Just a Jar of Pickles

Hello Family Dear!

How are you all doing today?   Sounds like you have had some horrible illness?  I'm sorry to hear that!  I'm proud to report I'm doing very well health wise... so your prayers must be working.

So this week was transfers!  bahaha you'll never believe it... I'm staying in Fairview for yet another transfer. This poor ward just can't get rid of me... The Zachary's said they might adopt me so if you see weird legal documents that's probably why.  Just kidding.  haha so it really has actually been a bizzare week... mind if I share a snipit of it?  

disclaimer:  the title of today's e-mail has nothing to do with anything... simply what came to mind as I stared in space at the library.

So I do my best to not think about transfers but I was rather worried this go around... because I have been in this area a little while, but I prayed that I could stay one more, because I feel like there is something more I need to do in this area. Heavenly Father said it was his will.. so here I am.  Then a series of miracles took place.  Sister Stiles and I went without a phone this week (because we put the battery in and plugged it in before it was completely dry so it died... dead as can be, lost all contacts... super lame... no phone for 6 days)  This was only a minor problem but the spirit took us to the random places we needed to be and I now have absolutely no doubt that the Lord is in this work.  We would borrow a phone for an hour from members and would be so inspired to call the people that said they had just barely texted our dead number, crazy right?  It was cooler then it sounds now... :)  

So then the bigger miracle happened; because our phone died we had to go pick up our replacement at the Mission office, so we went the day of transfers so we could help out the new missionaries and stuff.  While we were there one of the sisters got really sick and was vastly opposed to going on the transfer van... so we offered to drive her to Lincoln.  We had talked about going to Lincoln to check on some sisters but we had kind of just not felt like going (because we were pretty much exhausted)  So there we were, in Lincoln not exactly sure why but we pressed forward.  We got the sick sister and her new trainee all situated and then went to visit some other sisters.  Only to find out that these sisters really needed us and we were able to help them and assist in an emergency transfer.  (so moral of the story , when heavenly father needs you to be places he will sometimes make people throw up in order for it to happen)  

I have learned so much about God's love this week.  I have a scripture for you to study:  Romans 8:34-39 I think is the reference... It talks about how nothing can separate us from the Love of God.  Not height or depth or anything.   How amazing it is that Heavenly Father loves us perfectly, no matter what we do or who we become.  He is always there for us.  I hope you are all studying your scriptures every day, because even though nothing separates us from God's love, we can stop feeling it if we do not adequately prepare our spirits.  I know you've all heard this 8 million times but I can't even express how grateful I am that I started reading the book of morman every day when I was younger,  My spirit is growing strong today because of what I read when I was 13, that's the way the lord's plan works.  You may  not understand why it's currently important but keep doing what you know you need to do, The reason you know is because the holy ghost is telling you.  Keep the Faith lovely family.  I love you all so much.  

We are on an investigator hunt this week, I have great expectations because we have some totally bizarre finding ideas. We shall see how they work!  We are also ready for Angie to get baptized... so is She... If you wouldn't mind praying for her?  Her biggest worry is fear of what her husband will think.  She's the sweetest thing and wants soooo badly to be baptized.  Pray that we have the words to say, but that she does as well.  

Love you all!  Take good care of yourselves this week! and ya know if life gets you down eat a pickle, because they're really good. (inspiring right?)

Love Always,

Sister McMaster

eating the japanese candy finally that Marla and Rich sent... what a freaking weird treat!  YUMMY!

our totally awesome district... I'll miss these fellows!

Helaman 5:12

Happy Birthday Mom!  You have the coolest birthday scripture in the book....  "and now my friends remember remember that it is upon the rock of our redeemer who is Christ the son of God that we must build our foundations, that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds yea his hail and his mighty storms and shafts in the whirlwinds it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo because of the rock upon which ye are built which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall!"  okay that was from memory... so you can check if I got it right :) I know i messed up something in their (actually I just checked and it is wrong...)sorry go look up Helamen 5:12, so it can be your scripture for the day.

So hello!  It was so good to see you all yesterday!  What fun it is to have the best family in the world.  I'm not sure how I lucked out but I won't complain!  Funny story, after I left you we quickly drove home and it was pouring rain... like it made cats and dogs look pathetic, and when we were running into the house Sister Stiles dropped the phone... into a huge puddle under the car, so I felt like being heroic and I crawled under the car and saved it... but it still doesn't work, so hopefully people aren't in dire need of Sister Stiles or McMaster... but yes we got home soaking wet and laughing our heads off.  

