CAUTION: Toothpaste expires

First off, I love you all. I really do. Thank you for all of your support and your love and just who you are! I wouldn't be here without you and all y'all do!

Miracles:

Ok first off we had the most incredible lesson with Dave and Kellie about forgiveness and our Bishop came along. After we left Dave went into his room, knelt, and prayed for the man that caused him his brain injury, by name. It's like he is an entirely different person. Confusion and frustration are slowly being replaced with understanding, peace, and hope. We haven't set them for a date yet, but they are getting there!

Also this week we went to go see a potential investigator named Karl and his brother-in-law Tony answered the door. We asked if Karl was home and he said no, so we explained who we were and then told him to have Karl give us a call. Well the minute we walked off the porch I knew the conversation was not over, and I felt such guilt. We walked down the street, visited with another potential for a minute, then I felt the spirit practically pull me back up to Karl's doorstep. Satan's lies raced through my head telling me that this brother-in-law was going to be annoyed or angry, but before I knew it we were knocking on the door again. Heavenly Father truly prepared this man. We were able to teach him about the Restoration, give him a Book of Mormon, and invite him to be baptized! And he said yes!! He lives in another area, so we are going to give him as a referral. What a testimony to me that Heavenly Father truly is patient with us when we make mistakes, and if we listen He will prepare a way for us to improve and try again.

Also this week our new investigator named Ron came to church! We went over to his home last night to ask him what he thought about church and it was the most incredible discussion. I have no clue what I asked, but Ron began to bear this powerful testimony about how he felt a burden literally lifted off of his shoulders when he walked into the church building. He said he felt great peace, and he is starting to recognize that that feeling is from God. His wife, who is also investigating, was sitting on the couch with us and she could hardly believe what she was hearing. She could see that this experience had truly touched her husband's heart, and she knew that it had to be something special. We committed both of them to pray about the Book of Mormon that night and to come to church next Sunday, and they accepted. It's amazing how Heavenly Father blesses his children when they do what he has asked them to. Ron truly pleased Heavenly Father when he came to church, and he recognized that! Ahh missionary work is the best thing EVER.

Funnies:

I started brushing my teeth the other day with this new bottle of toothpaste that I found in the closet and it was the worst thing I have ever tasted. I spit it out and looked at the bottle then realized that it was expired. I didn't even know that was a thing!! So fair warning, toothpaste expires.

Spiritual thought:

This week has been full of a lot of ups and downs and a load of rejection, but there was a verse that I read in my personal study that kind of put it all into perspective. Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints isn't the most popular thing in the world...and sometimes it's hard to face the evils and mockery of the world every single day. But we don't need to be worried or ashamed, because our lives are in greater hands.

"But behold, the life of my servant shall be in my hand; therefore they shall not hurt him (her), although he (she) shall be marred because of them. Yet I will heal him (her), for I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil." - 3 Nephi 21:10
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If we choose God, then so be it with the ways of the world! His ways are eternal, and our afflictions will be consecrated to us for our gain. He has promised to heal us, and to protect us, if we choose him. Our lives are in his hands. And that applies to all those who are faithful and serve him. I am so grateful for that eternal perspective, and even though it's hard to always live what we believe I know that it is worth it. Keep on keeping on!

xoxo,

Sister Bengtzen

2017 started with a BANG! Literally...

Happy New Year! I can't believe it's already 2017. That's insane... I was in bed by 10:30pm that night, then some crazy hooligan lit a firework RIGHT outside our window and I thought we were going to die. So that was my New Years experience...quite literally started with a bang.

Anywho! I hope you are all doing well and enjoying all of your adventures. It looks like you are having way too much fun to be honest! Haha but that makes me so happy! Maggie and Ben's wedding looked beautiful and she looked INCREDIBLE! But I must say Matthew and George take the cake...they always do. THEY ARE SO STINKING CUTE! (Also Bobs sent me a picture of George with a mouth full of cake...so I suppose they literally take the cake as well as figuratively.

