placed’" (PMG 89). I know that the Lord will give you the answers you seek as you qualify for guidance from the spirit by keeping the commandments and honoring your covenants.
I probably better end because I could go on forever, so I’ll just end by saying that I love you, the gospel’s true, and you’re all fabulous. Have a fantastic week!
Love,
Sister Cannariato
Monday, June 16, 2008
yep, here she be
Posted by Steph's Dad 6-16-08
Hi family,
I just thought you should know there was a celebrity sighting here at the Holland branch of the Toledo Lucas County Library…Mr. Miagi from Karate Kid!!!
So really, here’s the rundown for the week. After the accident last week we’re finally back to a full day. Sister Webb still has dizzy spells and fits of nausea, but they’re fewer and less severe than they used to be. I’m so glad that she’s feeling better because it’s no fun being out. She’s really amazing though—it’s been neat to learn from her example how to rely more fully on the Spirit in times of trial. It’s a lesson I’m sure I’ll continue learning throughout my lifetime.
This past week we were able to get in contact with a former investigator and her daughters. We are now teaching them all and are trying to get the fiancé in on the lessons. He was a minister with another church so he’s a bit more hesitant, but I am really impressed with the family’s ability to recognize truth. That’s one thing that I love about the gospel…it just rings true. When people are willing to open their hearts, the Spirit can not only confirm the truthfulness of all things but recognize that it’s true.
Esther’s baptism was this past Saturday. She was so incredibly excited and overjoyed to be baptized. During the talk on the Holy Ghost, she punched her fists in the air as the speaker mentioned how pleased she was with Esther’s decision to be baptized. I just love her. She was confirmed Sunday and was just glowing afterwards. I love seeing how the gospel has brought her great joy.
We had an amazing lesson with Samantha this week. She’s always really open with us but she bore her testimony about the Book of Mormon and the Church at the lesson. She knows it’s true and it’s SO COOL to see that! The challenge for her is that her family is giving her absolutely no support whatsoever. In her words, they’re scared of it because they don’t know it. It really makes her sad that her family and friends back home are against her coming to church and things. But the whole time we’ve met with her has been a miracle because from the get go she was defending the church and the doctrines of the gospel. It’s been amazing to see the light that’s come into her life as she’s come to know these things are true. We’re going to talk with her about baptism this week and also get a recent convert over to her house that had a similar situation when she was baptized. It’s exciting work.
Well, I probably better get going, but thanks for reading. I’m safe (no tornadoes or craziness with the storms…at least not too crazy) and happy. Hope you have a great week!
Loves,
Sister Cannariato
Hi family,
I just thought you should know there was a celebrity sighting here at the Holland branch of the Toledo Lucas County Library…Mr. Miagi from Karate Kid!!!
So really, here’s the rundown for the week. After the accident last week we’re finally back to a full day. Sister Webb still has dizzy spells and fits of nausea, but they’re fewer and less severe than they used to be. I’m so glad that she’s feeling better because it’s no fun being out. She’s really amazing though—it’s been neat to learn from her example how to rely more fully on the Spirit in times of trial. It’s a lesson I’m sure I’ll continue learning throughout my lifetime.
This past week we were able to get in contact with a former investigator and her daughters. We are now teaching them all and are trying to get the fiancé in on the lessons. He was a minister with another church so he’s a bit more hesitant, but I am really impressed with the family’s ability to recognize truth. That’s one thing that I love about the gospel…it just rings true. When people are willing to open their hearts, the Spirit can not only confirm the truthfulness of all things but recognize that it’s true.
Esther’s baptism was this past Saturday. She was so incredibly excited and overjoyed to be baptized. During the talk on the Holy Ghost, she punched her fists in the air as the speaker mentioned how pleased she was with Esther’s decision to be baptized. I just love her. She was confirmed Sunday and was just glowing afterwards. I love seeing how the gospel has brought her great joy.
We had an amazing lesson with Samantha this week. She’s always really open with us but she bore her testimony about the Book of Mormon and the Church at the lesson. She knows it’s true and it’s SO COOL to see that! The challenge for her is that her family is giving her absolutely no support whatsoever. In her words, they’re scared of it because they don’t know it. It really makes her sad that her family and friends back home are against her coming to church and things. But the whole time we’ve met with her has been a miracle because from the get go she was defending the church and the doctrines of the gospel. It’s been amazing to see the light that’s come into her life as she’s come to know these things are true. We’re going to talk with her about baptism this week and also get a recent convert over to her house that had a similar situation when she was baptized. It’s exciting work.
Well, I probably better get going, but thanks for reading. I’m safe (no tornadoes or craziness with the storms…at least not too crazy) and happy. Hope you have a great week!
Loves,
Sister Cannariato
Monday, May 19, 2008
THOUGHTS
(Posted by Steph's Dad.)
Hi family,
This week has been kind of sporadic, so I thought a numbered list woudl be best. Here’s kind of the rundown of the week:
1. I was so sad to hear about Grandpa Almond, Jim’s dad, and our neighbor Carla. Death seems to be everywhere. A senior couple, the Deschamps serving in Kirtland, were in a terrible car accident last week in which Sister Deschamp was killed and Elder Deschamp will be recovering from for the next several months. It is difficult to have such experiences and I can’t find words adequate to express what it feels like. But I know we’re all having similar feelings and I’m so grateful we can find comfort in the words of the prophets and the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They will live again.
2. Greg and Esther are both doing well…Greg has been alcohol-free for 10 days now and as a result, his insomnia has kicked in full force. He didn’t get sleep Friday or Saturday night and crashed early Sunday morning, thereby missing church. We stopped by his house Sunday afternoon and when he opened the door, he said, “I figured you’d be stopping by” and proceeded to tell us what’d been going on. I love that he's sticking to his decision to live the word of wisdom and that Heavenly Father is blessing him with the strength to do so. He’s counting down the days to his baptism and is still super excited about it. It’s just so neat to see the change that’s occurred in him over the past several months.