So this Scripture seems to be very fitting in a lot of ways today.  Not only were there crazy whirlwinds and storms in my neck of the woods the last couple of days, but like I sort of mentioned the last week was kind of a mighty storm kind of week.  I can't even tell you how amazingly true this scripture is, when we are built upon the Rock of Christ we cannot fall!  I stumbled a few times and was almost ready to fall, but then someone was always there at the last second, so many people served me this week. I feel so humbled to be loved by such sweet spirits.  I know that this scripture is true, I know that it is because of the foundation I am building on Christ that I am able to press forward with strength and my head held high.  How are you strengthening your foundation on Christ?  

Sometimes the Lord lets the storms happen so that we can build up stronger, so we can see where our weakness is in our building.  This is definitely what happened this week.  On Thursday we were on an Exchange and while we were out in the area people kept calling us with problems, from simple life drama to more dramatic illness, anyway I was trying to be strong but I felt overwhelmed.  Sister Stiles and I decided we needed a priesthood blessing, so we went and talked to Bishop Townsend (pretty much the greatest bishop ever.. )  He gave us some of the sweetest blessings of comfort and peace.  It didn't take away the problems but it helped me to see that I'm not holding this load alone.  I am simply glimpsing at the load Christ is holding and learning how to be a little stronger.  

I sure love this work.  I love getting to know people and to learn why Heavenly Father loves them and each of us so much.  How special we all are in his eyes.  I know I tell a lot of crazy stories about people but I have grown to love them and I know that Heavenly Father is opening my eyes to this love.   We are beginning to focus on the Family in our teachings.  We are trying to help all become defenders of the family.  As we build our foundation on Christ we cannot forget that by strengthening our family we are all coming closer to Christ.  I love it when I get testimonies from each of you.  If you have time I would love to hear your "conversion" stories.  Maybe we can all strengthen each other as we each build our personal foundations strong.  I hope you know how much I need your testimonies, I know mine wouldn't have ever been able to grow if it were not for the support of yours.  

For our upcoming mission conference we have been asked to look up 4 conversion stories from our ancestors (I was thumbing through my 8 generations and it seems that we have lots and lots of ancestors that were converted in this life, how cool is that?  Now it is your job (mostly because I have very limited computer time)  to help me get my 4 stories. I found a few names of peolpe I'd like to find stories for if you could look them up pretty please :)   :

John Brigham McMaster

Elizabeth Meikle Forrest

Mary Almina Hammond

Sarah Montague Spriggs

Charles William Symons

David Heaps

Mary Beck

Jens Peder Jensen

Marie Nielsen

Ezra Thompson

Gurtrude Anie Cram

William Blood

Lucy Carroll

William james Frazier McAllister

Brigham Lawrence Young

Pretty much our 6th generation, the people that were born out of the united states.  I only need 4 but all these names seemed interesting :)  Good enough Homework?  

Love you all! Have a happy week! Happy Birthday Mom!  I love you to the moon and Space, and I really love all of you soooooo much!  Be good! Choose the Right!

Love always,

Sister McMaster

Sister Frisbie and I hula hooping at walmart!

Sister Stiles and I found our store!

The Browns and Hartigans :)

Amazing Birthday Cake!

my favorite crazies

Birthday!

cool birthday glasses :)

22 and still acting like I'm 5

Dear World, I am 22 and still swimming!

Don't freak out, I'm not really swimming because that's against the rules... but I may or may not have belted out Dory's rendition of the song "just keep swimming"  as I drove to Lincoln and back with Sister Stiles like 500 Million times this week.(mild exaggeration)

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!  I'm basically crying right now because I feel so loved.  How did I get so lucky to get borned into this family?  Have I mentioned that I love you all?  I hope so.  I am so grateful for the sweet things that came in the mail and the sweet words of encouragement you have each sent.  I pray for all of you and I hope you are smiling every day! :)

This week my mind was blown away because it was probably the hardest/best/craziest/weirdest/most miraculous week of my life... and to top it off Stuart is getting married... (my heart stopped beating... I thought I might die in the library... thankfully Jordan gave me a heads up...)  I'm really so excited that so many incredible things are happening back home, glad to hear your lives didn't stop when I left (though you'd think they would right?)

