Bandwagon Seahawks Fan

Week 47  Jan. 26, 2105       4:10 pm   EST    Bandwagon Seahawks Fan

The Superbowl is upon us, folks. And if you happen to be undecided as to who should win the game on Sunday - you should probably do me a favor and wear blue and green and give Seattle a little love. Because if the Seahawks don't win, we'll never hear the end of it up here.

And even though I loathe bandwagoners, I've inadvertently become one since I can't help but want Washington to win.  When in Rome, do as the Romans do; when in Washington, be a Seahawks fan (or be shunned entirely by society at large). I won't comment on whether or not the Superbowl falls under keeping the Sabbath day holy, just to be safe haha.

So what do pickle jars, 4 baseballs, a plethora of legos, ping pong balls, snarky remarks from the peanut gallery and a whole lotta salt have to do with missionary work? Well, they were all integral parts of our little training at zone conference. Sister Diener and I spoke on goals and planning - which naturally needed to include a visual aid a la Relief Society lessons (but without the doilies and magnets to remind you to do your visiting teaching). The whole point was to illustrate the difference between filling your day and fitting everything into your day, and if that's not enough information to give you an idea of how a giant pickle jar connects planning and goals, write me a letter and I'll expound.

This week we also had a super cool Women's Conference with Rosemary Wixom the General Primary President for the church. It was awesome to have over a thousand women from the four peninsula stakes all in one room and learning more about becoming women of courage, confidence, faith and light - as individuals and as a whole. Sister Wixom is the Gig Harbor stake president's cousin, and was able to pull many strings and work a few miracles to get here. Our investigator, Kim came and told us she loved it because she could feel the spirit so strongly. (She is getting baptized in February and is awesome, if you couldn't tell)

(If you would like some notes from the conference itself, you'll be able to find them at GHstakereliefsociety.blogspot.com)

And good things just keep on coming out of Lincoln:

Makai was able to be baptized and I was even able to go back for Brandi's baptism (:

Let me tell you, it is so awesome to see how much Brandi has changed -  and if this alone doesn't let you know the church is true, something just might be wrong with you.

The rest of our week was spent tromping around the forest knocking on doors (where we can locate them), finding waterfalls and new investigators alike, and helping a former investigator cast out devils all nonchalant-like. 

We also had a recent convert fireside in Silverdale -  with a few amazing converts of a few days or hours, literally. These people are so prepared, and so good; the work is most certainly hastening.

There is so much around us and so much more ahead of us that we have the power to influence for good. The Lord is perfectly aware of what we are capable of and what is expected of us and how with His help we can do all things. We are placed in our individual spheres to lift, encourage, inspire and bless specific people and rarely will we ever know the full impact we have on the kingdom of heaven. To take a line from Esther 4:14 -"and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"  Without asking and without trying, we'll never fully know why we have been chosen for our unique circumstances. If we ask, we will find those reasons why we have been placed where we are with the potential we have. There is greatness within all of us which can only be released by being brave, being bold and acting in faith. Great courage, strength and motivation come from knowing who you are and why you are. 

Love always,

Elizabeth