Miracles:

This week we got to go to the Trail Center with Kellie and Dave and Jazmyn and it was the best! Sister Rook gave us a tour which was way too much fun! The tour itself was so spiritual. Kellie said that she felt goose-bumps the entire time and she has never had an experience like that before. We testified that that was the spirit speaking to her and she just smiled and told us she knew that. There's a point on the tour where you stand and look out this big window at the cemetery and temple across the street. It's so sacred because it is the cemetery where the saints that passed away in Winter Quarters were buried, and it is also hallowed ground because the temple is built right next to it. As we looked out the window I was overwhelmed with such gratitude for the temple, and the gift that it is. It truly is the only place we can lock out the world and feel the unhindered presence of the spirit and our Savior. I am so grateful to be serving a mission with a temple so close. Kellie ate up every word Sister Rook said about the temple. She asked questions and she just marveled in the beauty of it. It was such a great lesson. They all came to church on Sunday and they are doing well! We are going to set them for baptism this week so keep that in your prayers.

Also Junior came to church on Sunday and he was so happy to be there. I wish I could describe how different he is, but I just cannot put it into words. It's incredible what the Atonement can do in our lives if we are willing to let it in.

We also saw our investigators Jacob and Kortney this week and committed them to come to church. They said they had plans, but committed to come next Sunday...well get this! About 5 minutes into sacrament meeting on Sunday the doors open and in walks Jacob, Kortney, and two former investigators that we dropped like a month ago. ALL TOGETHER! I about fell of the pew when I saw them walk in. They said they loved being there and we are planning to see them this week, so just pray that their hearts are softened and that they are really ready to change. I know this gospel can help them, and they need it.

Funnies:

Ok, so there is this fancy gadget-gizmo they put in cars these days that I have never before utilized.

They call it cruise control. Sister Collins enlightened me this past week and OH. MY. GOODNESS. My life will never be the same.

Also Grandma Gwinnup sent me this black turtle neck and Mama sent me this beanie and when I wear them together I look like a NINJA!!! Am I right?! (picture attached)

Spiritual thought:

Last night all of our plans fell through, so Sister Collins and I hopped in our car and said a mighty prayer. We prayed to be guided specifically to the individual or family that needed us at that moment and for their name to come to our minds. Sister Collins felt impressed to go see our investigator Angela Jankowski, so we heeded the prompting. As she invited us into her home she told us that she had pulled up not even 3 minutes earlier, and that she had a rough day. She proceeded to cry and tell us everything that happened. I could not believe it. It seems like everything that could go wrong in her life is going wrong. We asked her if we could share a scripture and Helaman 5:12 came to mind. As we read it Angela's countenance changed and a look of determination came across her face. After we had testified Angela looked at both of us and said that she wasn't going to let anything take her away from Christ again. She knows that he is on her side, and if she stands firm he will carry her through. She has such great faith! As I read that scripture a small peace of head knowledge sunk deeper into my heart. Life is hard, not the gospel. If we truly have our foundation built on Christ it does not matter the challenges we face. His Atonement covers all. Alone we cannot handle the storms and winds the adversary brings, but with Christ we can. I know that to be true, and I am so grateful that I am learning every single day to strengthen my foundation in Christ.

Love you all times infinity and a billion beyond!

xoxo,

Sister Bengtzen

2 Night Stay in Fort Collins?

So as you will see from the attached pictures we spent Christmas Eve and Christmas night in a fantastic homemade fort complete with packing tape and bed sheets. Since my companion's name is Sister Collins and she reluctantly agreed to allow crazy me to build a fort, I thought it fitting to name it after her. Thus we had a two-night stay in Fort Collins! Did you know there is a real Fort Collins? It's in Colorado or something...I dunno. Nevertheless it was awesome.

