Hey Y'all,
Wow! Yet another week gone and complete! I
realized too that today marks 8 months. Crazy! What a great week to make it to
8 months. Crazy to think I am almost halfway.
This week started crazy. We did lots of last
minute packing which ended with us being an hour early of being ready for the
Elders and the Senior Missionaries to come help us! We moved on Wednesday
morning! The new apartment is great and we love it! It is definitely an upgrade
from the other. I feel much safer and we have much more room. It has been an
adjustment, but we are very happy about our new place.
Tuesday we had interviews with President James.
Our first ones with him! Of course my first one with him I cried! He was very
sweet and very inspiring he has asked me to start reading Jesus The Christ
during my studies and I can see that this is going to be great! All I need is
to be able to understand what it is saying! So far I am loving it! We had our
district meeting before we had interviews. We found out halfway through that
the interview times were messed up and so we may have to change our plans. We
didn't leave the building till 3:30 and we were supposed to be having our
interviews at 12. Crazy day! We all waited and had lunch and played Book of
Mormon Baseball. It was lots of fun! So the game is where you have someone
player A says "Pitch" and someone flip through the Book of Mormon and
then say "Hit" Player B where ever they land in the Book of Mormon.
They can say left or right fir the page and then Left or right for the column-
Player B. Then you go up and down the column for the verse. The other says
stop- Player B. You read that verse and then try to guess where it is by the
book, chapter, and verse. If you are close by 5 chapter you move to second base
and if you get the verse by 5 you get third base and then if you get it right
you get a home. It was a very fun interesting game and I felt proud of Book of
Mormon skills, but I want to study it more and know where the stories are in
it.
On Thursday we drove down to where we do
transfers in Raleigh and had a combined Zone Conference with Elder Dube from
the quorum of the Seventy who came to visit the mission. It was great and I got
to see some people from Garner and lots of my favorite missionaries! Especially
Sister Ibarra! She is one cute Trainer! I heard a lot that has happened in
Garner too and miss them all. It was a great meeting and man the spirit ws
there. We had a great instruction from Elder Dube who was so funny and was good
at testifying about the Book of Mormon. One thing he did say that stood out to
me was to never give a closed copy of the Book of Mormon. Always share
something from it! President and sister James had us plan and practice before
by role playing the Plan of Salvation. They had us go up to the stand to teach
and then we as the audience would evaluate their teaching. We didn't get to
share but we definitely have things we can add and work on. President James
closed the meeting with a story about a family who son died and how he came to
visit his parents and only the mother could hear his words because the father
was to busy to listen. He told us we must never be too busy or to focused to
not recognized and feel the spirit. It was very touching and for the first time
I saw what kind of love and sweet person my mission president is. To see him
cry and testify of the spirit and his Savior I knew that with him as our guide
we will be able to do great things her in North Carolina. My love for him grew
and I now know even more that the counsel he gives and will yet give is simply
out of love, our protection, and our success! It was a great meeting. On the
way home and when we got their I had never felt so spiritually and emotionally
exhausted!
Sunday was another great Sabbath and I just
love this ward. We had our Investigator who is very forgetful remember and came
to church with us. She loved it and she always kept saying "It is just so
different, but a good different." We had a great church tour, and she
really enjoyed the Sacrament and the talks. The talks were on keeping the Sabbath
day Holy and she was glued to the speakers. The third hour combined meeting was
great to and she was very surprised by the Bishop as he was being a perfect
example of being Lovingly Bold. He got very emotional at the end and she was
very impressed with what he made her feel. Bishop came to ask her if she
enjoyed church and was very nice. sister Galloway and I were very appreciative
of his kindness to her as she is very close with her Pastor. We had a great
lesson on the Plan of Salvation with our 11 year old investigator. She is
coming a long way and she was even willing to pray for the opening and wanted
to give the closing prayer to practice. She is coming so far so quick and is
very bright. She is just amazing!
Another Great week over and gone! I have
come far over the last 8 months. I know that for sure! One major thing I know
is that I am changing. I am learning and I am loving what I am becoming! I
never knew I could hold all this love for these people and especially for my
Savior! I know for certain that my testimony of this Gospel is so so much
stronger! I know and can see the blessings it is having and the impact it has
on individuals and families! Not only am I becoming a consecrate missionary,
but I am becoming a converted disciple of Christ! In one more month I will be
half way and as much as I hate to think that I can see so much that I have
experienced and can't wait to see what else can happen! I hope y'all have a
wonderful week and a wonderful first week of September! Love you all!
--
Sister Tayler Farr
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Another Great Week Over and Gone!
Hey Y'all,
Another Great week over and gone! Its amazing to know that next week will be my 8 month mark! Not sure if I am Okay with that fact. I am so glad to be here in Hillsborough. North Carolina in general is amazing and so glad that I am here.
First off we have been given to counsel from our mission President. It has changed our nightly routine. We must use our night time hours 6-9 as prime proselyting time. We must be out dinner appointments by 6.Its our first big adjustment to change. I definitely was kind of set back. I could see the benefit and was okay with it and even noticed that we do spend a good amount of time in our dinner appointments and that we may not even get appointments during our evenings. We are trying to make a smooth adjustments. It makes it hard for the members. Especially for the families who have husbands working late. I know that this is a counsel President James has received from God and that it is what our mission needs at this time. Sadly this week We saw that the outcome of not fully being obedient to the new clarification. I will tell the story later.
Tuesday we had a great lesson on the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our investigator who has issues with her memory. We finally got her to understand and she was even able to answer our questions without being worried she would get them wrong. She has committed to come to church on Sunday. We gave service to a sister who has been at the hospital for a while and got to help her print some stamps from a software. We cleaned her floors and helped restock her closet with boxes for her dialysis. She was so sweet and we could see her stress go away as we helped her get some house work done which she isn't able to do anymore. One thing I love about serving is to see how much just a little time spent with the members and those who need visits mean to those we see. I absolutely love seeing there frowns turn to smiles by the time we leave.
