A New Transfer!

Good Afternoon Everyone!

It's been a good couple of weeks and I'm excited to share it with you. I didn't email last week so I have even more to update you. So here you go.....

Transfer weekend: Friday Night I got a call from Sister Vakapuna and she said "Sister Reber you are going to speak at C's funeral.....tomorrow!" I just about died! It's a good thing I love Vak! C was an investigator we were teaching in Auburn. She found out a week before that she had cancer and passed away 6 days later. I was scared to talk but I prayed and prayed not to be nervous. We got to the funeral the next morning and found out I was the main speaker! I thought I was just suppose to get up and share a few words. It's a good thing I know the Plan of Salvation by heart. They started and introduced me. I got up and gave the "sermon" they wanted. It went well I think.  

Saturday night before transfers we had a specialized zone meeting and found out who would be getting transferred. Before we found out we watched a slide show of all our pictures from the transfer. We then went around the room and answered the questions "What was the biggest thing you learned this transfers?" and as a companionship, "what was your favorite memory?" My response was this- "This transfer I've learned that God's plan is perfect. Even the little moves we make and the people he puts in our lives. This is the perfect zone for me to be in, with the missionaries I need, and the trials I needed to learn" Sister Heil answered the next question for us, me not knowing what she was going to say, she said "We have had a lot of trials this transfer. The best thing that has happened to us was how we were able to work things out. One day particular that stood out to us was a few weeks ago when I got an email from my mom saying that a close family friend had died. That same day, exactly a year ago, Sister Reber got an email saying that her cousin had died. It was awesome that she knew exactly how I was feeling and could help me through it." It touched my heart! The transfer call came and Sister Heil found out she was leaving. It was sad. It was sad for our zone, we would be changing. The next few days were really rough. I have really came to love this zone and the missionaries in it. They have done so much for me. This zone is amazing! I truly have never felt so close and unified in a zone. We have became so close. It's like we all grew up together. 

Sunday night I got a call from AP Gillies! "Sister Reber, you're training!" I knew the call was coming, and honestly I wasn't super excited. I was still in "sad mode" about all the changes going on. But I hoped I would get excited. 

Monday night Sister Vakapuna got to come spend the night with us before she left home. It was so good to talk to her and spend some time with her! Man I love that girl! 

Tuesday was so hard! We took Sister Vakapuna to the mission office and I had to say bye(which is just see ya later) to her,  I had to say by to Elder Zaugg. Elder Zaugg has been the biggest influence on me here in Antelope and I'm so grateful for him. Then I had so say bye to Sister Heil. By the time that was all over, I was emotionally exhausted....not to mention the giant bags under my eyes. 

A thought I had during transfers, "When you come on a mission you say bye to your family once. When your on a mission you have to say bye to your family every 6 weeks." These missionaries, the members your serve, they become your family! 

Tuesday Afternoon I didn't have a companion so I helped at the mission office with the new missionaries. I was able to take out of the sisters tracking. It was weird not knowing what Sister I was going to have as a companion. We had fun though. 

Later in the day Sister Soliai, the awesome chick!, came and picked me up and we went to Roseville (her area), had some dinner, and got ready for our greenies! It was so good to spend some time with her and it got me excited! That night we came back to Antelope and stayed here. 

The next morning we got ready and headed to pick up "our baby girls". That moment standing in front of the room waiting to hear which companion is going to be yours .......is so weird! You're nervous, excited, and about ready to through up! Haha. But meet my new baby! Sister Monica Mackay from Zachary, Louisiana! She is so great, has a strong testimony, and is so pumped to be a missionary! It's been fun getting to know her! 

Our first dinner ,the D's, the greatest family ever, had a greenie dinner for her. That was fun! 

This week we had Zone conference, with Elder Kacher of the 70. He pretty much through down! We are becoming casual as missionaries and I personally need to be better. It was good to have some be blunt and say what's what! 

Anyways that's been the week summed up! 

Love you all!! 

Pictures:

*Me, Sister Mackay, and President & Sister Marston

*Saddest thing ever! I love Vak!! Enjoy the RM life! 

*the ENTIRE Antelope Zone! All 10 of us! Purple at Zone Conference!

Look Towards the Temple

Good Afternoon!

