What to Expect When You're Expecting the Missionaries

One of the primary ways that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spreads its message is through its missionaries. You’ve probably seen the missionaries on the streets, riding their bikes, or knocking at your front door. If you’re curious about the church and want to learn more, talking to the missionaries is a great way to have your questions answered. It can be scary, though, inviting strangers into your home to share a message you don’t know a lot about and are not sure you’d believe even if you did hear it. Today I hope to alleviate some of the fears you might have about inviting the missionaries into your home by explaining what to expect when you have the missionaries over for the first time.

Expect Them to be Young

One of the identifying characteristics about the missionaries is that most of them are young. Although older couples do have the opportunity to serve a mission when their children are grown, for the most part, the LDS missionaries serving around the world are between the ages of 18 and 25. This may be surprising to people outside of the church. However, scriptures suggest that the Lord has used the younger generation to do His work in times past too. For instance, in the Old Testament, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were children when they stood up and requested to not eat the king’s meat (Daniel 1:6). In the New Testament, though it does not explicitly give Mary’s age, we can guess, based on social customs of the time, that she was around the age of 16 when she gave birth to Jesus Christ ("Marry and Joseph"). These and other examples suggest that the Lord does not always have old age as a requirement to serve in His kingdom. He is the one who has called the young people of the church to serve. He trusts them with His message, and so do the members of the church.

Expect Them to Teach You

The duty of a missionary is the preach the word of God. They do this through teaching lessons and answering questions about the church. If you’ve never had the missionaries into your home before, expect them to teach you the first time you invite them in. On their first visit, they will probably teach you about Heavenly Father’s love for His children and the importance of families. In addition to this, they will probably teach you about Jesus Christ and how He restored His church through the prophet Joseph Smith. Feel free to ask the missionaries questions you have while they teach you these things. If the missionaries don’t know the answers to your questions, they will do their best to find the answers to them as long as you ask with a sincere and humble desire to know the truth. Remember that the missionaries do not want to debate or argue with you over rights and wrongs. Rather, missionaries merely desire to share with you what they know is true and then to leave it up to you to pray and discover for yourself if it is true. Ultimately, the missionaries are only tools in the hands of the Lord. The real teacher is the sweet spirit you feel as the missionaries testify. That spirit is the real teacher who will let you know what is true.

Expect Them to Invite You to Act

At the end of your time together, it is likely that the missionaries will invite you to act. They may invite you to read a passage of scripture. They may invite you to pray over the message they have shared. They may even invite you to get baptized at some future date. The reason why missionaries invite people to act is because they know that one of the best ways to find out if something is good is to try it out. We do this all the time with other important decisions we make in life. When buying a car, we take it for a test drive. When purchasing a house, we inspect it before making the sale final. When dating, we spend a lot of time getting to know someone before we commit to marrying them. When making decisions with far-reaching effects, it only makes sense to try something out before fully committing. Acting on the invitations that the missionaries extend to you is how you can put the gospel to the test before fully committing. Reading the scriptures will invite the Spirit into your life. Praying to God and asking Him your questions will invite Him to answer. Pondering over whether or not you should get baptized will give you something to pray to Him about. The Lord Himself endorsed this pattern in John 7:17 when he said: “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” When the missionaries invite you to act they are merely extending this ancient invitation from the Lord to you today.

Expect Good Things
Meeting with the missionaries can be the beginning of many good things. I have seen one visit with the missionaries lead to better decisions and brighter futures. I have seen one visit with the missionaries lead to changed hearts and mended families. I have seen one visit with the missionaries lead to greater desires to be good and increased feelings of self-worth. I have seen one visit with the missionaries lead to deep joy and lasting peace. These, and many more blessings await those who have the courage to reach out and seek to know for themselves if what the missionaries teach is true.

Whether or not you invite the missionaries into your home to hear their message, I hope that you can appreciate the work they do and the effort they put into sharing what they believe to be true. They may be young, but they work tirelessly and with fierce determination, which to me speaks volumes about the message they have to share. As with all good things related to the church, it focuses on Jesus Christ. I know for myself that their message is true and that it is the best message in the world. I invite you to find out the same thing for yourself.

*If you're interested in meeting with the missionaries, click here for more information. 

Also, click here to watch a fun video my husband's friend recently posted called "6 Things You've Always Wondered About Mormon Missionaries" 

My Cousin Sean's Homecoming Talk

Yesterday Jon and I got to drive up to Pocatello, ID and back for my cousin, Sean's, mission homecoming talk. Wow! Not only was it nice to get a break from Provo, it was awesome to see family that we haven't seen in a long time.

