Christmas & Dad and Carole's Engagement

Hello Family and Friends, 

Wasn't this such a great Christmas! I really loved talking, and enjoying my time with each of you on SKYPE I wish  I had had more time, but alas. It is all good, and I will be approaching my year mark, then Mother's Day will be right around the corner! :D

I am loving my new area, and my new companion, and our stewardship! They are amazing Sisters! It is so crazy to be in Winnipeg, it is huge! It is so weird that there are so many missionaries around! I mean- I went from seeing Sister missionaries once, maybe twice a transfer to seeing them all the time, because we go to church in the same building. The work here in the  city of  Winnipeg is so different, but it is different everywhere. And I think with adjusting comes new stresses, but I have been blessed with a loving companion, and we get along great! 

It was so good to see you all, and to hear from you all. 

This past week I was able to receive a blessing from our Ward Mission Leader. He is a very good man, and I am humbled by the priesthood power. I know that God lives, and that He loves us all individually. We are His children, and he wants and knows what is the very best for us. 

This past Christmas time our mission president challenged us to read the Book of Mormon in a week. And to devote most of our time,and energy to do so.  It is amazing! I have seen, and felt my testimony grow in the last week. If you don't have, or want to increase your testimony, I invite you to read the Book of Mormon, ponder, and pray about it. Then ask God our Father it it is true. I promise you as you do so, you will have an increased desire to know more, and you will feel the Love of our Savior. In the beginning of the Book Of Mormon it talks about praying, and reading with real intent. To me that intent means to know of our Savior Jesus Christ. Why He is important, and why it is important that we share and come to know Him. It has helped me realize what He has done for me, and what He can, and is helping me with. I love the Lord, and our Savior Jesus Christ. He lives. 

I also gave a talk on Sunday. My first one on my mission. I studied and prayed this whole week. And it is crazy how the Lord will never abandon us, as long as we are obedient and are doing our best. I feel the spirit so strongly here. And I have come to realize how much I love sign language, I do. I light up, and It helps me to be who I am. My companion and I did a musical number after my talk We sang/signed the "Joseph's First Vision" #26 . It was beautiful. I sang soprano, and she did alto, I signed the song as well. It was lovely. The spirit was so strong. I can hardly remember what happened. I just know that music is a huge way that the Lord shows His love for His children, and we show our love to the Lord. 

Congratulations again Dad on your engagement to Carole Peck, I pray that we may all have soft hearts, and be able to help you and Carole transition into a life together. 

I know God has a plan for each of His children. And how desperately I want to follow His plan. Because He has proven me in days past; I will be happy, as long as I will follow His will, and obey His commands. I love This gospel, and the Atonement. I am so grateful that we can repent, and become closer, and closer to our Savior, and our Heavenly Father, and to the Holy Ghost. Make them a  part of your daily lives. 

Love you all, and thank you for all that you do for me, and for each other. I lam so blessed, I cannot thank you enough. 

Love Sister Tomkinson 

Transfer, Training Leader, and Testimony!

Well, as the subject of this email is based on transfers.. I am letting you know that I am moving to the London Ward in Winnipeg, I will be serving as a Sister Training Leader there, and I will be serving with Sister Davis. She's a super hard worker, I am so looking forward to serving with her! It's going to be the best!

I am though going to desperately miss this area so much! I've heard leaving your second area is the hardest... but we can do hard things right?

I have to go in like 4 minutes.. so I wanna share my testimony.

I know that the Lord has a plan for each of His children. That we may not always see why, or how, or we may think...'what the?'  But He truly does. I know that if I am being called to do certain things then the Lord will provide a way. And it is a way where I will be the best I can be, and be the most happy. I prayed and asked the Lord for an increased desire, and to be hard working, and to be able to balance my time better. And this is one of the small ways He is fulfilling His promise to help me be all that I can be. I am grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ, and that we can repent, and that we can become what God wants to us to be. I am really grateful for my family, and friends. For all that you do for me, and for the Lord. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

P.S. Yes, I did get the packages. Thank you very much

Love Sister Tomkinson

P.P.S.. Something interesting..? I am being transferred today, to Regina, we are leaving soon because of day light. Then we are leaving at 6:00 in the morning to get to Winnipeg tomorrow. :) I love the Lord and all that He does for us. :)

"As I continued reading, I felt the Spirit testify to me, that the work that my companion and I do is the Lord's work, and that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the one and only fully restored gospel on the earth today."

