Hey y'all,

Even though our teaching pool still is extremely low. We had a lot of amazing miracles happen this week. First off, DJ and Rea told us that they are going to get married!!! :) They are planning on getting married the week after Christmas, and I am so excited for them. They really want to make things right, and work things out. Also, on Thursday the flushed a pack and a half worth of cigarettes DOWN THE TOILET!! Sister Goodwine, and I couldn't believe what we were seeing...it was incredible. Rea is doing really good with not smoking. DJ however, is having a hard time with it at work. We are sending DJ Book of Mormon verses to read each day to try, and help. We also invited DJ to get work off at least one Sunday this month. He said of any Sunday it would be this week. So are praying for another miracle. That he will be able to get work off, and will come to church with Rea, and their girls! :)  Oh, and we were able to set a Baptismal date with him for January 17th! I am just thrilled at the progress that both Rea, and DJ are making. 

We are making very good strides with Sister Hodges. In fact, on Tuesday she mentioned that she almost came to church last Sunday. She said that just as she was getting ready to bring her grandsons with her. Her daughter-in-law mentioned that she was taking the boys to the Baptist church. Sister Hodges said that she got discouraged. So she ended up just staying home. This broke my heart! However, it made me extremely happy since she is SO CLOSE to coming to church now. Also, she mentioned to us that after reading through the Gospel of Jesus Christ pamphlet. She now understands that in order to be a "true Christian" you need to come to church weekly. 

Sister Holley really surprised me yesterday. She agreed with Sister Linda Welch that I should get a priesthood blessing for the sleep problems I have been having. (Talking/ moaning/ crying in my sleep). Yes, I have no recollection whatsoever that I do this. My companion sure does though! In fact, she said that this morning at 5:30 a.m. I said, "That's good. Now we know what's wrong. So we can fix it. Apparantly, I am teaching in my sleep....;) I didn't realize she really understood what priesthood blessings did. So that was exciting to hear! :)

I really love 2 Nephi 25:26. It mentions that "we TALK of CHRIST, we REJOICE in CHRIST, we PREACH of Christ, we PROPHESY of CHRIST." What a great reminder to focus our attention on Christ. Especially during this Christmas season. I think that the best gift we can give Christ this season. Is a renewed effort to focus on HIM throughout the year of 2015. During this season the world focuses on materials. God wants us to focus on Christ. As we focus on Christ our souls will be filled. We will receive the gifts that we truly want to receive- Peace, Joy, Comfort, and Love.

May y'all feel of Christ's love during this Season
Love,

Sister W. Williams

Hey y'all, 

This week has been very interesting. Our teaching pool has dropped while trust with members has increased. Sister Hodges is really coming along. Each week we visit her we make more, and more progress with her coming back to church. This week we taught her about C.P.R and the importance of it. (Church, Pray, Read) It made my heart happy when I asked what got her back into reading the Book of Mormon. That she said that the assignments we gave her week after week got her back reading.:) I am looking forward to day that she comes back to church. Since I know how much she will benefit from it.

It thrilled me yesterday when Jarrod came to church!! He has missed the past two weeks, and we could definitely tell a difference in him. I could tell that he was struggling spiritually because of all the trials he has been experiencing. Church attendance, and reading the Book of Mormon is what he needed! I loved how much happier he seemed yesterday at church. :) 

Sister Goodwine, and I are seeing amazing progress with gaining trust of members. Each week we visit several different families to leave spiritual thoughts. Even though we haven't received any referrals from it. The members are wanting us in their homes more resulting in more dinner appointments. :) 

We had a great visit with Patricia Carter this week. It was an interesting visit in that she mentioned to us that Taylor; her 8 year old wants to be Baptized. So not only are we going to be working with her husband Michael. But we are going to start working with Taylor as well. It's so neat to see how much this gospel can bless this family! 

