Expect Miracles

This week has been so crazy good! We were able to receive a referral last week from a LA member in the Sunrise ward for one of her friend's. Her name is R, she went over taught the first half of lesson one, returned the second day ( I was on exchanges with Sister A.) And we committed her to baptism, she agreed to be baptized on July 18! We are so excited, we can hardly contain ourselves! 

This week has been so full of miracles I wish I could just write them all down! 

On Wednesday with had lunch with a sister who hasn't been able to make it to church in a few years. She explained how she has been feeling left out, and excluded from the rest of the ward. She is from the Philippians and her English isn't too great. But I feel so much love for the dear sister. I will always remember Sister A. She is so kind, and so loving. She really wants to change.  My testimony grew so much over the concept of promising people blessings as they live the gospel. I felt so inspired to simply say, "As you come to church, your family will join you." Her family also hasn't attended on a while, she broke down in tears. The Spirit was so strong! 

Prayer is so real,I'm going to type that again... Prayer is so real.

We also are excited to be working with this family moving into the city from where??? Moose Jaw! The best place ever! Well, Regina is making it's way up the list quick! I love everywhere I have/am serving! They're a family where the dad is a member, wife and children are not. But they are progressing towards baptism,and we are so excited to start teaching them! 

The Spirit is truly the teacher, and reading, praying, coming to church, and keeping commitments are truly how people are going to receive their answer. You have to believe that you're going to get an answer. Similar if you're running a race, if you believe that you're going to finish you will! If you say, I'm never going to get to the finish line, good luck getting there, because you won't. You must have hope, and faith in our Savior that you will receive an answer. Answers come in so many ways, but just remember if it's good, It's of God.  

Our area: I am serving in both the Sunrise, and Lewvan ward. We have 3 baptismal dates, 2 for July 11 (A, and T, siblings) and then 1 for July 18 (R). The first two are turnovers from the Moose Jaw Elders. Then R, was actually a referral from one of our Less active members in Sunrise ward. She is originally from ---. We called her, set up an appt. And she knew right then and there that the Book Of Mormon is true! And she agreed to baptism. Last night we read some of the Book of Mormon with her, and she keeps talking about how much she feels the Spirit. She asked more in depth about what she needs to do to be baptized. We briefly went over the Word of Wisdom, and she accepted the doctrine right then, and there. She is so excited to live, and keep the commandments. We are so blessed, and are so excited to help her build on the relationship she already has with our Savior. She is so wonderful! She also has two daughters. They loved going to church yesterday it was the best!  

What I have learned this past week, is to EXPECT MIRACLES! Sister A, and I have been praying for specific blessings, and have been more sincere in our praying. I love the Lord, He truly is blessing the prepared. I hope to always be worthy of the Holy Ghost so that I may find them, and that they may find us, especially families. I love this gospel so much!

I also had exchanges with Sister A. They're in Saskatoon. They're wonderful you're going to love them! I set a goal to EXPECT MIRACLES! Because when we have faith that good things are going to happen, that's giving God more opp. to make blessings, and miracles happen! I love this work, and the gospel so much! 

 Sister A, she is doing wonderfully! We are right on track with the training book. Sister A. is a super star, she is going to do great things on her mission, and I am excited to see how the Lord is going to stretch and grow her. I love her so much! 

I love you all so much, and I am looking forward to see how this week goes! With the attitude of "expecting miracles" I am so grateful for all the support, and love I have from you.  Thank you so much. 

I love this work, I love the Lord. I am so grateful for families. They are blessing from our Heavenly Father. 

Love, 

Sister Tomkinson 

p.s. a quote I read in the Ensign from President Packer "Obedience is a powerful spiritual medicine."

I LOVE MY MISSION!

I LOVE IT HERE ON MY MISSION!

President and Sister Thomas are finishing their mission this week. It is crazy to think that they're done. I will miss them They have been truly wonderful, and great examples of the Lord. I am so grateful for this gospel and for the many blessings we can receive through the help of others that is, often times; the most powerful answers I receive to my prayers.

 :) They say a picture is worth a thousand words! ;) 

We have seen tons of miracles this week! We were able to have 9 of those we are teaching come to church this week! MIRACLE! We are wanting to just keep working harder, and harder! I am so grateful for this work, and I am so glad that we can have the Lord's help as we push forward! 