Sister Larson, ward mission leader and I.

Selfie :)

Check out our recycling pile!

Egg Nog

Road Conditions

First off, I wanna give a shout out to my darling Sister Cora. It is her birthday today!!!! She's so beautiful, and wonderful. I wouldn't be the same person I am now without her. She has made me strong, and understanding. Helped me through so much, and is just amazing! I love her! :) 

Second have you checked out christmas.mormon.org yet???? It is amazing, and I urge you to do so! It will bless your life immensely! And possibly the lives of so many others! See how you can Discover, Embrace, and Share the Gift! BTW great ideas for FHE just sayin' #ShareTheGift

So this week family, and friends we had Christmas zone conference, and it was so much fun! I am just loving it here the good ol' CWM!!!!!

There definitely was a huge push on the developing your own testimony of Jesus Christ. And definitely something that I received from the conference was to serve more, and to love people more sincerely and deeply. For the last little while I have been just falling into a slump, slump dump. So what better way to get out? Well, dig yourself out with service, and love. And it has changed my attitude, and even my diet! It's amazing! I love this work so much! 

And this morning we were out shopping at SuperStore, a man said he had a friend who is a member of our congregation. We were like- neat! We shared a christmas.mormon.org card. It was great! As we continued talking he said 'Hey you should go look up Galatians 1.' So I did.... I was surprised by the first line of the chapter heading. "Preachers of false gospels are accursed" 

As I continued reading I was surprised by this man's boldness, and was a little stunned by the what seemed innocent, but it was persecution that had just happened. But what I think he wanted to have happen, actually had an opposite effect. As I continued reading I felt the Spirit testify to me, that the work that my companion and I do is the Lord's work, and that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the one and only fully restored gospel on the earth today. Joseph Smith did translate the Book of Mormon, and that it is the word of God. I love our Savior Jesus Christ. And I want to learn of Him everyday. One way I try to do so is by being Christlike and by developing Christlike attributes... if you need help, and I believe we all do. Preach My Gospel has a great section on them found in chapter six.  "I feel [our] Savior's love, the Love He freely gives me."

I love you guys, and I hope that you will all have such a great week! love you all, and thank you for all of your love, and support it means the world to me. :) 

Love Sister Tomkinson

p.s. look at your December Ensign, and look at what the first Presidency is asking of it's members. Joshua 1:9

:)

Miracle snow boots, just in time!

This week has been good, and it has been so cold! 

  *Miracle! So my debit card hasn't been working in Canada= can't spend money unless it is for the things as outlined in the W.H.B. Look at lds.org for details. Anyway so, a tricky member, who is now a ward missionary, Sister Sherlock, bought me boots! They were on sale too! :D Anyway the weather turned terrible on Tuesday! So huge blessing I had boots, just in time for it to get super cold, and snowy! And the entrance to the building is a little questionable, I have pictures. But I forgot my card reader. Hopefully sometime soon I will send pictures. 

Yesterday was -31* F with the wind chill... super cold! But super good too! :) I love Sunday!

They will only cancel church if it's -40* 

So many of you have probably seen Facebook, and all sorts of media plastered with "He is the Gift.christmas.mormon.org"  And with that have you all received your Ensigns?????????????

Within your Ensign there should be about 6-9 pass along cards with the picture of Mary, and Jesus, while He is a baby. It's beautiful. 

  Anyway those pass along cards are for you all to pass out! => hint PASS along cards! ;) 

As you share these cards, I invite you to bear strong testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ and to develop your relationship with our Savior. That is a relationship that can weaken, if it's not growing. 

Also, I am curious, have you all been sharing spiritual experiences with those around you? Family members, friends, have you been writing them down in your journals? If you want these experiences, you have to let the Lord know that He can trust you to give you such experiences. Now I know that that's not exactly how it always works. Look at Lamen and Lemuel, the prophet Nephi's brothers. They saw Angels, and had many spiritual witnesses, but alas they still fell away from Christ. Which brings me back to if you're not growing, you're slopping downwards. It may be slow, or rapid. But I strongly encourage you to grow. 

