Daily Grace

2012-02-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

Empathy: The ability to co-experience and relate to the thoughts, emotions, or experience of another without them being communicated directly by the individual.

Sympathy: The ability to understand and to support the emotional situation or experience of another perso with compassion and sensitivity.

I believe our Savior is empathetic of our situations

Alma 7:11-12

Todays daily grace: knowing that the Lord used me and my personal experiences to help someone in need

2012-01-31T19:40:00.000-08:00

Todays daily grace is brought to you by the letters R.O.T.C

At 6 am this morning, the ROTC decided that to practice their march right outside our apartment. Kelsey and I laid in bed and thought of all the funny things we could do. Example A: wave white flag out the window while saying, "we surrender" or what I really wanted to do was play the song from the elephant march song from jungle book on my speakers.

Not sure if we were really that funny or if it was just because it was early but there is no better way to start your morning than with a good laugh. After a few minutes I went to the window and stuck my head outside and added my peanut gallery comments on their marching. Luckily for them they were marching away as I did so.

2012-01-30T22:26:00.000-08:00

I personally believe that God answers a majority of our prayers through someone else. Today in my jogging class I met a new friend who just got home from her mission too. As we ran, we talked about the things that we were both struggling with (or enjoying) about being home from our missions. As I listened to her talk, I was filled with the reassurance that I am not the only one who feels inadequate, or unimportant. It's comforting to know that I have others who are struggling with me. Not only are others suffering but I can do a little something to help them. Todays daily grace was to know that I am not alone and that I can find strength in the lives of others.

The Gift That Never Stops Giving

2012-01-30T12:16:00.000-08:00

Everyday I receive blessings from my service as a missionary. Whether it's a letter, text, call or facebook message from the people I love. The other day, at the perfect timing, I got a call from Diane. Just hearing her voice brought me peace and comfort. Then upon returning to my apartment I saw this sitting on my porch. How can you not smile when looking at that?

I got a package in the mail from a family I taught on my mission. THANKS HODGES!!!!

It was full of Hello Kitty stuff and chapstick, which I desperately needed because it's SO dry here. Also included was my Tampa snow globe that was given to me by Sister Funsh!! Some times I stare into the snow globe and I can almost see myself inside riding my bike around.

I have decided that I am going to start a new segment called " Daily Grace." Each day I am going to find the tender mercy of the day and make a written account of it. I have noticed that I am getting so caught up in life that I haven't taken time to see all the things the Lord has done for me. One thing my mission presidents wife said before I left was to always see the Lords hand in your day. So follow me, if you like, as I discover the daily grace in my life.

SHAMED

2012-01-13T09:56:00.000-08:00

I am not one to usually promote stuff but I full heartedly agree with this project. I personally know some of the people involved in making this documentary and I support their cause. Pornography is affecting everyone and it's something that can't be hushed. If you or someone you know has been affected by pornography, you understand the consequences that are involved. Please watch the trailer and if you are able donate to help get this project underway it would be so greatly appreciated.

Here is a little synopsis written by Jorden Harker, a friend of mine here at BYU.

I am producing a feature length documentary film about pornography addiction recovery amongst conservative Christian communities & faiths. It will cover a gamut of related topics but its main focus is looking at removing the debilitating fear and shame surrounding confessing/recovering from pornography addiction. So many have tried to do it alone and fail, not acknowledging the problem as something that requires more specialized steps and recovery processes. The hope is that this film will help those who want/need recovery to feel supported, encouraged, and educated to get the help they need. There will not be any kind of condoning the addicts actions, nor will there be any finger pointing.

Here is a link for more info
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/141091137/shamed-a-documentary-feature-film

Lessons Learned from Nephi

2012-01-12T21:28:00.000-08:00

So I just recently finished the book of 1st Nephi again and I wanted to share some of the life lessons I learned from Nephi's example in adversity. Good news, just in case you were wondering, they did make it safely to the promised land. That storm gets me every time, but without fail, they always make it safely.

All joking aside, after some contemplation, I came up with 8 things that we can learn from his example

1. He was always obedient to the commandments, no matter how strange they seemed (3:7, 4:10-14)
2. Constantly expressing gratitude (18:16)
3. Placed his trust & strength in the Lord (4:1-3; 7:17; 11:17)
4. Forgave others (17:55; 18:21)
5. Sought his own personal revelation and guidance from the spirit (2:16; 10-17)
6. Never complained (16:17-3; 17:2-3)
7. Searched the scriptures (5:21)
7. Diligently pressed forward (8:8&24)

What was the reward.... Inheriting the land of promise flowing with milk and honey!

It's all about choices

2012-01-01T21:56:00.000-08:00

"... every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different from what it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, all your life you are slowly turning this central thing either into a heavenly creature or into a hellish creature: either into a creature that is in harmony with God and other creatures, and with itself, or else into one that is in a state of war and hatred with God, and with its fellow creatures, and with itself. To be the one kind of creature is heaven: that is joy and peace and knowledge and power. To be the other means madness sorrow, idiocy, rage, impotence, and eternal loneliness. Each of us at each moment is progressing to one state or the other." - C.S Lewis, Mere Christianity

Reason # 27 why I love Christmas

2011-12-18T17:39:00.000-08:00

In a couple hours James and Elizabeth and their little crew will be here and I'll get to meet my little niece Grace...

It's family time baby....

This video is what it would look like if we were in Florida... I think next Thomas reunion should be in Florida, just saying! Then we could really dance around like this.

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear

2011-12-15T12:24:00.000-08:00

I've always been one for a good road trip. You know that image where you look in the mirror and see all the beautiful things you just past and then you readjust you view to what's ahead. Occasionally you stop and take a few pictures and then get back in the car and move forward. That's where I am at today, reflecting back and looking forward.

I just spent the last hour or so reminiscing my life through old blog posts and pictures. I found this old post from 2010 explaines my current mood.

Adventures

I want to call up an old friend, get in my car and just drive.

I want to put my feet on the dashboard and listen to Regina Spektor and John Mayer.

I want to stick my hand out the window and penny surf.

I want to drive in circles around the round about, then drive in a beautiful canyon.

I want to engage in meaningless conversation that makes me laugh so hard we have to stop at the nearest gas station so I can use the little girls room.

I want to go so far that we have to eat the homemade peanut butter and honey sandwiches we made just in case.

I want to find an old abandoned shack, and explore it.

I want to lay in the middle of a huge field and discuss all my hopes and fears.

I want to drive to the edge of a cliff and throw rocks off just to listen to them hit the ground.

I want to wrap up in my green blanket and sit on the hood of my car while counting as many stars as I see.

Now all I need is someone to go with me.

Sometimes I see my life in montage form with all this epic music playing. It's been so fun reading my old post about my pre-mission life and then to watch all the growth of made the last 18 months. I can't help but see the Lords hand in all of it.

I have some of the most beautiful blessings anyone could ever ask for, most of the are people.

I LOVE MY BEAUTIFUL LIFE!!

You know you're a returned missionary when...

2011-12-10T19:29:00.000-08:00

I get asked quite frequently, " How are you adjusting?"

Let me tell you

Sometimes when I am in public I wonder why people aren't staring at me. Don't these people know who I am and who I represent?! Then I look down and remember that I am not wearing my tag. Part of me dies a little inside
I drove in the car all by myself and freaked out for a minute, then I turned up the music and enjoyed the ride
When I started unpacking my luggage, I cried. Not sure if it was tears of joy and accomplishment or realizing that the part of my life will never happen again
I do happy dances anytime I hear one of my old favorite songs
I have refused to get in a skirt since
I shake hands with everybody and they just stare at me
I answer the phone by saying, "Hello this is Sister Thomas"
I actually believe that having someone back the car up is a good idea
Facebook overwhelms me but I can't seem to walk away from the computer
I keep forgetting that I can do my laundry whenever I want and not just once a week
I don't respond when people call me Grace and sometimes I even get a little annoyed they didn't call me Sister Thomas
One night I slept in my coat because I was so cold. I miss the Florida weather!
I freaked out whenever someone asks what my "plans" are? Life overwhelms me. I don't like thinking about myself.

It's so good to be home. I love being around my family. Despite those little things, I am adjusting quite nicely. Everything feels natural to me and I just picked up right where I left off. My mission was a defining part of the good things that are in store for me. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to be one of the Lords daughters serving Him. Not many women are blessed with such a wonderful gift. I will always cherish it.

Thanks so much to everyone for all the support and prayers, the last 18 months. I truly appreciate it.

Stay tuned for new adventures and watch my beautiful life unfolds before me.
Now I am a new and improved Grace, trying to make a difference in the world, and finding my place in it.

Sister Thomas Signing Out

2011-12-05T21:02:00.000-08:00

We got transfer calls this week. I am being transferred... to a land of never ending pdays, and SNOW! Not quite sure how I feel about that whole thing but there are so many wonderful things ahead of me. I don't even know where to start. I feel like this is the part where I pour out my soul and say all these really profound things that inspire and uplift and let everybody know what a remarkable testimony I have. .................... Yeah................ I am drawing a blank..............

This last week has been so amazing. I've seen miracle after miracle and have had a down pouring of blessings. I have so many thoughts running through my head that I want to share with everyone but every time I try to express my thoughts of my mission, I feel like my words are a pathetic attempt to explain the gratitude in my heart. I hope that you have been able to get a small glimpse of some of the things that I've been able to experience the last 18 months as you read my blog, viewed my pictures, or felt my prayers. I hope that you have been able to see my love for my mission and my Savior through my words and actions.

I spent some more time in Valrico with the "quadpod" and they continue to be a blessing to me. I have spent the last few days in the mission home with President and Sister Summerhays. Sometimes I found myself walking around the house looking for my companion and then realizing, my mission is almost over. That was about the time I'd start to freak out and then kneel in prayer and express gratitude to my Father in Heaven for this opportunity. I have so His love so abundantly lately.

I got the privilege to attend the Carrollwood ward one last time. I love the people here SO much and as I entered the doors of the chapel, i was filled with so much love. I got to say my final goodbyes and just enjoy some of the fruits of my labors. Since it was testimony meeting, I got up to bear my testimony. I will admit, I was a little crushed because I looked everywhere for the James family (Kelli and Aaron) and I didn't see them. About half way through my testimony I see Kelli peak her head in the chapel door and give me the biggest smile. I actually got so excited I smiled and waved at her from the pulpit. Later as I was talking to Aaron he was telling me about how he had just given another one of his brothers a Book of Mormon. Aw, it seriously makes me so happy!!!

I will spend the next day helping the incoming sisters and packing my things. I have a lot of stuff..... just saying.... I told myself I wasn't going to be one of those high maintenance sisters who had really heavy luggage. Well I failed at that one :)

In closing I thought I would share some of the life lessons I learned from my mission

Trust the Lord
Good things come to those who persist in doing good
Wickedness never was and never will be happiness
True joy comes from serving others
I am weak person but upon relying on the Lord, I am capable of doing anything
The importance of an eternal family and raising your children in the gospel
I LOVE the temple
When in a street fight in downtown Tampa, watch out for the little kids on bikes, they'll punch you when you least expect it :)
If you keep the commandments you will prosper in the land
The value and need of personal prayer
I have learned who I am, what I want, and what is expected of me

Well this is now that part where I say goodbye and leave you with a little song

"I'll be home for Christmas
You can count of that
Please have snow
but you can forget the mistletoe..."

I love you and I'll see you Wednesday (unless you're not at the airport, then I won't see you but you get what I mean)

Also, Mom can you bring my coat? I am pretty sure I am going to freeze to death :) and maybe snow pants and boots! Kidding about the boots but not the coat!

Welp.... that's all folks

Sister Thomas, signing out!

Over and out!

Bye

LOVE YA!!!

Your eternal sister

Sister Grace Anne Thomas

Go Big or Go Home

2011-11-21T20:28:00.000-08:00

I remember going skiing with Daniel once and as we were riding the lift he showed me the bottom of his ski's. On one it said "GO BIG" and the other "GO HOME." That was about the time he zipped down the hill and I was left standing there like, "um how do I get off this mountain?" Well I've kind of have made that my motto for my mission. If I was going to do this, I was going to do all the way despite whatever challenges or struggles I would encounter. As simple as a moment that was with Daniel, I have thought about it many times. I have been so blessed with wonderful examples to look up to. I think I choose to come at the end of the family line because Heavenly Father knew that I would need some expert "skiers" to help me get off the mountain. In all reality, I am terrified about coming home and getting started with "the rest of my life" (whatever that means) The other night as I was trying to get myself to fall asleep the thought came to me to follow the example set by my brothers and sisters. I've grown up, watching them go through high school, serve missions, live the college life and get married and raise their own families. I know I've always been one of the "little ones" but thank you all so much for your wonderful examples. You have set a wonderful path for me to follow. You have also taught me to enjoy the ride. But the most wonderful example I am truly thankful for is that of my oldest and favorite brother ( sorry guys) Jesus Christ. I have looked to Him on how to serve my mission, how to endure and how to rely upon the Father. Isn't it wonderful that we have such a great example/older brother to turn to/

Last week I spent the week back in New Tampa with Sister Oviatt and Vincent. They are both beautiful servants and taught me so much about serving our Savior. We did a lot of area book work and let me tell you it so weird to show up to peoples door that you taught over a year ago and invite them to once again learn the beautiful message of the Restoration.

We also had our final performance last night of our mission musical fireside. It was a fireside with all the missionaries in the Florida Tampa mission. It was really powerful and pretty much everyone was in tears. I love being a missionary! Well I am going to attach a ton of pictures because I owe ya some.

Um also... I got my "trunky papers" with my flight literary... AH, so rude! I finally figure out how to do missionary work and then the send me home.

I LOVE YOU!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love

Sister Grace Thomas

Never Pray for Patients

2011-11-17T21:22:00.000-08:00

As a mission we been working on developing Christlike attributes. At first thought, I decided I needed to work on my faith. After doing the little activity in PMG, I discovered that apparently I need to work on my patience. Yeah, that's one you never want to hear. Well one morning in my incoherent prayer I accidently prayed for patience. That morning, while playing football on pday, yours truly did a very graceful catch and landed wrong on my ankle. After my squewl about hearing my foot crack, I then made a comment about how it's because i prayed for patience. Well good news, after about 4 days of swelling and crutches, and a 4 hour wait at the doctor that my foot was not broken, thank goodness but that it was sprained up pretty bad. So crutches it is. Not to mention, every person that we taught this week, lived on the 2nd or 3rd floor. At least I am working on my upper body strength.

