Nuestro Familia y Amigos:
Buenos dias from Geremy the Giraffe, who has become my back
pillow as I study. (He is also one of the two characters in the story I am just completing.)
This week I began my MTC self-directed Spanish study, being a little overwhelmed in my first lesson with my tutor. My first assignment is to be able to pray in Spanish. I do so now a little but have to switch back and forth between Spanish and English. This weekend I am developing my long and short-term goals with the direction of the Lord, and my mini-goals from there. I was thinking that writing out a prayer would be a sufficient goal. My study guide suggested expanding the goal to praying comfortably in public. That should take about four weeks, sooner if I am diligent.
Dad and I will walk this morning to Cemaco, a shopping center near here. I am starting to look like a bird’s nest and need a haircut. For now, I need him to translate when we get to the haircut shop. We are also beginning our first missionary couple’s Sunday dinner this week. We have a long table on our outdoor patio that we will bring inside to seat the 8 of us, and I’d like to buy a tablecloth, maybe red since Christmas is coming and some of the couples even have their Christmas decorations up (!)
When I was studying earlier this week, I came across a wonderful talk on lds.org. You can find it at this link:
https://www.lds.org/church/news/sister-burton-use-resources-to-improve-learning-and-teaching-?cid=HPWE110514460&lang=eng
As an area missionary group, we are supporting a school for garbage-dump children. When Dad and I were walking on garbage day, we saw the workers sorting garbage on the sidewalks and streets. LaterI learned from another missionary that they were pulling out anything that could be used for resale. The garbage dump people live by combing what’s left. You can imagine what that might not be! The same missionary I was visiting with said she no longer felt bad about putting recycle-ables in her garbage because she knows it will be used. I had visions of the stacks of paper, foil and other items we saw people scavenge when we were in India years ago. I don’t think I have any concept of this amount of want, even now.
Dad and I will walk this morning to Cemaco, a shopping center near here. I am starting to look like a bird’s nest and need a haircut. For now, I need him to translate when we get to the haircut shop. We are also beginning our first missionary couple’s Sunday dinner this week. We have a long table on our outdoor patio that we will bring inside to seat the 8 of us, and I’d like to buy a tablecloth, maybe red since Christmas is coming and some of the couples even have their Christmas decorations up (!)
When I was studying earlier this week, I came across a wonderful talk on lds.org. You can find it at this link:
https://www.lds.org/church/news/sister-burton-use-resources-to-improve-learning-and-teaching-?cid=HPWE110514460&lang=eng
As an area missionary group, we are supporting a school for garbage-dump children. When Dad and I were walking on garbage day, we saw the workers sorting garbage on the sidewalks and streets. LaterI learned from another missionary that they were pulling out anything that could be used for resale. The garbage dump people live by combing what’s left. You can imagine what that might not be! The same missionary I was visiting with said she no longer felt bad about putting recycle-ables in her garbage because she knows it will be used. I had visions of the stacks of paper, foil and other items we saw people scavenge when we were in India years ago. I don’t think I have any concept of this amount of want, even now.
This week I expanded my service into the initiatory area. Until I have them memorized, I can read the words from a card. I have to tell you this is very hard work, especially for me. I have had many compliments on my accent - bless those wonderful sisters who champion me and work me both. That doesn’t mean I can read those words easily. I am worn out after just a few times. I did feel better when Dad told me that one of the other workers limits his time in the initiatory area to 1/2 hour. I did that 1/2 hour once and it was too much, so I’ll have to work up. One of my Spanish goals is to spend time every day reading Spanish out loud, especially from the Book of Mormon. It has plenty of words to challenge me!
Serving in the temple is bringing me a wonderful increase in love for Dad. An interesting by-product (or top product!) is that I’m able to listen to and appreciate all his counsel. In fact, he’s commented repeatedly on how easy it is for me to see his side. Occasionally, when I’m just too tired, his corrections can make me a little teary, but as I think about it, the change is another of those “tender mercies” of the Lord. (How many miracles is this now? All right, I’ve been changing over time, but this one is noticeable.)
In a blessing I was given, Heavenly Father instructed me to let the power of deity flow through me to me to the patrons who come to the temple and to our temple community of missionaries and presidency members. I have been thinking about what talents I have that I can use. I do occasionally play the piano upstairs when I have time, and I have fallen in love with so many of the sisters here. I am hoping my Spanish study will let me actually communicate with the ones who don’t speak English. In the meantime, I know how to smile and to hug (and kiss, as a common greeting here is a hug and kiss on the cheek). I also know how to follow the Spirit. The lovely rose that closes this letter is my personal emblem for passing on the Lord’s sunshine as He directs me and as I see opportunities to help. I hope to have stories to share in the future. Right now, we have been here just three weeks and beginnings are just that: beginnings!