In Preach My Gospel, it says.. "The Spirit is the most important single element in this work. With the Spirit magnifying your call, you can do miracles for the Lord in the mission field. (or in your own house, neighborhood, etc...) Without the Spirit, you will never succeed regardless of your talent and ability." -President Ezra Taft Benson.

I love this quote, because I definitely -at times, like to override the Spirit, and then I think.. 'What am I doing?!" Just always go by the Spirit, He will help us in ALL aspects of our lives! This is something that I am doing to improve this week! 

:) I love you, and oh, we're going on exchanges this week! I get to be companions with Sister Christensen for a day! It's going to be the best! 

Thank you for all of your love, kind words, and support. I cannot do this with out you. 

Love Sister Tomkinson

P.S. If you are wanting me to email you, please write me an email first. :) I do not have the magical ability to know everyone's email. If so that'd be the best! Love you all, and again thank you for all that you do!

Love you!

"I Hope You Know That Jesus Christ Lives"

Sorry I do not have enough time to write a lot today, but know that I am so grateful for all that you do, and I hope that you know that Jesus Christ lives, and that He loves us all so much! We are so blessed to be here, at this time. That we are in our current circumstances to learn, and to grow. And I hope that we will all take the time, since it is thanksgiving, and it's just good for us. To say a prayer of gratitude! Just get on your knees, it you're capable and tell Heavenly Father what you're grateful for. He loves you, and He shows His love for us in so many ways. Let's all take some time,and recognize those ways!

I love you! Thank you for all that you do ! 

Love Sister Tomkinson 

May We Always be Yolked With Christ

This week has been crazy, but good!

I said Goodbye to Sister Veylupek she's in Winnipeg now, which is about 7 hours away.

I also am with Sister Porter, she's absolutely amazing! I love her so much, and I am looking forward to this next transfer together! It's going to be amazing! We've been praying super hard for miracles, and also for families! 

It's was a bit of a crazy week, with packing, goodbyes, and etc. I was in Regina for three days! Whoa, talk about being out of your area for a long time. I really missed it here,and I felt like I was abandoning the people we were teaching... I mean this is their salvation we're talking about! 

 

I am so glad that I am here on my mission, and that we are able to be here on our missions, and that we can work hard! I made a tuke! Which is a beanie! I'll take a picture of it, and what not.. I made it for an Elder. 

We were just informed that they will be tearing up the road to our building so we need to go, because they're waiting for us to move our car!

I love you, thank you for all your prayers, and support. There definitely are miracles all around us!

Don't run faster than the Holy Ghost! 

um... I have been reading a chapter from the New Testament everyday- it's great I love chapter 11 of Matthew :) And may we always be yolked with Christ 

Love you!

Love Sister Tomkinson 

"Life always goes easier, when we try not to be at war with Him, but rather have peace in our lives"

Thank you all so much for your emails, prayers, and support. I truly felt them this week, as it was a great week, and a really motivating week, for both my companion and I. We love you!

So this week, we were able to met with our investigator Kris, she's doing really well. She actually committed to be baptized on Dec 20. And we are hoping that she will be able to have quit smoking by then. It's amazing the change that is happening within her heart, and her actions! Since she's been learning more about our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Also this week I definitely have had a lighter heart this week. Feeling the Spirit so much more! 

Our motivation, and what we have been saying to help us stay focused, and applying training from Z.T.M. and our Zone Conference is not running faster than the Holy Ghost.. I promise it is totally not worth it! Going with the Spirit=so much better it's almost crazy... but it's not because it's of God! 

I love this gospel so much! And I am so happy :) 

We received transfer calls I will be staying in Moose Jaw for another 4 weeks. It's a little different, because of Christmas. I hope that I don't get transferred :/ And I will be welcoming Sister Porter! I love her so much. I met her in the M.T.C. we came out together but she was in another companionship, obviously! ;) 

Anyway I met her actually before our missions. I helped her pick out her garments, and get her already to go to the temple. Well.. as much as I can.. ha ha. Anyway she's super cute, adorable, a little quiet and shy.  But that's totally all good! I love you all so much! Hope that you have a great week! 

