tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28500762948135303462024-02-18T17:42:46.854-08:00Called to California: Sister Busenbark in San Bernardino!!I will be serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 18 months! Read about my happy happenings here (:madisenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189217880004935728noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850076294813530346.post-22946185109086623412014-09-22T14:52:00.002-07:002014-09-22T15:17:20.869-07:00December 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Let me start off by saying how absolutely wonderful my Christmas week was! I hope that yours was at least half as great as mine, even!! (: Just in case anybody was feeling bad for me being away from home during the holidays... don't! I feel bad for all of YOU!! I wish you could be full time missionaries for the Lord at this time, it's incredible (: But, luckily you can be member missionaries! haha. And still serve and things every day, everywhere you go, not only during this Christmas time but always! How great is it to be called to share His love (: Let me also say that it was AWESOME to get to SEE my family on Christmas!! That just brightened my whole day (: And then, after that (and before that too, really) I spent it with my awesome ward family (:</div>
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Now, I also have to give a disclosure... I don't have much time to email today- let me explain- yesterday we had a spontaneous mission wide conference! Because Elder Kent F. Richards of the 2nd quorum of the 70 was in town and offered his service towards us! So that's what we did yesterday... heard from him and his lovely wife, and President and his (: And so today is p-day, but just half of a day and yesterday's second half was also for preparation- and we had a bunch of errands to run for other people. Which is always great, but means I'll have to keep it short, but we still wanted to make sure we wrote (:</div>
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We had a great week- much like yesterday, full of service, love, and God's children. I have had a lot of thoughts come to mind since yesterday's conference, which was incredible by the way, and I have been thinking a lot since Elder Richards asked the question, "Do you know that God is mindful of you?" My answer is yes! And I wanted to share with you how I know. I have this confirmed to me often, but some really neat things happened on Christmas (and the surrounding days) we stopped by a families house who had their whole house full of family there, and in the midst of it all I saw someone that looked familiar, but I didn't think much of it. Until he came to introduce himself (he is the member in our ward's son-in-law) to me a few minutes after we got there. He walked right up to me and before he said anything I said, "You look so familiar to me" and then he responded with, "I was just about to say the same thing." As soon as I heard his voice I realized where I knew him from- he was my college professor a year and a half ago! And his daughter (the Green's granddaughter) was in that class! AND I remember a couple of his other children coming in to class to sing to us a song about the prophets and apostles (he was my Teachings of the Living Prophets teacher- for those of you who know I took this class also know that it was my absolute favorite!!). It was so fun to see them again and get to reminisce briefly. It was something so simple, but I had confirmed to me at that moment that God is mindful of me. It brought just enough of home to me to be able to serve more effectively and have a smile on my face as we visited the remainder of the people on our schedule.</div>
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Another story, I'll try to make this quick too- because we were in our area on Christmas eve (we originally were going to have a mission wide Christmas Eve party but then the Spirit told President not to go through with it... which I am so glad he listened) something neat happened. We were able to bake cookies and take them to the people we were visiting this week, from the bishop. And while we were doing this... I had the thought to take a plate of cookies to our neighbors. This thought had come to my mind in the past, but I kept pushing it aside because taking a random plate of cookies might be a little weird? (However, missionaries do things out of their comfort zone- weird things- all the time haha) I had been praying for an opportunity to arise to actually have a reason to take him cookies when I received a letter from my mom where she told me she was almost done taking treats to the neighbors, which reminded me that HELLO, NOOOW is the perfect time! We took the cookies to the neighbor, along with a card testifying of Jesus Christ. He seemed a little surprised and caught off guard but we left him the treats and went on our way. The next morning, Christmas day, as we were leaving our apartment we found a letter taped to our door. It was from our neighbor! He thanked us for the cookies and card and told us how much they meant to him. This was the neatest thing, because of what he said in that letter we knew that he had continued to think about the things that were said and done! This a confirmation to me that God is mindful of my neighbor, Chris! Who we should always be friends with, by the way. And was able to guide us to his door with a plate of cookies that he very much appreciated this time of year.</div>
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Aaaand... one more real quick story! haha. Most of you probably know Hermana (Sister) Hannah Downs... well we used to talk about crazy awesome things all the time, and one of our conversations, that later turning into the song "Tiny Angels" was about how... how we have our future family (and ancestors from the past, I'll add) looking out for us and cheering us on. Well, yesterday when we heard from Sister Richards she talked about how we should think of our future children when we are ever wondering if this is worth it, or if we are having troubles being obedient or something like that. And anyways... this was just really cool to have a general authority and his wife talk about, and then go home and listen to Sister Downs sing the beautiful song! Yet another reminder that God is mindful of me (:</div>
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Oh, and I gave that talk on Sunday! Wrote it Sun. morning, haha. I was actually able to finish it!! And now I have been asked to speak again in two weeks, in the other ward. This time on the gifts of the Holy Ghost. You all know this is one of my favs! Any thoughts on THIS topic would be appreciated, too!! I suppose I'm finally making up for the past 9 months where I haven't had to say a word in sacrament meeting. haha. I'm excited for the blessings (; haha (:</div>
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Anywho... p-day is over! Got to run. I took a bunch of awesome pictures, I'll try to make enough time to send them next week! I love you all!! And I hope and pray that YOU know that God is mindful of YOU!! I do (:</div>
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Love, Sister Madisen Busenbark (:</div>
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p.s. I will share some of the things I learned from Elder Richards (and more importantly, from the Spirit:) next week when I have more time too!! We talked about some AWESOME things, and like I said- I've had some incredible thoughts a rolling since then (: I LOVE THE PRIESTHOOD AUTHORITY ON THE EARTH!! (: It's so cool to be a missionary, a servant of the Lord, and be able to hear from them so frequently.</div>
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Have a great day!!</div>
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Smile, because the Church is true!! Christ himself said it was (:</div>
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Dear parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, best friends, friends, and acquaintances... (: Haha Just kidding... FAMILY!! You're all simply FAMILY (:</div>
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Merry Christmas, from the Desert!! (: It's 78* today. I hope you all enjoy your nice white Christmas, while I enjoy my nice BRIGHT one (: hehe<br />
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This past week was rather nice and I can only imagine that this week will be even better! I absolutely love this time of year. I had the opportunity to speak in sacrament meeting on Sunday, well... sort of... I wasn't able to finish it due to a medical emergency in the congregation... (definitely a Christmas program I will never forget! Stopped the whole meeting... then Bishop said some closing remarks and we sang the closing hymn and went to our next class as the EMT took Bro P. away. It was incredible to see how many people came together to help! There are a lot of doctors and things in our ward.) but I did get to prepare for it! We were asked to give a reason for the hope that is within us, and as I pondered on this throughout the week, and wrote Christmas card for ward members and previous investigators, I was able to reflect that it is the same! This time of year, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is the reason for the hope that is within me. It is why I am on a mission. What an amazing place to be- in the mission field, as the Lord's missionary- at this time right now that brings us all together to celebrate Him who the season is named after! It's such a blessing, and being able to reflect on this has truly brightened our days and we willingly serve, inviting others to come unto Christ, both by teaching and by physical action. I realize that I am celebrating more than just His birth... but I am celebrating Him in all! I am rejoicing because he was part of the plan from the very beginning, because He came to this earth, because He performed miracles, established the "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" that it talks about in Ephesians, because He was tempted and yet still remained perfect, because He suffered for our sins and afflictions, pains and sorrows, temptations and infirmities in the garden of Gethsemane and on the cross, because He arose on that third day completing the Atonement, and because he appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and after centuries of being lost the Priesthood authority was once again restored to the earth! Because of Him we can be happy Now and through Eternity! We can make it back to live with our Heavenly Father And our Families forever! This is what I came on a mission to share!! So that others may know how this is possible, through our literal Savior!<br />
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Now, on a completely separate note... well... it's along the same lines, but it's on a completely separate... tone... I have an experience to share. It's an unforgettable one. However, I wish it were a good one. But it's not. (Although, of course... I did learn a lot) This week we were at the park writing Christmas cards. On the playground this family caught my eye. They were laughing and smiling and I could really tell they loved each other. It was parents, a grandmother, and two little girls. I couldn't stop thinking about them as I was writing the cards, and I knew I needed to talk to them. So when we got up to leave I made it a point to walk their way. However, when I did all that seemed to come out of my mouth was, "Hello! Enjoying the beautiful day at the park?!" Nothing after that. Well, besides a simple, "Merry Christmas!" As my feet kept walking and my mouth stopped. I felt awful, instantly. I even looked back at them and my eyes began to swell. I was very disappointed in myself and knew that Satan had bound my tongue... and I had let him. I even had several thoughts to go back. But by that point I was too embarrassed to say anything. To say anything to my companion to turn around, or to say anything to them after having already briefly spoken to them. I let my fear get the best of me and looked back one more time before getting into the car and driving away. I can honestly say that I don't think I'll ever be able to forget their faces, and I've prayed for them every night since. That night while I was praying, and multiple times while simply thinking about that family... including now... I begin to form tears in my eyes as I think of how happy the knowledge that they could be together forever would have made them... especially as I ponder my family and how badly I want to be with them forever... and my fear kept me from sharing this sacred simple truth with my brothers and sisters. This was a real turning point for me. I never want to feel that way again. So I am trying to prepare myself each day more fully to be prepared to put off the adversary and allow the Savior to enable me to do things that I would not otherwise be able to do. That's what I'll be working on this week. And as I said earlier, this is a beautiful time of year to be able to reflect on His true divinity, and in doing so I know that He can help me when I need Him most.<br />
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And that is what I am trying to convey as I strive to serve those around me this week too. I am so grateful for our Savior and His love, and this beautiful Christmas season to be able to share it with those around us more abundantly. I am grateful that our Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ to this world and that He accomplished all that the Father asked of Him. And I am grateful that because of that we can be made whole, we can be enabled, and we can be redeemed. We can be strengthened to do all that the Father asks of US! We can be saved. We CAN be happy! What a reason to rejoice (:<br />
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NOW, a few random thoughts and experiences I have had this week... and some updates too!<br />
- I have decided that there is going to be a temple here someday. Some day SOON (:<br />
- People here are TOO good to us!! I can't even explain all the reasons that statement is true... they just are. Take my word. And basically... I'm doing great (:<br />
- We went caroling with a member after dinner one night... just the three of us, actually... but then we saw this guy walking his dog and Sis. S. stopped and talked to him (what a missionary!) found out she already met his wife (because she is new to the area and has been trying to get to know everyone) and so when he found out what he was doing is asked us to wait while he ran to get his wife and kids to join us!! So fun. They sang Silent Night in Spanish, we sang in English.. it was cool (: My favorite.<br />
- I have lasted 9 months without speaking in front of the whole congregation (they all still hear from me individually and as families though, of course)... and this isn't the first time that it has been because I have been physically stopped from baring my testimony. I can't help but think that Satan doesn't want me to share my testimony of the love that the Savior has for these people I am serving with (however, like I said... hopefully they can still feel and recognize of this love every other time we missionaries- representatives of the Lord- get to be with them) BUT I get another chance (before they even knew that I wouldn't get to finish, I got asked) to speak in sacrament meeting this Sunday too! In the other ward, though. Yesterday was just a testimony, mainly... this week will actually be a talk. And guess what I was assigned to speak on? Covenants/commitment! The thing I studied so much a few months ago (: Time to whip out my notes! Feel free to send me your thoughts and insights on this topic in the mail this week (:<br />
- I ran into a door on Sunday. Like... actually ran into it. Luckily nobody saw... besides Sis. A and my new bishop in my new ward... now I have to do anything he asks...</div>
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- We went to the Palm Desert bishop's house for dinner last night... his whole family is really awesome. They even invited a part member family to join us! (Missionary work- simple as that) Also... they have this beeeeautiful Rottweiler named Belize and she is my new best friend.<br />
- Mom, dad, Ada, it's almost the end of the year... have you memorized Mosiah 2:41 yet? Mom issued that challenge at the beginning of the year. I've got it down! And I'm so glad I do. It's one of my favorites, and I've been able to share it often (: "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." However, I haven't been able to memorize The Living Christ fully yet... I want to try harder! Cause, let's face it... that thing is perfect.<br />
- I don't remember... I think I may have told you half of this, but not all? We are now covering the Palm Desert ward along with the Park View ward. The week prior to receiving this change we had met several really awesome single sisters who live in the Palm Desert area (both members and non-members) and we were excited about that, but also sad that we wouldn't be able to get to work with them as closely as we would have liked... but then... NOW WE DO! YAY!! And one of them in particular, Val, we met her at Walmart where she works and we got to meet with her this week and it was awesome!! (God grants unto our desires!) She is already learning of the love that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for her as she is praying and strengthening that relationship in that way! And then... the elders had met with her at least two times already before we got to start teaching her... but she didn't have a Book of Mormon!! When we handed her one she was SO excited and we were really surprised that she didn't already have one because she wanted it BAD!! (those elders... don't they know that you need a Book of Mormon before you can read from it to know if it is true!! haha) and she said to us, "I even went to the book store and tried to find one to buy for my own but couldn't find one!" Just goes to show... people are out there and they are SEARCHING for these things!! And we're the ones to give it to them. Not just us full-time missionaries. But Every member missionary as well!! (: Anywho... she's real cool and even sent us a text the next day thanking us again and she was so happy to be at church yesterday too (:<br />
- So basically... I have only been covering Palm Desert too now for just over a week and I already LOVE it!!<br />
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I know that this instantaneous love that I feel for these people isn't my own, but it's the Lord's love (: I simply could not do it alone. People are just too difficult! But He loves us anyways, and I can feel it. And I know that He loves YOU too!! And I hope you know I do too (:<br />
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Love, Sister Madisen Busenbark<br />
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p.s. I bet you didn't think this weeks email would be as long since we get to SKYPE on Wednesday, did you? haha. I didn't either (: Hopefully I still have things to talk about on Christmas (; and next Monday! haha Also... if you made it to the end without giving up... congratulations! You have now officially been rewarded with the "best friend of the year" award (:<br />
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I LOVE YOU ALL, brothers and sisters!! (: Merry Christmas! May we all live in the Spirit of Christ, now and always (:</div>
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Hey there everyone!!! Sister B here (:<br />
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How are you all doing this fine week? Hopefully SUPERDUPERAWESOME!!<br />
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So, we spent the better part of our p-day sitting at pep-boys while our car tire was getting fixed. We got a flat!! So, I'll try to type as fast as I can (: And send pictures too!! It's about due time. Also, this reminds me... side tangent. I have a funny story... It happened nearly 6 months ago. Which is why I now finally feel like I can share it... haha. Are you ready?...... I "technically" got in a car accident the very first day the Redlands mission was created!! What happened was... I was flipping a U-ey (a completely legal one) but the thing was... there was a median in the road and I didn't go out far enough before turning. I didn't go up and over the median, don't freak out, I just skid the botton of the car on the drivers side. It didn't even stop the movement of the car a bit. But it sure Sounded bad!! And it didn't look the Best. hah. But, on the bright side, Elder Houser (in the office over cars) is very very awesome, we were completely ok (like I said, it didn't even stop the momentum of the car) and now I will go down in the California Redlands mission history as the very first car accident! haha. I debated keeping this a secret for my whole life... but I'm glad I told you. Now we can laugh together (: You've got to laugh little things like that off, right? And then never ever do them again. haha (:<br />
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So anyways... this week was yet another good one! Guess what we found out on Monday night? President texted us and told us that we are now not only covering the Park View ward but we will be covering the Palm Desert ward as well!! Which is AWESOME!!! Here's the situation- Park View has their own set of elders, Palm Desert has their own set of elders, and they get to share us sisters! So that's going to be pretty fun. This week we spent a lot of time trying to coordinate with the elders, the ward mission leaders, and other ward members. It'll take some getting used to at first (especially the part where we are juggling two wards on Sundays) but I am really excited about it!<br />
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We had an AMAZING stake Christmas concert this weekend that we got to volunteer at, and it was a great opportunity to meet people and get non-members and less actives out to. It was so so good, even mayors and congressmen and people like that from the community come! President Van Cott brought his family too! It was so so powerful. You could definitely feel the spirit of Christ, testifying that He is our Savior and Redeemer. I just love hearing testimony through song! Especially because... remember me telling you about how awesome Sister Saleh is doing? How involved she is getting herself and things? Well she had herself a solo! She sang Oh Holy Night and sang it beautifully!! I kid you not. It brought me to tears! She does more than just "sing" it... she feels it. So we could feel it. There is no doubt that is her testimony!! And she brought four dozen cookies, without being asked, too, simply because she had heard they were in short supply for Sunday's performance! She's just the coolest thing. She says she wants mom and dad to come visit with me after the mission so that she can meet who raised me (; hehe (: I say the same thing to her! haha.<br />
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Anywho... you should watch this Mormon message, if you haven't already. <a href="http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages#the-reason-behind-christmas" target="_blank">http://www.lds.org/pages/<wbr></wbr>mormon-messages#the-reason-<wbr></wbr>behind-christmas</a> It's super cute and so so true! Goes right along with President Monson's remarks this year too. <a href="http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2013/12/the-real-joy-of-christmas?lang=eng" target="_blank">http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/<wbr></wbr>article/christmas-devotional/<wbr></wbr>2013/12/the-real-joy-of-<wbr></wbr>christmas?lang=eng</a> And I couldn't say it better myself (: Let's all give something that really matters this Christmas! Here's an idea Elder Ballard gave us- "We are simply asking all members to pray, knowing that if every member, young and old, will reach out to just “one” between now and Christmas, millions will feel the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. And what a wonderful gift to the Savior." What a wonderful gift to the Savior (: And guess what? You'll be included in that millions. As you help others feel of the Savior's love, you will too!!!<br />
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I love you all, have the best week ever (:<br />
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~ Sister M. Busenbark</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Happy birthday, Alli!! This girl is like a 30 year old in an 11 year old body. No joke. She's the greatest to talk to!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Patricia after the concert!</td></tr>
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Dear Fam,</div>
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this week was by far the craziest week of the mission thus far. I am hesitant to tell you about it... because I have always tried to keep my emails positive (and that's always been pretty easy... SO many miracles happen that we can focus on instead!) and things. However, the week ended great, so I think I will. Tell you about it, that is. So that you can get the full effect.</div>
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I am reminded of the quote by President Hinckley, “Things will work out. If you keep trying and praying and working, things will work out. They always do. If you want to die at an early age, dwell on the negative. Accentuate the positive, and you’ll be around for a while." That's what happened this week- it worked out.</div>
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I took my turn being sick this week, then we got a call from one of our most sincerely repentant progressing investigators telling us that his wife doesn't want him to meet with us anymore so he has to talk to her and see what he can do but in the mean time our appointments are cancelled, then our baptism fell through unexpectedly which was the first time this has ever happened to me and so we had to figure out how to deal with that and letting everyone know it was cancelled and things (we missed a group of people, and they weren't too happy), and his less-active mother was nothing less than mad, then we found out that our recent convert was moving out of the ward... that day, and we taught someone the word of wisdom and they saw that coffee and tea were bad so they committed to live that part but couldn't commit to stop the occasional alcohol or smoke (usually it's backwards). It seemed as though everything that was bad that could happen was all happening... all at once. But we kept going, calling upon the ministering angels to help bear us up so that we could submit cheerfully(Mosiah 24:!5), and low and behold... it all ended up ok.</div>
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My voice is back so I can talk without it hurting too bad, Richard works with the bishop and bishop informed us that he is doing great- he even apologized to him for telling him jokes in the past that didn't need to be said, Brad will be meeting with the missionaries in Canada and will be able to make those necessary life changes (that he so sincerely wants) when is back since he will be in that better situation, his mother called us on Sunday morning and apologized and told us that she is still determined to come back to church even with everything that happened, and Beverly is moving into the La Quinta ward with some missionaries that I know will take care of her, and Kecia got a promotion that allows her to have Sunday's off so she has already started to come to church (she even said herself, "When I got the promotion Satan tried to get in my head right away and tell me to skip church still because I finally have a weekend off to rest, but I know this is why I got the new job!" and she showed up on Sunday!). And everyone we talked to while we were out and about is sincerely (more sincerely than I have previously come in contact with, so it seems) interested in learning more, so we have a couple potential investigators to help cheer us up! Also, we had a ward Christmas party on Saturday and guess what? Patricia was there EARLY to help set up and help with food and things! She has a solo part in the Christmas concert (it's the stake choir, but it's open for the public- lots of people come!) and she sings in meetings all the time! She is just SO involved, and WANTS to be so involved and contribute-- keeping her baptismal covenants to serve, and I absolutely love it!! (:</div>
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Anywho... just a testimony builder to me that no matter how bad we may think it is, or will continue to be... it always gets better. It always works out. We just have to endure it well (Doctrine and Covenants 121:8) and do everything within our power to change our circumstances, praying for the strength to do so (Alma 14:26,28), and everything else turning over to the hands of the Lord. I am really happy to be staying here in the Park View ward. (I'm staying! by the way (: haha. Continuing training Sister Akagi. We are getting another set of missionaries, Elders, and sharing the ward with them. By the end of this transfer I will have been here for 6 months- 1/3 of the mission. I'm happy to be here for the holiday season, I love this ward and the people in this area- in case you were worried about me this Christmas season... don't be. This is the place to be.) Things are really looking up. They always do after you're down. This is a great time of year!</div>
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Now... I want to share something that has been on my mind a lot lately... I briefly want to talk about something very real. Satan. He is real guys, he really really is. We always have to keep our guard up, no matter how strong we think we may be. He is sneaky. He is conniving. He has been at this for a long time. He is miserable.. and he is out to make us miserable too. He uses what he doesn't have against us, our bodies. He will do everything he can to get us to use our sacred gift of agency to misuse these sacred gifts where our spirits dwell. For he knows that they are a great part of the plan, and if he can get us to misuse and destroy our bodies, he knows that he can destroy the family... which is central to it all. But luckily for us, Jesus Christ is just as real, and central too. (2 Nephi 2:6-7) So we can pray always, and we can and will conquer if we do so. (Doctrine and Covenants 10:5) So please, Please, "search diligently, pray always, and be believing" (Doctrine and Covenants 90:24)... and "ALL" things will work together for your good. (Rise and pray every day, ask for that help before you even think you need it- Luke 22:46, Doctrine and Covenants 61:39) The adversary has no power over us when we rely solely on the Savior. (Helaman 5:12) Call upon the powers of heaven, and His ministering angels, to bear you up. Always keep up that guard (Matthew 26:41, 3 Nephi 18:18) the Lord will not tempt you more than you can handle, without providing a way to escape (1 Corinthians 10:13)... if you ever wonder what that way is... I'm telling you now that if nothing else, it's prayer. It's prayer, it's the Atonement, it's grace.</div>
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"Grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts." Bible Dictionary. "The enabling power from God that allows men and women to obtain blessings in this life and to gain eternal life and exaltation after they have exercised faith, repented, and given their best effort to keep the commandments. Such divine help or strength is given through the mercy and love of God." The Guide to the Scriptures. Grace is how we are saved. (2 Nephi 25:23) It's because of God's grace that this is all possible, that's how I know it's possible- because of grace. So... let's do all we can do, and enlisting our Savior's help to be able to do more than we can do (: That's what He's there for. "The enabling power of the Atonement strengthens us to do and be good and to serve beyond our own individual desire and natural capacity." Elder David A. Bednar</div>
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K, end of rant.</div>
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Thanks for listening (:</div>
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I sure love you guys.</div>
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I pray every day that you'll be strong, stay happy, endure well, and submit cheerfully in these paradise times. Be strong, stay strong. Call upon the Lord every day. He is only as far away as your knees.</div>
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"Dare to be a Mormon; Dare to stand alone. Dare to have a purpose firm; Dare to</div>
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make it known." - President Thomas S. Monson</div>
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My excitement has been renewed this week, even/especially after such a hard week, to be the Lord's missionary.</div>
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Love always,</div>
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Sister Mad B.</div>
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Dear fellow brothers and sisters,<br />
things are
going well here in the desert. It's truly blossoming! Thanksgiving week
was a bit different than usual, most of the people who agreed to let us
come over were the awesome active members- but we took advantage of that
and taught lessons everywhere we went! (I was sure taken care of, you
can be sure of that (: On thanksgiving day we had several thanksgiving
meals and sent home with tons of pie! haha) The Bullock's kept their
appointment on Thanksgiving day, which was was real nice and went really
well. We taught them the word of wisdom and the law of chastity, which
they both committed to live both without hesitation. Bro. Bullock
admitted that the word of wisdom would take some effort because he likes
his coffee so much, but he said that he wanted to stop and would pray
for help to take away the desire to drink it (he says he is not
addicted- his body reacts fine when he doesn't have it, he simply likes
the way it tastes) which was really neat to hear him say, and
inspirational too. He has the desire and is still progressing quite
well, never hesitating to make and keep commitments. I've been praying
and fasting more intently than I think ever before... for their family,
specifically. This is a family that I have been blessed to love. Almost
too MUCH love. Haha. I need to know what way to go. This is salvation on
the line! haha. The bishop wants the marriage teacher to go over their
with us and teach her about marriage. Which I think would be good. But
what I feel would be even better... is to re-teach the restoration.