3. Apparently, words gotten around in the mission that I’m 27. I don’t know how that happened, but it did. I can’t decide if I’m going to set it straight or play along. Maybe I’ll have to take a vote for all of you.
4. We are going to get a ward mission plan!!! We were able to talk to Bishop Dewey this week and touch base with him about what a ward mission plan could do for his ward and he’s really excited about it. It’s on the agenda for ward council next week and I’m excited to get it going.
5. We got a phone call from someone we’re teaching to let us know that their house was INFESTED WITH LICE. Yep, that’s what I said: INFESTED WITH LICE. I wanted to buy a box of Nix right then and there. Luckily though, neither Sister Webb and I have it. The Lord truly blesses His missionaries! :)
6. Sorry, I have a lot of funny random things today. At our last district meeting, another Elder in my district (he’s from Rigby actually) handed me a pass along card after district meeting. It had an address on it. His home address. With his brother’s name on it. Apparently he wanted me to write his brother, who was home from BYU for the summer. Hahahahahahahaha, I know. I guess being 27 isn’t so bad :) That is a referral I don’t know if I’ll be able to contact!
7. This past week has had many ups, downs, and quirks, but it has been a great week nonetheless. The Lord continues to bless us and is helping our investigators develop testimonies of the restored gospel. Samantha started reading the Book of Mormon and it’s amazing to see how much she comprehends…I know it will be an invaluable tool in her conversion. She just started a few days ago and is nearly finished with 1 Nephi. The Book of Mormon is such an amazing gift and I wish everyone could understand just how much it can strengthen their faith in the Savior and bless their lives.Well, I better go, but thanks for your thoughts, prayers, emails, and just everything.
I love you!
Sister Cannariato
Hi family,
This week has been kind of sporadic, so I thought a numbered list woudl be best. Here’s kind of the rundown of the week:
1. I was so sad to hear about Grandpa Almond, Jim’s dad, and our neighbor Carla. Death seems to be everywhere. A senior couple, the Deschamps serving in Kirtland, were in a terrible car accident last week in which Sister Deschamp was killed and Elder Deschamp will be recovering from for the next several months. It is difficult to have such experiences and I can’t find words adequate to express what it feels like. But I know we’re all having similar feelings and I’m so grateful we can find comfort in the words of the prophets and the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They will live again.
2. Greg and Esther are both doing well…Greg has been alcohol-free for 10 days now and as a result, his insomnia has kicked in full force. He didn’t get sleep Friday or Saturday night and crashed early Sunday morning, thereby missing church. We stopped by his house Sunday afternoon and when he opened the door, he said, “I figured you’d be stopping by” and proceeded to tell us what’d been going on. I love that he's sticking to his decision to live the word of wisdom and that Heavenly Father is blessing him with the strength to do so. He’s counting down the days to his baptism and is still super excited about it. It’s just so neat to see the change that’s occurred in him over the past several months.
3. Apparently, words gotten around in the mission that I’m 27. I don’t know how that happened, but it did. I can’t decide if I’m going to set it straight or play along. Maybe I’ll have to take a vote for all of you.
4. We are going to get a ward mission plan!!! We were able to talk to Bishop Dewey this week and touch base with him about what a ward mission plan could do for his ward and he’s really excited about it. It’s on the agenda for ward council next week and I’m excited to get it going.
5. We got a phone call from someone we’re teaching to let us know that their house was INFESTED WITH LICE. Yep, that’s what I said: INFESTED WITH LICE. I wanted to buy a box of Nix right then and there. Luckily though, neither Sister Webb and I have it. The Lord truly blesses His missionaries! :)
6. Sorry, I have a lot of funny random things today. At our last district meeting, another Elder in my district (he’s from Rigby actually) handed me a pass along card after district meeting. It had an address on it. His home address. With his brother’s name on it. Apparently he wanted me to write his brother, who was home from BYU for the summer. Hahahahahahahaha, I know. I guess being 27 isn’t so bad :) That is a referral I don’t know if I’ll be able to contact!
7. This past week has had many ups, downs, and quirks, but it has been a great week nonetheless. The Lord continues to bless us and is helping our investigators develop testimonies of the restored gospel. Samantha started reading the Book of Mormon and it’s amazing to see how much she comprehends…I know it will be an invaluable tool in her conversion. She just started a few days ago and is nearly finished with 1 Nephi. The Book of Mormon is such an amazing gift and I wish everyone could understand just how much it can strengthen their faith in the Savior and bless their lives.Well, I better go, but thanks for your thoughts, prayers, emails, and just everything.
I love you!
