Attitude & Effort

Fall Time

Hello,

So as you know in my last email I shared a scripture that I said I would Ponderize for this week. I have been thinking a lot about Humility and how i can be more Christlike. My scripture for this last week was Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in Heaven." As I thought about the scripture, memorized the key points and truly pondered the meaning of it, I learned so much about humility and the goodness of God. As I light MY light shine, and serve them I need to remember whose work this is. This is HIS work, and HE should get all the glory. As I humble myself I am able to do the things that HE needs me to do. This isn't about me, it is about HIM, HIS work and HIS children. The Lord has called me for what HE needs to do THROUGH me. 

#Ponderize 

Kentucky Flowers

This week we had interviews with President Salisbury. He talked a lot about what we committed to do when we accepted our mission call. What I do depends on my commitment, and my commitment depends on my own attitude and effort. Those are really the only things that I can control for myself. As I try my hardest to have a good attitude and a good solid effort, miracles will happen! 

Sister Web and I in Charleston on Exch

Sister Farnsworth and I had exchanges with the Sister Training Leaders this week. I went to Charleston with Sister Webb, and it was so awesome! I learned so much and really gained a testimony of talking with everyone and being bold. I know that God places certain people in our path at a certain time for a reason and by listening to the spirit we can be guided and directed to those who are prepared to hear and accept Jesus Christ's Gospel.

Us with the girls! Audrey, Adriana, and Sierra

Sandy and I

For a few weeks now we have been working with a less active named, Sandy. She has the three cute grand kids - Sierra, Adriana, and Audrey. Audrey is 5, Adriana is 7, and we have been teaching Sierra, who is 11. Sierra is now on date for baptism in November! She is so cute and she has really had a hard time committing to go to church, along with Sandy, who has been nervous about going back to church. Sister Farnsworth and I have been trying to hard to get them to church and yesterday they came! We looked outside the church building to see if they were here and we saw Sandy pulling up! Audrey was jumping out of her seat and yelling, "I love you! You look pretty" and she ran out of the car and gave us a huge hug. They were all so excited. We went into sacrament meeting and after we sat down before the meeting started Audrey looked and me and said, "Did someone die?" I reassured her that no one had died. During the Sacrament Hymn Audrey asked me if the table with the white cloth on it had a dead body on it. I told her that it was just water and bread, but that we remember Christ's body and blood during the sacrament. During the testimonies, I accidentally bumped Adriana in the arm and I said sorry and she looked at me and said, "God forgives you." Those kids are hilarious!  

Sister Farnsworth and I at Mary Lou's Baptism

Mary Lou and I

After church, there was a baptism for Mary Lou! (She is the one who got married and I was her maid of honor) The Elders were the ones teaching her but it was so rewarding to see her and be there to support her. She is one of the craziest ladies I have ever met. She is 6 feet tall and some of the water had drained out of the baptismal font so it was kind of low. The first time she went down, her hands and feet came up. The second time, her toe was above the water. She finally was baptized by immersion on the forth try. It was so funny, she was laughing and she walked up the steps afterwards and yelled, "Thanks everybody!" 

Eating Dinner in the Car

I was asked to give the talk on the Holy Ghost. Its was really special to me because I love talking about the Holy Ghost. My mom is the most creative person that I know and she gave me a blanket when she talked on the Holy Ghost at my own baptism. I wanted to make this a special moment for Mary, the way my mom made it special for me. I talked about Mary being a "Light" because of her cheerfulness and friendly attitude. I shared the scripture D&C 11:11-13 "For, behold, it is I that speak; behold, I am the light which shineth in darkness, and by my power I give these words unto thee. And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good - yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy;" The Holy Ghost can be a light to guide us through the darkness and I gave Mary a candle and challenged her to never let her "Light" to go out. She is such a good example of how the Gospel can bring happiness to our lives. She is such a joy and a light to be around. I love her and I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to help her and get to know her.

My Ponderize scripture for this week is D&C 1:23 "That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers." #Ponderize 

Much love, XOXO

~Sister Kayla Marie Willis 

Sister Kayla Willis

1508 Luci Mae Drive 

Flatwoods, KY 41139

We found an English phone booth!

PONDERIZE!

Conference weekend!

At Old Fashioned Days

It has been such an awesome week for us here in Kentucky. There was a fair going on in one of the cities in our areas so we spent a few hours for a couple of days down at the fair meeting people and trying to find people to teach. We were able to talk to tons of people and get lots of referrals and it was very effective! We also met a couple of people that seem very promising and so we are going to try to meet with them again this next week!

