The Gift Of Grace

Hey friends! Sorry about the lame emails the past little while, I'm back on track now. So, I am in my new area in Overland Park 2nd Ward and Shawnee Mission YSA. My new companion is Sister Coats and she is AMAZING, I absolutely love her. We are excited to work our little buns off.

Companion #9 - Sister Coats from Sandy Utah!

To be a little honest with all of you, when I got the transfer call, I have too admit I was really nervous to come back to Overland Park. It was the hardest time of my mission and the refiners fire when I served in the Indian Creek Ward here.  At first I was disappointed that I was going to be finishing my mission where I had such a hard time, yet I remembered it was where the Lord truly took me and shaped me and painfully formed me into the missionary I am today. And because of what I learned in that area, I accepted his will willingly (that is the key) and I put a smile on my face, and let me tell you, it has been great!!  I am grateful to be here. The Lord has blessed me beyond belief and I know I am supposed to be here, there is not a doubt in my mind.

Matt Hendrickson and Emily Peterson - YSA Ward

I am going to LOVE my new Companion Sister Coats!

Elder Buckalew and ME!

Saying good-bye to our new investigator Shane Jackson -Sister Oleson and I loved him and he will get baptized!

I love Sister Smith and Baby Graham!

So sad saying good-bye!

We have 2 investigators preparing for baptism and lots of less actives we are working with. I don't know tons about the area but I do know I am excited to be here. The ward is great, and I love these people already. Sister Coats and I have a lot in common, mainly though~ we love to work. We have such motivation to get busy and that is the biggest blessing, hard working companions. We both have lots of goals we want to achieve this transfer and our helping each other become our very best selves.

As I watched some of my best friends from the mission go home this transfer, it hit me over and over how if I don't use this time it to its fullest capacity, I will have such little time. But if I do, I will have plenty of time to see miracles for the Lord. Consecration until the last second, that is what the Lord expects.

This week I have been able to bear testimony over and over of the reality of the Son of God and his divine sacrifice. It seems so much we think of Christ's suffering merely for the sinner, and while that is true, it is incomplete. "The Gospel is to make bad men good, and GOOD MEN BETTER." The atonement not only cleanses us from sin and guilt. though it has infinite capacity to do that. Jesus Christ also takes our goals, our aspirations, our worthy desires and shapes us to become what we want to become, as the beings he sees us as. Through his grace and mercy, he will strengthen and enable us to be and become more then we've ever been or ever thought we could be. I know this to true, because the Savior has done it for me. His capacity to change our natures, and our desires, is truly infinite. If you think you cant change, your wrong. If you think your beyond saving, your wrong. If you think the Savior doesn't know exactly what you're going through and every moment of your life, your wrong. Brothers and Sisters, he LOVES us with an eternal love. Come unto Christ, "and lay hold upon every good thing."

I love you all.  Make it a beautiful week, go share the joy of the gospel. If you think you cant, your wrong. (haha)

Xoxo, Sister Flink

Mom~

Good morning Ma!  I made it to OP!

James Clark, my Mom's new mission friend,  hooked her up with a picture the day after transfers!  He is Josh Mack's best friend and is in the Shawnee Mission YSA Ward.  He will make sure my sweet Mom is aware that I am just fine! 

I have had a great week. I knew their would be a list of questions waiting for me!

New area is great, its different than Indian Creek, not better, just different. I am not nervous at all, plus its not just that the area is different, I am different. and I' m not the same as I was when I was in Indian Creek. I see things much differently.

We live with Members! Ill send you pictures today! They are actually in a different ward but we have a little room in their house.

It was hard leaving Blue Springs just because I felt like we were just getting our feet under us, but it wasn't too bad.
 

I am glad to be in OP. Its a good area. Anywhere is OP is a challenge, its very well off, but miracles happen. Two transfers is gonna fly so it doesn't matter, I'm just gonna work.
 

