7,000 RPM

For my Dad’s birthday. He requested going to Mod pizza, and then going to the movie theater to watch, “Ford versus Ferrari.” I’m not gonna lie y’all, I thought this was going to be one of those silly racing movies with crude adult humor. I was nervous. Buttttttt....I went along praying I could get through it. Boy was I wrong! If you have not seen this movie, I highly recommend it! Don’t worry, I won’t give any spoilers. It is based on a true story and it’s full of amazing quotes and life lessons. It talks about pushing your limits, while knowing when to turn. It talks about staying on the track. As a missionary, it’s very difficult not to relate this to the gospel of Jesus Christ, life as a missionary, and just life!!

As children of God, it is in our innate nature to want to achieve greatness. The adversary tries to tell is that it is okay to cut corners-that we can get success quicker. Satan is our brother, and he knows how to use our potential against us-as he knows our weaknesses. The difference between Lucifer and Heavenly Father is that while Lucifer knows our weaknesses, Heavenly Father knows both, but chooses to focus on our strengths. God is our biggest Fan!

God knows that we can reach ultimate success. He pushes us through trials and he uses us for good- if we do choose. He doesn’t set us up for failure, but success. While he wants us to push ourselves and rely on him and his son, he also wants us to slow down...notice the flowers, the people around you...and notice when you need to pace yourself better...when you need help. It is okay to reach out and also reach up.

Saturday:

A group of singles in the Klein stake were invited to meet with Bishop Caussé- the presiding bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sister Marchese and I were fortunate enough to be invited to the group of 11 that were invited. We were able to tell our stories and ask questions. I told him about my story of my journey to becoming a service missionary. It was a super neat experience. He testified of Christ’s love for us, even through our struggles.

Tuesday:

I went to visit Nikki and the crew at the assisted living home and we made craft penguins! It was fun, and mine actually turned out alright! Haha! I just love going there. I always feel like it’s way too short. At noon, I visited the Kemsleys! Their pup, Lucy was so excited to see me. She’s such a cutie! shes lucky to have parents like Bob and Yvonne. They are such good, genuine people and I just love them. This last Tuesday, Sister Kemsley and I went shopping for ingredients for tortilla soup. We made that (Sister Kemsley did a good job cheering me on😉) and we ate it while we talked and and watched a hallmark movie. I left past the time that I am scheduled to , but as I left, I knew that that was missionary work. I had done it as what I imagine the savior might have done my service. (well, not perfectly, but...you know)

Friday: distribution center! Lots of stocking shelves! I left a little early for the December Christmas gathering for the Texas Houston Service Mission. It was fun! When I first walked in. Everyone was in the kitchen with aprons on, struggling to roll and shape sugar cookie dough! I showed them a few of my baking skills! (Thanks Nana)

While the cookies were baking in the oven, Elder Ellis gave a good little devotional about doing hard things, by President Uchtdorf. Then, we ate! Some people in our mission have a few sensory or food sensitivities, so I brought some cute grinch kabobs, a large container of fruit, and homemade fruit dip! (It was non dairy! Shhh;)

Grinch fruit kabobs!

A few of us missionaries baking!

Sunday: Sister Bush- now Trina- gave her homecoming talk. It was so spiritual and I may have or not have cried like a baby. The Ellis’ gave talks too about the growing mission and how wonderful Trina is and how courageous she was to serve a service mission- even before the service missionary program expanded. she is the first Texas Houston Service missionary to finish an 18 month mission. I hope to be next! Afterwards, there was a small Brunchen. it was nice to visit with some of her family and other friends who are supportive of her and who said kind words to me, as well.

Trina and I after ber homecoming talk

Things I’m grateful and quotes: “Nunchucks aren’t in heaven!“, The letter of missionary work appreciation on a rough day-don‘t miss the bus! “No, those are not owls, Mary Alice! They’re penguins!”, 7,000RPM, the power of prayer, my patriarchal blessing, Shelby’s “accidental“ cat adoption, Christmas music and LIGHTS, Moana, a broken key that works, “reputation is what people think of you. Character is what you are.“

sincerely, Sister Carter 4.0 💕

“The Courage of a Mouse”

There’s a Children’s story of a mouse and a lion. A Lion is hungry one day and catches a mouse. The mouse , not wanting to die, said, “if you let me go, I will help you when you are in trouble.” The Lion replied, “what can a little mouse like you, do for me?“ The Lion decided that the mouse was very small anyway and didn‘t think it was worth eating, so he decided to let her go. A long time passed, years even! The Lion had long forgotten the encounter with the mouse. One day, the Lion was snatched up in a trap and he couldn’t get out! The mouse saw the Lion. She hasn’t forgotten her promise. The little mouse freed the Lion. The moral of the story is- even if you are small, you can still make a big impact. These past two weeks have been a learning experience. While I cannot take burdens away from those whom I serve and care about, I can make a difference. I can be a little bit of their happy. 🙂

Sunday! I taught the valiants(8 yrs. old) class for the first time! It was so fun! The topic of the lesson was on kindness. to introduce the lesson, I had the kids play hang flower (because let’s be honest-the idea of hangman is pretty morbid🤣). Basically, if they got the letter wrong, they would add a flower petal and put the letter inside. The answer to the game was, “be kind.”