Another week in the California Roseville Mission. Time is going by way too fast. As I said my prayers last night it hit me that my time is getting short. I have time, but not much. It also hit me of the love that I have grown for my Savior. I know He Lives! I know He love me! I know He walks with His missionaries every step we take. 

This week I have been thinking about the temple a lot. It seemed like everything I heard this week was related to the temple and the ordinances performed in the temple. I received many miracles and this is one of them. A year ago I received an email from my mom letting me know that my cousin had died in a car crash. Exactly a year later,this week, his parents were able to go do the work for him. I thought about that throughout the day and imagined how amazing the temple is. That same day Sister Heil received an email that a close family friend had passed away that day. Coincidence? The same day we received a new investigator, a member referral, and a young woman invited us to her graduation party so she could introduce us to all her non-member friends. I'm convinced that our Heavenly Father blesses his missionaries and their families! 

I don't have much time to write today but, know this. I love you! Heavenly Father loves you! You're Savior loves you! You are awesome!

Love,

Sister Reber 

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2010-07-127-strength-beyond-my-own?lang=eng

D&C 138:54-60

54 Including the building of the temples and the performance of ordinances therein for the redemption of the dead, were also in the spirit world.

55 I observed that they were also among the noble and great ones who were chosen in the beginning to be rulers in the Church of God.

56 Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.

57 I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead.

58 The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God,

59 And after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are heirs of salvation.

60 Thus was the vision of the redemption of the dead revealed to me, and I bear record, and I know that this record is true, through the blessing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, even so. Amen.

D&C 132:46

46 And verily, verily, I say unto you, that whatsoever you seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever you bind on earth, in my name and by my word, saith the Lord, it shall be eternally bound in the heavens; and whosesoever sins you remit on earth shall be remitted eternally in the heavens; and whosesoever sins you retain on earth shall be retained in heaven.

D&C 20:17

17 By these things we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them;

Sister Reber

California Roseville Mission 

Pics:

Sis Gibbons came to visit:)

This is my new buddy J!! So funny! 

 

 

99 days!

Alright....Another Week passed! Time is going by so fast! I hit 15 months this week...I can't believe it! This week has been so good! Heavenly Father has blessed me with miracles and happy moments!

Last Monday we did exchanges and I got Sister Rawlins! I stinkin love that girl!! She is from Idaho, a country girl, and....not to mention we have the same favorite animal, color, and country singer (just saying...we were meant to be friends). When we got home we started planning for the next morning. She asked me about me getting a blessing. I told her that I had never asked for a blessing. There is miracles in exchanges and this was one of them. Sister Rawlins bore a strong testimony to me about priesthood blessings and some experiences that she had. I guess from that, she gave me the courage and humility to ask. So that night I Elder Mosley and Neilsen. The next day we went out and worked contacted a bunch of potentials and less actives   , then went to the church for my blessing. The Elders and the Zone leaders surprised me and came too. It was so awesome! Elder Mosley gave it. Heavenly Father has a plan for me and it was just what I needed to hear. This week Sister Heil and I have had so much fun and enjoyed life.

I don't have much time today but It's been a great week! Thanks for the prayers, love, and support! 

Pics: 

Sister Rawlins and I ...having a good time! 

Sister Heil & I 

5.18.2015

Hello!

I don't really know what to and what not to say this week. It's been tough. I don't think I have ever been so drained mentally, physically, and emotionally in my life. Before a mission you know you are going to have tough times, but until you get on a mission and experience it you have no idea. There is emotions you feel on a mission that you can't feel anywhere else. The refiners fire is real! I'm not going to get into all the crap that is going on, because 1.I don't want to and 2. You don't want to hear it. But I will tell you what has been on my mind and what I am learning. 

1. As Elder Neilsen in the zone put it, "A mission is a package deal. For a mission to change us, it has to be hard". I have never been more aware of my flaws and my weaknesses. But, as we learn our weaknesses we are able to change them through the help of our Savior. As Elder Biggs said " God has changed me so much, I don't even recognize myself anymore." I am so thankful for trials, for hard times, and for the opportunity to grow and change. 

