Seeing LIfe Clearly

So I hope you are not totally bored out of your mind reading my studies... but it sure does help me with preparation for my mission!

Ecclesiastes. Seeing Life Clearly

Have you ever wondered what the purpose of life is? Ecclesiastes helps each of us understand it a little better.

I began my study by reading the Bible Dictionary for “Ecclesiastes,” (pg. 659), and completing the following statements:

·    The book of Ecclesiastes consists of reflections on some of the deepest problems of life, as they present themselves to the thoughtful observer.

·    The author describes himself as “son of David, kind of Jerusalem.”

·    Ecclesiastes is written from the point of view of the world.

·    Ecclesiastes should not be construed as theological pronouncements on the condition of the soul after death; rather they are observations by the Preacher about how things appear to men on the earth “under the sun.”

After reading in the Bible Dictionary I read Ecclesiastes 1–2 and listed five ways the author sought happiness but couldn’t find it. After each item on my list, I wrote the reference of the verse where I found it.

How the Author of Ecclesiastes Sought for Happiness

1.      He thinks that if he seeks wisdom he will obtain a great “estate” (1:16).

2.      He gave his all to obtain knowledge (1:17).

3.      He wanted to laugh, but found that this was a lot like having vanity (2:1).

4.      He gave himself a great house, great vineyards, orchards, gardens, springs of water, servants and maidens (2:4-7).

5.      He gave unto himself money (2:8).

 

Then to become more enlightened I read Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 and compared it with the principles that are taught in Mosiah 4:27; Doctrine and Covenants 10:4; 111:11; Luke 10:38–42. I then wrote a paragraph describing why the timing and order of our activities are so important. I then noted some examples of how major events of life when done at the wrong time or out of order could seriously hurt an individual’s eternal progress. At the end I wrote about some things that I need to do with the Lord’s guidance in my “time and season.”

Here are my thoughts:

                Timing and order are very essential to God’s plan. I have come to realize this in my life because what I have been experiencing at my age now, I would not have been able to handle at the age of fifteen. I have come to realize that doing things in the right order and at the right time is the right thing to do. I know that certain things like going on a mission are very essential to time and order. I also know that when someone is on mission and he decides to focus on things other than preaching the gospel will affect his eternal progression. As a mother the focus should be on having children, and nurturing children, and she decides to focus on family history instead. A senior couple is asked to serve a mission, but all the want to do is play with their grandchildren. These are just a few examples. What the Lord wants me to do at this time in my life is to focus on my education, and mission papers. He also wants me to develop a better relationship with my family before I go out to serve the Lord. Overall, I think that as long as I do the best I can to fulfill my “time and season” I will be blessed, and be able to reap the benefits and rewards.

I read Ecclesiastes 4–5, and chose two principles to incorporate into my life. Here are my thoughts:

Principle 1: It is better to be wise and poor than foolish and rich (4:13). This means that having knowledge is a very critical thing in life. It should not be taken for granted. Knowledge and wisdom are aspects of life that can help with discovery, and happiness.

Principle 2: It is better to keep your word than to lie and not keep it (5:5). We are taught that we should be honest in our doings with our fellowmen. We should do the best we can to be honest, and to keep our words. We should strive to obey this commandment because then we become more trustworthy, and reliable.

In the conclusion of my study I read Ecclesiastes 12:7, 13–14 and answered the following questions:

·         What happens to us when we die?

We become dust and our spirits return to God, the person who gave us our bodies.

·         What is “the whole duty of man”?

We are to fear God, and to keep his commandments.

·         Why is this a good description of man’s purpose?

This is a good description of man’s purpose because we are to become like Him. This life is the time for us to prepare to meet Him. We need to remember that we are no more than the dust of the earth, and to fear Him, and keep His commandments.

That's all folks!

 

Josie!

I'M A MAMA

People, things have just gotten crazy here in Denver Colorado! There is a ton of snow, and its flipping cold! But I think the biggest news of the week is that Trujillo and I had a baby! If you're confused, let me explain... well its a long story so bear with me. 