Old Fashioned Days Fair

One night this week, Sister Farnsworth and I got in right on time and we went inside to put our bags in and we had to go back outside and get water out of the car. I went to the car to get the case of water and Sister Farnsworth ran to get the mail. We both joked about how the keys were inside and what we would do if one of us had locked the door. We both were sure we hadn't locked the door and then walked up to open the door. My fingers reached out to grab the door nob and turn it. It was LOCKED, and the keys were INSIDE! Of course I did the only logical thing to do, I started panicking. I put the case of water on the ground and started trying to open the front windows. They were locked too!

It was Cold When We Stepped Out

I went to the garage and opened it. I knew the back door was locked but I tried it anyway. There is a window in the garage that goes to our study room that I know is locked, but we tried it anyway. IT WAS UNLOCKED. We grabbed a chair that was in the garage, and I literally flew through the window. I ran to the back door to let Sister Farnsworth in, and we still were inside before curfew. This experience really just shows me how much the Lord looks out for us. Because we were obedient and got home on time, He helped us be able to get into our house when we were locked out. Exact obedience brings blessings!

Sister Farnsworth and I in Front of Our House

We had an AMAZING Zone Meeting this week. Well, they are always amazing but I just always feel so uplifted and so excited to act on the promptings I have received and the things we learn from the other wonderful missionaries. The spirit really taught me a lot about how feelings of discouragement come from Satan and that in order to stop having those feelings I need to turn outward. By serving my companion, the ward, and the people I come in contact with I will be able to feel more grateful and positive and I will be able to hear the Spirit more.

At Zone Meeting, we talked a lot about questions that we have and how we can take those to our Heavenly Father. Since learning more about that I have been keeping a prayer journal. Every night before I write in my regular journal, I pull out my prayer journal and write down a question I may have or something that I need help with. Then I say my evening prayer and when I am done I just ponder for a few minutes. Then I write down whatever things come to my mind in my prayer journal. I have really been able to learn what Heavenly Father wants me to know. By taking time to just listen and ponder after my prayer I have had the Spirit testify to me and help me receive an answer to my prayer from my Father In Heaven.

Conference Tradition - Goldfish

Conference weekend is always one of my favorites! When the three new apostles were called and sustained I knew in my heart that these truly are men called by God. I know that Jesus Christ lives and He is the Head of this church, and He leads His church on the earth today from living Prophets and Apostles. The guidance and counsel that we receive from these amazing men and woman are from the Lord Jesus Christ. General Conference is for ALL OF US! I loved every second and the things that the spirit was able to teach me. I know that in these, the last days, we need to follow the direction of the Prophets. I love President Thomas S. Monson and the First Presidency as well as the Twelve Apostles and the other general quorums and auxiliaries of the church. 

Kentucky Roads

I loved the focus that they had on families and parents teaching their children. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk reminded me a lot of my mom and all that she has taught me. She has such a good example of charity, service and diligence. My parents both have taught me the importance of families, daily scripture study, and prayers. Thank you mom and dad, I love you.  I also really enjoyed Devin G. Durrantt's talk and how he encouraged all of us to Ponderize. I love that. I have made myself a personal goal to Ponderize a new scripture each week for the rest of my mission. As I choose a new scripture each week and memorize, ponder, and reflect upon it, I hope to be able to gain a deeper love and understanding of the scriptures. For the next 14 and a half months I will be sending a new scripture in my email each week and reflecting upon the last one. 

In the Rain

I would like to encourage EACH OF YOU, to ponderize a new scripture each week. I also would like to encourage you to send me a quick message sharing your scripture, your thoughts, and what you have learned! I love hearing from all you and I would love to learn from each other as we ponderize each week.

PONDERIZE

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

XOXOXO

~Sister Kayla Marie Willis

Sister Kayla Willis

1508 Luci Mae Drive

Flatwoods, KY 41139

The Gospel is HAPPINESS

I am going on transfer #3 everyone!

Last Photo of Sister Lively and I in Front of our house

Saying Goodbye to Sister Lively

Some days I still can't believe that I am on a mission. I wake up and see that it is well before the crack of dawn and think, "Is this real?" It can be hard sometimes, but it is all worth it in the end. So about transfers, Sister Lively went to West Virginia! She is opening a new area and is so excited. I am staying in Ashland, Kentucky and I am TRAINING. 

Picture with Amy at Our Rest Stop

It is crazy. We went to say goodbye to al ot of people this week, since Sister Lively is leaving. On Thursday we went up to Charleston with Amy, Jared and Eevee. 

Last Photo with Sister Lively with Jared, Amy and Evee

Taking a Picture with Evee at a Rest Stop

They drove us there so we could save on our miles. We had a short meeting with president and the rest of the trainers and he talked about striving to be a good example and really sticking to the standards in the Missionary Handbook. Then we went into the chapel to start the meeting. After taking care of some mission business, all the new missionaries stood at the front and introduced themselves. Sister Lively and I were really anxious because we didn't know who our companion were going to be! Finally, they called out "Sister Farnsworth will be serving in Ashland, Kentucky with Sister Willis!" I was all the way in the back, so I got up and ran to the front to greet my trainee. I gave her a huge hug and said, "This is going to be great!" 