On Friday we had a great lesson with a less active brother who we have been trying to see the entire time while I have been here and even while Sister Galloway has been here. We finally didn't have to leave a note on his door. We got to know him more and his conversion story. We shared Alma 37:6. It all started with sending him scriptures in a text. A Scripture of the Day has worked miracles for us We then had dinner with a less active/ active family. This is where the story of the new rule comes. So we had dinner with this family and had great lesson with them where we got the parents to bear testimony to there three kids. We planned on just sharing a Scripture but I thought of the game with have been sharing with families called "The Game of Sacrifice." (You will have to wait to know what it is). In the end it got the parents to testify of the gospel and the atonement to their kid. After the lesson they started to open up to us telling us experiences they had in the past. We lost track of time. They wanted to make us Cotton Candy. By the time we got out of there house it was 8. We had a lesson at 7:30 with another less active male. We were going to get picked up at 7:20. When we realized what time it was we saw that the sister who was going to come had called us probably every minute. We scared her to death. We were 40 minutes late and never called us back. We heard she posted on the Facebook page that she couldn't find us and couldn't get a hold of us. You can imagine how scared she was. We were horrible and felt so dumb. Luckily she doesn't hate us. It was an eye opener to me of how much the Ward loves us. Even this one sister. She was so scared she even drove to social services. We had tons of members calling us and texting us to see if we were alright. It was one crazy evening. We Saw the down slide of not being fully obedient to this new rule. However, To be fully honest. I hadn't felt the love I did when I got here right away like when I got to Garner. I definitely have it now. I have been hoping for away to show the members and less actives of the ward that I am a great missionary and that I really want to bless their families. In the end they blessed mine.
On Saturday, we had only 1 lesson out of 4 planned. We got to do service and then for all those that didn't follow through we packed. I am so glad that we move Wednesday and I can feel the pain of those who hate to pack. I don't know how military families do it. We don't have that much stuff and it is still a pain. Even the stress that it brings.
Sunday was another great Sabbath. We got a call from the 2nd counselor in the ward. We were asked to give a talk. (It reminded me of Dad). When we saw the name we were like "oh no someone is giving a talk." We had hoped it was for our move. He asked us to give a talk. He only wanted it one and wanted us to decide. We couldn't so we asked him to choose. So he just had both of us talk. It was great and definitely one topic I knew I need to work on. Scripture Study. We both did a great job. we both shared experiences. I wish I could have added some stuff but 10 minutes was not long enough. However, they did make it the theme for the whole day. One scripture that stood out a ton me that I used in my talk was 2 Nephi 28:30. where we learn line upon line and precept upon precept. Great day and great topic and wonderful lessons. I love when The Relief Society is full of the sisters talking and giving comments instead of one sister doing all the talking. I love it!
Well that's my week! Hope you have a great week this week! And I would like to wish Cameren and Brenden and all of the Mountain Shadows ward Good Luck in Seminary this year. I wish with the knowledge I am getting know from using it everyday that I pay more attention. Love you all!
--
Sister Tayler Farr
Another Great week over and gone! Its amazing to know that next week will be my 8 month mark! Not sure if I am Okay with that fact. I am so glad to be here in Hillsborough. North Carolina in general is amazing and so glad that I am here.
First off we have been given to counsel from our mission President. It has changed our nightly routine. We must use our night time hours 6-9 as prime proselyting time. We must be out dinner appointments by 6.Its our first big adjustment to change. I definitely was kind of set back. I could see the benefit and was okay with it and even noticed that we do spend a good amount of time in our dinner appointments and that we may not even get appointments during our evenings. We are trying to make a smooth adjustments. It makes it hard for the members. Especially for the families who have husbands working late. I know that this is a counsel President James has received from God and that it is what our mission needs at this time. Sadly this week We saw that the outcome of not fully being obedient to the new clarification. I will tell the story later.
Tuesday we had a great lesson on the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our investigator who has issues with her memory. We finally got her to understand and she was even able to answer our questions without being worried she would get them wrong. She has committed to come to church on Sunday. We gave service to a sister who has been at the hospital for a while and got to help her print some stamps from a software. We cleaned her floors and helped restock her closet with boxes for her dialysis. She was so sweet and we could see her stress go away as we helped her get some house work done which she isn't able to do anymore. One thing I love about serving is to see how much just a little time spent with the members and those who need visits mean to those we see. I absolutely love seeing there frowns turn to smiles by the time we leave.
On Friday we had a great lesson with a less active brother who we have been trying to see the entire time while I have been here and even while Sister Galloway has been here. We finally didn't have to leave a note on his door. We got to know him more and his conversion story. We shared Alma 37:6. It all started with sending him scriptures in a text. A Scripture of the Day has worked miracles for us We then had dinner with a less active/ active family. This is where the story of the new rule comes. So we had dinner with this family and had great lesson with them where we got the parents to bear testimony to there three kids. We planned on just sharing a Scripture but I thought of the game with have been sharing with families called "The Game of Sacrifice." (You will have to wait to know what it is). In the end it got the parents to testify of the gospel and the atonement to their kid. After the lesson they started to open up to us telling us experiences they had in the past. We lost track of time. They wanted to make us Cotton Candy. By the time we got out of there house it was 8. We had a lesson at 7:30 with another less active male. We were going to get picked up at 7:20. When we realized what time it was we saw that the sister who was going to come had called us probably every minute. We scared her to death. We were 40 minutes late and never called us back. We heard she posted on the Facebook page that she couldn't find us and couldn't get a hold of us. You can imagine how scared she was. We were horrible and felt so dumb. Luckily she doesn't hate us. It was an eye opener to me of how much the Ward loves us. Even this one sister. She was so scared she even drove to social services. We had tons of members calling us and texting us to see if we were alright. It was one crazy evening. We Saw the down slide of not being fully obedient to this new rule. However, To be fully honest. I hadn't felt the love I did when I got here right away like when I got to Garner. I definitely have it now. I have been hoping for away to show the members and less actives of the ward that I am a great missionary and that I really want to bless their families. In the end they blessed mine.
On Saturday, we had only 1 lesson out of 4 planned. We got to do service and then for all those that didn't follow through we packed. I am so glad that we move Wednesday and I can feel the pain of those who hate to pack. I don't know how military families do it. We don't have that much stuff and it is still a pain. Even the stress that it brings.