The only thing we knew about transfers is that there was a new Spanish sister coming in and that there would be a trio. When Trujillo and I found out we turned to each-other and said, "We could have a baby together!." (Its missionary lingo. When you are a new missionary the person who trains you is called your "mom". So when Trainers are waiting for a new missionary we call it "expecting" and the greenie a "baby".) Anyways, we were pretty serious about it and we even thought about calling President and requesting it but as time went on we finally were brought to our senses. We really didn't want it haha. So the week went on.

The last week of the transfer the blessings just started over flowing. We went contacting on Thursday for a little bit. There was a potential that we went to visit. The daughters were the only one home but as we were leaving the dad drove up. We started talking to him and he excitedly said, "When can you come see us?!" 

We were so surprised, "When ever you can have us over." 

"Can you come tomorrow?"

Again, surprised. "Of course! What time?"

"Come at 7." We scheduled it, said goodbye and left.

Friday comes along and we get a voicemail from the AP's (Assistants to the President). They said it was a "no drive" day because of all the snow. I was so frustrated because we had the promising appointment that night. but a few hours later we got another voicemail saying we could drive. During the whole day we forgot that it was the day that they would be calling the trainers to tell them they were... well, training. haha

We go to the appointment.... AND THEY ARE AMAZING! Its a family! We found a family of 6!!! AAAHHHH! They are so prepared! Words can't even describe how wonderful that family is. They are so easy to talk to. They encourage me to speak Spanish and help them with English. During the lesson, we got a call from AP Elder Hoyt. When we saw who was calling we looked at each other with wide eyes. Like this: O.O. We knew what it was for. Of course we didn't answer it, but we explained to the family what it was about. They were totally excited. And they don't even know us! 

When we got out of that amazing lesson having just got 6 new investigators. We nervously called Elder Hoyt back. It was the call to train. At first he was talking to Trujillo then he asked for me. I was so scared! He asked me if I would accepted the call to train. I was even more scared. I couldn't train in Spanish without Trujillo. Of course I accepted. Then I asked if we would be in a trio. He was first hesitant to say but then said yes, that Trujillo would be helping me to train. PHEW! It was so funny because we first wanted to train, then we didn't, then we got the call. AND its my THIRD trio of the mission! I can't escape them! haha.

Man we were... are so nervous to be mommies. Sunday comes along and we visit the amazing family, who's named the Castorena. Again it was amazing. We're seeing them today and on Thursday for a church tour and on Sunday because they want to feed us!! And this after only meeting us after two days! 

We did have to say goodbye to elders in our amazing district. Elder Jijon and Iverson left. Jijon to go to another spanish ward to be District leader (totally called that bytheway). And Iverson to go to an english ward. Hes a little upset about that but he'll do great. We are going to miss them so much. This District has been the best so far. I really love them. but the new missionaries are hopefully cool and fit in, which includes our new baby (aka missionary). 

Then Monday comes along. Man, it was crazy. But to cut it shorter (because there is a lot of unneeded information) we picked up our new missionary. Her name is Hermana Freeman, she came from the Mexico MTC and is white. We were actually worried about that because that would mean that Trujillo would have to deal with two white people who cant speak Spanish. But hey, the Lord and President knows what they are doing. It has actually helped me with my Spanish to have her. I want to look like I kind of know what I am doing (though I have no idea what so ever.) haha.

After we picked her up we went straight to dinner at the Garcia family. She was pretty much plunged into Spanish. I think she was a little overwhelmed, nervous, and tired. It comes with the first day I think. She is really good at speaking but not so much understanding. and I am really good at understanding but not so much speaking. Its going to be great to have her here. She is so much fun too. Which is good because Trujillo and I are really silly. Hopefully she can handle it. 

That's pretty much all the exciting news! We'll be seeing that amazing family again today and Hermana Freeman will ask them to be baptized so I'll let you know how it goes. 