Thank you again for all that you do! 

Oh, and my heart goes out to those who are mourning the lost of Great Uncle Howard. I know that he is being attended by Angels, and by so many loved ones on the other side of the veil. I know that there was a glorious reunion on the other side. :) 

I love the temple. And since being on my mission. My love for the Salt Lake City Temple has grown exponentially. I am amazed at the love, and dedication that has been put into that temple specifically, and so many others. I love this gospel, I know Christ lives, and that He loves us. He has a plan, and life always goes easier, when we try not to be at war with Him, but rather have peace in our lives. 

Love you! 

Love Sister Tomkinson

P.S. The weather only a dusting of snow as of late, nothing sticking,but it's about 10-16* today. hmm :) and not including wind chill with that- I would say about 4-7* I love you! Love Sister Tomkinson... and b.t.w. I'm talking Fahrenheit. :D 

Let Your Light Shine!

This week has been one of the fastest, yet slowest weeks of my life. Ha ha, anyway it was a pretty good week over all.

On Halloween, we did volunteering for the Moose Jaw Food Bank- that was so much fun! We just went door to door collecting food for the food drive. This is my second time on my mission doing this, I did it before in a small town of Melfort for a Zone Conference service opportunity. 

We were able to have Hardika come to a baptism this weekend, and that was super good. She said one of the things she wanted to do before she was baptized, was to see a baptism. So it's been super good for her to see one! 

One of the boy's who were baptized this past weekend was Ben. Ben is 8, is the oldest of 6 children, and also has read the Book of Mormom It astounds me the faith that children have! 

So I made a poster! Yay! Hope you enjoy #whatFBmissionaries do! ;) 

And with it, I hope that you all will let your light so shine, so that it will draw men into the fold. So that they may glorify our Father in Heaven. I love you all so much! We get transfer calls this week! :O) I can't believe I have already been here for 4 1/2 months! Ha ha, anyway I think I'll stay at least 1 more transfer.. but we'll see. :) 

Love you so much! Have a great day! 

Gift!

So this week we went to Saskatoon, and we had Elder Malm come and speak to us! Talk about motivational! I love the work so much! And I love that the Lord as called and ordained servants on the earth today! and that their main desire, and focus is to serve us! the Lord's children. So in turn we can better serve others, and serve God! Mosiah 2:18

See everyone as YES-sayers! We all already said yes to the Lord, and we just need to remind people that we already said yes. And that the Lord is on our side! In a world of changing values, the Lord will always be constant, and loving, kind, and forgiving. 

While doing the ASL class we had a recent convert bring a friend. And we are now teaching said friend! What?! it's like I was super afraid to do this as a finding idea, but it totally worked! Trust the Lord He completely knows what He's doing!

I love you all so much!

Oh and the ring, Cheryl Bosley. The woman I help bring into baptism bought me this ring.. she wears lots of them, and had planned on giving me one of her own rings.. but instead bought me one. :O 

I can hardly believe it.. I could hardly accept it.. I mean it's crazy, how the Lord knows us, and blesses us. And How we can be instruments in the Lord's hand so that He may bless His children. 

I love you so much, thank you for all of your prayers, and thoughts.. they were desperately needed these last few days.. :) 

Transfers will be in a couple weeks.. I pray that I may stay another transfer. 

I love you! 

Thank you for the photos, the quilt, and everything else you do for me.:) Even though I haven't mentioned all that you do for me, know that it is deeply appreciated.

                                                              Sister McPhee and I.

                                                                   Sister Hiatt, and I.

 First one is me with my comp's glasses on.. my poor attempt to look a little like Ashlynn ;)

 And second one is of me, what I look like to my trainee while training.. she gets to stare at me, and all of the General Authorities behind me.. oh and Moroni is there too! ;) 

Love Sister Tomkinson 

Sorry, I always seem to be out of time, by the time I get to this massive email, but to make up for it. You all receive pictures! :) 

Striving for Exact Obedience

This week has been so good, you can definitely call it a transfer of miracles! We have been able to meet with the people we've been teaching, being able to see them progress has been so wonderful! The work is going here in Moose Jaw. I just pray that my companion and I will continue, and grow to be exactly obedient. That's what I want, and that's what the Lord expects out of us missionaries! Also I have to be obedient in order to have the spirit to be with me, so that I can keep up with all the work,and keep it growing! 