Sunday was another great Sabbath. We got a call from the 2nd counselor in the ward. We were asked to give a talk. (It reminded me of Dad). When we saw the name we were like "oh no someone is giving a talk." We had hoped it was for our move. He asked us to give a talk. He only wanted it one and wanted us to decide. We couldn't so we asked him to choose. So he just had both of us talk. It was great and definitely one topic I knew I need to work on. Scripture Study. We both did a great job. we both shared experiences. I wish I could have added some stuff but 10 minutes was not long enough. However, they did make it the theme for the whole day. One scripture that stood out a ton me that I used in my talk was 2 Nephi 28:30. where we learn line upon line and precept upon precept. Great day and great topic and wonderful lessons. I love when The Relief Society is full of the sisters talking and giving comments instead of one sister doing all the talking. I love it!
Well that's my week! Hope you have a great week this week! And I would like to wish Cameren and Brenden and all of the Mountain Shadows ward Good Luck in Seminary this year. I wish with the knowledge I am getting know from using it everyday that I pay more attention. Love you all!
--
Sister Tayler Farr
Monday, August 17, 2015
Agency- It's a funny thing!
Hey Y'all,
Well first off Happy 25th Anniversary Mom and Dad! It has been amazing 20 years of being with you and having you there for me and each other and glad to know you had 5 years together before me! Best parents ever!
This week was one where nothing bad happened and lots of good happened. As you know we are moving soon to a new apartment and I am both excited and dreading the fact that we still have to be completely packed before we have our moving day on the 25th. We are not to far along, but I can honestly say I will dread moving the rest of my life. However, we did have great things happen this week. We had great lessons set up which all canceled except one. One of them was with a potential investigator. we got a call the night before the lesson from a sister in the ward. The first thing she said was "what do you need?" Um... well I was kind of thinking sorry you called us first....She said " I felt prompted to call you, Do you need anything?" We didn't think of anything but needing boxes. We just decided to invite her to the lesson and made plans for it. we felt that our investigator must need her testimony. Sadly though the next morning during studies she canceled and so we just went to lunch with the member and she invited a non-member to come with us! I was very confused why did God prompt her to call us to come and then not have it follow through. I realized later during the day that maybe it was planned to follow through with the lesson but she used her agency (which God can't control) and it ended up not working out. I noticed I assumed that since it was the way God wanted it to go it would got perfect because he helped it happen the right way and how it should have gone. As much as we were bummed that we didn't see her we know in the future to have come with us. From this I noticed just how much God loves us and was willing to give us our agency. He can help us but then we are to choose and he may be disappointed with us or happy with the choices we make. Or simply he prompted her to call us just to test her and see if she would follow the prompting. It really could be anything but I know some thing God is in everything, but he then steps back and lets us do our part. He wants it to go one way but we then can make it go another.
Another experience this week was we had an appointment with a less-active brother. We forgot to ask someone to come with us and so we were trying to think of someone to go last minute. Luckily we both thought of the same person and she was able to pick us up and come with us. It was probably the best lesson I have had with a less active. He is Agnostic after having a hard time and past. He was "kicked out" of the singles ward and felt unwelcome as he went to the family ward. He stopped coming and destroyed his scriptures and his blessing. He has never been married, and never has had kids. He is a history teacher at a college. He just seems so sad. He feels so lonely but wants to be around people. I had no idea what to say and so we tried top share a scripture but he didn't understand it. He felt uncomfortable saying a prayer. He told us though that his students were everything to him. I felt so useless! I didn't know what to do so I told him about my brother. I told him that he is not married never had kids is still in a family ward and sometimes sit by himself during church. But he knows who loves him and serves the Lord with all his heart, and he fulfills his callings to his best capacity. He has his siblings getting married and he still isn't but he knows its all on the Lords time. He kind of looked at me weird. I am not sure he appreciated it but I almost wanted to say that he is just angry with God! I hate not knowing what to do and having to remember that I can do anything but he still has his agency and choose to do whatever he wants.
I have learned that everything is in the perfect timing that God wants it, but it can change so quickly and maybe we don't see God helping us when we use our amazing gift of agency is not the best way!
Sunday was great and I really enjoyed the lesson by Ezra Taft Benson on the elderly. It reminded me of all the years I worked at PACE. I noticed that maybe I did learn something from the people their. I remember learning to be happy in life and to have a great attitude toward life and continue enduring!
Overall, I learned this week that Enduring to the End truly is the hardest thing God has asked us to do, but it is so rewarding! We had that chance to teach the Plan of Salvation and when we talked about when we have judgment. I realized it will never be something scary and God criticizing us on what we should have done or what we didn't do. No! it will be a happy occasion. He will congratulate us, he will reward us and he will be proud of the things we did well and how we used our agency for good and helped our brother and sisters.
What as week it was but so glad that I get another one and I hope you all have a great week and always remember God is with you! Love you all! Love y'all so much!
"And inasmuch as ye are humble and faithful and call upon my name, behold, I will give you the victory." Doctrine and Covenants 104:82
Love Sister Farr
--
Sister Tayler Farr
Well first off Happy 25th Anniversary Mom and Dad! It has been amazing 20 years of being with you and having you there for me and each other and glad to know you had 5 years together before me! Best parents ever!
This week was one where nothing bad happened and lots of good happened. As you know we are moving soon to a new apartment and I am both excited and dreading the fact that we still have to be completely packed before we have our moving day on the 25th. We are not to far along, but I can honestly say I will dread moving the rest of my life. However, we did have great things happen this week. We had great lessons set up which all canceled except one. One of them was with a potential investigator. we got a call the night before the lesson from a sister in the ward. The first thing she said was "what do you need?" Um... well I was kind of thinking sorry you called us first....She said " I felt prompted to call you, Do you need anything?" We didn't think of anything but needing boxes. We just decided to invite her to the lesson and made plans for it. we felt that our investigator must need her testimony. Sadly though the next morning during studies she canceled and so we just went to lunch with the member and she invited a non-member to come with us! I was very confused why did God prompt her to call us to come and then not have it follow through. I realized later during the day that maybe it was planned to follow through with the lesson but she used her agency (which God can't control) and it ended up not working out. I noticed I assumed that since it was the way God wanted it to go it would got perfect because he helped it happen the right way and how it should have gone. As much as we were bummed that we didn't see her we know in the future to have come with us. From this I noticed just how much God loves us and was willing to give us our agency. He can help us but then we are to choose and he may be disappointed with us or happy with the choices we make. Or simply he prompted her to call us just to test her and see if she would follow the prompting. It really could be anything but I know some thing God is in everything, but he then steps back and lets us do our part. He wants it to go one way but we then can make it go another.
