Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Advice from Hermana Hixson, a must read for all future missionaries

From an RM to all Sisters about to serve:
I have thought a long time whether to post this or not. I have been home a little over a year and feel it is time to do so. To all sisters about to receive their call, or begin their missions, there is something you need to understand about a mission and the joy that can come from it. A mission is hard, you've heard it before right? You may think it’s hard because all the walking, you may have to learn a new language (trust me, that is quite a challenge in and of itself), the rejection you face, and the disagreements that may arise between you and your companion, but that is not what makes a mission hard. What makes a mission hard is the personal struggle within yourself to be obedient.
A lot of missionaries are disobedient, more than you would think. You’ll see when you get to the field, being obedient requires a lot of integrity. Studying when you should, waking up when you should, studying and praying with your companion even when you’re mad at her, etc. But in all reality the most challenging act that requires obedience is in your attitude and your thoughts. Thinking about those you are serving and not about how hungry or thirsty you are, what food you miss from your country or having that worldly song in your head. I can tell you there is not a SINGLE missionary out there who has ever been obedient 100% all because of the thoughts they have had. Boyd K. Packer once said: “Probably the greatest challenge to people of any age, particularly young people, and the most difficult thing you will face in mortal life is to learn to control your thoughts. As a man ‘thinketh in his heart, so is he’ (Proverbs 23:7). One who can control his thoughts has conquered himself.”
So? You will probably get to a low point in your mission, and will start counting the days for when it will end. I think every missionary has to go through a point such as that so that you can prove to the Lord (and more importantly to yourself) that you can be trusted and you can do what is required. Looking back on my mission, I was the happiest and felt most peace with myself when I was being obedient – EXACTLY obedient. And what’s interesting is that it was the hardest I worked my entire mission, my companion and I promised to help each other be better. We fasted, prayed, we taught amazingly well together but we found NO ONE who cared enough to truly listen or come to church. But I was so happy! Because I was giving it my all. Right before my companion was transferred out of that area we found one woman who started to progress. She was baptized after I left that area.
True success on a mission is not measured by the amount of lessons you teach, or how many investigators you find, or how many people you baptize (because let’s be honest here, the baptismal font isn’t the goal -- it’s the temple. If your investigators get baptized you better help them towards the temple because that’s the POINT of baptism) no, true success is measured by a missionary’s loyalty to the Lord by being obedient. And only true happiness and satisfaction comes from a mission by being obedient. I look back on a certain point of my mission when I let my obedience slip and remember, bitterly, the horrible feeling I had of failure. Interestingly enough, I had more success in seeing investigators baptized during that time, and I was happy for them but not for my work as a missionary. I don’t want any sister to look back on her mission at ANY point and think the same.
Regardless of what anyone is doing around you, including your companion (or I may need to say especially your companion) be obedient to the Lord and you will enjoy your mission and be happy. The time flies, and you will find yourself coming home sooner than you think. Love it and live it to its fullest – you’ll never have a time like this in all your existence again.
Best of luck in serving the Lord,
Former Hermana Hixson
Misión Perú Iquitos



Sunday, March 13, 2016

How to IMPORT E-MAIL from myldsmail.net to your gmail account



How to IMPORT E-MAIL 
from myldsmail.net 
to your gmail account.







We suggest you do this as soon as you get home, if you want all your emails before they are purged from the myldsmail.net system.












Thursday, February 25, 2016

ERM resources (Early Return Missionary)


Directly from the church


Church Adds New Ministering Resources for Church Leaders on LDS.org

The Church has added four new topics to Ministering Resources (ministering.lds.org), a resource that provides information to support stake and ward leaders as they minister to members.
New topics are:
  • Caregivers.
  • Missionaries who return home early.
  • Couples who struggle with marital conflict.
  • Individuals who struggle with mental health issues.