HELLO! Talking to all of you on Christmas was the best Christmas gift I could have EVER asked for! You all look so happy and so healthy and so grown up. Thank you for being you and for helping and supporting me out here. I am so grateful that I have a family like you to love and to look after me and to help me someday to return to live with Heavenly Father. I hope all of you were able to focus on Christ this Christmas and remember the real reason we celebrate it. We don't just celebrate the birth of a holy infant, but the life and the sacrifice of our Redeemer and Our Savior...Jesus Christ. Some of the most sacred experiences I have ever had have occurred in just these past few weeks and I am so grateful that Heavenly Father has gave me the opportunity to spend Christmas doing his work and in his vineyard. There is nothing like Christmas in the mission field and I loved it! I still love it. The best part is that I get to continue spreading those good tidings of great joy all year long, and I am so happy. So, so happy!

So this week was a week full of miracles and a week full of joy! And Christmas! Haha

Miracles: 

About a week and a half ago we had a lesson with our investigators Kellie and Dave. (Fun fact I found out last week that I have been spelling Kellie's name wrong for 3 months. Nice going Sister Bengtzen! Haha heavens above I am such a mere mortal...) Anyway, we began to teach them about relying on Christ and trusting in His timing and His will and it was a great lesson. They were preparing to leave for court the next day to fight for custody of Dave's daughter Jasmine, and they were very stressed and worried. The lesson we prepared was fitting, but the spirit made it clear that there was something more that needed to be taught. I opened my mouth and out come a powerful testimony of the strength in relying on Christ and giving our burdens to him. It was overwhelming and I have no idea what I said! But I do remember that I made Dave a promise through the spirit that if he prepared to be baptized and did all he could to give his burden to Christ that he would receive custody of his daughter. We fasted and prayed fervently on the day of court and the Lord wrought a mighty miracle for the Lonas family! Dave won custody of Jasmine and she gets here today! She has been attending church with some of her family members and has been eager to be baptized for about 2 years. She recently turned 8 and is so excited to prepare for baptism with her father and her grandmother. They have been meeting with missionaries for years and years and I know that Heavenly Father truly has a plan for them, and that it is all in his timing. They are all together, and are ready to be baptized, as a family!...and someday to be sealed for time and all eternity. I can hardly contain my joy! Heavenly Father's plan is so much greater than mine or theirs!!

Also on Christmas night we were able to see Angela and Katie and we had the most powerful lesson with them. Probably one of the most powerful lessons I have been a part of on my mission. We talked all about Christ and his birth and his life and it was the perfect way to end our Christmas night. Sadly they are moving to a different area, but they are still preparing to get baptized and I know Heavenly Father is mindful of them and will send them where they need to be!

On Christmas Day we had church and Phyllis' husband Richard came!! HE CAME! It was so wonderful. Slowly his heart is softening...very slowly..haha but I know that someday he will accept it. Turns out his brother and sister in law are out serving an LDS mission right now! How cool is that?? I want to meet them someday.

All in all Christmas was wonderful and Christmas Eve was wonderful and I just don't have time to express all my joy and share all the miracles, but someday soon you will all hear about it!

Funnies:

We had Zone Conference this week and I dressed up as a Grandma...it's a real long story, but lemme tell ya...I make a killer Grandma. This senior couple serving here thinks I should pursue acting! So who knows what my future holds...

Also my Mama sent me a tension band for Christmas and I used it this morning and I think I used it wrong...haha my shoulders are so sore.