Sister Cannariato
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Mother's Kirtland Wisdom Day of Word Interviews
(Posted by Steph's Dad)
Hi family! It was so great to talk with each of you yesterday. It was amazing to think how much time has gone by and yet how normal and wonderful it was to talk with you all. I'm glad that things are going well and that you're all happy and well. Becs, I hope your cough goes away soon...that's no bueno!Well, the word came this morning about transfers and I'm staying! I'm really excited to spend another transfer in Holland and to serve again in the Toledo 1st Ward with Sister Webb. Our district of 8 missionaries has 3 people leaving and half of the missionaries in our zone are leaving. It'll be a different experience next transfer but I'm really grateful I've been able to serve around so many dedicated and obedient missionaries. We've had a blast doing the work and enjoying our time in the blessed area of Toledo.I'm really grateful I can spend more time helping the ward become more missionary minded. We're still working on getting a ward mission plan going and I know that it is something that will unify, fortify, and edify the ward...we've just got to get everyone on board. We're going to meet with the bishop this week to talk about it with him.So, this past week was good. We were able to commit Greg to live the word of wisdom, which was a bit of a scary thing because that's pretty much the only thing that is separating him from baptism. It was neat to hear that he'd been praying about wanting to quit drinking and soon after the sisters had knocked on his door. The desire to stop is there and he's been alcohol-free since Wednesday. I'm so proud of him!We were able to attend a baptism with Esther and it was fun to see her recognize the importance of that sacred ordinance being performed by one with priesthood authority. Ether's planning on being baptized June 7.On Thursday we were able to have interviews with President Peterson. I was so grateful to have the chance to talk with him and counsel with him regarding the needs of the area. He's an inspired leader with such great wisdom and strength. He then took us all out to lunch at the Olive Garden! It was so nice.So this past week we had a neat experience. Saturday we pretty much tracted all day and had set a goal to find 2 new investigators to reach our weekly goals. It'd been a crazy week so Saturday was our only time to be out finding. We worked really hard and found some good potentials but only one investigator. As we planned that evening I suggested we take time out on Sunday when we had scheduled in planning to tract some more to find a new investigator so we prayerfully selected streets. After an appointment with a less active we headed out to our first street. We got to the second to the last house on the street and found our new investigator. I love that the Lord will provide for our needs and desires when we act in faith and give of our heart, might, mind and strength.Our trip to Kirtland with Samantha was a blast. It was great to spend time in that sacred place and to have Sam feel of the spirit. I think the more she's learning the more she's coming to realize the magnitude of our message. She recognizes that we all feel fulfilled and she wants that too.Seriously, it was really great to talk with all of you yesterday and thanks for all being available. I'm always so uplifted by your emails and letters and I'm so grateful that you're willing to support and sustain me with your prayers. I love you and hope that your next week is fantastic!Love love love,Sister Cannariato
Hi family! It was so great to talk with each of you yesterday. It was amazing to think how much time has gone by and yet how normal and wonderful it was to talk with you all. I'm glad that things are going well and that you're all happy and well. Becs, I hope your cough goes away soon...that's no bueno!Well, the word came this morning about transfers and I'm staying! I'm really excited to spend another transfer in Holland and to serve again in the Toledo 1st Ward with Sister Webb. Our district of 8 missionaries has 3 people leaving and half of the missionaries in our zone are leaving. It'll be a different experience next transfer but I'm really grateful I've been able to serve around so many dedicated and obedient missionaries. We've had a blast doing the work and enjoying our time in the blessed area of Toledo.I'm really grateful I can spend more time helping the ward become more missionary minded. We're still working on getting a ward mission plan going and I know that it is something that will unify, fortify, and edify the ward...we've just got to get everyone on board. We're going to meet with the bishop this week to talk about it with him.So, this past week was good. We were able to commit Greg to live the word of wisdom, which was a bit of a scary thing because that's pretty much the only thing that is separating him from baptism. It was neat to hear that he'd been praying about wanting to quit drinking and soon after the sisters had knocked on his door. The desire to stop is there and he's been alcohol-free since Wednesday. I'm so proud of him!We were able to attend a baptism with Esther and it was fun to see her recognize the importance of that sacred ordinance being performed by one with priesthood authority. Ether's planning on being baptized June 7.On Thursday we were able to have interviews with President Peterson. I was so grateful to have the chance to talk with him and counsel with him regarding the needs of the area. He's an inspired leader with such great wisdom and strength. He then took us all out to lunch at the Olive Garden! It was so nice.So this past week we had a neat experience. Saturday we pretty much tracted all day and had set a goal to find 2 new investigators to reach our weekly goals. It'd been a crazy week so Saturday was our only time to be out finding. We worked really hard and found some good potentials but only one investigator. As we planned that evening I suggested we take time out on Sunday when we had scheduled in planning to tract some more to find a new investigator so we prayerfully selected streets. After an appointment with a less active we headed out to our first street. We got to the second to the last house on the street and found our new investigator. I love that the Lord will provide for our needs and desires when we act in faith and give of our heart, might, mind and strength.Our trip to Kirtland with Samantha was a blast. It was great to spend time in that sacred place and to have Sam feel of the spirit. I think the more she's learning the more she's coming to realize the magnitude of our message. She recognizes that we all feel fulfilled and she wants that too.Seriously, it was really great to talk with all of you yesterday and thanks for all being available. I'm always so uplifted by your emails and letters and I'm so grateful that you're willing to support and sustain me with your prayers. I love you and hope that your next week is fantastic!Love love love,Sister Cannariato
Saturday, April 12, 2008
I love this work!
Posted by Steph's dad 4/12/08
Cello!Sorry last week’s email was so short, we were running low on time so I had to be pretty fast. It’s been a busy week and definitely an adjustment, as it always is around transfers, but it was good nonetheless. We’re still seeing great miracles in this area.With Sister McFarlane leaving, they didn’t know where to put me because the closest sisters were in Tiffin (about 2 hours away). So, lucky me, I got to ride out to Kirtland for transfer meeting. It’s a long drive but I was glad I got to go so I could spend more time with Sister McFarlane and see old companions and friends at transfers. They called a new assistant since one was going home and it was one of my zone leaders from the Toledo zone this past transfer. He’s a great missionary and I’m excited to learn from his example. The other assistant used to be my zone leader in Tallmadge and I have to admit, it's nice to know them both since I still feel like I don't know that many missionaries.After transfer meeting we headed back to Toledo and Sister Webb was, as I said last week, ecstatic. She was so excited to be in the field again because she’d been serving in Kirtland. It’s really been fun to have a companion with such a strong desire to be proselyting. We’ve been able to go out finding since both of us have been in good health, so that’s nice. We’re teaching some really great people and I love it!Ken’s still doing really well. We’ve been able to make a bit of headway with his wife Adrianna so that’s great. They actually had us over for dinner last week and it was fun to sit down and talk with them both about the gospel.Did everyone else think General Conference was amazing?!? I sure thought it was. I loved how there was such a focus on family, the articles of faith, and John 7:17. Esther came to conference on Sunday as well as another investigator, Greg. Greg was found by Sisters Dickson and McFarlane but we were only able to teach him once my first transfer because he was sick and things. Well, he’s read through most of 1 Nephi and was able to hear President Uchtdorf’s talk in the Sunday morning session…perfect for him with his Lutheran background! In our lesson with Greg earlier this week he told us he knows that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true…but at this point it’s intellectual rather than spiritual knowledge so we’re really working on getting him praying and trying to facilitate learning by the spirit in our lessons. I'm excited to have him come out to church this next Sunday so he can see what our regular Sunday service is like.The past couple weeks I’ve been thinking a great deal about the role of full-time missionaries in any given ward. I was so grateful for the insights Elder Bednar gave; ward members are the principle finders and full-time missionaries are the principle teachers. We as missionaries are here to assist the ward in the missionary work in their ward, their area, their lives; we are not here to force the work upon them. We come and go as missionaries but the people we teach need that stability that comes from a ward family. We currently do not have a ward mission plan and I’ve been prayerfully pondering how we can get that going to not only unify the ward and us as missionaries but so we can support, strengthen, and edify the families of the ward through missionary work. I didn’t fully understand how much proclaiming the gospel affected all parts of the three-fold mission of the church. I know that it is essential for our spiritual progression as well as those that are searching for truth. We all need to assist in establishing Zion and helping others grow closer to our Savior Jesus Christ.One more random thought: just the other morning Sister Webb and I were sitting at the kitchen table during companionship study and I simply said, “I love being a missionary.” I’ve said it and meant it many times before, but for some reason when I said it that morning it really hit home to me just how much I really do love this work. It’s such a blessing to be a part of it—of all of it, whether it’s proselyting all of the time or sharing it simply through our examples, giving a random pass-along card, or whatever it may be. We have such a precious pearl of great price, something that our Heavenly Father longs all of His children to have. I’m grateful that I get to assist in that sacred work.Lots of love to you,Sister CannariatoOh, and p.s. I got asked out by an investigator’s son last night…awkward. Funny. Okay—really, really funny. But awkward.
