Yay for May 5.2.2016

ITS MAY ALREADY?? ARE JUNE KIDDING ME? hahaha ok listen, I really did try to come up with a clever way to begin my email..I never seem to have to much success with it though. lol. Well it's another transfer down here in New Jersey and I can honestly say it was AMAZING! My appreciation for this work grows every second! I LOOOVEEE BEING A MISSIONARY!!
After an amazing lesson on faith in church yesterday I went home thinking a lot about the faith I had and analyzing myself on how I could do better. I was led to a chapter in the bible and so today I just wanted to share with you these few verses.. Matthew 14:22-31 22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? faith. I love this! + Jesus is simply AWESOME!!! + Jesus always invites us to Come unto him! + The moment Peter took his eyes off of Jesus he fell! ALWAYS KEEP HIM YOUR MAIN FOCUS!! + Jesus has saved us. HE ALWAYS WILL. I love the part where it says IMMEDIATELY Jesus stretched forth his hand. Even when we fall he is holding onto us! He will never let you drown. HAVE FAITH IN HIM! It all begins with faith!
I truly do love being a missionary!! There is no where else I'd rather be!! Ammon says it best in 

Alma 26:16 "....Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel."
There is no words to describe the joy that comes from sharing his gospel. I love watching people change and become the people God wants them to be! I know this is his church! It is truly being led by him!!
I CAN FEEL IT. JESUS IS THE CHRIST. HE IS OUR SAVIOR. HE IS THE WAY. 

HAVE A GOOD WEEK
You're all in my prayers!! Much love,
Hermana Rogers

Become 4.18.2016

Hello family,
It's been a while since I've written a group email, my apologies.
I am here alive and well in Morristown with the the greatest 

companion Hermana Virgin!
We've learned SO much together in these quick 4 weeks. 

Trying to put my thoughts into words has always been a struggle 

for me but I sincerely hope that something hits home for you from my experiences this week.
Our Spanish branch is made up of about 28 active members whom I
absolutely adore! Anywhere I seem to step foot they always grab 

hold of my heart!! I've never been so happy! doing the work of 

the Lord is the most joyful adventure! Spring has sprung and the 

big coats have come off! FINALLY!
Well I'd like to share with you some scriptures that I've been
pondering lately. Apply it into your lives in any way you'd 

desire. D&C 112:10 Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall 

lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.
I think all throughout my mission I've been learning more 

and more about humility and what it actually means. When my 

companion and I first arrived in Morristown we had about 3 

investigators the previous sisters had been teaching and a couple weeks later we ended up having
to drop them all. That week we also had complete rejection! 

Being a trainer an unbarring amount of weight just dropped onto 

my shoulders. I felt abandoned and alone. I spent a lot of time 

on my knees and when I was ready to receive my answer I was lead to this verse in Doctrine
and covenants. ( PS. The whole chapter is completely marvelous! I
encourage you all to dive into it )
I know I wasn't alone AT ALL in those discouraging moments. 

I think it's silly how we are so quick to be selfish and think 

"Come on Heavenly Father. I need your RIGHT NOW" and when we 

think (emphasis on think because we can be numb skulls) he's left us he had really been
helping us by preparing something better down the line! I have 

had the MOST success I've ever had on my mission because of this scripture. I
want to do it His way and there is no other way I'd rather do it. The
solution to doing it his way is to BE HUMBLE.
To add on to this scripture I also really liked this quote 

by Elder David A. Bednar:
"We should not underestimate or overlook the power of the Lord’s
tender mercies. The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of
the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and 

protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live. When words
cannot provide the solace we need or express the joy we feel, 

when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that which is unexplainable,
when logic and reason cannot yield adequate understanding about 