Sister Alder and I are doing great! We are having the time of our lives, and we love serving with each other! We love it when we make others laugh. That is such a delight to our day. And when things fall through, and many commitments aren't kept, we pray and we really are comforted by the SPIRIT! HE IS SO GOOD!!!

It's funny Sister Alder was sharing some mission stats from her friends south of I guess.. two borders.. ;) And it truly is wonderful to see how fast the work is moving! I pray that the people, and the missionaries in the C.W.M. can catch up with the work! We love it here! 

Love, Sister Tomkinson 

It's getting Hot!  Above, delicious food!  And a mini scripture and Resses my favorite for my birthday from the home ward!

Spiritual Strength and Power!

Sunset ward made me a cake for my birthday!  I love them!


This week was so good! So crazy busy, but sooo good!

We were able to teach so many members, those that aren't very active in church! They are starting to progress, and wanting to make good changes in their lives!

I am so amazed at the strength that our Savior can give us. Not only in the lives of others have I seen this impact recently, but in my own life. He can give us the strength we need to resist, and avoid temptation! 

I am really excited for this next week too! With football season starting up, the city of Regina goes absolutely CRAZY during these games.. :) it's so much fun! 

Sis. A. taking this great picture!

We also had a great time this week street contacting. We ran into two less actives that were baptized out on a reserve when they were young. We are excited to start teaching them a lot too! Here in Regina we work mostly with the First Nations people, they are wonderful, kind and friendly. It is extremely hard for them to follow through with their commitments, and for them to stay faithful. It is crazy to see the prophecies in the Book of Mormon come true though. They are the best, they also make really good bannock, it's a denser fry bread. So good!

I have been thinking this morning during studies... what a privilege it is to serve a mission! I am so glad to be serving mine.  To think that I get to do this for a while longer makes me so EXCITED! I am so glad to be here, and I am pumped for this next transfer! Sister A. and I are wanting to be be Spiritual powerhouses, and we want to Spirit to be involved in everything we do! I am so grateful for the prayers, and support that you all give to me, and the Lord's work!

You are amazing! Hope that you all have a great week! 

Thank you again for all that you do. I want you to know that I love you, I love our Savior Jesus Christ. He lives, and wants us to follow Him. He is kind, and always there for us. 

While studying about the Plan of Salvation I came across this scripture again.. 

2 Corinthians 5:7

 "For we walk by faith, not sight."

How simple is that? As we rely on the Holy Ghost He will always lead us to where we need to be going. We are God's children and He loves us, and knows us individually. I echo the testimony of so many when I say.. I know that my Redeemer lives. He love me, and He loves all of you! 

Love, Sister Tomkinson 

So I have this fear of cats, they are out to get me!  

Faith + Priesthood Blessing= Miracle

 I can't believe how fast time is going by! 

We had Zone Conference in Saskatoon this week, so that was really, really neat! It was all about the Holy Ghost, and how He is the true teacher. And I know that He really is the teacher. I am so grateful for His guidance, and His care. I am really glad that He can bring the truth unto the hearts of those we teach out here in the field, and back home.

The drive was pretty neat! It's a 2.5 hour drive, and it's all pretty much flat, so it's an easy drive. :) There are a few hills, but when you're out on the prairies, you can see the sky for days! It seems like it goes on forever. 

I am so grateful that time is flying by. :)

Since it's been so much warmer out we have been able to meet with a lot more people, in their houses, out on the street. We are so blessed for good weather!

It's weird you try and look as far as you can, but at least for me. I become distracted by small things before I ever reach the edge of the sky. It's so beautiful! 

We were also able to stop by "Twisted Sister" An ice cream shop on the way back from Regina. We left at 6:00 in the morning, and arrived home at 8:00 at night. It was a great and long day.

MIRACLE!!! So last Monday I was feeling under the weather, but I was determined that I was going to make to it to zone conference! I didn't get much sleep, and when the morning came. I woke up a hour earlier than the alarm. But I prayed so hard, that I would be able to well enough to drive, and make it to zone conference. Because it's one thing if I can't go, but if my companion can't go,because I'm sick- oh no way, that's not happening! 

So I called my Mission President and received permission to get a blessing from one of the Elder's. So when we all went to the church to carpool from there. We step into the Relief Society room, and I received a blessing. the spirit was so STRONG! And I literally felt my body, I don't know how to describe it? shake, or be cleansed from the sickness that was in me. It was completely gone! The power of the Priesthood is real, the only way we have that power on the earth today is because of our Heavenly Father's love for us, His son's ultimate sacrifice, and the restoration of the gospel. I am so grateful for this power that not only helps heal us when we are in need. But it is the power by which our families can be together for all eternity!