Another experience this week was we had an appointment with a less-active brother. We forgot to ask someone to come with us and so we were trying to think of someone to go last minute. Luckily we both thought of the same person and she was able to pick us up and come with us. It was probably the best lesson I have had with a less active. He is Agnostic after having a hard time and past. He was "kicked out" of the singles ward and felt unwelcome as he went to the family ward. He stopped coming and destroyed his scriptures and his blessing. He has never been married, and never has had kids. He is a history teacher at a college. He just seems so sad. He feels so lonely but wants to be around people. I had no idea what to say and so we tried top share a scripture but he didn't understand it. He felt uncomfortable saying a prayer. He told us though that his students were everything to him. I felt so useless! I didn't know what to do so I told him about my brother. I told him that he is not married never had kids is still in a family ward and sometimes sit by himself during church. But he knows who loves him and serves the Lord with all his heart, and he fulfills his callings to his best capacity. He has his siblings getting married and he still isn't but he knows its all on the Lords time. He kind of looked at me weird. I am not sure he appreciated it but I almost wanted to say that he is just angry with God! I hate not knowing what to do and having to remember that I can do anything but he still has his agency and choose to do whatever he wants.
I have learned that everything is in the perfect timing that God wants it, but it can change so quickly and maybe we don't see God helping us when we use our amazing gift of agency is not the best way!
Sunday was great and I really enjoyed the lesson by Ezra Taft Benson on the elderly. It reminded me of all the years I worked at PACE. I noticed that maybe I did learn something from the people their. I remember learning to be happy in life and to have a great attitude toward life and continue enduring!
Overall, I learned this week that Enduring to the End truly is the hardest thing God has asked us to do, but it is so rewarding! We had that chance to teach the Plan of Salvation and when we talked about when we have judgment. I realized it will never be something scary and God criticizing us on what we should have done or what we didn't do. No! it will be a happy occasion. He will congratulate us, he will reward us and he will be proud of the things we did well and how we used our agency for good and helped our brother and sisters.
What as week it was but so glad that I get another one and I hope you all have a great week and always remember God is with you! Love you all! Love y'all so much!
"And inasmuch as ye are humble and faithful and call upon my name, behold, I will give you the victory." Doctrine and Covenants 104:82
Love Sister Farr
--
Sister Tayler Farr
Another great week and end to another transfer!
Hey Y'all,
Another great week and end to another transfer! Glad to be saying that I am staying in Hillsborough for another 6 weeks with Sister Galloway! It was a great week. Lots to do and lots of many tender mercies and miracles. And those are the best weeks ever!
Tuesday we had breakfast with a sister who is less active. We have been sending out scriptures in texts a lot and we finally got feedback from some. We talked and she invite us over. We had a hard time finding it. We had a great visit and found out why she doesn't come and why she stopped. She has a great testimony. She is even from Colorado. Another crazy story that happened today was that we had a great lesson with a sister. She wanted to know what all I got for my birthday and so I pulled out my camera to show her. We left her with a message and then drove home. We got halfway when I realized my camera was gone. Of course those who know me know that I am good at freaking out. I was a mess. We called her to see if i left it there. She couldn't find it. Again I freaked and then we drove back to see if I dropped it on the ground. My companion was so great and she had us pray. quickly I felt a peace sweep over me. Yet we got there and couldn't find it. I got back in the car and again freaked. I knew if I didn't find it I would have to tell Kory I lost my camera that he gave me. I also realized that I had lost my pictures from the last 7 months of my mission. I prayed again and boy I knew God was watching out for me. I felt that warm love and I just remember being able to calm down enough and try to see if maybe I dropped it until the sisters couch. She left us in and thankfully I found it shoved in between the couch cushions. It was so amazing. I poured my soul out in gratitude and boy I felt dumb. I probably was a mess and probably made my companion laugh at me a little. I saw that God watched over me. Let me calm down, retrace my steps. I didn't really lose it and he knew that. If I learned anything from this situation and from countless stories like it. There is really no point in freaking out and the simplest thing that I could be freaked out about it was important to me and God knew that! Amazingly too I noticed I was more worried about having to tell Kory than having to have lost all those pictures. All in all I am glad I didn't have to do either.
Sunday of course was another great day! Again Mekena was right that Sunday is like your saving Grace! I love being able to just relax at church feel the spirit and enjoy every talk, and lesson. It was hard to see some of the moms who had to drop there Missionaries off this week. It kind of made me think of when I left. They asked us lots of questions and there children were all puffy eyed and sad faced. I am so glad that even though they didn't want them to leave they let them. They will definitely return with honor. Our Gospel Principles were on The signs of the second coming and it really occurred to me that the reason we have signs are for our benefit to prepare ourselves and not to just say "Hey, I'm coming. Ready or not!" Relief Society was harder. We had a lesson on family. The one who gave the lesson would cry a lot when she talked about her son who just left to Brazil and it was making me think of home and boy i was holding back so hard. They asked us to think of examples of Noble women. My mother, Grandmas, and aunts and my young women, primary leaders came to mind and boy what an emotional spiritual experience. Even those who were not my mom really had a impact on me. I would list all of you but I don't think i would have room. It is a never ending list. I can add some more just by those I have meet on my mission. This church is truly one big family!
We did get a text this week from an investigator who we have lost contact and who is grateful that we send her texts with scriptures. We received a referral. We even were given an investigator from the Elders who would rather have us teach her. Things are looking up and so glad that everything is seeming to work out. I love North Carolina! It may be hot and I may be tired all the time but never had I had more fun, more energy and strength. I love all that I do as a representative of Jesus Christ!