the injustices and inequities of life, when mortal experience and
evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome, and when it
seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, truly we are blessed by
the tender mercies of the Lord and made mighty even unto the power of
deliverance"
Alma 17:9 "And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in the
wilderness, and they fasted much and prayed much that the Lord would
grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide
with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to
bring, if it were possible, their brethren the Lamanites, to the
knowledge of the truth,"
Ok, so I've also been digging into Alma 17 which talks about the best
missionaries ever! I've been trying to adapt their attributes more
fully into my life and my overall desire/impression that I've learned
from this scripture is that I want to live worthy of the spirit ALWAYS
in my journeyings.No matter where I'm at when why how what..I want to
be worthy of the spirit so that I can TRULY be an instrument for the
Lord to use in His glorious work. A quote by president Thomas s monson
that hit me this conference.."remember who you are and who God wants
you to become." I want to become an effective instrument in this work.
When my alarm at 6:30 goes off I want Satan to be scared!!! I hope he
trembles the moment my eyes open because he knows I'm going to give it
my all with the help of our Father in heaven!!
I just want to let you all know how much I love the gospel!!! How much
it has blessed my life. I wouldn't be me with out our savior..without
the enabling power of the atonement. I have a testimony that we are
never alone. That we can conquer all with Jesus Christ on our side.
The Savior will do for you what you cannot do for yourself.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Enjoy yourselves this week! (& some pictures)
Never forget who you are and who you can BECOME.
I love you all
xoxo.

Hermana Rogers

Change 3.21.2016

This week was really fun looking back and reading over my journal from
one year ago.
All throughout high school I was contemplating going on a mission. My
heart had always desired to serve but i was so indecisive if that was
actually a step I was going to take. After much wrestle in prayer It
was an amazing feeling to walk into my bishops office and finally say
"LETS DO THIS!" And let me tell yuh, this small step has made a huge
impact in my life. Let me tell you what it's called ..pure happiness.
I use to laugh when people would send me emails saying " wow, sister
Rogers you look SOOO happy!" Those words would kind of replay in my
head over and over and I would say to myself "but wasn't I always this
happy? I mean, I look this happy in all my old pictures too." But the
truth is..IVE NEVER BEEN HAPPIER!
Come to think of it, I'm actually speechless..I'm trying to search for
words to even begin to explain this beautiful feeling of joy.
It's amazing what we can become when we let the Lord take us by the
hand and teach us new things. It's amazing what kind of miracles we
are blessed with when we are obedient to what He has asked us to do.
It's amazing how we can know He loves us without even seeing Him,
whether it be by the chills that run from head to toe and  make the
small hairs on arms stand or the indescribable peace that fills our
souls after a prayer. He has refined me into a person I never knew I
could become.
If I had to sum up a few things I've learned so far on my mission it'd be that
+ God LOVES us. He is in the details
+ Laugh about your failures
+ if we succeed it's because He allowed us to succeed
I've had many frustrations and success out here in New York and Ive
absolutely loved every moment. It is all because of Him that we have
success and if it doesn't work out it's because it wasn't in His
timing...God has a plan for us!! I can testify of that. I can also
testify of His son, our savior Jesus Christ ..that He lives. Oh what
joy it is to know that He lives!! That he died for us and rose again.
And because of that we NEVER have to walk in this life alone. (doesn't
that just give you the chills?) He's holding your hand, let him guide
you and teach you. HE IS THE WAY. #HALLELUJAH
FIND HIM
This week there will be a lot of changes!
I'll be moving to Morristown and training!
Here is my Address!!
506 Lindsley Dr. #2k
Morristown NJ 07960
Have a great week and a happy Easter!
xoxo

Hermana Rogers

 

 

Jesus es mi luz 3.7.2016

I'd like to start off today by sharing a testimony a visitor gave in church yesterday.

A dear friend of hers that she grew up with whom she trusted ever so much came up to her and said" I just think the fact that people believe in a God is beyond ridiculous!" She was a little distort when after her friend told her that..she herself even began to question if God existed and if He did, did He hear and love her? 