Love you so much! Stay Sweet and Don't Do Drugs!

Hermana Durfee

P.s. ( this is Alex)
Sharlee didn't mean to send that picture in the box but I thought I would post it anyway. :)

Moral Courage, or Standing up For What is Right

Hey everyone! Josie here:

When you think of bible stories, what comes to mind? Well, for me one of the first stories that come to my mind is the story of Esther. Which leads me to the topic that I have studied this week: Moral Courage. I want to talk about the moral courage of Vashti, Esther, and Mordecai. In the story of Esther we learn that they all had the courage to stand up for what they thought was right. They had the courage to face the odds, and to not participate in what was 'popular. You are probably thinking, "Come on, Josie! Get to the point!" Ok, here is what I have found.

Vashti:

In Esther 1, the king has a feast. He was having this feast to show his people that his kingdom was very great, and also because he was about to head to war. Vashti, has come to love the king, and does not want him to go to war. She decides to have her own feast to show the king that she does not approve. He, however, still has the feast. Later on, in this chapter of the story his guests want to see her. They want to look upon her beauty. The king then commands her to come to the feast. She refuses (verse 12). She refuses because she does not want the king to go to war. As the story continues he, the king, decides that he needs to get a new queen. So, Vashti is basically kicked out of the king's house. But, there is a lesson that we must learn from this. Vashti knew that her refusal would result in her not being queen anymore. However, she had the courage to do what she felt was right, because she loved the king. She wanted him to know that she did not want him to go to war.

I think that as I think of Vashti's story it is very applicable to what we go through today. Every person has come to a point in there lives where he must decide whether or not to follow the crowd or to stand up for himself. Vashti is an example of standing up for herself. She knew the consequences, but she did it anyway.

I want to emulate that in my life. Especially, when I go on my mission. I know there will be times in my life, or on my mission where I will be tempted by the adversary to do the easy thing. However, I will remember Vashti and how even though she knew the consequences of her standing up for herself she did it anyway.

Mordecai:

In the book of Esther there are many examples of Mordecai standing up for himself. He was a very strong person who was dedicated to do what is right. In chapter 3 of the book of Esther, Haman, a man from the king's court has all the king's servants and all the people that under the rule of the king bow to him. Mordecai does not bow. I have read the book of Esther many times. One thing that I have always wondered till just now is why Mordecai does not bow... In later verses he declares that he is Jew. Or in other words he believes in God. Therefore, he will not bow because he feels that, that would be a form of worship to Haman. He only worships God. Another example of him standing up for what is right is when he rights to Esther in chapter 4. He writes because the king has just sent out a decree to all the people that the Jews will be killed. The letter said, "13....Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. 14. for if though altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" He had the courage to tell Esther what she needed to do. He knew that what he told her would be vital to the Jews survival. Throughout the story of Esther, Mordecai, does countless courageous acts. He is not afraid to do the right thing, even when it means death.

There are times in my life when I am afraid to stand up for what is right. I want to remember what Mordecai did throughout the book of Esther. He truly was a follower of God, because he was not afraid to stand up for Him.

I think that as I go throughout my life I will try to be better at following the Lord. The Lord has given us commandments and sometimes those commandments are hard to follow, but I will try to remember Mordecai's example of standing up for what he believed, having the moral courage to do what is right.

Mordecai and Esther

 

Esther:

 