So here's what happened.... We got to go to PIONEER!  My baby area is just destined to haunt me throughout my whole mission, but I love it :) to make it more exciting Sister Youngberg was there and I got to run with her and tell her how much I love her.  We saw miracles I wish I could describe to you the magnitude of the change I am feeling in my soul... Like that probably sounds weird and crazy... but my understanding of the Atonement is increasing and I have so much love for our Savior that I could probably pop... (kind of like Natalie!)  I was studying Matthew 27 and 28 and I was simply brought to tears at the beauty of the Savior's last days,  I wrote in my journal that the beauty and reality of the atonement seem to be something that we can only truly capture in our hearts, only the Holy Ghost is able to testify this sacred principal to our souls. 

So in addition to the miracle that I feel is happening in myself I have seen miracles happen to so many people around me, to sum up some of my thoughts I've seen Missionaries ready to go home have a change of heart, I've seen the spirit change the countenance of a dear friend, I've seen people show up to church that we invited months ago(actually the guy we see at the library, he came yesterday?! sweet right?)  I've seen the Lord cause things to work out when I didn't think it was possible.... here's my favorite miracle of the week.   There is a Sister that has been really really sick and we went on an exchange with her so that her companion could go to some appointments.  I sat in the quiet apartment feeling really alone as the other Sister slept..  I felt the need to pray, so I knelt on my knees and prayed to know what to do, I was praying for a miracle seeking for my faith to be enough to do something for this sister.  I asked Heavenly Father to allow me to do something so that she could feel his love.  I thought of making her a treat, or drawing her a picture or something.... nothing felt right so I just sat there and sang hymns to myself...(man I sound like such a freaking weirdo... don't worry I'm just as weird as always)  About 5 min later I walked into her room to wake her up for a second and she  grumbled and asked if I knew how to braid hair... (little did she know I'm a hair braiding freak!)  She said she had been dreaming about how she needed to do her hair and was very stressed about it... to me this was Heavenly Father allowing me to serve her in the exact way she needed.  How grateful I am that our Heavenly Father cares about our tiniest desires. 

There are so many other miracles I could share but you'd be bored to tears, I have felt Heavenly Father's love this week.  I pray you have felt it as well.  What a miracle it is to be alive and to have each other.  I am so grateful for each one of you.  Keep swimming because sometimes you look back at your journey and you won't even believe your growth.   I love you all forever!  Have a lovely week!

Love Always,

Sister McMaster

look at me I'm freaking 22!

 

Sister Stiles post-ited my study spot!

Once again another great leadership council...I love being a missionary :)

 

 

DON'T EAT PETE!

haha.. I had a memory of this game yesterday... I tried not to laugh out loud but it was too funny.  So then I made the Zachary's play with Sister Stiles and me last night, don't worry it's still fun. 

How are you all doing?  Did you enjoy your week?   I thought it was a pretty solid week...like a rock kind of week ya know?

So here is the goal of today's e-mail, tie the game Don't eat Pete into the gospel.  I tried to yesterday with several epic fails so bear with me.  Oh speaking of bears, we went to a Fireside with Kim and her grandkids (recent convert and non-member children)  about the bear guy!  Remember Michael Dunn? He got attacked by a bear and lived to tell the tale?  Yup he is pretty awesome.  I'm pretty sure I listened to this story when I was like 10... don't know why the memory takes me back that far.  Dad did we have a recording of it or something?  anyway it was so cute.  Little Madison was so mesmerized by the story and was super excited at the end and told Sister Stiles "I don't know what it is but I need to find the holy ghost, I need to find it!"  She wants to start coming to church with Kim!  (she's 8)  so that could be a cool teaching opportunity.  Have I told you about Kim before?  She's fantastic and we love her a lot.

Another cool moment from this week, we were on an exchange so I was with Sister Stutler, she's a sweetheart from Arizona, and we were out and about searching for Miracles when all of a sudden we decided to knock on a door of a less active member (back story I have previously knocked on the door and meet an elderly Turkish lady that didn't speak English thinking I was brilliant I started to speak Spanish to her (because I pretend I speak Spanish on my good days) only to realize that not everyone that doesn't speak English speaks Spanish... Sister Youngberg thought that was hilarious)  So we knocked on the door and asked for the member who wasn't home yet again, but the girl that answered seemed nice so we asked her if she knew anything about the book of mormon (because we're missionaries so that's what the habit is that we do)  She said no but she would like to know more.  I was stunned... that doesn't happen like ever.. usually they just say no and shoe us away... I didn't even know what to do when someone was so sincerely seeking the gospel... Poor Sister Stutler must think I'm crazy but we got her phone number and will hopefully start teaching her and her sister.