Cello!Sorry last week’s email was so short, we were running low on time so I had to be pretty fast. It’s been a busy week and definitely an adjustment, as it always is around transfers, but it was good nonetheless. We’re still seeing great miracles in this area.With Sister McFarlane leaving, they didn’t know where to put me because the closest sisters were in Tiffin (about 2 hours away). So, lucky me, I got to ride out to Kirtland for transfer meeting. It’s a long drive but I was glad I got to go so I could spend more time with Sister McFarlane and see old companions and friends at transfers. They called a new assistant since one was going home and it was one of my zone leaders from the Toledo zone this past transfer. He’s a great missionary and I’m excited to learn from his example. The other assistant used to be my zone leader in Tallmadge and I have to admit, it's nice to know them both since I still feel like I don't know that many missionaries.After transfer meeting we headed back to Toledo and Sister Webb was, as I said last week, ecstatic. She was so excited to be in the field again because she’d been serving in Kirtland. It’s really been fun to have a companion with such a strong desire to be proselyting. We’ve been able to go out finding since both of us have been in good health, so that’s nice. We’re teaching some really great people and I love it!Ken’s still doing really well. We’ve been able to make a bit of headway with his wife Adrianna so that’s great. They actually had us over for dinner last week and it was fun to sit down and talk with them both about the gospel.Did everyone else think General Conference was amazing?!? I sure thought it was. I loved how there was such a focus on family, the articles of faith, and John 7:17. Esther came to conference on Sunday as well as another investigator, Greg. Greg was found by Sisters Dickson and McFarlane but we were only able to teach him once my first transfer because he was sick and things. Well, he’s read through most of 1 Nephi and was able to hear President Uchtdorf’s talk in the Sunday morning session…perfect for him with his Lutheran background! In our lesson with Greg earlier this week he told us he knows that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true…but at this point it’s intellectual rather than spiritual knowledge so we’re really working on getting him praying and trying to facilitate learning by the spirit in our lessons. I'm excited to have him come out to church this next Sunday so he can see what our regular Sunday service is like.The past couple weeks I’ve been thinking a great deal about the role of full-time missionaries in any given ward. I was so grateful for the insights Elder Bednar gave; ward members are the principle finders and full-time missionaries are the principle teachers. We as missionaries are here to assist the ward in the missionary work in their ward, their area, their lives; we are not here to force the work upon them. We come and go as missionaries but the people we teach need that stability that comes from a ward family. We currently do not have a ward mission plan and I’ve been prayerfully pondering how we can get that going to not only unify the ward and us as missionaries but so we can support, strengthen, and edify the families of the ward through missionary work. I didn’t fully understand how much proclaiming the gospel affected all parts of the three-fold mission of the church. I know that it is essential for our spiritual progression as well as those that are searching for truth. We all need to assist in establishing Zion and helping others grow closer to our Savior Jesus Christ.One more random thought: just the other morning Sister Webb and I were sitting at the kitchen table during companionship study and I simply said, “I love being a missionary.” I’ve said it and meant it many times before, but for some reason when I said it that morning it really hit home to me just how much I really do love this work. It’s such a blessing to be a part of it—of all of it, whether it’s proselyting all of the time or sharing it simply through our examples, giving a random pass-along card, or whatever it may be. We have such a precious pearl of great price, something that our Heavenly Father longs all of His children to have. I’m grateful that I get to assist in that sacred work.Lots of love to you,Sister CannariatoOh, and p.s. I got asked out by an investigator’s son last night…awkward. Funny. Okay—really, really funny. But awkward.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Toledo again (hooray)
Posted by Steph's Dad 4-2-08
Hi family!
The past week has been a great one but also kind of difficult knowing that Sister McFarlane would be leaving. She went to serve at the Johnson Farm in Hiram, Ohio for her last transfer as a missionary. I was so grateful to have had the privilege of serving with her her last transfer in the field. I learned a great deal from her example of diligence, faith, and optimism and I’m excited to refer to her example as I begin this next transfer. I can't wait for the miracles to keep happening.
My new companion is Sister Webb from Henderson, Nevada (a suburb of Las Vegas). She’s a riot and I love her already. She’s served all 10 months of her mission in and near Kirtland, so she’s ecstatic about being out in the field and being further west than Cleveland. I’m excited to apply her enthusiasm to our area and to keep seeing miracles.
