The Temple, Hermana Thompson, and Taking the Reins

Sadly I had to say goodbye to Hermana Pugmire, but she is doing well in the area I just came from and will love it :)

I picked up Hermana Thompson and we were off! We have been starting great adventures in teaching people, learning Spanish, and taking investigators to the temple for the first time!

The recent converts in our branch Pearl, Ana, Roger, and Anna got to go to the temple in San Antonio to do family names. It was such a neat experience. Because we were picking up Hermana Thompson for her first day in the mission, we got to the temple just in time for them to be confirmed for the names they were baptized for. It was just so special. They fully enjoyed their experience and we were so grateful to be a part of it.

It has been interesting being a trainer. It is different and challenging teaching a new missionary and at times I feel really inadequate, but really I remember that this is the Lord's work and he chose me for a reason. But, he hasn't left me all alone. I have Him to rely on and help me every day. It's so comforting to me. It helps me feel like I can do it :)

This week we had a powerful lesson about the Book of Mormon and getting answers to the questions we ask God. We read Moroni 10:3-5 where it says, 

"Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

So to receive an answer to any question from God we need to:

1. Read

2. Ponder about it

3. Ask with these 3 qualifications:

-Sincere heart

-Real Intent

-Faith in Christ 

Now we have heard these things before but what do they really mean?

Sincere heart: We really want an answer. We have a desire to know the truth and get an answer from God.

Real intent: we really intend to act on the answer we get from God. Elder Oaks said, "When we pray with real intent we are saying to the Lord something like this: 'I do not ask out of curiosity but with total sincerity to act upon the answer of my prayer. If thou wilt give me this answer I will act to change my life. I will respond.'" 

Faith in Christ: We really believe that we will receive an answer. Through Christ, we really can know what the answer is.

When we do these things God promises us that "he will manifest the truth of it unto [us] by the power of the Holy Ghost." What a great blessing! Now He doesn't give that a time limit, but he says He will answer. Isn't that just incredible! We have a Heavenly Father that loves us. He wants us to receive answers and gives us a way to do so. He will give us the answers we need. They may not be what we want or what we think they will be, but they will be what we need and what He knows will be for the best. That just inspires me!

I invite you to develop a question. Find something that you need an answer to and then follow God's pattern for a response. And when you do this I can promise you that you will receive the answer that you need. God WILL "manifest the truth of it unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

 Hermana Zimmerman

1. Sister Thompson and I in front of the temple

2. All of the recent converts and the branch President and His wife at the temple with our recent converts (from left to right: Pearl, Ana, Roger, President Russo, Sister Russo, Anna, me, Hermana Thompson)

3. Sister Thompson and I in front of the temple 

4. Isabel's (a recent convert) 6 girls! 

5. Me testing an apple to see if it's crisp or not :)

6. Clem Jr., Chloe, Carmelo, and Calie 

Clemente Sr., Clarisa, Celmente Jr., Chloe, Carmelo, and Calie

Awesome story!

So 2 weeks ago we were at a park to teach a lesson to a recent convert family when we saw 2 old investigators, Clem Jr. and his sister Chloe having a barbeque with their family. Sister Pugmire almost didn't go over to talk to them but she decided she would (she had taught these 2 kids in the past but they had moved and we hadn't been able to contact them since). Well, we see them at the park, set up an appointment, and the next thing we know we are at a lesson with them. But, that's not the end! We taught the children 2 lessons (Clem Jr. (12) And Chloe (10)) but the parents were in and out and seemed to have no interest. Well because one of the parents needed to be in the lessons we had planned for the 3rd lesson to go and talk to the parents about why we are teaching their kiddos. Well, we get there late to the house because our previous lessons went over almost 30 minutes and their car wasn't there. We sat there bumbed because we were excited to teach them. Not even 30 seconds after we pull in we see a car behind us, and I said, "wouldn't that be funny if that was them." Well, that car pulled up to their house! The parents had gone out for a couple minutes and were just getting home! We asked if we could come in, they said we could, and we did. We sat down and began to teach about temples and then their parents started to ask a ton of question about how the church started and how things worked. Well after about 30 minutes their mom says, "so how can I have all my kids baptized into your church." I just sat there and was amazed! That was not at all what we were expecting to hear from them at all, but they were all gung-ho about it and said they would come to church and learn more!  