So pretty much the Fairview ward is starting to sprout miracles yet again.  It never ceases to amaze me how good the Lord is to us.  He blesses us so much in our time of need.  So here is how all of this relates to "don't eat pete"  Sometimes as missionaries we knock door after door with the mentality that perhaps this next door will actually be pete... sometimes we are afraid to pick our next step perhaps we fear because we don't want to fail?  But as you press forward you will find that we cannot live in fear we must have the faith that Heavenly Father will direct our paths.  (so maybe that's a really pathetic attempt to tie pete in... you try!)  How has the Lord directed your path this week?   I love you all and am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as a missionary right now :)  Make good choices and don't eat pete!

Love Always,

Sister McMaster

One more temple picture! aren't these sisters adorable? Yup I thought so too!

The Moral of the Story is: Care.

Hello family that I love!

How are you all doing?  Good to hear from some of you, I hope you all know how fantastic you are.  Did you have a good week?? It was a pretty crazy week here in the middle of corn fields (that are currently being planted!)   We got to go to the temple!  I love the temple so much.  It was such a spiritual boost that was so needed.    Being Easter my thoughts were very focused on the Savior.  He is the key to the plan of salvation.  He is so central to everything.  I am so grateful that he fulfilled his calling, I'm so grateful he paid the price for us, because he loves us.  How incredible it is that the reason he did what he did was because he cares.   1 Peter 5:7 is one of my favorite scriptures lately, we must cast upon him all our cares because he cares.   How powerful is that?  He loves us, so we need to let him carry us through our problems.  Sometimes being a missionary can be overwhelming, but when I remember to turn to the Savior, to cast upon him all my cares, everything is better.  He doesn't want us to suffer, he wants to teach us to turn to him.  For that reason I am grateful for the trials he has given me.  I'm so grateful that he is teaching me to become strong.  I love the Savior so much.

Did you have a Happy Easter?  Such a remarkable holiday, I hope you were all able to reflect the gift that the Savior has given to each one of us.   Sister Stiles and I gave a training this week at our Zone Training, it was exciting to bounce up and down (because that's what I do when I'm excited)  and bear testimony of our Savior's love, and his promise that he will help us return to our Father in Heaven as we do our best and never give up.  I love sharing the gospel, it's invigorating.   You should all do it everyday.  You'd have no bad days because the spirit will turn it into the best day ever.  That's actually a goal I set with myself, to write down why today is the best day ever... It's an ongoing competition with yesterday.   I know though that as I've focused on the Care, of this work that my attitude has changed.  We share because we care... (creative slogan vaguely familiar?)    I hope you know how much I care about each of you.  I love you all so much and am so grateful to call you my eternal family.  

Love you forever, 

Sister McMaster

Back in Tights!

Hi!  it snowed last night, so yay for freaking weird Nebraska weather!

This week was a really good week.  We were all over the place, we've been trying to get Sister Stiles all situated with the ward and help her know who everyone is.  We're doing pretty well actually!  We took invitations to Jason's baptism to everyone and their dog (because we didn't have church so they didn't get to make an announcement)  They're the coolest invitations ever, I'll show you one day okay?    

Jason's baptims!! :)

Jason's Baptism was so cool!  It was such a humbling experience to see someone making sacred covenants with our Father in Heaven.  I got to speak about baptism and it was awesome because Angie was there and I felt like I was able to direct my thoughts to Jason but also to Angie who wants so badly to be baptized but has things in her way still.   I shared my favorite water skiing story (mostly because I really like telling stories... I think I told this story in my farewell talk... who knows...)  but it was cool to relay how accepting the gospel and being baptized is how we can put our trust in God, it's how we trust his plan, we accept his will and we take a leap of faith.  I am so grateful that we have such a loving Heavenly Father that patiently waits as each of his children struggle and fall down of their faces as they come to find that his hand has always been stretched out for them to hold.  

Jason's confirmation was another story.... There we were sitting patiently in the chapel... I was pointing out and telling sister Stiles the names of lots of people when  weirdly familiar faces walked in... after like a triple take I recognized it as Kim and Joseph... what little turds!  They found me!  haha it was weird how normal it was to see them.  Then after being kind of shocked we realized that Jason still hadn't shown up and it was time for the meeting to start.  The bishop was sending us worried texts and looks and we frantically tried to go find him....  He showed up after the Sacrament!(because the member that was his ride slept in oops!) Phew.. I was stressing out.  But the best part was that Brother Brown got to be a part of the ordinance.  He is so incredible.  You all need to meet Brother Brown.  He's simply fantastic.(80 year old man have I told you about him?)  He was so happy he was like bouncing up and down.  And he wore my favorite tie because he's a Stud.  It's yellow so that's why it's my favorite.  