Have a great week y'all!
Sister Farr
--
Sister Tayler Farr
Another great week and end to another transfer! Glad to be saying that I am staying in Hillsborough for another 6 weeks with Sister Galloway! It was a great week. Lots to do and lots of many tender mercies and miracles. And those are the best weeks ever!
Tuesday we had breakfast with a sister who is less active. We have been sending out scriptures in texts a lot and we finally got feedback from some. We talked and she invite us over. We had a hard time finding it. We had a great visit and found out why she doesn't come and why she stopped. She has a great testimony. She is even from Colorado. Another crazy story that happened today was that we had a great lesson with a sister. She wanted to know what all I got for my birthday and so I pulled out my camera to show her. We left her with a message and then drove home. We got halfway when I realized my camera was gone. Of course those who know me know that I am good at freaking out. I was a mess. We called her to see if i left it there. She couldn't find it. Again I freaked and then we drove back to see if I dropped it on the ground. My companion was so great and she had us pray. quickly I felt a peace sweep over me. Yet we got there and couldn't find it. I got back in the car and again freaked. I knew if I didn't find it I would have to tell Kory I lost my camera that he gave me. I also realized that I had lost my pictures from the last 7 months of my mission. I prayed again and boy I knew God was watching out for me. I felt that warm love and I just remember being able to calm down enough and try to see if maybe I dropped it until the sisters couch. She left us in and thankfully I found it shoved in between the couch cushions. It was so amazing. I poured my soul out in gratitude and boy I felt dumb. I probably was a mess and probably made my companion laugh at me a little. I saw that God watched over me. Let me calm down, retrace my steps. I didn't really lose it and he knew that. If I learned anything from this situation and from countless stories like it. There is really no point in freaking out and the simplest thing that I could be freaked out about it was important to me and God knew that! Amazingly too I noticed I was more worried about having to tell Kory than having to have lost all those pictures. All in all I am glad I didn't have to do either.
Sunday of course was another great day! Again Mekena was right that Sunday is like your saving Grace! I love being able to just relax at church feel the spirit and enjoy every talk, and lesson. It was hard to see some of the moms who had to drop there Missionaries off this week. It kind of made me think of when I left. They asked us lots of questions and there children were all puffy eyed and sad faced. I am so glad that even though they didn't want them to leave they let them. They will definitely return with honor. Our Gospel Principles were on The signs of the second coming and it really occurred to me that the reason we have signs are for our benefit to prepare ourselves and not to just say "Hey, I'm coming. Ready or not!" Relief Society was harder. We had a lesson on family. The one who gave the lesson would cry a lot when she talked about her son who just left to Brazil and it was making me think of home and boy i was holding back so hard. They asked us to think of examples of Noble women. My mother, Grandmas, and aunts and my young women, primary leaders came to mind and boy what an emotional spiritual experience. Even those who were not my mom really had a impact on me. I would list all of you but I don't think i would have room. It is a never ending list. I can add some more just by those I have meet on my mission. This church is truly one big family!
We did get a text this week from an investigator who we have lost contact and who is grateful that we send her texts with scriptures. We received a referral. We even were given an investigator from the Elders who would rather have us teach her. Things are looking up and so glad that everything is seeming to work out. I love North Carolina! It may be hot and I may be tired all the time but never had I had more fun, more energy and strength. I love all that I do as a representative of Jesus Christ!
Have a great week y'all!
Sister Farr
--
Sister Tayler Farr
Friday, August 7, 2015
"I Will Hush Your Fears"
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| Sister Anderson and I on Exchanges! |
I have got to say that this was a hard week! Having my birthday did make it better. We have been struggling finding people to teach. We have started focusing a lot on our finding tools and of course all we can think to really do is tract. We have had great lessons with our recent converts and I got a hair cut from one of them. Only lost 2 inch's.
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| Sister Galloway wrote on me! |
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| Face paint on Pioneer Day! |
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| All my presents! Thank you so much! |
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| Nice surprise |
On Sunday we had a great lesson in Relief society and we had the young women there with us. It made me think of the times we need that at home in the Mountain Shadows ward when I was a beehive. We talked about the talk from this past April conference by Elder Bednar on Hushing our fears. I advise you to all read it again. It helped me with all my fears with this weeks hard time of Homesickness and not having people to teach. It helped me to see that Fear isn't bad. It is a motivator only if we let it be though. It can also help us believe in God and more and leads us to study more and try to be more like the Savior1 I couldn't help but think about this past month and all things me and my family have been dealing with and I could see fear of the unknown and the sadness of losing a loved one! and a feeling of anger. But I loved that every time we talked about Fear we all included the Savior and his atonement and how it helps overcome any kind of Fear. I could see that this is what I have been feeling that my fear of not being a successful missionary and not doing my best has turned into fear. but I will choose to allow it to be my motivator. My companion has told me countless times that "Faith is the foundation, Hope is the motivation, and Charity is the Application.
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| My cookies face! |
--
Sister Tayler Farr
Monday, July 27, 2015
Enabling Power of The Atonement
Hey Y'all,
Well What a week it has been! Can't believe we are almost done with July already! Time is flying! Crazy to know that my birthday is on Friday (in 4 days). Like I haven't been counting down the days! This week we had no investigators to teach and spent lots of time finding. We saw lots of less-actives though. I am not to big a fan of tracting.
This week has been crazy and very overwhelming. On Wednesday we had exchanges and of course I freaked out and was really nervous. It was again GREAT! I never had gone on exchange with this Sister before. (she was my sister training leader while I was in training back in Garner). We had lunch with the four of us and then we went our separate ways. I got to drive! It was weird driving after 6 months. Got to say I was kind of worried that I may have forgotten some of the rules! haha! We did Facebook so she could look at my Facebook and then we went to go visit some Sisters. We got to one of the sisters and we talked. I got her to talk about things that are happening with her and then we got to our Savior. She kind of got mad at me and said something not nice. We again tried to get her to talk more and she finally told us about what has been happening. She told us of an illness she has and how it is slowly killing her. We told her that we may never know why bad things happen to us, but it is all for our benefit. She liked what we said and she finally opened up more told us that she is the only member of her family and she has so much Family History she wants to do but she doesn't feel like she can do it. she is willing to pay for someone to do it. We told her that some members have family history callings and they there to help and they can come to her house to help her. She was so excited and she wanted names and numbers. We didn't have all of them but we told her that we would find some more people. We talked about the Spirit of Elijah and how he will help her have the motivation to do. We witnessed it right there at her home as she kept asking questions. She brought up the fact that she has some family who she has to ask and Sister Anderson gave her a great thing to say and she had her write it down. The visit was good and I was so amazed as to her being open and finally getting her to confide in us. It was a miracle!