The question ran throughout her mind all that week and was puzzled because she had always grown up knowing that God was there and loved her. Her faith had been shaken. She got on her knees that night and simply asked "are you there? Do you love me?" Immediately after she ended her prayer she felt complete peace and the words "Brooke, would I EVER lie to you?" -- she ended by saying this simple but most powerful statement -- GOD IS REAL, and HE LOVES YOU! 

It was one of the most heartfelt testimonies that I've ever heard. It just pulled on my little heart strings. I love simplicity. 

D&C19:16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit--and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink--

19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

I found myself in a puddle of tears after reading this. His love is something I don't even know how to begin to describe. It's something out of this world! Just thinking of the Savior on his knees suffering for me and then looking all around me and knowing that He suffered for you, my family people I've never seen!...it makes me shiver. He did this for us so we could live again. In Adam all die and through Christ all is made alive. Sometimes I think we overlook that. But truly Jesus Christ is our SAVIOR. I've found new life in him. I hope you all do too! I promise he can change you and mold you into something you never knew you could become! There is nothing like this feeling of happiness that comes from Him. ️

Have a good week!! xoxoxo.

 

Bendiciones 2.29.2016

Hey everyone! I hope you had a great week!
This last week here in New York is surely one to look back on and smile!
Starting with Monday! We went bowling as a zone! I usually only enjoy
doing things I am good at, but bowling is the exception..IM THE WORST!
But it is literally one of my most favorite things to do!
Let's talk highlights of the week!
+ we took our recent convert milo to the temple! My favorite part
about this day is when we went to go pick him up his eight year old
son Oliver who was baptized last week came zipping around the corner
yelling "I'm ready! Im ready! Take me with you! Please please please
please please! I've been baptized! PLEASE I'm so ready!!" (Cutest
thing am I right?)
On another not Satan is REAL. He did all he could to try and stop us!
But with the Lord on our side we obviously beat through it. I always
love looking back on little episodes in life where right before we
take one big step in the right direction Satan will try and attack but
in the end EVERYTHING works out. Anyhoo, This round going through the
temple was one of the most spiritual times I've ever had! The spirit
of Elijah was cultivated in my heart! I could just imagine the spirits
being SOOO excited!! I was just in tears! (I'm always crying, lol) My
heart was so full of love. Their hope is TRULY in our hands! I can't
even explain the feeling that's was swept over me in that moment. It
was powerful.
+ we gave an investigator a Book of Mormon THREE days ago and she is
already in alma 30! Jaw dropper am I right? Carla is awesome. Our
first visit with her she was ever so sure that she wouldn't listen to
what we had to say or believe what we had to say and when we returned
she sat us down and told us about her long night of no sleep because
what we taught her wouldn't leave her mind! Then she started
explaining these "feelings she's never felt"..."a different kind of
comfort, peace and happiness" (AKA THE SPIRIT) it makes my heart melt
when people describe the feelings of the spirit!
I love my father and savior. I honestly don't know who I'd be without them.
I am so so grateful to be an instrument in his work. It is truly a
blessing. My favorite part about missionary work is that we are all
missionaries..you don't have to wear a plaque to prove it. We are all
his children striving for the same goal and helping others along the
way. I am a witness of his unconditional love and mercy.
John8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of
the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall
have the light of life.
Have a good week¡