2. God gives us famines to humble us. This week I have been reading the Book of Mormon, like crazy, trying to finish it before transfers. I was reading this week in Helaman 11 where the Lord puts Nephi and is followers into a famine. Nephi says in verse 4, "O Lord, do not suffer that this people shall be destroyed by the sword; but O Lord, rather let there be a famine in the land, to stir them up in remembrance of the Lord their God, and perhaps they will repent and turn unto thee." We see a cycle that happens. 1.We are righteous & Prosperous. -> 2. We become prideful and wicked. -> 3. There is destruction and suffering. -> 4. We become humble and repent. 

Sure enough this famine happens and the people suffer. "For the earth was smitten that it was dry, and did not yield forth grain in the season of grain; and the whole earth was smitten, even among the Lamanites as well as among the Nephites, so that they were smitten that they did perish by thousands in the more wicked parts of the land."(Helaman 11:6) 

Then the people start becoming humbled. "And it came to pass that the people saw that they were about to perish by famine, and they began to remember the Lord their God; and they began to remember the words of Nephi." 

President Ezra Taft Benson taught about what we can do to avoid getting caught up in the pride cycle:“God will have a humble people. Either we can choose to be humble or we can be compelled to be humble. Alma said, ‘Blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble.’ (Alma 32:16.) “Let us choose to be humble. “We can choose to humble ourselves by conquering enmity [hatred] toward our brothers and sisters, esteeming them as ourselves, and lifting them as high or higher than we are. … “We can choose to humble ourselves by receiving counsel and chastisement. …“We can choose to humble ourselves by forgiving those who have offended us. …“We can choose to humble ourselves by rendering selfless service. …“We can choose to humble ourselves by going on missions and preaching the word that can humble others. …“We can choose to humble ourselves by getting to the temple more frequently. “We can choose to humble ourselves by confessing and forsaking our sins and being born of God. …“We can choose to humble ourselves by loving God, submitting our will to His, and putting Him first in our lives. …

“Let us choose to be humble. We can do it. I know we can” (“Beware of Pride,” Ensign, May 1989, 6–7).

Why do I bring this up? Why do I like it so much? First off, we are in a drought, a famine of water. Just a thought, maybe God is giving us this drought to humble us, to turn our hearts towards Him, and to put our trust and faith in Him. Maybe He is trying to get us to attend the temple more, maybe is trying to get us to humble ourselves and forgive others, maybe He wants us to be thankful for what we have. Second, when we loose something we are learn to be more thankful for it. I've learned to absolutely love missionary work the past few weeks as I haven't been able to do much of it. It's been hard, it's brought me to my knees multiple times in tears, and I have never wanted to go out and share the gospel more than now. 

3. God has perfect timing. God puts people in our lives when we need them, when we need their personality. I am in the best zone for this time in my life. I have two zone leaders that have became best friends, that text me scriptures, that know when things are hard, and encourage me. They are awesome and an answer to my prayers. I have an amazing mission president that is just the one I need. I have the best mission leader that is just the one I need. God is good! He not only prompts others to answer our prayers but he prompts us as well. Last night I was prompted to go visit a family. This family is less active and kind of struggling. When we got to their home they were outside crying. I asked what was wrong and they said that they had lost their cat. We were able to talk with them and bring a smile to their face. It was the greatest feeling. They asked how church was and asked us if they could come next week. They thanked us over and over for coming. It was awesome.

I am so thankful for this life, this time on earth we have to grow, to learn, to prepare to meet our loving Heavenly Father and live with Him again. I am thankful for this gospel and the opportunity to share it. I am thankful for prayer and know it is real and that it works, that God answers them and he wants to hear from us. This church is true, it's the Restored Gospel, the same church that Jesus Christ set up when He was here on the earth. 

️Sister Reber 

PICTURES:

Meet the Antelope Dream Team

Front row:Sister Rawlins, Sister Grosland, Elder Nielsen, Elder Dresden, Sister Heil, and Me.

Back Row: Elder Mosley, Elder Biggs, Elder Zaugg, Elder Dunn, Elder Jensen, Elder Beazer 

It Rained this week!!! Yah! Miracles.

It's a good day!!!

Hello Everyone!

Sorry I have been slacking on my emails! Here is the run down on the past couple weeks. 