I spent the week in beautiful Naples with Sister Wilson and Sister Smith. We had so much fun. The ward here is full of these cute little perfect families that look like they should be the cover models for LDS living. Most of them are going to med school and have just come over from Utah. They had a big dinner where they made Cafe Rio. I've been craving that my entire mission. Prayers are heard hah.

We also have been working with the Russian family that has been in the states only a couple weeks. We've been teaching them english and the lessons. So fun. Thank goodness for returned missionary who spoke Russian who could translate for us. I am such a nerd but I got such a rush as we taught and then he would translate. Then she would look at us and smile and say how she could feel the spirit. Man, I LOVE teaching!!

Well unfortunately I am totally out of time and I realized that I forgot my camera at home so sorry no pictures this week but I'll send tons next week,

Love

Sister Thomas

Venice the Menice

2011-11-17T21:16:00.000-08:00

I am living in a land of golf courses and retirement communities. Welcom to Venice, the city on the gulf. It is so beautiful down here. I love the pace of things down here but I also love the city life to. On tuesday President and Sister Summerhays drove me down to Venice and we had a nice talk and the atonement. They are such amazing people! I am here with Sister Salinas and her trainee Sister Johnson. Sister Johnson is really similiar to me and it's been fun to get to know her better. It's been cool to see how my responsibility has shifted from helping investigators come unto Christ to helping the sisters come more fully unto their Savior and serve them Him in a fuller capacity. I definitely know that I needed to be here at the time because I am learning so much about myself and I feel like Heavenly Father is just paving this path for me to follow. It's been a tender week for me as I've reflected a lot and have received answers to heartfelt prayers.

We had a wedding and baptism for a couple the they've been teaching. It was so fun because I always wanted to participate in one of those. Missionary by day, reception/wedding planner by night. Ok not really but we did spend a lot time getting everything all ready and organized for the wedding so the baptism could happen. It was fun. They are a neat couple.

It is a weird feeling though not really having "my" area and "my" companion. I feel a little lost but I love being able to see other areas and help the other sisters out. Tomorrow after zone conference I will head down further south, about as South as Florida goes to the land of Naples. I will be spending a week with Sister Wilson and Sister Smith.

Sorry this letter is so short and probably rather boring but we are in a rush! Have a wonderful week!

Oh and also, I felt really strongly that I needed to get involved with family history when I get home, so we'll see how that goes. I signed up for a class. Honestly family history has been something I have never enjoyed but apparently family history is something I am supposed be engaged in.

Welp.... peace

Love

Sister Thomas

The Sisterhood of the Traveling... Sister?

2011-10-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

So there I was sitting on the couch, the sun shinning through the windows, pondering the great personal study I just had when the phone rang. I look down and see "President Summerhays" on the phone. Transfer calls aren't until tomorrow I thought. Then my stomach dropped. Oh no this can't be good. "Sister Thomas, good morning. I need you to come into my office asap please, I want to talk about transfers." Honestly my first panicked thought was " Oh no, they're sending me home!!" I've been having some medical issues and a couple days before the option came up to be honorably released early to get stuff all figured out. I said no but then I thought they were going to force me on to the plane. Well I throw myself together and head to the mission office, which is around the corner. He takes me in office, well not the actually office because that held the secret transfer info that is confidential, but into a tiny room in the back. Looks at me, take a deep look in to my soul and asks if he can say a prayer. What was I going to say, No? Anyway, after a beautiful prayer that I really didn't hear because I am freaking out inside he asks me how I am feeling. "I am feeling SOOO good president! Couldn't feel better! Ok, ok.... (insert word vomit) but I feel great and I am not going home!" He laughed a little and said "good because the Lord is calling you to be a traveling sister for the mission"... ..???A what?!.... Yup, traveling sister. I get to spend the next 6 weeks traveling Florida. I love my life! I will spend a week in each sister area and help train them on proper planning, teaching, finding... etc.... SOOOO cool!!!! I set my schedule and President said he will personally drive me around from area to area. I am really excited. I'll get to serve will all my old companions and areas for a week. He asked me if there were any negatives about the situation. I pondered and pondered and pondered... Nope can't think of any! He said I'd have to live out of a suitcase and may have to sleep on the couch. Are you kidding I love sleeping on the couch and my suitcases are so big, they could be my own little studio apartment. Thanks again Mark :) I also suggested we could just bring my mattress along and I could just hold on to it on the roof of his car as we traveled. I don't think he thought that was too funny. I just chuckled a little inside. I AM SOO EXCITED!!

The week has been such a blur. It's been a "mixed bag of nuts" as I call it. So many great things are happening in this area, and Satan is working harder than ever, to get us to stop working. NEVER! All our investigators have been sick, we got sick. In fact, I actually have a massive sinus infection that is no fun but regardless I am being SOOO blessed. Aaron is doing SO well. In the closing prayer the other day he said, and I quote, " please help me to be prepared for baptism so that I can go to the temple and be sealed to Kelli and we can do work for our ancestors". There I am sitting on the grass with a huge grin on my face that could be seen from the Hubble telescope. Seriously what better words can you hear from an investigator you have prayed, fasted, and worked so hard to help him even believe in Jesus Christ. So happy! Then we started talking about why we wear a white shirt and tie, and how in the temple we wear all white. He said "well I am guess I am going to have to get new white shoes, and Kelli you'll need some too." I believe Kelli's comment was something on the lines of how grateful she is he is getting baptized because he was her ride to the temple. It just doesn't get any better than that! Then on Sunday he shows up wearing a white shirt and tie! He said he liked it so much he just might wear it all day. He will be baptized this Sunday right before i head out to my new traveling sister duties.

This week we also had smoothies with Barbara to celebrate her birthday! Oh and this morning we had free breakfast at IKEA with one of my favorite member families. Who knew IKEA served free breakfast every monday morning? She also took us to the taco bus. YUM! We also help deliver the 117 quilts we made for the day of serve last week. They were so impressed with the work and service that had been provided by the church and it's members.

Have I mentioned how much I love my life lately? Well I do! It hasn't been all peaches and cream, this I can promise you, but I do know that when we trust the Lord, and are obedient to his commandments, we are blessed far more than we could ever do ourselves. Some days I find myself pleading on my knees for just strength to be able to function that day, asking for strength to endure one more day. That strength or enabling power of the atonement (grace, once again I LOVE MY NAME) is SO real and available to any one who asks. I am so grateful for my Savior and for the help and strength he so abundantly gives me. It's the least I could do to tell everybody I see about Him and His atonement.

I hope you all are happy, and healthy and wise! And stay away from sinus infections, they're painful!

Love

Sister Thomas

oh I also forgot to mention that the best way to send me letters, which I still am happily receiving, is just to send it to the mission office and they'll get it to me during zone conferences etc...

Sister Grace Anne Thomas (unless you want to sent it to some other missionary which I am sure they'd appreciate, or think you are weird...)

13153 N Dale Mabry Hwy Ste 109

Tampa FL 33618

also emails are ok too... just as long as you all don't forget about me

grace.thomas@myldsmail.net

My "Son" Shine State

2011-10-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the most beautiful place in the world. I think I mentioned this last October but it is SO amazingly perfect here in October. I couldn't have asked for a better place. I call it my "Son"shine state because not only does the sun shine always but because this is where I came to know more personally the Son, my Savior Jesus Christ. A couple weeks ago my mission president told me that I needed to study the atonement more. I thought that was interesting because I am not this super rebelious person who goes around destroying the church, well at least not trying to. But I've learned never argue with your leaders but do what they say and you'll be blessed. So I did. I started what I call "Grace's Atonement book" I am writing anything and everything about my knowledge and personal experiences with the atonement. Holy cow, talk about changing a persons perspective! I have never realized before just how much I need a Savor. I also realized how much more I need to testify of Him. The gospel is His gospel. We wouldn't even have eternal families, or hope or anything if it wasn't for Him. I've had a very tender week as I've focused all my studies on Him and what He means to me personally. It's been a beautiful process coming to know my Savior more.

This week we had our day of service. I've been helping plan and prepare for this since I got here and it was so fun to see it all come together. We tied over 100 quilts to give to those in need here in Tampa Bay. We've been working closely with other churches in the area and tried to turn it into a community event. It was a great turn out and a lot of fun. Sister Wilson and I even donated blood. Saving souls and lives... it's a tough job but someone has to do it :)

Aaron and his family continue to do well. He taught us how to make a pumpkin cheesecake and it was delicious! We watched the Mountain of the Lord and it made me realized just how much I love the temple. Man I can't wait to go back. Also I never really noticed but I kind of miss the Salt Lake Valley. Never thought I would say that but I do. Mostly just the mountains I miss but it's a part of me. For now I guess I'll have to settle with Palm trees and sunny beaches. So sad :)

We also did a zone car wash. It was pretty fun and we got a fairly good turn out. Gave a church tour and handed out a couple copies of the Book of Mormon.

We had a baptism for a girl that we've been teaching and working with her family. It was one of those baptism that you weren't sure if it was going to happen until about an hour before. So we were on edge all day and then bam, grab the suits, fill the font, lets go. Everything was good except somebody locked the door to water pump and no one had a key. We were running around trying to find a way to open it. It ended up with a screw driver and a full font. That's all I am going to say about that :) Don't worry, it was all legal and the bishop was involved.

Well sorry this is so short, well maybe you're not sorry, but I need to get going. I love you all. Thanks for your prayers. Oddly enough I can feel the strength of them. We get transfer call Saturday so we'll see if I get 6 more weeks in Carrollwood or where I will be.

Enjoy the pictures!

Love

Sister Grace Thomas

Sister Thomas Time

2011-10-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

So most people feel the spirit by a "burning in the bosom." Honestly I am not not sure quite what that means but this week I discovered a new way I feel the spirit... my stomach aka hunger. After our interviews with president we had about 30 minutes to eat some lunch. We were debating going home and throwing together something real quick or just grabbing some food quickly. It was about that time I knew I needed a Junior Bacon Cheeseburger and an frosty. Need is true! You always need a frosty, especially with some fries. So we go to Wendy's and as I am standing in line debating between honey mustard sauce and sweet and sour, I start talking to Al. One thing led to another and then pretty soon I'm holding up the line and I don't care. I am thinking, "Um... excuse me, I'm trying to share the gospel. This is way more important than your precious frosty" Well I invited him to sit with us and we had a great discussion right there in Wendy's. I am telling ya, bowling allies, Wendy's, bus stops, that's my ideal place for a lesson haha. So anyway, we're meeting with him and his wife tomorrow. And he started reading the Book of Mormon. Well if one example of my stomach leading to new investigators isn't enough, I shall share another. Friday I was dying for some Chipotle, even though Cafe Rio is way better but they don't have that out here so I had to settle for second best. We go in and meet Lauren who asked us for some "literature" Boy have we got some literature for you. Ha, it was so perfect. My stomach never leads me astray! Especially with Brownies :) yum!

One of the highlights of my week was a lesson that we had with Cat. We listened to the talk by Elder Cook "It's better to look up" and talk about releasing your burdens to the Lord. We then went outside and each took a helium balloon, wrote something that we were turning over to the Lord on it, and one by one released it into the beautiful Florida sky. I took this activity very seriously. Releasing the balloon was for some reason SOO hard for me. It felt so real but it was a great feeling. I tend to like to take control and so sometimes I realize, I need to just let go and trust the Lord. Cat told me that she will always remember this lesson. I get bored of the usual sit down, read scriptures lessons. Although there is definitely a time and place for those lessons.

Another tender mercy of the week was in Sunday school yesterday. Aaron showes up to church wearing church clothes that he went out and got. Kelli looked at me and said " he looks so sexy" I just smiled at that comment :) Then there was a man visiting who told us all about the trials of his life and how he was bitter towards God but he was trying to get his life in line and be obedient to the commandments. Then little miss Kelli raises her hand and bares the most powerful testimony about how the gospel will bring greater blessing and joy into his life and she was a personal witness of that. AHHHH!! So happy!! Then I get a message from her that says this.... "Thank you sisters for all that you do for me and my family. Helping us get back into the good graces of Heavenly Father and back to the blessings and rewards we were promised from the very beginning of time.Oh and figure out what type of Cheesecake so Aaron knows what he will need. " The cheesecake part was my favorite. hah jk seriously though, I love helping people come unto Christ.

My companion pointed out a very real and scary fact to me. She so graciously reminded me that I only have 8 weeks left of " Sister Thomas time." She said I have the rest of my life to be Grace and I will never have to opportunity to be Sister Thomas again. AH, thanks for reminding me. It did get my pondering though about how truly grateful I am for this precious "Sister Thomas time." It is a time that I will cherish forever, but enough of the crazy info. I need to get going now but thanks for all your love, prayers and support.

Have a blessed week

Love

Sister Grace Thomas

Oh and Kristi I totally knew you were pregnant!! I can sense it even hundreds of miles away :) Congratz!

October 3, 2011

2011-10-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

So this week we had a "cold front" come in. It's been a nice high 70 degrees and a slight breeze. Ha, I love my life! So did you all enjoy conference? I sure did! It was amazing. I went into it full of questions I was seeking answers to. I was filled with so much peace. I love this gospel so much. I really enjoyed Elder Hales talk about waiting upon the Lord. I also loved all the talks on the Book of Mormon because, well, I just love that book so much and it has blessed my life. Oh, and Sister Daltons talk about husbands raising little girls, that was just tender :) I really enjoyed that one. Because we watched it at the New Tampa building, I got to see some old converts. It makes me so happy to see them and to see them excited to hear from the words of the prophets. Barbara gave me a picture of some Forget Me Not flowers and with Elder Uchtdorts "forget me nots." She said that way, I would never forget her. Ha like that would ever happen.

I am trying to remember what happened this week and honestly I am drawing a blank........... All I can remember is that I am happy.