Friday was the day we really went tracking. Every door we knocked on and talked to were very nice, but of course our last two of the night were the worst. One was telling us that we sinned by adding scripture to what we already have and how that is affiliated. I wanted to ask questions, but knew it would end in a contentious conversation and so i just bore my testimony instead. The last one was the worst. She came to the door and we talked about Christ and we asked if we could talk about him more and she said I don't want a belief in him because of the life he has given her and her family . And then she slammed the door. It was scary and I was just kind of bugged by it and kept wondering what has happened to her and why does she feel this way. Every step we took I wanted to turn right back around but I knew she wasn't ready! I made sister Galloway pull over so we could say a prayer for her. Halfway through the prayer I started crying and I really can't explain it! It was crazy. This lady didn't understand the whole purpose of life. We are given hard things to work for because God knows we can handle it and even more so that we can grow and be better and accomplish all that we can be! I felt bad for her and I prayed that someone who she would listen to would explain it to her when she is ready. I couldn't explain why I was crying but I think it is because I knew that the hard things in life are really for me to benefit from and having that knowledge brought me peace. I felt the love of the Savior as we sat in the car praying and talking. It was a very emotional drive home! I am so grateful for the Enabling power that I can have hard times but knowing that if I allow the Atonement in my life Christ will help me when I feel like I can no longer move forward! Amazingly enough I have had thoughts about all that I have accomplished here so far and I felt like I am failing. We are struggling and it feels like I can give up but again God knew what I needed and gave me an experience to that he is mindful of me and my efforts. I have come across the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 18:15-16 and it says that if I bring one soul to repentance and to the Gospel it is all I am asked to do. I felt that maybe even that one person can be myself. I can benefit from this experience and I will be better. I can see the Gospel so much clearer than I did 7 months ago. I know that I am changing and loving the teaching and Loving my Savior so much more! More importantly in this scripture it is saying that if I bring many souls then what joy should I be given. As long as I am that one soul the many souls will come! What a great week and what a great time that I am having! This transfer is coming to a quick end and we have no idea what is going to happen! Either way I will continue to serve with all my heart, might, mind and strength! I love the people of North Carolina!!!!! Have a great week! Love you all!
--
Sister Tayler Farr
Well What a week it has been! Can't believe we are almost done with July already! Time is flying! Crazy to know that my birthday is on Friday (in 4 days). Like I haven't been counting down the days! This week we had no investigators to teach and spent lots of time finding. We saw lots of less-actives though. I am not to big a fan of tracting.
This week has been crazy and very overwhelming. On Wednesday we had exchanges and of course I freaked out and was really nervous. It was again GREAT! I never had gone on exchange with this Sister before. (she was my sister training leader while I was in training back in Garner). We had lunch with the four of us and then we went our separate ways. I got to drive! It was weird driving after 6 months. Got to say I was kind of worried that I may have forgotten some of the rules! haha! We did Facebook so she could look at my Facebook and then we went to go visit some Sisters. We got to one of the sisters and we talked. I got her to talk about things that are happening with her and then we got to our Savior. She kind of got mad at me and said something not nice. We again tried to get her to talk more and she finally told us about what has been happening. She told us of an illness she has and how it is slowly killing her. We told her that we may never know why bad things happen to us, but it is all for our benefit. She liked what we said and she finally opened up more told us that she is the only member of her family and she has so much Family History she wants to do but she doesn't feel like she can do it. she is willing to pay for someone to do it. We told her that some members have family history callings and they there to help and they can come to her house to help her. She was so excited and she wanted names and numbers. We didn't have all of them but we told her that we would find some more people. We talked about the Spirit of Elijah and how he will help her have the motivation to do. We witnessed it right there at her home as she kept asking questions. She brought up the fact that she has some family who she has to ask and Sister Anderson gave her a great thing to say and she had her write it down. The visit was good and I was so amazed as to her being open and finally getting her to confide in us. It was a miracle!
Friday was the day we really went tracking. Every door we knocked on and talked to were very nice, but of course our last two of the night were the worst. One was telling us that we sinned by adding scripture to what we already have and how that is affiliated. I wanted to ask questions, but knew it would end in a contentious conversation and so i just bore my testimony instead. The last one was the worst. She came to the door and we talked about Christ and we asked if we could talk about him more and she said I don't want a belief in him because of the life he has given her and her family . And then she slammed the door. It was scary and I was just kind of bugged by it and kept wondering what has happened to her and why does she feel this way. Every step we took I wanted to turn right back around but I knew she wasn't ready! I made sister Galloway pull over so we could say a prayer for her. Halfway through the prayer I started crying and I really can't explain it! It was crazy. This lady didn't understand the whole purpose of life. We are given hard things to work for because God knows we can handle it and even more so that we can grow and be better and accomplish all that we can be! I felt bad for her and I prayed that someone who she would listen to would explain it to her when she is ready. I couldn't explain why I was crying but I think it is because I knew that the hard things in life are really for me to benefit from and having that knowledge brought me peace. I felt the love of the Savior as we sat in the car praying and talking. It was a very emotional drive home! I am so grateful for the Enabling power that I can have hard times but knowing that if I allow the Atonement in my life Christ will help me when I feel like I can no longer move forward! Amazingly enough I have had thoughts about all that I have accomplished here so far and I felt like I am failing. We are struggling and it feels like I can give up but again God knew what I needed and gave me an experience to that he is mindful of me and my efforts. I have come across the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 18:15-16 and it says that if I bring one soul to repentance and to the Gospel it is all I am asked to do. I felt that maybe even that one person can be myself. I can benefit from this experience and I will be better. I can see the Gospel so much clearer than I did 7 months ago. I know that I am changing and loving the teaching and Loving my Savior so much more! More importantly in this scripture it is saying that if I bring many souls then what joy should I be given. As long as I am that one soul the many souls will come! What a great week and what a great time that I am having! This transfer is coming to a quick end and we have no idea what is going to happen! Either way I will continue to serve with all my heart, might, mind and strength! I love the people of North Carolina!!!!! Have a great week! Love you all!