Sorry this is so short... but you get pictures! :) 

I love you all so much! Thank you for all your love, and all of your amazing support! I am constantly in aw, over how much you all love me. And I love our Heavenly Father so much. He truly does support us, and His son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost too! I am so blessed for all that I have. 

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

Hello family, and friends 

I hope that your week was so good! I am so grateful for all of your thoughts, and prayers. And I appreciate all that you do for me. 

This past week was a little rough, but that's one we have prayer. It is such an amazing tool Heavenly Father has given us. I mean it takes work on our part to receive blessings, and prayer is a form of work. (BD:Prayer). 

I am so glad that today is thanksgiving, I was able to study gratitude in "True to the Faith" It's amazing I invite you to turn there, and just absorb it... Anyway today has been a really good day, and yesterday was amazing! It was fast and testimony meeting, and then I taught Gospel Principles about Fasting, and.. Relief Society was about keeping the Sabbath Day Holy. 

At about 4:30 we headed over to Wolfs for supper, and we had an early Thanksgiving dinner, that was super fun! They're an amazing family. They make sure that their children are a priority in their home. So good! And we went and sang to some members of the ward. 

While at the Bayley's house we were singing some primary hymns. And I felt the Spirit so strong it was amazing. It made everything that's hard, everything that's frustrating all worth it. The Lord knows us better than we know ourselves. And I am so grateful for this principal! Sometimes.. well often, I forget about this, and what the gravy am I doing?! It makes life a whole lot easier when we walk by faith, and when we go with what God wants us to do. And even when walking in faith is hard, like this past week. I can't imagine how hard it would have been if I didn't go by faith? 

I love you all so much, and music is of God.... when it's wholesome, and uplifting.. :)

I love you, thank you so much for all that you do for me, for all your prayers, emails, thoughts. I love you all! 

Love Sister Tomkinson 

Thoughts on General Conference

Hello, I don't have lots of time, but I'll try my best...

I will share my thoughts on one talk in particular I really loved. It was by Tad R. Callister General Sunday School President.

I loved how he talked about being a family, pushing ourselves to be the best that we can be. and it made me think.. obviously I am not a parent yet, but will I be the parent that God wants me to be. Will I take care of His children that He has placed in my care? And I the best daughter that I can be. to both my earthly parents, and to my Heavenly Parents?

Am I doing all that I can be doing? To prepare myself to life with Him again? Am I doing all I can do ensure that I have the Holy Ghost to be my constant companion. As long as we stay true to our baptismal covenants? Moroni 4&5....

Another thing is, are we sustaining our Prophet? Are we getting weak in the knees, and this burden seems to heavy? Are we staying strong, and staying focused on the work? Are we showing Him our love, by loving one another? How I need to do better. If the Lord's working is coming to the Earth regardless if we're ready or not. Are we going to let it all skim over our heads. Or are we going to step up, and be the children He needs us to be? Are we going to be involved in the work? Are we going to enjoy the ride? Or are we going to go on the adventure, but give up half way because we're not having fun,and it's too hard?

It is hard, I'm not going to lie. But we can do all thing with the Lord on our side. I absolutely loved that they sang "How Firm a Foundation" This is one of my most favorite hymns ever! Especially the last verse. #mytestimonyinahymn I'll never, no never, no never forsake... at least I think those are the word.. if not.. that's what I receive out of them. ;) I love you! 

I know that the church is true! I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. If you have read it and have come to know of it's truthfulness that's amazing! Now act on that faith! If you Have read it, but not yet have received your answer, one it'll come, two, are you doing all the steps necessary to ensure that you can receive your answer, three when you receive your answer thank God mightily for your answer.  He loves all of us. And He cares for us. Thank you for all that you do, to help me better serve our Heavenly Father. Your prayers, faith, and actions mean everything to me. I love you all!