Well I think I will just send this off now. Sorry it's not more exciting. Have a wonderful blessed week!

Love

Sister Thomas

The Thomas Times

2011-09-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

Every missionary or prospective missionary must know that it is essential to your missionary experience to memorize quotes from all the church movies and then quote them with your companion. In Finding Faith in Christ, there is this little girl who says in this oddly cute but slightly annoying voice, "Tell us of the miracles." I repeatedly say that to Sister Wilson and I realized I have been such a slacker about sharing with you all the many miracles I experience on a daily basis. Please accept my humble apologies about my lameness in sharing neat experiences. To be truthful, I have seen so many miracles the last couple weeks that I get overwhelmed with trying to explain them to you, in such a short amount of time. So here I go trying once again to paint a picture of my life using a limited vocabulary that doesn't do my feelings justice.

My exotic food experience

This week has been filled with new food opportunities. I had a full blown Indian curry meal, complete with sitting on the floor. We had to choose a utensil and then eat with it. Mine just happened to be the one with a big hole right in the middle of it. I also ate an authentic German meal with this thing that I can't remember, but I do remember it was good. It made me think of Seth and I tried to remember what it was called so that I could tell him I had it but, alas, I can't. I also was privilege to try a Haitian meal. I must admit, very tasty! That's one of my favorite things about Florida, so many cultures!

The James Family

OK, so from the beginning of my mission I have prayed pretty much every night to be able to find a family of 5 to teach and help them become an eternal family. I also have this disgust for tracting. Well you see, it's so funny how the Lord works. Back in July we met Kelli and her family tracting. As you know, Kelli was baptized a few weeks ago and I mentioned about how I fasted for her husband and kids to "jump on board" (not the exact wording I used in my fast but you get the idea). Well since that horrible day at church where he didn't have the most joyous experience, I have seen a 100 percent turn around. So many little miracles that I cannot even describe to you have led us to be able to teach him and watch him and his family learn to not only love the gospel but also the Savior. I am so intrigued by this man. He has had a rough life, causing him to rightfully question the existence of a God and his relationship with him. He is now praying, reading the Book of Mormon, and asking his children to learn about it as well. Tonight will be watching the Joseph Smith movie with the whole family. In my opinion, that movie has some of the best one-liners, but that really doesn't have anything to do with what I am talking about now. I love this family so much. The husband is talking about the temple and how he wants an eternal marriage. We told him he needed to get baptized first. We're working on that part.

Exchanges

This past week I got to go on exchanges to my old area, New Tampa and serve with my old companion Sister Erb for a day. Have I mentioned before how much I love her!? Well I do. You know those certain people placed in your life at a certain time for a certain reason, yup, she is one. I see so much of myself in her. She is such an amazing lady and I can't wait to see her at the end of her mission. Well I spent the day with her going over the area book and teaching her about the new 12 week program that missionaries are doing. Through all this, I realized just how much I've grown in the last year. We talked about everything and the whole "life" topic. Man I LOVE my life!!

A year ago I was sitting in the same area, questioning my decision to serve a mission and more heavily questioning my ability to survive this thing they called a mission. Now a year later, going through the area book, walking the streets again, and reflecting, I came to the conclusion, I AM SOOOOOOOOO HAPPY!!!!! I know that Heavenly Father really does hear my pleadings no matter how pathetic they may seem at times. I realized that although I am not a perfect missionary, I am fully aware of all my faults but I can honestly say I've given it my all and let me tell you, the best feeling in the world!! I've watched some dear friends of mine waste this time and worry about things they can't control. It breaks my heart listening to them say how they wish they would have used their time better. I know the joy and happiness that comes from giving it to the Lord and trusting him, being obedient and then working like you want to be here.

I am so blessed to be a missionary! I am so grateful for every day, yes, even those ones, I don't enjoy quite as much. Sister Lane aka Mary sent me this CD titled The Work: A Nashville Tribute to Missionaries. AMAZING! Well if you enjoy the country twain every once and a while. There is one song on there that is called "The Hardest Thing I've ever Loved to do" I love it! Also "I was Born" gets me every time. Anyway, here I am promoting music and not the gospel.

With that I'll close this weekly edition of the Thomas Times and send some pictures!

Love you

Onward ever Onward

2011-09-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

Hey Family,

Well it's been another week. Crazy! My dear friend Cat was baptised this week and that was a special day for me. We've been working with Cat since I got here and I have grown to really love her. She is a great example of faith. I had a bit of a head cold this week and all Sunday I was feeling so sick. I was trying to keep it together and make sure Cat had a great day but it was about the time I almost fainted in the hall that I realized I needed some help. Sister Hodges came up to me and said I look really pale and asked if I was feeling ok. I told her no and said I don't feel well at all, then I about hit the wall. She grabbed me and took me into a room. I started crying because I needed to be there for Cat. She went and grabbed 2 men to give me a blessing and then grabbed a lady in the ward is is PA. Well now I feel silly! They forced me to eat some cookies and juice ( it wasn't that hard to get me to eat them...never really is). It turns out that my cold plus my whole fasting thing wasn't a good combination and I was super dehydrated. We started this whole 40 day purification process where you begin with a fast and then make a list of things to purify yourself and then go 40 days without those things. I kept joking about how I guess I was so pure, all the water was gone out of me. Obviously I was joking. Well I then walked into the baptism, slightly hoping that they had already started and my talk was over. But they were so kind to make sure I still gave me talk. I don't think I have ever prayed so hard to not pass out when talking in front of people. In the end, it was all really good. At the request of several ward members, they told me to go home and rest. So I did and that's what I plan on doing the rest of today. Sorry this is such a short email but I want to crawl back into my bed now, so I think I will. But I'll attach some pictures.

Love

Sister Thomas

One Lesson with and Apostle Present..... CHECK!

2011-09-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

I learned a valuable lesson this week about opposition in all things. For every blessing God so graciously gave me, Satan and his followers are working overtime to stop the work. I've learned that the adversary is very real but I've also learned how very real the gospel is and the power of the Priesthood. This week I've spent many hours on my knees pleading for strength and understanding and I learned just how much our Heavenly Father loves me and how much His hand is in my life. How truly blessed I am to know that I have the knowledge of a loving Father in Heaven and His plan for all of his children. How truly blessed I am to know to what source I can find peace and comfort. What better way does God show his love for us, then by giving the gospel of Jesus Christ, led by his living prophets and apostles who hold all the keys of the priesthood. I just wish everyone would come to know the truth of that statement for themselves.

Despite the many trials this week, we got moved into a new apartment and things are starting to settle down a little. The tale end of the week was full of so much joy and love. I can honestly say, I don't think I have ever been so happy. We had the privilege to have Elder Russel M. Nelson come to speak not only at our stake conference but also to all the missionaries. My dad had sent me his biography a few months ago and I found it sitting on my self and decided to brush up a little on the life of the apostle I would soon meet. I gained such a great love for him and his family. Well Saturday was amazing! We were sitting in the chapel waiting and the APs announced that I would have a part in the program so I needed to sit on the end of the pew. I started to panic thinking, "Oh no, they never told me I had to give a talk!" We've done this thing lately where we would get called up randomly to give a 4 minute talk on the plan of salvation or the Restoration. It turned out that I just had to say the closing prayer but I sat in pure panic mode for about 20 minutes. He did a question and answer session with us in which he expounded on the atonement and on the fall. One thing that really stood out to me was he was talking about how to help people deal with difficult situations. He said that often the Lord changes are perspective by teaching eternal principles. He compared to to liberty jail and how when Joseph Smith was at his lowest, the Lord comforted him by helping him see the situation differently. He them went on to talk about eternal families and the importance of temples. He said that as he was looking at all of us, he didn't see us a missionaries but as fathers and mothers, the leaders of the church. He left us with an apostolic blessing which happened to be an answer to every one of my prayers.

Later that night, we attended the Saturday session of conference with Kelli and her husband. There I was sitting on the second row next my my companion, recent convert and investigators, listening to an apostle of the Lord. Living the missionary life! We even had leg room to stretch! Every talk spoke specifically to Aarons concerns. After, Kelli walked right up to him, shook his hand and said that she just got baptised! I was standing there smiling like a fool!!! Then The lady we've been teaching English too, introduced herself to him in English and she was so proud of herself! It was such a happy moment for me!!

Sunday was just as amazing! He had all the missionaries stand up and thanked us for our service. He left the stake a blessing that missionary work would take off if they used us more. He also made a comment and said that the sisters he met were some of the best :) That made me feel good. But I was quickly humbled by everything I need to improve on.

Well I am out of time!

Love
Sister Thomas

Living on a Prayer

2011-09-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is way later than planned. It's been a crazy last couple days and I am finially getting a chance to be able to check my email and send this one off.

So I am feeling a little overwhelmed with everything right now. Not really sure why, just extremely happy/tired/stressed/anxious/blessed. I will try to compose myself and tell you a little about probably one of the best/hardest weeks on my mission.

Well as you know Kelli ( I am so horrible, I just found out her name is spelled with and "i") was baptized. The week was filled with getting everything in order. None of her family are members so she introduced us to this person and that and made sure to invite everyone to her baptism. The baptism went smoothly except for the whole font not filling up thing. Last minute I was asked to climb into the font to push the plug back down. So they closed the doors. I hiked my dress up and walked right into the font, only almost slipped once and plugged the drain. Secretly I felt all epic :)

I had been fasting for her husband to want to learn and take the lessons. He is super supportive, has some many questions but won't let us teach him. So Sunday I fasted, he comes to church and he stayed all 3 hrs and then in Elders Qurom, everything went all down hill and the last I saw and heard was him leaving and not too happy about it all. I was CRUSHED! We stopped by their house later to talk with him and he is just so put off with so many religions telling him what is right and wrong. We had and interesting talk for awhile but he just isn't quite ready to listen. Talk about heartbreaking. But the whole blessing of it all is how Kelli handled it. She was so calm and said he'll come around.

I was also informed that Elder Russell M. Nelson is going to be doing a special visit with all of the missionaries on Saturday. I am SOO excited! Details to come.

Well I am really short on time today. I may or may not have to move apartments in the next 24 hours but we'll see. LIfe is good, I am doing well, being blessed and taken care of.

Hope all is well

Grace Shall be as your day

2011-08-30T12:18:00.001-07:00

This email is a little late not because I was swept away in a hurricane but because we spent all day yesterday in a conference with Elder Ziveck of the 70. To answer every bodies questions and concerns, I am totally safe and surprisingly dry. The hurricane really didn't come close to Tampa but we sure did some wind and rain. On Monday was got a text telling all the sisters to prepare to evacuate to this mission home just in case but we never had to and didn't really hear much about it after that.

This week has flown by so fast! The main things to update would be on Kelly who is doing amazing. She will be baptized on Saturday and has invited a ton of her nonmember family and friends. On Sunday we waited for her to come to church but she didn't come. I was crushed as I walked into the chapel, praying the whole time she would still make it, Well about halfway through meeting, in she came. Later she told us she had woke up at 9 and she said that she knew she needed to be at church. She said it's so easy to make excuses about why we can't do certain things but she said that she was not going to do that, even though she would be late. You see, this is why I love her and all investigators who exercise their faith!

I mentioned last week that I have been studying the topic of "Grace" lately. Well after hearing that I have a new niece named Grace, my name is Grace, and Elder Ziveck spoke to us about "Divine Grace," I decided that I would share some of the little nuggets I've learned.

Grace is not only a beautiful name, but a principle of the gospel that I have always been intrigued by. When I was little, my mom would always say, "Everybody needs a little grace." I am embarrassed to say that I always thought she was referring to having a child like me :) despite being far from the perfect child. It wasn't until a couple months ago, I realized we all need His grace. I have had many discussions with friends not of my faith who don't understand the LDS interpretation of grace. I've heard everything from "we're not christian because we don't believe we are saved by grace" to "We are trying to earn our way to heaven." Well you always hear the scripture in 2nd Nephi about how "we are saved by grace AFTER all we can do." I never understood that in context of the definition in the bible dictionary which refers to grace as a divine mean or strength or enabling power. Did that mean that I needed to exhaust myself with all my efforts and then I would receive strength? I thought it had to be something more. Then there is the whole " saved by grace or saved by works" discussions I've had. The Late Sister Lane... I call her Mary now, sent my an amazing talk by Brad Wilcox titled His Grace is Sufficient for you." This was amazing and here are some things I took away from

Grace is not the absence of a heavenly high expectation, it's a sense of Gods power
It's not achieved somewhere down the line but received right here and right now to those who rely on their Savior
It's not a finishing touch after we've given our all but it's the Finishers touch.
Just as sure as a sunrise, Grace or the enabling power of the atonement is constant in our everyday life
We are told to rely on the mercy, merits and grace and as we do we understand why he requires so much of us and why we need the strength to do it.
It's not a booster engine that comes in to save us at the last minute but a constant energy source
He compared grace to a mom paying for Piano lessons. The mom pays the debt in full and in return requires the child to practice. She doesn't expect the child to pay her back but to show appreciate for the gift by practicing. Her joy comes from seeing the gift used and the child's life improved. Similarly Christ paid the price for our sins and in return requires obedience and repentance when we fall short. The repentance brings about change and over time, we can "master" our piece. Sometime we hit wrong keys and notes but that is to be expected until you have practiced practiced practiced.
Grace isn't just about being saved but about being transformed and perfected

Now as children of God and recipients of the atonement, we inherit a lot of responsibility. As members of his true and living church we have even a greater responsibility to help bring about the Lords kingdom on the earth. Honestly, sometimes that frightens me. I find myself asking whether or not I will be able to live up to all that is required of me. Well in my personal study one morning, I found this quote:

" When we face seemingly insurmountable obstacles in the fulfilment of righteous responsibilities, we should remember that when we are involved in the work of the Lord, the obstacles before us are never as great as the power behind us... Nothing is impossible to those who keep God's commandments. But the blessings the carry us over obstacles do not precede our efforts, they follow them" - Elder Dallin H. Oaks

So whatever your righteous responsibilities may be, missionary, mother, father, bishop, RS president, hometeacher etc... we all have access to the enabling power of the atonement, or what I like to refer to as Amazing Grace. Lets not make excuses for why we can't do something but look for our Savior for strength to carry on.