I don’t have much time to email today because we still need to get grocery shopping done and such, but I wanted to let you know I’m still in lovely Toledo and I’m loving it. The Lord is amazing and this is His work. Thanks for being so great and I love you!
Sister Cannariato
P.S. I just found out that Sister McFarlane’s aunt is from Shelley…her name is now Pauline McFarlane but before it was Pauline Cox. Grandma or Dad, do you know her?
Hi family!
The past week has been a great one but also kind of difficult knowing that Sister McFarlane would be leaving. She went to serve at the Johnson Farm in Hiram, Ohio for her last transfer as a missionary. I was so grateful to have had the privilege of serving with her her last transfer in the field. I learned a great deal from her example of diligence, faith, and optimism and I’m excited to refer to her example as I begin this next transfer. I can't wait for the miracles to keep happening.
My new companion is Sister Webb from Henderson, Nevada (a suburb of Las Vegas). She’s a riot and I love her already. She’s served all 10 months of her mission in and near Kirtland, so she’s ecstatic about being out in the field and being further west than Cleveland. I’m excited to apply her enthusiasm to our area and to keep seeing miracles.
I don’t have much time to email today because we still need to get grocery shopping done and such, but I wanted to let you know I’m still in lovely Toledo and I’m loving it. The Lord is amazing and this is His work. Thanks for being so great and I love you!
Sister Cannariato
P.S. I just found out that Sister McFarlane’s aunt is from Shelley…her name is now Pauline McFarlane but before it was Pauline Cox. Grandma or Dad, do you know her?
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
random thoughts from Sister Cannariato
Posted by Steph's Dad 4-1-08
Greetings to those of you in beautiful sunny weather from one with snow still on the ground (though it’s mostly melted),
It’s been a very busy and exciting week. We got everything squared away for Ken’s baptism and it turned out to be really nice. We had to get over to the church a couple hours early to fill the font but we were able to set up the chairs and pictures and stuff. Ken had called nearly the entire ward, so we had a really great turnout. His wife and four of their close friends also came and it was great to have them there. The Spirit was very strong as we talked about the importance of baptism, both by water and by fire. I love the simplicity of the ordinances but that they have such symbolic and profound meanings. I loved seeing him enter the waters of baptism and having that sacred ordinance performed. And Easter Sunday was great—Ken received the gift of the Holy Ghost and I loved seeing him as he reverently folded his arms and closed his eyes prior to the blessing being given. He just glowed.
Ken also got some other exciting news this week—he had his baby boy yesterday! Brandon Michael Taylor was born at 2:55pm, was 21 inches long, and weighed 8 pounds 4.5 ounces. Both Adrianna and Brandon are doing well. We were able to go see them last night and it was great to talk with Adrianna and see how excited Ken was to have Brandon blessed in church. He wanted to do it this next Sunday since it’s fast Sunday! He’s just on fire and I love to see the joy that the gospel’s brought to his life. He loves telling everyone about “my sisters from the church” and we’re praying that Adrianna will continue to open up so we can teach her too.
We’re going to be heading to Kirtland this Friday with Dawn (a recent convert), her two girls (Tatianna and Heaven), and Dennis (the girls’ father). Dennis is the one who has really opened up in the past few weeks and I think Kirtland will really be a great experience for him. It’s going to be a bit of a drive, but it’s totally worth it. I love the history of Kirtland and the spirit you feel when you’re there.
We had another really neat experience happen just while we’ve been emailing today. A younger man came up to us and asked us to pray for him as he’s looking for a new job. He and his wife were sitting across from us while using computers and he came over to us after they’d gotten up to leave. He gave us his information so we can go visit them. It’s amazing to see how people are being prepared to hear the message of the Restoration. Preach My Gospel mentions how we will be able to find those that are ready and that they will find us. We just were witness to that.
Things continue to go well here in Holland. Transfers are next Wednesday and I can’t believe how fast time has flown. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to be here in this area and to be witness of and participate in so many miracles in the last five weeks. I love this work and I feel honored to wear the name of Christ each day. I’ve gotten to the point that I feel without my tag...
How lucky we are to have a knowledge that Christ’s church is again upon the earth after centuries of darkness; that instead of just attending a church that mostly aligns with the teachings of Christ we are privileged to have 100%. With this knowledge we then have responsibility to share it with others so they have the chance to find out for themselves if the Church is true. I know that it is because I’ve studied it out for myself and asked God for an answer. And time and time again the Spirit bears witness that Joseph Smith was a prophet, that the Book of Mormon and the Bible contain God’s word, that Christ is leading the Church of Jesus Christ, and that every doctrine and ordinance that will enable us to return to our Father in Heaven is found in this church.
I've been thinking about the three-fold mission of the church: proclaim the gospel, perfect the saints, and redeem the dead. In my ignorance before my mission, I felt like I was good about the last two but that the first one didn't really apply to me and that I wasn't good at it. Now that I've been here in Ohio I've come to realize that proclaiming the gospel is one of the best refinement processes I've gone through in my life; that teaching others about the restored Gospel has perfected me in a way no other experience could. I've also seen how proclaiming the gospel to another allows that individual's family--past, present, and future--to be redeemed. We need to be involved in every aspect of the mission of the church because it's through doing each of them that we bring to pass God's work and glory. So keep up the good work and pray for those opportunities to share it with others!
I hope you're all safe and sound. I love you and hope you have a great week.
Sister Cannariato
Greetings to those of you in beautiful sunny weather from one with snow still on the ground (though it’s mostly melted),
It’s been a very busy and exciting week. We got everything squared away for Ken’s baptism and it turned out to be really nice. We had to get over to the church a couple hours early to fill the font but we were able to set up the chairs and pictures and stuff. Ken had called nearly the entire ward, so we had a really great turnout. His wife and four of their close friends also came and it was great to have them there. The Spirit was very strong as we talked about the importance of baptism, both by water and by fire. I love the simplicity of the ordinances but that they have such symbolic and profound meanings. I loved seeing him enter the waters of baptism and having that sacred ordinance performed. And Easter Sunday was great—Ken received the gift of the Holy Ghost and I loved seeing him as he reverently folded his arms and closed his eyes prior to the blessing being given. He just glowed.