--
Sister Tayler Farr
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
The Lord Loves His Children and is Mindful of Them
Hey Y'all,
Well what a week! It has been a roller coaster! Everything has been emotional and just amazing! A lot of you know my family and my Home ward lost a great husband, dad, brother, son and friend. However, if I have learned anything this week it is that God is mindful of all of his Children and does His work through his other Children!
This week we didn't get as much done as we wanted to get done but we had wonderful lessons and amazing visits. We had a great dinner with a Family this week! We had a really hard time with deciding on what to share. I hate taking so long in planning every night. My companion has been very patient with me this week. I just am so crazy I just want to go, go, go! I just starting to throw out any scripture and she always asks after each one is that what you think they need! It is always in a calm nice tone and I sometimes what to scream! I then finally am able to really think and for this family after five minute of quiet we came to the same conclusion.....Family History! We found out that the family has already been doing it. The husband is the only member in his family and so he feels like he has so much to do! He shared his testimony of doing it. He feels like he is at a stand still point, but we said have you added stories to the website and he is like...No? We told him maybe telling stories of them can help get you excited again! We read him the scripture of the Spirit of Elijah and he started to get teary eyed. The sister wanted to start again and boy I knew the Spirit of Elijah was there pushing them! It was great! We spent the rest of the night talking about different stories from each of our families and of course I talked about Loren Farr and how he knew Joseph Smith and was basically a body guard to him and that I was named after an ancestor. It was so nice and it even got me more excited to do some more!
This week we finally got together with one of our investigators and we taught the Restoration again. She has survived two aneurysms and it is hard for her to remember. She said that if we read and talk to her she will get it! I have never seen someone learn so quickly and so easily than she has. She was ready for each thing and she loved each part. She loved the Joseph Smith Vision and she remembers it the most. We are meeting her tomorrow to help her start reading the scriptures on the computer. She is so excited as long as she doesn't forget! She says "she knows who is in charge and if he wants me to I will" I just love the testimonies of the people here in North Carolina. It is just so amazing!
On Thursday night we had to cancel a lesson with a Less active sister who is in a wheelchair because of bugs she found. We instead did it over the phone. It was a great lesson even if it was over the phone! We talked about death and Resurrection. She asked us about if Christ, Heavenly Father, and the Spirit are three different beings then why are they said to be as one in the scriptures! Really at first I didn't know what to say! I don't think I have given much thought to it myself, but after a thought we turned to 3 Nephi 11:35-36 and it talks about the unity between each of them. I thought then it is that they are as one because they are a team that works together. God is the delegator and the master of the work. Christ is the minister and leader, and the Holy Ghost is the teacher. They all have a big part but are all on the same team in helping us come home and become our best selves. We then gave her more scriptures and came across Alma 40! We instead talked about it and read it together. Alma 40 talks a lot about the Plan of Salvation and I was surprised at how much I was sharing and helping her and even my companion understand! I really didn't know I knew this and that I understood it! We all asked questioned and we discussed it! I knew we felt the spirit in our apartment and she said she felt it even in her home. I don't know exactly what I knew that I shared but I know that I witnessed the Spirit testifying and teaching through me! I learned so much.
The next day after that lesson is when I found out about the family from home. I know it was not on accident that I learned and we talked about this the night before. I was able to then share a post that I had learned so much and how my testimony had been strengthened on the Plan of Salvation. The next day I saw a post from my mom saying it was exactly what she needed to hear! Again that was no accident!
The same kind of thing happened on Saturday night! We got to together with a less-active and her daughter and we were about to give a scripture when her non-member boyfriend asked us what we have learned and what have we experienced what we weren't expecting to experience on our missions. It was amazing to feel the spirit come into their home as we both shared our testimonies. I was ready to read the scripture that we took forever on deciding and it just didn't feel right and so I pulled out my Book of Mormon. I flipped and flipped and Mosiah 4:9 came to my head and so I opened to it and started to read! It talks about how God is mindful of us and we can't fully comprehend all that he does. After I finished the Sister quickly said I love it! We both Shared our testimonies again. We invited her to read Alma 32 on faith! Then she took us home! We started to talk again and then she finally told us why she loved it! She told us about her ex husband who was abusive to her and her three children. They lived in California and their marriage was just getting worse. She said that they finally came to North Carolina once he allowed it! After they moved there he left! Her family is all here in North Carolina and she told us that she knew Heavenly Father soften his heart to move here so that she could be able to make ends meet and have her parents there when she needed it! She was grateful for the scripture again.
On Sunday we were asked to teach the Gospel Principles class again and of course the lesson was on Family History. It was great and at first not so good but once we talked about the temple and our ancestors and how we have to help them. Everyone wanted to share stories and their testimonies.
It has been a week of doubt, miracles, sadness and never ending happiness! I don't know how all of this was possible. This week I have been so worried about my family, the family who lost their family members and my ward. I know that God knows what is best and He will make it happen. He may use one of his other children to do it, but he will do it. He won't always wait until we are in need of it, He will do it when he wants us to receive it and when we are humble enough or when we may want it. God is so loving he wants his Children to be happy and will do all He can. He even will give us trials because he knows we can handle them and that can give us a chance in the future to help others. However, sometimes we have to work for it and he will lead us to it! I have been studying a lot about the plan of salvation this week and wasn't sure why until everything that happened this week. He knew that I needed to be reminded of the wonderful plan and that I could share what I do know and even learn more and then apply it by sharing with others. I have seen the Lord's hand so much this week and am so glad that I am able to see it so close and personal! This has been an emotional roller coaster and I feel like coming home to try to help but I am reminded by my parents that those I love will be blessed for the time that I am serving! Things at home are changing so much and it will be so different. Some people missing and some people changed also, but I will be different too! I have had a great boost to my testimony this week and am so grateful for the knowledge I continue to receive and I hope you all will do a little something for yours as well. God Bless! Love you all!