I have felt the sweet grace in my life as I try to do what the Lord asks. I make mistakes, I fall short, but I will keep practicing until one day I can master my recital piece. I love you all, I love my Savior and I love my name! I try to live up to it as best as I can and be strength in the lives of others. I pray that Grace shall be as your day.

Love

Sister GRACE Thomas

Reason #237 Why I love my Life

2011-08-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

I may have mentioned a time or two how much I love my life. Let me tell you why I love my life this week:

Who ever said missionary work wasn't fun, obviously didn't know how to do it. We taught a lesson to a part member family and their nonmember friend at the bowling ally. In a setting in which their friend could feel more comfortable and not so pressured. There is such a rush about sharing the gospel in whatever setting you might be in. Obviously it wasn't a "let me tell pour out my soul to you why you should be baptized" but a " hey we're your friendly neighbor and are normal people that have a unique message with the world" kind of lesson. It felt so natural to be talking to this man, wearing my dress and bowling shoes while reading from the Book of Mormon and bearing testimony about how much I love that book and that is will bless his life. Then again, I was always a little off! I've tried to be the whole "quiet dignity" sister missionary but never could quite get it down. I like this style.

I have the coolest mission president in the whole world. Not just because he texts but because he texts stuff like this

Me: Good morning president. I just realized that today is my one year anniversary of being punched in the face. Look at me know, nothing stopping me.

President: All good things come to those who persist in doing good. Look at you, you are doing it and the Lord has blessed you with a car. Have a punch in the face kind of day. Hurrah, hurrah for Israel.

Sometimes during church we have weird animals running around and I don't just mean the children. Last Sunday a squirrel got in the building. All the primary kids were trying to catch it. It was actually really funny. Then it went into the mens bathroom and that is about the time I lost interest in it. :) Then at district meeting we found a baby lizard and I caught it and put it outside. I am telling ya, my life is an adventure and I love adventures.

I love learning Creole! We have been teaching her how to bare her testimony in English and through it all I've been able to learn how to bear my testimony in Creole. So cool. Obviously it is a simple testimony but it does the job!

We have stayed so busy this week. I love staying busy! Nothing worse than looking at your planner and seeing nothing but a blank day ahead and saying to your companion "looks like we're going tracting." We've been running around all day visiting this person or teaching that person, doing service for them. We've been teaching a lot of young kids. I love how simple the gospel is to them.

Yesterday, Kelly came to church and brought some of her family. She is doing SO well. She called us earlier this week to tell about how she went out and got new clothes for church. She is the cutest thing as she narrates to us what she has been reading in the Book of Mormon.She has an awesome fellowshipper who calls and checks up on her, brings her to the church for lessons and is a great source of strength to her.

Also, I have a new neice with the name of Grace. My name is Sister Grace Thomas and I approve this message. I about jumped out of my seat here in the library when I read that. I am so happy. It's funny because I have been doing a lot of study on the topic of grace this week. I'll share some of the insights next week. I am still putting my thoughts together. But needless to say, Congrats Roemhidlt family on the new baby. I can't wait to meet her and all the other little ones I haven't meet yet. Good thing we have eternity.

Publish Post

The District 3

2011-08-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

Last Week on the District: Thomas and Wilson met for the first time. No investigators show up for church but they made progress with a family they are teaching. And they attended Mormon Night at the Rays Game.

This week on the District: Kelly made it to church and connected really well with the ward. Thomas can now pray on Creole and Wilson no longer thinks we are driving on the wrong side of the road. Specialized training brings new tools for missionary work. Contacted a member referral Mark and Debbie and has great first discussion. Stay tuned for more on this weeks episode of the District....

Ok so this week in our specialized training we were all given a dvd player and our own copies of the churches reality show "The District" which follows real missionaries on their day to day adventures. It comes with all sorts of training segments and because I am training we are given an extra hour of companion study and part of that is watching the training videos. I have a silly confesssion. I actually am really addicted to this show haha. Even though I've seen all the clips before. It just pumps me up! This whole week we've been pretending that we are on the show. In all seriousiness though, the new training tools they gave us have actually proven really effective. We pick specific topic to study, such as revelation through prayer or the holy ghost. Then we study with our investigators in mind and then go and teach. Let me tell ya, it works!! I had one of the neatest experience so far this week. We've been working with this lady/her family for over a month now. Earlier this week she said that she wasn't sure if she was getting an answer to her prayers and became discouraged. We talked to her and set up another apt. We spent all morning getting prepared ( using the new tools) and then we taught the smoothest lesson ever and at the end we told her to get on her knees and pray right now. She did. After the prayer, she paused, looked at us, then she said... " I got my answer. I need to be baptized!" YEAH HAPPY DANCE IN THE BRAIN! It worked. I mean, I always knew it would but it worked! Then she came to church and got a confirmation this is right! I love it!!

So yup, I love my life... It's crazy just how much I love it. I am rediculously tired, it's not even funny. I sometimes place my scriptures in the fridge instead of the milk but I wouldn't have it any other way. Well maybe 10 hours of sleep, I could go for that :)

On the home front. Um Jenni a Grammy Nominee?!?!? Redcarpet?! Hollywood?! I knew there was a reason I liked you!! I am so excited for you! And Elizabeth, that baby needs to come. I'll pray harder that she'll come this week :). Everyone else... not sure how your life is going. Hope its good!

Be nice to hear from anyone and everyone, just saying :)

Take care of yourselves. Run throught the sprinklers and take a nap in the grass for me. Oh and don't forget to floss. Love ya!

Love

Sister Grace Thomas

A dingo ate my baby!

2011-08-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends!

Let me tell you a little about my new companion. She says some funny things like " where is the rubbage bin?" and " We shall have heaps of fun" and "she is about to pull the plot" (not sure what that one means) and she keeps trying to get into the drivers seat by accident. Everyone keeps asking if she comes from the land down under but nope, it's Sister Wilson, my greenie from New Zealand. I love her!! When we were introduced to each other at the training meeting, she said hello and I just dropped my jaw and forgot to hug her and got so excited because she had an accent. I may or may not be speaking like her in a few weeks.

Speaking of crazy languages, I am learning Haitian Creole! It's a mix of French and some island language, I guess. There is a sister in the ward who comes every week but doesn't understand a word of Engish. I found out that only thing she wanted was to be able to speak English so she could participate in church. I felt so bad for her so I decided I would teach her English. Not sure what made me think I knew how to do that but it has been such a cool experience. Being able to communicate with each other, with neither of us knowing the other language, is remarkable. After a couple weeks of daily meetings, she can almost pray in english and in return I can almost pray in Creole. It's weird it almost want to come out of me when I pray instead of English, yet I only know a few words.

Well the work continues to move forward. We have a lady who is working towards baptism ath the end of August. It's neat to watch her listen and act on the promtings of the spirit. We had a great lesson with her husband the other day and he is such a great man who just wants his family to be taken care of. I love working with families. It's my favorite!

We got to attend the Rays game on Saturday. It was a blast! There were a ton of missionaries there and it was so cool to see them just stand out in a crowd.

My camera battery just died so I won't be able to attach pictures this week. Lame! But I'll attach them next week. Good luck Elizabeth. I hope thigns go well with the baby and I am excited to see pictures. You've been in my prayers and I know that things will go smoothly. Have a wonderful week!

Love

Sister Thomas

Carrollwood or Bust!

2011-08-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

Well transfer calls went something a little like this:

Sister Erb is doing her stretches and trying to act all come and collective but inside you could tell she was anxious. I texted someone and told Sister Erb that if the phone beeped it wasn't President calling it was them responding. Well I set the phone down and then about a minute later the phone beeped and on the caller ID said President Summerhays. I read it aloud and Sister Erb said, " really funny Sister Thomas. I know you're kidding because then you would have to answer it." I smiled and answered... "Good Morning President, this is Sister Thomas" Sister Erb comes flying around the corner. HA! Made my day. Well President just straight up said that I will be.... training again! Ah, just trying to keep my pattern. The first thing I said was I am staying in Carrollwood right? He reassured me that I would and then I started jumping up and down like a fool. I tried to cover up my excitement and act all "professional." I am sure he had no idea how happy I was by my "YEAHHHH, wahooo!!!!" :) But then I realized that meant Sister Erb was leaving :( Not cool! She will be going to New Tampa, which was my first area and about 2 miles away. And she will be serving with her MTC companion who has only been out 6 weeks as well. It will be so good for both of them! Then President gave me permission to do exchanges whenever I felt like it was needed. I am excited for the upcoming transfer!

2 Highlights of the week:

Kyle, remember her? Well she got baptised!! It was a beautiful service and we even got 2 of our investigators to come check it out. I think they like it but they said it was really quite. Most people around here are expecting clapping, singing, and dancing. It's a common response but she definitely felt the spirit, which is the most important thing. Inside my head I was doing my own clapping and dancing.

In sacrement, we had a less active man that we've been working with give on talk on reaching out the the less actives. He shared his experiences with coming back and how much it has blessed his family. He was just so humble and sincere. Not going to lie, I was crying the entire talk lol. It is just so cool!

On Saturday we get to go to a RAYS baseball game because it's "Mormon Night" not exactly sure what that means but I am not complaining. It's going to be SO fun! I also found out that Elder Nelson of the 12 will be coming this transfer so I will be here for that. They are reserving front row seats for Nonmembers and missionaries to come :) Yup, that's motivation to get some people there.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POPS!!!

I love you! Have a blessed week!

Love

Sister Thomas

"Pie" O neers

2011-07-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

Guess what? You don't have to push a handcart to be a pioneer.

We had our ward pioneer day picnic. They needed some volunteers to make some apple pie. I figure my woman skills were lacking because I had never made an apple pie so I decided that for my future generations I better learn how. It was really fun. It looked like it turned out ok but I was too scared to taste it. I figured one step at a time. The party was fun. We played tug-o-war, and 3 legged races. I may or may not have pushed some little children out of the way :)

Have I mentioned before just how much I love Carrollwood?! I never want to leave! I have set aside all my dignity (there wasn't much left, I lost it all when i rode a bike in my skirt) and have offically started begging president not to transfer me. We get calls on Saturday so keep me in your prayers. It's all for selfish reasosn really but for real, I love it here! The ward has been making huge progress the last couple weeks and I can just feel the work about to explode. I really want to be here for that. Plus, we get to go to a Rays game Aug 6 if I am still here and Elder Russell M. Nelson is speaking at stake conference coming up. So many great things are about to happen. So many good things are actually already happening. I just love my life!

We've been working with a ton of less actives and I have been watching them progress. SOOO cool. We've got a couple people working towards the temple right now. Man, I miss it. I can't wait to go again but at the same time, I don't mind waiting. We had a lady we've been working with start crying and expressing how she needed to get back to the temple. Just broke my heart and we set a goal to get her there. She asked me to go with her when she goes but unfortunately I can't. Sad day.

So this week I got attacked my a cockroach, bit 43 times by mesquitos, cleaned carpets, saw lightning stike like 100 ft away, tried to locate a man who died 4 years ago, talk about embarrassing and met a family of 5 who were going to teach tonight. What a great week. Hopefully it goes well!

Well that's all I have to say for now. Love you tons

Love

Sister Thomas

Sponge Thomas Square Skirt

2011-07-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

Ok so my title of my email is a little crazy but ha, it makes me laugh.

Ok on to more important information. So apparently my blog is becoming more popular that I originally had planned and out of my safety and respect for those I work with, I will no longer use real or full name. I love that people are reading it and I thank you all for the support. If you want to get better details you are more than welcome to write me or email me and I would be happy to share. For now I will keep it more of a general day to day life of a missionary, well of me.

With that info out of the way let me tell you all about this week.

Well let me just start out by once again saying how much I love my mission and my life!! You know that song from "Wicked" where she is singing about how she "couldn't be happier. " Yeah that is running through my head, along with some EFY music that gets old real fast.

We had interview with President this week and it went a little something like this:

Me: " President I am running out of time!! I need to bring more people to Christ quick!! Tell me the magical secret to having more success. I don't feel like I am seeing it and I have to hurry.. blah blah.. blah....my life is so dramatic.... blah blah blah... I just want to be a good person.... blah blah blah.... "

President; " Haha whooa calm down Sister Thomas, let's not worry about that."

He then proceeded to go on to tell me... actually, I am not really sure what he said but I can tell you what I felt. YOU ARE LOVED!! Don't you see all the good things you have done. Look at the past year, look at your progress. The Lord is so proud of you. That was such an amazing feeling. He continued to expound on all the great things that are in-store for me. The spirit that was felt was remarkable and then hearing him pray for me to get the desires of my heart was the icing on the cake. He touched on so many things that I had questions to and I know that He speaks for the Lord. I then spent the next week reflecting on my life and just everything really. I am so blessed!!! I really do just want to be a good person and make my Savior, family, friends etc proud. My reflection was then enhanced be being about to meet up with some of the most influential people I've met on my mission this far.

I got to see Diane before she headed out on her long move to Tennesse. Talking with her brought back so many memories and once again, the spirit helping me to see some of the blessing Heavenly Father has so graciously given me. I was also able to meet up with Barbara and help and strengthen her. Actually I think it goes the other way around. She helps and strengthens me. We just have this connection that is very special.

As she speaks, I am once again reminded of how grateful I am for this opportunity to seave a mission.

I have had many conversations with Sister Erb just about how she wants to "soak up" everything from me. I keep telling her to soak up the spirit because the time flies. I just want to soak up everything!! I don't want to miss a minute. Times are hard, the work is slow, but I am so happy to be here and for the chance to really forget myself. I find no joy or happiness thinking about myself. I love serving. I love this gospel. It's true.

Well I am totally out of time. I love you all! Have a wonderful week!

Sponge Thomas Square Skirt

2011-07-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

Ok so my title of my email is a little crazy but ha, it makes me laugh.

With that info out of the way let me tell you all about this week.

President; " Haha whooa calm down Sister Thomas, let's not worry about that."