God is so real! He works everything out. We were frustrated because our lessons were getting out late and we may have had to miss the lesson with them, but really God was making it all work out so we would pull up just before the parents got there and be able to teach them all. It's just amazing! God really has a way of working everything out. I know sometimes I get frustrated when I think things don't work out the way that I want them to, but I forget that it's really not my plan. God is the master of it all and somehow we think that it is us who controls everything. I invite you all to step back for a second and try to see the grand scheme rather than focusing on the details. God really is in control and will guide us in that plan as WE follow Him and listen to the guidance of the Spirit.

Hermana Zimmerman 

P.S. I am training a new missionary straight from the MTC!!!! She comes to Texas on Thursday and I am super excited to meet her. 

P.S.S.I am super sad to leave Sister Pugmire because she had been a stellar companion these past 6 weeks. Literally, she has changed my life in many ways. I am so grateful for her and her example to me of love, kindness, optimism, and faith. 

P.S.S.S. She's going to Kerrville where I was trained!!! Crazy hugh! My first companion Sister Taylor stayed in Kerrville and trained another missionary but is going home this week and Sister Pugmire gets to finish Sister Taylor's training. Kinda confusing but yeah, it is really cool how it all works out :)

For Time and Al Eternity

This week we went to a potential investigators house named Jeanna. She had been found using Light the World but as we asked her to keep commitments she was hesitant and wouldn't keep the commitments when we came back so we dropped her. We decided to visit her yesterday just wanting to get her phone number but she invited us inside and we read the Book of Mormon with her. We read 1 Nephi 2 where Lehi and his family leave Jerusalem and then we talked about praying and not looking back using the example of Nephi. Well, we ended with a prayer and as we were getting her information I felt prompted to talk about families and how they can be together forever. We talked about how at a marriage in other churches they say, "til death do you part" and how in temples when people are sealed by the proper, priesthood authority they say, "for time and all eternity." She said that she had never thought of that and how that was interesting. She would never want her family to be separated after they all die. She seemed really interested and intrigued. Well, then we found out why she had been hesitant to keep commitments and progress. She asked us "what would happen to my son? He can't hear this message, understand, and live what is being taught?" (her son has some cognitive disorders) At this point, we went on to teach about how people like her son are perfect in God's eyes and can't sin. And when he dies he will go and live with God. But since we know where he is going to live, it is our quest to be able to live with God and him after we die so we need to make good decisions here in this life.

This experience was just amazing! She was so receptive once one of her big concerns was cleared up. The Spirit is amazing! God really knows His children and their needs. When we listen to the Spirit we can know what they need. 

But...guess what? Stories like these are not just for missionaries! They are for everyone!  Heavenly Father personally knows and loves each one of His children and is willing to help them with anything that they need. We can be that help! When we listen to the Spirit we too can help others to feel the love that their Heavenly Father and Savior have for them. They can feel true joy and experience peace in their lives.

Another Miracle:

Josie from the Hospital-

Each week we serve at the local hospital at the front desk doing small tasks that they need us to do. Well, we were asked to take a paper to the basement and when we got to the basement there was a lady just about to leave. She stopped us and told us that she had seen us in Crystal City (a town about 15 minutes away from here) and that she wanted to know what we did. We told her that we share messages about Jesus Chris and how you can find more peace and happiness in your life. She then began to cry and told us that she wanted us to come by. Her son had almost died and only God could have helped her son to live and walk again. She was so glad to have been able to talk to us and we excited for us to come by soon.

Hermana Zimmerman

1. This is a picture of our clean car Melvin. He was very dirty from our long drives and is now good as new!

Attachments area

"Why?" "The Book of Mormon"

This week has been one of clarity. I have learned so much about how to improve the quality of my teaching so that others understand what I teach. I realized that it's all about The Book of Mormon. Really everything I believe hinges on whether or not The Book of Mormon is true. The reason why I do anything is because The Book of Mormon is true (the Word of Wisdom, tithing, fasting, praying, reading the scriptures, going to church, a mission, and so much more). I do it all because I believe it is true. For some reason, it took me a long time to really realize that "why?" deep inside. 

I invite you to look at the WHY for you. Why do you pray? Why do you really go to church? Why do you fast? Why are you modest in the way you dress? Why are you friends with the friends you have? Why are you going to the college you are going to? Why are you a mother or a father? Why do you have the job you do?

I think it is good to examine our lives every once in a while and with a new year, it's a perfect time to start. Ask yourself "why?", and you will find the answers you seek, because, "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:21)

 Hermana Zimmerman

1. Hermana Pugmire 

2. I did get to see Noah's Ark in the flesh! So just in case you wanted to see it, it is resting in Carrizo Springs, Texas, safe and sound and has been preserved fairly well.