Esther was truly an example of standing up for what she believed in. She is actually my favorite character. Throughout the whole book of Esther she has the courage to do the right thing. An example of simply her obedience to have courage and trust in her uncle is in chapter 2, verse 10. He tells her to not disclose her heritage. He wants to make sure that she is protected. Another example of her having the moral courage to do what is right is her heeding the counsel of Mordecai when he tells that she must go before the king to tell of her beliefs they both knew that there was a decree sent out that said all of the Jews were to perish. They also knew that the only way for them to survive was to have her tell the king of her beliefs. She had amazing courage to be able to do something so dangerous, and something that put her such a vulnerable position (4:13-17). Another example of her true courage is when she reveals the plot to the king of Haman wanting to kill the Jews. It took a lot of strength from the Lord and prayer for her to be able to do that (Chapter 7). Furthermore, she had the courage to tell the king about Haman when he was ready to go to war (Chapter 7).  Her confession to the king goes as follows from chapter 7 verse 4, "For we are sold, I and my people to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold to bondmen, and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage." She then tells the king that Haman was the person who wanted her people dead. She truly was a brave woman to be able to stand up for herself, and her people in such a way!

 

I cannot describe in words how much her example has benefited me. She truly was a woman of God. She knew who she was, and wanted to protect her family, and her people. I have learned a lot from her!

 

In my own life I want to stand up for my siblings even when it is hard, like Esther standing up for her people. She stood up for them even when it was the hardest thing she possible could do. She did not take the easy route, she took the hard route of standing up for people, and her beliefs. I want to emulate that in my life. I want to strive to live up to my beliefs, and live as the Lord would have me live.

 

 

I would just like to say that each of these three people, Vashti, Mordecai, and Esther were all very brave. They had the strength to do the right thing. I know that this story is a true, inspiring story. Esther was truly a woman of God. Her ability to stand up for what is right is a testimony to me that doing the right thing is what our Lord wants, and when we do the right thing He will bless us. I say all that I have written, in the name of our Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.

Just Keep Your Chin Up

This week has been fantastic work wise! Really, I just have to remember that the Lord truly blessed us this week even if there is one bad day in the mix. Yesterday we were already at 10 lessons and we had 3 appointments set up. I was so stoked that we were going to get to 13 lessons this week. Then of course, ALL the appointments fell through. Even though we had called the day before asking if the Sunday would be good for them. They weren't home or wouldn't answer the door. We spent hours in the now snowing weather trying to contact other people, formers, and potentials. I was soooo bummed. But as I reflect on in now I realize the Lord blessed us this week. We got a total of 11 lessons the most in 6 weeks, an investigator who is now on date for March 1st, and 10 hours of service. 

Now to the highlight of our week was on Saturday. There was a former who we had contacted last week and we had a lesson with him Saturday morning. His name is Justino. He read the Book of Mormon and we had a really good and really long lesson with him. He had a ton of questions. At the end we asked him to be baptized and suggested March 1st as a date. He was thinking that was really rushed and what if he didn't know if it was true. We assured him that all it was was a goal and he then nodded slowly, smiled and then said yes. He then said, "What you girls are doing... its working. I can feel it." We about cried! He really is amazing! 

I'll keep my e-mail at that. I truly am grateful for this time I have to serve. As I start on my 9 months I realize how fast it has gone... The Lord and his work carries on(:

Love you guys so much! Stay Sweet and Don't Do Drugs!

Hermana Durfee

The Perks of Being In Denver (And A Member of This Amazing Church)

Last Monday was Hermana Trujillo's Birthday and our district got permission to do something special for it.  (Elders and Sisters can't hang out with eachother on P-Days.) Another person who got permission to come was HERMANA GIRON! Gosh I miss her so much! So we all went and ate at WingStop. Then we went to Cherry Creek Mall which is in our area. It was so much fun. Never get a bunch of young missionaries in a toy store. We were all so entertained. haha. One thing that is really big in my district is Pokemon. It makes me happy. haha. It was so much fun. The only thing that was missing was a dinner with members and a birthday cake which we didn't have. Trujillo didn't get a birthday cake and I was so sad. But I plan on making her one this week(: so no worries. 