This morning in studies I started out by focusing on God's love. That lead me into studying about trials and afflictions. The reason why God's love lead to studying about trials. Is that God shows us how much he loves us by letting us experience hard things. During my studies I read "The Currant Bush" By Elder Hugh B. Brown of the Council Of The Twelve. He says, "I just want you to know that if you don't get what you think you ought to get, remember, 'God is the gardener here. He knows what he wants you to be.' Submit yourselves to his will. Be worthy of his blessings, and you will get his blessings." I love this quote since it's a good reminder that we can only reach our divine potential through trials. They are the only things that can shape is into ETERNAL beings.

I would invite each of you to read "The Currant Bush". It will change your life completely. It will help you to realize how blessed we are that God "loves us enough to cut us down." May y'all realize the Hard Things that you can do. Anything is possible with God.

Love y'all!!

Sister W. Williams

Hey y'all,
 
I hope and pray that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Let us use this season of giving as a reminder of being more Christ-like. Afterall, As "we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are only in the service of our God." (Mosiah 2:17). We had a pretty great week this week.
 
Michael Carter is doing extremely well. We had a great lesson with him on Friday evening. We taught the Restoration, and he was able to really comprehend the Priesthood. As we concluded our lesson with him. He said that he now really understands the importance of the Book of Mormon. He loves how he now understands how it connects with the Bible. He committed to praying, and working towards Baptism on December 13th!! :) My prayer is that we are able to meet with him enough times so that he can get all the lessons in time.

This morning we received a sad text from Sister Holley. She cancelled our appointment with her for this Wednesday. In fact, she said that we will resume our lessons at the beginning of the new year. This absolutely broke my heart. I was saddened that she is inhibiting her progression right now. But I can keep my head high in knowing that I have tried my best to help her to progress.

Rea Sanders (less-active) is really doing well. We are struggling with getting her to come to church on Sundays. But she really wants to get her life in order. She is working on being fully Repentant. She mentioned to us the other day that she, and DJ are thinking about getting married within the next 2 weeks! Word of Wisdom is also an issue. But we are just trying to help her overcome one thing at a time. I love how she is really trying to make positive changes in her life. She seems to have a great desire in getting back right with God.

Sister Goodwine, and I are continuing to work on member trust. Since the key to finding now is going to really be member referrals. Since, I have knocked most of the doors in Senatobia now... Please pray that we find new people to teach!! ;)

We had another great visit with Sister Hodges this week. I was happy when she mentioned that her son; Jeffrey asked her when she will be coming back to church. Even though she wouldn't commit to coming to church this past Sunday. We are continuing to make great strides in getting her back to church. I am praying that we find out what her deep concern is for coming back this week.

I love this quote from President Uchtdorf's talk, "Living the Gospel Joyful" from this past Women's Conference. "being a daughter of eternal parents is not a distinction you earned or you will ever lose." I absolutely love this quote. It helps me to truly realize the diving worth and potential we have as children of God. His love is eternal and infinite. Our duty is to look and pray to him so that we can reach what he knows we can become.
 
May we all become who God wants and needs us to come. I know that we all will be able to reach our divine potential as we seek God's guidance in all things. Also, as we grow and develop on all Christ-like attributes.

Love y'all!

Sister W. Williams

Hey y'all,

Things seemed to be a little slow this week. Sister Goodwine, and I were excited about yesterday. Since Andrea Sanders was supposed to come to church. But she didn't show up. I was sad because I know how much coming to church regularly will bless her life. I am praying that she comes this Sunday, and feels the Spirit in great abundance. So that she will have an increased desire to come to church each and every week. Our lesson with Sister Holley went really well. She realizes now that she can't progress until she is Baptized. She agreed to work towards Baptism for January 6th. Sister Goodwine and I believe that more member support, and friendship will help her to work towards this goal. So we are working on having sisters in Relief Society sit by her each week.
This week we experienced quite a few miracles. We were able to get back into contact with both Tiffany Newson, and Michael Carter. I am grateful that Sister Goodwine followed the promptings she received by the spirit. So that we could get back into contact with these elect individuals.

