Today's the day!

It's a beautiful day here in Auburn! The sun is shining, it's about 70 degrees, and it's P-day! 

Let me start off with some quotes from this week.....

"Ohh honey...you're going to have a good lookin hubby"- Betty from the Care Center(favorite lady now;))

"I want to be a fish cleaner when I grow up!"- 7 year old boy in our Ward

"Sisters you are on lockdown until further notice!" - Zone Leaders

"You're mormon?"...."ooooh" - Gloria( in a different care center)

It's been quite an adventurous week! Monday we went to a pumpkin patch with our awesome district, had a great time. 

We have been going through our area book and cleaning it up, contacting Potentials and less-actives. I had an embarrassing moment this week when I knocked on a less-actives house and the first thing I said was "Hi, we're the sister missionaries..." (Awkward pause)...."how long have you been a member of the church?" Nice job Sister Reber😒 ! We had quite the laugh for a few hours about that. 

Tuesday we had an awesome District Meeting and came up with a plan on how to use iPads in planning more effectively and how to be better planners. That night we went to contact a less active and parked at the end of their "drive way" ended up hiking in the pitch dark about 1/2 mile uphill...we only fell into a few pot holes:) 

Wednesday we volunteer at a care center and help in their "activity room". There are some awesome people there. Most of them either have dementia or Alzheimers. I was studying this week and came across a talk that talked about our knowledge we gain. Even if we forget it all on this earth it will still come back to us in heaven. So....we should always continue to learn. And that's the cool things about helping the people at the care center.

Thursday morning we started volunteering at the local food shelter. It was very fun working with all the people there. The Elders and I bagged candy for 3 hours straight...and as boring as that sounds...it was a blast! 

Friday was a very interesting day! We had weekly planning and we were planning in our apartment when we heard tons of cop sirens. We went outside and saw 4 helicopters. Basically short story... We were in the middle of a manhunt and got put on lockdown all day. There was 2 police officers killed here and it was pretty scary. That has been the hot topic everywhere we go. 

Saturday night we had a ward Halloween party. 

It's been a great week and miracles are happening! 

Love you all! 

Sister Reber 

 Missionary thought for a missionary minded person! 

What is the proper relationship between members and full-time missionaries?

Elder Bednar said, “We properly pray for the safety and success of the full-time missionaries throughout the world. And a common element in many of our prayers is a request that the missionaries will be led to individuals and families who are prepared to receive the message of the Restoration. But ultimately it is my responsibility and your responsibility to find people for the missionaries to teach. Missionaries are full-time teachers; you and I are full-time finders. And you and I as lifelong missionaries should not be praying for the full-time missionaries to do our work!

“If you and I would truly pray and ask in faith, as did Joseph Smith [see Joseph Smith--History 1:10–20]--if we would pray with the expectation to act and not just to express--then the work of proclaiming the gospel would move forward in a remarkable way.”

Good Afternoon

Family and Friends, 

Think for a moment about this fill in the blank. How would you fill it In? “I have felt the most love from someone when ___________.” Maybe you are like me and have many: they take time out of their lives to spend it with me, I get a random text that shows their thinking about me, or they never give up on me even in the hard times, etc. 

Jesus Christ, Your Savior and brother, came to this earth to be an example for us. In Moroni 7 verses 47-48 we read "But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."

"Love is the very essence of the gospel, and Jesus Christ is our Exemplar. His life was a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved. At the end the angry mob took His life. And yet there rings from Golgotha’s hill the words: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”--a crowning expression in mortality of compassion and love."*

"There are many attributes which are manifestations of love, such as kindness, patience, selflessness, understanding, and forgiveness. In all our associations, these and other such attributes will help make evident the love in our hearts."*

This week we found ourselves looking into a room of a care center. In this room was two women, both in wheelchairs, one struggling to eat and the other talking softly to her and helping her. We were so shocked by this sight, we just sat in the door way for a minute and watched. We've visited this lady, the one helping, many times. Every time we went she had a negative vibe or just rolled her eyes at this other roommate. As we walked into their room we could feel the love they had ACQUIRED for each other. As I thought about this two wonderful women, I thought about my relationships, some people I idiomatically loved and others I had to ACQUIRE. But, I am so thankful for those relationships. Sometimes all it takes is to get to know someone, spend some time with them, and have a desire to want to have a Christlike love for those around you. 

President Spencer W. Kimball said  “We must remember that those mortals we meet in parking lots, offices, elevators, and elsewhere are that portion of mankind God has given us to love and to serve. It will do us little good to speak of the general brotherhood of mankind if we cannot regard those who are all around us as our brothers and sisters.”

It has amazed me the people I have come to love on my mission. People I never would have even probably talked to at home. It's been such a blessing to meet people and share the gospel with them. 