Then, I had kids volunteer to read a paragraph in a story in the current ”Friend” magazine that is put out by our church. The story talks about a small girl who was being bullied at school. She came home and had a talk about it with her mother. Her mom explained that not all kids have nice homes and families. She suggested that the little girl write a nice note to the boy and also give him a piece of candy. The little girl did just that, and the little boy was nice to her from then on.

Soooooo! What did I do??? I passed out cards and had the kids write to someone that was kind to them and gave them TWO pieces of candy- one for the receiver of the card, and the other for the child so hopefully the receiver of the card gets his/her piece of candy!🤣

My favorite student

Candy stained tongues!! 😛

After Church, I stopped by the hospital to visit with Brother Kemsley and brought him chicken! You should have seen his smile!😊

Monday! Sister Ellis and I visited Sister Hadnot and brought her curry, homemade rolls, and salad. She seemed to be a lot more open with us. We challenged her to go walking. Next time we visit, if it’s not raining, I think we’ll walk with Her some.

Tuesday! Nikki and I continued to paint the gingerbread house. She’s so dramatic, and I just love her! Then, we joined the group to make candy cane crafts with beads and pipe cleaners. Ms. Pat was there. She and Mary Alice are good friends. I asked her where she’s been, and she said, “right here!” And patted the table🤣. She’s a hoot! We made jokes back and forth, and of course Mary Alice had her tissue, as usual, just a wiping away her tears of laughter. Y’all, Tuesday really is one of the best days of the week! After my lunch break, I went to see the Kemsleys! Sister Kemsley and I visited a good bit because Bob was away at a doctor’s appointment. Later when he came back, I made them tortilla soup and we watched a hallmark movie together. I felt like they were my grandparents. I love them to pieces ❤️. I spent longer than my assigned time, but I felt like it was what I was supposed to do. I felt like I was doing my calling right. I care about these two very much. I can only imagine Christ’s love for the both of them.

Here’s a couple more pictures!

Thanksgiving

My little turkey

Chill...the Milkshake bar after Lyndee Carter’s birth!

Bath and body works candle sale at 1am with Shelby, because we’re crazy! Obviously 😜

And then Denny’s at 4am afterwards

Things I’m grateful for and quotes :

“Lucy! You’re not a goat!” Thanksgiving, Deedee🌈, candy cane art, Mr. Ricky knows every song, “this takes me back!-“ to what??! The womb?!!”, hallmark Christmas movies, grocery shopping runs, “FA-I-T-H- faaaith, faaaith!” “blessed hot cocoa”, Lyndee‘s birth, being able to donate blood, Aunt Robin’s ALIVE!!!

Love, Sista Carter💕🦁🐭

An Overcomer

Life can sometimes be like waves that can make us feel like we are drowning. Bipolar disorder...cancer...grieving a death...disappointment. But there can also be joy. laughing....puppies...lunches...sleepovers...cooking...rock climbing...late night talks. Life can be tough. I think it’s supposed to be that way. But we can have faith that when the waves are crashing and we feel like we are drowning, we can call upon our Lord and we can calm the storm and we can walk upon them as we rely on him and his perfect love.

I was called to teach the 8 year olds in the Olde Oaks Family Ward- meaning I get to teach Carson!

My missionary plaque is up!

Kali got hitched!

Thanksgiving Gathering!

Rock climbing with Sister Bush and Elder Beus

Set apart to teach 8 year olds In the Olde Oaks Ward!

Aunt Robin came with me to the Thanksgiving gathering and she was the life of the party, of course!

“​These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have ​​​peace​. In the ​​​world​ ye shall have ​​​tribulation​: but be of good ​​​cheer​; I have ​​​overcome​ the world.” -John 16:33

Things I’‘m grateful for: Mrs. Mary Alice and her laugh, Miracles and promptings of the spirit, new youth program, wheelchair yoga, eggnog fudge, Oliver’s thanksgiving scarf

With love, Sister Carter <3