Sean's talk itself was definitely the highlight. I haven't heard the Spirit during a talk that strong in such a long time. After hearing him speak, no doubt remained in my mind about where Sean's testimony is: it is so strong and he is so faithful. On top of this all, he is quite possibly the best example of unconditional love out of anyone I've ever met ever, and this isn't just one of those broad generalized statements that we sometimes throw out without really meaning them. I really mean that Sean probably has more unconditional love than anyone I've ever met before.

Several years ago I was starting my second year of college and I randomly got a call from him! Sean--who I hadn't heard from or seen since I was in kindergarten! He was just calling to say that he hoped I'd had a good first day and to say hi. Since then, he has continued to surprised me time and again by remembering me and loving me for no other reason than the fact that I'm family! Even without all these wonderful phone calls and visits, after one minute in his company I can't help but just feel so loved. What an amazing example he is of how we should treat those around us, especially our families.

There were two parts of his talk that really stood out to me. Both were things he'd heard on his mission and wanted to share with us. The first was this: "Trials are mandatory; misery is optional." So true, right? Regardless of circumstances, happiness is always within our reach. Attitude is everything.

The other thing he shared was something that his mission president had taught him. It was that there are three ways to keeping the commandments. The first is that you keep them out of fear of what will happen if you don't. The second is that you keep them like a robot--just because you're supposed to. The last way is that you keep them because you love Jesus Christ. Obviously, this is the most noble and happy way to live them.

Seeing the joy that the gospel has given Sean has inspired me to want to live the gospel more fully. I can tell that Sean receives his joy by serving God and those around him at all times. I know that such a life style is the best way to find happiness because of the times I've tried to live that way myself. I want to make today and right now and tomorrow and every day those type of times as well.

Family is where it's all at. Family and the gospel. And serving others. I can't think of three things more important in the whole wide world. Thanks, Sean, for reminding me of this.

The drive home from Pocatello was also pretty awesome. Jon was excited that we drove through Preston, ID--where Napoleon Dynamite was filmed. We also stopped at the Logan Temple, where my parents and Grandparent Sorensens got married. Overall, a topnotch day.

Letters

Louisa, Ems & I at Guru's before the broadcast!

Dear Emily, I had so much fun with you this weekend! From going to the BYU choir concert to getting frozen yogurt to getting dinner at Guru's to watching the Relief Society broadcast to going to a Baptist church with me for a school assignment--it was so good to be with someone easy to talk to and have fun with. I'm glad we live so close to each other.

Dear Louisa, I'm super glad that you got to join Ems and I on Saturday night while we went to Guru's and then to watch the Relief Society broadcast. Those sweet potato fries are so good!!! It's good to live with family away from home, especially when that family is as awesome as you!

Dear Old FHE Family, I've run into so many of you over the past several days! It's fun to see those of you who have come back from your missions and to randomly run into you, Aubrey, at the baptist church because you were also doing an assignment (how random!) Let's get together and have a reunion soon. Deal?

Dear Beautiful Fall Weather, I'm so happy you've decided to come around. Please stay and keep the winter away!!!

Dear Miranda, It's been YEARS since we last ran into each other! It tickles me that I was able to find you on facebook and that you seem to be doing so well! Maybe when I come home for Christmas break we can get together--that would be a blast!

Dear Jon, Breakfast on Saturday morning was de. lic. ous. I haven't had french toast in such a long time and it's even one of my favorites! Thanks for giving me a fabulous beginning to a fabulous day!

Dear Ashley, As the boy's in N103's old FHE sister, it was fun to get to meet you and discover that we're in Mythology together (I can't believe you recognized me! You're so observant!) You seem super fun and are incredibly talented with singing and playing the guitar. Thank you for sharing your talents and your smiles. Hopefully, I'll see you in class today!

Dear Mythology Paper, Even though you were about Ella Enchanted, you took FOREVER to write, which made me slightly annoyed. My hand thanks you for finally being done!

Dear Sarah Armknecht, I'm so grateful for the chance I had to go hear your unofficial mission farewell yesterday. I learned so much about being converted unto the Lord, His love for us, and prayer. You are going to be such an amazing missionary because you live your life in such a way that the Spirit can be with you at all times. The people in Montana are very lucky to have you among them for the next year and a half.

Dear Testimony Bearers, Your words gave me a lot to contemplate about and gave me much comfort. Thank you.

Dear Mars, Thanks for sharing this

video yesterday in your Sunday School lesson. I think it touched us all.