Ken also got some other exciting news this week—he had his baby boy yesterday! Brandon Michael Taylor was born at 2:55pm, was 21 inches long, and weighed 8 pounds 4.5 ounces. Both Adrianna and Brandon are doing well. We were able to go see them last night and it was great to talk with Adrianna and see how excited Ken was to have Brandon blessed in church. He wanted to do it this next Sunday since it’s fast Sunday! He’s just on fire and I love to see the joy that the gospel’s brought to his life. He loves telling everyone about “my sisters from the church” and we’re praying that Adrianna will continue to open up so we can teach her too.
We’re going to be heading to Kirtland this Friday with Dawn (a recent convert), her two girls (Tatianna and Heaven), and Dennis (the girls’ father). Dennis is the one who has really opened up in the past few weeks and I think Kirtland will really be a great experience for him. It’s going to be a bit of a drive, but it’s totally worth it. I love the history of Kirtland and the spirit you feel when you’re there.
We had another really neat experience happen just while we’ve been emailing today. A younger man came up to us and asked us to pray for him as he’s looking for a new job. He and his wife were sitting across from us while using computers and he came over to us after they’d gotten up to leave. He gave us his information so we can go visit them. It’s amazing to see how people are being prepared to hear the message of the Restoration. Preach My Gospel mentions how we will be able to find those that are ready and that they will find us. We just were witness to that.
Things continue to go well here in Holland. Transfers are next Wednesday and I can’t believe how fast time has flown. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to be here in this area and to be witness of and participate in so many miracles in the last five weeks. I love this work and I feel honored to wear the name of Christ each day. I’ve gotten to the point that I feel without my tag...
How lucky we are to have a knowledge that Christ’s church is again upon the earth after centuries of darkness; that instead of just attending a church that mostly aligns with the teachings of Christ we are privileged to have 100%. With this knowledge we then have responsibility to share it with others so they have the chance to find out for themselves if the Church is true. I know that it is because I’ve studied it out for myself and asked God for an answer. And time and time again the Spirit bears witness that Joseph Smith was a prophet, that the Book of Mormon and the Bible contain God’s word, that Christ is leading the Church of Jesus Christ, and that every doctrine and ordinance that will enable us to return to our Father in Heaven is found in this church.
I've been thinking about the three-fold mission of the church: proclaim the gospel, perfect the saints, and redeem the dead. In my ignorance before my mission, I felt like I was good about the last two but that the first one didn't really apply to me and that I wasn't good at it. Now that I've been here in Ohio I've come to realize that proclaiming the gospel is one of the best refinement processes I've gone through in my life; that teaching others about the restored Gospel has perfected me in a way no other experience could. I've also seen how proclaiming the gospel to another allows that individual's family--past, present, and future--to be redeemed. We need to be involved in every aspect of the mission of the church because it's through doing each of them that we bring to pass God's work and glory. So keep up the good work and pray for those opportunities to share it with others!
I hope you're all safe and sound. I love you and hope you have a great week.
Sister Cannariato
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
the proud owner of a toledo lucas county public library card
(Posted by Steph's Dad 2-20-08)
GREETINGS FROM TOLEDO, OHIO!!!
As of about 15 minutes ago, I'm the proud new owner of a Toledo Lucas County public library card, hence me being able to email you right now. I got transferred to the Holland area and am serving with Sister Kirsten McFarlane. It's so amazingly neat because she was MTC companions with Sister Corbridge (my trainer) and also because of a neat experience that happened a couple months ago. We had mission conference before Christmas and I got to sit at a table with Sister McFarlane and her companion during dinner. As I was sitting there I thought about how much I would love to serve with her--and now here I am! As we were on our way to the library she told me that she had also felt that we'd get to serve together while we were sitting at the table. Man, I just love the Lord. She only has 2 transfers left and is a Kirtland sister so she may go to Kirtland for her last transfer...which means we're definitely going to make the most of our time here, whether it's six weeks or three months. I can't wait!
The drive to Toledo took about 3 hours...we drove a HUGE dodge ram van and the six elders that were being transferred out here let me have the front seat. Very kind. I tried to keep the driver from swerving too much and falling asleep. Needless to say, it was a interesting drive. I just felt bad for the greenie who we happened to leave at the transfer meeting--we ended up having to turn around to go get him. Luckily we were only about 15 minutes outside of Kirtland. It was kind of weird to be the only sister in a car full of elders...I guess I've gotten used to always having a companion :)
It was so sad to leave Stow but I know that the Lord wants me here in Holland. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for me!
Oh, and an update on Jim: we had dinner with him at a member's home and invited him to be baptized. He said yes (!!!) but when we talked about a date (we were thinking end of March) he said he was thinking more like 6 months. It's amazing to me though because he truly is one of the elect. He just gets it and recognizes the spirit and is independently keeping commitments. I think that as Sister Leavitt and her new companion (who, I might add, is Sister Dickson, my MTC companion...crazy huh?) increase contact with him (we're teaching him about once a week), he'll progress even faster.
Leaving Stow was kind of surreal. I had Gail, Sister Stebel, and Sister Hursell in tears...luckily though I pretty much stayed dry. I think it'll hit me a little later. Right now I just feel a sense of peace that I've done what the Lord asked of me during my time in Stow and am looking forward to gaining a knowledge of the vision the Lord has for Holland.
As for my address and birthday information. I told Dad I'd like a copy of Gospel Principles and I would also love more paper for my mission journal (it's loose leaf and from deseret book). Music is also great but it does need to be hymns. Sister Leavitt had a great acoustic guitar CD called "The Field is White" I believe. I have a lot of instrumental music so ones with singing would be nice I guess. Other than that, I'm not picky, nor can I think of anything I'd like. Maybe just your prayers :) And here's my address: 5814 Sims Dr. Toledo, Ohio 43615.