Then on Wednesday I just came to the conclusion that I was so grateful for my Heavenly Father. There was a family in my ward that got into a bad car accident. A lady ran a red light and hit them. The 2 young girls weren't strapped in.... The youngest lost half of her nose and had to have plastic surgery.... Wednesday we went to visit them... I was trying so hard not to cry during our visit with them. The youngest is named Sasha. She was so upset during almost the whole visit and her parents were trying so hard to make her happy. Who knew that gummy bears could go along way. One of her aunts gave her gummy bears and she became happy. I was so happy to leave with her in a good mood. We promised to bring her a monkey and more gummy bears. We left and as we were driving home I just started crying... balling... I was so grateful for what the Lord did for that family and for what he has done for me. Even when I think about it now I cry. When we returned a few days later with the promised items she was doing sooo much better. There were friends and family over laughter and smiles. She actually talked to us when we gave her the monkey, who she named Sparkles, and started eating the gummy bears. If you all could keep the Mendoza family and particularly Sasha in your prayers. 

We have been so good at finding since we got here. We've been able to get 2 new investigators each week and this week we got 3. One of them is named Josefina. We took Hermana Serrano to the lesson, who is a convert, we really needed her. It was such a powerful lesson and I felt the spirit whisper to me that we needed to ask her to be baptized. Then Trujillo asked her to be baptized! AH! She accepted! This week we are going to put her on date. It was so amazing that we both got the same prompting from the Spirit. 

Then yesterday came. It was Martin Luther King day so we weren't able to e-mail because all the libraries were closed. When we got out the door there was a HUGE parade happening on Cofax the street right next to us. I have pictures but I'll send them next time(: Since we didn't have to e-mail we all had extra time. So we went over to the other hermana's house and Hermana Gutierrez made us lunch, Trujillo slept, I drew a little. Then the whole district had a dinner together at a restaurant that a member owns. Went the older missionary couple who is in our ward as well finally got there (they are always late) they said we had left the mission. We were all so concerned especially Elder Diaz (the district leader). We called President and got permission. However turns out we weren't even out of our mission. We all worried and got permission for nothing. haha.

Okay kids! I have to go! Love you all! Stay Sweet and remember Don't Do Drugs!

Love 
Hermana Durfee

Study, study, study! A look into Josie's study! Yet again!

I thought to make it more interesting I would upload some pictures of my sisters and me. :)

 

A Scripture Study of: 1 Kings 17–2 Kings 1, The Miracles of the Lord through Elijah

This post is going to be a little different. I decided to share the scripture and just the thoughts that I had afterward. I hope that it's not too boring!

 

(A) Read the following scriptures and list the miracles the Lord performed through the prophet Elijah in each case:

The miracles performed in each of these stories are for the people in the stories. The Lord of Israel knew what each of them needed.

1 Kings 17:1

The Lord blessed the land so that there would not be any drought. Elijah is able to reap the benefits of this and be blessed with water and food.

1 Kings 17:2–6

The Lord then made the brook of Cherith fill with water and there was bread and meat for Elijah for a very long while.

1 Kings 17:8–16

The Lord then blesses the woman, her son, and Elijah, because Elijah asks the woman for bread and the woman gives all of her meal to him. When she does this the Lord sees her conviction and blesses the household with food.

1 Kings 17:17–22

The Lord provides Elijah with the power to heal the widow’s son. Elijah cries unto the Lord a few times and finally the Lord hears his plea the third time and the son is healed.

1 Kings 18: 31–38

The Lord is with Elijah always. The priests are being wicked and worshipping false gods. Elijah then shows unto all the people that his God is the only one and true God. He shows them because they were making burnt sacrifices on the stone. Elijah tells them to douse the stone three times in water and he then shows them the power of God, by having the stone catch on fire and burning.

1 Kings 18:41–45

Elijah tells Ahab, the king of Syria, that the drought has stopped. Ahab believes him, and so they go up to Mount Carmel. Elijah tells Ahab to go up now and look toward the sea seven times and Ahab does this. The seventh time he sees big black clouds that are full of water and they rain down upon Elijah and Ahab.