-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2016-05-012-elder-hollands-counsel-for-early-returned-missionaries?category=face-to-face&lang=eng
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
His Grace: Being an Early-Returned Missionary
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2015/12/young-adults/returning-home-early-from-my-mission?lang=eng


Articles

Returning Home Early from My Mission
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2015/12/young-adults/returning-home-early-from-my-mission?lang=eng

Missionary Mommas - loopehole
http://missionarymommas.blogspot.com/2015/06/loopehole.html

Honorably Released: When the best two years don’t turn out as expected.
http://universe.byu.edu/special-projects/the-work/

When a Missionary Returns Early
http://www.ldsliving.com/When-a-Missionary-Returns-Early/s/63954

What this Mission President would like every Early Returned Missionary to Know
http://ldsmag.com/what-this-mission-president-would-like-every-early-returned-missionary-to-know/

6 lies early returned missionaries tell themselves
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865628809/6-lies-early-returned-missionaries-tell-themselves.html?pg=all#7JSmHQxLFhgQMAHt.01

8 Powerful Reminders for Missionaries Who Come Home Early
http://ldsmissionaries.com/8-powerful-reminders-for-missionaries-who-come-home-early/

It’s None Of Your Business Why A Missionary Comes Home Early
http://www.millennialmormons.com/none-business-missionary-comes-home-early/

Patience as an Early-Returned Missionary
http://www.mormonchannel.org/listen/series/mormon-channel-daily-audio/patience-as-an-early-returned-missionary

Depression
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2016/02/depression?lang=eng

Like a Broken Vessel
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng

Catching the Vision: All Missions Bring Souls to Christ
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2015/08/young-adults/catching-the-vision-all-missions-bring-souls-to-christ?lang=eng

Dear Early Returned Missionary: What I Wish I Had Known When I Came Home From My Mission
http://earlyreturnedhonor.com/2015/02/15/dear-early-returned-missionary-what-i-wish-i-had-known-when-i-came-home-from-my-mission/

How To Assist Early Returned Missionaries
http://www.jackrchristianson.com/assist-early-returned-missionaries/?fb_ref=c773363ebe754382a6fc8790e9d2e527-Facebook

Returned LDS missionary talks about mental illness and early release
http://jasonfwright.com/column/returned-lds-missionary-talks-about-mental-illness-and-early-release.html

Mountains to Climb
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/mountains-to-climb?lang=eng


On-line Groups

Medical Released LDS Missionaries
https://www.facebook.com/groups/501230699968733/

The Early Returned Missionary Initiative
https://www.facebook.com/groups/205679529612455/

Early Returned Missionaries
https://www.facebook.com/groups/451062941762280/

ERM Missionary Mommas (this is a private group and you need a friend in the group to invite you - Comment below if you need/want an invite)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1392358654372002/

Dont Stop Sargeant
https://www.facebook.com/Dont-Stop-Sargeant-1505024869715896/?fref=ts

Moms of Missionaries with Medical Leave
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1866998843524601/

Early Returned Honor
https://www.facebook.com/earlyreturnedhonor/?tsid=0.0020657568238675594&source=typeahead&hc_location=ufi

Missionaries Home Early
https://www.facebook.com/missionarieshomeearly/

Mission Fortify (This is a facebook group that is creating a team of ERM mentors)
their web page:  http://www.missionfortify.org/


Groups, meetings, firesides

From: Brother Ostergaard:
Hello Everyone! We are starting a new Early Returned Missionary (ERM) support group at the Student Health Center on the UVU campus.  It will be on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 11:30-12:45. Kris Doty and Angela Jackson are co-leading it with the hope that ERMs can find acceptance, resolution, and social support. All are welcome! Please spread the word.