Boldly, simply, clearly, and powerfully. I mentioned to Sister Van Cott
coming to a lesson with us... this is the lesson I was referring to. I'm
trying really hard not to let myself get nervous or scared, so that I
can allow the Spirit to do it's job, but I'm really worried about this
one. I need the Spirit BAD here. I need to know what it is that THEY
need. This is what I've been searching for. I am striving for the trust
of the Lord each and every day... the fact that He has entrusted me with
the Bullock's, two very special individuals, is incredibly humbling...
and I am striving even more to be worthy of that trust at this time. I
know how eternally important it is. Anywho... all in all, things are
going well. Sister Akagi has been sick but is starting to feel better. I
think the week of working with active members relieved some of the
stress and so her immune system is working fast. I am starting the same
sickness now I believe, but pain is nothing new. Besides, we both
received Priesthood blessings from Brother Jackson... the comfort,
peace, and healing that came from these two blessings were incredible (:
Want to know something super neat? The Priesthood- power and authority
of God- IS on the earth today. ANd it is designed to bless the lives of
everyone on the earth. I know that it has blessed mine. And I know that
it is real. Did my headache instantly go away... no. But did it need
to? No. But were my burdens, including the headache LIGHTENED? They
surely were. Were things spoken to me that I can't deny were answers to
my prayers, that he would never know was on my mind? Yes. And did he
say something that has been repeated in nearly every blessing I have
received since being on a mission? Yes. And was Sister Akagi's perfect
for her? You bet'cha. I don't know what I'd do without the priesthood on
the earth, and I don't know what I'd do without the gift of the Holy
Ghost. These are two more re-assurances that we are LOVED by a Heavenly
Father, and He DOES know us perfectly. This week should be really good,
as everybody scheduled for this week instead of last, and we're
preparing for Brad's baptism this Saturday. This time of year truly is
incredible, and this time... in general, is an incredible time to be the
Lord's missionary.<br />
I sure love you guys, and I'm sure grateful to be able to share the Lord's love for His children too,<br />
Sister Busenbark</div>
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P.S. Let me thank you again... Your prayers, your support, your sacrifices... they don't go un-noticed.<br />
I appreciate it more than you'll ever know, and I feel/see it more than I can ever explain.</div>
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madisenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189217880004935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850076294813530346.post-52880251928776306742014-09-22T14:34:00.001-07:002014-09-22T15:13:07.239-07:00November 2013<div>
Dearest dear family and friends,<br />
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How are you this week? I myself am doing rather good. I simply love this time of year. It's a time of pure THANKSGIVING, sharing the Gospel, being HAPPY, and reflecting on my love for my Savior, Heavenly Father, and His children! Not to mention it is the definition of PERFECT weather this time of year, here in the Desert! This week felt really good. We accomplished a lot, saw many different people, reached almost all of our goals, felt improvement physically, and smiled all along the way!<br />
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We have been working with this less active member, Sister Miles, for about a month now... her home teacher, Brother Green, invited her over for dinner one night and we have been teaching her ever since. It has been incredible to see the change come about her. Let me tell you a little bit more... She has a son from Canada who is staying with her right now and we just started teaching him last week. His name is Brad. He is incredible. He is so interested in the gospel and everything we tell him just seems to click instantly! He is definitely one who has been prepared for the gospel (talk about "the field is white already to harvest"- Doctrine and Covenants 4) and I am so glad that through a less active member through an active member we were able to meet him. He has decided to be baptized on the 7th of December! His mom has been a huge help, and that's really what's been so neat to see- especially because just a month ago she hadn't even read from the Book of Mormon, and now she is able to bear strong testimony to her son that it is true. She talks about how the Book of Mormon is so interesting, applicable to our day, and coming to life! She talks about how when she joined the church 30 years ago she joined out of faith that it was true, just taking everyone's word for it, but could never seem to get in to the Book of Mormon (mainly because it's sometimes hard to understand... which I understand) but now she says to her self, "This has been on my shelf this whole time! What have I missed!" And as she shares this with her son, he starts to realize the importance of the Book of Mormon and dives in himself, and now knows it to be true for himself too! It's incredible. I'm so grateful that I have been able to see both of their progress, especially as they are coming closer to our Savior as a family. Also... they both came to church on Sunday! Sister Miles first time... in a long time. And they both participated in class! (Which I taught. On the fly. haha. Nobody there to teach a class? "Ask the missionaries! They can help you!"- Elder Nelson hahah) It's been really good for her to catch the fire again, as she is experiencing the joys of sharing the gospel with her own son. He has such great faith unto repentance, and we are all looking forward to the day the day he will get to enter the waters of baptism and be washed clean, making a very sacred covenant with the Lord, and be able to receive the divine gift of the Holy Ghost! You should have seen Sister Miles light up when he said that he would like to be baptized by someone who holds the priesthood authority from God! It was incredible (:<br />
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Also... I don't know if I have mentioned this before. But I wanted to mention it this time. One of my favorite things to see... besides the progress of others, seeing them come unto Christ, and the change the gospel brings in making them HAPPY, that is... is... well, kind of along the same line. It's... listening to others pray. Seeing their relationship with their Heavenly Father grow, in that way, is incredible. Because trust me.. you can see it. Going from not praying at all, to praying, to... praying so, so... sincerely. They're amazing. They talk as though they are talking to their best friend... because they are. They talk openly and sincerely and it is the sweetest thing to be able to hear. I have even tear-ed up on a few occasions of listening to those I am blessed to be with, pray (: They talk humbly and submissively. They talk as a little child. This truly comes when they start to realize, understand, and appreciate their relationship with the Heavenly Father. Their TRULY loving, literally Heavenly Father (: They all have so many qualities that I am striving to have. It's... for lack of better terms... inspiring (: And I am so grateful for them, and THEIR example, to me. They are living testimonies that Christ lives, and loves us too.<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving, everybody. I've got a lot to be grateful for this time of year. I'm grateful for YOU! I am grateful for the truthfulness of the everlasting<br />
I'm grateful to be the Lord's missionary, and to be able to be strengthened by "the enabling power of the Atonement" which "strengthens us to do and be good and to serve beyond our own individual desire and natural capacity." (The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality- Elder Bednar)<br />
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Have the best week ever, and smile because you're being watched over (:<br />
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Love and prayers, Sister Madisen Busenbark<br />
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I LOVE YOU ALL!! More than you'll ever know (:<br />
Thanks always for your support and prayers! I can feel them (:<br />
The church is still true!!<br />
~ Sis. B.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hi there everybody!!<br />How are you this week?<br />I'm doing pretty well myself.<br />I am having a hard time thinking of what to write this week though... my head is a little foggy today. But don't worry about that-- it's just one of those days. I KNOW this week was GREAT, and I'm doing good! Haha.<br />Let's see... We set another baptismal date this week! With a new girl named Maggie! She's super great and has a few friends in the ward right next to us, so we're trying to help her make friends in our ward too to be able to make the transition. She is about 19 years old going to the college across the street from the church building and she is studying to become a veterinarian! She is working for one too. So I've been picking her brain on that whenever she's not picking my brain about the gospel (; hehe (:<br />We haven't been able to see Richard and Jackie in a couple weeks because Jackie had surgery... but they are still doing good, and we are dropping them by some cookies tonight along with a framed copy of the Living Christ for Richard's birthday! (We gave Jackie a copy of the Family Proc, I don't remember if I told you:) We really think he will like it a lot! I mean.. how can he not? Haha. It's a beautifully written document of pure truth. And that's two things that I have seen Richard grow to love- Truth, and the Savior (: So the gospel is perfect for him! haha<br />This past weekend I told you that we were having a mission wide conference- meaning the whole mission all at the same meeting (which never happens- so it was historic) and it was SO great!! We got to hear from stake presidents, bishops, the area seventy (Elder Hyam) and President Van Cott (and his wife!)-- all men who not only hold the keys for the mission but men who TURN those keys! So it was a pretty inspiring meeting.<br />One of the number one repeated things that I kept hearing was that me being here right HERE right NOW is no coincidence! I have been called to be here in the California Redlands mission at this time by a Prophet of God (: In this HUGE time of missionary work! How cool it is to be a part of the greatest work ever to be done here on earth... this is why we are here!! There is nothing else I'd rather be doing, and it's a bonus that it will effect the rest of my life, along with countless others (: And how cool it will be to tell my children that I was a part of the beginning of the hastening of His work!! Like I said... nothing else I'd rather do than help others come unto Christ (:<br />If you haven't shared your testimony recently... do it!<br />If you have... do it again!<br />You'll see what I'm talking about (:<br />K guys, I love you a lot but unfortunately am out of time already!!<br />Shine your light!!<br />~ Sister Madisen Busenbark</span></span></div>
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Dearest family (:<br />
<br />
So yesterday the libraries were closed, but we still had our p-day. It was fun! Let me give you a little back story... This past week we had the great opportunity to visit a less active convert of just a few years. We had become aware of him through some other missionaries who knew him and so we paid him a visit. It was such a neat experience. It didn't take much to get him reflecting on the difference he has felt since he has stopped coming to church. And... drum roll please... He came this week! And the next day when we saw him (yesterday- p-day!) his whole countenance was different. Really strengthened my testimony of the strength and power in renewing our covenants each week with the sacrament. We were able to start teaching his little brother too! He has such a strong desire to share the gospel with those around him whom he loves. I think he would be a great missionary. This is our vision for him. And I am a representative of Jesus Christ, so as such I can confidently say that this is the Lord's vision for him. So we are starting that direction by first getting him back to church and enlisting his help in teaching his little brother, and hopefully soon we will have the chance to talk to him more about the priesthood responsibility to serve. He is really interested in how missions work and how the whole process works with revelation to find out where you are called to serve, and things like this. So we're really excited about it (: Anyways... p-day! We went slacklining with him and his little brother, and some other young men in the ward who are their same age (EVERYONE needs a friend, so says President Hinckley!) one of whom has his mission call to Italy, and a couple other missionaries! It was really cool to share that time with them because 1- there were missionaries, 2- there was a friend he knows from school who is getting ready to serve, and 3- we shared the gospel with everyone at the park who came up to try the slackline! haha. President Van Cott told us to use our talents to share the gospel... slacklining is a talent, right? (; haha (:<br />
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Anyways... that's mostly what I'm excited about right now. I just love seeing the gospel bless FAMILIES!!<br />
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We also have another conference this weekend... a real spontaneous one. Because President Van Cott felt inspired. (Seriously, he is one of the greatest priesthood holder's I have ever met. It's an honor to get to work so close with him and learn from his insight and inspiration. And his wife's. I think I have mentioned her before too, but she's incredible!) So what is happening is... we are gathering the WHOLE mission together- 212 missionaries- and having a conference! (this is significant because usually they separate it into halfs or thirds or something... but his time everybody!!) It's going to be a huge time of much revelation (: Something that President Van Cott says all the time is puny preparation = puny revelation. And I want...scratch that, NEED revelation in my respective area so I am going to be trying to do as much prep as possible prior to going to the conference (: We are going to have some more special guests too. I'm excited. I LOVE times of much instruction, from my priesthood leaders as well as from the Spirit.<br />
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I am sure I have told you guys this before but... my ward is great. There is such comfort in belonging to a ward family absolutely wherever I go. (and knowing that the people I invite to church... well they will realize how big their family is too and be welcomed right into the fold) Especially since I am away from my own family for this time. I have been so taken care of the past... one week shy of 8 months... and I know that I'll be continually taken care of for the remainder of the mission. Mom, dad, you guys can take comfort in that as well... especially as the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons are upon us (: I loved the little note I got from Ada this week. She talked about how much she loves this time of year because of all the joy that goes around (: And let me tell you... as a missionary... you see the joy all the more abundantly (:<br />
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Share what you know this week, k? And pray for those opportunities too. That's what I'm inviting you to do. What I said before still goes- I want you all to have these amazing experiences that come with inviting people to follow Christ too! (Alma 29:14-17) The blessings that follow are tremendous. Not to mention, us missionaries can't do this work alone... I know you know that. We can't do it without the Lord, but we also can't do it without YOU!!! (Random thought about repentance that I learned from my mission president today... missionary work is calling people to repentance. (that's our responsibility.) So is home teaching and visiting teaching. (which is ALSO missionary work) And that freaks a lot of people out. Right? Calling people to repentance? That seems scary. But guess what?! Inviting someone to act IS calling someone to repentance. Inviting someone to a ward party, because they have been asked to gather often. Inviting someone to church, because they have been asked to keep the Sabbath day holy. Inviting someone to pray at the end of a visit, because they have been asked to pray always. These are ALL things that the Lord would expect them to do. And that's what repentance is- starting to do what the Lord would have us do, and stopping what He wouldn't have us do. So this week... INVITE! Invite someone to do something... that act will be repentance, and you'll be fulfilling your responsibility (: And as a representative of Jesus Christ I can tell you that He will bless you enormously for your service to His great and marvelous work. (Doctrine and Covenants 18:15-16) Ok, end of rant!)<br />
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I LOVE YOU GUYS!!<br />
I'm happy I'm not alone in this work,<br />
I'm happy I have the Lord's help and I'm happy I have your help,<br />
this is HIS work and HIS glory, (Moses 1:39)<br />
and it DOES make us HAPPY!!<br />
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~ Love ~ Sister Madisen Busenbark<br />
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HELLLLOO!!! (:<br />
Hi everyone (: Let me apologize, first of
all. Because this weeks email really will be short... I am sorry I
always have all these excuses. But the library is about to
close... Didn't make it here on time this week. :( New transfer means
gotta re-stalk-up on everything... so we spent too long at the store.
BUT I will make up for it by sending awesome pictures (:<br />
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This week was real fun and we got to see so many people! Sister
Akagi is great and ready to just jump on in. Her first night here we
went to the Bullock's home for dinner and lesson. They were so sweet and
still seem to just "get it." Like... all of it, really. Even transfers-
how it is a happy thing to have Sister Akagi now because this is where
she is needed and Sister Lee is needed somewhere else (something most
people don't seem to grasp.) Which really makes me think that they
understand revelation, especially because of comments Bro. Bullock made
like, "That is so neat that Sister Lee ended up in Desert Hot Springs.
The Lord must've really needed her there." They are such a pleasure to
get to work with. It's been so neat to see him progress, as I am sure I
have mentioned before- when we started teaching him he knew very little
about religion. (Side note- They fed us this amazing Brazilian ribs.
Which is where she is from, so, yuum.) When we invited the Bullock's to
read together from the Book of Mormon, they said yes without hesitation
and Sister Bullock was even the one to come up with the idea to set a
specific time of the day each day to make sure that they actually do it!
We shared with them that great quote that promises families who read
together that they will have greater love and respect in their home...
which I know is what they want. And that's what I want for them too (:
So I was really excited when they responded the way they did. They
didn't surprise me or anything, because they always say yes... but I was
excited. They read from the Book of Mormon as individuals, but I am
really excited for them to be reading TOGETHER. I know the blessings
that it brings... AND that's what I want for YOU too!! So I would like
to issue that same challenge for each of you (: READ AS A FAMILY!! It's
what the gospel's all about.<br />
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Speaking of families... my ward family is still doing really really
great. Our stake had a really neat fiesta too, with lots of
opportunities to serve as well as talk to people. Which is what I have
been studying a lot this week- service. I have a huge testimony of
service gaining the trust of others and opening up the door to hear the
message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not to mention... it is always so
so fun. President Van Cott told me once... if you're not having fun...
you're doing something wrong. So I suppose the opposite of that-- I'm
having a blast, so I think we're doing pretty good out here in Palm
Desert here!!</div>
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And on Sunday.. it was fast Sunday, and being such I
ponder even more than usual during fast and testimony meeting... And as
I was thinking my thoughts were turned to the Savior. And let me just
say this... I know that my Redeemer lives, loves me, and His Atonement
is Very very real.. BECAUSE.. I felt the redeeming power of the
Atonement in a very real sense before coming on a mission, in order to
qualify to serve. I felt the comforting power of the Atonement prior to
coming too, as I was saddened that I had to wait so long for my call to
come & was tempted to be discouraged. And I currently feel the
enabling power of the Atonement each and every day as I am strengthened
to overcome my physical limitations. Our Savior experienced it all, and I
am so grateful for that. Makes Him the most perfect person to turn to
(: It was very special to reflect on this week.</div>
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I love you guys, and I will be sure to think of more great things to write about next week (:</div>
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Anywho... I love you all and I know this work is the work of God,
and I am so very happy to be out here! Thanks for your prayers, and you
have mine too (:</div>
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Love, Sister M. Busenbark (:<br />
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madisenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189217880004935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850076294813530346.post-19760957911711902002014-09-22T14:30:00.002-07:002014-09-22T15:11:05.291-07:00October 2013<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dearest Familia,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />First off... I don't have a whole lot of time today, because today is transfer calls and we depart in the morning (where we are used to leaving not till Wed) so we have been running around busy all day!! Like chickens with our heads cut off, really. Speaking of transfers... I AM STAYING HERE IN THE DESERT!! (But Sister Lee is leaving, so we have to get her all squared away. Cleaned, packed, goodbyes, all that good stuff. She is going to the stake over. So not too far.) I am staying here and will be training a brand new missionary again. I'm excited to meet her in the morning! Sad to see Sis Lee go, we have had a lot of fun together. But she is a great missionary and is ready to go take on Yucca Valley. And i am excited to get to meet a new friend. I have a feeling she's pretty cool. Haha.<br /><br />This week truly was incredible. Our conference with Elder William R. Walker of the Seventy was so inspired and I truly learned a lot from the Spirit that day as well. One thing that I felt was inspired was that he told me about this video that he has on LDS.org about temples. It's like going to an open house, it's so cool. WATCH!! <a href="http://www.lds.org/church/temples/temples-a-conversation-with-a-church-leader" target="_blank">http://www.lds.org/church/<wbr></wbr>temples/temples-a-<wbr></wbr>conversation-with-a-church-<wbr></wbr>leader</a> He suggested to show this video to the people we teach. That night, we did just that. It was incredible because we had planned to talk about temples, but my fallen self had forgotten that I took the temple mormon message that we had planned to share out of our car. It is almost always in there, but we cleaned out the car on p-day and I forgot to grab it again. At first, when I realized I didn't have it I was disappointed in myself for forgetting but then I decided that it would all be ok because I knew that we were being obedient when we cleaned the car and I knew that I was obedient when I wasn't used to carrying it in my bag to avoid bulkiness (two really simple things, yet we did them so I knew we'd be ok.) I told this to Sister Lee, and we said a prayer. As we were in there for the lesson, it came to the both of us at the same time and we looked at each other very excitingly as we realized we needed to show them the video Elder Walker told us about earlier that day! And I'm telling you, it was incredible! (by the way, we just went on faith because neither of us had had a chance to watch this video previously! haha) And let me tell you... it was perfect. It was just what they needed, and we even caught them taking a couple temple pass along cards from the hallway at the church the following Sunday. It was such a neat experience and I know that it was inspired.<br /><br />OH! Want to know something CRAZY?!! Crazy AWESOME?!! You'll never guess... so I'll just tell you. I GOT TO SING WITH A GENERAL AUTHORITY!!! It was amazing. And I mean like... we Actually sang together. Me, Sister Lee, Elder Cebreros, Elder Gore, and Elder Walker sang Nearer My God to Thee at the conference! So in front of... a good amount of missionaries. Haha. It was his idea even! But he blamed it on me. He had to talk me into it... but when a general authority asks you to do something... you do it. haha. It's kind of like... he asks you to jump and you ask how high. I warned him that I am not the singer in the companionship (Sister Lee is amazing though, have I mentioned that before?) but with that disclaimer I said... If you want me to, gladly. So... long story short... we did. And it was amazing (: Especially for someone like me to be able to say that haha. It was just a neat experience. Very sweet, for sure. Also... Elder Walker is hilarious. I wrote down all sorts of notes on his training on how to be a good missionary, but I also wrote down a ton of funny quotes he said. I think it's important to laugh (: Before singing the spontanious song he looked to the audience and said, "We only practiced once..." and then after the song was over he turned to them again and said, "This was Sister Busenbark's idea..." haha Maybe you had to be there... but it was too funny. And something I'll never forget, too (: How this came about, I don't have time to write.. but I'm sure glad it did.<br /><br />Oh! We also got several new investigators this week! However, we realized the very next day that they were a block outside of our area. We were still excited. I won't lie, we were tempted to keep them for ourselves. But we knew that their missionaries are not us so we can't recieve revelation for them, and they would be better off in the ward they live under, and we knew that we would be blessed for having done so. Not to mention, all missionaries are all doing the same work of the Lord. But, it was still a blessing to be able to meet Steve and his dear family. And Omar, too. I know all I have time to tell you are their names... but I am excited for them. They are great. I'll be happy if I get to see them again sometime and be updated on their progress. Like I've said before, my favorite part.<br /><br />I went on exchanges too, which were really great for me. I'm glad I went on it this close to transfers. It was such an amazing day and we experienced miracles! We talked to several different people as we were going from appointment to appointment and ended up running in to some less active members who asked me to come by to teach them this week! I never would have known who they were had we not been willing to slow down and talk to everyone! One of the members even said that we made her whole YEAR by stopping to talk to her. Huge testimony builder for me, of talking with everyone as well as of being where you're supposed to be when you're supposed to be there. Sister Jones is great and I was reminded of several things that I have stopped doing that I really need to start again. It was perfect. I'm excited for the new transfer... CHANGE is good. It'll be good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sister Lee is great too! And not just because of her voice that gives me once in a life time opportunities to sing with a general authority. haha. I am really excited for her to have the opportunity to train. You learn so much as a trainer. She is very charitable, and I believe that she has helped me learn how to actually show the love that I know that I have. My spirit brothers and sisters. I don't have a hard time loving people, if that's ok to say without being too cocky... but another part of that truth is that I have a hard time showing it in a way that most people feel it. But, l really feel like I'm improving, and that's a great feeling!! I have such a strong testimony of love as I have seen how many hearts it opens to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am really thrilled for this next transfer, and I grateful for the opportunity I have to be able to train again. The work is going forward! And I love being a part of it. Because it is so... wait for it... TRUE!!<br /><br />With love,<br />Your Daughter, Grandaughter, Friend, Aunt, Cousin, Sister Madisen Busenbark (:</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Good evening my dears (:</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, today I had all the time in the world to do whatever I wanted! And it was a very stress-free p-day (: But then... while we were emailing... Sister Lee's computer kicked her off. Which means I have no time to email this week... So sorry!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This week was definitely one to remember, though. The baptism on Saturday was beautiful. They always are though, so that's no surprise. Patricia looked right at place there wearing her white suit entering the waters of baptism, and her confirmation on Sunday was just beautiful. I hope she paid as close of attention as I did because it told her a lot about her next steps- of partaking of more blessings of the Priesthood and being sealed to her deceased ancestors in the temple. There was a lot of support from the ward, and we even had some of the people we're teaching come too, who really felt the Spirit there. One of whom has a baptismal date and is now really excited, and the other who finally agreed to come to church the following day (and did!) and will soon have a baptismal date, no doubt about it. The people we are teaching are really progressing and we've got big plans for them! I love being able to see the change in them, and be able to help them along the way. I see all those who I am currently working with there in the Celestial room with me at the end of the mission. It's a pretty cool image to imagine. They say I help them want to be better, I say that's the Spirit. And I would add that they make me want to be better! I can't expect them to change their lives for eternity if I'm not willing to live the higher missionary standards for a year and a half(which will no doubt help prepare me for the rest of my life).