This week I was reminded that GOD IS IN CHARGE. On Friday I felt strongly that we needed to try and go see Sister Hodges. Since we have been out of contact with her for over a month. But it seemed as though it wasn't going to happen. We texted over 5 sisters since our original ride had to cancel. No one seemed to have a positive response. Well, after our lesson with Sister Holley. Sister Denise Jones said that she was on her way to pick us up. This was exciting news! My immediate thought was that GOD needed us to see Sister Hodges that afternoon. Our visit was incredible, and the spirit was very strong. Without any of us knowing Sister Jones, and Sister Hodges have dealt with similar trials. This helped because a very strong friendship between the two women has developed. During the lesson I felt strongly prompted to ask Sister Hodges if she has received her patriarchal blessing yet. She said that she hasn't but that she has wanted one previously. I believe that this will help her to have the desire to come back to church. :)

This week I studied "Choose Wisely" by Elder Quentin L. Cook. Found in the Nov. 2014 General Conference issue of the Ensign. A couple of things stood out as I read this talk. The one that really hit me is; "Even worthwhile endeavors need evaluation in order to determine if they have become distractions from the best goals." This really hit me. It goes along with the principle of Good-Better-Best. It reminded me that I need to daily reflect on what the BEST decisions are. To keep an eternal vision, and to focus on the things that will help me to reach Eternal Life. I hope y'all have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! May we all have an attitude of gratitude, and keep it through the coming year. I am so grateful for each and everyone of you. Y'all have made a lasting impact on my life.

Sister W. Williams

Hey y'all, 

This week has been an exciting week. Jarrod Gant was Baptized on Saturday, and was Confirmed yesterday. He had a lot of family that attended his baptism. His brother, and mom seemed particularly touched by the changes that they have seen in his life. When we asked Jarrod how he felt after his Baptism. He said that things seem to be "more clear." Our next goal for the Gant family is to prepare them for the Temple. Also, for Jarrod we are going to be working on preparing him to receive the Priesthood. I am so excited for the Gant family. There are so many blessings that await them as they continue to move forward in this gospel.

I was saddened yesterday when DJ and Rea didn't show up for church. Especially since DJ had specifically gotten work off to come. When we saw them on Friday he seemed excited to attend church. We taught him about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and his understanding seemed quite complete. It was exciting when he really understood the sacrament, and the importance of taking it weekly. He was the first one that I have taught. That has really understood the cleansing effect that partaking of the sacrament has in our lives. We invited him on Friday to start praying about God opening a way that he may be able to come to church every week. Especially since his boss doesn't seem to like or respect the fact that DJ wants to start really getting into church. 

Sister Goodwine, and I are doing well. We are working well in unity, and are continuing to work on inspiring the members to do missionary work.

Yesterday, as I looked in the area book. A former investigator stood out to me to go visit. So we drove to the house, and I was confused when it was the house of the Vincent family. Who are members of the church. When we went inside we were able to meet Shaina. She is marrying Josh Karas; who is a member of the church this weekend. Through talking with her we found out that she has been reading a little bit from the Book of Mormon. What was neat is that she said that the things that Sister Tu'ifua told her at Cole's Baptism. Have really stuck with her, and have kept her open to learning more about the gospel. I am looking forward to sharing more of the gospel with her as soon as things get settled after her marriage. It's neat to see how family focused and centered she wants the rest of her life to be. 

This week in studies as I have been reading in Helaman and 3 Nephi. I have noticed how prevalent the state of apostasy was. Over and over again men reject God and the prophets. They get prideful and believe they can do things on their own. It has been a good reminder for me to always look to God. To always remember the bigger picture. 

I hope that y'all recognize the miracles that God is producing each and everyday of your lives. May we all continue to look to God, and realize that it is only through him that we may accomplish ANYTHING. 

Love y'all! 

Sister W. Williams

Hey y'all!