I got your package! I have been loving it, I think I've lost weight. or I just feel better. They don't have a blender for my shakes though so I'm gonna get one from the mission. 

I love you Mom! I miss you! Talk to you next week.

T...t...t...Transferred! Whaaaat??

Well guys, sorry for the late email this week, we sacrificed our Monday Pday to fulfill our Sister Leader responsibilities and go on exchanges, so it's been a well awaited Pday!

BUT a crazy surprise happened this week!  Sunday night we arrived at our apartment (on time) around 9:00 pm.  I had the surprise of my life!  The Parry's, The Stokers, and Heather Giacalone were all waiting in my front yard to give me a hug and love from Syracuse!  I was speechless, shocked, didn't know what to say!  Couldn't believe it!  I remember saying "What are you doing here!  Oh my Gosh" over and over!  I love it!  Here is proof that they love me and came all the way to Blue Springs, MO to tell me!  I love them! ( the pictures are a little blurry but they truly came to see me!!) Having the surprise was the weirdest thing ever!  I looked awful too!   It had been a long hot day and you are all so lucky I am NOT a homesick missionary!  I was completely fine afterwards.  Sister Olesen was in shock and I just kept apologizing to her after hahaha!  We went into our apartment and had some great laughs.  My only regret one thing, that I didn't bear my testimony to them as a full time missionary.  Next time they see me I will be released and I only wish I would have done that.  I was thinking about it all night, as silly as it sounds!

 

So this email is going to be quite short today, this week was awesome. We found 7 new investigators, Shane is on date for baptism, Angela Cook is soon to be a returning member, we've had some wicked awesome lessons and we were stoked to see the miracles that we're gonna happen for the Fleming Park Ward. BUT, none of that really applies anymore because we got transfer calls this morning and Sister Olesen and I will both be getting transferred.   No more sisters in Fleming Park, so it will all be in the Elders hands now. :( 

Emily Peterson - one of my favorites in the YSA Ward!



Josh Mack!

Always great to see Sister Allred again!

I am going to Overland Park, Kansas to serve In the Shawnee Missouri Singles YSA Ward, and the Overland Park 2nd Ward, and will continue to be a Sister Training Leader with my new companion Sister Coats. Sister Olesen will be going to Lees Summit 2nd Ward and continue to serve in the LBR Singles Branch.  Sister Olesen and I were bummed.  We kept screaming at the phone.  I was supposed to finish here and Sister O and I were supposed to be together for 3!  The Lord just has a sense of humor doesn't he!

We are so sad, we've really got some great work going on but the Lord had a different plan. I have my short 2 transfers here, I will miss this place. Today we will be packing up the entire apartment and all our stuff! I'll talk to you on Monday! The work of the Lord rolls forth.

Make it a great day.. The church is true regardless of sad transfers!  Off to a new adventure!  Love you all!

 

Xoxo, Sister Flink

Sacrifice Brings Forth The Blessings Of Heaven

Hey everyone!

Wow, what a great, miracle filled week out here in Missouri. We truly have been blessed, as we've fasted and prayed for miracles we were able to find many new investigators this week and were able to set one on baptismal date in the first lesson. Sister Olesen and I are feeling extremely thankful.

Tuesday we had exchanges with some of our sisters, and then we had Wednesday to be in our area, and then Friday exchanges again. Only 2 more for the transfer and then start over again! Busy busy busy. I'm more exhausted then I've ever been in my entire life, but I wouldn't trade any of it for the world.  We are working hard out here for the souls in this part of the Lord's Vineyard.

Shane is the investigator now preparing for baptism, he was given to us from Luis, our recent convert. He was a miracle, another testimony to me that no matter how slow, or sometimes discouraging things may be, the Lord has never forgotten us.  He is simply seeing if we will stay faithful and trust him while he perhaps prepares something better for us.  I know that to be true.