1 Kings 21:17–19; 22:34–38

Elijah in a vision sees Ahab die in battle and he sees that dogs lick up the blood of Ahab from the chariot that he was riding. In verses 34-38 the prophecy of Elijah came true. Ahab died and his blood was licked up by dogs. (GROSS!)

2 Kings 1:9–14

Elijah wants to send a message to all the armies of Syria, so when the first two captains and there fifty soldiers come Elijah commands by the power of God to consume them in fire. However, when the next captain and his fifty come, the captain begs for his life, and the life of his soldiers. He does this because they finally can see the power of God.

 (B) Write a paragraph that gives examples from what you read of how the sealing keys can both bless and curse.

            The sealing keys, which is the power of the priesthood can both bless and curse because Elijah was able to show the people that God is there in the ways of either blessing or cursing. He was able to do this by healing a little boy, which showed the widow woman that God does care about her, and wants her to be happy. Elijah was also able to show the widow woman that if she took care of him, the prophet, by sharing her last meal with him that her household would be blessed. However, it is opposite for the priests who were worshipping idols and making sacrifices on the stone. He showed them the power of God by dousing the stone in water three times and then by the power of the priesthood the stone was consumed in flames. Elijah also showed the captains of the armies that God is there by consuming the first two captains and their fifty men each in flames. I think that Elijah did this because he wanted to make sure that the people of Syria knew that the God of Israel is the one and only true God. He is the First and the Last. He is Alpha and Omega. As I was reading and studying these stories it was a little hard to understand why the Lord did what He did to each of the people. But, as I have pondered and thought about it I think that Heavenly Father, the Lord knows what each of us needs. So some of these stories were a little harsh, but Heavenly Father is a just God, he knew what each of the people in these stories needed.

Well, that's that!!

Josie

I'm Not A Witch I'm Your Wife!

o I have great news! I am not puking anymore! YEAHH!! Not only that I am 100 percent better(: Thanks for all of your prayers! And I hope that all of you know what movie the title came from if not shame on you! Tuesday night we had dinner with Sister Redd. She took us out to Chick-Fil-A and on the ride home we were quoting a lot of Princes Bride. Thus the title for my e-mail. 

This will probably be a short e-mail. Nothing too crazy or exciting happened. I am having a few struggles getting along with Sister Mortensen. I find that the littlest things she does really annoy me. Yesterday morning was particularly hard we then went to a lesson with Jonathan (a struggling 17 year old). After feeling the spirit of that lesson we got into the car and I looked at Sister Mortensen and no longer felt upset or annoyed. I realized that I needed to look at her as Christ would. Even though it will be hard and most of you know I can be extremely prideful. I am going to do my best to be the best companion for her even though she might not be for me. 

Something else I have learned this week is work your hardest. I believe it was Thursday, we had Zone Conference from 9-4:30. It was wonderful but by the end of it I was exhausted! I was able to see some missionaries that I had missed. Oh! And! Elder Hoyt, my first District Leader, who happens to be a BYU football player (look him up), is now the new AP (Assistant to the President). People thought it crazy that he went from District Leader to AP but to me it makes so much sense! He is one of the best missionaries I have met on my mission. They had us do speed role playing. We were in lines and we had to do a street contact of one minute about different topics they assigned us. Guess which topic was the last. The Law of Chastity (no sexual relationships before marriage). A street contact about the Law of Chastity? Hahaha needless to say I did pretty well(: But like I said it was pretty tiring. I didn't really want to go out and work and though every muscle in my body said I need sleep we went out to work anyways! Then of course a miracle happened. A less-active, Sister Lucero, we had been trying to visit with for months now with no success we decided to try. She was home and we shared a wonderful message with her. It was a testimony to me that as long as we are working our hardest we will see miracles!(:

Sorry that this e-mail is on the short side(: I'm sure that exciting things are just around the corner. I would love your prayers. A goal that the mission has sent is for every companionship to have a baptism in December so that we can have a "White Christmas". 

Love you guys so much! Stay Sweet and Don't Do Drugs(: 

Hermana Durfee