So pretty much that's what happened this week.  It was crazy and fantastic as missionary life always seems to be.  I'm glad to hear your all doing well.  Thanks to all of you for being so supportive and fantastic.  I love you all soooo much.  I am grateful to have you for eternity.  I hope you know how much I really do mean that, Like I don't just say that... I really do appreciate all that each one of you has taught me.  You have made me who I am and I can't take any credit.  You simply are fantastic.  Have a good week!  take care of yourselves and choose the right :)

Love Always,

Sister McMaster

Leadership Council with AMAZING sisters :)

Weekly Planning with Sister STILES! We went to the park and I got 8 bug bites on one leg... then it thunder stormed the next day... snowed the next... go figure!

No More Tights!

Happy Monday Morning! I hope you are all smiling and loving life!  Life flipped upside down again, but what else is new?   Transfers are such a pain! But really their an incredible opportunity for miracles.  So crazy news!  I am staying is Fairview, I was expecting to be booted off the island, but nope they booted Sister Youngberg instead.  You'll never believe it though, She's serving in Pioneer now!  Weird right??  All the people I love serve there so it's okay :)   

 

Parting picture with our dear trio.  I love these Sisters :*)

Birthday party with the Browns and Hartigans (some of my favorite people ever!)

We celebrated Sister Youngberg's birthday the day we found out she was leaving (not going to lie kind of a rough emotionally draining day...)  It was amazing.  The Fairview ward is so wonderful.  I've never crammed so much cake into myself like ever... I am going to miss Sister Y a lot because she is probably the best missionary in the world, she taught me so much and I will always be so grateful to have been her companion.  But I'm excited for the future.  It was time for change, and even though change is hard it helps us grow! :)

So I have a new companion, her Name is Sister Stiles! (Apparently I don't have enough style... ha ha)  She's fantastic! She was serving in KANSAS!  I'm mildly jealous but I'll probably get to serve there eventually.  Anyway, she is from Gettysburg, PA and is the oldest of 9!  So she's basically a rock star and I'm really excited to work with her. 

SISTER STILES!   (blue eyed companion #2)

(Yes it is now warm enough to wear no tights... that was reason for celebration!)

We have a baptism this week!!! Jason was interviewed yesterday and he is ready to be baptized on Saturday!  We are so excited!  We've been going crazy trying to make invitations (since it couldn't be announced in church because we were all at conference) I can't even explain how amazing it is to see someone so excited and prepared to be baptized.  We had a super awkward lesson that perhaps I can someday express to you... (i'm turning red thinking about it)  I wish sister Y could give you the low down... basically the Law of Chastity was a hoot.  Yup.  that's it. 

So conference!  Raise your hand if you feel spiritually fed!  (I'm raising my hand...)   I loved all of the talks.  They were so fantastic and seriously answered all of the questions that have been on my mind lately.  It blows my mind how inspired their messages are.   I loved Elder Hollands talk!  It is something I had been studying lately so It was awesome.  How are you being a defender of the Faith?  As a missionary we defend the faith the best we know how every day.  It's hard sometimes but every time you call upon the powers of heaven for strength to testify your testimony grows.  I have seen that happen so many times I can't deny how true this gospel is.   Another favorite was Elder Scott, he so simply taught how to love those we serve.  That is basically one of the single most important things I have learned as a missionary, to pray for the Charity and Love to serve those that Heavenly Father places in our paths.  I loved his council, and I know I'll be studying that one a lot! 

  Did you all study Preach my Gospel?  I hope so.  I love it.  Study if forever and let me know your insights for how you are able to personally apply it.  Deal?  ;) 

So miracles are happening here in Nebraska and I know their happening all around each of you!  I'm excited to hear that everyone is doing well!  Keep pressing forward.  It's so amazing how the Lord uses us as his instruments in everyday life.  Don't underestimate your influence.  I love you all so much and am always so grateful for you love and support.  Remember who you are!

I love you all and I love this gospel.  Choose the Right!  Agency is your ability to become, let the decisions you make this week help you become the person our Heavenly Father hopes you will become.  Love you forever!

Love,

Sister McMaster