This week, I had an experience with an old companion of mine, Sister Buckhave. She is incredible. We were companions when she was 6 months out and I was 3 months out, and she goes home this next week. As I sat with her and reflected how much we have both grown and changed, without question we both contributed so much of our growth to the time we had together. As we sat and said goodbye, tears rolled down our faces. The Lord refines us with the people he sends to us to help us learn and grow and become. And to be honest, I wish I would've appreciated her more when she was actually my companion, it is one of my biggest regrets, but looking back and seeing how patient and compassionate she was to me, the Lord sent her to me to teach me. To teach me patience, and Christlike love. Humility, and obedience to the will of God. As we expressed how much of an impact we had on each other, it is not just for mission time, it is for the rest of our lives. I truly don't know of very many friendships that are as treasured as those you have while laboring for the Lord. There is nothing better than a friend/mission companion who sees every side of you, especially the hot summer days riding bikes and Missouri rain storms drenched from head to toe and going forth in the work of the Lord. I have loved my companions, I have treasured their friendship and testimony, the Lord has truly blessed me in every Aspect of my journey. #LongLiveSisterB

"The repentance process is clearly a process of changing desires. It is a process of making space for the Spirit. And when we make space for the Spirit, there is no space left for sin." 

 

I testify that the Lord needs us to change our desires, today. We are constantly changing and evolving, but are we evolving and changing in the right direction? Are we repenting daily? Are we preparing to partake of the sacrament throughout the week? Are we asking the Lord to change our motives, and then are letting the Lord purity the motive? Do we treasure scripture study and find peace and comfort while on our knees? Do we seek for the gifts of the spirit to make us whole? Do we walk, talk, act, like disciples of our Savior Jesus Christ? 

President Uchtdorf said, "Love should be our walk and our talk."

Well folks, there is sunshine in my soul today! I love this gospel. I love being called to WORK, to work my tail off in the cause of truth. 

I hope you have a wonderful week. Shoutout to my Daddy-O, Happy Father's Day next week, I love you so much! 

Xoxo, Sister Flink

Purify the Motive!

Hello, hello!

My NEW Ipad!!

P-day again? Time has got to stop in its tracks, I am getting a little tired of trying to keep up. I hope you have all had a good week, it has been wonderful for me. This week has been full of changing and uplifting experiences. The mission never ceases to amaze me, actually sorry, it's not the mission, it's the Savior and Heavenly Father. THEIR work never ceases to amaze me. 

Well not that this is super important, but I AM emailing off my new iPad, so that's pretty sweet. It is amazing to watch what this tool can do for the work. We've been able to teach off digital pamphlets, show videos on doorsteps and on the street, and all the tools for studying and preparing for investigators is wonderful. If we do it right, this will change the way of the work. If we do it wrong, it could be dangerous. Good thing that the greatest filter is your heart. And the greatest tool is the measure of true conversion. 

This week I have had some amazing experiences with recent converts. I was able to go with one of my converts, Garrett Ourth, to the Kansas City temple so he could receive his endowments. Brothers and sisters, it is hard to find words to express the joy. It is not the most common thing to be able to see a convert go through the temple while your still on your mission, therefore, I feel so blessed. He has now made all the necessary covenants (besides eternal marriage) to receive his celestial glory. Think of that, isn't it beautiful? What could be better? As soon as he returns off his mission in Puerto Rico, his family will be sealed for time and all eternity. If that doesn't make your heart swell with joy for the gospel of Jesus Christ, I'm not sure what could. D&C 19 "Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things, and that say unto Zion: Behold, thy God reigneth!"

The Jamesons, Garrett, Me, The Vanbrunts Family



The Vanbrunts, Garrett, Me, and the Jamesons

I also had the privilege of going with another recent convert, in this area, to receive her patriarchal blessing last night.  That was another rare occurrence. As she has no family support, she wanted the missionaries to be by her side. It was an incredible experience, she was baptized 3 months ago and was promised incredible things by her Father in Heaven. 