Spiritual thought:

So on Christmas night Sister Collins and I got stranded in our car for a minute, but it turned out to be one of the most insightful study sessions I have had on my mission. I read Mosiah 3 and was overwhelmed by the enormity and enduring love of the Atonement. I don't think it is ever something I will fully comprehend, but I am grateful that the Lord allows me to learn line upon line and precept upon precept. As I read I was especially struck by verse 7. "And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold blood cometh from every pore..." This week we have been studying and teaching a lot about addiction and overcoming addictions, and at times I feel so inadequate because I don't exactly understand those temptations and pains feel like. However, as I read this verse something became very clear to me. Christ has felt the pain of addiction and temptation, and because he has felt it he not only knows how to help them, but he knows how to help me help them. He knows what they need and through the spirit he can help me to share what needs to be shared. The Atonement enables us to do things that we cannot do on our own, and I know that to be true. I know that on my own I cannot help these people, I cannot teach, I cannot testify. But with Christ I can. I urge each of you this week to remember the Atonement and it's enabling power, and recognize those things you cannot do on your own, but that you CAN do with Christ. Plead more earnestly for his help. He is always there, and he WILL help you. I can promise you that.

I love you all and I hope you have a wonderful and exciting New Years!

All my love,

Sister Bengtzen

 T'was the week before Christmas...

Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the midwest, Sister Bengtzen was knocking, inviting others to get in their Sunday best!

The Book of Mormons were placed in each home with great care, in hopes that the Holy Ghost would soon testify there. 

Sister Collins in her snow boots, and Sister Bengtzen in her hat, had just begun tracting and everyone seemed to have a cat.

When all through Omaha the temperature dropped 50 degrees, but nothing, I repeat nothing could stop those sisters from getting on their knees! 

We taught and we testified and we studied and we sang, and we saw miracles and more miracles as the Christmas bells rang!

I can't remember the rest of the story....but I know God loves me and loves you, so enjoy the rest of this email and know I love you too!

Miracles: 

Angela and Katie are doing so well! AHHH! We took them on a church tour this week and as we walked into the chapel the spirit grew stronger and stronger until it enveloped the entire room. Angela was in tears by the end and said the closing prayer, it was so powerful. Her daughter Katie came to church and she loved it. The fellowship she received was an answer to many prayers! As we were talking with her the other day she said something that struck me. She said since she has been reading the Book of Mormon and coming to church and meeting with us that her world has literally gotten brighter. She said she goes to the grocery store and instead of focusing on all the negative in the world she sees the good in people and mercy of God. She has had a change of heart!! This whole experience reminded me of what Alma taught the people of Zarahemla: "Behold, he changed their hearts; he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the everlasting word..." (Alma 5:7) Great miracles are being wrought in her life and the life of her daughter because of her faith and her effort in exercising it. 

So there is a part-member family in our ward and they are from the Micronesian islands. The wife has been a member since she was young and the son was baptized at 9 years old. The husband has taken the missionary lessons several times, but has never committed to be baptized because he could not give up drinking. About a month and a half ago Sister Rook and I went over and did a Book of Mormon read with the mother and son. We told them to approach the reading with a question and a prayer. They did so and the son said the prayer, he asked that they might receive guidance on how to help his father come to the truth and have desires to be baptized. We opened to Alma 6 and read verse 6 "Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God." They received their answer! The next day we fasted and we went over every night that week and prayed. And those prayers and that fasting has been answered! A few weeks ago Junior, the husband, had an experience that was very, very humbling. The next week he came to church and told us he is ready to change his life. We saw him that week and committed him to live the Word of Wisdom and be baptized on January 7th. This week we went over to their home and the spirit was there! In their home!! Junior was so happy, his countenance was full of light and he said he felt peace. Joy had just overcome him and it was like it was a completely different person! He is ready. The Lord truly answers mighty prayers, and loves his children. And fasting brings miracles! 

Funnies: 

This week it got to -3 degrees F, -20 with wind chill. It sure felt like -1 billion degrees though! Our car windows got frozen shut and my toes are still numb. But onward ever onward! I have never been happier!