</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, what we did this week for a lesson with a man named Fred (who is super awesome, but needs what we all need... THE ATONEMENT) is something I've wanted to do for a long time. We studied with him Alma 24(study this chapter! my favorite part is where they are SO clearly SERIOUS (like they SHOULD be) about their covenants with God!), and then we each picked something (keeping them to ourselves) that we wanted to give up in order to come closer to God, and we wrote them on swords and buried them in the ground. Just like the anti-nephi-lehies! (there's even going to be cement over that in a few weeks! nobody's ever going to dig these things up!) It was really neat because to help him decide what it was that he wanted to burry, we asked him the question "What is it that you feel is holding you back from following the example of Jesus Christ (which is what he says he wants to do. but he doesn't want to be baptized yet.) and being baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God?" And that's what he chose to burry! We talked about how this was all symbolism, and what he needed to do in order to repent and truly feel that redeeming power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. After burying them, we said a prayer... and he said "I don't know why, but I'm feeling really good." It was a really neat experience for all of us, I think. And we're really excited to see how the Spirit continues to impact him as he lets go of his past and allows the Atonement to take full effect in his life. I have already seen such big change with him since meeting him, and it brings such joy to my soul to see. And with that, I am very thrilled for a conference we are having tomorrow. Elder Walker of the seventy is coming to speak to us! As we received this inspiration during a District Meeting, I am looking forward to receiving even more during this conference.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've got my pen ready to put my faith to action and be ready to write down revelation I receive so that I won't forget! BIG things are going to happen here in the desert... assuming I stay (: (I find out next week) Or somewhere else, if I move, too of course. haha. The desert really is blooming though (: (Isaiah 35:1) California Redlands mission is the place to be. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="outline: 0px;" />Have a great week,<br style="outline: 0px;" />Sister Madisen Busenbark</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Shout out to my favorite brother!! Happy birthday, Alex (: I love you a lot!!<br /><br /><br />Family! Which includes friends!<br /><br />Hi (: How are you all this week? This past week?<br />This past week was incredible here in California.<br />Unfortunately I do not have very much time today. (the library was closed yesterday so we get to come today, but then we don't get as much time to spend here) So I will try to give you as much as I can (:<br /><br />Anywho... To start off... I feel GREAT! Well, last week I did! Better than I have the whole mission! Which resulted in being able to work as hard as I have been wanting to work... resulting in 29 lessons! However, I know that success is not measured in numbers... it felt real good to be able to work real hard and see so many people. And TEACH them, to be able to help them come closer to our Lord and Savior. (Which reminds me... we started teaching a lovely lady named Jill who asked US if she could be baptized! She came to church on Sunday! And has already started reading the Book of Mormon! She is progressing rapidly (: And another friend came to church this week too and LOVED it so things are going well there too! We truly are being blessed over here in the desert... watching it BLOOM (: Isaiah 35:1)<br /><br />I have another bit on obedience to share! (Doctrine & Covenants 130:20-21) Don't cringe your teeth. It's a good one. I promise. It more adequately explains everything about the importance of obedient missionaries that I had been trying to portray....<br />"The great opportunity in teaching obedience to missionaries is to help them see the connection between the Savior, the companionship of the Spirit, and love. It is to teach them that obedience to the commands of the Father and His Son out of love for Them brings the Spirit. The companionship of the Spirit will bring light and truth, the foundation of successful missionary work and of a happy life. It can be taught in simple matters. A missionary can put on a seat belt because he or she remembers the safety video from the last zone conference. Or they can do it because they love the mission president and he told them to do it. It is a completely different experience to do it because they think of the Savior’s love and that He cares so much for their service and that He loves them so much that He wants them safe. The truth is that He needs us. He loves us. When a missionary feels that love of the Savior as he buckles up, he is more than safer in the car. He will be safe against the power of evil in his ministry and he will be safe in his life against more dangers than traffic accidents. He will have learned obedience to the Lord. He will encounter other rules and there will be other presidents, but the loving Savior will not change and He will always be there.” A Life Founded in Light and Truth - BYU Devotional – August 15, 2000 - Henry B. Eyring<br />There. Couldn't have said it better myself. (:<br /><br />Conference did nothing but inhance my study of obedience! haha. And studying last conference too... because, of course, just because we have new talks doesn't mean we forget about the old ones!<br /><br />Some April conference... Back to back talks (:<br /><br />Obedience to Law Is Liberty- Elder Perry<br /><a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/obedience-to-law-is-liberty?lang=eng" target="_blank">http://www.lds.org/general-<wbr></wbr>conference/2013/04/obedience-<wbr></wbr>to-law-is-liberty?lang=eng</a><br /><br />Obedience Brings Blessings- President Monson<br /><a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/obedience-brings-blessings?lang=eng" target="_blank">http://www.lds.org/general-<wbr></wbr>conference/2013/04/obedience-<wbr></wbr>brings-blessings?lang=eng</a><br /><br />Speaking of conference.... I am SO grateful for prophet!! I know that God loves us because He BLESSED US WITH PROPHETS!! So grateful that I decided to learn We Thank Thee Oh God For A Prophet on the guitar! And then we sang it to Beverly, and basically... she loved it (: haha She LOVES that we have a prophet to lead and guide us! She forgets things real easy... and so we teach her about prophets often. And every single time, without fail, she lights up to learn that we have a prophet on the earth today! I love it (:<br /><br />So, some fun/funny stuff... I know that many of you saw some facebook videos... I had to do it! haha. It was a fun dinner appointment. And then lead to us inviting all the other missionaries over for p-day yesterday to try!! haha. It was so funny. Made for a real good time (:<br /><br />We're becoming real good friends with this girl in the ward named Ashley. She is my age, and her twin brother is on a mission. We have been bringing her along with us quite a bit, and fun things too. Last night we all went to our friend Fred's house to have pizza and watch the Testaments (her dad is in this movie, by the way. so is my bishop! and one other lady in our ward.) and talk about the Book of Mormon and Jesus Christ coming to the Americas. I think it really touched him. He's incredible. And even came up with the idea to fast today! So we're praying he recieves the answers he is looking for and continues to progress... my favorite thing to see (: After we taught him the plan of salvation, he called us the next day and told us that he couldn't get it off his mind, because it was blowing his mind! haha. The Plan of Salvation tends to be the favorite lesson often. I know that it's one of my favorites to teach.<br /><br />I love it because... well because it is through this everlasting gospel that we have a knowledge of the plan of salvation, which enables us to be able to live with our familes forever in a state of neverending happiness. Which is what we are teaching tonight... to Ashley's sister's fiance actually. (His name is Jason, her name is Jen) It's one of my favorite things to help people understand... that because of a loving Heavenly Father... this life has a purpose (: And that purpose is a GREAT purpose because we are divine heirs of a Glorious God.<br /><br />Well friends (which includes Family, of course!) I want to close today by sharing the Redlands California Mission Scripture! But before looking it up, I want you to define a few words.... please define the following words: diligently, always, to be, all, and if! K, NOW, go look up Doctrine & Covenants 90:24 (:<br /><br />The church is true! ALWAYS! Because Christ promised that it would never again be taken from the earth! Doctrine & Covenants 13:1 (:<br /><br />Love ALWAYS, Sister Madisen E. Busenbark (:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi family!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />It's been another great week in California!!<br />(I
think of BYU-I devotionals every once in a while whenever I think of it
being "another great day" haha. President Clark used to say that every
single Tuesday! "another great day at byu-i" whether it were sun or
rain, sleet or snow!)<br />
<br />Looking back on the week... not a whole lot happened. (It was mostly
just a bunch of preparing for General Conference, trying to control the
headaches, and teaching as much as we could.) But at the same time, we
saw miracles every day.<br />
<br />A lot of our miracles came during general conference... Each talk
spoke to me, and rang true to my heart. I know that they are called of
God because of it! It was a blessing to be able to hear from them, and
receive my own personal revelation as I listened to their revelation for
the world. I went with many many questions, both for me and for those
who we are teaching. And I'll tell you what... I had no more questions
by the end of the weekend!<br />
<br />This super cool thing happened... On Friday, Sister Lee and I taught
a lesson about Jesus Christ and His love for us. We showed the Mormon
message about Stephanie (the lady who had to start her new life, because
of a plane crash and burn) and then sure enough... her story was shared
during conference! And again, I shared this poem on Friday when talking
about trials and how they strengthen us... the poem titled Good Timer
Grows! That President Monson shared! And those are just specifics, there
were countless other Topics that were discussed that we have been
teaching/discussing about recently. It was kind of neat to see how
CLEARLY the Lord is guiding His work-- guiding us in our lessons!<br />
<br />Didn't you all absolutely love hearing from these men of God? If you
missed any... go listen now. And if you got to listen the first time...
go listen again. Again and again! What were some of your favorites? I
want to talk about them! What themes did you pick up? I heard a lot of
repentance, enduring WELL, and marriage and family!! Some of my favorite
topics too (: I enjoyed them. I can't wait till they come to ensign
form so that I can mark up and study those new scriptures!<br />
<br />Did you love the talk about missionary work? The one that promised
that if each family invites another family to meet with the missionaries
by the end of the year we will have millions of brothers and sisters
come back to our Heavenly Father's fold! That was pretty cool I think (:
hehe Soo... who's going to do it? Seriously... I don't want to hog all
this blessing seeing to myself! I pray that you will all have these
great missionary experiences too.<br />
Doctrine and Covenants 18:15 (:<br /><br />As a missionary I am programed to
follow up with you (; hehe Are we all trying a little bit harder to be a
little bit better? As long as we're all progressing... each and every
day... then we're on the right track (:<br />
I love you and pray for you each day!<br /><br />Here's a cool experience
that I had at the beginning of the week... We went over to the
Willinsky's house. They are both super duper ubber loads of awesome.
Brother Willinsky is a non-member. But goes to church each Sunday, and
they have the missionaries over for dinner each month since they were
married... so for about 5 years. Well anyways... we found out that he
has never had the missionaries teach him the actual discussions! My
guess is that everybody just assumed that he has had them... so they
just talk about gospel things. Which is good too. And of course, he
probably knows all the things plus a bunch more... there is something
powerful about he lessons. So we asked if he would like to take them,
officially, and he said yes! He was kind of surprised cause nobody has
asked him that before, but he said yes. So we set expectations with
him... asked him what he was expecting to get from us, and us from him.
And what he said he wanted out of us was a really neat experience for
me... the Spirit was so incredibly strong that night. As I reflected his
request it brought me to tears. He said he always hear's the "I
know.... I know... I know.... I know this I know that I know I know I
know..." he politly explained that that would mean a whole lot more to
him if he knew the "...because..." So that's what he wants from us. He
wants the "Because."<br />
<br />So I wanted to start by telling you all this... I know this church
is true. BECAUSE I have searched the scriptures, pondered, and prayed. I
have had it confirmed to me through the Holy Ghost time and time again.
Every time I say a prayer, every time I read the scriptures, every time
I say the words out loud... or type them... I feel it in my mind and my
heart that it is nothing but truth. I have had experiences that are
undeniable. Too many to list, and too special to list. I have felt the
redeeming love of my Savior. And I have felt it though the priesthood
power that is once again on this earth every time that I receive a
priesthood blessing, partake of the sacrament and renew my covenants,
and go to the temple. I am reminded each day that my Heavenly Father
loves me and desires for me to be happy. And I know that this is the
way, because He tells me so through the Book of Mormon, a modern
day Prophet, and my own personal companionship of the Holy Ghost (:<br />
<br />I could go on and on... because my thoughts on the topic are
endless. But I want to issue the challenge to each of you, because it
really does result in a neat experience. The next time you think
about/say what you know to be true... take some time to ponder the
why/how/because... and I'm telling you. Bear your testimony every day...
if not the one that you have, then the one that you wish you had... and
you'll be able to feel of this love that I am blessed to feel, not only
for myself from a Heavenly Father, but also for you.<br />
<br />I wouldn't be who I am or where I am without a loving Heavenly
Father. For me, it all come back to His love, it's what explains it
all... every blessing/experience/miracle I ever see can be explained by
"because I have a Heavenly Father who loves me." I am proof that there
is a Savior, I feel His power every day, and I testify that He lives and
loves you too (: And do so in the His sacred name, even Jesus Christ,
Amen.<br />
<br />~ Sister Madisen Elise Busenbark<br /><br />I love you all, and I know
that He does too... because trust me, my love wouldn't be this great
without it actually being His love (;<br />John 3:16-17<br />Let's all show Him our love back, by keeping His commandments (: And allow Him to poor blessings down upon us. <br />
John 14:15</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">P.S. This little guy finally got to be baptized a couple weeks ago!! By
his dad, Roselino, a recent convert!! Exciting things are still
happening in Bloomington since I left (:</span><br />
<br />madisenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189217880004935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850076294813530346.post-19767398339145395752014-09-22T14:21:00.001-07:002014-09-22T15:08:35.888-07:00September 2013Family and Friends everywhere,<br />
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ANOTHER GREAT WEEK IN SUNNY CALIFORNIA!! Only because of a loving Heavenly Father (:</div>
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First of all... I want to start with this. Alma 26:12.</div>
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And now... We saw miracles this week! My favorite one... one that Sister Lee and I have been fasting and praying about for about 6 weeks now. I don't remember how much I shared last week.. so I'll share from the beginning. First, it started out with contacting a media referral. She was not home... but of course other people are! She lives in a gated community with a gaurd who you have to speak to in order to be let in. We introduced ourselves as Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ and told him who we were there to see, and he let us in. The next time we stopped by he was there again. And he remembered who we were! "The missionaries!" he said, "Here to see the same person?" This is how it went the next two or three times. Then, he said "Hey, you're back!" and opened the gate for us. He had been on Sister Lee and I's mind quite a bit, so after that we knew there was no way we could see him one more time without saying something more than our friendly greetings for the few seconds we get to chat through the window. So, we sat outside Iris' house and contemplated how we should go about doing this. We knew we couldn't do it alone... so we said a prayer of faith seeking to know the "how" as well as the courage to do so. We ended up parking around the corner and walking back to talk to him. This way we could talk for longer than through the window and he would be able to still do his job when more cars came by. We told him that we couldn't keep seeing him without officially introducing ourselves, especially with how nice he had been to us. We shared our names and with no hesitation the first question out of his mouth was, "So, what is it that you guys are always doing here?" This is the conversation we had been praying for! We told him and shared a card with him, giving him a brief introduction, but was unable to talk for too long before his boss started to show desire for us to leave. BUT this was still progress. After this instance we couldn't stop being drawn back to him even more... so we started to fast and pray for the opportunity to be able to talk to him outside of work. This was before p-day last week, so when we were going out to run all our errands we were keeping our eyes pealed for him, hoping this is the way our prayers would be answered. They weren't that way... but we knew they still would! (This MIGHT have been where I got to last week??) There just must've been some other way he had in mind. Perhaps we needed to do more on our part to make it happen, right? So we said more prayers and decided to write him a thank you note and drop it off for him specifically, not to see Iris this time. He was really surprised when we told him we didn't need the gate open. And then he said, "I'm actually really glad you guys stopped by. I was thinking I'd like to talk outside of work?" Now THIS is what we had been praying for! He told us he still had the card we gave him and that he'd give us a call to set up an appointment by the end of the week. He literally waited till the end of the week... Saturday evening... which tried our patience... but he did it! And we taught him yesterday afternoon! He is a very young nice man, very intellectual and eager to learn even more. We got to know his background and his life outside of work. We are very excited to continue teaching him. He isn't sure he believes in a God... but that is one of my favorite things to help others understand-- that they are children of a loving Heavenly Father who sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for the world so that the rest of us may be happy now and forever! I'm seeing the blessings from excersizing GREAT faith and MIGHTY prayer, and am very excited. And I'm very excited for General Conference this weekend too! We invited him to attend with us, and he said he'd think about it... so we're going to keep following up with him. Because I have a testimony of being able to hear from prophets, seers, and revelators! I'm excited for our investigators and I'm excited for myself too. I will be going seeking much revelation and strength. It's my favorite time of year.</div>
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Mom mentioned the relief society broadcast in her email to me this week. Mom, you're correct! I was indeed watching it (: I too loved ALL of the talks (of course;) especially since they all mentioned covenants! Which I have been studying so much about recently. Covenants are just SO important, ya know? So it's important to know how to keep them!</div>
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So... I continued to study and ponder this week... and so of course, more thoughts came. I was thinking... the Lord doesn't require us to be perfect.. but He DOES require us to be clean. (It is true that He cannot look upon sin with any degree of allowance- D&C 1:31) And He DOES require us to do all we can do. Because we can't be saved in our sins, but we can be saved from our sins. (Alma 11:37) And like I said.. that's After we have done ALL we can do. (2 Nephi 25:23) But then I was thinking... it's nothing to allow yourself to get stressed over. Your best is your best, and He makes up the rest. (The only hard part is making SURE you really ARE doing your BEST and not just rationalizing or something...anyways...) Which is why I think in Mosiah 4 (which is a LOT of instruction on what to do and what not to do) he stops randomly and is all, "it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength". (vs. 27) When I read that I thought... well that's kind of random... but then the more I thought about it the more it clicked... Hey! He doesn't want us to get overwhelmed with all that is expected of us being children of a King and all! He sure wants us to labor dilegently though! And take comfort in the fact that we don't have to be awesome all by ourselves... because we ARE children of a King, and have a Savior, He's here to help us (: So are angels! On both sides of the vail. And that's something I pray for everday! For myself, for those I work with, and for all of you! Here is a great passage I would like you to look up... it's incredible. 2 Nephi 4:15-35. (vs. 31-32... one the most powerful things to pray for. One of my favorites! Actually... while we're on the subject... another favorite thing to pray for... 1 Nephi 7:17)</div>
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HERE!! I have some more homework for you all too (: Read these here talks! They're incredible. (Some of what I studied this week.)</div>
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The Justice and Mercy of God</div>
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/liahona/2013/09/the-justice-and-mercy-of-god?lang=eng&query=the+justice+and+mercy+of+god" target="_blank">http://www.lds.org/liahona/<wbr></wbr>2013/09/the-justice-and-mercy-<wbr></wbr>of-god?lang=eng&query=the+<wbr></wbr>justice+and+mercy+of+god</a></div>
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His Grace is Sufficient</div>
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/09/his-grace-is-sufficient?lang=eng&query=His+Grace+is+Sufficient" target="_blank">http://www.lds.org/ensign/<wbr></wbr>2013/09/his-grace-is-<wbr></wbr>sufficient?lang=eng&query=His+<wbr></wbr>Grace+is+Sufficient</a></div>
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The Transforming Power of Faith and Character</div>
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/the-transforming-power-of-faith-and-character?lang=eng&query=the+transforming+power+of+faith+and+character" target="_blank">http://www.lds.org/general-<wbr></wbr>conference/2010/10/the-<wbr></wbr>transforming-power-of-faith-<wbr></wbr>and-character?lang=eng&query=<wbr></wbr>the+transforming+power+of+<wbr></wbr>faith+and+character</a></div>
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Becoming a Preach My Gospel Missionary</div>
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/becoming-a-preach-my-gospel-missionary?lang=eng" target="_blank">http://www.lds.org/prophets-<wbr></wbr>and-apostles/becoming-a-<wbr></wbr>preach-my-gospel-missionary?<wbr></wbr>lang=eng</a></div>
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The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality (again, if you read it the last time I sugested it... and DEFINITELY if you forgot before)</div>
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/04/the-atonement-and-the-journey-of-mortality?lang=eng" target="_blank">http://www.lds.org/ensign/<wbr></wbr>2012/04/the-atonement-and-the-<wbr></wbr>journey-of-mortality?lang=eng</a></div>
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Well, my beloved brothers and sisters... I love you an incredible amount and hope you know that that's possible because of our Savior, Jesus Christ!! I feel closer to you all every day (: Thanks again for your continual prayers and support! Prayers sure go a long way (:</div>
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Have a great week, and remember to not just watch/listen to conference... but go with an open heart and an open mind and a question you want to be answered too!! (here are some more tips on how to prepare... trust me, it'll add so much more to your experience if you prepare!!)</div>
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I LOVE YOU!! Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ do too (unconditionally), and the church is still true... I learn that more and more each day (:</div>
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PRAY ON!! (3 Nephi 19:26)</div>
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Sister Madisen Elise Busenbark (:</div>
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Hi there (: How are you this week? I'm doing mighty good!<br />
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First of all, I wanted to apologize for last weeks letter... I didn't get to finish because I had to run with my companion to el banjo and when we got back our time was almost out... we missed the que to get to push the "extend time" button on the computer. So anyways, I wanted to finish talking about obedience real quick... I wanted to say that the main reason obedience was on my mind so much was because (besides transfers being a time of change...) I once shared a saying with you that I heard and loved... it was that obedience brings blessings, but EXACT obedience brings miracles. Well.. then I heard President Van Cott say something recently that stuck out to me even more. He said that... EXACT obedience is MEDIOCRE! That hit me hard.. I was thinking, but wait? Mediocre? I've been striving to be mediocre this whole time? That's not what I want at all!! Is it? He said that it is mediocre because that is what I have been ASKED to be. That's what I AGREED to be. That's what's EXPECTED of me! It is my RESPONSIBILITY. My DUTY. I have covenanted with the Lord to be exactly obedient. That is the bare minimum. Anything less in unacceptable. Exact obedience is mediocre, it should then turn into sacrifice, then consecration. That's what the real goal is. And basically... never again will I think of obedience the same. (President sounds hard, I know... but it does nothing but good for me. Both now as a missionary, and for when I return home.) Aaaaanyways (: Let's all try a little bit harder every day to be a little bit better, shall we?<br />
Now for a few updates... well, I didn't get to tell you last week that I got to go to the temple on the 13th! And that was absolutely amazing (: It seems as though every time my head is about to roll off my shoulders due to exhaustion or sorrow or something... well then I get picked right back up! Always by the strength of the Lord, this time specifically by the blessings of the temple and the spiritual upliftment there (:<br />
A few more random things... Delores called me the other day! Remember her? From Bloomington? The one I knocked on her door my first time ever tracting, and loved her from the start? Yeah! Her! She called the mission office looking for me and so she left them a message telling me to give her a call. I haven't been able to get a hold of her yet, but I thought it was really neat that she would give me a call to update me on where/what she's doing and such. I still think and pray about her often. She'll always be one of those, I think. I come across them every now and then.<br />
Like this guy named Devlin who lives here in this area. We see him often (he is the gatekeeper guard guy for a community we visit a couple times a week. Did I tell you about him already? Oh well, if I did... I'm telling you again. haha.) and he remembers us every time! The first time we said who we were and who we were visiting, and let us in. The next time he said, "The missionaries!? Going to the same place?" and opened the gate. The third time he said the same thing. The fourth time he said, "Hey! You're back! Have a nice day." and opened the gate. After that time, Sister Lee and I were like... ahhh! We HAVE to talk to him! Because guess what? He is one of those ones! The one's you never stop thinking about. And then we sat there for a good amount of time and tried to figure out how we could go about talking to him. We said a prayer. Calmed our nerves. And decided to park the car and walk over to him so we could talk longer, not through the window. He was working so we couldn't take too much of his time, especially since his boss was there. But we officially introduced ourselves (because we see him so often and he's always so nice to us, we told him) and the first question out of his mouth was "So what is it that you guys always do here?" DING DING DING! Let me tell you (: haha. And THEN the next time we came he remembered our names! And NOW (I know I know... how is it taking this long? Good question. It's killing me too. Trust me.) where we're at is... we're trying to figure out how to go about talking to him outside of work! But, I am telling you right now... I know it'll happen. I have the faith! I just have to trust in the Lord's timing. If it were up to me... he would walk into the library right now and I'd send this email right where I'm at. But... I believe in the Lord's timing. He knows better than I. Much better than trusting in the arms of the flesh. Sooo... I'll keep you updated (:<br />
Patricia... She is getting baptized next month!! She is more than ready and now we just have to wait till the date... we love going over to her house to learn and grow with her (: She's great. And like I said, ready! Everyone forgets that she hasn't been baptized yet even. She was asked to teach the gospel doctrine class and she had to remind them that she couldn't! Haha. I thought that was funny. She is going to be such a great contribution... she already is. I am more than happy for her decision, for now she will be able to experience the full blessings the gospel has to offer! My favorite...well, one of my favorites... the gift of the Holy Ghost (: It's going to bless her so much. I don't know what I'd do without the companionship of the Holy Ghost!<br />