Well, I'll write more next week but I just have to say again how excited I am to be serving with Sister McFarlane in Holland!
I hope all is well with each of you. Thanks for your emails, letters, and prayers. I think of you often and love each of you!
Sister Cannariato
GREETINGS FROM TOLEDO, OHIO!!!
As of about 15 minutes ago, I'm the proud new owner of a Toledo Lucas County public library card, hence me being able to email you right now. I got transferred to the Holland area and am serving with Sister Kirsten McFarlane. It's so amazingly neat because she was MTC companions with Sister Corbridge (my trainer) and also because of a neat experience that happened a couple months ago. We had mission conference before Christmas and I got to sit at a table with Sister McFarlane and her companion during dinner. As I was sitting there I thought about how much I would love to serve with her--and now here I am! As we were on our way to the library she told me that she had also felt that we'd get to serve together while we were sitting at the table. Man, I just love the Lord. She only has 2 transfers left and is a Kirtland sister so she may go to Kirtland for her last transfer...which means we're definitely going to make the most of our time here, whether it's six weeks or three months. I can't wait!
The drive to Toledo took about 3 hours...we drove a HUGE dodge ram van and the six elders that were being transferred out here let me have the front seat. Very kind. I tried to keep the driver from swerving too much and falling asleep. Needless to say, it was a interesting drive. I just felt bad for the greenie who we happened to leave at the transfer meeting--we ended up having to turn around to go get him. Luckily we were only about 15 minutes outside of Kirtland. It was kind of weird to be the only sister in a car full of elders...I guess I've gotten used to always having a companion :)
It was so sad to leave Stow but I know that the Lord wants me here in Holland. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for me!
Oh, and an update on Jim: we had dinner with him at a member's home and invited him to be baptized. He said yes (!!!) but when we talked about a date (we were thinking end of March) he said he was thinking more like 6 months. It's amazing to me though because he truly is one of the elect. He just gets it and recognizes the spirit and is independently keeping commitments. I think that as Sister Leavitt and her new companion (who, I might add, is Sister Dickson, my MTC companion...crazy huh?) increase contact with him (we're teaching him about once a week), he'll progress even faster.
Leaving Stow was kind of surreal. I had Gail, Sister Stebel, and Sister Hursell in tears...luckily though I pretty much stayed dry. I think it'll hit me a little later. Right now I just feel a sense of peace that I've done what the Lord asked of me during my time in Stow and am looking forward to gaining a knowledge of the vision the Lord has for Holland.
As for my address and birthday information. I told Dad I'd like a copy of Gospel Principles and I would also love more paper for my mission journal (it's loose leaf and from deseret book). Music is also great but it does need to be hymns. Sister Leavitt had a great acoustic guitar CD called "The Field is White" I believe. I have a lot of instrumental music so ones with singing would be nice I guess. Other than that, I'm not picky, nor can I think of anything I'd like. Maybe just your prayers :) And here's my address: 5814 Sims Dr. Toledo, Ohio 43615.
Well, I'll write more next week but I just have to say again how excited I am to be serving with Sister McFarlane in Holland!
I hope all is well with each of you. Thanks for your emails, letters, and prayers. I think of you often and love each of you!
Sister Cannariato
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Many Miracles
Posted By Steph's Dad 7 Feb 2008
Family of mine,
Oh how grateful I am for the amazing family that you are! I can’t find the words to express how blessed I’ve felt to have such great family and friends.
And I’m so sorry to hear that many members of our family have been so sick the past little bit. There have been a TON of people here that have been ill here as well…oftentimes we catch people at home during the day while we’re tracting but they’re in their pajamas and are pretty miserable with the flu and things. But we’re still working hard and the Lord’s blessing us.
We’ve been able to find a couple of people this week while tracting who’ve met with missionaries in the past. It’s interesting to note how the Lord’s timing is such a factor in the process of conversion. Many individuals need exposure and contact to the church at specific times to prepare them for the day when they can progress in the gospel. It’s amazing to see the Lord orchestrating the salvation of His children and how He allows them to take advantage of the opportunities He presents.
This past week Sister Leavitt and I have been spending a lot of time role playing in our companionship study. It’s something our President Peterson has challenged us to do every day, generally geared towards the investigators we’ll be teaching that day. Sister Leavitt and I are kind of in “finding mode” so we’ve been teaching the Restoration a lot. It’s amazing to me just to see how every day my testimony of the reality of the Restoration and the experiences of Joseph Smith is strengthened as we role play. The gospel just makes sense—both to my mind and to my heart. When we look at the constancy of our Father in Heaven, how He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, it’s just simple and pure and perfect that our Father would reach out to us in love in our day, calling a prophet to reveal His will and help families return to Him in our time.
I’m so grateful for the life and teachings of President Hinckley. We were able to watch the funeral proceedings at our church building and I was touched by the tributes shared and the Spirit that was there. As Lexi said in her email she sent this week, “I hope, in my way, I can live a life as good as President Hinckley's--a life worthy of remembrance.” Amen to that, Lex! I know that he was called as a prophet of God and was uniquely prepared to meet the needs of the Church and receive direction from God. His example is one any and all should strive to emulate. In watching the broadcast the Spirit also bore witness that that mantle and calling of prophet, seer, and revelator was now upon President Thomas S. Monson. I look forward to being edified and educated by the newly called prophet and his counselors, President Eyring and President Uchtdorf.
Of the miracles we witness in the work, there are some I’d like to mention today. The first is that Sister Stebel came to the funeral broadcast. She hasn’t been out to church for some time and I wanted her to be there not only so she could feel of the Spirit but be there to support me because I still have a bit of a hard time at funerals. And she came. I shed tears of joy and appreciation knowing the Lord had answered my prayer in working that miracle. The Lord—He’s just great!