Sister Collins and I played pillow hockey in our apartment this week! (I was trying to be creative on helping her with homesickness...) I almost broke a lamp and dented the door. Key word: ALMOST. For the record I won. 10-6 

Spiritual thought:

 In Luke 2:10 it reads "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." I was reading that and thinking about that this morning and this overwhelming thought came over me. As missionaries, and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we have the blessing and opportunity of declaring good tidings of great joy to all people. We carry the same message as an angel of the Lord! We are commissioned to tell the world that we have a loving Heavenly Father. He sent his son to die for us, and take up his life again...for us. Jesus Christ, the son of God, is our Redeemer and our Savior. He lives. He wants us to be clean, to be happy, to be healed, and he has given us the Atonement to make all of that possible. We have a prophet to guide us and to guide our families. We can be together forever with those we love, and we can and will see our Father in Heaven and our Savior again someday. We know the truth. 

This Christmas I am grateful to be close to my Savior, grateful to be here in Nebraska of all the places, grateful for my eternal family, and so grateful for the good tidings of great joy which I get to share! 

I love you all and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! 

Love Sister Bengtzen

This is HIS work!

This week has been an INCREDIBLE one. I love being on a mission, I love being a missionary, I would not give it up for anything in the world! 

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree!

Miracles: 

Yesterday the Ritonya family came to church, well at least Lydia and Brad did, and they loved it! They want to come back!! And they want to bring their children. They both marveled at the feelings they felt, and were struck by how welcomed they were. It was so wonderful and so happy! It's been amazing to see how their understanding of who Christ is has grown, and in turn, how their desires to have a personal relationship with him has grown as well.

Angela also came to church and she stayed all 3 hours and participated. Plus she brought food and clothing to help feed anyone that was in need. SHE IS AMAZING. I know that Heavenly Father is preparing so many of his children to hear the restored gospel, but I truly believe she is ready right now! She is set for January 7th to be baptized with her 11 year old daughter and she loves so many things about the church, but more importantly she loves Christ and she is eager to come closer to him. She is a true joy! And a pure miracle. 

This week we also had two potential investigators (Louis and Dorrie) come to church and we are meeting with both of them this week. It was a trying week for me in a lot of ways, and I got REAL overwhelmed at one point, but I was reminded to take a step back and trust that this is the Lord's work, and He will take care of it. And of course He did. So many miracles, people are progressing, and lives are being touched! Including my own. I just love this work!  

Funnies: 

There was this spider that was hanging from a light in our apartment and I killed it with my shoes, but I am not sure if I actually hit it or just scared it. Nevertheless, I looked to see if it was on my shoe and it wasn't! Then I saw this small speck slowly plummeting to the floor...so either way I think it is dead. Complete silence filled the room. Then out of nowhere Sister Collins just quotes scripture: "Great was the fall thereof." I about died. I guess you know you are a missionary when you understand that reference and think it's funny. 

I told one of our members that Sister Collins is an elite fisher(wo)man and that she has trophies all over our apartment. He really bought it. Haha poor Sister Collins...I think she thinks I am crazy but she is too sweet to tell me that. I LOVE HER! 

Spiritual thought: 

This week I have been studying hope and in my Book of Mormon reading I have been studying about the signs of Christ's birth and his death. The passages about Christ's death portray a strong sense of darkness and despair, and I cannot even imagine what it must've been like to be on eaerth when He was crucified. However, as I was reading this week, and thinking about hope, I came upon a verse that struck me. 3 Nephi 10:10 "And the earth did cleave together again, that it stood; and the mourning, and the weeping, and the wailing of the people who were spared alive did cease; and their mourning was turned to joy, and their lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer." Even though that was the darkest 3 days the world has ever known, the earth came together again, sadness was turned to joy, and mourning became praise and worship. How hopeful that is! No matter how dark or dismal or dreary this lonely world may seem there is always hope. Through the restored gospel we know that Christ will come again. All the wrongs of this world will be made right, and all the destruction and chaos will turn to peace and perfection. How grateful I am for my Savior and my Redeemer, who promises me hope, even when things seem hopeless. 

I love you all very, very much! Keep on keeping on! 

- Sister Bengtzen 

Welcome to SNOWmaha!