The Bullock's are doing great too! We watched the Joseph Smith movie with them (it's one of my favorites... can you tell? We watch it all the time...) and Bishop (who is GREAT, by the way. He loves the work and he is so sincere when he talks!) and it brought up a lot of great questions. A couple days later we went over and taught them the plan of salvation/happiness/<wbr></wbr>redemption/etcetc... and it brightened my week. We talked about temples and the blessings of being able to continue the work beyond the vail because of the atonement of Jesus Christ, and being able to be sealed to our families forever (: I told them that that's why I am here... to spread the good news that Jesus Christ broke the bands of spiritual and physical death so that we can be saved in both aspects... and live with our families forever (: It made us all cry (; haha jk... but practically.<br />
I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who sent me here to gain a body and experience this life on earth so that I can continue to progress and live with my family for eternity... including them, my brothers and sisters (:<br />
Anywho... the library is about to close.<br />
I love you all!! And I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ do too... because families can be together forever (:<br />
~ Sister Madisen Busenbark<br />
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MI FAMILIA!! :D<br />
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Drum roll please..... I AM STAYING HERE IN PALM DESERT!!! Yay (: I am very pleased with this. Not only because I have so many lovely people I am currently working with and have big plans for, but also because... well I will admit, I haven't been the missionary I want to be this past transfer. But I am very grateful for the opportunity to fix that, especially while I am still working with Sister Lee, so that I can leave this ward and this training opportunity on a good note. I don't want to leave a taint anywhere I go, so now is my time to get back to how it is expected to be. I love transfers because they are a time of change... where change is needed, it's the perfect opportunity to do so. Although I am in the same area, with the same companion, and the same roommates, I am confident that I can do it with the help of the Lord. I have already started to make the necessary changes and we have seen great success come already. This week we were able to teach exactly 20 lessons. Not to mention all the people we talked to and have plans to follow up with. (which is another reason why I am pleased to stay here in the Desert. Despite the heat. I think I can continue to plow through it and make it to the autumn time (: And see the blessings! (see what President shared below.)) Now, I don't mean to say that I have been a bad missionary... but I don't mean to justify myself either... Here's the deal. I have had very bad headaches since being here... like, the constant never leaving kind. And so President advised me to basically take it easy when I need to, and don't do anything too stressful. So that is what I did. And eventually it just started feeling TOO lax. It was good the first couple weeks, and we didn't really even see the work hinder. Thankfully. I just couldn't help but wonder how much MORE success we could be having if I was giving it my ALL (which is what I covenanted to do, when I accepted my call to serve) and also couldn't help but feel like I was taking the easy way out.... when maybe sometimes it was needed, sure, but other times I knew I could probably just toughen it up because that's what I've been doing my whole life. I have very high expectations of myself, and I tend to get really hard on myself when I don't live up to it, and it effects my work, and then I get hard on myself even more... and it's just this vicious cycle. But I am ready to break this cycle. By simply pressing forward. Which we have already started (working on a little at a time...) to bring back to how it should be. I really just grieve at the thought of not doing all I'm supposed to, ya know. I need more than anything for my actions to line up with my desires. And I am recommitting myself right now, and each and every day, to this great work. Anyways though... enough with that ramble. I suppose I just want all of you to know that I'm going to be doing my best (including managing my internet time!) at making SURE that none of your sacrifices will go to waste. K? K (:<br />
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Aaaand... I just wanted to share something that President Van Cott shared with us today... He is very inspirational. No doubt he is a man called of God to help the work move forward here in the Redlands mission. I love reflecting on the hope of the Atonement, and although President was referring to missionary work... I know that it can be applied to each of us, so I wanted to share.<br />
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"In Alma 17:5 it states, "Now these are the circumstances which attended them in their jouneyings, for they had many afflictions; they did suffer much, both in BODY and in MIND, such as hunger, thirst and fatigue, and also much labor in the spirit." Alma 26:27 states, "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success."<br />
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These are two great scriptures. They help us understand that the greatest missionaries suffered in body and mind. The work has always been difficult...that is why there are so many blessings attached to it. Also the Lord will always comfort us and will give us success if we turn to him in our trials. Sometimes the success we experience is because of our willingness to continue working even when we are troubled in body and mind. The Lord is mindful of us and will open the windows of heaven as we sacrifice."<br />
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I love you all,<br />
remember to put on your pj's tonight!! (say your Prayers, write in your Journal, and read your Scriptures!!:)<br />
THIS GOSPEL IS NOTHING BUT PERFECT!!! (:<br />
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Hi Family and Friends (:</div>
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How are all of you on this fine day? This past week? (These past 6 months if I have not heard from you?;)</div>
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This week was really great here in the Park View ward area! I believe I mentioned to you that our Bishop, Bishop Brown, referred us to his friend Dr Richard Bullock and his wife Jackline? They work together and have been friends for years now. Well we finally got to teach them and it went very well! It was neat, first of all, to see the Bishop set the example of entrusting us with his friends, inviting him to talk to the missionaries, invite them over for dinner with us, and introduce them to another member in the ward who lived in their same neighborhood. It was also neat to get to talk to them because these are people who Bishop never thought would be interested, but the more and more we talk the more and more he is surprised. He says he realized that the worst that could happen would be they don't accept it... and not have the gospel in their lives, which is where they would have been without the invite too, but at least they had the chance to hear it now. Anyways, both lessons went great and we have another appointment set up for this week! They are hoping their 16 year old son will join them this time. Upon our first meeting with them we were able to talk about something we all have in common... Jesus Christ. We had a very nice discussion on who He is and what He means to us, and how great it is that we have Him for our example of how to live our lives striving to be more like Him. During our second meeting with them we answered a few of their questions about the Bible comparable to the Book of Mormon. We were able to bear strong testimony of the Book of Mormon and the blessings that come from studying it, and they accepted to read and pray about it. So Sister Lee and I are really excited to meet with them this week and follow up. The members who were there were such an asset and it went very well. I am learning more and more about how to use the members more effectively in meetings as well as in our finding efforts. It is going really well and I'm excited to see the gospel change these lives.</div>
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I believe I have shared this quote with you before... But I am going to share it again. Because that is how important it is!</div>
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“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (Ensign, May 1980, p. 67).<br />
<br />
What a beautiful promise that is! I am so glad we have been blessed by a loving Heavenly Father who knew we would need help in this life so He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to show us the way. And that He then set up His gospel and had the authority to do so. And that after many years of being taken away from the earth, that same authority, known as the Priesthood, has been restored to the earth once again through the modern day Prophet, Joseph Smith. And that with that authority we have been blessed to have access to such a beautiful and holy scripture as the Book of Mormon. Which I know will bless our lives, as President Marion G. Romney stated, and President Benson reiterated. There really is something special about having such a valuable resource of peace and happiness readily at hand. To be able to come to a greater understanding of, appreciation for, and relationship with my Elder Brother, Jesus Christ has been my most favorite thing (: How can you come closer to Him and not experience the natural effect of having more peace in your heart and desire to do and become better by following Him?<br />
<br />
Anyways... enough about that. You all know how I feel (: It is just such a great opportunity to be able to testify so frequently of our Savior and His restored gospel! And it is always such a nice reminder to me that it's true... every time I say it to someone new (or type it for the umpteenth time) having it confirmed to me that the words coming out of my mouth are true. And that, my friends, brings me never-ending happiness (: So it was a pretty good night there with the Bullock's. Jackline, from Brazil actually (:, was shining a big bright smile the whole night and thanked us for the Spirit we brought with us. She is very spiritually in-tune and it's amazing to experience. I'm really excited to keep working with them!<br />
<br />
With Patricia too! She is doing great! I don't remember how much I have told you about her... but she is incredibly sweet. Like.. the sweetest thing ever. haha. She has us over a few times a week and we have a great time. She is insanely intelligent and has more questions than I thought possible. Questions about deep stuff too, nonetheless, because she has been going to church for 7 months straight now. She loves learning everything there is to know! More than I myself even know, so it's been really neat to learn along side her!<br />
<br />
Dave and Rena are doing well too!! They both received priesthood blessings and couldn't help but share with us the Spirit that was felt while they were seeing the blessings of the priesthood at work. Rena loves to learn too, and it's neat to see how excited she gets over even the little things! She had a bunch of questions about what it means in the scriptures when it councils to be as little children... I thought this was particularly special because that defines her! Humble, submissive, meek, full of love, willing to submit to the Father, SO ready and willing to learn (: It's neat. Simple as that.<br />
<br />
Transfers are coming up already! I can't believe it. I can honestly say it feels like I just got here... and I have a TON more work to do. So I hope I stay (: But of course, wherever I go I'll be more than happy, and I'll let you guys know where I end up as soon as I know (: I don't want to jinx it.. so that's all I'm going to say (: haha<br />
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Sister Lee and I are having a bunch of fun and pushing each other to do better every day! I think I have mentioned how open she is? Well, she's helping me learn how to show my feelings rather than being a robot (; haha<br />
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Anyways... I don't want to bore you, everything is just so significant to me! haha But hey, just know that I am loving the work and loving the Lord more and more each day (:<br />
<br />
Speaking of which... they turned one of my most recent favorite talks into a series of Mormon messages!! Look up Daily Bread: Pattern, Daily Bread: Experience, and Daily Bread: Change (: And if you didn't do it last time (or even if you did!) go read <a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/01/recognizing-gods-hand-in-our-daily-blessings?lang=eng" target="_blank">http://www.lds.org/ensign/<wbr></wbr>2012/01/recognizing-gods-hand-<wbr></wbr>in-our-daily-blessings?lang=<wbr></wbr>eng</a><br />
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Well my dearest dears (: I love you all!! And I'm loving life out here in sunny California, because I LOVE seeing the change the gospel brings, to my own life as well as to those around me, and I can't help but SMILE knowing that it's all because it is true (:<br />
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xoxo ~ Sister Busenbark (:<br />
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P.S. here are some pictures of my dear friends, Sister Nina Nighimofrad and Sister Beverly White!! (: A very very special day. August 31, 2013. This is how I celebrated Berkley's 1st birthday (;</div>
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FAMILY AND FRIENDS!! Hi (: How are you? It's been a while since I've
heard from all of you. I hope you're doing as well as I am!!<br />
Once
again I have very limited time... because of Labor day being yesterday
and the library being closed, we got to come today. But not for half as
long as we usually get to stay. And so once AGAIN... I apologize. And
re-make my promise that next weeks email will be sooo good (; haha (:<br />
But anyways...<br />
This week was awesome!! Ended in Beverly and Nina's
baptism (: Sister White and Sister Nighibimofrad! We spent much of the
week meeting with them, and preparing for the big day! And it all paid
off quite nicely! They were both very prepared themselves, and the day
ran rather smoothly! We had such a nice group of people come to support
them in their decision to follow Jesus Christ. I am still very impressed
with this ward. It was a very special day, thanks to all the help we
got (: There was an amazing talk given on Faith... it's the first
principle of the gospel, and I've heard about it all my life... and yet I
still gained so much! It's incredible how that always happens (: (also,
it was on Beverly's birthday!! Which was perfect (: We made her
cupcakes and she loves dolphins... so we had fun with that (: she was
taught by the elder's a couple weeks before we got here. She says she
loves teasing the elders, but she loves us sisters (: she's a doll!)<br />
We went to a member's home to wash are car last week (and this week too,
actually) because we needed a DEEP clean in the carpet... we spilt some
soup back there, from loving members who sent us home with left overs!
And if you want to know what that does in 120 degree weather... well you
don't want to know. But if you want to know how to fix it... let the
members serve you by letting them borrow you their wet and dry vacuum!
haha. Our car... the Lord's car (: ... looks (and smells;) better now
than when we got it! So I suppose it was a blessing in desquise? I
suppose the reason I share this with you is because a) it is funny b) we
are intrusted with great things at the Lord's hand, and it's our
responsibility to take care of the things we have stowardship over (cars
included, in my case) and c) there is just something special about
allowing people to serve you! I will tell you over and over again...
service is one of my favorite things to testify of!! Service WILL make
you happy, and you WILL be able to FEEL HIS LOVE!!! Because of His
Atonement (:<br />
Annnnyways, tonight we are eating dinner at Bishop Brown's house, and he
has invited some friends. So it should be really good! We're thinking
we're going to talk about family... my favorite topic (: I'm excited to
let you know how it goes, next week.<br />
Oh! We watched The Testaments last week. I forgot how great of a movie
that is! Very touching. If it's been a while since you've seen it..
watch it for family home evening or something!! There comes such power
in knowing that the Lord loves ALL of us, and desired that we ALL get to
experience His love and miracles (: AND not to mention the great power
in having TWO testimonies of Jesus Christ. And I'll give you a third...
He lives!<br />
I found this set of scriptures and just had to share... John 15:10-13... made me think of all of you (:<br />
Have
such a great week! I pray you find the peace and joy the gospel brings
(: There is seriously no greater thing than that which makes up the
gospel of Jesus Christ. I have lived it, I know it, and I love it! And I
sincerily wish the same for you (: I LOVE YOU!! Remember that Charity
Never Faileth! Because Christ is perfect, and so is His love (:<br />
xoxo ~ Sister Busenbark<br />
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madisenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189217880004935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850076294813530346.post-80904823621125254232014-09-22T14:11:00.002-07:002014-09-22T15:05:38.117-07:00August 2013Hello there!!<br />
Sorry I was so irresponsible with my time on the computer today. I will write you a SUPER good letter this week (: I promise. K? The time went by super fast today and now, before I even knew it, I am having to leave to go to a lesson with Nina and then Beverly! Two lovely ladies entering the waters of baptism this weekend (: It'll be a BEAUTIFUL day. I'll be celebrating Berkley's birthday too (: (I got her pics in the mail today.. so precious!) This week was really really good though!! My prediction was right and Zone Conference was perfect. We had a lot of lessons with Nina and Beverly to help prepare them for the big day, and had a couple referrals from the ward (the ward is AWESOME, by the way) who were actually excited to see us! So that was nice (: AND a nice gentleman named Joseph showed up to church all by himself on Sunday and wants to learn more!! We're being blessed, that's for sure (: So basically... it's going to be a good week!! Can't wait to tell you all about it next week (:<br />
Be sure and give this talk a read! It goes along with what I was saying about y'all last week (:<br />
<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/the-ministry-of-angels?lang=eng&query=ministry+of+angels" target="_blank">http://www.lds.org/general-<wbr></wbr>conference/2008/10/the-<wbr></wbr>ministry-of-angels?lang=eng&<wbr></wbr>query=ministry+of+angels</a><br />
I LOVE YOU ALL!!<br />
The church is so true (:<br />
xoxo<br />
~Sis Mads B.<br />
(:<br />
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Time is one of our most precious gifts. Especially out here. And it is FLYING BY!! I can hardly believe it. Where did it go? I bet I could figure it out... but it might take too much of my time (; haha (:<br />
<br />
This week was great. Great, great, great. We're slowly but surely getting to know more and more people and getting more familiar with the area too. Things are going good! We even started teaching a new lady named Patricia! She is a gem. She has been going to church since Feb, she even stays for all three meetings, and she hasn't missed a day since the first day she went! What a better place to meet someone? She already has so many friends in the ward who are there to help answer questions and be there for her, up until this point... and even now, when we missionaries are not. It's the best. She has been "seasoned" so to speak, and has such a grasp for the gospel and all the amazing principles it contains! We are going to her house tomorrow night for dinner (: She's sweet. We met with her for the first time last week and set expectations and talked about the gospel and her background and things. Tomorrow after dinner will be our first official lesson. I'm pretty excited about it!<br />
<br />
Another great person we are teaching... Beverly is her name. She turns 75 on the 31st, and she is excited to be baptized on that day and start the last 1/3 of her decade following Jesus Christ! (that's how she talks about it as;) She was tracted into by the elders before us, and she started coming to church right away. Even though she is loosing her sight. And the answers she gives in class, and in lessons makes you think, "How did you know that?" haha She's great. She actually was the one to tell the elders that she wanted to be baptized, before they even asked her! So she's excited about it. And we're excited to help her prepare for that date, coming rather quickly!! We started over with teaching her, and now we're all caught up and continuing on. We get to meet her a couple times a week and it's a sure pleasure. She even teaches me half the time! haha<br />
<br />
And the other lovely lady who I briefly mentioned last week is named Nina. Her story is really cool. She is from a country where she knew very little about Christ, but she knew that she believed in Christ and wanted to learn more and follow Him. Well, then she came to California to study theater and guess what is across the street from her college? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So one day she decided to knock on the door, because that's the church she was looking for... "The Church of Jesus Christ"... and she knocked for 20 minutes! That's how dedicated she was. Before someone answered the door. We are now teaching her and it's SUCH a joy to be able to see how even just the knowledge of a Savior brightens up the place (: Can you think of anything much happier news than that?<br />
<br />
We are blessed with a couple more investigators too. Dave and Rena. They are so eager to learn and understand! This last time we went over I showed them a bunch of cool study tools on LDS.org that will help them learn and understand and it was the neatest thing to see them light up when they were learning about all the help that is out there for them to be able to continue their learning! They love having missionaries over, and we love coming over too!<br />
<br />
And this week, well I have a good feeling about it (; haha (: Just wait until next week for me to follow up! It should be a happy week, for sure. We received a few referrals who I am feeling really awesome about! The blessings don't seem to stop! I have been blessed with one prepared person after another (: THE FIELD IS WHITE ALREADY TO HARVEST!! (Doctrine and Covenants 4) And that's the truth (:<br />
<br />
Tomorrow is Zone Conference and I am really excited for it. It's always a great time for inspiration and revelation and... President and his wife are just delightful people who make it easy to be taught by the Spirit! haha. I'm definitely excited to see what we talk about. I'm going into it with a lot of prayers that I'm seeking for answers to (: It'll be great. Gets me WAY excited for General Conference coming up! Anybody else already excited? Cause you should be. haha.<br />
<br />
This week I have been thinking a lot about angels... angels on earth and in Heaven. (Doctrine and Covenants 84:88) We are so blessed to have angels all around us. At least, I know I have been blessed with such (: I feel the love of my Savior through those around me on a very regular basis, and I feel it through all of you. I feel it as I reflect all the great influences and examples I have been blessed with in my life. Before the mission, as well as out here. And I consider the blessings that have been bestowed upon me... through them... well, let's just say their endless. And it's a constant reminder to me that I'm not alone, and that I'm loved. Same goes for all of you (: Thank you for being my angels, and thank you for your support and prayers and letters and love! Love is the best, and service brings love... and it's also serving our God! (John 3:16-17; Mosiah 2:17) So let's serve someone today (: You'll love the feeling it brings, I promise.<br />
<br />
The church is still true family and friends, of that I know for a surety.<br />
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So smile and share the light with those around you!<br />
<br />
Love always, Sister Madisen Busenbark (:<br />
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HI!! (: How is everyone?? Hopefully doing good!! I don't have a lot of time today... suuuper sorry. (the new library I go to only allows us on the computer for 1 hour now... and I'm already almost out of time. I'll try to get use to it and manage my time better next week!!) But anyways... I am doing so good! My new ward is awesome! Everyone I have met thus far is super great! I'm excited to see how this transfer goes. So, I'm in the Palm Desert zone in the Park View ward. This is their first time having their own set of missionaries, I believe, and they haven't had sisters in a while. So they're excited! My new companion's name is Sister Lee. She is from Orem Utah and is fresh out of high school! So that's fun. It's about... I don't know... triple digest here. Super hot! I've had a constant head ache since I got here, but I'm still alive and smiling! President Van Cott told me that he distinctly felt that this ward needed sisters. And he instantly thought of me. And I believe he's a man of God! So I know this is where I'm supposed to be, and I'm excited to see what great things will come of this! When we first got here.. we had no area book or ward directory or list of people they've been working with or anything.. so I was a little lost. BUT, luckily one of the elders who used to cover this ward is in the next ward over so they came over to show us the ranks and now I'm feeling really good about things! I'll have to tell you about the people I am already working with when I have more time (: They are awesome! So anyways... transfer day was pretty crazy but then of course that means that happiness follows! It was ABSOLUTELY hard to say goodbye to everyone! Especially since the Bloomington ward had a relief society activity the night before we left and they all said bye to us there... and said all these kind words and things... kind words make it much harder. haha. but it was nice! AND I got to see them again on Saturday (: (a good handful, at least!) because Sister Stone is AMAZING and drove all the way to Palm Desert to pick me up for Brenda's baptism!! It was the most beautiful thing (: I know I say that about every baptism.. but it's true! Bryant, baptized last week, received the Priesthood and was able to perform the ordinance of baptism for Brenda! It was very special. I am so glad I was able to be a part of it, and I am so glad I was able to go back to see the last baptism!! It was hard to leave all of these people I have come to love.. but I know I will see them again, and our relationship will continue to bless my life!! AND I'll just get to meet more amazing people... as I already have, even in just the few short days I've been here!! Anyways... I only have a minute left... literally!! I love you!! And I hope you're doing as good as I am (; Preach the gospel at all times... if necessary, use words!!<br />
I'll write more next week, and I'll send you a written letter mom!<br />
I LOVE YOU!!!<br />
And the church is still true (:<br />
~ Sister Busenbark<br />
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Dear Family,<br />
<br />
Before I get into the letter, I have an update...
I'M BEING TRANSFERRED!! I leave Wednesday morning. (So any mail should
be sent to 7000 Central, Highland 92346... I'm really far behind on
replies, but I WILL reply. I promise. I appreciate the love and
support:) I will be with a new Sister, who I will meet on Wednesday, and
my current companion, Sister Davis, will be finishing being trained by
another Sister in Yucca. The ward we are in now will be split into 3
areas vs just 2. And all 6 missionaries will be Elders. I will be
training my new Sister, starting over the 12 week training program from
day 1. I'm really excited... I wasn't expecting this at all, but I'm
really excited to see what the Lord has in store for me!<br />
<br />
Now... <br />
<br />
This past week was fantastic. Bryant's baptism was
beautiful, as was his confirmation, as well as his joy in receiving the
priesthood. (He will get to baptize Brenda on the 10th!) What a great
way to end my time in Bloomington. (Brother Emerson conducted
the service and his humility really added to it. He was so sweet and
humble and you could just tell that he took the assignment seriously,
which was perfect. There are so many great people who always add such a
sweet Spirit to these baptismal services who are so willing to help out,
support, and be a part of such a special day.) Brenda's baptism is this
weekend, and I imagine it will be just a beautiful because she is just a
prepared. I cannot wait to hear of what great things they will offer in
this ward. We were definitely blessed with these ones. On Saturday, the
evening of Bryant's baptism, we went to the temple with a group of
active members, less active members, new members, and future members. It
was a great spirit that was there as we all bonded together. And much
to my amazement, Bryant and Brenda went off on their own after our
little lesson, and when we found them... they were sitting on a bench
studying the Book of Mormon together! What a great example to us all.<br />
<br />
(After the temple walk trip we headed back to Sister Roman's place
and we had a little girls night! We had dinner, ate deliiiicious treats,
and watched about a billion mormon messages!! My favorites were all the
one's about the temple, as we had just returned from my favorite place
(: We could feel the Spirit so strongly, even just from being on the
temple grounds. The next time we all (all the same people) go back, we
plan on going in (: haha. There is no doubt in my mind... they will all
make it!! They're all so amazing, they've got the eternal perspective in
mind. And it's already blessing their lives so much!)<br />
<br />
There were some people in this area that weren't as easy slash
enjoyable to work with... at first. But now.. by the end... I couldn't
be more grateful for them. I have been able to see complete
transformations, both in my love and in their character. It's a true
blessing to get to see the Atonement in action. The opposition truly
made the good times that much more enjoyable. There's one lady in
particular... She was hard to teach, and she wasn't progressing. But I
knew that God wanted her back, and I wanted her back. I just had to
remind myself that God never gives up on me, so I better not give up on
His children either. And, of course, I prayed to love her. I knew I
loved her as a child of God, but I wanted to love her as my sister...
and it worked. By the end of last transfer I didn't want to say goodbye.