My New Companion, Sister Farnsworth

Sister Lively and I with New Companions

We got back to Ashland and we got Sister Farnsworth settled in. The next couple of days I took her out to meet some of the members and some of our investigators. She has such a great enthusiasm for missionary work and is very outgoing. She tells me that she already has an incredible love for the people which is amazing! Sister Farnsworth is from Logan, Utah. She just finished two years of school at Utah State so she is 20. I'm younger than her, but she is awesome. I feel very inadequate to be her trainer because she already knows so much. I am just striving to be the best example of obedience, diligence and charity that I can be.

Got to See My MTC Companion, Sister Robinson

I was asked to give a talk in Sacrament Meeting this week with less than 48 hours notice. That is the missionary life! I just roll with it. Seventh talk I have given this year, and its not over. I had a little time to write down a few ideas and notes. I got up with what I had prepared, and as I started talking the spirit told me to change subjects. It is funny how the spirit works, sometimes you just need to change the things you have prepared right on the spot! I talked about service and how we are closer to Christ as we serve him. I also talked about becoming who we want to become. Talks are seriously for the person giving the talk, not the congregation. 

West Virginia Sign

We had an incredible opportunity to watch Woman's Conference at the church with some of the Relief Society sisters in the ward. I loved every minute of it! It was amazing. I encourage everyone to go online and read it (it can apply to men too). The talks were very centered on virtue and our divine nature as woman. Woman have divine potential, and the divine nature comes from God. Virtue is the qualification for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. The talks were also very focused on love. Everything in the Gospel leads back to love. The commandments and standards that we are asked to follow are because our Heavenly Father loves us. We are commanded to love one another and to share the gospel with those that we love. I especially love President Uchtdorf's talk. I love how he shared a story and taught as the savior taught. He talked about the Pure Love of Chirst and how through the Atonement we can all have eternal happiness. I love listening to General Conference and the amazing leaders of our church. They do so much and work so hard.

This next week is General Conference. I would like to encourage all of you to go through this week with a couple of questions in your heart. Then during Conference, listen and continue to keep those questions in your hearts. Take notes as you listen and record your thoughts and feelings. I promise that as you listen intently to the things that are said that you will be able to find answers to the questions in your heart. I testify that God does answer prayers! He listen and he knows the things you need, you just need to be humble enough to ask him.

THE GOSPEL IS HAPPINESS 

Mosiah 2:41

XOXO

~Sister Kayla Marie Willis

Sister Kayla Willis

1508 Luci Mae Drive 

Flatwoods, Kentucky 41139

The elders in our area put a mormon.org card in our gas tank that said "tag your it". So what do we do? We put plastic wrap over their car with a tag your it picture. It was Sister Lively's last wish.

Bowling on P-Day with Our District

Live the Higher Law

Hello everyone!

Betcha Didn't Know this... I Have Been to His Home

All the Sisters in the Three Zones of the Mission

One of Our Favorite Members of the Ward, Sister Ferguson

It's transfer week, and guess what... Sister Lively and I are expecting... new missionaries! We have both been asked to TRAIN! Its crazy! We are both very excited. I am staying here in the Ashland, Kentucky area. Sister Lively is going to West Virginia! We are going to miss each other deeply, but we are so excited for this opportunity that we both have. I have only been out for 3 months, I have learned so much! I feel a little nervous, but I know that this is a wonderful opportunity to grow and to be an example to my new companion. Tomorrow we have to drive to Charleston, West Virginia for the transfer meeting. We won't even know who we are training until after the meeting starts! I hope that I will be able to help the new missionary feel comfortable and welcome to Kentucky! :)

Decorating One of our Members' Doors

 This week has been so good! So much stuff has happened! I got to play a little bit of Violin the other day! A member of the ward invited us over to talk to their friend, who is a violin teacher for their daughter. Her name is Barbra and she is so much fun! She plays the Violin and teaches. She played Amazing Grace for us and when she found out that I could play, she insisted! I played The First Noel and The Ashoka Farewell. She loved it and said I was very good. (very nice compliment because I haven't touched my violin since Christmas) She was so much fun and we are teaching her now. She has an interest to follow God and do what he needs her to do so I am excited to continue.

Member of the Ward, Sister Stucki.  She is the cutest.