We had MLC (mission leadership council) this week where we were trained on the iPads and then in turn trained the Zone on Friday at Zone Training. It was interesting the way president asked us to train. We split up the zone into districts, and Sister Olesen (my comp) and Elder Meador (zone leader) trained one district and Me and Elder Thomas trained the other district. It was successful and now the entire MIM has iPads, watch out world.

So yesterday, Linda Reeves from the relief society presidency came and spoke at a YSA conference and we were able to take an investigator. She talked about keeping our eyes focused on the house of the lord. She talked a little about how Heavenly Father works, she said, "He gives us a little today, and if we improve, he gives us a little more tomorrow, and a little more the next day.  But if we do not improve, he cannot build upon." 

So, I hit my 15 month mark yesterday. That is nonsense, I object.

This is my OBJECT face! 

I want you to know the gospel is spreading forth in its power, the Savior to coming to reign and not only must we be ready, but we must prepare the world to be ready. Come join the ranks.

I love you all. The Savior Jesus Christ lives. The Holy Ghost LOVES us, he gave up a physical body so he could comfort, inspire, uplift, and teach us truth. God is our loving Heavenly Father and he knows us personally and individually!   That knowledge is beyond price.

I love you guys and  take care!

Until next time~  XOXO SISTER FLINK OUT !

Hey Mom!   I got to go to Grandview this week and look for YSA's. I kept saying, I need a picture for my Dad! And I barely got one driving on the freeway but I got it! Me and Daddyo.

My comp is adorable, we have a great time. Love her tons.

By the way, I haven't gotten any letters in WEEKS!!!! Also, I can read emails anytime through the week, just can't reply until Monday, so you can send me little messages or pictures throughout the week! 

 

Love you Mom! 

Stand a Little Taller!

Well, good afternoon my friends! Good to be back!

 Its was a good week last week. I can't really remember much of what we did though sadly (missionary brain)

I will miss Sister Hunt!  We have had a blast together!

Transfers!  Always great to see everyone again!

Companion #9 - My New Companion - Sister Olesen from Sandy UT

Elder Buckalew and Sister Buckhave

 Elder Butterfield

 

Elder McCurdy

Elder Winnager and Elder Fishehateu, Sister Hunt and I

My First Companion - Sister Mancell (Layton UT) and My Third Companion - Sister Buckhave (Apple Valley CA)

I love Sister Hunt and am going to miss her!

Sister Penman is going home!

We taught a lot of youth and less actives lessons, and we found a solid new investigator Taylor! We are really excited about her, she was a miracle headquarters referral.

 

On Thursday we had the all mission conference and Elder Clarke from the 70 came and spoke to us. It was a training to receive IPADS which we'll be getting tomorrow, but it was so much more than that. It was about how to be the servant of the Lord he expects you to be, how to stay strong through adversity, how to conquer Satan and his temptations, how to overcome the natural man and become saints through Jesus Christ. It was amazing, and I learned so much. I've learned how much easier it is to find myself, because their is so much more of me to find. I have found how true is really is when Christ made the declaration that when we lose ourselves, we will find ourselves.

 

"If what we see, we see with our natural eyes, and if what we hear, with our natural ears, then we wont know very much." Elder Boyd K. Packer

Elder Buckalew

All Mission Conference!

We are definitely in the finding stages of our work, we have been tracting a lot and trying to serve the members to find new people to teach. This week we bought bishop a tie and bishops wife some flowers so they know we appreciate them.

 

Today I get to go to Garrett Ourths endowment session to see him make more covenants with Heavenly Father. I will also get to see some of the Cameron Family!   I am so grateful I had the chance to teach this family and see them progress in the Gospel. There is no sweeter feeling.

 

Well, I love you all. Sorry for the lame email this week,  I'm tired. I hope you have a fantastic week. 

 

Sister Flink