This is a facebook group that is creating a team of ERM mentors
https://www.facebook.com/missionfortify/?ref=page_internal
also, their web page: http://www.missionfortify.org/

EarlyRM
http://www.earlyrm.com/

Videos

click on this link for the Honorably Released:When the best two years don’t turn out as expected video =========>  http://universe.byu.edu/special-projects/the-work/



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MnS4uuxIZ4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MnS4uuxIZ4
The above video is is part of this group:
Don't Stop Sargeant
https://www.facebook.com/Dont-Stop-Sargeant-1505024869715896/?fref=ts


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICNIJzd8jeY&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICNIJzd8jeY&feature=youtu.be
BRAVE // A Message for Early Returning Missionaries



LDS Woman creates campaign to help early returned missionaries
http://www.ksl.com/?sid=36874967&nid=1284&fm=most_popular&s_cid=popular-1




Coming Home Early for Illness and Re-entering the Mission (God's Plan)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmfwZ8ZX65w&feature=youtu.be&list=PLo6WmFbBTUexKdEFqJqBs5oPhSli3maFd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmfwZ8ZX65w&feature=youtu.be&list=PLo6WmFbBTUexKdEFqJqBs5oPhSli3maFd




Wrong Roads

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNQC-_srxH8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNQC-_srxH8


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxK2E2OFJhQ
Coming Home Early Due to Mental Illness


*** Resources For Early Returned Missionaries - 12 videos (click below) from Prepare to Serve
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo6WmFbBTUex7ehSWenfl7f_hJXK5nGQ8



BLOGS

https://typedlettershome.com/2016/10/06/a-letter-to-every-erm/

http://searchingfordaylight.blogspot.com/

http://jenevralo.blogspot.com/2015/09/mission-story_20.html

http://www.cominghomeearly-mystory.blogspot.com/

https://laraalexx.wordpress.com/2015/07/19/its-been-over-a-year/

http://idahogirlonamission.blogspot.com/2015/07/come-what-may-and-love-it.html

http://tasty-tabea.blogspot.de/2015/10/returning-early-and-with-honour.html

http://katiesavannah.blogspot.com/2015/03/what-i-wish-i-would-have-known-advice.html?m=1

http://likebrokenvessels.blogspot.com/2014/02/5-ways-to-help-missionaries-who-come.html?showComment=1392101482343#c2284344504701664248

http://oysmf.blogspot.com/2015/05/everything-i-never-told-you.html

http://sistervanessahall.blogspot.com/2014/12/what-every-every-returned-missionary.html?m=1

http://www.yellowinthegray.com/2016/02/what-we-want-you-to-know.html

https://sistermalfunction.wordpress.com/2015/11/16/life-goes-on/

http://oneshetwoshe.com/2016/02/dealing-with-depression.html

https://frizzyhairdwanderer.wordpress.com/2016/04/05/291/

http://sisternorris.blogspot.com/2016/08/what-i-wouldnt-do-to-be-back.html


Scriptures

1. 2 Ne 32:1-5
2. Alma 37:35-37
3. Moroni 10:32-33
4. Ether 12:27


2nd Nephi 4 was really great for me, focusing mostly on 20 through 35. If you're looking for specifics, I really love 20, 21, 34, and 35. I love hearing about how Nephi is working through his worries and challenges. The reason I love Nephi isn't because he is an example without weakness, but because he is an example about how to overcome his own challenges with hope and faith and perseverance!

Also, a few other bonus scriptures.  1st Nephi 17:3, Alma 58:10-11, Helaman 3:35, and (a definite classic in all situations) Ether 12:27.

1 Peter 4:10-13

D&C 124:49, Helaman 5:12

Ether 12:27

Galations 5:22-23

D&C 10:5

D&C 50: 40-41!

Joshua 1:9

More info

Early Returned Honor
http://earlyreturnedhonor.com/

Missionaries Home Early *
http://www.missionarieshomeearly.com/

Returned Missionaries Missing in Action
http://rmmia.com/

http://quintrandle.wix.com/honorablyreleased (Documentary coming soon)

http://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=/sltrib/lifestyle/57219005-80/mission-missionaries-early-says.html.csp

http://erminitiative.blogspot.com/

http://sickrms.com/

https://earlyreturnmissionary.wordpress.com/

http://earlyreturn.weebly.com/

http://earlyreturnedhonor.com/2015/06/21/my-mission-was-a-failure-a-success-story/