3. This fine chap is named Joseph Cotulla. He was a Polish immigrant who settled a nearby town named Cotulla. Looks nice right?

4. This is a beautiful mural on the side of a building in Cotulla

5. This my friends is Menudo. Homany, cow stomach lining, broth, with a garnish of Frito's. A soup that is sure to start your New Year on the right foot.

6. A cute water tower we saw

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1. Homemade tortillas

2. Hermana Pugmire and I 

3. The kids here love it when you spin them around and when you hold their hands and they jump up in the air and you pull them up to make them go really high. They are just so cute!

4. Tortillas in progress

The Only Formula for Peace- January 1st

There is peace in Christ when we learn of him 

Feel the love He felt for us when he bore our sins 

Listen to his words let them come alive 

If we know Him as He is there is peace in Christ.

Chorus: He gives us hope when hope is gone 

He gives us strength when we can't go on 

He gives us shelter in the storms of life 

When there's no peace on Earth there is peace in Christ.

There is peace in Christ when we walk with him 

Through the streets of Galilee to Jerusalem 

Mend the broken hearts dry the tear-filled eyes 

When we live the way He lived there is peace in Christ.

These lyrics have been so powerful to me this week. My companion and I were looking for a video for one of our investigators and we came across the new Youth theme video. We watched it and it was so beautiful! Wow! Go and look it up, it is so beautiful (https://www.lds.org/youth/theme/2018?lang=eng). 

I love the scripture that is associated with the message. It really gives a recipe to have peace in our lives. Doctrine and Covenants 19:23 says, "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my spirit, and ye shall have peace in me." When we read the teachings of Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon and The Bible (learning of him), when we pray to God for help and listen for answers (listening to His words), when we apply them to our lives by living the principles taught in the scriptures we read (walking in the meekness of His spirit) we are promised peace. What a beautiful formula. When we read the scriptures, pray to God, and follow Christ's example we have peace. And who doesn't need more peace in their lives? 

I am so grateful for a Savior who gives us hope when hope is gone, gives us strength when we can't go on, and gives us shelter in the storms of life because when there's no peace on Earth there is peace in Christ. I know that to be true because I feel a portion of His peace every day. And I strive every day to feel more. I invite you to follow the formula for peace and I promise you that peace will be yours this year.

Hermana Zimmerman

P.S. As you are thinking about setting goals this year, remember Jesus Christ and His ability to help you. When He suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane it wasn't just for our sins, but for our weaknesses, our shortcomings, and our sadnesses. Becuase He suffered for you, you can have power. Power to change. Power to improve. Power to overcome. He loves you and is ready and waiting to help you. He can help you be more kind or loving or patient if you let Him. And He can even help you lose those extra pounds. He will help you because He loves you. Nothing is impossible with our Savior.

1. A cool dessert a member made for us

2. The youth theme poster 

3. When we left to go biking!

4. Happy New Year!

Operation Christmas Tree

So this week was full of service. We were wrapping presents, caroling, tamale making, and cookie delivering all week. But the funniest thing we got to do was deliver a Christmas tree.

We went over to teach a lesson to a family in our branch and we noticed they didn't have a Christmas tree. We were really sad, so we talked to the Branch President and he said to go and get the red one from the church and give it to them. Well you see, the tree at the church was already decorated and we needed to get the tree to them ASAP. So we went to the church, separated the 5 ft tree with the ornaments still attached in 2 pieces, and shoved it in our cute little car named Melvin. We felt like Christmas ninjas because it was dark and we were trying to be stealthy. So we shoved the tree in the car and we were off. We got to the house and pulled the bright red tree out of the car and as ornaments fell off the tree we rushed it over to their house. We rang their doorbell and because it was too big to assemble outside and get through the door, we walked it in and set it up. When we walked in with the tree, all of her 5 children surrounded us and were so happy. They were helping us put the ornaments that had fallen off of the tree, back on the tree. We plugged the lights in and it lit up the house it red. It was the greatest feeling to see those children so happy, to feel the true spirit of Christmas, and to light up one family's life with a 5 foot, red, Christmas tree. 

I got a taste of how the Savior felt when he healed the people who were hurting and eased their burden. But, just like that Christmas tree was a light to that family, so is Jesus Christ in our lives. Jesus Christ really is the light in our lives, not just during this Chrismas season, but all year round! He can bring us out of darkness and lift us up. 

Go to:

https://www.mormon.org/

And watch the Light the World video 1 last time :) and ponder:

How will you continue to Light the World throughout 2018?

Hermana Zimmerman