This week was extremely stressful, and really great! At one point I wasn't sure how everything was going to work out. But as always, God knows best. With everything working out the way it was supposed to. It was a reminder to me that GOD is in charge. I just need to be better at TRUSTing in the Lord, and his will! Jarrod Gant is doing amazing! He is progressing, and is rapidly working towards his Baptism this Saturday! He had is interview this past weekend, and gave away all of his smoking materials. It's neat to see how he truly is changing his life. In order to fully LIVE the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We will be working our hardest to see him everyday this week. So we can make sure that he keeps his eye on his goal.

We have started to work with another part-member family. We are working on re-activing Rea, and teaching her boyfriend DJ. We taught the Plan of Salvation last friday, and he understood everything pretty well. We committed him to work towards baptism for December 13th. Since during the lesson he said, "so I need to be Baptized." This week we are really going to make a push for him trying to get work off on Sunday.
Sister Goodwine and I are doing well. We are just continuing to work on uniting ourselves with the members.

We had a neat experience last Monday as we washed the car. Charlie McGee, a less-active found us, and talked to us. He was a member in the Collierville Ward who ended up around the wrong group of friends. He wants to get back in church. I am excited to meet with him this weekend, and get him back in church!

This morning I read Alma 60: 23-24. To me these verses illustrate what investigators and less-actives go through. As they repent, and start Living more fully the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their outward appearance changes, and you can see the light of Christ radiate through them. I love being a part of this transformation!

May we all LIVE the gospel of Jesus Christ more fully in our lives. A great change will come as we do!

Love y'all,

Sister W. Williams

Hey y'all!
 
I hope everyone had a great week. I sure did! We are continuing to see lots of miracles here in Senatobia! Jarrod Gant is rapidly progressing, and is still working towards his baptism date of November 15th. We fasted yesterday with him for strength to live the W.O.W. He is working really hard on it, and is doing a great job of cutting back on cigarettes. It's neat to see how this gospel is truly changing him. He is living the gospel, and as a result. The light of Christ shines brighter from his countenance than ever before. I just love how this gospel is a gospel of CHANGE.
 
 We were able to get back into contact with Rea Sanders this week. We had a great visit with her. As a result we are going to be teaching her fiancee; DJ tomorrow night. She has experienced a lot of difficult trials and challenges lately. So I know that strengthening her relationship with Christ will help her a lot right now. We re-committed her to read from the B.O.M everyday with DJ. Since she felt that that would really help both of them out. I know that as they both live the gospel, and embrace change that their family will be strengthened and blessed! 
 
Sister Goodwine, and I are doing really great.  We are teaching better in unity, and seem to be in good "harmony" teaching wise. We are really enjoying serving together!
 
Yesterday was a day of MIRACLES!! First off, Gary Newton (a friend of Sister Holm) just showed up to church. He actually walked to the church twice. Since he thought that church started an hour earlier than it did. I was very impressed by this desire he had to attend services. He really enjoyed church services, and really loved the Gospel Principles book. He has talked with members before. So I am excited to teach him, and his family tonight! What a tender mercy of the Lord this was! :)
 
Also, I noticed that Brother Don Wolfe was at church yesterday morning. Sister Tu'ifua and I had made first contact with him, and then had the Elders start working with him. Brother Wolfe mentioned that this was the 3rd Sunday he had been to church. But it was the first time he got up early enough for sacrament meeting. He mentioned that he knows that this is where he needs to be. He thanked me for being the first contacts for him with the church again. How great God is!! :)
 
This morning during my Book of Mormon study Alma 43:37 really stuck out to me. I likened it to having the armor of God on. As we put the armor of God on everyday through scripture study, prayer, obedience to the commandment, etc...We will be protected from the adversary and darts of the wicked. But when we "forget" or stop putting the armor on, we will be brought down. We will be turned away from God (personal apostasy) and will be brought to Spiritual Death. This was a good reminder to me of how important the armor of God truly is. 


May we all continuously put on the armor of God. For without it we will not be protected. We will be happy and joyful as we continue to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Love y'all!
Sister W. Williams