He then proceeded to go on to tell me... actually, I am not really sure what he said but I can tell you what I felt. YOU ARE LOVED!! Don't you see all the good things you have done. Look at the past year, look at your progress. The Lord is so proud of you. That was such an amazing feeling. He continued to expound on all the great things that are in-store for me. The spirit that was felt was remarkable and then hearing him pray for me to get the desires of my heart was the icing on the cake. He touched on so many things that I had questions to and I know that He speaks for the Lord. I then spent the next week reflecting on my life and just everything really. I am so blessed!!! I really do just want to be a good person and make my Savior, family, friends etc proud. My reflection was then enhanced be being about to meet up with some of the most influential people I've met on my mission this far.
I got to see Diane before she headed out on her long move to Tennesse. Talking with her brought back so many memories and once again, the spirit helping me to see some of the blessing Heavenly Father has so graciously given me. I was also able to meet up with Barbara and help and strengthen her. Actually I think it goes the other way around. She helps and strengthens me. We just have this connection that is very special. As she speaks, I am once again reminded of how grateful I am for this opportunity to seave a mission.

Well I am totally out of time. I love you all! Have a wonderful week!

Operation: Lost Sheep

2011-07-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the Sunshine State!

This week it has rained all week. I love it!! It so beautiful here after it rains. It smells good and everything is a dark lusicious green. We had a few good storms pass by and I still get so excited everytime I hear thunder. It never gets old. The part the freaks me out it seeing the lightning bolt strike like 4 miles aways, and then the thunder that shakes the house. I love it!

I have a new passion. Working with less actives. This week we started what we called "Operation Lost Sheep." We have a list of people from the bishop that he doesn't know who they are. So we prayed, planned, mapped out them all and plotted our plan of attack. I love having a purpose to each day. Not just trying to fill time and find people to teach. Since we don't have a GPS, we plotted all the people on this map using sticky notes and sharpie pens. We were so excited to get to work that about 10 minutes into it we realized we left the plotted map at home... Oops! Good thing we have the old stinky map in the car. We'd pull over like every 10 minutes and try to figure where were were and how to get to the next " sheep." We probably looked like an old married couple who is visiting Floridia for the summer who doesn't know how to use modern technology and still relies on the good old map. I sweat that map was made in the 1950's and smells like melted plastic and old man. Sister Erb just laughs at me as I sit there anaylsing the map. We've been working in Lutz which is this little country town with tons of whindy roads. With all the rain I feel like we're in the Amazon jungle and I am walking around with my compass and map. Needless to say it's been a fun week. We even had some success. We meet Karen. Karen is super inactive and hasn't been to church since she was probably 10 years old. She grew up in Utah but has left the church. On our first visit she had so many doubt about God because of all the bad things in this world. She has so many questions. You know the whole perfect questions "Who am I? Where did I come from? What is the purpose of life? Why do bad things happen to good people?" We had some great discussion about her life and some of the things she has been through and we scheduled a time to go back and teach the plan of Salvation.

I think I've mentioned this before, the Plan of Salvation is one of the things that helped me want to go on a mission and it's my favorite thing to teach. I spent the next few days really pondering the plan of salvation and how do you help someone come to know who they truly are. I came to the realization that if Satan can convince you that you are anything less than A child of God, he wins. Once you forget who you are, everything else falls. You begin to have no purpose in your life and you see yourself and something less than a magnificant creation of an all knowing, loving God. I have a new found confidence in who I truly am and by golly, don't get in my way. I am here for a purpose and I have potential to be someone grand. No one is going to ever tell me otherwise. As we taught her I was able to testify of her potential and her purpose of life. We both were crying. I think that is the first time that I cried in a lesson. I was so afraid being one of those sisters who cries everytime she speaks but the spirit was SO strong! I love it. We're teaching her again on Wednesday but this time at a members home. YEAH!

Oh also, I read the Old Testiment in 3 days. Ok, it was the childrens book but still ha. Can I say, I love the Old Testiment. It has only strengthened my testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel. There are SO many churches down here it's ridiculous. There are ads and billboards... checkoutthischurch.com. I don't understand why people think it's ok to create churches founded on their own doctrines. I know that there are a lot of good people that are trying to bring people to Christ and for that I am truly grateful. I just wish some people would open the eyes, and hearts to the spirit instead of blindly follow what some Joe Schmoe tells them is what Christ wants. My favorite thing about teaching this gospel is that I have so much confidence in the truth of this message that I tell them they must ask God if it's true. They have to read the Book of Mormon, come to church, pray, etc. Those who are truly seeking truth and not just a good place to go to on sundays, they will come to know who they are, why they're here, and what they are capable of becoming. This church is true. Sometimes I feel limited by my body because every ounce of my soul is screaming it's true and it just want to pop out of my body and expand. I seriously wish people would listen to this message. Really listen! I feel like I can relate to the prophets of old who declared repentence to the "hard hearted and stiffnecked" people. I am consumed with joy as I watch those come to the knowledge of truth and I am deeply pained by those who reject it. But I stand with those who have gone before me and bare my testimony that this is Christs church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true and living church on the earth today. Stop debating doctrine and finding excuses. Take the time to read the Book of Mormon and to humble yourself, take out the trash of your pride and ask God, the Eternal Father is it's true. My sacred responsibility as a missionary to invite others to come unto Christ. I am to testify, declare repentence and warn. If you left the church becuase of some reason, I say to you what Heavenly Father said to me, " Don't let anyone tell you that you are anything less than what you are and don't let anyone stop you from receiving all my blessings." Come back, we need you. We love you and you need the gospel. If you don't have a testimony yet, get one. Lean on mine until you get one, but find out for yourself. If you have a testimony, open your mouth! Share it. Invite others to know and partake of the goodness you have. Brothers and Sisters this gospel is so true. We are preparing the world for the second coming and we don't have much time. Let's do our part!

Don't know where all the came from but please now that I love each and every person who is reading this. I pray that everyone is well and happy.

Love

Sister Thomas

P.S Congrats Nielle Jensen on your mission call the best mission in the world!! :) I wish you got here before I leave but I can't wait to hear about all your adventures!

The "Test" in my mony

2011-07-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!! And Happy Birthday to all those who have or had birthdays lately. I would send stuff but, well... I can't but I did remember your birthdays and I even had some cake to celebrate. But then again I always find something to celebrate about.

Funny things of the week

I locked the keys in the trunk and the popper things was broken. Ha oops! Thats not funny but what was funny was watching 4 sisters and 2 elders try to get the back seat down to access the trunk that way. But the funniest part of all was how we got it opened. One elder pounded his fist on it and it opened. I think it was an answer to my prayer. He thought it was because he lifts weights. I'll let him believe the latter even though I know that Heavenly Father always answers my prayers ;)

Bowling with a 70 year part member couple. They'd walk right up holding the bowl and I would hold my breath afraid they were about to break but then BAM... a strike! They were better than I was. I think one of the funniest parts was my bowling shoes and my skirt. I kind of liked it!
The cockroach the size of China in our kitchen and me trying to catch it to put it outside
Singing "Proud to be an American" but changing the lyrics to "Proud to be a Missionary" The lyrics went a little something like this :

I'm proud to be a missionary

Where at least I know it's true

And I wont forget the man who died

who gave the Book to me

And I gladly stand up next to you

and testify it's true

Cause there ain't know doubt

this church is true

God bless the missionaries!!!

From the lakes of Land O Lakes

The the hills of Bradenton

Across the Gulf of Mexico

and some other words I forgot

There ain't no doubt the church is truuuuueeee

GOD BLESS THE MISSIONARIES!!

That was my 4th of July!

There is always an adventure, if you're looking for it. So the spiritual part of the week went as followed

So there I was knocking doors... when I had a wonderful chance to testify of Jesus Christ. I do that everyday but this door was different. This door, I think I testified to myself, although that man sure could have benefited from listening but we won't get in to that.

As I bore my bold but solid testimony of this gospel, chills ran up and down my whole body and I got that whole "burning in the bosom" thing. It felt so good! There is something so amazing about being able to confidently testify of this gospel with not an ounce of doubt in your soul. I reflexed on that experience all through out the week. Asking myself, why was this time different. I knew it was true, but for some reason this time I KNEW!!! Talk about a powerful feeling. Well the following day I was listening to Sister Erb share with me all her thoughts about the mission so far. I couldn't help but laugh because I swear I saw sitting on that couch a younger missionary version of me. I heard her word but it was one of those moments where you see somebodies elses head on the wrong body ( I know I'm weird but seriously). That was me. That was me almost a year ago saying the same things. Doubting my abilities, doubting my knowledge, unsure of what I had to offer the mission. I was know Sister Broderick ( my trainer... RIP) listening and saying, "You'll be just fine. Just have faith, trust the Lord etc..." Ha oh how the tides have changed. I remember people telling me that someday I would be looking back on thos experience and seeing the growth. Well I see it. I can see how the last year I've grown so much. I have come SO much closer to Christ and I have more faith in Him. I have repented a lot and I have to endure to the end. I am still am working on that one. But that's the purpose of missionaries. To bring people to Christ. Welp, I did it. I brought myself closer. It's a beautiful life we live! I got a foutune cookie that said "you want the testimony without the test. Well we can't have a testimony with out a test. I am so grateful for the test in my mony!

I love you all!

Love

Sister Grace Thomas

Same Same but Different ( this is in honor of Mallorie)

2011-06-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone.I LOVE MY LIFE! Have I told you lately just how much I love my life?! Well I do. This week has been absolutely amazing and I am so blessed. I love training just because the new missionaries have so much faith and the Lord really blesses them their first couple weeks. I love being a part of it. My new companion is Sister Erb and she is AWESOME! She is from Visalia California but lived in ID the last 3 years. We are so alike that it's kind of erie. With in the first half hour of serving together we realized just how much we have in common and even have pretty much the same story of coming on a mission. Not to mention we have the exact same journal and we both love to write. This is going to be an awesome transfer! It's fun being with new missionaries because they are just so excited about everything. She is so excited to just work and I love have fearless she is. I love hearing about her fears, hopes, and goals of a mission. I remember my first week... ugh... lets hope I never have to relive that one :) Just listening to hear talk, it's almost like I am watching myself relive my beginning of my mission. I know that President was so inspired to have us serve together. I can learn so much from her.

Laura is doing so well! Brian is out of the hospital and recovery quickly. They both made it to church yesterday for the first time. She texted us as we were driving to the church and we both let out a squal of excitement and then immediately starting praying that Brian would be able to be calm so Laura could focus on the talks. Prayers are answered my friends, prayers are answered! She enjoyed church and she seemed to fit in well. I just love this ward!

We had so many neat experience this week as we were out working. Her first day we went tracting and the very first door we knock the lady comes out and is yelling, you're at the wrong door. I proceed to tell her that no we came to share a message with her blah blah blah and she repeates, "No you're at the wrong door." It was about this time I realized that we were at her side door ( It was a trailor I didn't know the difference) but she told us to go around to the other side. We got a pretty good laugh at that. The next door that man was naked. Nobody wear clothes around here but that's all I'll say about that :) One day as we were visiting Laura in the hospital, we talked to a lady who asked us to go visit her daughter. So we did and we started teaching her. When she got released, we found out she was in a different area, so we sent the Elders over there. She was a neat lady who is expecting her first baby soon. She is really nervous about being a mom and wants to make sure he kids have God and Christ in there lives. Problem solver: The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ... BAM! I know that the Lord places people in your life at certain times. I can't tell you how many times I hear, " I feel like God has sent you here" I love being able to testify with confidence that yes he did, through a modern day prophet. One day, we got a call from our district leader who found a paper of uncontacted referrals from our area. So we got 7 referrals that day!! We even have some people to teach from it. I am just being so blessed!

It's been raining a lot lately, which I love! One of my favorite sites and smells is Flordia in the middle of a rainstorm. Everytime I walk outside a take a deep breathe and soak up it because I know someday I won't be here and all I will have is memories, oh and a whole lot of pictures. Thanks again Mark for the camera. Speaking of pictures, I will close this letter and attach pictures.

Oh I almost forgot to tell you about the best part of the week. Barbara called me and was telling me all about how the Lord has been blessing her lately. Everytime I hear her speak, the spirit testifies to me of just that we are in each others lives for a reason. We have this weird connection with each other that we go through very similar experiences at the same time. I know that the Lord placed her in my life at the time he did because He would answer so many of my prayers through her and her example. I LOVE MY LIFE! OH I aslo got to see Diane! Oh how i miss her!! She is moving and that means she won't be here when i come back to visit but I know that God has a plan for her and he ids placing her exactly where he needs her!

Love

Sister Grace Thomas

Just another day in Paradise

2011-06-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hello family, friends, and strangers,

I can't believe another week has come and gone. So we got transfer calls and I will be training this transfer. I will meet her tomorrow and I say goodbye to Sister Montes who will be heading home to Texas. Here is a little fun fact about my mission so far. I have a patten with all my companions. First I was trained, then I killed Sister Lane, then I trained, then I killed Sis Larson, then Sister Montes and now I'll be training again, and then I'll be the dying sister. I have never served with a sister who is in the middle of her mission. Only the beginning or end. The nice thing about sending home all my companions is that I get all their stuff they can't fit into their luggage. I've got myself a nice collection of clothes and let's not forget my super hybrid 72 hour kits. Those hurricanes don't stand a chance with what I've got in my bag. I also found out that President is giving me a full car this transfer. I started screaming "thank you, thank you thanks you." So Bruce will get to have a rest for a little while. He has been a good bike but I don't know how much I'll miss him. Bring on the car! I am hoping for the new purple car I saw at the mission office, I already named it the Purple Passion. But if I think I am getting the gray camery, which I named Gandalf the Gray. I don't care as long as it has a motor and perferably A.C.

Laura has had a rough week. Her son has been sick all week and in the hospital. She is a super mom and has been by his side the whole time. We've visited her in the hospital last night and she was so sweet. She said that she was sure that our prayers were working because he wasn't getting worse. What a great outlook! Most people would say that their prayers aren't working because they aren't healed already. She is a great example of faith to me. Please keep her and her son in your prayers.

Kyle is doing well in her new ward and she is still set for baptism but it will be on July 9th instead. I don't get to see her anymore because she is out of my area but she is progressing well and just clinging to the gospel. I love it!