And I am so glad that I didn't have to. Because I have since been able
to see all those rough times in her house pay off. She is coming to
church, fullfilling her calling, feeding the missionaries, giving us
referrals, making the changes in her life to become worthy to enter the
temple, and so on and so forth. I hate to say goodbye now, but... change
is a good thing. I am just so grateful for the time that I have had.
And I look forward to the day when I get to return and see how they're
all doing. My first area, Bloomington, and the people here (there are so
many... I wish I could write you about each and every one of them, and
what they mean to me. Just know there are good people everywhere... and
they're looking out for me out here... "angels round about"(D&C
84:88)... physically and spiritually) will always have a special place
in my heart.<br />
<br />
I'm really excited to be going to Palm Desert, but I will say that
I'm having to put forth actual effort as to not allow the fear to enter
in... gotta hold on to the faith... I'm willing, don't get me wrong, the
natural man side of me just gets nervous in the heat (it's, on average,
a good 10-15 degrees HOTTER there than it is where I am right now)! I
know that President Van Cott has been called of God and I am confident
that He knows better than I where I belong, and what I can handle. He
will provide a way, I know that for sure. (1 Nephi 3:7)<br />
<br />
I am really excited to expand the variety of people I have been
blessed to work with, as I will not forget about those here in
Bloomington, but rather just add more people to my pool of eternal
friends. I've learned a lot in this ward, and I've learned a lot from my
companion and ward mates and I'm really excited to implement those
things in this next transfer there in Park View. And like both mission
President's I have had have pointed out... transfer's are a chance to
change myself, and start doing those things that I've wished I had done
all along. Change is GOOD. It's an opportunity to grow. Luckily for me,
they don't know me... so I can start fresh and try a little harder to be
a little better, and through the strength of the Lord become the
missionary I want to be. With the Lord's help, nothing is impossible (:<br />
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I love you all very much, and I'm excited to tell you all about my
next area, ward, and people I will meet!! My plan is to find those who I
promised I would (: Those who know the real me.. knows that I get
attached easily. And fast. Which is both good and bad... bad because
goodbye's stink... but good because I'm sure I'll get the hang of the
new area fast enough! I would appreciate your prayers.. on behalf of
myself and the heat I will be entering come Wednesday, the converts I
was blessed to work with and am now leaving, the Park View vineyard of
the Lord's where I will be entering, as well as your OWN area... that
you may be able to recognize those missionary opportunities that are
around you (:<br />
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I pray for you as often as time permits, and I appreciate your continual love and support as well.<br />
I LOVE YOU!! Have a great week.<br />
And I hope you know what I'm going to say next...<br />
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THE CHURCH IS SO TRUE!!<br />
Sister Madisen Busenbark<br />
<br />madisenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189217880004935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850076294813530346.post-40335667248182037562014-09-22T14:07:00.003-07:002014-09-22T15:03:45.294-07:00July 2013<div>
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So, brothers and sisters, how in the world are ya?? I sure do hope you're doing well (: I am always at a loss of words when I sit down to tell you about my week... it's just so hard to pick what to share!! haha<br />
I suppose I'll start here... Adriana's baptism was BEAUTIFUL!! We had a lot of support again, even a bunch of investigators and less actives came! Afterwards, we went to this really delicious Thai place together for lunch to celebrate! Adriana and the Cativo family (the husband is back from Mexico now, yay!! He's come to church the past couple weeks and the baptism and lunch and he's going to start taking the lessons from the spanish elders!! THAT FAMILY'S GOING TO BE A FOREVER FAMILY FOR SURE!! AND Adriana told her brother about the gospel and he wanted missionaries over too! So cool.) Then they went to the singles dance at our church building.. so that's pretty cool. Embracing themselves in the gospel... AND gospel activities!! Saweet! (: And then her confirmation... Bro. Miller (the 1st counselor in the ward) did the confirmation again. And it was BEAUTIFUL again. He is so incredibly in tune with the Spirit. It's inspiring. As most of you know, after the gift of the Holy Ghost is confired upon the person, and they are confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, they pronounce a blessing upon them, as the Spirit directs. And once again, it was confirmed to me that our Father in Heaven is very mindful of us and knows us perfectly. Some things were said to her that I know were perfect and very specific to her because I have worked with her so much the past month... but Bro Miller never knew. But he said. Confirmation to me that it was directed by the Spirit (: And so very incredible. The Spirit was so strong! I am so incredibly happy for her. She's already got her eye set on the temple, and I'm already planning on being their with her (:<br />
On Saturday before the baptism, we had a lesson with Bryant and Brenda, the young engaged couple that is preparing to be baptized this weekend. And the COOLEST thing happened! So, you must know, these two are SO awesome and SO prepared. But up until this day, Bryant hadn't fully accepted that he knew it was true.. buuut, know he does! He accepts it and he accepts it fully! He shared with us at the beggining of the week that he had a dream, a dream that he took to mean that he was supposed to keep studying! And he was told to "believe"! Well, the next time we talked to him (at the lesson on Sat) he told us, "Guys, I already told Brenda, but I wanted to officially tell you two. I for Sure WANT to be baptized on Sat." Then he proceeded to tell us that he knows for himself that it is true! And that he knows for himself that he is doing this for himself, and not for his fiance! And that he WANTS THE PRIESTHOOD ASAP SO THAT HE CAN BE THE ONE TO BAPTIZE BRENDA! It was a happy news kind of day, for sure (: One of the HAPPIEST things is when someone looks you in the eyes and tells you that they recognize their confirmation from the Holy Ghost that this message is true! (:<br />
My time on the computers have come to an end speedily once again.. I took some time and helped the guy next to me set up his email account. And now I have a few short minutes left, but I am doing SO good and so are the people I have been spending my precious time with!! I am seeing the blessings of obedience every day, in my own life as well as the lives of those I see.<br />
One person in particular has started to make changes in her life that are allowing her to feel of the Spirit more promptly and I'm telling you... I can see it!! Before she even told me that she has made the changes, right when I saw her I thought, "Wow, she sure looks good! And happy! And bright! And filled with light!" And then at the end of our lesson she told me and I was just like... THAT EXPLAINS IT!! Haha It was awesome. I LOVE seeing the gospel change people's lives, and bless it tramendously! It brightens my day and reminds me that this is His work. And when you're on His side, He'll be on yours... and you'll never go wrong. I know that this church is true. I may not have experienced a whole lot of anything other than the gospel in my life.. but I don't need to. I see it. I see it everywhere. And I know that anything other than this.. well it's misery. I am SO grateful to have the gospel in my life, and to have been raised by such great parents. I am grateful to know I can be with my family forever. And I am grateful I know exactly what I need to do to do so. AND I'm grateful that I have the chance to share this to my fellow brothers and sisters here in California so that they don't have to be miserable much longer. Mosiah 2:41, right? (: I love you all so very much and I feel closer to you each day! Helping others come unto Christ, and learn of the truth (which sets them free;) is one of the easiest found joys that can come! Continue to share the gospel, you'll know what I'm talking about (:<br />
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Have the best week ever, and know that the church is still true, and our Heavenly Father is mindful of you! Yes, YOU!!<br />
xoxo - Sister M. Busenbark</div>
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Sister Davis, myself, and ADRIANA the day she chose to follow Jesus Christ and enter the gate to eternal life (:</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Family!! (: This past week ROCKED!! I wish I was a better writter, so that I could adequately share the weeks events! But, this will have to do...</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">So on Saturday TU GOT BAPTISED!! :D It was seriously the most beautiful baptismal service I have ever been to! It was at 8am... no better way to start the day! Then, afterwards, we headed over to the Stake Pioneer Day celebration! THEN we went over to Sister Stone's house and she made us her famous chicken fried steaks.. yuuuum! Then we went to ANOTHER baptism in the ward, on the other sister's side! Denise is her name (: And we ended the day with studying from the Book of Mormon with Tu! It was SUCH a great day! It was the day that marked my 4 month mark... crazy cool! What better way (: At Sister Browne's baptism, we had so much support from the ward and everything went so smoothly! I was expecting to be way stressed and everything that morning but actually... complete opposite (: It's wonderful how the Spirit will do that for you! (:</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">We went over to Sister Roman's (she feeds us pretty much weekly) and taught her daughter Sydney again (7 year old, preparing to be baptised when she turns 8) and afterwards we watched a bunch of mormon messages! This one was amazing... "The Temple- Always in Our Sights" The temple is my FAVORITE!! Everyone has all their goals of how many baptisms they want out here on their mission... my goal is how many people I want to see go through the temple (: </span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">I learned a little bit of Spanish!! Yo se que Jesucristo es mi Salvador (:</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">(oh no.. I just found out the library is closing early today and I only have 7 min left.. sorry I have cut you short this week!)</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Last night I had the coolest experience (: I was looking high and low for a letter that Justin sent me last month... with a bunch of pictures that he had sent. I couldn't find them ANYWHERE and I was out of places to look! So then.. I said a prayer. Right then and there. As I was kneeling there in my closet (where I was looking) in the middle of my prayer I had the thought come to mind, "Check your suitcase" And I thought, "I already checked inside my suitcase!" but then I thought, "look inside your books inside your suitcase." Well, I closed my prayer and opened my suitcase. There were two books in there. In the second book.. sure enough... there they were! I was in awe! It was SO cool! It's not like Heavenly Father placed them there or anything... but I know that it was that prayer, asking Him, that the Holy Ghost then came to bring to my rememberance something that He knew was important to me (: It was perfect! And also... while I was looking for the pics I found Adaley's old CTR ring that she lost a long time ago in my backpack! I thought it'd be cute to wear so I put it on... now I can't take it off ;P hahahah (: Oh well! Not a bad thing to not be able to take off (: Anyways... those things were super cool!!</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">We also have been working a lot this week with Adriana and Brenda and Bryant and they are all doing GREAT!! I wish I had more time to tell you about them (: But I'm almost out of time... 30 seconds... I'll write more next week! Know that I love you and that the CHURCH IS STILL TRUE!!! True and everlasting (:</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">~ Sister Busenbark</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">FAMILY!! :D</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">I'm doing really well and this week was full of noticeable miracles. This week I memorized Mosiah 2:41. (One of my personal favorites (: mom challenged us as a family to do it this year. I share it a lot.. so I know where it is and what it says.. but I figured now is the time I actually keep my commitment and actually MEMORIZE it word for word! And that has been SUCH a blessing! Blessings come when you commit to memory the words of the Lord. Such a strength!) I'm much happier even just 'considering the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God.' I met our mission president and his family last week! President Van Cott is SO amazing, and so is his dear family! Seriously, within moments of meeting him I just felt such love for them. And from them! Their service is a nice reminder to me that our Savior loves me!</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">He gave us a great training on the importance of the Book of Mormon. He shared with us the famous talk by President Benson. Go read it! </span><a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/1986/11/the-book-of-mormon-keystone-of-our-religion" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" target="_blank">http://www.lds.org/ensign/<wbr></wbr>1986/11/the-book-of-mormon-<wbr></wbr>keystone-of-our-religion</a><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">It's amazing. He quotes President Marion G. Romney in his promise to thse who read and study the Book of Mormon ... </span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (Ensign, May 1980, p. 67).</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Isn't that amazing? The Book of Mormon is SO true, wich means that this church is So true! Which means we have a living prophet to lead and guide us and show us the way, priesthood power to seal our families together for all eternity, and a Savior of the world who broke the bands of physical and spiritual death of which this sacred book bears testimony! It's the BEST! I invite you all to... Moroni 10:3-5 (:</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">(and also watch this! </span><a href="https://www.lds.org/youth/video/origin?cid=HPL2P09W03012&lang=eng" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/youth/<wbr></wbr>video/origin?cid=<wbr></wbr>HPL2P09W03012&lang=eng</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">)</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Sister Davis and I are still seeing so many miracles. One of our investigator's, Tu, has been preparing for baptism this weekend! And she is WONDERFUL! She has been a pleasure to work with. I love how excited about the gospel she is. On Saturday we taught her the law of tithing. By the end.. she asked when she could start paying it! And on Sunday she said to me, "Sister Busenbark, you're going to show me where the tithing slips are before we leave today, right?" She definitely see's that it is a blessing to be able to pay tithing and help build up the kingdom of God and she is very happy to do so! Her baptism is this Saturday, at 8am. Then, Adriana, another one of our blessed investigators, is on track to be baptized the following weekend. The last time we met with her, she told us that she believes that Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God because when she hears him speak she feels such love, peace, and comfort! And then, we were blessed with two more people to teach this week, Brenda and Bryant (the sweetest engaged couple you've ever seen), and they were so excited to set their baptismal date for the weekend following that! And they even already started telling people how excited they are! It was our first lesson with them, and Brenda already shared with us her feelings of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon (very VERY good feelings!) and they are both very thrilled to finally learn more! They know this is where they belong, and they want to raise their future family in the gospel of Jesus Christ. And we received member help with them all too! Which reminds me... one of the less active members we see on a weekly basis has been doing SO awesome! I LOVE seeing members come back to church (: And she has a non-member son, who before was just... friendly. Well now... he sits in with us! Soo cool. So, as you can see, it was a very nice week here in Bloomington. Nothing else is even worth focusing on (: This week should be just as amazing! I expect nothing less, doing the Lord's work. Sharing the gospel, and being a part of bringing others unto repentance and baptism (the gateway to heaven) brings such joy!</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">This gospel is so true!</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">And I love you!! (:</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">- Sister Madisen Busenbark</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">"After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 113)</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">"Let the Saints remember that great things depend on their individual exertion, and that they are called to be co-workers with us and the Holy Spirit in accomplishing the great work of the last days." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 178-79)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Hi family (:<br />So.. I won't lie.. I have a rather bad head ache right now and am having a very hard time concentrating/thinking of what happened this past week to write about.. but I will try my best!<br />So I'll start with today.. it is P-day, and we went on a hike this afternoon! It was very fun! A hike in California, and guess what... I didn't pass out or anything! That's the first hike I've been on in a long time where I've made it without any complications! What a blessing! It was very enjoyable (: Although.. that Is probably why I am having to suffer the consequences now. But hey.. On the hike, I was golden! Thankfully! Because it was a Beautiful hike (: (I did, however, lay down in the shade by the waterfall when almost everyone else was playing in the sun! haha)<br />On Saturday we had a lesson with Adriana (I am pretty sure I have told you about her? She is living with members and she is SO awesome. We set her baptismal date during our first lesson with her for July 27th!) and it was great (: Sister Maritza Roman came, which was perfect! The Cativo's, Adriana, and Sis. Roman have become rather good friends out here! They're so great (: I love sharing such spiritual experiences/truths with them.. it really does bring people together, the gospel! During this lesson we watched a Mormon message titled lifting burdens: the atonement of Jesus Christ. It's one of my favorite compilations (: Go check it out! You won't regret it. In fact, it'll leave you saying, "That's it?! It's over already?!!" Just like sister Cativo said (: haha (Shout out to Ada, who I think about almost every time I go over to their house!! Because she talks about her little brother, who happens to be her best friend!)<br />Friday we went to Sister White's son's girlfriends house.. her name is Amber.. to help her pack up for her move! It was a really great experience. I think us missionaries are growing on her (; haha (: I've said it before and I'll say it again.. Service is one of my favorite ways to do missionary work! I LOVE how much love it brings, and opens doors for everyone to be able to feel of the Savior's love for them through one another (: We also listened to church music while we were there and packing up, which was also a great thing! Music is such a great way to invite the spirit (:<br />On the 4th of July.. we were actually home by 7, not 6! But it was pretty much just an average day.. we just did weekly planning that night which takes a couple hours. Then fell asleep listening to helicopters, fireworks, and fire truck sirens (; haha (: I will get to celebrate pioneer day this year, even though I'm not in Utah!! The stake is putting something on. It should be fun!<br />Wednesday morning we went over to the De Siqueira's like we do every Wednesday morning! haha, and we left Alex (the daughter) and assignment to learn about missionary work! And so she did, and prepared a game for us to play to teach us what she learned! She's the sweetest thing. There was this one block of the board game that said "bear your testimony in sacrament meeting" and Sister Davis landed on it, so she said ok but only if you're there to hear it! And she was! And they went up together! It was great (: She is just the cutest most excited thing ever.. about the gospel! She's going to make an amazing full-time missionary some day! I love seeing people get so excited about the gospel and about missionary work! It really does make people SO happy!! There's a reason we want to share it with EVERYONE!! haha (:<br />Unfortunately those are really the only things I can think of at the moment.. but it was overall a good week here in Bloomington, as always! And I'm excited for this week (: I finally get to meet our new mission president on Wednesday! That'll be cool. He is making Lots of changes! Including NO tracting allowed!! Unless prompted to knock a certain door, that is, of course. It'll be interesting to see all the other changes that will be made! I think we find out more on Wednesday. But it'll be sweet!<br />Oh, by the way! Mom, it happened again (us being in sync with each other!) I got your letter on the 5th, the one telling me to look up the word "grace" in the Bible Dictionary.. and guess what? I have been studying grace and had shared that very thing with several people the past several days leading up to the day I got your letter! How awesome (: Now, I encourage everyone else to look it up.. it's amazing. One of my favorite words, actually. Grace (: The enabling power of the Atonement is just so... enabling (: hehe And PERFECT!! I have a very strong love for our Savior, and testimony that He lives. He lives to strengthen us (: What a blessing it is to be able to access that each and every day. I am overwhelmed with our Heavenly Father's love for His children often, and I hope you can all recognize that love in your life. Because trust me.. it's there (:<br />Well my beloved family, I must be off! Thanks for the (e)mail this week! It helps a lot (:<br />I am so blessed!<br />And I love you (:<br />The church is still true!!<br />~ Sister M. Busenbark (:<br />p.s. this week I had two random thoughts that put a smile on my face..<br />arrow head hunting with dad back in the day! One of the first things I wanna do when I get back (:<br />and each morning I eat frosted mini wheat’s with almond milk I think of grandpa!<br />haha. And, of course, I think of the rest of y'all often too (:<br />But those two thoughts I just had to share..<br />I LOVE YOU ALL!!<br />Pray on!! (3 Nephi 19:26)</span></div>
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Hi Fam (:<br />
(This will be in response to mom's letter, but it's all relevant for all!)<br />
<br />
I
am in the California Redlands Mission, effective today! It really is
exciting news, thank you for the congrats (: I am definitely happy to
be staying in the area (staying in Bloomingon!) for a while
longer. You're right, I have the honor of working with some great people
here.<br />
<br />
I am training! WHAT? Yup.. I am just as shocked as everyone else.
Just finished my first 12 weeks and now I'm the one doing the training.
Which means, odds are that I'll be in Bloomington for another 12 weeks
while I train! Which will be cool. 1/3 of the mission in the same area!
What a blessing that will be. I can already tell.. this place is always
going to hold a special place in my heart. It's been quite the
experience to be able to be a trainer! My new companion's name is Sister
Davis (yes, another Sister Davis!) and she is from Hennifer (spell?)
Utah. She is 21 and went to school at Utah State. We do have a lot in
common. She's quite the athlete and loves animals. She has these
questions on this sheet that we answer every day.. that's been fun to
help us get to know each other. She's an outstanding missionary
already! I'm very impressed. In fact, she's practically training ME!
haha I've definitely been blessed there too. Makes my job a lot less
taxing (: And yes, now that I'm the senior companion that does mean that
I drive. Sometimes I surprise myself with how well I know the area, and
other times it surprises me how much I get lost! haha. It's a fun
adventure, that's for sure. I HOPE I'm going to be a great trainer..
luckily I know that the Lord can enable me to be an effective trainer. I
just hope and pray that I can improve myself every day so that I can
know how to best serve those we are working with, as well as in
training. It's a huge responsibility! The way she is trained.. well
that's the missionary she will be. And then train other missionaries.
And the effect will be long after I leave. We have things to follow each
day though, the 12 week program. Sister Hudrlick told me as we were
hugging each other goodbye last week (she's in the other mission now.
great, bubbly, happy senior missionary) to follow the training exactly
and I won't go astray. I know that for a fact. Sometimes it proves hard
to manage time to be able to follow it.. but I know I need to. It is
very important. And I am so grateful that it is all layed out for me
already! They definitely don't send you in blindly to anything out here,
that's for sure (: Anyways.. my first week of training was GREAT!
Seriously, like I said.. she's practically the one training me. <br />
<br />
It has been SO hott here. Like... I can't even explain it. It's like
nothing I've ever experienced before! haha. This week has been the
hottest of them all.. let the summer begin! It motivates me to find
people QUICK so that I can get out of the hott sun and in to
appointments inside nice air conditioned houses! Although.. many people
don't have that either. So I'm drinking my weight in water still (:
haha. I'm doing good though.. had a few rough days, but nothing that has
taken away my mental focus! Sometimes it takes a conscious effort of
paying attention and staying focused on the people and lesson and
promptings of the Holy Ghost, and not dwelling on how I'm feeling.. but
it's getting easier! In fact, I haven't had to try very hard this week,
even though it was the worst of them all (: The Atonement really can
enable us to serve beyond our own natural capasity!<br />
<br />
I still am studying the Book of Mormon stories (: They're so cool!
The Book of Mormon reader that you sent me has more of the stories than
the Book of Mormon reader that Sis. Davis (trainer) had! I'm excited!
The Book of Mormon really is the evidence that this is the true and
everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ (: And such power comes from the
stories as we apply them to our lives, in helping us better follow
Christ, which is testifies of and brings us closer to!<br />
<br />
My new mission President's name is President Van Cott! I haven't met
him yet, but I already hear great things about him! He is from Utah,
and has a young beautiful family! I'm really excited to get to serve
with them (: Although.. I Do miss Pres and Sis Godwin already. They are
amazing and I have thoroughly enjoyed serving with them the past couple
months. Feel like I've known them a lot longer than that! But I know
that Pres Van Cott has been called of God too and I know that the
service between one another will bring that instant love here too! In
fact, already has (: We didn't have a going away party or anything, but
we all took pictures of us and wrote our testimonies on the back and
made it into a little book for them. We also gave them ties (sister
Godwin is making a quilt with ties from the mission)and flowers and
things and we all got to say our goodbyes on Tuesday at transfer
meeting! Which practically Was a party, by the way! It was the first and
only time Everyone from the mission was all in the same place at the
same time! So as the mission split, we all got to takes pics, sign
journals, and say our goodbyes! It was a fun little reunion, and there
will be many more reunions as we all return home too! It's cool the
amazing relationships that you gain out here so fast. Such a blessing to
have met so many awesome people out here! (by the way.. Sister Davis
(trainer) is in the other mission.. bummer. (missions will not see each
other until after we all return home) but that's ok! because I know we
are both where we need to be. as well as all the other people I got
seperated from. she's in upland!) Oh and we have the temple in our
mission now!! (it was out of our mission before) and even just having it
near is a blessing (: BLESSINGS! All around (: haha</div>
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Oooh fun!! I hope ya'll had a good time at the family reunion and
gave everyone hugs and kisses from me (: I love you all so much!!
