What's in a Name?

"What's in a name? 
That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet."

It is true, that with or without a name badge, we are all missionaries.  We don't need that piece of plastic on our shirt to open our mouths and share.  As members of the Lord's church, we are commanded to warn our neighbor, and share the good news of the Gospel.  However, there is something quite special about being called and set apart as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  That particular name is special. 

When our missionaries put on their official missionary name badge, they literally take upon them the name of Jesus Christ.  They are His representative, all day, every day.  They go into the world to do what He would do if he were here.  They bring the World His truth.

Missionaries treasure their name badges, even long after they are released and take them off.  As missionary mommas, we love all the creative name badges photos.  Here is a collection for you to enjoy!

Wendy Minks

I Stand All Amazed

This past Sunday was an exciting day in primary sharing time. The Chorister was teaching the words to the 2nd verse of the hymn "I Stand All Amazed" to the children. When they got to the part about "His throne divine" one curious youngster raised his hand and asked "What does divine mean", the wise chorister explained that it means "of God, or like God"...they continued... then they got to the line "That he should extend his great love unto such as I" the chorister looked up to see this same eager child wildly waving his arm in the air again.  She called on him and he said "ummm, what is extend". Once again this dear chorister patiently explained... "Extend is like when someone falls into a river and someone *extends* (while thrusting her arm forward) a helping hand to that person.... the little boy said "Ooooooh, ok... I know some people that sometimes extend their middle finger and only their middle finger to other people" Let me tell ya...bless her heart, the chorister didn't miss a beat...she said "well, that sounds like a good discussion to have with your parents!" My Hubby (a primary teacher), on the other hand, said he had a really hard time not bursting out in laughter!!!

These kids just keep coming into the world stronger, braver, smarter and more valiant every day! The letters I get from my missionary and the snippets I have seen on the MM Group leave me in awe of these courageous young people! They have the light of Christ in their eyes! They serve willingly...and most days happily!

I stand all amazed at the rising generation! I am grateful for their strong testimonies and inquisitive minds. I stand all amazed that they go out into the world and spread the GOOD NEWS, the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

....and although there are many that may extend that darn finger....there are many who are able and ready to extend that helping hand.... they are called Missionaries!!!!

****THE GOSPEL IS TRUE****

~Heidi  =0)


I Stand All Amazed
~By Michael R Hicks

I'm Just a Missionary Mom

I'm just a missionary mom. I have a child out. What is she (he) doing today? Did you get enough to eat? Did you sleep well? Is your companion your best friend? Were you warm enough today? Do your feet ache after a rough day? These are my thoughts all day long, because I love you, because I worry, because I am a missionary mom.

Did you see my child today? Did she (he) knock on your door? Did you offer her something cool to drink? Or did you slam the door? Please don't be angry with my child. She (he) is just serving the Lord. Please don't cuss at my child, she (he) is there trying to help you get to God someday. I think of these things because I am a missionary mom. 

Did you know, that Monday is my day too? I sit and wait for your email! I want to hear, did you have any baptisms this week? Did you teach the Gospel? Did you feel the spirit today? Were your appointments successful? I wait breathless, because I am a missionary mom.

Were you able to get fed today? Did you laugh and take a deep breathe? Were you able just to see God's work all around you in each face, each cloud, and every child? I see art work that God has done with you, because I am a missionary mom.

Each letter I write, each package that I send to you, I wonder, did you like it? did that make you happy? Did it give you a little love from home? I do this for you because I am a missionary mom.

Each day I am on my knees asking God to protect you and your companion, and all the missionaries all around the world. I have other moms who are my friends, because they too are missionary moms. We pray for you, miss you, love you and think of you every day, because we are missionary moms.

I love you my child, because I am a Missionary Mom!

Anna Carbone

Goofy 2

As a new missionary mom you might think that your weekly email will include photos.  You might even think that some of those photos will be of your missionary.  Maybe one of those would be of your missionary looking happy, well-groomed, and dignified.  While this might happen, then again, it might not.....

Don't be surprised if it takes a while to get photos with the long awaited pday email.  The computers are not always compatible with the cameras, the internet can be super slow making uploading photos take a long time, and your missionary might forget to bring their camera, the card reader, the cable, etc.  After waiting weeks for a photo (to reassure you that your child is still in one piece, hasn't lost 50 pounds, or any limbs), you might get a photo like one of these ......

As Heidi says, the Gospel is TRUE!!! The word Gospel means, Good News!  God Lives!  Christ atoned for our sins and we can be forgiven.  We can live with Him again!  Families are forever!

The good news of the Gospel brings joy and happiness to the lives of all it touches.  Our missionaries are no exception to that!  Serving the Lord is hard work, but it is also full of joy.  The friendships forged on a mission are unique and can last for eternity.  Finding eternal friends and sharing the Light and Love of Christ is joyful. You can see it in their faces, and feel it their smiles.

The missionaries in this video LOVE their companions, LOVE the members where they serve, LOVE the people they are meeting and teaching, and LOVE the Gospel!

Wendy Minks

All is Well

This month I have been thinking a lot about my ancestors. I have not caught the "family history bug" as of yet, however, as I am hearing more and more about it...I am wondering if I need to give it a go.  I must say that someone told me that you can now upload pictures onto Ancestory.com...that's when I got excited!!!

My Great Grandparents

So, my new resolve is to learn more about these wonderful people....and others that make up my family tree :) But, I also am thinking that TODAY we are making history. Our sons and daughters are out there changing the world! The work IS hastening....and it is sooooooo exciting!!!

Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;

 

But with joy wend your way.

 

Though hard to you this journey may appear,

 

Grace shall be as your day.

 

'Tis better far for us to strive

 

Our useless cares from us to drive;

 

Do this, and joy your hearts will swell--

 

All is well! All is well!

~William Clayton, 1814-1879