As we reflect on the past, we prepare for the new

As we begin our new year, I have pondered the past and all the good and not so good that has gone before.  I have been reminded of the importance of looking for the best in ourselves and others, of seeing the world with Pollyanna-ish eyes.  It is sad to me that there are many who think you can be too positive, too happy.  Maybe it is because of the gospel in my life that I can see what good the world has to offer, while still recognizing the harsh realities that may exist around me.  I truly believe as the scripture says, we are that we might have JOY!  Here is to a beautiful New Year!!! May you be blessed with eyes to see all the blessings that surround you throughout the year.


Hello friends and family! 

Can you believe that I have been out on my mission for almost a month?!? HOLY CROW!! I never thought I would make it this far. I figured I would have frozen first. (hahaha) 
I hope you all had a blessed Christmas and that you were safe and sound. My Christmas was great! The family knows a little bit, so I won't share all that happened. 
Sister Zvirzdin and I opened presents with Sister Groesbeck and her daughter. Thanks to all who sent packages and cards. They were much appreciated. We were able to eat breakfast with them which was really nice. 

For Christmas dinner, we were with Sister Estes and her cat Thomas. I have learned not to touch cats because I am allergic to them. My eyes itch really bad if I touch them. 

Anyways - to describe Sister Estes just look up the artist Erté. His artwork is really eccentric and super busy. She loves it. She says it touches her heart and soul. 

We had a fabulous dinner of lamb, mashed potatoes, asparagus and hollandaise sauce, brussel sprouts in butter, dinner rolls the size of mini bread loaves, cranberry salad, and a raspberry jello ring. It was all so very tasty. It was definitely one of my favorite Christmas Dinners. 

Shortly after Christmas, Friday in fact, we had a missionary training meeting so all of the brand new missionaries and their trainers could get together and see how one another was doing. It was a lot of fun. We learned a lot about each other and about the mission. We also reviewed some really important rules. 

President Brown shared some really cool scriptures about the priesthood in Doctrine and Covenants 84:19-21, 33. 

This weekend I got sick. Not sure how or why, but it hasn't been fun. Eating has been a challenge because my stomach has been pretty upset. Luckily, I think I am starting to get over whatever was causing it. Sister Z. was kind enough to let me take a two hour nap on Saturday since I didn't sleep super well the night before because of my stomach, etc. 

Sunday was probably one of my favorite Sabbath's ever. The speakers were so good! Sister Clark, who is an RM from the very southern part of Argentina, spoke on diligence. She shared one of her mission experiences from being a greenie and it helped me a lot. It's really easy to get overwhelmed especially when you're not feeling well. She also shared the story of Eric the blind climber of Mt. Everest and how he was able to succeed. He said, "Keep your mind focused. Don't let doubt and fear penetrate your thoughts. Take each day one step at a time." His diligence is just so fascinating and inspiring. 

Right after church, Sister Z and I went out with Brother Olsen to teach our first investigator: Kevin. We taught him the first discussion - The Restoration. It was so cool. He had lots of questions especially about the Word of Wisdom since he smokes. When we meet with him next we will teach the Plan of Salvation and bring in the Word of Wisdom. I think the coolest thing about teaching is that the missionary learns just as much. 

Something cool I learned was an interesting "Doctrine of Brother Olsen." He shared that he thinks man started to not live as long because the earth began to age. And just as man starts to age and disease penetrates the body easier, it also happens to the earth which is why we have so many diseases which make our lives shorter. Anyways... I probably didn't explain it super well, but I thought it was cool. 

As the new year approaches, one of my new years resolutions is to write three things I am grateful for in my journal before I start on my days "rant." It really helps me remain positive and gives me something to focus on during the day. 

Something really cool that happened last night. While Sister Z and I were planning in the car, we got a call from Brother Hayes with a referral for one of his friends who lives in Missouri. It was really cool. We both were super excited even though we can't do a lot.  

Ok....now for the good stuff. It's time now for the missionary commitment/invitation section of the email. When we were at our training meeting, we read the First Presidency Message in the beginning of Preach my Gospel. And I was reminded how much Preach My Gospel is for ALL missionaries: Member missionaries, Senior missionaries, Elders, Sisters and Military Service Men and Women. So, my invitation to all who read this is to begin reading and studying from Preach My Gospel. It will help us overcome our fears about missionary work. It will help us know how to talk to our friends and neighbors about the gospel, and Preach My Gospel is a revealed tool in missionary work. 

Something really cool I learned is that the "How to Begin Teaching" section of the Preach My Gospel was revealed to an Apostle of the Lord as he was trying the sleep at night. 

Preach my Gospel is powerful and so very full of the spirit. I am so blessed to be able to use it on a daily basis. (That is another of my new years goals: to read from Preach My Gospel each day.) 

I love you all and I hope you enjoy the pictures and weekly updates. Let me know if you have questions and I will try and answer them. 

Love, 
Sister Bryans


Have a great week!!