(bahaha, dad... "there's not stop signs on the freeway!" good times, for
sure (: ) Sounds like some FUN plans for the 4th of July!! Be sure to
take lots of pictures and tell me all about it (: (we actually have to
be home by 6pm on the 4th.. but I'm sure we'll still have fun! the
member's house we ate at last night lit off some fireworks for us so
that we could see some since we have to be inside on the 4th! so that
was fun (: haha) So glad to hear everything is going well with everyone
and you're having fun!!</div>
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This week we had some AMAZING lessons! Yesterday we watched the
joseph smith: the prophet of the restoration dvd with an investigator
at a members home and the spirit was SO strong! Afterwards we talked
about prayer, the Book of Mormon, and the Holy Ghost! Uhhh!! I am SO
grateful for this gospel! I know that Joseph Smith was called of God to
restore His church on the earth for the last time, and I know that
through prayer, scripture study, and church attendance.. it has been
manifest to me through the Holy Ghost! I am so grateful that Moroni made
that promise (Moroni 10:3-5) that we have the power to draw down the
powers of heaven to be able to ask God if it is true! I am SO grateful
that all of Joseph Smith's (and his family, and the other pioneers)
efforts were not in vain! And I am SO grateful for latter day revelation
to lead and guide us in these days! And to have that
Priesthood (authority from God) power on the earth today to be able to
seal families together forever, and heal the sick, and comfort the
afflicted! And I am SO grateful that I have the opportunity to share
it's glad message every day!! Christ lives! I know that without a doubt!
The Book of Mormon strengthens that knowledge of mine each and every
day as I read and pray.<br />
<br />
May you all feel and recognize of His love in your lives,<br />
I do pray, and I say,<br />
in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.<br />
<br />
I love you SOO much!! And pray for you every day (:<br />
Shine bright, the world needs your light!!<br />
(Matt. 5:14-16)<br />
<br />
Love always,<br />
Sister Madisen Busenbark<br />
XOXO<br />
(:<br />
<br />
p.s. the new mission office address is <br />
7000 Central, Highland CA, 92346<br />
(please
update all my things! (facebook/blog) so that everyone knows to send
mail to the new address instead of the old (: thank you!)</div>
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madisenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189217880004935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850076294813530346.post-197769815468455512014-09-22T13:57:00.002-07:002014-09-22T15:00:54.200-07:00June 2013<div>
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Well family (: It's another week come and gone here in Rialt. And possibly even my last! I don't have hardly any time today.. unfortunately. But fortunately it's because I am super duper busy here in Rialto!! Transfers are tomorrow, so today's p-day is crazy. I'll give you the quick update though.. I RECEIVED MY FIRST TRIANING CALL!! I meet my new companion tomorrow morning, and we will be heading to my next area, starting a new adventure! I am kind of nervous about training already.. but mostly I'm just excited... and humbled knowing there is NO way I can do this without my Savior. It'll be a neat expereince, that's for sure. This last week.. we found 4 new investigators. All of them being SUPER awesome. Like.. really really. One of them even asked US what the soonest she could be baptised would be! And we met with her two days in a row, and when on the second day she told us that she had already called her boss and got Sunday off from here on out, starting this next week! This is a lady who just barely asked us if we could teach her, almost a year after her daughter has been baptised and she had been so closed and even talking badly about the gospel.. she decided it was time she listened. And when she did, she said "I was studying the Book of Mormon along side the Bible last night... I don't know why I was so against it before. It teaches the same thing! I am so sorry I didn't listen before, but I am so glad that I am hearing it now." And in the closing prayer she even gave the credit to the Lord for her eyes being opened after all this time of trying to refuse it. It is so cool to see someone change to complete pollar opposites! I have learned so much from this ward, this companion, and the people I meet on a daily basis in this area. It's a true blessing to serve. And it's a true blessing to be able to reflect back on the many miracles I have been able to witness within the first 12 weeks of the mission. It is such a blessing to be able to see such miracles on such a daily basis as a missionary (: Also.. didn't that missionary leadership conference just get you SO pumped yesterday? It's an exciting time, for sure (: Anyways.. I know this is the true, full, everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ restored to the earth in these last days! And I am so grateful for that to be confirmed to me so frequently as I bear testimony and feel the Holy Ghost confirm it to me once again (: I love you all and hope you've had a fantastic week!! And hopefully I'll be able to manage my time better next week (: Have a great week, and smile a LOT, because THE CHURCH IS STILL TRUE!!<br />
xoxo~ Sister Madisen Busenbark (:<br />
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Hi family and friends (:<br />
This last week was so eventful! I hope I have enough time to write everything that I want to (: I feel like I've jipped you the past couple weeks. And for that I appologize (: But THIS week.. some cool things happened (: We went to a member's for dinner, and we were going to stay after to teach her daughter a lesson (she is 7 and preparing to be baptised) but she ended up being at softball. But then her mom jokingly said, "you can stay and teach me the lesson!" it was on the plan of salvation. We really did take her up on that though (: And it ended up being really really great. We prepared it for a 7 year old and taught it to a 20something year old.. and the spirit was so strong. Before the lesson even came to an end.. I was convinced that it was her who the lesson was for (: We went to a lesson with Marlo (the amazing one who knows the Book of Mormon better than anyone I know!) and he is going through a seperation. He wasn't doing so good when we got there.. but we said a kneeling prayer with him and the Spirit came immediately. It was such a neat experience. I can't even describe it. But you must know.. it was his first kneeling prayer. Nobody ever thought to ask him to say a kneeling prayer, and at church we don't kneel, so he had no idea that we even did that. This surprised me because he has been through a lot of missionaries. But it didn't surprise me at the same time because we knelt in dirt and rocks.. buut.. that made it all the better, I think. Because we were all so willing to kneel uncomfortly physically, to pray for Marlo spiritually. It was amazing. There's something so powerful about a kneeling prayer. And he was really really happy afterwards (: It was SO cool to be a part of. Then the next day he took us to this steak house and had us wear ties like the elders (it's his tradition to take his missionaries to this place) and it was SO good! And guess what? There are NO TIES ALLOWED! So they cut them off, make you sing Home on the Range, and then they take your tie and post it to the wall with your name and where you're from! It was so fun. And you could tell it really made him happy to be able to serve us like that too (: We had dinner at a members house and she had her family who are all non-members join us. Which was super awesome. Her son, who isn't even sure if he believes in God, even came to stake conference with her! Which was in and of itself a miracle! She herself has only been one other time since I have been here. So it was a Very happy day for us! We visit her every week. And learn so much from her! She's awesome. So it is so good to see her make decisions bringing her closer to Christ, and to re-commit herself to living her baptismal covenants and bring her family along with her (: Afterall, families are Centeral to the plan! We were able to invite her son to church, and her mother-in-law and granddaughter to read the Book of Mormon, and they all said yes! It's such a happy thing to see people's lives change and be blessed through the gospel of Jesus Christ (: We did service for a different member too and worked in his shop. It was so fun! I fixed up an old tool box. It looks goood (; haha (: And it definitely helped build our relationship with him and I know that he could feel of the Savior's love for him! Which is a great thing to be able to be a part of (: Another cool thing.. I have read with my companion Preach My Gospel cover to cover once and the whitehandbook two and a half times! And we reached our goal of 70 contacts (actually got more than that!) for the first time, and it didn't even take too much of our time each day! It is amazing to be able to bear testimony 70 + times throughout the week (: I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!! I am learning lots, from the people I work with as well as from my experiences, and I wouldn't have it any other way (: Sister Mullin (our 2 week missionary) leaves tomorrow. I can't believe it's already been 2 weeks! And I find out on Tuesday at transfers where I'll be having my next adventure! Unfortunately I am out of time.. again... but there's a little update for you and know that I KNOW this church is true! This morning I got to go to the temple in Redlands and it was one of the most amazing temple experiences I have ever had. The Temple IS A HOUSE OF GOD a place of LOVE and BEAUTY!! I commit right now to always have a current temple recommend and I challenge all of you to do the same (: Even if you are only old enough to get a limited use and even if you aren't close enough to go all the time. It was BLESS YOUR LIFE!! Living the Gospel brings forth blessings. Temporally and spiritualy. I can promise you that. I have reflected a lot lately on the day I got sealed to my parents.. when I was just a baby. Don't remember it.. but I treasure it. And I simply cannot wait to again stand in that Celestial room in the temple with my whole family someday (: And, the ultimate goal of no empty chairs after this life (: I am SO grateful for temples and forever families! The temple was amazing this morning, I can tell you that much. I have missed it a lot, and am so blessed to have been able to go. And to leave, empowered from on high (: I love you all very much and hope you're all doing as well as I am (; Have a great week!<br />
<br />
Love times a bajillion, your Sister Madisen E. Busenbark (:<br />
<br />
p.s. last week when we picked up our 2 week missionary... guess who I saw? CORY FROM EFY!! He was in my company the week I was in Salt Lake. He is so great, so it was so great to see him (: As a 2 week MISSIONARY!!<br />
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Hi family (:<br />
Unfortunately I don't have a whole lot of time this week.. but it has been a very enjoyable past week, once again! Let me give you a quick update.. On Wednesday we went to the mission office for President interviews. I love president and his wife! They are so incredibly.. incredible. In this interview, we went through together and counted all the missionaries who will be coming out this next transfer, and then counted all the missionaries who will be available to train next transfer. The numbers lined up perfectly! Yikes! I don't even know what I'll do if I get asked to trian in a couple weeks.. turn to the Lord for help, I suppose. Not much else I Can do! haha. I think he was just showing me to freak me out.. well, more like.. to motivate me to kick my butt into gear so that I'll actually be prepared. I'm already humbled even knowing it is a possibility. I've really got a lot of work to do this next couple weeks. We talked about how great the Savior is.. and how He is always there.. which was Perfect (: I just don't know what I'd do without Him. Or without such a great Mission President! He truly is a man called of God (:<br />
On Thursday morning we went back to the mission office, TO PICK UP ANOTHER MISSIONARY!! : D Her name is Sister Mullin, and she will be joining Sister Davis and I for 2 weeks! They have this cool program in the San B mission where they have 2 week missionaries come out and spend 2 weeks with missionaries to have the amazing experience of servining and helping them prepare/decide to serve a fulltime mission! She is GREAT! She is not afraid to open her mouth. Even when the people are half way out the door. In fact, she'll feel bad if she misses someone. I love it! I am learning a lot from her.<br />
On Friday.. WE WENT TO A BASEBALL GAME!! What whaaat? Yes, you heard that right. A baseball game! 66ers Mormon night (: We went with Delores and Kevin (her grandson) and it was SO fun! The 66er's lost, unfortunately, but it was a good game and even better company! I loved being a part of it (:<br />
On Saturday.. we had a teaching appointment with Delores and it WAS AWESOME!! Seriously, couldn't have been better. Definitely went better than any other lesson with her so far (: We taught her the message of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the spirit was So incredibly strong. I can tell she really does want to know for herself if it is true. She sees the importance of our message. And knows it would be HUGE if it were true. She is kind of nervous to pray because she knows she'll get her answer. And she knows when it's confirmed it's true that she'll be held accountable for the knowledge and have to act. And she knows she would want her family to be a part of it to. But is nervous they would react badly.. they are already telling her lost of misinformed stuff about the church. Luckily she always comes straight to the source to clarify.. many people don't do that. Unfornutately. But anyways.. she's doing really good. And it was a great lesson. She said the closing prayer and it was very powerful. I know that as she continues to move forward in faith.. she'll continue to find full happiness and her family will be blessed. Whether they choose to accept the message or not. I'm really excited to continue to work with her (: She's wonderful. I just love how her story is all playing out! From beginning till now.. loove it!<br />
Anyways.. I gotta run to our dinner appointment with the Bishop and his family now! But I LOVE YOU ALL!! Know that I'm doing great, hope y'all are too, and let me thank you again for the continuous prayers (:<br />
MIRACLES!!<br />
xoxo - Sister Madisen E. Busenbark (:<br />
p.s. read about David and Goliath this week.. next week I have a story (:<br />
I LOVE YOU!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have officially been in California for 2 months! Can you believe it?!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">CURRY
GOT BAPTIZED ON SATURDAY!! It was the most amazing day (: I can't even
tell you. Seriously, no words can describe the joy I felt that day. I
can't even imagine how he must have felt! (He will be
confirmed this Sunday. He had high school graduation this Sunday. What a
fantastic weekend for him!) (picture attached)<br />
It really was a great week. Stayed super busy and saw results.<br />I have
to tell you this awesome story.. it has to do with mom and how
connected we are (: hehe (probably being led by the spirit, really) So a
week ago on Friday, I was sitting at a member's house eating dinner
outside. And I heard the icecream man. (there are about a million
different ice cream trucks around here) and the tune it was playing was
"You are my Sunshine" And I smiled real big and said, "This reminds me
of my mom. I can picture her singing it to me now." And then.. a few
days later I received a letting in the mail from my mom, dated <em><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">that same </span></em>Friday,
and guess what it said at the end? "You are my Sunshine! You make me
happy, when skies are grey!" WHAT WHAAT!! You have no idea how big of a
smile this put on my face (: Crazy, right? Mom, seriously, you're so
great (:<br />
And then dad, he sent me a letter talking about a few different sections
in the Doctrine and Covenants, as well as bore testimony of Priesthood
blessings. It brought the spirit instantly. And it meant a lot because
both Sister Davis and I hadn't had the best week physically. And then..
right after I read it, my district leader called us up. And he offered
us a blessing. We both accepted. How could we not after such a powerful
testimony like dads? Anyways.. it was perfect timing that it came. And
the blessing that Elder Crookston and Elder Francis administered was one
of the most meaningful blessings I have every received. (ONE OF...;) It
was absolutely perfect. I am so glad I finally allowed them to exercise
their priesthood. I don't know what took me so long. I may still have a
headache.. but I surely am comforted! I know I CAN DO HARD THINGS
through the Lord's strength (: And priesthood blessings.. really are a
Great source of strength. One thing I am reminded of every single time I
receive a blessing... my Heavenly Father is <em><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">very</span></em> mindful of me (: And so is my earthly father.. thanks dad for encouraging me to accept a blessing.<br />
Here's another miracle Sister Davis and I received this week.. We were
spending our time following up with people we had contacted on the
streets. We went to a house just a couple blocks away from a couple of
investigators, where a young man lives with his father and uncle and
cousin. He told us to come back the next day after talking to him when
his family would be home. So that's what we were doing. And then.. we
got there, and we had just missed his dad again. So we only talked
to him and his cousin for a couple minutes. Then, as we were leaving, we
got a call from our investigator who lives just down the road! And she
was asking us to pray for her aunt who is in the hospital. She was
having a hard time and wanted to hear us pray for her aunt to comfort
her. She was expecting us to do it over the phone, but since we were
right there we were able to just go straight to her house to pray with
her and talk to her for a few minutes in person! It feels so good
knowing that we were where the Lord wanted us in that very moment. The
Spirit can lead in more than just words. We can be lead in absolutely
anything!<br />
On Friday we went to a members home to teach them.. but really we were
taught! The previous time we were there teaching them we left a
challenge.. to look up <a href="http://mormon.org/" target="_blank">mormon.org</a>
and learn something, and then share when we come back next! And well..
she sure did! The daughter, Alex (about 11 years old) even made a board
game out of it! It was a great lesson and way fun way to learn. It made
me so happy to see this little girl get so excited about sharing the
gospel! IT REALLY DOES BRING THE MOST JOY!! I love it (:<br />
I love love LOVE missionary work. There are so many things I learn on a
daily basis. And as hard of work as it really is.. it is the most fun
slash enjoyable time I have had EVER!! The labor is great.. and the
fruits are greater!! It's a true blessing to be able to wake up each
morning at 6:30, talk with my Father in Heaven, and then put on the name
tag with His Son's name right by mine (:<br />
Miracles are real. They still happen. EVERY DAY. If you ever doubt
that.. talk to a missionary. We see them every day (: God's hand is in
all things!<br />And for that I am so very grateful. I am oh so very
grateful for such an amazing family (and friends) to support me
throughout this rollercoaster of an experience.. I can feel of our
Heavenly Father's love for me through you (: Thank you. I can feel of
your prayers. And know I am praying for each of you as well. Prayer is
such a blessing. It gets me through each day. Service is more than just
surviving.. it's the actual GREATEST and so are all of you (:<br />
This church is SO true!<br />And I love all of you (:<br />Look for miracles, they are all around!!<br />Have a GREAT week,<br />xoxo<br />Sister Madisen Elise Busenbark<br />(:</span></span></div>
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<br />madisenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189217880004935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850076294813530346.post-66800120832283669102014-09-22T13:43:00.001-07:002014-09-22T14:58:45.102-07:00May 2013<div>
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<span class="im">FAMILY!! Wow, I love you all so much, let me just tell you that right now (: And of course, let me just say that THIS CHURCH IS SO TRUE!!<br />K, now that I have that off my chest.. let us begin.</span>Sorry for the lack of writting as of late! Last week the internet stopped working and I didn't get a chance to finish! It stopped, and we left. We also left.. without first checking the computers. Which means that since I had pictures to send but was unable to send them.. without even thinking, I left my memory card plugged into the compture. And when I realized this.. it was too late. (it wasn't turned in this week either.. but I'm still hopeful. People are good) Luckily I have sent home a handfull of pictures already, but unfortunately I have many many more pictures on that SD card, that are irreplaceable, than that. Let's just say.. I'm never making that mistake again!! The crazy thing is.. I had several thoughts come to my mind that would have prevented this from happening.. but I ignored them thinking "No, I don't have time. Let's just get out of here." I see now that they were promptings from the Spirit trying to help me out! Silly me for ignoring them. Seriously, I could name like 5 different thoughts that came to my head. We don't often think of promptings as being anything other than being guided by the Spirit to say spiritual things.. or at least I don't, as a missionary. I suppose I had forgotten that we can be lead in ANYTHING!! What a slap in the face reminder. haha.<br />
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So, just so everyone knows.. THIS MOTHER'S DAY WAS THE BEST MOTHER'S DAY OF ALL THE MOTHER'S DAYS!! And that's that (:<br />
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So it was a very good start to the week. Then Monday was super memorable as I spent some of the last couple hours with the Rialto zone before the transfer. Then Tuesday happened.. when my SD card was no longer at the library, we lost a few investigators, and some others canceled their appointments.. that was rough! Gave me a super bad headache. And I could tell people could tell I wasn't in the best mood. So I said a little prayer (ok, a rather big prayer) and tried my hardest to turn that around! Toward the end of the week.. things were back to normal, and we had some AWESOME lessons! Which, like I have said before, were much more appreciated after having such a rough start to the week.</div>
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CURRY IS GETTING BAPTIZED ON JUNE 1ST!! Which is super great, let me tell you (: He has been progressing so much now and he's so ready! Curry was a current investigator when sister davis and I got here, and it's been a blessing to get to work with him! He is so great. His lesson was one of the "AWESOME" ones that lifted my spirit.<br />
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This week we have a lot of high goals. I'm excited to push myself to try to meet them. I haven't felt like that great of a teacher lately.. so that's one of my personal goals this week.. to TEACH so that I can practice and become more comfortable. Afterall, I have been out for 7 weeks. I should be pulling my weight in the lessons more. I've just got to.. teach what I know (: With the Spirit! Simple as that, right? haha I'm excited. We have appointments that will hopefully let me get more practice with each of the 5 lessons. It should be good.<br />
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Tonight after dinner (which is with the family history people in the ward, the Howell's.. really awesome people) we are all heading over to a less actives house who is interested in geneology (so we're going to embrace it!) and talk to them about why we do family history (: TEMPLE WORK!! Which I LOVE (: So I'm really excited to help them understand more. And hopefully they'll make the temple, with their family names, their next goal!<br />
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Well, you know what I'm going to say now.. THE CHURCH IS TRUE AND GOD LOVES YOU AND I DO TOO!! : D I'm excited for this next week of missionary work. I can't believe It's been 2 months already. I hope you are all doing well. And thank you for your continued support with letters, emails, prayers, and what-have-you (: I have the BEST family and friends in the world.<br />
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XOXO ~ Sister Madisen Elise Busenbark (:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Sister Davis and I with Mormon Helping Hands last week!! (It was over 90 degrees outside. Did I tell you that?)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Sister Busenbark and Sister Davis<br />
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Family (:<br />
First of all.. know that I love you. Second of all..
know that I am doing well. And last, but certainly not least, know that I
have a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the
happiness that it brings in this life as well as the life to come.<br />
The week has been good! Hard this week.. but good! Just a lot of
disappointing cancellations and having a hard time making any real
commitments for appointments happen. The fires aren't near me at all,
but I heard about them. The investigators are coming.. slowly but
surely. The more I visit them, the more I love them. The more I love
them, the more I prepare for them. The more I prepare for them.. the
more the Spirit can guide me and help me help them.<br />
Since Wednesday, not a lot has happened. It's actually been really slow.
With all the cancelations and all. But, we're staying busy so that at
least feels good. I know that as we continue to give it our all.. we
will eventually see the fruits of our labors. In His time (: This week
we have our goals set high, and I'm anxious to make 'em happen. Nothing
makes me happer than to see PROGRESSION (: We have a lot of potential
investigators, and I'm excited to follow up with them and get some more
people in our teaching pool. We've met several really awesome, open,
people as of late. So I'm excited about that (: I have confidence in the
converting power of the Spirit.<br />
Today for p-day with the zone we met at the stake center to play sports.
Me and a few of the sisters and elders went out to this little outdoor
courtyard thing in the center of the building and played ourselves a
nice game of soccer. It was a lot of fun. Especially since it was in the
rain. (Otherwise I probably wouldn't have been able to survive the
outdoor temp) It was on cement.. and I caught my foot on a groove of the
cement and fell on my knee.. scrapped it up pretty gross. But all is
well! It doesn't even hurt (; and now I've got myself a battle wound to
show off! haha. Jk. I covered it with a bandaid after taking care of it.
Anyways though.. that was super fun and really nice to get everything
out from the week. Now I'm ready to get back to work!!<br />
Untill Sunday.. THEN I am ready to HAVE A MOTHER'S DAY SKYPE SESSION!!
:D I couldn't be more excited. Happy Mother's day to ME (; haha (: And,
of course, celebrate my AMAZING mother (: As well as ALL the other
amazing mothers I look up to out there. I've been blessed with some
pretty great examples, ya know (: ESPECIALLY with my own (:<br />
I'm in this pradicament because I need to save Something to talk about on Sunday (; haha (:<br />
BUT, I am doing super well, and I hope all of you are too!!<br />
Something
that I have found from my studies recently... Enos. Enos is so cool. I
never really thought much about him before, but he is one awesome fella.
To say the least. I love that it is such a short book of scripture..
and yet you can learn SO much from him. I love that he stopped in the
middle of what he was doing to pray. Because his soul hungered something
more. I love that he prayed so fervently. With such a sincere heart,
and real intent. He prayed for the desires of his heart. And as soon as
he was granted forgiveness because of his faith in Jesus Christ, he then
longed for those around him to feel the same peace and comfort and
prayed for their behalf. I love this so much because.. it makes me
reflect on our Savior, our Redeemer. First of all, I know that as we ask
our Heavenly Father, with real intent, sincerity, and faith in our
Savior Jesus Christ, we will be granted answers to those prayers. They
may not be as fast as they were for Enos, nor in the way we had hoped,
but they will. And of course, Jesus Christ IS the Redeemer of the world.