Dear Hannah, I'm very grateful for the chance I have to get to serve with you. You seem really awesome and down to earth (which is so refreshing) and I hope we can become really good friends.

Dear Krista, I hope that you come over and hang out in the CP zone of the ward all the time so that we can have super fun with you and get to know you better because you just seem so super awesome and it would be so sad if we never really got to know you just because you live all the way over in the yellow house. In other words, I think you're really cool. Thanks for the chatting. I can't wait to chat again!

Dear Kylee, Please get feeling better soon. I love you!

Dear Grace, That cake was AMAZING! Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing!

Dear Jessica, I hope you get feeling better. I love you so super much and am wishing I could be with you right now!

Dear Kate and Abby, I'm so glad and happy that you guys called me last night so that we could talk! I love talking to you two. Thanks for being the awesomest Abby and Kate sisters in the world!

Dear Reading Assignments, Really? This is overkill. Way too much, guys. Way too much.

Dear Wonderful Coworkers, You guys are the best and everyone that doesn't work with you should be jealous (that's a lot of people and I really shouldn't be encouraging un-Christ-like behavior such as being jealous, but you guys are just that cool!) Thanks.

Dear Melissa, You seem like an awesome friend and I'm very grateful to have you as my Visiting Teacher and can't wait to get to know you more!

Dear Shonay, I'm so glad that you're my Visiting Teacher. You are just so cool and kind and fun. And your words last night...I really needed to hear them. Thank you so much for saying what the Spirit prompted you to say. I love you!

Dear General Conference Weekend, I'm going to work really hard this week so that I can enjoy you to your fullest on Saturday and Sunday. I'm so excited!!!

Dear Today, Smiles, quiet moments, laughter, friends, work, class, exercising, homework, scriptures, talking, joy--these are just a few of the things I hope to run into during you today.

On Learning to Trust the Lord

The past several weeks have been interesting ones.

in·ter·est·ing 

[in-ter-uh-sting, -truh-sting, -tuh-res-ting]

adjective

1.

engaging or exciting and holding the attention or curiosity:

Hummmm. Maybe "interesting" is the wrong adjective. Perplexing?

per·plex

 

[per-pleks]

verb (used with object)

1.

to cause to be puzzled or bewildered over what is not understood or certain; confused mentally: 

Yep--better word. Though some people would argue that I'm always confused mentally(I wouldn't disagree with them), right now the description seems especially applicable.

Before General Conference, I had been wondering whether or not I should go on a mission. Conference came, the announcement was made, and suddenly all of BYU campus has started turning their papers in. Everyone's so excited about serving missions now, it's become "the thing to do". The only problem I face is this: the answer I got from the Lord was "no".

What? Come again? No? 

Okay. Cool. Really, I'm fine with the answer. I trust the Lord, and know that if going on a mission is not what I need to do, that He has something else in store for me. Problem, though: What?

Let me describe my current situation to you, and then maybe you'll understand why the "what" is being such a perplexing problem at the moment. I have five roommates. This winter, Lauren is leaving to do the Disney college program and Amelia is leaving to go on a mission. By this summer, Audrey and Emily will have also left for missions, and Rachel will be in Wales. Besides roommates, two of my best friends--Emily Christensen and Anna Stewart--are leaving for missions this winter. But me? No. The Lord has told me that He wants me to stay here.

In a nutshell:

1. I'm jealous of everyone for all the adventures they are getting ready to go on. I want to go on a fun adventure too.
2. I feel like I'm stuck. I feel like so many people are leaving Provo, but I'm stuck here.
3. I don't know why the Lord doesn't want me to go on a mission. I'm trying to figure out what other kind of mission He wants me to serve instead.

Please, don't think I'm trying to host some sort of pity party. I chose the adjective "perplexed", not "mad" 

mad 

[mad]

adjective

1.

enraged; greatly provoked or irritated; angry.

or "sad" 

sad

 

[sad]

adjective, sad·der, sad·dest.

1.

affected by unhappiness or grief; sorrowful or mournful

or "upset"

up·set

  [v., adj. uhp-set; n. uhp-set] 

adjective

1.

distressed; disturbed:

though I have experienced all of these things to some degree over the past few weeks. I promise: I think my life so absolutely wonderful and I am so incredibly blessed. The other side of the nutshell looks like this:

1. I am so excited for all you wonderful girls who get to go on missions. You are going to be awesome. You already are awesome, which is why the Lord has lowered the age requirement. 
2. There are so many good things for me to be doing in Provo, and so many opportunities that I can take hold of that I can't find anywhere else in the world. Happiness is also a result of choice, not circumstance, and I am going to choose to be happy. 
3. And above all, I trust the Lord; I really do trust the Lord. It's the patience required to do things His way and in His time that I'm struggling with. 

