A mini miracle happened this morning! So we have been told that it hardly ever rains in Southern California, but this morning the sky was dark gray and everything outside was really wet! It was so exciting! The air seemed nice and clear. And temperatures were cooled down too. I feel like it was a blessing from Heavenly Father for his daughter from Pennsylvania who does miss the rain :)
Exchanges Take Two
I had my second exchange of my mission this week with Sister Snow! It went really well. I got to go to her area this time so I slept at her mission apartment. It was a little weird to be away from my 'home' :) but you have to get used to change on a your mission :) Our goal we set for the day, was to share special scriptures with everyone we met. At first I was pretty nervous because I don't have a lot of scripture references memorized. I do like to talk about a scripture and try to explain it, but I don't know where it is, you know? :) But as the day went on it got better and better. Plus Sister S. helped a lot. She is amazing! She could be called Sister S for Scriptures, instead of Snow. As someone was talking she was able to use a scripture that matched perfectly with what they were talking about. I think that is a wonderful talent and Sister Snow is wonderful. We saw a lot of miracles that day and seemed to be in the right place at the right time in many cases :) I also noticed that spending a whole day focusing on scriptures and thinking of the right ones to help people, helped us and helped us feel lifted and positive.
Also one of the best things that happened is that we had an appointment with one of Sister Snow's investigators who has a baptismal date! He is a cute little man in his early 70's and he has such a sweet and sincere testimony of Jesus Christ. He was excited to see us when we got there. It's a great feeling to be met with such a happy smile. He says he loves "his church sisters" haha. It was neat to be able to teach him about missionary work that evening. Oh! And do you remember wonderful Sister Mason who I went on my first exchanges with last time? Sadly she had to go home a little early from her mission last week, because of painful migraines. But to show you how amazing Sister M is, she is planning on coming to this dear man's baptism! She has even kept up with him and calls him a few times to make sure he is staying strong and still following our Word of Wisdom. Sweet Sister M has helped him a lot and you can tell he loves her. She has so much love for others and she is such a wonderful missionary with or without a tag :)
They Came To Church!
So we have been teaching this family for a couple weeks now. The dad is a member of our church, but his wife and kids aren't. We have been going by and doing little lessons with the kids each week. (It sure is an uplifting feeling when we are able to go to our planned appointments.) :) The little children are 7 and 4 and they are so cute!! They listen well to the lessons and we try to make them fun by having activities and visuals. It's like having our own little Family Home Evening. Their mom loves the lessons too and will sit in and listen. Lately, we have been working on getting their family to come to church with us. The parents have nothing against it, but they are always very busy on their Sundays.
This week a miracle happened! We told the mom, Mrs. S, about the primary program the last time we taught the kids and she thought that was a great idea. This is a special primary program that all the different LDS wards do around the world once a year. The primary leaders do a singing/talking program with 3yr-11yr old kids. So this Sunday the whole family came and the kids were able to practice the songs with the rest of the primary! It was awesome! The whole ward was so happy to see them. Many people came up to greet them and talk to them. That is one of the many things I love about this Church. So many people care about one another and try to help support each other. There is so much love in the church each Sunday :) We pray our little family will be back next Sunday, and we are looking forward to the Primary Program. (One of my favorite Sundays of the year. Singing children are adorable! :)
And so for my thought this week, two scriptures about teaching children.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto they children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way..."
Mark 10:14-16 "But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them and blessed them." I feel and believe it is important to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that we teach these little children. I'm thankful I get to help do that in small parts here and there.
I love you all so much! Your continued support means a lot to me :)
Keep in touch and Keep smiling,
Love,
Sister Skinner - Karatassos
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