He is the way we can receive a remisison for our sins and be happy
spiritually and temporally. I also recently read an article in the
ensign titled Hope In the Atonement. <a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/04/hope-in-the-atonement?lang=eng" target="_blank">http://www.lds.org/ensign/<wbr></wbr>2012/04/hope-in-the-atonement?<wbr></wbr>lang=eng</a>
It's not long, I suggest you follow the link and read it. I love it so
much. Just like Enos, the young man in the story felt that redeeming
love in his life. He applied the atonement to him personally. And
because of this testimony he has of the Savior's sacrifice on his behalf
he will be able to bear strong testimony of the Savior and bring others
the knowledge of that same peace and happiness. As soon as Enos felt
this love himself, he prayed for others to be softened and able to feel
the same way. Everyone deserves to feel this way. We are all sons and
daughters of a Heavenly Father who loves us. Which is why I am so happy
to be serving a mission for the Lord. It makes me so happy to share the
gospel (which means "Good News" did you know that?) of Jesus Christ. He
is the light. He is the way. The only way. I have a very strong
testimony that the Savior suffered for me personally. For my sins, my
pains, my afflictions, my inadequacies, my trails, my temptations, my
sorrows... every single negative thing I will ever go through;
physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally.. He did that for me, so
that he would know Exactly how to save me and take away these burdens.
(Alma 7:11-12) I have felt this in my life. I feel it every day. And I
know that He did this for each and every one of you too. I am so
grateful for my knowledge of the Savior and my relationship with Him. I
am so grateful that I know I can rely on Him 24/7. I am so grateful that
he gave His life for me, and that he completed the Atonement through
the resurrection so that I may be too, and have the opportunity to live
with my family forever and dwell with God. He lived, died, and lives
again. I know that this church is Christ's true, full, everlasting
church restored to the earth one final time before He will come again.
The Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter-day Saints. It's all in the
name. I know that as we take upon us His name through baptismal
covenants and renew those covenants worthily each week that we can have
the Holy Ghost with us always and be lead and guided and have that great
strength to be able to endure to the end in following Christ. I am so
grateful that when the church was restored, so was the Priesthood, and
living prophets. I am so grateful for President Monson and the
apostles for their service and revelation he receives for our benefit,
so that we can know more fully in these days what we should do to return
to our Heavenly Father. I am so grateful that I was blessed to grow
up in a home with a wonderful family who taught me the gospel from a
young age, and now I am so grateful for this opportunity to share it
with those (our brothers and sisters of California) who were not as
fortunate as I. And I know that as members of the church it is our
responsibility to share this good news with others, in all that we do.
Even if it's just through being a friend. A good example, uplifting and
strengthening other's as the Lord would do. "Standing as a witness of
God, at all times, and in all things, and in all places."<br />
I love you all very very much and am so grateful for each of you and the
roles you have played in my life. I pray that you all are as happy as I
(: This is my mission. Have a great week!! You are loved (:<br />
Sincerely, Sister Madisen Elise Busenbark</div>
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P.S. How could I forget.. On Saturday I was blessed with the opportunity
to go to a stake relief society meeting where the Redlands temple
matron spoke to us!! WOW was it good. Made me appreciate the temple so
much more than I already did, which I didn't even know was possible. It
also made me miss the temple a lot.. there is just SUCH strength in the
temple, the house of the Lord! Even just being on temple grounds is
strengthening. The temple matron's name is Sister Kerr. She talked a lot
about that very thing, how the temple is a place to be "armed with
power" (Doctrine and Covenants 109:22) She also talked a lot about how
the Savior has more power than the adversary. So we must put our trust
in Him. And serve Him. As we serve Him, especially in the temple, we
will be empowered from on high. To meet the challenges that come our
way. What a blessing! Something cool that she pointed out.. as we know,
Everything good is from God. Everything evil is of the Devil. But get
this.. "God" Add one more "o" and you get "good". "Devil" Take Away the
"d" and you get "evil". God always adds and the Devil is always trying
to take away! Prayer is another great way to access that power from on
high, just like Enos did in the first part of my message. Stand in holy
places, be firm, turn to the Lord in prayer, turn to the scriptures. We
have the great blessing of being able to receive power from on high (:
There is nothing more powerful than love. I know that. I feel of the
Savior's love each time I go to the temple. I feel of the Savior's love
every day. I know that Heavenly Father loves us because He gave his Only
Begotten Son. I know that the Savior loves us because He gave His life,
so that we may return. And I thank each of you for treating me in a way
that I can feel of the Savior's love through you (: I know that we can
find that strength through one another as well, as we act in that
Christ-like love. Sister Kerr said another cool thing.. she said,
"Aren't e really just walking each other home?" The answer is yes. Yes
we are. And that in and of itself is a blessing too! "Charity never
faileth!" I challenge each of you to access this power for yourselves,
and do everything in your power to try to match His power by doing
everything in Your power to return home. He wants us to return
home. Rely on HIM for the strength and courage and guidance to do so! He
is the way. He is the light and the life (: (3 Nephi 11:10-11) And with
that, I bid you a good day!! <br />
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Also.. I'm blessed to be a part of the Rialto zone.. the highest baptizing zone in the San Bernardino mission (;</div>
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Another P.S. There's this awesome thing called the Temple Riders
Assosiation... Dad, we're gonna be a part of that shortly after I come
home (; hehe. (because return missionaries have soo much money;) It is
SO cool. They're not used to youngins like me.. but a member told me I'd
still be welcome!! And basically.. WE'RE DOING IT!! Alls we need is a
couple hogs (: Then to the temples we will go!! Sounds divine, right?
Right. (YOU KNOW IT! Dad)<br />
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I LOVE YOU!! :D</div>
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<br />madisenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189217880004935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850076294813530346.post-15116521779148578332013-12-18T15:58:00.001-08:002014-09-22T14:57:06.900-07:00April 2013<div>
Familia!!<br />
Where to begin, where to begin.. that is always the question. haha. It has been such a great week!! Of course it has had it's disappointments.. but those just make the successes all the more joyous!! (:<br />
First things first.. Mom, I got the package and the letters you sent to the mission office! They just took a while because the post office doesn't like us. haha. I'll always get them there though, they just take up to 12 days. Where I got the letter you sent when you got my email on Wednesday! Super fast. I felt kinda bad because after I sent that email giving everyone a hard time for stopping writing since I've been out (which probably freaked some of you out, mom I know it did you, and for that I appologize) and then the Very next day I got a package and like 4 letters. haha. Most of them from you, mom (; haha Thanks for your continued love and support (:<br />
I'm trying to think of all the questions that have been asked.. I read so many emails and letters before I actually have a chance to email home. Umm.. let's see.. Sister Nielsen Did get her package! And loved it! Thank you so much for doing that for her.. for me (: That's a great idea to print my emails and reply to them through written letter. I should start doing that! Grandma, you asked about the history of San Bernardino. Well.. it was settled by Mormon Pioneers! Amongst others, of course. But very cool! I have this paper on it that I will send to you (: What is your mailing address? Man.. I Swear there were more things to respond to! Hmm.. well.. I suppose if I remember throughout the week I will write it down and refer back to it next Monday. Now I will get started into some of the events from this past week!<br />
Dad, you know how you said you'd be praying for Delores? Well.. THANK YOU! I saw a miracle this week (:<br />
So you know how awesome I thought she was? And then how devistated I was when she asked us not to go back? Well.. we went back anyways. haha. You all know me.. I'm a pretty consistant and loyal friend. Well one day Sister Davis and I were like... I miss Delores. Let's just show up at her house again, just to say hi and see how she's doing. Well we did.. and I can tell you right now this was an impression from the Lord! We had a ward dinner party on Saturday so we decided we would go and invite her to that. Only first, before all else, help her realize how much we care about her still. My branch president in the MTC told me once, "No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care." And I can tell you right now that this is a Very true statement! Well.. unfortunately I used most my time up today trying to find a family proclimation to print.. (which I didn't even succeed at. Mom, could you get me a coupld 1/4 page family procs please?) and now my time is almost out. So I will try to make the story short.. but.. on this second door step visit we just chatted as friends. At first when she saw us at the door she was like, "Didn't you two call?" As if to say "Don't you remember how I told you on the phone not to come back?" Well at first this made me nervous.. but then I quickly said. "We just wanted to come see how you are doing! It's been a couple weeks and we've been thinking about you." Then she was all.. Ooh. Hmm. Ok. Well I'm doing good. And then she stepped outside. It intregued her that we were just wondering how she was doing (: Then we chatted for a bit just about friendly things and the whole time I'm sitting there thinking.. "Shouldn't I say something about the gospel? Afterall.. I Am a missionary. What should I say?" But then, much to my surprise, I thought.. "No. Don't say anything. Just continue to let her know you care about her." So.. that's what we did. We just talked. And it all ended up playing out perfectly. It was time to go and we still hadn't invited her to the dinner. But then the words out of my mouth still weren't an invite.. they were "Well Delores, in addition to coming over here to see how you were doing we also wanted to ask if there is anything we can do for you?" She asked, "Really?" I said, "Yes, of course! We are here to serve you." You could see it in her eyes even more than at first.. she could sense we were being sincere as we spoke with the love of our Savior! From this, I don't know how, but she mentioned that she was going to dinner with her daughter that night. She said she doesn't usually feel like going out but when she gets out and is social she usually is glad she did, so she told her daughter yes. This is when I was all.. "Oh! Well hey, there is actually a dinner tomorrow that we would really love to see you at." She said, "Really? Even though I'm not a part of your church?" Umm.. YEAH! Of course we do. I then explained to her that I know that Heavenly Father loves her very much, not just members of the church but everyone, and knowing that is what makes my love for her so strong, and I explained that nobody there would care either because they have that same knowledge. And then.. she said yes! It was SO great (: I'm telling you, we were guided there and in what to say. There is no way we could have just showed up and invited her, or showed up and tried teaching her the gospel.. we had to first show her how much we care. And I could see it in her eyes.. she felt something there. SHE even asked US if she could hug is goodbye! And she said we were the sweetest and she just wanted to adopt us! haha So then.. the party.. it couldn't have gone better either! She got there before we did and that wasn't even a problem! She met people right away! Everyone was going up and talking to her! And she was fitting right in! Everyone loved her (: By the end of the night she told us she was very glad she came. It was so funny because the first people she met, the Howell's, she said when they found out they said they could change that! haha. I asked if that's really what they said and she said well that's what I took from it. haha. She said they were very nice though and that I was right, they didn't care she wasn't a member- they were nice as ever! Then she met Bishop and she introduced herself as "just Delores for now" haha I was like "FOR NOW"?! That means she's considering learning more about what we got here (; haha and then the rest of the night happened and she had a blast and everyone was great to her and she had a lot of questions that everyone answered, and They invited her to church and told her all about it. And by the end of the night, when she met Sister Stone she introduced herself as "Si...Delores" hahaha She almost Said Sister! hahah Too funny. I called her out on it and it was funny (: Anyways though.. when we said goodbye She said to Us, "bye girls, I'll see you Sunday at 11!" haha YES!! Well.. she ended up not being able to come. she forgot she had someone coming to her house. She said sorry though and that she'd really come again another time. And she sounded sincere (: So here's to hoping!! We're not letting her go this time. We're not going to let as much time pass either. Can't let her forget how good she felt!! By the end of the night of the party I really could see the wheels turning in her head. She's interested in learning more, I know it. And we love her. So basically.. we're never giving up (: haha<br />
Alright.. time's up. Unfortunately. But fortunately.. I LOVE YOU!! Oh, one more quick story.. mom's watch broke.. but THEN I said a prayer because I was so so SO sad and didn't want to wait however long to get the battery replaced and mom's watch makes me feel so good that I was so devistated and then by the time the prayer was over the clock was ticking again!! Now, I know prayers aren't always answered that fast, and not always the way we would hope.. but I am SO glad that it did this time (: He know's my heart.<br />
Anyways.. I LOVE YOU ALL!! And the Savior does too. I know that for a fact, and I can never say that enough. Always spread the gospel, and when necessary use words.<br />
Have a great week!! And thanks everyone for all the notes! Keep it up.<br />
Love, Sister Busenbark (:<br />
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Helllloooo!!<br />
This week was great, guys (: Where to begin, where to begin.. haha. I suppose I'll start by saying that I love you all!! And second, I love the people of the San Bernardino mission! (Which, by the way, won't even exsist come July. Did I mention that already? I don't remember. The San Bernardino mission has been split though, and so wherever I am for that last transfer before the split (whichever side it's on) is what mission I will be in for the remainder of the mission! Which will be either the Rancho Cucamonga Mission or the Riverside Mission!! It'll be fun to see where I end up:)<br />
So, this week I met a lot more awesome people. On Friday we went to dinner at a member's house, named Jimmy Green. And another ward member, Brother Sandoval was there too. Brother Green and Brother Sandoval are both converts to the church. And both of their stories inspire me! Let me tell you briefly what they are.. as best as I can (unfortunately I couldn't record it and send it to you exactly how they said it.. so powerful!) So, first we'll start with Brother Green. He grew up loving the Bible. He took it with him everywhere, reading it whenever he could. He left it on the bus a few times accidentally, but quickly bought a new one. But one day.. he lost it again. And at this point in life, he was living in a homeless shelter and could not afford to buy another bible. He was devistated. All he wanted was to read the bible. He drew from the words of God every day, he gained strength from them, and he knew the power they held. His greatest desire was to come closer to our Heavenly Father, and was seeking for every opprotunity to do so. Then, one day, he turned on the tv and there was a commercial on. (His first interaction with the church, haha!) Guess what it was? An LDS add on a FREE Bible! So he called the number to get this free bible. He was so excited. Before he knew it he had a couple Elder's there with a bible for him. He was so surprised how fast they got there, he was expecting to receive it in the mail or something. But the Elders explained who they were and what they do, and so he was excited. Said thanks for the Bible (all his sights were set on that) and the elder's were off. He said that right away though, he recognized them as being sent of God. (Seed planted) Then, some years later (he was in better circumstances) he was walking through a parking lot of a grocery store and he hears, "Excuse me, sir! Can we talk to you for a minute?" He turned around and saw that it was two young men dressed just like the two who gave him a bible. So he says to them, "Oh hey, yeah sure, you guys helped me out some time ago. I can give you some of my time. What can I do for you?" and that's when they pulled out the Book of Mormon and asked him to read it. He was seeking, he NEEDED the word of God, and they were there to provide it for him. They found him! And from there.. well he is an awesome member of the church (: Then there is Brother Sandoval, his story much like the first. He grew up Catholic and was very religious, great great guy. But one day he was sitting there studying his bible (which he also did every single day, and had read many many times) and was like.. but wait.. is this it? Am I really just supposed to live a good life and then it ends? Why am I even hear? What's the purpose of life? (ALL things that can only be answered through the gospel of Jesus Christ:) And as he was seeking (there it is, that word again) for these things, and praying diligently, he decided to go on a walk. On this walk he came across this swap meet. And at this swap meet.. there were two elders there, handing out Book of Mormons! (Seed planted) He took one, gladly, and then guess what? Read it! And then read it again! And he was like THIS IS WHAT I HAD BEEN LOOKING FOR, THIS IS TRUE!! But he had no idea where to go from there. Some time later, he was outside again, and say two other people dressed like the ones who gave him the Book of Mormon, so HE said to THEM, "Hey! You two! Come over here!" They came and he says to them, "I have been looking for you two." WHAT WHAAAT. Wouldn't that be cool? haha. Then guess what.. he was baptised two weeks later (: Moral of the story.. there are people out there SEEKING for the message which the gospel has for them! As hard as I look for them, they're looking too. As hard as I prepare for them, they're being prepared too. Isn't that so cool (:<br />
It was a great night to be able to hear of these two men's stories.. especially when sometimes it feels like, "Nobody wants to give us the time of day. Why do I even try so hard to find someone who is not even there?" WRONG! They're out there, I just can't give up.. gotta keep looking, the finding (eachother) will come! (:<br />
And THEN guess what happened? On Saturday, the day after hearing these stories, me and Sister Davis went to Panda Express to meet the Elders for lunch (and to do a peep challenge.. see who could eat 5 peeps the fastest. It was hilarious. Also ruined peeps for me. Elder Stephens won with 25 seconds. I came in 2nd place with 1 min and 7 seconds. Haha. Anyways..) While I was waiting for the elders to arrive, and my companion was looking at this menu, this man walks through the door and up to ME and says to me, "Hi. Are you from some school? Or church? Or some sort of organization or something?" I explained to him who I was, a representitive of Christ, and his next words were, "Oh good. I have been looking for a church." WHAAAT. The same thing that I had thought would be so incredibly awesome the night before, just happened to me. He explained that he had experiemented with 100's of other churches throughout his life but never stays long because he feels like they are missing something. But he said, "I am ready to find a church to stay at, commit to, and call my home." I was like, Saweeet, cause that's exactly what I have to offer (: haha Cool, right?<br />
And THEN that SAME day.. we got a referral from some elders in our zone. A man, named David, saw them in their apartment complex, recognizing them as being someone of God, and basically says "Hey, I would like to come closer to Christ through studying the good book. Can you help me?" WHAAAT (again;) and of course they said yes, and got his information for us (because he lives in our area). We stopped by that Saturday, the day we got the referral, and when David saw us he was SO excited. He didn't think anybody was really going to come, but he was hopeful. He even said himself, "I am SEEKING. I am ready to do what is right. I want to come closer to Christ, I'll do whatever it takes." We gave him a Book of Mormon and explained that it was Another Testament of Jesus Christ. We taught him the restoration of the gospel, and how it is now in it's fullness on the earth. He was so excited, he opened it up to the introduction page (where it 'invites all men everywhere to read and ponder the words it contains, and ask God if it is true' and then the testimonies of the witnesses and Joseph Smith. We also read 3 Nelphi 11 when Christ visits) and dove right in! We read several pages with him and he would stop and ask questions (questions of wanted to know more, not questions of questioning if it were true.. he was accepting everything no problem and said everything just clicked and made sense to him! He is so eager to learn.) and talk about what he had just read, and he also would emphasis words that he liked when he read.. it was awesome. (He's a very good scripture studier!) He just soaks it all up, and he loves it! He would tell us this every couple minutes (: haha. (Keep in mind this is our very first time even meeting David, and we just showed up and he let us right in to teach him a lesson.. which never happens, usually they schedule an appointment for you to come back later, or say call later to schedule and appointment) And THEN guess what happened? I extended my very first baptismal invitation, AND HE EXCEPTED!! I am so happy for his enthusiasm and readiness and willingness to learn and act (: And I am SO happy that HE found the elders!! It will be really neat to be able to work with David as he prepares himself to enter the waters of baptism. He has SUCH a strong desire to repent and align his will with God's, and follow him (: I pray he keeps it!! Great great GREAT experience though, I'm telling you (:<br />
Gotta hold firm to the faith, and have confidence of the converting power of the Holy Spirit! All things are possible through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer (:<br />
A few random things.. I was getting mail every single day in the MTC, and now I haven't received a single letter in my two weeks of being here, what up wit dat?!? haha (Besides a ADORABLE post card from my valiant friend Linda, that is (: Made my day.)<br />
EVERYBODY should study from the Preach My Gospel manual.. it will change your lives! It's definitely inspired writing. I love it!<br />
Have a GREAT week, please (: Remember that I love YOU, and so does our Savior (: Things may be hard.. but it's comforting knowing that hard things are ACTUALLY easy through the Lord (:<br />
I love you,<br />
Sister Madisen Busenbark (:<br />
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<br />
Hello!!<br />
How are you all? How was Conference weekend? Didn't you
just love EVERY SINGLE TALK?! haha. I love watching as a missionary
because no joke.. Every Single talk I was like, and That's the first
lesson. And That's the third. Ooohp, and there's the second. haha. I
love how family centered the majority of the talks always are at General
Conference. Because it IS central to the plan and it IS essential and
the MOST important (: Makes me love you guys even more (; I could sit
and talk about the talks all day, but unfortunately I have limited
time. Now.. I'm really bummed and really sorry that I can't write much
this week. I only have 7 minutes left before the library computer kicks
me off. But I'm glad Sister Godwin was able to send you some updates (: </div>
<br />
<div>
So I'll get to the questions.. my hymn book is in my old scripture
case in the closet I think. Or just sitting on the shelf. It is VERY
nice to have my own pillow and blaket haha. I fall asleep much faster
here than I did in the MTC.. I don't know if that's just cause I'm more
exhausted or if it's the blanket.. but Probably the blanket.. or both (;
haha. Here it is like.. WARM!! Very very warm. And beautiful (: When I
first got off the plane I realized that other peeps version of "dry"
heat is different than mine. It's kinda humid to me! haha. I'm getting
used to that though, not too bad. When I arrived on Tuesday it was
Perfect weather. Sunny, partly cloudy, and a slight breeze. Super green,
lots of different kinds of trees, can see the mountains, beautiful. The
next two days were TOO hott. Makes me nervous, I won't lie. I do know,
however, that faith and fear cannot co-exhist.. so I'm trying really
hard to hold to the faith. I am feeling ok.. I got a headache every
single day. And some days are harder to handle than others. It's proving
to be a challenge.. but I'm ok. Especially because the next days after
that.. Friday-today.. have been cloudy and dark. Just the way I like it
(; hahah. I seriously see it as an answer to my prayers..
because Thursday night I went to bed with a prayer of fear.. so so
nervous that maybe I can't do this. But then I woke up and the sun was
gone. And so my headache didn't get worse. And it was much easier to
give it my all. Which gave me just enough confidence to push the fear
away and say ok, this isn't all that bad (: haha. I do know that it will
get hot again very quickly.. but He's giving me Some hope to hold onto
so I'm gonna do just that (: My apartment is actually really nice! Two
bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, washer and drier, kitchen and living
room. Nice homey feel. I'm at the library down the street to email you!
The mission office is the church building, where packages get sent.
6541 Woodruff Place, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739. The mission Home is
President Godwin's home and that is different (: And my first area.. pay
close attention.. I am living in Rialto, in the Bloomington area
(ward), and our church building we go to on Sunday's is in
Colton. haha. My first companion, my trainer, is from Utah and is 24
years old, been out since September, and her name is Sister Davis. She
is the sweetest thing and is treating/training me very well (: (and we
actually have a lot in common! get along way well) In our ward we cover
the west side and Elder's are serving in our ward too and they are
covering the East side. It's been really fun to get to serve with them
too. All four of us go to a members house for dinner each night, and
share a thought. We get them stoked about missionary work!! (Did you
notice all the Gen. Conf. talks about member missionary work? It's cause
it is SO Vital!!:) We are white washing our area, which means that both
Sister Davis and I are new to the area and know no one. None of the
members, less actives, investigators, or area. So that's mostly all we
did this week.. meet people! This is good because now we will better
know their needs and be able to better serve them (: So basically.. this
week should be really great!! We went tracting the other day and met
this lady named Delories and she is super awesome... I really think
she's gonna turn into a new investigator this week (; haha. I just want
her to know everything so bad!! She's so ready (: She grew up baptist
but stopped going because some things didn't sit right with her, and
then nobody noticed she was gone until 2 months later.. which she didn't
like either. I swear, all she'll have to do is come to church, feel the
sweet spirit there, feel of her Savior's love for her through the
fellowshipping members, and BOOM she'll have the desire to follow
Christ. We talked to her on her front porch for like 20 minutes.. and I
loved every minute. Tracting wasn't as bad as everyone said it would
be.. in fact, I LOVE baring my testimony so many times in such a short
amount of time. Definitely not the ideal way of finding people though..
but it is A way. Anyways though.. high hopes for Delories (: On Friday
we went to a member's (less active not that long ago.. but he's
remembering what he once knew and coming back to Christ!) house and did
some weeding. Which was actually really fun, and I loved getting to know
him. His name is Randy Proctor and he served a mission in Utah! He was
in Tremonton for nearly half his mission... 10 years ago. Anybody know
him? (: haha OH, and get this.. on the flight here on Tuesday.. I MADE
MY FIRST CONTACT!! I was the only missionary who didn't get assigned to
sit by another missionary.. haha So basically I had to (: And WANTED to.