Now that we’re actually here, I am no longer doing my breakneck dash through the Book of Mormon, requested of us before we arrived as missionaries. I’m adding for the first time in a year or so, a diligent study of the conference talks. I found this marvelous guide (lds.org) to how to enjoy conference more. Actually, I’m finding all things on lds.org marvelous. Here are some of the ways to study. I’m applying them to my scripture study as well. For the many of you with young children, the same area has ideas to help them appreciate the conference speakers.
Getting More Out of Conference
Even though you have heard living prophets speak, studying their words will deepen your understanding of the gospel and help you see its application more powerfully in your life. Here are a few ideas to help you study their words.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/get-more-out-of-conference?lang=eng
Getting More Out of Conference
Even though you have heard living prophets speak, studying their words will deepen your understanding of the gospel and help you see its application more powerfully in your life. Here are a few ideas to help you study their words.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/get-more-out-of-conference?lang=eng
Listen to the Spirit
As you study, pay attention to thoughts and feelings from the Spirit, even if they have nothing to do with what you’re reading. Those impressions may be the very thing God wants you to know.
Ask questions and look for answers
Uncover meaning in a general conference talk by asking questions that help you think more deeply about what it teaches.
Record your experience
There are many ways to record your experience. For example, when something in the talk impresses you, you could mark it and write thoughts in the margins. You could also keep a journal of the insights, feelings, and impressions you receive as you study.
Liken
As you read, look for similarities between what you are reading and your own experiences. What examples from your life could you use to teach the same ideas? How can you apply the teachings to your life?
Look up scripture references
Look up the scriptures referenced in the talk and those that are found in the endnotes. These references can deepen your understanding of the talk, and the talk can deepen your understanding of the references.
Look for
There are lots of things you can look for as you study general conference talks. The most important thing you can look for is what Heavenly Father wants you to know. As you study, consider looking for the following:
Look for Jesus Christ We learn in the scriptures that all things testify of Christ (see Moses 6:63), so look for Him in all things. In general conference talks you will find teachings about His life, example, power, Atonement, and impact in the lives of those who follow Him.
Look for inspiring words and phrases As you read, you will find that certain words jump out at you. They feel important and they inspire and motivate you. They seem to be written for you. You can mark these words and may even find places to note them in your scriptures.
Look for principles and doctrine Sometimes principles and doctrine are stated directly, and sometimes they are illustrated by a story or example that is shared. To find a principle or doctrine, ask yourself, “What eternal truths are taught in this talk?” You may also be impressed to explore additional truths that are inspired by the talk.
Look for lists As you read a conference talk, sometimes the author will provide a numbered or bulleted list of ideas, applications, or truths. Sometimes you may feel impressed to create your own list of important concepts.
Look for invitations and blessings The purpose of all that we learn and teach is that we might better live the principles of the gospel. As you read, look for invitations to act and blessings that are promised. Some of these may be stated, and others may be implied through stories and examples.
As you study, pay attention to thoughts and feelings from the Spirit, even if they have nothing to do with what you’re reading. Those impressions may be the very thing God wants you to know.
Ask questions and look for answers
Uncover meaning in a general conference talk by asking questions that help you think more deeply about what it teaches.
Record your experience
There are many ways to record your experience. For example, when something in the talk impresses you, you could mark it and write thoughts in the margins. You could also keep a journal of the insights, feelings, and impressions you receive as you study.
Liken
As you read, look for similarities between what you are reading and your own experiences. What examples from your life could you use to teach the same ideas? How can you apply the teachings to your life?
Look up scripture references
Look up the scriptures referenced in the talk and those that are found in the endnotes. These references can deepen your understanding of the talk, and the talk can deepen your understanding of the references.
Look for
There are lots of things you can look for as you study general conference talks. The most important thing you can look for is what Heavenly Father wants you to know. As you study, consider looking for the following:
Look for Jesus Christ We learn in the scriptures that all things testify of Christ (see Moses 6:63), so look for Him in all things. In general conference talks you will find teachings about His life, example, power, Atonement, and impact in the lives of those who follow Him.
Look for inspiring words and phrases As you read, you will find that certain words jump out at you. They feel important and they inspire and motivate you. They seem to be written for you. You can mark these words and may even find places to note them in your scriptures.
Look for principles and doctrine Sometimes principles and doctrine are stated directly, and sometimes they are illustrated by a story or example that is shared. To find a principle or doctrine, ask yourself, “What eternal truths are taught in this talk?” You may also be impressed to explore additional truths that are inspired by the talk.
Look for lists As you read a conference talk, sometimes the author will provide a numbered or bulleted list of ideas, applications, or truths. Sometimes you may feel impressed to create your own list of important concepts.
Look for invitations and blessings The purpose of all that we learn and teach is that we might better live the principles of the gospel. As you read, look for invitations to act and blessings that are promised. Some of these may be stated, and others may be implied through stories and examples.
Didn’t I tell you they are marvelous? Enjoy! Mucho amor! And enjoy my temple rose. It might remind you to add more color and sunshine to your days, especially those of you living in cold places.
Hermana Brubaker
Missionary Mom!
Hermana Brubaker
Missionary Mom!