Love Sister Tomkinson

I Get a Niece!!!

I hope that you all are having a great week, I just received the news that Ashlynn Bell ( my twin for those who don't know) is having her baby like right now!!! :O I can hardly believe that! :D I love her so much, and I know that she is going to make a great mom! 

We are all so blessed to be children of God. That He loves us more than we will ever comprehend in this life, and probably in the life to come. I can only imagine what it will be like when we are greeted by our loved ones from the other side. As my companion and I were trainging. We were having a difficult time working on our unity, and asking good questions. We were becoming frustrated, but instead of letting it fester I decided to pray. It was a simple, and heartfelt prayer. When a song came into my head. "Heavenly Father Loves Me" this is the song that was sang at my mother's funereal. Although I wasn't in attendance, I was able to watch a DVD of the funereal. I love my mother, and she is very dear to me. When I started to sing, tears came to my eyes,and my voice coudln't really carry a tune much longer. But I sang anyway... ( my poor companion.. ;)) Peace over came me, and I was able to cool down, and communicate with my companion. We were then blessed with understanding and were able to continue learning. I love the Lord, and His tender mercies. I love my Mother, and that her presence brings me great comfort, and peace. 

 Something that I've been doing, and applying in my life is.. would I say that to the Savior? Would I raise my voice, call him stupid, or a boger? Would I think negatively, or be envious of Him? No, I wouldn't, so why do we do that towards others, and also to ourselves. 

One thing we do as humans is beat our selves up. How can we be so cruel, and so tormentable (no idea if that's a real word ;P) to ourselves. We often times are our worse bullies, getting down on ourselves because we made a mistake, and we're not sure if we'll ever be able to overcome it. So it drives us to just continue down the dark tunnel of fear, paranoia, selfishness, and pride. The only way to overcome this is through our Savior Jesus Christ, 

 19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the  light of Christ that ye may know good from evil;and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not,ye certainly will be a child of Christ.

Moroni 7:19

Searching, and condemn if not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ. " I love that! I don't know about you, but I want that, I need that in order to obtain true happiness in this life! I cannot walk this path alone. And He is path, He lights the path, He walks besides' us on the path, He will even carry us down the path, if we go the right way. (2 Nephi 31) Are we allowing Christ to guide  us on our day to day labors? Are we being the disciples we ought to be? Now I'm not saying that you shouldn't take a good look in the mirror and see where you can improve on as people, I'm saying by getting caught up on little imperfections, we often miss out on little miracles,and blessings that come our way.

May we all keep our eyes open to the bounteous blessings which the Lord gives us. How I love the Lord, and how I know He loves you. You are His child, He made you to be the only You there ever will be, And once you humble yourself enough to actually grasp that, or even have a desire to grasp that. Turn to prayer, prayer is a direct way to communicate with our Father in Heaven. (B.D.; Prayer) He wants to hear from you, He didn't send us to the earth to fail, He sent us to have success, and joy in this life, and in the life to come. (PMG The Restoration.. I think pg.36?) 

I love you, Heavenly Father Loves you, come unto Him, and find Eternal life. He wants the very best for us. His "work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality, and eternal life of man." Moses 1:39. 

I love you so much, thank you for all that you do, hope you have a great week. I am so appreciative for all for your prayers, thoughts, letters, and emails. 

Love Sister Tomkinson, 

p.s. we received transfer calls, I'm going to be staying in Moose Jaw for at least 6 more weeks. :D I love it here. There's a great member I'm particular close with, her name is Barb. Go to my facebook message her, I love her add her. She's great! :D

p.s.s. don't wend any packages to my apartment address, send them only to the mission office. UPS will fine me, and same with FedEx... last companion had a $65 fine, so please send them there, so that we can make sure that there are no hidden fees that go unaccounted for... I mean we do obey the law of the land. And I don't exactly want a canadian bounty over my head, for unpaid postage. ;) 

Love Sister Tomkinson :D

p.s.s.s. Ashlynn's having her baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D 

Attachments area

Preview attachment top favorite of jesus Christ.jpg

top favorite of jesus Christ.jpg