I got into my new area and got my new companion. I am now serving in the Antelope 4th Ward. It's very different then my last areas. It is all subdivisions and apartments and a really small area (no more then 10 miles across), a lot of diversity(Caucasian is probably the minority compared to everyone else), and close to the city. My new companion is Sister H. She is from Colorado, 20 years old today, an amazing crocheter and that's how she likes to spend her spare time. We have had our trials and tribulations together but, I love her.  

The past couples weeks have been trying, but I'm back on my feet running! I was able to recuperate this week. I went to Gridley for MLC and had a blast! I am so thankful for the friendships I have made on my mission! We truly are like brothers and sisters. They are the best support system ever! 

Yesterday was awesome! By the way, Happy Mothers Day to all you AMAZING women! At church the cutest little girl ran to come sit by me during sacrament....just about killed me with her cuteness! President and Sister Marston invited us for dinner. President invited 6 sisters, in place of his 6 daughters, and him and the AP's cooked us dinner. It was so great! President gave a dinner speech about the plan of salvation and the importance of mothers. What an amazing man! I love him! 

I got to skype my family! I was proud of myself!!...I didn't even cry till the very end this time! It was fun to see them! Great therapy laughing and talking! (Crazy that that was the last time on my mission) I am thankful for my awesome family and all they do for me! Love you guys! 

It's been a good week!

I had a prayed answered yesterday as I was at church. The topic was on scripture study and the impact reading can have on us. 

"The scriptures are written records of God’s dealings with His children as recorded by prophets under the influence of the Holy Ghost. We show our faith by studying, believing, and obeying God’s revealed word. We diligently search the scriptures to understand the truth. We feast upon them because they open the door to revelation and show us what we need to do and become. We search the scriptures to learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel. Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from God and comes through studying and living His word and His gospel. The approved scriptures of the Church, also called the standard works, are the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. We should study these sacred books daily."(Preach My Gospel)

Just like any other commandment God has given us, he gives us blessings and promises to follow! Here is some of those promises(could you use any of them in your life?): Personal revelation will flow, temple marriage will increase, families will be strengthened, commitment will be strengthened, missionaries will increase, testimonies will be strengthened, and activity in the church will increase. 

"As we study God's word, we receive guidance in our daily lives, healing of the soul, and power to avoid deception and resist temptation." 

Family and friends, I know this to be true! I think we often overlook or forget the power of God's words we have in our finger tips. Open the book and read! Scriptures that are falling apart usually represent a life that is not! I love you all! 

Love,

Sister Reber 

Sister Reber

California Roseville Mission

 Sister Soliai and I with AP Johnston and Gillies @ Mothers Day Dinner.

Week 1 in Antelope

Hello From Antelope California!!

This week has been great! Here is just some things that happened this week...

4/21-Transfers! It was really hard to say goodbye to Sister Vakapuna. She became not only a companion but a sister! I traveled to the mission office and got my new companion, Sister Heil. Sister Heil is 19, from Littleton, Colorado, and has had quite the time on her mission. Hopefully we can uplift her mission experience.

4/22-

We went to the Mission office and Helped with breakfast and lunch. 

Lesson with H, an awesome 8 year old girl. 

Dinner at D family's! 

Met the P Family and Bro. P played "God Gave Me You" on the guitar for me.

4/23-

District meeting.

Lunch @ Panda Express

Had a Meeting with President Marston and the Ward mission leaders in the Stake. 

4/24-

Seminary scripture bowl. I give it up to kids...6am in the morning!  

Weekly planning 

African dinner with Sister G

Ward activity- Hotwheels races

4/25-

Service with Bro. D for Sister P. 

Dinner @ P with Sis. L- She came back to visit.

4/26- 

Ward council...they are awesome! 

Sorry not an exciting email today:) 

New address

Sister Elli Reber

8303 Walerga rd.

Apt. #68

Antelope, CA 95843 

Sister Reber

California Roseville Mission

Off on a New Adventure!

Well I don't have much time to write but....

Transfer calls came in and I will be heading to Antelope 4th Ward! 

I hear it's a great ward so I'm excited about that! I will be staying STL and the other STL is in a different 

companionship. 

I'm excited for a new adventure! 

I'm not excited to say goodbye to Sister Vakapuna tomorrow!

Mission=Mixed emotions and emotions you can't explain. 

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Love ya!