How do we gain Charity or the pure love of Christ? Preach My Gospel says "Charity is a gift from God. The prophet Mormon said that we should “pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that [we] may be filled with this love” (Moroni 7:48). As you follow this counsel and strive to do righteous works, your love for all people will increase, especially those among whom you labor. You will come to feel a sincere concern for the eternal welfare and happiness of other people. You will see them as children of God with the potential of becoming like our Heavenly Father, and you will labor in their behalf. You will avoid negative feelings such as anger, envy, lust, or covetousness. You will avoid judging others, criticizing them, or saying negative things about them. You will try to understand them and their points of view. You will be patient with them and try to help them when they are struggling or discouraged. Charity, like faith, leads to action. You will develop charity as you look for opportunities to serve others and give of yourself." 

I'm thankful for all those that have and do show their love to me! I pray that I can do the same! I know with our Saviors help we can overcome our weaknesses and find the love for those people we may not have it for. I invite you to think of someone in your life that you may have a "problem" with and pray for them, get to know them, and love them! 

Dale Carnegie once said "Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime.” I know that to be true!

"And behold it is written also, that thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy;

But behold I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you;"

3 Nephi 12:43-44

Love,

Sister Reber 

Other fun things this week

-Went to a wedding of a less-active in our Ward. Weddings are quite awkward as a missionary. 

-Went on my first exchange as STL. Sister Patterson and I had a blast in Alta Sierra. We had an awesome spiritual lesson there as well. 

-Today we went to a pumpkin patch with our District. 

-We helped move a family. 

-Sister Hänninen and I made a goal! I quit eating chocolate and she isn't having candy. So far so good. 

Pictures:

-The wonderful women at the care center. Gloria & Murna.

-Wedding crashers! Sister Hänninen, Elder Ewell, me, Elder McGuffy

-District at the Pumpkin patch. Elder Vielstich, Elder Hyde, Sisters, Elder McGuffy, Elder Ewell.

PEAKS, PITS, PRAISES, and PRAYERS!

Hello Family, Friends, and RM's,

What a crazy week! This week I'm going to use the format of PEAKS, PITS, PRAISES, and PRAYERS! After all that is what a mission consists of!

Peaks:
There were SO many peaks this week, but here are a few that stand out.
 -We had an awesome lesson with R. R is a lady we are teaching. Her husband and kids are all members and she has decided to get baptized. She has a date set for next month.
-A lot of you asked if we got to see "Meet the Mormons". We did! Our mission, as well as many other missions, received the dvd before it came out. Missionaries were able to watch it so we could encourage members, and others, to take their friends to go see it. Our Zone was able to watch it on Thursday. It seems like Auburn has been a place of miracles for me! Watching 2 awesome sisters go home and now a third, watching them struggle to go home and not want to leave the mission,
has been a blessing. I couldn't figure out why I didn't feel that way, why I couldn't get into the groove of missionary work, why that day coming down the escalator in the airport was what I was looking
forward to, I wanted to absolutely fall in love with my mission! Watching Meet the Mormons is what did! Watching that Elder get his call, getting ready to leave, and leaving, for some odd reason, made
me fall in love with being on a mission and even thinking about going home made me tear up. I understand the feeling my past companions have had, and I love it!
-J's Baptism! I was able to go back to Palo Cedro, yesterday, for her baptism! I am so grateful I did! 6 hours in the car was totally worth it! There was an amazing spirit there, there was a lot of people
there to support her, and she was glowing! It was a very cool experience. She wasn't even nervous until right before. We went into the chapel and said a prayer with her. It was a very cool experience
with many different missionaries. Just a little history of J. Sister Brewster and I had been tracting for months straight and one day we were prompted to go tract a road. I remember praying that we could
just find someone! Tracting for two or three months straight, I was starting to loose faith(or really didn't have any faith) in it. We started tracting and no one was interested. I told Sister Brewster
"alright let's be done" and she said "one more!" (sadly she must have had more faith in my prayer than I did). We went and knocked on the door and there's Jesse. First thing she says, "come in!". It was history after that! Nothing stopped her! Her testimony is amazing! It was good to be back in Palo Cedro to officially say bye to people, but still hard.

Pits: Got "dominated" by a dog 3 times in one night! What is this?? #forreals

Praises:
-The Anderson Sisters, for taking on the lessons and loving J. They were amazing yesterday and let me into their companionship, getting her ready.
-Amazing friends and family that keep me going! The emails, letters, and prayers! Thanks!

Prayers: My prayers have been full of praying for the people here in Auburn. Some sad things in some people's lives. For me, praying that I can remember all this new stuff, names, and places I am going.