We've continued to work with the ward, going throught the directory and locating lost sheep. I met some really neat family these week. I just love this ward. So one lady in our ward actually was roommates with Kathy Stutzman from my home ward. I can totally tell that the Lord has placed me here for a reason.

I just got an email from a girl who just got her call to Tampa and she has been reading my blog. Here's a shout out to you future Sister Smith! I am so excited for you and can't wait to meet you. Oh I forgot a piece of advice.... to prepare you're self for the humidty what you should do is ride a stationary bike in sauna for 30 minutes a day. I'm just kidding, don't do that. You'll love it here! I sure do!!

Well I am off for now but I'll be back again soon. I love you.

Love Sister Thomas

Where the Sidewalk ends

2011-06-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

This week we've done a lot of biking. Phew, I'm tired! It's been super hot and humid lately. Although I really do love the humidity sometimes it can be brutal. I do now have a clearly visable watch tan line and a funny lines on my feet from my shoes. This is pretty neat because I can't get a tan to save my life. One thing about biking in Tampa is, we'll be biking along down a busy street and then bam... the sidewalk ends. So it's either the crazy road with drivers that are described as "worse than Utah drivers" or the red ant infested grass. Pray for me safety haha. Despite me near death experience on the bike, life is pretty darn good right now.

Tuesday we had another specialized training meeting in St. Pete. We focused on going back to the basics and how to begin teaching. The training was good and I was happy to be around some of my friends I've made on my mission so far. We did this thing where we buried "our weapons of war" like the Anti-Nephi-Lehi. It was actually really cool.

On Wednesday we had an awesome lesson with Laura and we set a baptismal date with her for July 3rd. She is such a neat lady and I just love her tons.

I'm drawing a blanks as what happened this week. Sometimes all the days feel like they melt into one and I can't remember anything. I'm glad I have a good journal. Oh yesterday they asked me to play the piano in primary. I about had a panic attack but agreed I'd give it my best shot. I practiced the songs they wanted me to play and lets just say I think I scared the spirit away. I was saved in the final moments as the real chorister showed up right before it started. Whoo, that was close. I told them I'd brush up on my skills and be ready for next time they needed me. I sure hope the kids know how to sing Sweet Hour Of Prayer because that's about the only one i can play with out messing up.

Well I don't really know what else to say so I'll just attach some pictures. Have a great week!

Privileges and Potential Vs The General Authority Smackdown

2011-06-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody.

It's a beautiful Florida Monday morning. The air smells of freshly cut grass, the sun is graciously shinning and everyone is out walking around. It's beautiful here and it's been a beautiful week. On Wednesday I had the opportunity to take President Summerhays granddaugher out a lesson with me. She was in town with her friend to check out the mission life. They are thinking about serving mission so they came to visit. We met up with them and Sister Summerhays was so kind to take us out to dinner. After spending some time getting to know each other we decided to divide and conquer. We said a prayer to figure out who should go with who. The entire prayer Brookes name kept running through my head. After the prayer I asked if she wanted to come with me to go teach the Plan of Salvation to Laura. Everyone else went and tried to do some less active visits. Well the lesson was AWESOME! Once again, I just love teaching! It's the best. Brooke did such an awesome job and she will make a great missionary someday. On the ride back to our apartment we got to talk just about the whole mission life, and for sisters, what's it like to decided to serve a mission. Just talking with her made me reflect on my mission so far and how I'm so grateful for this opportunity. She asked me all sorts of advice like ,"what's it like going without normal music" or "leaving all your friends and family behind" All those things that I remember wondering about not too long again. I also remember people telling me all sorts of advice about what to expect and what the mission life is like. I also remember getting out here and thinking, "WHAT, this is not what I expected" We just talked and the spirit touched my heart and just gave me a reassurance that the Lord is so proud of me and that this privilege to serve with bless my life and my families life forever. Tender little moment. It was so neat to talk with her and I can't wait to hear all about her mission experiences.

On Friday, President invited me and Sister Montes to attend a Zone Leaders conference in which Elder Steve Allen would be speaking to us. It was SOOOOO AWESOME!! I think that is the best meeting I've ever attending in my life, close up there with general conference.Elder Allen is the Managing Director of the Missionary Department for the entire world. He said that we have the worlds best mission president and he said that if he had a son( and I'll add daughter) serving now, he would want him to serve under President Summerhays. I totally agree. We do have the worlds best mission president, not to mention and very talented golfer.

The training was so enlightening. The first thing he said was he asked if we wanted it sugar coated or to be given it like a man. I looked around the room at all the elders and made a comment about how I think I was in the wrong meeting. They of course responded in the manliest voices they could raise, "Like a man." I'm over here thinking, sugar coated might be nice. Well he gave it to us straight. He flat out told us that we were living WAY below our privileges. It reminded me of the talk in Priesthood session about that. He said that we should be doing way better. Um, ok yes sir, what ever you say sir! Actually it was really because he told us that we have some of the best missionaries the world has right now and we should be doing a lot better. It was all done out of love and it was really motivational. After telling us the facts, he then when on to teach us how to be successful. He gave us some cool insights as to what went in to making Preach My Gospel and the Preach My Gospel DVDs. He was the Producer of those videos and he told us what went into making those missionaries so good. He said that we have the some potential to be the best. I really like it the meeting though. I feel like my flame and passion for missionary work has be come a little dull since I been out here awhile. Well it's burning brighter than ever now! Sometimes I forget just what a great work I am involved in. This is the best work! I love it.

Well I better get going but just out a little plea. If you have time, I would love some letters. There has been a mix up with my mail, and I haven't received any mail the last 5 weeks unless it was sent directly to me. So, not that I'm desperate for mail or anything :) but it'd be nice to hear from everyone. I love you all and pray that you are doing well.

Love

Sister Thomas

PS this is the corrected address

Sister Grace Anne Thomas
3804 Carrollwood Place Cir #106

Tampa FL 33624

Live long and Prosper

2011-05-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hello again everybody.

I'm happy to report that I am still in love with this work. It's the best. Hard and frustrating beyond belief but I love it!! It has been another adventurous week here in Florida. It always is. The week started out with an unexpected guest in our apartment.

There I was making myself some lunch. I walked into the pantry to grab my bread. As I moved it out of the way, there was a lizard clinging to my manderian organes! It startled me and I started screaming then laughing. I think I startled the lizard, (we named him Larry) more. Sister Montes comes running in to see what was the matter. That little guy was trying to get my peanut butter. Oh no, not my peanut butter. This has now gotten personal. He was not getting away with this. We tried to catch him and put him outside where he belonged. He is a quick little guy. He finally jumped and the gound and we went running out of the pantry screaming. Determined to get him, I went back in and he ran under the washer. I climbed on the washer and started shaking it saying, "Oh no you don't. Come out here right now Larry." He didn't listen. He has made a couple other guest appearance but I think he is playing games with me. I will get him. I will.

Well that wasn't the only crazy thing. Later that day as we were knocking on doors, I knocked on this door and there was a dog laying on the top off the couch. Well the knocked scared him and he jumped, hit the window and went sliding the the glass. Sister Montes gasped and started busting up laughing. I thought I killed him. I was kind of freaking out but then he jumped back up and started barking. Never was I so happy to hear a dog bark.

On to more important matters. We taught Kyle the Plan of Salvation (my favorite lesson to teach) and it went to well. We had our cute little visual aids, personally colored by yours truly, we had great fellowshippers, and the spirit was there. I LOVE TEACHING!! She is doing so well and just so excited to be baptized. We successfully transfered her over to the New Tampa ward which she loves and is doing well. I am going to miss teaching her but I am happy she is in a great ward and progessing in her testimony.

On Wednesday we had a few minutes before we had to be home so we decided to knock doors. We knocked on this one guy and he was so excited to have a "religious debate" with us... Oh goody I am really looking forward to the appointment. He kept talking about how Mary Magdelene was actually the thirteenth aposple and wasn't really ready to listen to what we had to say. It was the end of the day, mesquitos were eating us alive, and I was ready to be done but then... it happened. We met her! *Que triumphant music* After escaping his eternal grasp, we decided to knock one more door. We walked up to the porch, knocked and she opened the door, screamed and then said hello. I'm sitting there like, um... that was weird why is she screaming. She said she didn't hear us knock and came out to water her plants. She said that she had just been praying for God to take the anger out of her heart and then BAM.... "Hey we're the missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ....." There we were standing on her door step like as if we fell from heaven. She invited us right in and we taught her the first lesson. SHE IS AWESOME and freakishly looks like my mom. Everytime I'd look at her the little voice in my head was like, "Mommy is that you, what are you doing here." Her name is Laura and she has a handicapped son and she struggles with why God would do something like that. The lesson was so great and she just had so many questions. As we were leaving she said that she, get this, "felt something" YEAH!!!! We made reference again to the Spirit and she said she hoped to feel it again when we met next time. I thought stuff like that only happened in cheesy church movies. Nope, it happened to me!! I have not had a lot of luck with the whole tracting, knock on doors things but hey it works once in a while. I was talking to her on the phone yesterday and she asked me how it was that I was so happy all the time and how she could be like that too. I explained to her that I find happiness in living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Which by the way was no coincendence that she asked me that. That was something that has been on my mind a lot lately.

I keep getting this theme in my studies about how if we keep the commandments we shall prosper in the land. It something that has really hit home to me. I know that the only way to find true happiness in the life and the life to come is by keeping the commandments. As I work with so many people daily, that has come to be my motto. People everywhere are searching, whether they know it or not but they are searching for peace and happiness. The fullness of the gospel is the way to go, I'm telling you from first hand experience. I was asked to give a talk on obedience in Zone Conference and as I prepared for it, I couldn't help but think of how true the promise is in the scriptures that "if we keep the commandments we shall prosper in the land." I was overwhelmed with the truth of the statement and the joy that comes from the gospel. As I was giving my talk, I read a favorite scripture, Mosiah 2:41 where it talks about how are blessed in all things if we keep the commandments. It was like I got struck my lightning as I read that we will be blessed in ALL things and that this is a promise from the Lord! I actaully started tearing up as I read it because then Heavenly Father was telling me that He has so many blessings in store for me. So many that He just can't wait to give me as I continue to strive to be obedient. That doesn't mean that life works out perfectly and just the way I want it to everytime but it does mean that I will be blessed and I will be happy. I am happy and I am blessed! I testify that as we keep the commandments we are blessed in all things. Heavenly Father loves us and he wants nothing more than our happiness. That is why we have the gospel!

I hope that you all can find the joy in the gospel. Find joy in the journey. I pray that you as you keep the commandments, you will live long (eternal life) and prosper!

This is me doing that spock thingy 11...11...1

Love

Sister Grace Thomas

These are a few of my favorite things

2011-05-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

So my life is pretty much the usual. Nothing too super exciting happened this week so I thought I would update you on some of my favorite things, or as Sister Summerhays calls them "Sister Thomas-isms"

Waffles! We have a waffle iron in our apartment and I seriously eat waffles for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Smoothies especially from Smoothie King. Puts Jamba Juice to shame
The "How to Train Your Dragon" soundtrack. It makes me life so epic and yet magically all at the same time
Greek yogurt. Have you ever tried it? It's weird but I love it
The Book of Alma especially chapters 26-29
Philippino food
Air conditioning
Otter Pops
Grilled Cheese sandwiches
Hello Kitty, anything
Frozen grapes
The Brave Heart soundtrack, I think I just like new music that it new to me or anything with bag pipes

There is just some things to let you know that Sister Thomas is alive and kicking and soaking up everything this thing has get to offer me. It so weird to see how I change and adapt to the situations I am in. I can be totally fun and out going, or shy and reserved. I can be bold. I can dance around the subject. It's cool how Heavenly Father really does prepare you for the situations he puts you in.

Monday I discovered my bike had a flat tire and the tube was shot. So we walked to Target which was about a 5 mile walk and bought a new tube. We got home late so I planned on changing it in the morning. When I get to it the next day, I pulled the tube out of the box and only half of it was there. Somebody opened the box, cut up the tub ands stuck it back. So back to Target we went. It was funny because both times we were planning on visiting this lady but we didn't have a way of getting there because of my silly tire. Apparently we weren't supposed to visit her. I'm happy to report that Bruce the bike is all fixed and ready to go for another week of biking!

So this ward here is so great. I think that this is my new home. Every family I've met here I've just fell in love with. Right now we are teaching this lady named Kyle. She is AWESOME. One day after a lesson she gave us fresh mango and pinapple with a big bottle of cold water for us because she heard we were on bikes. I just love her. She is truly humble and searching for the gospel. She broke down crying saying that she just wants to be with her family forever. That's about when my face lit up. YOU CAN! I love being able to have all the answers for people. Kyle is getting baptized on June 5th. She is actually in another ward so we're trying to switch her over. Oh also, I found out yesterday that this lady that I tracted into back in December has been coming to church and is taking the missionary lessons. I did a little happy dance! She is the coolest lady and I was so surprised to hear she has been coming to church and her husband has been coming!! Yay!!! We have a few referrals that we will start working with soon. I am excited to see stuff happening and people actually seaching for the gospel. This week we've spent a lot of time working with less actives. We've just gone down the ward directory (all 500 of them) and started visiting them. Contacted a few Do Not Contacts... ooops. That was awkward. One thing that I have a hard time understanding is once you have a testimony of the restored gospel how you could you just leave it and go on with your life. I've talked to so many people who still have strong testimonies of the gospel but they say life just gets in the way. It's so sad!

As I was reading the scriptures one morning, I came across a verse that I have to say describes perfectly the way that I feel about my mission. I think this has got to be my favorite thing!

Alma 29:10
10. And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.

As I watch people change their life and come unto Chrsit . I can't help but be reminded of all the wonderful blessings in my life. I would be so selfish, if I didn't take this time to serve Him. I am so blessed to have the fullness of the gospel in my life. It's such a beautiful life we live and I hope that I can be an instrument in the Lords hands and make someone elses life a little brighter.
Have a wonderful week!!

Love Sister Grace

"It's all coming back to me now!"