--
Sister Tayler Farr
Well what a week! It has been a roller coaster! Everything has been emotional and just amazing! A lot of you know my family and my Home ward lost a great husband, dad, brother, son and friend. However, if I have learned anything this week it is that God is mindful of all of his Children and does His work through his other Children!
This week we didn't get as much done as we wanted to get done but we had wonderful lessons and amazing visits. We had a great dinner with a Family this week! We had a really hard time with deciding on what to share. I hate taking so long in planning every night. My companion has been very patient with me this week. I just am so crazy I just want to go, go, go! I just starting to throw out any scripture and she always asks after each one is that what you think they need! It is always in a calm nice tone and I sometimes what to scream! I then finally am able to really think and for this family after five minute of quiet we came to the same conclusion.....Family History! We found out that the family has already been doing it. The husband is the only member in his family and so he feels like he has so much to do! He shared his testimony of doing it. He feels like he is at a stand still point, but we said have you added stories to the website and he is like...No? We told him maybe telling stories of them can help get you excited again! We read him the scripture of the Spirit of Elijah and he started to get teary eyed. The sister wanted to start again and boy I knew the Spirit of Elijah was there pushing them! It was great! We spent the rest of the night talking about different stories from each of our families and of course I talked about Loren Farr and how he knew Joseph Smith and was basically a body guard to him and that I was named after an ancestor. It was so nice and it even got me more excited to do some more!
This week we finally got together with one of our investigators and we taught the Restoration again. She has survived two aneurysms and it is hard for her to remember. She said that if we read and talk to her she will get it! I have never seen someone learn so quickly and so easily than she has. She was ready for each thing and she loved each part. She loved the Joseph Smith Vision and she remembers it the most. We are meeting her tomorrow to help her start reading the scriptures on the computer. She is so excited as long as she doesn't forget! She says "she knows who is in charge and if he wants me to I will" I just love the testimonies of the people here in North Carolina. It is just so amazing!
On Thursday night we had to cancel a lesson with a Less active sister who is in a wheelchair because of bugs she found. We instead did it over the phone. It was a great lesson even if it was over the phone! We talked about death and Resurrection. She asked us about if Christ, Heavenly Father, and the Spirit are three different beings then why are they said to be as one in the scriptures! Really at first I didn't know what to say! I don't think I have given much thought to it myself, but after a thought we turned to 3 Nephi 11:35-36 and it talks about the unity between each of them. I thought then it is that they are as one because they are a team that works together. God is the delegator and the master of the work. Christ is the minister and leader, and the Holy Ghost is the teacher. They all have a big part but are all on the same team in helping us come home and become our best selves. We then gave her more scriptures and came across Alma 40! We instead talked about it and read it together. Alma 40 talks a lot about the Plan of Salvation and I was surprised at how much I was sharing and helping her and even my companion understand! I really didn't know I knew this and that I understood it! We all asked questioned and we discussed it! I knew we felt the spirit in our apartment and she said she felt it even in her home. I don't know exactly what I knew that I shared but I know that I witnessed the Spirit testifying and teaching through me! I learned so much.
The next day after that lesson is when I found out about the family from home. I know it was not on accident that I learned and we talked about this the night before. I was able to then share a post that I had learned so much and how my testimony had been strengthened on the Plan of Salvation. The next day I saw a post from my mom saying it was exactly what she needed to hear! Again that was no accident!
The same kind of thing happened on Saturday night! We got to together with a less-active and her daughter and we were about to give a scripture when her non-member boyfriend asked us what we have learned and what have we experienced what we weren't expecting to experience on our missions. It was amazing to feel the spirit come into their home as we both shared our testimonies. I was ready to read the scripture that we took forever on deciding and it just didn't feel right and so I pulled out my Book of Mormon. I flipped and flipped and Mosiah 4:9 came to my head and so I opened to it and started to read! It talks about how God is mindful of us and we can't fully comprehend all that he does. After I finished the Sister quickly said I love it! We both Shared our testimonies again. We invited her to read Alma 32 on faith! Then she took us home! We started to talk again and then she finally told us why she loved it! She told us about her ex husband who was abusive to her and her three children. They lived in California and their marriage was just getting worse. She said that they finally came to North Carolina once he allowed it! After they moved there he left! Her family is all here in North Carolina and she told us that she knew Heavenly Father soften his heart to move here so that she could be able to make ends meet and have her parents there when she needed it! She was grateful for the scripture again.
On Sunday we were asked to teach the Gospel Principles class again and of course the lesson was on Family History. It was great and at first not so good but once we talked about the temple and our ancestors and how we have to help them. Everyone wanted to share stories and their testimonies.
It has been a week of doubt, miracles, sadness and never ending happiness! I don't know how all of this was possible. This week I have been so worried about my family, the family who lost their family members and my ward. I know that God knows what is best and He will make it happen. He may use one of his other children to do it, but he will do it. He won't always wait until we are in need of it, He will do it when he wants us to receive it and when we are humble enough or when we may want it. God is so loving he wants his Children to be happy and will do all He can. He even will give us trials because he knows we can handle them and that can give us a chance in the future to help others. However, sometimes we have to work for it and he will lead us to it! I have been studying a lot about the plan of salvation this week and wasn't sure why until everything that happened this week. He knew that I needed to be reminded of the wonderful plan and that I could share what I do know and even learn more and then apply it by sharing with others. I have seen the Lord's hand so much this week and am so glad that I am able to see it so close and personal! This has been an emotional roller coaster and I feel like coming home to try to help but I am reminded by my parents that those I love will be blessed for the time that I am serving! Things at home are changing so much and it will be so different. Some people missing and some people changed also, but I will be different too! I have had a great boost to my testimony this week and am so grateful for the knowledge I continue to receive and I hope you all will do a little something for yours as well. God Bless! Love you all!
--
Sister Tayler Farr
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