We heed prophetic word even when it may seem unreasonable, inconvenient, and uncomfortable. According to the world’s standards, following the prophet may be unpopular, politically incorrect, or
socially unacceptable. But following the prophet is always right. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
-Live according to the Words of the Prophets-

Thanks for all you each do!
Last week The challenge was to post a conference talk on Facebook or give a referral to your local missionaries, I hope you were good member missionaries and did it! This week is the same challenge...just do the other one!
Till next week,
Love,
Sister Reber

 Sister Comstock(Anderson), J, me, Sister (Lori) Brewster, Sister Alan(Anderson), and Sister (Kelly) Gibbons. All the sisters that taught J, in just a few months.

When we can't find the house number....we look for the trash can!

Hello Family and Friends,

This week has been so fun, exciting, refreshing, and spiritual! Did you just love General Conference? I loved it! So many gospel throw downs! On Saturday, President Uchtdorf said "God cares about you. He will listen. And he will answer your personal questions." I have to admit I didn't prepare for conference like I should have. As I heard President Uchtdorf say those words, I knew if I prayed for inspiration I would receive it. Sunday morning I had questions I wanted answered, things I have been worrying about and I can tell you this....OUR HEAVENLY FATHER ANSWERS PRAYERS. Sunday afternoon session, my questions were answered and my testimony strengthened. 

Auburn is wonderful! I honestly can say that I love it here! The ward members are so missionary minded, the land is beautiful, and the weather is great! My companion is Sister Hänninen, she 23, been out 15 months, and is from Finland. She is so awesome and ...awesome! I have definitely been blessed with great companions. 

This week we had a leadership meeting, had a lady in a nursing home ask us if she could be baptized, a less active couple decided to get sealed in the temple, we have a SWEET zone, and Heavenly Father is blessing me right and left.     

As I have been thinking and praying about what to share with you I came across some scriptures this week that have been on my mind. I'm now in my new area, Auburn. I was very excited to transfer, progress, and do new things. I got just that! I am a STL, driving( in a "city"), trying to remember everyone's names, and trying to change into a better missionary. With all that....I LOVE IT! I have became closer to my Heavenly Father this week, then probably any other. As I pray to my Heavenly Father for help in getting things down, and my amazing companion humbly praying for me every time we pray together, I have been humbled by the love and support my Heavenly Father has given me. He is REAL! 

One of the greatest resources or gift that I have been given is, the third member of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost. Joseph Smith explained that “baptism is a holy ordinance preparatory to the reception of the Holy Ghost; it is the channel and key by which the Holy Ghost will be administered. The Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, cannot be received through the medium of any other principle than the principle of righteousness”. When we are confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and this important phrase is said: “Receive the Holy Ghost." 

"The simplicity of this ordinance may cause us to overlook its significance. These four words--“Receive the Holy Ghost”--are not a passive pronouncement; rather, they constitute a priesthood injunction--an authoritative admonition to act and not simply to be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26). The Holy Ghost does not become operative in our lives merely because hands are placed upon our heads and those four important words are spoken. As we receive this ordinance, each of us accepts a sacred and ongoing responsibility to desire, to seek, to work, and to so live that we indeed “receive the Holy Ghost” and its attendant spiritual gifts. “For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift” (D&C 88:33). What should we do to make this authorized admonition to seek for the companionship of the third member of the Godhead an ongoing reality? Let me suggest that we need to (1) sincerely desire to receive the Holy Ghost, (2) appropriately invite the Holy Ghost into our lives, and (3) faithfully obey God’s commandments."

(Receive the Holy Ghost)

This week as I have needed the Holy Ghost as a CONSENT companion, I have learned that we ALWAYS have to be ready for that short, quite moment when the Holy Ghost will speak to us. If we aren't thinking about it....we may miss it! We can't command the Holy Ghost to be with us, but as promised by our Heavenly Father, if we command ourselves to live in a way that the Holy Ghost will be with us. In 1 Nephi 16, we learn about Lehi and his family. In verse 10, "And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morning, and went forth to the tent door, to his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round ball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness." We know that the Liahona was "God made", pointed Lehi and his family to where they needed to go (unlike a compass which only pointed north), and would not work if they were disobedient. We often hear the Liahona as a spiritual symbol for the Holy Ghost. As we read what Lehi's family had to do for the Liahona to work, it's the same for the Holy Ghost to work in our lives. I know that as we DESIRE to have the Holy Ghost in our lives, INVITE him into our lives, and OBEY ALL the commandments, we will be blessed with the companionship of the Holy Ghost. 

Thank you all for your prayers! I am so thankful for this opportunity to serve! 

Love,

Sister Reber 

Commitment: Give a referral to your local missionaries OR post your favorite conference quote on Facebook.  

"I want to do what is right when there's no one around. Be a light in the darkness so hope can be found. With faith in my Father I'm leading a fight for the truth." 

New Address on address bar.

The Holy Ghost is free!......you just have to invite Him in.