I was then able to make it to Saskatoon, and I was given the energy to pay attention in Zone conference, and be able to  have the energy to drive back home. :) I am so amazed, and so blessed! I am so grateful for the healing power of the Priesthood. And I am so grateful that I get to help people strengthen their relationship with our Savior!!! So many miracles!! :)

I also have been having so much fun here! We see lots of funny things going down, it just is so much fun here in the ghetto. Ha ha :) 

I love you all so much, and I am so grateful for all of your prayers, and support. It would be mighty difficult to do this work with out you! I love you all so much! And I am humbled to have such amazing friends, and family in my life.

Love, Sister Tomkinson 

Minionaries!

 Thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes, I really love and admire all of you! You are so wonderful, and I am so glad that I know all of you! 

This week has been a pretty great week! 

We were able to do a load of service this week, from helping a member move their car shop, to painting fences we had everything in between, it was so much fun! I would have to say that if I had to choose though my favorite act of service this week was going to the temple this past Saturday. The temple is such a special place where we can feel our Savior's love for us! I am so grateful that my family is sealed for all eternity there! 

We were also able to go to Coney Island Cafe for lunch it was so much fun! That's a poutine place, poutine is a Canadian dish, I believe it originated from Eastern Canada, like Quebec. but it's fries, Motzerella cheese curds, gravy.. that's the basic. At Coney's you can also get pretty much whatever you want on top. It's so good, but so bad for you.. ha ha. 

I also had my last interview with President Thomas he and Sister Thomas will be headed home in 4 weeks. Tomorrow we are driving up to Saskatoon. (2.5 hour drive) for our last Zone conference. It will most likely be my last time seeing them on the mission. But the wonderful thing is, is that there is life after the mission surprisingly. :) 

Anyway I love this work so much, and I am really excited for tomorrow. We will be leaving probably around 6:30 in the morning, then our zone conference will go from 10-4 with a hour long lunch break. It's going to be so much fun! I think Sister A. and I are going to get up EXTRA early so that I may go on a run. I can't stand sitting for more than a couple hours.. That's the only down side you sit pretty much all day, everyday. :(

It's going to mainly focus on "The Holy Ghost" So in preparation I've been studying loads on it! It is so much fun! I love constantly learning!

The song "No. Empty. Chairs." Was written for me by Elder J, I asked him to compose a song about my mother, he was so generous to do so. If you want to see it, it is on my Facebook. I am really grateful that he did that. He is really talented, and he is always more than happy to whip up a song. 

I love you so much! Thank you for all of your love, and support. I am so grateful for each and every one of you! Love, Sister Tomkinson

Guess What We Had For Dinner?

This week was so much fun!!!! 

So we did so much Service! it was so good! It feels like I have taken a fresh breath of air! I love this gospel so much BTW! Did you know that? Well you do now! I love our Savior Jesus Christ so much, He and our Father in Heaven are so good to us!

So we were in the area where the temple was so we pulled over real quick and took a quick selfie... these are from Sister A.'s camera my battery was dead, so I will be taking more pictures this week.:) I love the temple! It's so beautiful! Sister A. was like." It's so small!".. "I've never been able to see Angel Moroni up so close!" And that is a very true statement, you can see him in great detail. I am amazed at the handy craft that goes into making those small pieces of heaven that scatter the earth. We will actually be going so that is going to be the best!

We also had a teaching evaluation with the Assistants, they are wanting to do them with every brand new missionary and their trainer.. so that includes my companionship. :D Also we did pretty well, we= spirit. Ha ha, I have tried teaching without him.... Let's just say there was no teaching, or learning on either half. It's not worth trying to teach on your own. Just be obedient, and listen to the Holy Ghost and He will always guide and direct us. My struggle wasn't in being obedient, or listening, but it was doubting that He was there for me. DON'T DO THAT! It can be super hard to not do that.... ha ha if that makes sense. But really, just listen and trust. I have come to learn you never have to doubt what you're saying. As long as I am studying, being obedient, and trying my best I never have to doubt what good thoughts come to mind. If it's good, it's of God. :) It literally is that simple. 