So guess what?? We had to drive to Iowa this week and it was the one day that is snowed! Haha good thing I am from Utah and can pretend that I know how to drive in the snow...

But in all honesty it was an adventure! But aside from the excitement of it, I had a really simple and wonderful experience. As we were passing a semi I felt a distinct impression to change lanes and did so. Miliseconds later the semi swerved and changed lanes, the driver had no idea we were there, and the situation could have turned deadly very quick. I am so grateful for the still small voice and the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost to lead me and to guide me even in the most simple tasks. Heavenly Father is so aware of us. 

Anywho, I have a new companion and this is her first area! Her name is Sister Collins and she is from Northern California. She is the sweetest and most prepared missionary to walk planet earth! No joke! She is so eager and excited to work and to study and to love! We are going to have a blast together and I just cannot wait. Cannot wait! We are still in Chalco Hills and the work is just moving forward. I know that Heavenly Father has prepared so many people that we have found and are finding and I am excited to continue inviting them to come closer to Christ. 

Updates:

Kelly and Dave came to church yesterday and they were so grateful just to feel the peace and serenity that it brings. They already love Sister Collins and are excited to be taught be her! We are going to see them this week and help them increase their faith on the W.O.W. Man I love them. 

The Ritonya family is also doing well, they didn't come to church yesterday :( but we are working with them on that! We are going to teach them the Plan of Salvation on Tuesday and I am so excited because I know that it will answer so many questions that Lydia has! I am so grateful for my knowledge of the Plan of Salvation, and the fact that Heavenly Father has a plan for me, and wants me to be with those I love forever. I just want the whole world to know it! I guess it is a good thing I am on a mission! 

Also keep the Tinnells in your prayers, Shannon has surgery coming up and she needs the comfort and peace prayer can bring. 

Miracles:

This week we had a HUGE miracle! On Wednesday night after planning we received a phone call from a member of another ward with a referral! On Thursday we stopped by the referral's home and had the most incredible experience. Her name is Angela and she has an 11 year old daughter named Katie. We taught them the Restoration and Angela just began to cry. She kept saying she knew this is what her daughter needed and she knew it was truth. She said the man that referred her didn't mention anything about Joseph Smith or a prophet, and the fact that that could be true was so exciting to her! Her life seems to be in shambles right now, and things are chaotic, but she is so prepared. After she shared the message she expressed a sense of hope and even joy, and she was determined to move forward in faith because Heavenly Father really is aware of her. She accepted baptism on January 7th and her daughter did as well! She even said she worked with a Mormon and he has Sundays off, so she is going to ask for Sundays off as well! And all of this came about because someone had the courage to open his mouth! Ahh I love this gospel and people! 

Also this week Richard and Phyllis offered to feed us dinner and that is a miracle because hopefully we will be able to teach Richard a message! YAY! 

Funnies: 

For Sister Collin's first real meal in the field we went to a sketchy drive thru Chinese restaurant that used to be a taco bell. It was good and we didn't even get sick! 

Also I got bit by a spider so I am expecting to be shooting webs no later than Wednesday...I will keep you updated. (It wasn't poisonous Mom, do not worry!) 

Spiritual Thought: 

So the reason we drove to Iowa this week was because the YW General President, Sister Oscarson, came to meet with all the sisters in the mission! Oh my heavens it was wonderful! So my spiritual thought comes from her. She shared a verse from the Bible that really impacted me and I would like to share it with all y'all. 

So a little context, this verse is the Lord's response to Sarah after she finds out she is going to have a son in her old age. When she first hears the promised blessing she laughs, thinking it is impossible, but the Lord's words are so simple and so powerful. Genesis 18:14 "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" 

I have been thinking about that a lot this week. Sometimes the challenges we face and the hardships we are dealt seem too difficult to bear. Other times the hearts of those we are called to serve seem too hard to touch. And yet on other days our own will seems too hard to shake. This verse gives me great comfort in all those situations. When we rely on the Lord, when we trust Him, when we let him do his work and his will, then nothing is too hard. I know that to be true, and although I need to apply that more fully into my life I am grateful for the experience of a mission. My mission is helping me to see the Lord touch those hearts that are hard, overcome those trials that are hard, and shake MY will which is hard. This gospel is so good, so humbling, so powerful. 