Sister Lively and I got a little shaken up one night. We went to visit one of our neighbors who we have been trying to teach. They live around the corner from us and every time we go and ask for her, there is someone else who answers the door. This time a woman named Deborah answered the door and we have talked to her once before. We asked her how many people lived there because every time we come there is someone else at the door! She started counting and she got up to 16. She gave us a funny look and said, "You're gonna have to get me a chair." We were confused. She looked at us again and started to look really scared and said, "I ain't joking, get me a chair!" Then she started going down! Sister Lively grabbed her and she kind of set her on the ground, and she started shaking and crying on the ground! I freaked out and didn't know what to do! I banged on the door for someone to come out and help us. Someone finally did come out to help but it was so scary! The lady had a seizure! Sister Lively and I went back home and freaked out a little more. We stopped by her house about an hour later to see if she was alright and she was, but we got really freaked out! I never thought that would happen!

Janet, a member of the Ward Living in a Nursing Home that we visit a lot.

On Tuesday last week we had to drive to Charleston to have a meeting with three different zones of the mission! It was a specialized training for the missionaries, while our cars were being worked on. All the mission cars had little black boxes installed into them. They are called tiwi's. We each have these cards, and we have to log in every time we are the driver. They have a GPS in them and so it has info on all the speed limits, so if we are speeding it will say, "Check your speed" and if we don't slow down we get a violation. If we turn or stop too quickly we get a violation as well. If you get a certain amount of violations you can get your driving privileges taken away. The general authorities in Salt Lake approved this program so that missionaries will drive safer we won't have to pay so much in car repairs. I like it because it helps me get into better habits of driving and the roads are so scary anyway I feel better.

Cat Friend Who Followed Us Home from Running

Sister Lively and I With Granny June

In the training that we had, President Salisbury talked to us a lot about obedience. It is from obedience that we are blessed! He challenged for all of us to Live the Higher Law. We need to set the example and be committed to what we committed to do when we accepted our call to serve! We should create our own policy to keep our standards high. We need to govern ourself based on our purpose. By being obedient and studying the Missionary Handbook we will be prepared for life. The Missionary Handbook is a book of promises, and when we obey those rules and guidelines we are promised that we will be blessed. 

Sister Salisbury always says, "Be safe, be wise, be obedient" That is what I am striving to do each day. 

I would like to encourage everyone to Live the Higher Law. Set goals to become who our Heavenly Father wants you to be! Keep your standards high and decide now who you want to be.

Hit my 3 Month Mark

Mosiah 23:22-23

XOXO

~Sister Kayla Marie Willis

Sister Kayla Willis

1508 Luci Mae Drive

Flatwoods, Kentucky 41139

Footlong Hot Dog

There is this place that everyone is CRAZY about, so of course we had to go there before Sister Lively was transferred. This is the foot long hot dog I ate! In the eastern states they eat hot dogs with a sauce, instead of like ketchup or mustard. It is kind of like a chili sauce without any beans. They call it hot dog sauce. When Sister Lively and I asked what hot dog sauce was, they were so surprised! But we had no idea! Everyone here eats hot dogs with sauce, and they put onions, mustard, and coleslaw on top... I just stuck to the hot dog sauce, which is actually pretty good. 

Raining, While I was Sick in Bed

Eating Blue Jello

Endure to the End

Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Hope you all are doing good! I love hearing about how things are at home, so if any of you get the chance, tell me about it!

This week has been weird and slow. The weather has been a little bipolar (which isn't much different from home haha) and so there will be a few days where it is really hot, and then a few days where it will rain or be just really cold! The change of the season means that I get sick. I have had a pretty bad head cold for the last few days, but I think the worst is over. It is just so frustrating when your sick and you can't go out and do stuff, but resting is the most important when you are sick so that you are better before you try to go help others. 

While I was sick in bed, I couldn't sleep. So I decided to watch The Districts. You know, gotta try to be productive right? So I am watching The Districts and resting at the same time! They are seriously so helpful, and we can all learn so much from them. I love being able to see how these missionaries teach and what they do in certain situations. Everyone watch The Districts!

As a missionary, my job is to invite others to come unto Christ. We recite the Missionary Purpose at meetings and each day in the morning before we leave our house for the day. 

My purpose as a Missionary is to invite others to come unto Christ, 

by helping them receive the Restored Gospel. 

Through faith in Jesus Christ and his Atonement, repentance, baptism, 

receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. 

Something that can be hard for people to do though, is enduring to the end. This means to never give up. When times get hard and we feel like we can't go on, our first thought is that we should give up. But we need to keep going! The Lord is on our side and if we "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ.. and endure to the end... ye shall have eternal life" Isn't that what we all want? To be reunited with our Father in Heaven and the rest of our families again? Then we need to ENDURE. Keep going and keep the commandments.  The Lord promises us that He will be on your side and you will not fall. He gives us the strength to continue on when we are lost.

2 Nephi 31:20

I love you all and I hope you have a fantastic week.

XOXO

~Sister Kayla Marie Willis

ps. Our next P-Day is going to be Wednesday of next week because of transfers, so I'll let you know what happens next time :)