2011-05-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

I would like to start off by first thanking Celine Dion for those inspiring lyrics which describe my last week perfectly. It's so weird being back here in Tampa. I drove down the streets I use to bike all the time and I could almost see myself biking down the road with my companion. Just for clarification, I'm not in the same area I was in at the beginning of my mission but like one street over. Everything feels like a repeat of the first time I was here.

Here are some things I quickly remembered

Shut your mouth while biking or you'll have the days worth of protein from all the bugs
ALWAYS clip you skirt shut
The second day back on a bike is the worst.
My biking angel has returned. I've missed him... or her.... not really sure who it is
The less you have in your backpack the better
Praying at bus stops really isn't that weird. After all everybody loves a prayer
The busy city life is way more fast paced than the beachy life
While biking if something bigger than you is headed your way, you better stop or get out of the way

Those are just a few things that I forgot about Tampa. On Tuesday Sister Larson and I drove up to Tampa and met up with my new companion and I got an awesome surprise when I got to my new place. There sitting on my couch was Barbara!!!! Barbara, Sister Broderick, Sister Salinas and a few others were all waiting for us. They thought we got lost because we were late and didn't have a phone with us but really we just stopped at Sams Club for a hot dog :) I about died when I tackled Barbara, not to mention I shed a few tears! All my friends were there!! Barbara spent the day with us as we got things all organized. Barbara told us the update on her life and how she is preparing to go to the temple the week before I go home. I SO hope I get to be there. She asked me to be her escort. That would make my life so complete. Sister Broderick and Larson were going home so I said goodbye and sent them on their way back to reality.

We moved into some elders old apartment.... yikes that was scary. You could tell they tried to clean and I give them kudos for trying but we filled up 3 huge garbage bags of expired food. After we got all settle in and cleaned the place, we started working on the area book and creating a map of the area. I like starting from scratch.

This week has been one of the best weeks I've had in a long time. I am so happy! Carrollwood is great!! The ward has be so great. We haven't even been her a whole week and we has people giving us referrals, calling to see how we are doing and if we need anything. I have a feeling I am really going to like it here. We staying busy, teaching people and it feels SOOOO good!! I am just so happy and I feel like the Lord has placed me here for a reason. This is the first time that I have felt like that on my mission. Something feels so right!

We had a funny/embarrassing/neat experience yesterday. We went to this family in the ward house. First of all, they are so cool. I love them already! Well as we were starting to bike home I really had to go to the bathroom. It had been no joke 10 minutes since I last went. I thought there is no way I could possible have to go again, but I did and I was pretty sure I wasn't going to make it home. Since we are still fairly new to the area we aren't sure where members live so we were trying to figure out what to do. Then I remembered that the mission home was just around the corner. To stop by and visit the mission president or not, that was the question. I felt really awkward asking to use his bathroom so I was resistant but I thought, 'No, I got to go" So we stopped by and he was so kind to let me use the little girls room and we then left to start our 5 mile bike ride home. It was getting dark and late so we were hurrying. We past this lady and said hi and the thought came to me go back and talk to her. I ignored it thinking, no we got to get home plus that would be so weird turning around on our bikes and chasing her down. I kept biking and then I heard, "Please, go back and talk to her" Um... did you just say please, ok since you said please haha. I told Sister Montes and immediately we started chasing her down. I was praying the whole time asking to know what to say to her and then I just flat out told her that I felt impressed to come talk to her. She was super nice, not really too interested but I know the Lord sent me there to talk to her. Who know what will come out of it but at least I listened to the spirit. And if I didn't have to go to the bathroom, we would have never gone to the mission home and we would have never met her. The Lord works in mysterious ways hah!

I am so grateful to be here and for all the opportunities I have. I feel so privilege to be a part of the small group of righteous woman who are able to serve missions. I couldn't have asked for a better thing in my life at this time. The Lord is so aware and is actively involved in our lives. What a wonderful blessing that we each have to be able to communicate with our Father in Heaven whenever.

Well I am out of time but I do love you all. Please know you are in my prayers.

Love

Sister Grace Anne Thomas

Oh ps here is my new address

3804 Carrollwood Place Cir #106

Tampa FL 33624

P.S I attached some pictures of Sister Larson celebrating her last day on the mission and then my luggage compared to her luggage.... guess which one is mine :)

You Say Hello, I say Goodbye

2011-05-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

Well it's official. I'm being transferred. They are closing down the area for Sisters and are going to put in Elders. Sister Larson will be going home and I will be going back up to Tampa and will be opening up a new area for Sisters. It will be the Carrollwood ward and ironically it's almost exactly where I spent the the first 7 + months of my mission. I will be serving with Sister Montes. She is a super cute phillipino with a lot of zest for the work. This is her last transfer so once again, I'll be sending home another missionary. This will be the third sister I've "killed." I'm not sure why I'm the sister that gets set up with all the dying missionaries but apparently there is something that I haven't quite learned yet and I get one more chance at it. I was not happy to find out that I will be in a biking area again. I thought for sure there was no way I'd be biking again in the summer. Wrong. Well at least all get a super great tan and all my biking muscles back. I'm excited for the change and a fresh start but a little nervous to be opening an area. It seems a little daunting. Not to mention it's the ward my mission president and the AP's and office elders attend. No pressure lol.

This week has been pretty good. We've done a lot of service and visiting families in the ward. I got to mow a lawn for the Mroski's.

I LOVE mowing the lawn! Such a happy day.

We celebrated Sister Larson birthday on Thursday by attending the Relief Society Pinkalicious party. We made frames and had a photoshoot. It was was so fun. Yesterday I got to call my mom. There is just something so special about mothers, especially mine!

It's weird to be leaving this area so quickly. After being in Tampa for so long, it feels like I have only been here a couple weeks. I am just barely getting to know everybody and here I am saying goodbye again. I've including some pictures of some amazing people I've gotten to work with here in Lakewood Ranch.

I love you all!

Love

Sister Thomas

Another Day, Another Week

2011-05-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

What a week!

Love

Grace

Haha just kidding. That pretty much explains my week quite well actually. This week flew by. Monday was pday and Sister Larson and I went shopping. Well she went shopping, I just looked. As we were walking back to the car, we show this lightening strike the ground like 100 ft in front of us. It was a sunny day and that freaked both of us out so we started running to the car. It ended up with us laughing so hard at how silly we must have looked to everyone. Tuesday was spent in a training meeting. They're sort of like a zone conference except it is like the MTC again. We're taught how to be better missionaries and then we practice it. Role playing! Oh yeah! Nothing like trying to convert a missionary. Actually it is really good to practice because missionaries know what it's like and try to throw curve ball at ya, just to keep you on your toes. They have also been doing these preparedness trainings lately. We were talking about what to do in tornadoes. President Summerhays got up and in a very stern voice told us that we were being warned now to be prepared for emergencies.. It was one of those quake in your boots moments. Ironic how the next day their were all those tornadoes in Alabama etc... I'm so grateful we have the guidance of modern day leaders. We're told if we are prepared we shall not fear. Needless to say, my 72 hour kit is up to date and I've got my water storage. Do you?
The rest of the week was pretty much the same old. Running around trying to locate less actives and working with the members. On Sunday we had a little surprise. As we were sitting in our ward counsel meeting one of the stake representatives accidentally spilled to the ward that I was being transferred.... Ha um.... Surprise! That was so weird to find out a week early and in front of everyone. He thought that we had already gotten transfer calls and he was sent to inform the ward that the sisters would be leaving the Lakewood Ranch ward. Apparently he got the memo a week early. Oops! It was pretty funny and the ward got a good kick out of it. It's weird because Sister Larson goes home, we have no investigators, and we find out a week early that the area will be closing. This is going to be a weird week. I'm a little overwhelmed with the situation and sad to be leaving. I know the change is inspired and it will be great but goodbyes are not my favorite. This ward here is so great and the area is beautiful. I will miss it. Also the permission to help with the service project at the beach was denied so sad we weren't able to help out. So no pictures of that. But here are some other pictures that I've collected on my camera. Oh and just for the sake of convince, this week don't send stuff to the Summer cove address because there won't be anyone here to forward it. You can still send stuff to the mission home though. I'll get those.

Also on Sunday, this couple that I've gotten to know really well while I've been here got up and bore their testimonies. Oh my gosh, I LOVE THAT!!!! There is no greater feeling. They are incredible people to hear them give their testimonies totally made the whole time here worthwhile!!

Well until next week, take care!

Love ya,

Sister Grace Thomas

Happy Eastet

2011-04-25T13:53:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone!

Do you ever have those experiences where you realize some previous experiences in your past has prepared you for some future events. That was this week for me. So many times this week I found myself reflecting on past experiences and how they prepared me to help someone out in need at this time. I take comfort in knowing that the Lord has prepared me for experiences He places me in. The one good thing about this week is that I've reflected a lot on the Savior and His life. Time convenient considering Easter and all but I've gained a lot of strength as I've centered my thoughts on Christ. We had to teach the lesson in Relief Society yesterday and we proposed the question, " How do you see Christ living in your life today?" The main response I picked up from the discussion was that He lives in the relationships we have with those around us. He lives in service to one another. He lives as we daily strive to be better. Today I got an awesome email from Barbara who I helped teach back in Tampa. She told me all about how she is progressing in the gospel. She is now able to attend the temple to do baptisms. She is preparing to receive her patriarchal blessing. She has so much faith and it makes me so happy! I am so blessed to have people like her and many wonderful others who have helped me feel Christ living in my life as well as in the lives of those I love.

Sorry this is a short email and there are no pictures. I left my camera at a members house. But on Saturday is our wards day of service and it's at the beach and not just any beach Siesta Key, the #2 beach in the US of A! .... and who has permission to go.... ME!! ( and my companion of course). Woot Woot! I love service projects and Florida! :) Stay tuned for pictures!

Happy Easter everybody!

Living in Spiritual Paradise

2011-04-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

I have compose a little poem for all my faithful followers

My skin is red

The skies are blue

Florida is GREAT

and the church is true

Thank you, thank you very much! :) That's pretty much how I feel about my life right now. I am convinced that I am living in a spiritual paradise. This week has been the best one I've had here in Lakewood Ranch. It started out by going to my new favorite place in the entire world, Anna Maria Island. Oh my goodness, I have discovered love. We spent P-day walking around the island seeing the sites, checking out all the beach stores and riding the free trolley. Although I didn't set foot on the beach and I could sense that happiness drifting my way. I have a new life goal to move to Anna Maria island, and live on the beach for the rest of my life. I guess I better get use to the seafood.

We spent the week visiting members and continually trying to strengthen the ward. I actually felt busy this week and like I was doing something helpful besides just trying to stay busy all day and guess what... it feels great to be needed. We spent many hours planting flowers and helping people get their yards in order for the summer. I love getting my hands in the soil.

And... all our areabook work has paid off!! We probably called over 200 hundred people over the last 3 weeks. Well we had a few appointments scheduled from that but my favorite has to be our experiences with Jerome. We called him and set up an appointment for Thursday. Well we went over not really knowing what to expect. As the time went on his story come out. He is from Africa, Liberia I believe. He met with missionaries there and even watched them build a temple. He moved here and over a year ago met with the Sisters once or twice but due to his hectic work schedule wasn't able to meet every often and slowly fell under the radar. He was talking to his fiance, who happens to be from Africa too but moved to Utah randomly and joined the church, and they were saying that they needed to get a hold of the missionaries again because he had just changed his work schedule so he could come to church. Well 5 minutes after their conversation about not having the missionaries number, who do you think calls. Yup, us, the missionaries just asking if their interested in meeting with missionaries again. When he told us that I got goosebumps and I knew that there was a reason we were supposed to call everyone in the areabook!! YEAH!! So cool! Well long story short he wants to get baptized and in a few short weeks he'll be baptized. They came to church yesterday and the ward was awesome with making them feel right at home. (Sister Thomas does little happy dance just thinking about this) Makes me so happy!

It gets better! So then we got referral from an old bishop in one of the wards further south. You never know what to expect with referrals but we boldly walked up to this ladies house and she was SOOO happy we were there. We set up a time to come back and when we met with her again she was just so full of questions. As we taught her about the restored gospel she about died of excitement. She is the coolest lady! I can't wait to continue to teach her!!

Well this week has been wonderful. I hope that you are all doing well. Stay Classy!

Love

Sister Grace Thomas

The engerizer bunny

2011-04-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

Another week come and gone. On Monday we went to the Ringling Art Museum for P-day. I really enjoyed it. They had tons of painting of Old Testiment stories which I quite enjoyed. They also had a huge rose garden that we checked out. Florida is always so beautiful it's not fair to the rest of the world.

We continued to work on updating the area book and working with the memebers. Not a lot to report on here just, continual trying to locate all those previous investigators. It's getting more hot and humid everyday. The lizards are back out and so are the red ants... ugh... those little terrors. I have a few scars on my feet from those creatures.

Yesterday I had to conduct relief society because the whole presidency was out of town. That was a little weird but I am glad I was able to help. The lesson was on charity which I think was prepared just for me. This is something I've been thinking a lot about lately. I find my self asking, "How does Christ do it? How does He love everybody? How can He be so patient and understanding when people are flaky or frustrating?" I never thought I would have a problem loving some people I work with. I thought that I would just be always filled with charity that everything would be so perfect. Ha, doesn't work like that. In Moroni we read about how we must "Cleave unto charirty." Why do we need to cleave to it? Perhaps because it's not something that is just given to us. It's a gift that we must " pray with all the energy of heart" for. We're also taught that without charity we are nothing. Some one made a cool comment where they compared charity to a battery. She said if you have the cool camera that can do all these great things it's nothing unless you have a working battery. I had a little thought moment about maybe how Christ does it. He is full of love. Everything is does is motivated by love and that gives him the energy to do all that is required of Him. I know that those people that I have truly come to love, I would do anything for. I would not sleep, eat, or whatever sacrifices I needed to make to ensure that they are happy. Charity really is our battery. It keeps us going and going and going....

I love the description of charity found in Moroni 7: 45. I replaced charity with my name to see if I fit that description. I know have a list of things I need to work on. Try it. Replace charity with your name.