http://ldsmag.com/mission-possible-finding-solutions-for-missionaries-with-mental-illness/

http://blogs.uvu.edu/newsroom/2013/10/30/uvu-study-reports-on-the-reasons-for-and-reactions-to-early-returned-missionaries/

http://www.uvureview.com/2013/11/11/coming-home-early/

http://sistervanessahall.blogspot.com/2014/12/what-every-every-returned-missionary.html?m=1




from Brother Jones

Here is a resource for Elders and Sisters who have the desire to continue serving. Have you thought about serving a Church Service Mission in Family History? The LDS Church has recently started up a pilot program for Young Church Service Missionaries to serve in many capacities. Visit the website for more information or email me at joneswd@familysearch.org.

Additional ways to serve:  Church Service Missionary
https://www.lds.org/callings/missionary/church-service-missionary/?lang=eng&_r=1

Advice from a Church Service Missionary
https://www.lds.org/new-era/2013/10/missionary-preparation/church-service-missions-real-service-real-sacrifice/advice-from-a-church-service-missionary?lang=eng&query=missionary+age+press+conference



Every returning missionary is entitled to six free counseling sessions through LDS Family Services.

LDS Family Services
https://providentliving.lds.org/lds-family-services?lang=eng

Counseling and Psychological Services at BYU
https://caps.byu.edu/

The Counseling Center (this was suggested by someone - we don't have much more info than the link)
http://thecounselingcenter.co/



Personal Advice


"My sweet Elder will be home in a few hours, returning early due to medical problems. Because of some mutual connections, I was blessed to be able to speak to a woman this morning who is on the Church's early returning missionary committee. She had some fabulous insights. I posted this info on the medical leave page, but it is good information and may help someone here:

A member of the committee is assigned to talk with every Stake President when a missionary from their stake returns early to walk them through the Church procedures and resources for returning missionaries. A member of the committee should also call your missionary after they have been home for a few weeks to let them know what resources are available. Every returning missionary is entitled to six free counseling sessions through LDS Family Services. And while missionaries are often able to return to their assigned mission, new assignments can be made to places like the Family History Library, or even another proselyting mission. Getting those assignments made is largely the responsibility of your Stake President. He might need to advocate for your missionary to be reassigned, and if he is unaware of the options available he might not pursue every avenue. Service missions are also a possibility. She said the day is coming when missionaries will be able to choose between serving a proselyting mission or a service mission and any type of mission will be equal in the sight of the Lord and the Church. They feel that service missions will eventually be just as responsible for baptisms as proselyting missions. She also said there is a new push for training MP's on how to care for these missionaries--how to really love them and focus less on numbers and more on people. Church leaders are deeply concerned with the number of missionaries returning home and are working to respond to the varying needs our missionaries have. They feel a great responsibility to care for them. I came away with a lot of hope for our "wounded warriors."
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
In the last couple of days I've spoken with the sister I spoke to before as well as a brother who is the mental health advisor for the early return committee. I thought I'd pass along a couple more things for anyone else going through this process:

Your Stake President is your greatest ally and asset in this process. They receive a letter from the Church detailing what is needed for your missionary to return to service. They are the ones who will make the recommendation if your missionary wants to return, just as they were the ones to submit the original application. The missionary department does not have anything to do with it. You can call the missionary department for general information, but they cannot do much for a specific missionary. All Stake Presidents have access to ministering resources for ERM's through the Church website. They assured me that over the last year that the contacting of early returning missionaries and their Stake Presidents has been excellent, but if you feel that your SP or missionary doesn't know all of the resources available, all of that information is available to the SP's online. You or your missionary should talk directly with the SP. Of all the people in this equation, he is the most influential. She encouraged me to be the momma bear and not be afraid to fight for my missionary. If a missionary is recommended for reinstatement by the SP, a General Authority will review the information and make the decision at that point based on the information from the SP, and any other supporting documents, such as a letter from a treating professional about a missionary's health. Sometimes the process doesn't seem clear to us as moms, and we get left out of the equation (mostly because our missionaries are adults, and there are privacy issues). Our bishop also said something interesting: that sometime SP's don't realize the power they have. So your SP is really the person you need to work with. I hope that's helpful information!"