The second miracle is kind of a series that involves our investigator named Jim. Jim came out to church this Sunday, which was a miracle because he was supposed to be out of town. He brought his son, which was amazing that he wanted to share what he was learning with his family and his son was just awesome. Jim got married this weekend, which was a miracle because he and his now wife had been living together for at least 10 years and I didn’t know if the marriage would happen, making Jim’s ability to progress limited. We haven’t taught him specifically about our stance on family or chastity, and it truly was a miracle that the Lord moved Jim to tell his girlfriend “it’s now or never” (Jim’s words, not mine) and to get hitched. Again, the Lord—He’s just great!
Lastly, Richard and Gail have kind of been on hold for a bit…we’ve just been maintaining contact. Last night Richard called to ask us a question about the church organization now that President Hinckley had passed away. We stopped by and were able to have an open and spiritual lesson with both Gail and him. Then Richard had to finish up a few things for work so we talked with Gail for a bit. She expressed some of the feelings she’s had for the past little bit and some of the trials she’s struggling with and I had the chance to pray for her at the end of the lesson. She was crying as we said, “Amen” and I was pretty touched myself because I experienced some of the love that our Father in Heaven has for her. It was really an answer to many, many prayers, as we’ve made it a point in every prayer we offer as a companionship to ask the Lord to soften Gail’s heart. He’s answering us and Gail is slowly but surely opening up.
Well, I better be off—we’re doing zone preparation day where a bunch of us get together to play sports and have fun and such. I’m excited. Sister Leavitt and I are also going to get our hair cut (yes, Dad, all of them cut) by a member of the ward that we work with. The member, Sister Ingebo, has a salon called April Mae’s. Love it. And I think I may cut it shorter than I’ve had it for a while. I’ll have to send pictures next week.
Thank you for your continued support, love, prayers, and thoughts. I feel strengthened by them every day. I love love love you!
Sister Cannariato
Family of mine,
Oh how grateful I am for the amazing family that you are! I can’t find the words to express how blessed I’ve felt to have such great family and friends.
And I’m so sorry to hear that many members of our family have been so sick the past little bit. There have been a TON of people here that have been ill here as well…oftentimes we catch people at home during the day while we’re tracting but they’re in their pajamas and are pretty miserable with the flu and things. But we’re still working hard and the Lord’s blessing us.
We’ve been able to find a couple of people this week while tracting who’ve met with missionaries in the past. It’s interesting to note how the Lord’s timing is such a factor in the process of conversion. Many individuals need exposure and contact to the church at specific times to prepare them for the day when they can progress in the gospel. It’s amazing to see the Lord orchestrating the salvation of His children and how He allows them to take advantage of the opportunities He presents.
This past week Sister Leavitt and I have been spending a lot of time role playing in our companionship study. It’s something our President Peterson has challenged us to do every day, generally geared towards the investigators we’ll be teaching that day. Sister Leavitt and I are kind of in “finding mode” so we’ve been teaching the Restoration a lot. It’s amazing to me just to see how every day my testimony of the reality of the Restoration and the experiences of Joseph Smith is strengthened as we role play. The gospel just makes sense—both to my mind and to my heart. When we look at the constancy of our Father in Heaven, how He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, it’s just simple and pure and perfect that our Father would reach out to us in love in our day, calling a prophet to reveal His will and help families return to Him in our time.
I’m so grateful for the life and teachings of President Hinckley. We were able to watch the funeral proceedings at our church building and I was touched by the tributes shared and the Spirit that was there. As Lexi said in her email she sent this week, “I hope, in my way, I can live a life as good as President Hinckley's--a life worthy of remembrance.” Amen to that, Lex! I know that he was called as a prophet of God and was uniquely prepared to meet the needs of the Church and receive direction from God. His example is one any and all should strive to emulate. In watching the broadcast the Spirit also bore witness that that mantle and calling of prophet, seer, and revelator was now upon President Thomas S. Monson. I look forward to being edified and educated by the newly called prophet and his counselors, President Eyring and President Uchtdorf.
Of the miracles we witness in the work, there are some I’d like to mention today. The first is that Sister Stebel came to the funeral broadcast. She hasn’t been out to church for some time and I wanted her to be there not only so she could feel of the Spirit but be there to support me because I still have a bit of a hard time at funerals. And she came. I shed tears of joy and appreciation knowing the Lord had answered my prayer in working that miracle. The Lord—He’s just great!
The second miracle is kind of a series that involves our investigator named Jim. Jim came out to church this Sunday, which was a miracle because he was supposed to be out of town. He brought his son, which was amazing that he wanted to share what he was learning with his family and his son was just awesome. Jim got married this weekend, which was a miracle because he and his now wife had been living together for at least 10 years and I didn’t know if the marriage would happen, making Jim’s ability to progress limited. We haven’t taught him specifically about our stance on family or chastity, and it truly was a miracle that the Lord moved Jim to tell his girlfriend “it’s now or never” (Jim’s words, not mine) and to get hitched. Again, the Lord—He’s just great!
Lastly, Richard and Gail have kind of been on hold for a bit…we’ve just been maintaining contact. Last night Richard called to ask us a question about the church organization now that President Hinckley had passed away. We stopped by and were able to have an open and spiritual lesson with both Gail and him. Then Richard had to finish up a few things for work so we talked with Gail for a bit. She expressed some of the feelings she’s had for the past little bit and some of the trials she’s struggling with and I had the chance to pray for her at the end of the lesson. She was crying as we said, “Amen” and I was pretty touched myself because I experienced some of the love that our Father in Heaven has for her. It was really an answer to many, many prayers, as we’ve made it a point in every prayer we offer as a companionship to ask the Lord to soften Gail’s heart. He’s answering us and Gail is slowly but surely opening up.
Well, I better be off—we’re doing zone preparation day where a bunch of us get together to play sports and have fun and such. I’m excited. Sister Leavitt and I are also going to get our hair cut (yes, Dad, all of them cut) by a member of the ward that we work with. The member, Sister Ingebo, has a salon called April Mae’s. Love it. And I think I may cut it shorter than I’ve had it for a while. I’ll have to send pictures next week.
Thank you for your continued support, love, prayers, and thoughts. I feel strengthened by them every day. I love love love you!
Sister Cannariato
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