I couldn't pass up the opprotunity. He was the nicest guy, and as I was
chatting with him and getting to know him better I just casually
slipped my testimony in there (; haha. He asked about the nametag and
what missions ACTUALLY entell. His name was Matt and he is Catholic. He
really loves his family and it just blew his mind that I left my family
for a year and a half. He recognized right away that that must be
because I know that it's true. I testified to him of forever familes and
the restoration of the gospel (: It was a really neat experience and he
was really really nice. And he lives in my mission! If I'm ever in his
area.. I'm going to find him. He agreed to check out <a href="http://mormon.org/" target="_blank">mormon.org</a>,
but other than that he was comfortable in his own beliefs.. the only
thing I found challenging about this, which kinda gave me a heads up for
what I'll see out in the field, was that everything I was saying he
believed! So then what needs to happen is he needs to realize why it is
realivant to him to be baptised to be able to access the blessings of
the things that he believes. That's the number one thing I think.. to
help others come unto Christ you have to help them realize the WHY.
Which I didn't have time to do, so I gave him the <a href="http://mormon.org/" target="_blank">mormon.org</a>
card and hope he keeps his commitment to check it out. Because I know
that what I was saying rang true to his heart. He has a desire to follow
Christ. The spirit was there. The seed has been planted and I hope
nothing more than that missionaries will find him again when he is ready
(: This really was an eye opening experience for me. So glad I had it!
Love the people here. We are ALL children of our Heavenly Father! He
wants us to be happy, eternally, with our families. THE FAMILY IS MEANT
TO BE FOREVER!! I know that to be true. I'm about to be kicked off.. so I
better hit send. Unfortunately. I'll write more next week, and dad and
grandma I have answers to your questions and comments! So I'll get to
those eventually too (: And Olivia.. good luck!! You'll love the MTC.
Embrace it (: The Lord is on your side!! So excited to have you out here
with me and Elder Willis (: I LOVE YOU ALL!! Sis, I can't wait to get
your letter!! Have a great week (: <br />
Love, Sister Busenbark (:</div>
<br />madisenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189217880004935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850076294813530346.post-71863526652619202022013-12-18T15:45:00.001-08:002014-09-22T13:29:48.209-07:00March 2013My Missionary Momma (: And fam(;<br />
P-day is today this week! Surprise (:
<br />
How are you? I am doing SO good! I can't believe that I am already almost out of here! I hope everyone is doing well (: Thank you so much for the easter package! It made my day. I also got a package from Hermana Hannah Downs.. got to pick them both up today.. and holy cow she's hilarious. She gave me lots of little things to take to California to help me keep cool and healthy.. like a little hand-held fan, and also otter pops! haha. (also she made me a t-shirt that says I'm the best manager ever, of Hannah Downs (; haha) I am feeling super loved here at the MTC (: I also have had the chance to see Brother and Sister Markham! More than once! This morning when I saw them at breakfast Sister Markham gave me a big hug from you mom (: Which was greeeat! I gave her a hug last night to give to you (; hehe She asked me to ask you about "glowing"? She said you talked about it! haha. They were in a little skit last night that was put on for the outgoing missionaries. They're surpringly good actors (; haha. They said it's really rare to run into the same person they know that many times.. it's a true blessing! Know I'm being taken care of, absolutely wherever I go (: Oh! Another thing that made me feel really good... I saw a girl from an iteam group I was over a few semesters ago at school and just in passing through a big crowd she was like, "Sister Busenbark! My iteam leader! Holy cow! You Must know, I look up to you so much!" and that was it.. I didn't even have time to thank her! I may be in need of a humbling experience here pretty soon (; haha. Just kidding. I am put in my place several times a day. THERE IS SO MUCH TO LEARN AND SO MUCH GROWTH TO BE MADE!! It's crazy. I know that I am nothing without Christ.. but luckily I also know that with Him all things are possible!! It's kinda cool to think that, whenever I am feeling inadequate as an effective teacher (after-all.. this is a huge responsibility! I am going to be helping God's children come unto Christ!! Don't want to mess That up,) all I have to think is.. wait, I AM TO qualified.. I was called of God! He knew of my weaknesses and short comings and yet He still decided to call me to serve, because He is there to make up the difference (: It's a pretty neat concept.
<br />
Guess what else? You keep mentioning how great Easter Sunday at the MTC will be.. YOU HAVE NO IDEA!! So.. let me tell you (: A general authority will be here to speak to us! AND I'M SINGING IN THE CHOIR!! What whaaat!! I can't even sing... well. Haha. I am truly blessed for the opprotunity! How often can you say that you sang in a Choir of 600 people testiftying of Christ all at the same time through song on easter Sunday with a general authority present? Yeeah. Pretty neat.<br />
We are singing The Lord's My Shepherd.. so beautiful (: I'm doing the alto part. Which I am comfortable with. But guess what? I sang in devotional on Tuesday (which was also SO great.. same concept.. 600 of God's children testifying of Joseph Smith all at the same time! We sang Joseph Smith's first prayer. Which has always been my favorite. It reminded me of that time when we did that Joseph Smith tribute (what did they it called again?) when I was like 12 or 13. And we sang that song. And it's just like.. paints this beautiful picture through song of the first vision and it is SO POWERFUL!!) and during that song I sang 2nd saprano. That was interesting.. haha jk, it wasn't all that bad.. the choir director was HILARIOUS and SUCH A GOOD SINGER and actually taught me a lot about singing in just the few times we had practice.. kinda cool. Also he would stop every once in a while and teach us something awesome about the first vision and restoration of the gospel.. he is such a good teacher and incorporates it into the music rehearsal very well!! Very cool to be a part of.<br />
Guess what I decided I was silly for not bringing? Pictures. I LOVE pictures. What was I thinking? haha. Adaley, could you go through some pics and chose one's to get printed and send to me? I DEFINITELY need one of the two of us. And the fam (: And just good ones that you think I might want..
Guess what ELSE I realized? (actually.. did I already tell you think? Idk. Oh well..) Come July there will be SO MANY NEW SISTERS and guess who is going to be training all these 19 year olds? ME!! Whaaaat. Pressure is on /: haha (:<br />
Oh and along with that.. it seems as though my whole like I have heard that I will meet my husband on the mission.. Idk about that anymore... EVERYONE IS SO YOUNG (; hahaha But mature (: They've all been SO prepared by the Lord. It's awesome. But I Am definitely the oldest one. But, you know me, I don't pay much attention to age so I am getting along with everyone very well (: In fact, I think I have made 8 of my new best friends! (My district) Also.. my teacher is the closest one to my age. Hahaha. The sisters won't stop making fun of me.. for nothing, really. Just for being the same age and both single. haha. Girls will be girls.. even as missionaries (; haha<br />
My branch president and his counselors.. SO GREAT!! They are seriously the sweetest most awesome men I've ever been blessed to serve with. One of them thinks I'm super awesome because of my firm handshake (; haha. Hilarious.<br />
We sang "I am a Child of God" the other day.. MAN I AM SOOO GRATEFUL to have been blessed with parents kind and dear (: You guys are the best! And I truly am blessed (:<br />
I thought it was awesome that you sent me the framed missionary definition mom, because I was actually going to send you the same thing (; Like you said.. we're DEFINITELY two peas in a pod.. I'm my mom's daughter, there's no doubt about that (;<br />
Oh and THAT Reminds me of something to.. thank you SO MUCH for helping me be so organized and things! It makes packing and unpacking so fast, it makes managing my time much easier (which is great because I HATE the feeling of wasting the Lord's time...) and also all my clothes.. everyone thinks all my outfits are adorable and I wouldn't have been able to have done any of that alone (; haha Also.. the watch. Holy cow I love it. It's my favorite watch I've ever had. And trust me.. missionaries NEED watches. Especially at night time when I am falling asleep... I wear it still because I just love to hold my palm around it and think of you, mom (:<br />
Also also.. working out every day feels SO GREAT!! So does waking up at 6:30 and going to bed at 10:30... surprisingly.. haha And eating full meals regularly. My body isn't giving me half as much problems as it has in the past. Word of wisdom.. really is wise!! haha<br />
Oh and ALSO also.. the MTC is so great at accomidating (spell?) peoples needs.. I HAVE AN IPOD haha It's to listen to the Book of Mormon as I follow along. Which helps me comprehend so much. And I had a tutor for studying skills to help me retain what I study more.. her name was sister day and we studied 2 verses for 1 whole hour. I am running low on time so I'll have to write about that later.. but I Will because it was Awesome and I Have to share. (sorry that went bold.. I can't figure out how to change it back.. pressed it accidentally.) It was Alma 17:9-10. Study it! Using these steps.. we call it GO DEEP... 1. read. re-read. 2. Ask questions. (who? what? where? then deeper questions. why? how?) 3. Look for symbols. 4. Make it personal. And last but Certainly not least.. 5. Find Christ.
<br />
Alright family... I LOVE YOU SO STINKING MUCH!!<br />
So happy to (hey that was weird.. it just changed back!) hear from you all!! You're so great and I pray for you all often and thank God for you every day!! THE GOSPEL IS TRUE AND FULL!!<br />
Love always, Sister Busenbark (:madisenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189217880004935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850076294813530346.post-90076071388524253312013-03-18T15:04:00.002-07:002013-03-18T15:04:56.723-07:00I Know This Church Is True...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a testimony of missionary work. I know that we can all be missionaries in all that we do. I know that missionary service will bless our lives as well as others. I have a testimony of being examples to those around us. I know that Jesus Christ is the ultimate example, and that as we follow Him we will never go wrong, and we will never lead others astray. I know that Jesus Christ is our Lord and our Savior. I know that He lives, that He died, and that He lives again. All for us. I know that He had his agency to choose to complete the Atonement or not, and He chose to go through with it because He loves each and every one of us. I know that our Father in Heaven sent Him, His Only Begotten Son, to do this for us because He loves each of us too, and wants us to return to Him someday. I know that it is through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Atoning sacrifice that this, exaltation, is possible. I know this is the true church restored to the earth in these days by the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know that we still have living prophets to receive revelation for us in these days to lead and guide us, and they will never lead us astray. I know that Jesus Christ suffered for us, He had to go through every single pain, sorrow, trail, tribulation, and even the joys that we do. He suffered for it all. He experienced it all. The Atonement isn’t just for repenting of sin, but it is for becoming whole again. Not just clean again, but whole again. We can use the Atonement to be comforted, cleansed, healed, and so on and so forth. And it is not just for those in this gospel, but for every single person that ever has been or will be, because of His love for us. I know that because of this, this means He understands perfectly what it is we are going through and experiencing in life, even when nobody else can. This makes the Father and the Son the ultimate people to turn to, through prayer. I know that we can pray to our Father in Heaven in the name of Christ at any time, anywhere, for any thing. He answers prayers, in His own time and His own way. I know that as we serve others our own burdens will be lightened. As we do so we are not only allowing those we serve to feel of the Savior’s love for them but we are also showing our love to Him. When we are in the service of our fellow men, we are only in the service of our God. (Mosiah 2:17) And I know that love will come to those we serve. I know that wickedness never was and never will be happiness (Alma 41:10) and I know the opposite—that righteousness is happiness. I know that as we keep the commandments, are worthy of the Spirit, and follow Christ that we may be happy in this life and in the eternities. I know that as we have faith, we can find knowledge as it is confirmed to us. Without faith, love, hope, and charity... we would be miserable. Without this Gospel, and the knowledge I have of the love He has for me and those around me, I would be miserable. I know that when we share this knowledge to others we may all be a happier people and we will work together to build the kingdom of God and help one another along the way. I know that families can be together forever through the sealing powers and covenants made in the Temple, the house of the Lord, through the Priesthood, which has been restored to the earth for these purposes. I know that families are central to the plan and it is a holy sanctuary, and should be a place of refuge. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying before, “Missionaries leave their families for 2 years (or 1 ½) so that others may be with theirs for eternity.” And isn’t it so true. I love you all. I love the people of the San Bernardino Mission and am so happy for this opportunity to serve them and our Lord. And I bare you my testimony, and love, in the Holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.madisenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189217880004935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850076294813530346.post-27329472779909527272013-03-18T14:59:00.002-07:002013-03-18T15:08:08.312-07:00Final Speech Before Departure..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week (March 10th, 2013) I had the opportunity to speak in my ward's sacrament meeting before I report to the MTC. It was such a happy day. And I got to share it with so many loved ones. I had people near and far come to support me and I felt of their love. I felt the love of my Savior. And I felt love for them all. It was such a happy day, I am truly blessed with so many loving family and friends to support me in this decision. I got to speak on Sacrifice. I focused on the Lord, our Savior, the Ultimate Sacrifice. I am so grateful for His example of love as He Atoned for each and every one of us. He is the ultimate example in all that we do. He sacrificed for us, and all He asks is that we come to Him with a broken heart and contrite Spirit as our sacrifice. We will then be blessed with love and never-ending happiness. I had such a great Sabbath as I got to share my day with people I love and got to share with them my testimony of the Savior. And I actually wrote down my whole talk (almost exactly what I said..) to send to a few friends on a mission who asked me to send it to them since they were unable to attend. Feel free to read on...<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">(I opened with a joke about how I was more than likely going to be looking down most of the time.. I usually try to just write notes and actually talk to the congregation when I give talks, but I admitted right up front that this probably wouldn't be the case this time. Because 1- I have never been so nervous before in my life. And 2- because any time I looked out into the congregation I would see my sister and start to tear up, then make eye contact with my friends and start making faces to try to lighten the mood, and then looking at my mom and getting this look like, "Come on Madisen. You're 21. People are looking at you." People laughed.. I promise.. you just had to be there.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When
I was sitting in the congregation at Elder McGregors farewell a few weeks ago
and noticed that the topic was joy, I couldn’t help but wonder what my topic
would be. I thought to myself, “I think it’d be really cool to speak on
sacrifice.” But I had no idea why, it’s not like I had anything specific about
sacrifice in mind.. it just popped in. And I quickly pushed it aside and
continued to pay attention to the meeting. Then, after that meeting I was
pulled aside and told what would be happening for today. Before walking away I
asked if the topic was known yet. He looked for me. And sure enough..
sacrifice. Now, don’t get your hopes up that this is going to be the greatest
talk you’ve ever heard. It actually kind of freaked me out. But, I thought it
was really cool. As I am really excited and honored.. as well as terrified to
speak to you today.<br />
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
Now, ever since then I have been pondering sacrifice. What sacrifice is, what
the word actually means, what it means to me, things like this. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">As
I was pondering this I decided that so often we look at sacrifice as a bad
thing. I want to start off now by saying that it is very much so the opposite.
When I think of “sacrifice” I would much rather focus on the part where it is
giving something up for something “better” not that it is negative of simply
just “giving something up.”<br />
<br />
As I was studying this subject, I came across a talk that described my thoughts
exactly. It is titled, The Blessings of Sacrifice by Elder M. Russell Ballard.
Towards the end of this talk he portrayed my thoughts perfectly, “</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
As I was studying this subject, I came across a talk that described my thoughts
exactly. It is titled, The Blessings of Sacrifice by Elder M. Russell Ballard.
Towards the end of this talk he portrayed my thoughts perfectly, “</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Sacrifice is a demonstration of pure
love. The degree of our love for the Lord, for the gospel, and for our
fellowman can be measured by what we are willing to sacrifice for them. Our
Lord and Savior Jesus </span><a href="http://jesuschrist.lds.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-decoration: none;">Christ</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
manifested the supreme example of this love. His life and ministry established
a pattern for us to follow. His divine mission was culminated in a supreme act
of love as He allowed His life to be sacrificed for us. Having power over life
and death, He chose to submit himself to pain, ridicule, and suffering, and offered
His life as a ransom for our sins. Because of His love, He suffered both body
and spirit to a degree beyond our comprehension and took upon Himself our sins
if we repent. Through His personal sacrifice, He provided a way for us to have
our sins forgiven and, through Him, to find our way back into the presence of
our Heavenly Father.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The
sacrifice he requires of us is “a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (</span><a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/9.20?lang=eng#19"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-decoration: none;">3 Ne. 9:20</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">) that can lead us to repentance. When we consider His
example, the demands made upon our time or means are slight in comparison. We
should, therefore, give gladly and count it as a blessing and an opportunity.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I love this
quote particularly because it is focusing on the ultimate sacrifice. The
sacrifice that matters most. The sacrifice that set the example to us. Jesus
Christ gave His own life gladly because He loves us. It was the most selfless
act anybody has ever done. The definition that we often hear for “sacrifice” is
to give up something good for something better. When I thought of His ultimate
sacrifice in these terms it hit me hard. Jesus Christ sacrificed something
great and perfect, His life, for something greater, us. So that we may have the
chance to return to our Father in Heaven. That says so much about our worth in
the site of God, which is the real opinion that matters. And as we learn in 3
Nephi 9:20, the sacrifice that He requires of us is to come to Him with a
broken heart and a contrite spirit and repent, taking full advantage of His
great Atoning sacrifice. Which He gave freely, to sacrifice something is a
choice, just like everything else. Jesus Christ chose to suffer and die for
each of us. The fact that that was His choice makes it so much more powerful to
me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Each choice
we make is accompanied by a consequence. Christ knew what He was doing. And we
can know what we are doing to. Whenever we are faced with a choice, we weigh
our options. We choose the one that is more “worth it.” Sometimes we make
decisions with a temporal frame of mind, but I know that the way to true
happiness can be found in the eternities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When I was
thinking about things that I have had to sacrifice in my life.. I was having a
hard time thinking of anything that was really all that hard. Of course I’ve
had to do hard things in my life, but with the end goal in mind it sure makes
it a lot easier. That’s the thing with sacrifices, when we have faith that it
is for a greater purpose.. it becomes easier. It is very much so an act of
faith when we sacrifice things in our life; whether it be to put off the
natural man and our natural desires and temptations of this world, give of our
time freely to lighten the burdens of another, or to leave our families for a
year and a half. Each and every thing we will ever have to sacrifice will show
our dedication, appreciation, and love for the Lord and His ultimate sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I came
across a scripture the other day that really stood out to me. It is found in
Mosiah chapter 2 verse 41. And it reads, “And moreover, I would desire that ye
should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the
commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal
and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into
heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending
happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God
hath spoken it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">That
scripture is the exact reason that a “sacrifice” is actually a good thing. When
we sacrifice everything by putting God first and keeping His commandments we
will be blessed with happiness in this life and with never-ending happiness
with the opportunity to dwell with God. That was the purpose of Christ’s
atoning sacrifice, that we all may have the opportunity to return to our Father
in Heaven, and that is what makes it so worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This whole
church runs on sacrifice. None of you are being paid to take time out of your
week to attend your church meetings or to fulfill your callings. But you are
surely blessed with spiritual gifts as well as temporal blessings when you do
those things. At least, I have been. In the talk given by Elder Ballard he
says, “It is our privilege to invest our means and our time to bless others.
Each one of us must do all we can to preserve our Latter-day Saint way of life.
A vital part of this preservation is a willingness to set aside personal
desires and replace them with unselfish sacrifice for others.” I know that as
we have this selfless attitude we will actually be blessed and we all may be a
happier people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In biblical times, people would offer live
sacrifices to show their dedication to the Lord and to remember His great
Atoning sacrifice. Which is why we are now asked to offer a broken heart and a
contrite spirit. Each week we have the opportunity to partake of the sacrament.
This is a great time for us to reflect on our Savior’s loving sacrifice for us
as we renew our covenants and commitments to Him. That’s what the sacrament is,
a symbol of His atoning sacrifice. Elder Dallin H. Oaks has said, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">“How can we have the Spirit of the Lord to guide
our choices so that we will remain “unspotted from the world” and on the safe
path through mortality? We need to qualify for the cleansing power of the
Atonement of Jesus </span><a href="http://jesuschrist.lds.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-decoration: none;">Christ</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">. We do this by
keeping His commandment to come to Him with a broken heart and a contrite
spirit and in that wonderful weekly meeting partake of the emblems of the
sacrament and make the covenants that qualify us for the precious promise that
we will always have His Spirit to be with us.” What a blessing the sacrament
truly is.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I was trying to think of an example from my life
to apply to sacrifice, but I honestly couldn’t think of anything that even
compares to our Savior’s sacrifice for us. But I do know that even the little
sacrifices show our love for God, and as stated earlier, specifically a broken
heart and contrite spirit, which is all He asks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I thought of Peter and Andrew as they gave up
their ways to follow the Lord because they knew it would be worth it. In this
past General Conference Elder Hales said, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">“As Christians today, we have the opportunity to act straightway,
immediately, and decisively, just as Peter and Andrew did: “they forsook their
nets, and followed him.” We too are called upon to leave our nets, to reject
worldly habits, customs, and traditions. We are also called to forsake our
sins. “When [Jesus] had called the people unto him … , he said unto
them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his
cross, and follow me.” Denying ourselves of ungodly behavior is the beginning
of repentance, which brings a mighty change of heart until “we have no more
disposition to do evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This change, called
conversion, is possible only through the Savior. Jesus promised: “If men come
unto me I will show unto them their weakness. … And my grace is sufficient for
all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before
me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto
them.” As we are made new in Christ, our very natures change and we no longer
want to go back to our old ways.” I find great comfort in this, knowing that we
can be completely transformed when we choose to follow Christ and humble
ourselves before Him.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In my life
I have seen time and time again as I have given of my time and my recourses to
follow Christ’s example I have been blessed with a sure knowledge that He loves
me. I have felt my burden’s been lightened as I have assisted another in their
burdens instead of worrying about my own silly problems. I have felt the love
of our Savior for others as well, as I choose to serve them. And I already love
the people of San Bernardino California so much and I cannot wait to get out
there and share with them my testimony that this gospel is true and this is
where true happiness is found.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">One of my
favorite quotes on the Atonement is found in a talk given by President Boyd K.
Packer that says, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">“That is the promise
of the </span><a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/the-gospel-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-decoration: none;">gospel of Jesus Christ</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> and the Atonement: to take anyone who comes, anyone who will join, and
put them through an experience so that at the end of their life, they can go
through the veil having repented of their sins and having been washed clean
through the blood of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">That is what
Latter-day Saints do around the world. That is the Light we offer to those who
are in darkness and have lost their way. Wherever our members and missionaries
may go, our message is one of faith and hope in the Savior Jesus Christ.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I testify to
you right now that as we follow our Lord and Savior’s example of sacrifice that
you will be blessed, because His Atoning sacrifice is a blessing. He died,
sacrificing His life, that we might live. He loves us so much that He willingly
suffered for each and every pain and sorrow of this world that we may repent. I
know that when I allow the Atonement to take place more fully in my life I am
much happier than when I do not. He knows all things. He experienced every
single thing we will ever experience. He knows how we feel and He wants for us
to know true happiness. I know that He gave man weakness that we may be humble,
which are blessings in that they help us give our sacrifice of a broken heart
and contrite spirit. I know that those weaknesses can be made strong through
Him. He is the light and the love of the world. He made all things possible. He
is our strength. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Alama 26:12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">And with that I leave with you my testimony that this is the only true gospel in it's fullness on the earth today, and I say this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->madisenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189217880004935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850076294813530346.post-46305577226257768842013-03-08T13:51:00.000-08:002016-01-13T09:44:13.276-08:00This Occasion Calls for a Photoshoot!!One of my amazing EFY participants from this past summer so graciously offered to take my picture!! She's so amazingly talented. And my beautiful sister came along for a few too!! Such a fun day.<br />
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madisenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189217880004935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850076294813530346.post-13848964631636798452013-03-08T13:48:00.000-08:002013-03-17T13:07:51.494-07:00I Love to See the Temple!!On Feburary 23, 2013 I went to the Logan temple to receive my own endowments! And my wonderful family came to support me in this decision.. the best decision I have ever made (:<br />
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madisenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189217880004935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850076294813530346.post-28663111900461087422013-03-08T13:43:00.000-08:002013-03-18T15:12:02.009-07:00I Hope They Call Me On A Mission!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Sister Busenbark, You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the California San Bernardino Mission. You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, March 20, 2013. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language.
I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO EXCITED TO GO TO CALIFORNIA IN MY LIFE!!! :D
THIS GOSPEL IS SO TRUE!!
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB2ZF67XZP0">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB2ZF67XZP0</a><br />
I opened my call on Feburary 7th, 2013. With family and friends there in person, on the phone, and via Skype to support me.madisenBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189217880004935728noreply@blogger.com0