I love you all very, very much! 

Keep on lighting the world like you light mine! 

xoxo,
Sister Bengtzen 

He is THE light

So Nebraska all the sudden got cold...what the heck?? 

 My Micronesian Mama

Miracles: 

Kelly and Dave had a relapse, but that is OK because the Atonement is REAL. They have been busy because of Thanksgiving, so we will see them this week and I will have a better update for y'all next week. Before I left on my mission I saw it as such a sacrifice, 18 months away from my family and my friends and my life, and although those things are hard, I realize that it is a much greater blessing than any sacrifice I could imagine. But seeing how much Kelly and Dave are sacrificing and changing for this gospel is very humbling. I tend to get impatient when people don't keep commitments because I know just how much this gospel can change their lives and help them, but I need to recognize that for some it is a BIG change, and it requires time and a whole lot of patience. So that was a small miracle for me...recognizing that I need to be patient. I needed to be humbled. And I need to keep on loving and inviting. 

We met a family this week and they are incredible! The Ritonya family. The mother is form Peru! That's right Jakey... Lima. Peru. SAY WHAT?! They are so stellar. At first we talked to the mother and her heart was really hard, we asked her about her family and her life and she kept wondering why we even cared. But slowly she began to open up to us and we had like 15 small opportunities to testify of Jesus Christ and how families can be forever. Then she jokingly invited her whole family into the room to listen to our message and expected us to be all embarrassed or flabbergasted. Welp! Not us! We were stoked! We started with a prayer and the spirit just flooded in. We shared the message of the Restoration with their entire family and told them that this was the way that they could be together forever. It was so incredible to see each of their countenances change. We committed all of them to read the Book of Mormon and to pray together and individually. We are going back to see them tomorrow night with a member and I just cannot wait! 

Richard and Shannon and their kids are doing well! They didn't come to church yesterday because it was "too different" so we are going to see them this week and hopefully increase their faith and trust in Christ and in his restored gospel. I know they may not be ready right now, but we planted a seed, and someday I know it will be harvested. They are a wonderful family. They have such light, and I know someday they will recognize this is the only way to be together forever. 

Phyllis is feeding us Christmas dinner, so three cheers for that! I love her. SO MUCH! 

We haven't been able to see Jacob and Kortney because of the holiday, so hopefully we will see them this week and I will have an update for you next week. 

 Sabrina and Thanksgiving crew.

Funnies: 

I had an allergic reaction to a corn stalk this week...I know that sounds kind of sad, but really I promise it was funny! Plus it's corn...and I am in Nebraska...

Spiritual thought: 

Ok so first I want to start with a scripture. Ether 4:12 "And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good...For behold, I am the Father, I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world." I don't know if any of you have had the chance to look at the new video the church released for Christmas this year, but if you haven't, drop everything you are doing and go to mormon.org right this moment!! It is the best thing the church has ever done! Besides being Restored... 

Anyway, it is a Christmas initiative all focused on Christ being the light of the world, and as followers of him, we are a light to world as well. It gives us 25 different ways over 25 days that we can be a light to the world and invite others to come unto Christ. So go watch it, do it, share it! In an ever darkening world I am so grateful to know that the light in my life, Jesus Christ, is a light that can never be darkened. No matter how alone, or sad, or heartbroken, or unhappy I may feel I know that the Lord is with me. I know that his Atonement is there to help me. I know that there is something better. He is my light, He is THE light. 

I love you all and hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, even though I wasn't there :) 

xoxo, 

Sister Bengtzen