Xoxo
Hermana Rogers

JOY 2.22.2016

What a week.
I seriously don't know what I'd do without the gospel. I wake up
everyday SO grateful for all the blessings God has given me! I love
being a missionary and am honored to be wearing his name on my chest
everyday.
I guess I'll start my letter by starting from the beginning of this
crazy week! So, after P-day sports we walked outside to a winter
wonderland! Not thinking much about it about five minutes into driving
the brake WOULDNT BRAKE! The tires were slipping and sliding and BAM!!
We hit a car hard! Scariest thing. I can definitely testify of
guardian angels!
Tuesday district meeting!  Our district leader (who is in the Korean
program) brought us octopus and other Korean dishes. Holy that made me
SUPER grateful to be in the Spanish program! Count your blessings
people! Hahaha
This weekend we also had the baptism of Oliver! His dad Milou got
baptized a couple of weeks ago and was able to baptize his son on
Sunday! It was amazing. His little 4 year old sister went and sang I
am a child of God as well. Hands down best feeling of my life! I came
to New York for this family for sure! They fill my soul with joy. It's
amazing what the spirit does for us. The comfort, joy and testimony it
brings to our hearts, to our souls! The first day I walked into their
home I thought I was walking into a failed project. I walked into
their home meeting a father who had been investigating the church for
14 years and His children and wife who knew nothing of Jesus Christ
but because of the spirit, because of our savior they are where they
are now! It brings tears to my eyes!! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is SO
BEAUTIFUL.
Scripture of the week: Mosiah 24:13-15 "And it came to pass that the
voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up
your heads and be of good comfort.......
And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders,
that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in
bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me
hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do
visit my people in their afflictions.
And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and
his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that
they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit
cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.
Quote of the week: “Being human, we would expel from our lives
physical pain and mental anguish and assure ourselves of continual
ease and comfort, but if we were to close the doors upon sorrow and
distress, we might be excluding our greatest friends and benefactors.
Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience,
long-suffering, and self-mastery” [Faith Precedes the Miracle (1972),
98].
I love New York.
I am grateful for something that makes me so HAPPY.
The grace and love of our savior ..it leaves me speechless. He is my
life support.
I need him all the time!! Not just because I'm a needy person but
because I LITERALLY wouldn't be able to do it without Him.
THIS IS HIS CHURCH. THIS IS HIS GOSPEL.
He is the way. He is in the details.
Oh my goodness! Before I forget! I need to just tell you how much I
LOVE THE BOOK OF MORMON. It literally answers all questions ever!!
GAhhhh!! I've started writing down a question I have everyday before I
read the Book of Mormon. Here's what I do
1. Write down question
2. Pray about the question
3. Read the Book of Mormon
4. Write down thoughts and a summary of what I got as my answer
5. Pray about the answer i got and ask if it lines up with Gods answer.
IT WORKS WONDERS! I challenge you all to try it!! I'm sure you all
already do that because you're all awesome and a whole load smarter
than I am. But just do it. Nike.
Ahh I'm all giddy now !
Until next week.

Xoxo,
Hermana Rogers

Jacob 6:12 2.8.2016

 Today I stare at my notes from this past week and think..WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN?

I hope you all can bare with me as I attempt to oraganize my thoughts into words. Something

I am really impressed to write about this week is repentance. It's kind of silly but if you

talked to me before the mission I'd probably tell you..you are who you are and you just can't

change. Crazy me, right?! Because that's all I've been doing and watching people do here on

a mission is CHANGING. I love every part about repentance. I also use to think repentance 

was kind of something gloomy BUT ITS TOTALLY NOT. Repentance is simply turning our hearts to 

God and there's nothing gloomy about that at all! My favorite part about repentance is knowing

 that because of Jesus Christ, our savior...we are not alone. I love it. If He created us..

He can fix us.

I don't have much time today but I just wanted to share with you a few notes I wrote from

stake conference that I'll let you ponder and mediate about. What can I do to make the sabbath

more a delight? 

Personal progression inventory: work on things every week that I can I do to progress personally

and evaluate at the end of each week. Everything is in the Lord's timing. It's not about when

it happened but that it happened. Anything that is worthwhile is never easy.

Well I'd like to leave my testimony with you that God lives. He loves you. I tell you it every

week so I HOPE you KNOW that. I can't even begin to explain the depth of His unconditional love.

I can promise you that as you follow him and his commandments that he's given us...you will be

blessed. Some blessing come soon and some come later...and some don't come til heaven...but I know

they'll come!!! Anything that is worthwhile is never easy.

I LOVE AND ADMIRE EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!
Oh and also enjoy a little sketch I did in my iPad

Xoxo
Hermana Rogers