** PLEASE COMMENT BELOW IF YOU HAVE OTHER RESOURSES.  TIA **


Sunday, February 14, 2016

What is a two-transfer mission?



"What is a two-transfer mission?
A two transfer mission is a 3 month period of a proselyting mission. The schedule is the same as a missionary with a 18 month or two year call. The missionary has a companion and completes the same tasks including teaching, scripture study, and service and any other missionary. You do not go to the MTC."
---read more here --->>>>>>>>  
https://sisteralexharrison.wordpress.com/2014/09/07/what-in-the-heck-is-a-two-transfer-mission/


Two-transfer LDS mission
serving a Two transfer LDS mission brings many experiences I share the good and the hard times from a mom's perspective
http://2transfermission.blogspot.com/





Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Recipes for missionaries that are quick and easy



Mexican Chicken (Crockpot)
Put 4-6 frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts in crockpot. Add a jar of salsa, a can of drained black beans, and a bag of frozen corn or 2 cans of corn. Cook on low for 6 to hours- till done. Take a brick of cream cheese (or a pint of sour cream) and put on top, turn the crock pot off, let it sit for about 20 minutes. Serve over rice, in tortillas, or just the way it is.

(you can add more of what you like or add extras like a can of Rotella, a chopped up onion, peppers)



3 large chicken breasts, cut into small cubes 
1/4 c brown sugar 
1/4 c cornstarch 
1 can pineapple tidbits 
1 can chicken broth 
1/4 c apple cider vinegar 
1/4 c soy sauce

Heat skillet. Add olive oil, butter, or margarine, cook chicken through. Remove from skillet.

Combine in skillet, brown sugar and cornstarch.

With the liquid from the pineapple tidbits and the can of chicken broth, add enough water to make a total of 3 cups. Add to skillet. Add vinegar and soy sauce.

Return chicken to skillet. Add pineapple tidbits. Cook until heated through. Serve over Rice.

To cook rice: 1 cup rice to 2 cups water Ingredients you can add to recipe: Sliced celery, peanuts or cashews, Chinese noodles.



1 scoop of cooked minute rice
1 scoop of cooked black beans
ANY of the following toppings: cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, onion, chopped tomato, any leftover cooked meat and vegetables you have on hand.



Melt 1/4 cup margarine in a 9x13 in the oven. 
In a separate bowl combine 6 eggs
1 c. flour 
1 c. milk. 
Pour batter into hot butter and bake for 20 minutes. Serve with syrup or powdered sugar.

Or another version


4 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk
6 eggs
1  cup flour
1 teaspoon of salt

Preparation:
-Preheat oven to 350
-Melt TSB (half stick) of butter in 13 x 9 pan. It helps to cut into 8 pieces to melt more evenly.             (Melt this in the oven while it’s preheating)
-Put the milk, eggs, flour and salt into blender. You can mix with beaters but blenders are easier.           (Blend until it’s at batter type thing; it will be RUNNY)
-The Butter should be melted by now. Tilt it around the pan a bit to help line the edges.
-Pour batter mixture in the center of the pan
-Cook for 20-25 minutes. Check at around 15-20. The pancake will be puffed over the edges.
-Serves well with syrup, powdered sugar and lemon juice, or fresh fruit 


(I made this up as I went, so you are getting guesstimates)

1 lb. meat, chopped or sliced up.
1 package pasta - your choice or whatever is on clearance/sale
1 lb. frozen vegetables - your choice or whatever is on sale, I usually use broccoli or California mix
1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of anything soup - again... sale or clearance)
Season salt - a couple of teaspoons
Cheese
milk (1 soup can)
2 eggs
Chopped onions (I use the dehydrated bits)

Cook pasta and drain. The drainage is important.

