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 💕