Did you know that every tree planted in SK was hand planted? Yes every single one. Haha they don't grow naturally. It reminds me of the talk by Pres. Uchtdorf when he mentions "The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now." That's not word for word. But that is a very powerful statement. :) 

The plate of food.. you may be asking what is that..? I see rice, and salad..  but what is that in the corner.. well... first this is Sister A.'s plate and the lovely family was very generous in her helping. :D Let's just say she didn't end up liking what was in the right corner. :) Ha ha, but I loved it! 

Some background on the photo, we have a family in our building and they are from a small island from off the coast of Madagascar they invited us for supper last night. :) We get there, and they talk with us, and we share a lesson. I am looking so much to teaching this lovely family. :) I love the work so much! 

Now back to the supper. That is curry, and cumin OCTOPUS!  it was so delicious! mmmm.. my companion had other opinions ha ha. Poor thing,and they gave us, especially her sooo much! Ha ha, they measured the rice with a Tupperware. Ha ha. :D I love them so much! I think I was being prepared for all this ethnic food when I would go out to supper with Troy and Liza. :) I am really grateful for them for helping me to widen my palate. :) 

I love you so much! I am so grateful that you're my family, and friends. And I am so grateful for your support. I love you, and I am so blessed to be on my mission. I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost too. And I am serving in the best two wards in Regina! I love the members here, and those I come in contact with! I am so blessed here on my mission! 

Love Sister Tomkinson!

He Loves Us!

I can't believe how fast this month is flying by. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY KARLA AND SETH CONGRATULATIONS FOR 15 YEARS! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY SLOAN! 

 

This past week was amazing! We were able to see so many miracles, we found another two new investigators which is amazing, because we were able to rely on the Lord to guide us to more people to teach! 

We also stopped teaching the G. family though. They weren't willing to pray, and read about the Book of Mormon. They won't come to know of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ if they don't read, and pray with real intent, a willing heart, and a sincere desire. 

This week in my personal study I was reading one of chapters from the Prophet Joseph Fielding Smith.. he talked about receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. There is a difference. He continues to say something along the lines that many people are baptized, having the laying on of hands for receiving of the gift of the Holy Ghost. Then there is actually receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. If you have not received this gift, You are missing out. The guidance and comfort that comes from this precious gift of our Heavenly Father. He loves us, and too often do we ignore the Holy Ghost and the gentle promptings He gives us.  He testifies of Jesus Christ, and of our Beloved Heavenly Father.

Also, I am really grateful for my ward Mission Leader in L. ward. His wife Sister M. is one of the strongest women I know. She is a kind, and gentle spirit. And I love the Filipino culture! She came to a lesson with Kim this week. We talked of fast offerings, and tithing. She shared an experience from her mission while she served in the Philippines. There was a woman she taught, her husband was murdered while they were pregnant with their 8th child. This woman's faith touched my heart here in Canada. She continued to attend church, she taught her children the importance of paying tithing.. She literally had no other option but to pay tithing. She was able to budget, and survive with the smallest of wages. As her children grew they are now attending university on scholarship and they are having successful lives. They love their mother, and the Lord so very much! I am amazed at the love, and the culture of the M. family. I am amazed at their generosity, sincerity and kindness. They are struggling with some personal things, but they are relying the Lord to help them overcome their weaknesses. When her and her husband were first married they were married for a month, when Brother M. was sent to Saudi Arabia to work there for two years... they only could talk on the phone occasionally when they could receive a signal. He then came back home, and they had last a baby when he was gone. They had their son and he left when he was three months old. And came back when he was 2 1/2. 

They struggled so hard, and he wants to help his family be supported. They fasted,and prayed that he would not have to go back to Saudi Arabia for work. That's when he moved to Canada, next he brought his family over from the Philippines. It was then he met his daughter. He was so happy. And he is so grateful that his family is eternal. 

They had to put their faith,and are still continuing to do so.  Putting their faith to the test. After the trials of our faith is when we obtain our rewards. They are so kind. So wonderful. I am amazed to them! I am always reminded of a talk that Sister Dabb shared with a few of us young women. She said to live life like a Filipino. They are true disciples of Christ. I love that! I love her! And I hope to have that kind of faith someday. To just trust. Nothing faltering!

I love you!

Thank you so much for your wonderful help in so much that I do. Thank you for your kindness and your prayers. You are so AMAZING! 

Love you!

Love your Sister Tomkinson