Preheat oven to 350

In a separate bowl, combine milk, soup, eggs, season salt, meat and cheese. Add warm pasta and combine. Add frozen veggies and mix well. Pour into 9x13 baking pan. Bake, uncovered, for about 40 - 50 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

You can take half of the uncooked mix, bag it and freeze it for later and just bake the other half in an 8x8 pan. Since there's just the two of you, this will make a couple of meals.






Brown Hamburger and drain well. In a medium sauce pan combine hamburger and Spaghetti sauce. Simmer slowly for about 1 hour. Just before sauce is done Boil noodles and drain. Place noodles in large bowl and pour the sauce over it Or you can put noodles back in pan and toss with sauce. Serve with Garlic Bread and Parmesan cheese if desired. 

Another version

1 lb ground beef browned, 1 jar spaghetti sauce cooked and poured into bottom of 9x9 or slightly larger pan. Top it with a box of mac'n cheese prepared according to boxes instructions. Top with shredded cheese and bake just until cheese melts. Takes about ten min to make if you cook the sauce and noodles at the same time. Double it and get several meals out of it.




1 can chili con carne
Fritos
Cheese
Layer in a pan. Heat through, about 30 minutes.



1 med can enchilada sauce
1 can kidney beans, drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese


Add enchilada sauce and kidney beans and simmer on medium heat 5 to 10 minutes. (the longer it simmers, the more it reduces and the thicker the sauce.)
Layer about 3/4 of the package of Fritos in a deep casserole dish. Next layer all of the beef mixture. Sprinkle with about 1 1/2 cups cheese. Add remaining Fritos (I usually use just under the full bag.) and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake, covered, until cheese is melted and bubbly.


Ingredients:
1 lb hamburger
2 cans of beans -pinto or kidney (or one of each), drained
2 cans of Rotel
1 envelope of taco seasoning 
1 bg of shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 bag of regular Fritos
2 cups of sour cream (use left over for garnish) 
3/4 c. diced onions, optional 
1 T. minced garlic, optional

**This recipe does not make for good leftovers. When refrigerated the Fritos get soft and mushy. If you want to make less...use a 8x8 pan and cut the beans, and Rotel down to one can. I would only use about 1/2 of the bags of cheese and Fritos too.
Brown ground beef and onions. Drain, if necessary. Stir in the Rotel, taco seasoning, beans, and 1 cup of cheese. 
Line the bottom of a greased 9x13 casserole dish with a 1/2 bag of Fritos.
Cover Fritos with a layer of cheese, and then the meat mix.
Spread a layer of sour cream over the meat mixture. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.
Add another layer of remaining Fritos to casserole and cover with the remaining cheese. Bake until cheese has melted and slightly browned, about 5-10 minutes.
When serving, garnish with diced tomatoes, diced green onions, sliced jalapenos and sour cream.

http://www.theshadyporch.com/2013/09/cheesy-baked-frito-casserole.html#.Ve45hxHBzGc



2-3 cups flour 1 tablespoon yeast 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 2 tablespoons oil 1 cup warm water

Cheese of your choice Spaghetti or pizza sauce Toppings of your choice



Mix dry ingredients well (using only 2 cups of flour). Add oil and water and mix well. Knead for five minutes, adding enough flour to mak a soft dough. Roll out on a greased pizza pan (or cookie sheet etc.). 
Add sauce, cheese, and desired toppings. Bake at 425 degrees F for 12 - 18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the crust. (Note: the crust puffs up a little in the cooking process, so roll it out to 1/3 inch thickness or less unless you like your crust fluffy and breadlike). You can also make a BBQ chicken pizza by using BBQ sauce in place of Spaghetti sauce, and cooked chicken with onions and mushrooms. Carefully, it's a little messier!




















Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Learning a new language



If you have a lds.org login, you can use: 



My Mission Language
cdn.mtc.byu.edu

Enjoy!