But struggles are good, and so is He, and I'm on His side, so it's going to be okay. I will figure out what I'm supposed to be doing, and then even if I don't, I will still choose to be happy and everything will still be okay. The Lord can make more out of my life than I ever could, and I'm trying to let Him. He has yet to let me down thus far. 

The church is true, and regardless of whether or not I serve a mission with a name tag on, I can, and will, proclaim that message. I hope that all the other girls in Provo know this too--that it's okay to not go on a mission and that the Lord will use you in wonderful ways, as long as you do with that year and a half of your life what He instructs you to. You are in no way less worthy or righteous than those who go to serve, and those who go to serve aren't trying to make up for anything that they are missing. For a girl, the choice to serve or not serve a mission is completely up to you and Heavenly Father. Don't let make you feel less of yourself because of your choice.

Regardless of where you are in life right now, know this: God does have a plan for you. There is a purpose for your being here on this earth right now, and there are things which the Lord has prepared for you to do which no one else can do. Don't let the artificial things stop you from helping the people the Lord has sent you here to help. They need you and He needs you, both out in the mission field and at home.

The Lord's timing and plan are perfect, we just have to learn to trust Him.

Letters

Dear Stephanie, It was such an awesome surprise to get to see you yesterday! And I finally got to meet Shaun! (and I like him!) Even though it was only 20 minutes, it meant a whole lot to me. I hope that we will be able to hang out over Christmas break and that, this time, it will be more than 20 minutes. I love you!

Dear Jeremy, Thanks so much for inviting me to the football game last night! Even though I only stayed for 1 1/2 quarters, I still had tons of fun. The best part was getting to spend time with you! I'm so super glad that we're friends, Jeremy, and hope that we can be for a very long time.

A picture of Emily over the summer when she went to do a field study in Africa!

Dear Emily Christensen, Yea for getting your mission call and yea for serving a mission in Texas and for doing it in Spanish!!! I'm so glad that you invited me to be there with you when you opened your call; I felt blessed to share in one of your life's special moments. You are going to be an AMAZING missionary. I know that the Lord is grateful to have daughters like you who are willing to go out and do His work. You continue to be an inspiration to me, and I hope that one day I can grow up to be like you!

Dear Nicole, I really, really enjoyed talking to you last night when Emily opened her mission call AND your facebook post on my wall made. My. Day. (and it's been kind of a rough one!) I hope that you and I can make opportunities to do fun things and become better friends. Thanks for being awesome.

Charlotte's finger after our trip to the ER!

Dear Charlotte, Well. A 3 hour trip to the ER last night wasn't exactly what I had planned, but it made for quite the adventure! Thank you so much for thinking to call me so that Rachel and I could help you out. It meant so much to us. I hope that your finger heals fast, and that next time you try to cut butternut squash, you  watch that finger of yours!

Dear Self, Try not to be shamefully embarrassed by the fact that you turned bleach white and practically passed out and had to leave the room last night when the nurse was numbing Charlotte's finger with a needle that was nearly twelve feet long. I mean, since the nurse couldn't even walk you twenty feet away without having you begin to blackout you got to sit in the hallway where you were treated with a Kit Kat bar and some yummy grape juice that had crushed ice in it like the kind they have at Sonic that your mom really likes. It just made the whole night a lot more exciting. And Charlotte didn't even get yummy grape juice and she was the one with the sliced finger, so you should feel pretty lucky.

All because of this guy...

Dear caveman who would faint at the sight of blood in order to stay alive, Thanks for passing the trait along. I appreciate feeling like a  prima donna every time I staple my finger with a staple gun or scrape the skin off my palms or see someone get stabbed at the doctor's with a needle--and then black out. The sensation that your about to lose it is great, and so is the whole "feeling self-conscious and like a wuss" thing. Really.

Dear Abby and Jessica, I hope you had so much super fun today at your first competition! I'm sad I can't be there to see you every time to perform, but I hope you know that I'm routing for you every dot and note of the show!

Dear Rachel and Emily and Amelia (and partly Spencer), Watching The Avengers with you guys tonight was more than exactly what I needed. Thanks for the laughing and the fun. I love you guys!!!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thanks for trying me and for making things not easy. Even though it's hard to appreciate it all right now, I know that it's what I need and that it will help me to become more like Thee. With You at my side, I can do this!