And ^acharity ( Grace Thomas) suffereth long, and is ^bkind, and ^cenvieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily ^dprovoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

I continue to pray for charity so that I can be like Him. So that I can keep going and going and going....

I hope all is well with every person reading this. I want you all to know that if you are reading this, it probably means that I love you. SO I LOVE YOU. Love is a verb. It's through actions that we show our love!

Take Luck!

Love

Sister Thomas

P.S The orange rose is for you mom :)

"I survived Tornad Thursday"

2011-04-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

My life is definitely an adventure! Some days I feel like this super classy and dignified lady as I work my pencil skirt and super cute top, as I go about my day saving one soul at a time and other times I feel like some super creeper who tries to get into peoples homes the first time we meet and I go around doing the dirty work that no one wants to do. Oh the life of a sister. This week was no less of an adventure. It's been raining... a LOT! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it, well except when my shoes get soaked, that's kind of annoying. But hey, part of the experience. We've spent a lot of our week trying to find the inactives that no one seems to know who they are. It makes me sad to see how some people get forgotten and others choose to completely separate themselves from the gospel. I once again spent countless hours working on the area book.

I finally got to the point where I took everything out, called or tried to contact every single person in there. Sent a few referrals to other states, got a few potential investigators, and even found the Fox family. We had dinner over at there house and hopefully can get something going with them. The husband is a member but hasn't been to church in 20 years and the wife is a non member but they love the missionaries. Next week we'll hopefully get over to their house to help plant some flowers.

Conveniently the day after I called every one in the areabook, we were stuck inside all day due to Tornadoes!! Apparently over 50 tornadoes touched down in the Tampa area. We have a little time where we were allowed outside according to our own digression. We went out to do a few things we needed to get done and stopped into Panera ( Do they have those back home? This place is amazing!) We walked in ordered, saw this man who I am pretty sure by the looks of it had to be related to President Eyring, and then within 5 minutes, the rain and the wind was so bad, you couldn't see 5 feet in front of you. We sat inside and waited that one out. Then we were told to return home asap. So back inside. It was about that time we decided to make t-shirts to mark our historical day. To bad when I made mine the "O" fell off and it said " I survived Tornad Thursday" We laughed pretty hard for quite a while.

Wasn't conference awesome!?! I loved it! We walked in on Saturday morning to find out no one had set up the Satellite. I took that as my cue to get to work. We worked quickly to set it up. Call my a nerd, but I love doing stuff like that. Then this man who looked like he was around for the 1st annul general conference showed up to help us get it up and running. He was so excited that I knew what I was doing and made sure to teach me his ways. He was the cutest old man!! Conference was soon up and running and I was in heaven.

Here are a few conference gems I came away with.

L Tom Perry : The sabbath was made for man and not man for the sabbath

Walter Gonzalez : Our responsibilities as members is to invite others to come and see what out church can add to their knowledge. We follow Christ because we love Him

Kent F. Richards : Christ could have known how to succor his people through revelation but He chose to do it through personal experience. Maybe we have the privilege to experience pain through experience so we can come to understand Him better.

Quentin L Cook : (LOVED THIS ONE) I wondered what people could learn about me through the things I carry in my purse (when I carry one). I also had a sense of pride that I am a women. Call me weird, and I mean this in no creepy way but I love women. I love the responsibility that we have and the blessings that are ours as we remain faithful

Henry B Eyring : Turn your feeling of sympathy into action

Russel M. Nelson : Our faith now becomes our posterity's latter

Richard J Maynes : The understanding of eternal nature of families should inspire us to do everything we can do to have a gospel centered home

Dallin H. Oaks : Desire--> Priorities--> Action--> What we become

M. Russell Ballard : Stop looking for large nuggets and pay attention to the little flakes that can bring great wealth

Dieter F. Uchtdorf : Use your "hands" to open your mouth and share the gospel at the right place and the right time

David A Bednar : Sometimes the spirit will come immediately and other times slowly but the light will always illuminate your soul

Thomas S Monson: Many sacrifices have been made for the temples, we need to sacrifice our time to attend. (Wish I could but not while I'm one my mission :( )

Richard G. Scott : (another one of my favorites, even though I've heard the marriage talk a thousand times) 2 pillars of Gods plan of happiness is marriage and familes!

D. Todd Christofferson : Chasening should be timely and when moved upon by the spirit then an outpouring of love after

Lynn G. Robbins : To Do is a checklist and To Be is something we are

Jeffery R. Holland : One way or another God will have his voice heard and conference is a unique phenomenon

I don't know why I typed those all out but hopefully someone liked it. Well I think I've wrote enough for know. I hope all is well and happy.

I LOVE MY FAMILY!! :) Just sayin

Love

Sister Grace Anne Thomas

PS Here are some fun pictures

WHY?

2011-03-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

Last night I laid in my bed and listened to a huge thunderstorm. There is something about the pouring raining, swaying palm tree leaves and flashes of lightening that I find so soothing. As I was laying there I began pondering about the words the Jeremey Guthrie shared with us at a fireside hours before. He shared experiences from his mission as well as his career as a professional baseball player. I was amazed at this mans dedication to the gospel and his outlook on life. He talked about how each of us at some point in our lives have to ask ourselves, "Why do I believe?" and we need to be prepared with an answer. I sat there thinking, why do I believe. Don't get me wrong, I have a firm and strong testimony of the restored gospel. There is no way I'd be serving a mission if I didn't but I had never really thought about why I believed. I always just thought because well it's true, that's why I believe. I laid in bed think about why. Why was I born into the gospel? Why did I grow up in a home where we weren't only taught the gospel but we lived it? Why did I remain strong in my faith? Why do I continue to excerise faith? Why was it so deeply rooted in my that I wanted to serve a mission? Why do I get up every morning, put on my dorky sister missionary outfits, and go try to find someone who will listen to us? Why do I believe?

Let me tell you why I believe.

I believe in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ because I have felt the Holy Ghost confirm to me that it is true. I have experienced great joy in being obedient to Gods commandments. I have always been strengthened in my times of trial. But I think the overall reason of why I do what I do, why I live the way I live, why I believe is because of my personal relationship with the Savior. I have felt His love for me so strong and so real that I have no doubt that He did atone for me. He truly did "walk in my shoes" so to speak and He does know. He knows me. This reoccurring theme has been on my mind probably for about 22 years now. That is why I believe. I believe because of my experiences with the atonement.

Anyway enough preachy stuff, this week has been pretty good. Just same old same old. Little bit of this, little bit of that. I am going crazy for people to teach so one day I pulled out the area book and torn it apart. I went through every single sheet, read it, called the people etc... I discovered a new pet peeve. Horrible area books with even worse records. I found most of them quite entertaining as I read about previous missionaries experiences with people from like 5 years ago. I think my favorite was when the missionaries committed someone to watch TV. Granted it was BYU TV but still.

We had the fireside with Brother Guthrie and it was amazing!!

Of course none of our investigators showed up and not one non member was there but I think it was really helpful to everyone in the room. He was such an amazing speaker and has some pretty funny stories. After he signed baseball cards and took pictures. Another thing he said that really stood out to me was how in life we don't always get what we hoped for but if we try our best we will be satisfied with the results regardless. I applied that to my mission. I thought by this time in my mission I'd be super pro and all my little weaknesses and faults wouldn't even be a problem. I guess I thought I'd be perfect. Hate to break it to you but I'm not perfect. I wish i was but I'm not. He said we just need to do our best and the Lord will make up for the rest.

Oh also I cut my bangs randomly. I loved them for the first day and now I don't like them... oh well.

Well that's all folks.

Please keep Diane in your prayers. She could use the prayers. For those of you who don't know Diane, she was a really good friend of mine in Tampa. She was my angel the first couple months of my mission.

Take care

Love
Sister Grace Thomas

It's me again

2011-03-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hello again everyone. Another week has come and gone here in sunny Florida. The weather is perfect right now. It's starting to get humid again which I actually don't mind. I really love the humidity. Sister Larson and I are still chuggin along trying to find some people to teach. We've been doing a lot of service and anything to build relationships with the ward. One of my favorite things we've been doing is we've been teaching the first lesson with members and then committing them to pray for missionary opportunities. We get on our knees right then and have then pray for someone they can invite into their homes so we can teach them. No bites yet but soon. If anything, I get practice teaching and I get to know the ward members better. I really love the Lakewood Ranch ward a lot. There is a family here, the Titons. They are awesome. Sister Tilton actually reminds me a lot of Kristi. Yesterday we were asked to help in the nursery because they were short on teachers. That was weird because of all the rules we have with being around children but it was really fun. We played with bubles, colored pictures of Jesus, ate cheese balls, sang songs, and built lego temples. Sounds like church to me ;)

We had a neat experience yesterday. We were at the Williams house for a dinner appointment. This family is so awesome when it comes to missionary work. They have an awesome conversion story and they are so excited to share the gospel with friends and family. They just start forking over a bunch of people that we can try to contact. All of them where out of our area but we sent the referrels to the other missionaries. Then he started talking about his neighbor and he was like, " Hey lets just go up now and I'll introduce you to him." So up we went. Knock knock knock, hey meet my friends they're missionaries for our church yada yada yada. First lesson right there, fellowshipper, and all because a member wasn't afraid to introduce his friend to the missionaries. So cool!! I love members. They are so important with missionary work. Have you noticed that the church has taken a turn and are now focusing on member missionary workd a lot more. In about every Ensign there is a talk about how to be member missionaries. In fact, we had a training meeting this week about how we are to help the members in our ward create Mormon.Org profiles and we actually are encouraged to create our own. So in the next couple weeks you can get on to mormon.org and look at my profile. The face of missionary work is changing and I'm so excited!

Oh yes, I can't forget to tell you about last pday at the baseball game.

We went to the Orioles game and that was a blast!! We even talked to many people about the church, including the mascot :) I got pretty sunburned though. To my surprise, it turned into a great tan. Jermey Gurthrie, one of the pitchers is going to be doing a fireside on Sunday on why he is a Mormon. Sister Larson and I asked him to do it and he gladly accepted. Hopefully that'll bring in a few referrels and new investigators.

Well that's all for now friends. Have a wonderful week. Feel free to send me letters :) just saying.

Love

Sister Grace Thomas

The Game Plan

2011-03-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

So I've been sitting here for the last 20 minutes trying to think of what to write and I'm drawing a blank. I thought, I know, I'll send some pictures but then I realized I didn't take really any pictures this week. Here is one of my trying Turkisk Delight. Wasn't my favorite. The other is my companion and I being weird. That's not too uncommon. Finally a picture of my and some of my favorite sisters emailing our favorite families. All of these Sisters have been my previous companions.

So lately we've been focusing on planning on setting goals. I'm more of the spontanious kind of person so the whole planning thing is not my specialty but I had an epiphany. The whole planning thing is an eternal principle.... I mean, think about it... PLAN of Salvation. Ok so this thought was a lot deeper in my head, I'm just having a hard time writing it down.

So I spoke in church yesterday and on the program I was as "Sr. Thomas." Sister Larson goes around saluting me and calling my Sir Thomas. I spoke on the Plan of Salvation. I just love it. It makes sense. Ok I am really not doing a good job on this weeks letter so I'm going to stop now. Know that I love you all.

Oh yes, and today for Pday, we're going to a Balitmore Oriales game against the Pirates. Jeremy Guthrie, the starting pitcher fro the Oriales has been attending our ward because he is in town for spring training. Well he just happens the love the missionaries and so he gave us free tickets. Yay! I am excited.

Well have a wonderful week,

Love

Sister Thomas

March 7 ,2011

2011-03-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

Hello again.

So first check this out.... http://www.mormon.org/me/2F8J this is the video I talked about awhile ago. Watch the video. That's my mission president. He is such an amazing man and he is so perfect for the Florida Tampa Mission. You'll see clips of me but just a disclaimer that was back why I felt like I was on my death bed so that's why I look angry at the world. I promise, I'm not, just felt like it was the end of the world.

So I feel really pumped up for missionary work right now! Yesterday we had a meeting with the bishop of the ward and we set up a plan to get missionary work on fire here in Lakewood Ranch Ward and I am so pumped. We had some really good heart to hearts with some of the investigators that previous sisters have worked with and we know have goals and plans to help the progress. I love teaching! Between the members of our ward, the bishop, and our efforts, we should have more people to teach soon and I can't wait!

For my birthday, we went to this Amish restaurant with our district. That was really fun. They brought me free pie which apparently was featured on the show Man vs. Food. And the Amish workers sang me happy birthday. I loved it! Sister Larson made me brownies and my zone leaders gave me a flip flop air freshener. We contacted a referral on a college campus and it was so funny because we couldn't find his dorm and we felt like creepers. We were sitting on this bridge over pass thing trying to figure the campus out when this girl walked up to us and asked if we were here to deliver a book. We both looked at each other like "yes? how does she know" ( must be the name tag and the obvious dress code) Well she proceeded to tell us that her boyfriend requested a Book of Mormon and she would take us to him. We had an awesome conversation with her as we walked across campus and then followed by a great lesson with her and her boyfriend. Once again, I love teaching!!

Well I am not sure what else to say. So I think I'll end this letter. Sorry it's boring. I'm boring this week. Have a wonderful week. Until next time...

Love

Sister Grace Thomas

Respect the Process

2011-02-28T14:22:00.000-08:00

We had zone conference this week down in Venice. Oh my, Florida is B-E-A-utiful!! Because zone conference was on Tuesday we got to spend P-day down there with Sister Fox and Sister Broderick. So much fun! We got to spend the night at their place and go straight to Zone conference. I love being around all the other missionaries. It just pumps me up. I came away learning tons of stuff but I think what stood out to me the most was what one Elder said. He was talking about this poster that was in his locker room at school that said, "Respect the Process." He talked about how we often set up all these goal for ourselves and work hard to achieve them but we've got to learn to enjoy the learning experiences that get us to the end result.That really stood out to me because I had all these ideas of what my mission was going to be like and the type of missionary I was going to be. I set all these goals and I think I just expected it to come naturally. Boy was I wrong. Every single thing, I've had to work at. I didn't plan on becoming sick for so long or not actually enjoying talking to everyone. The goals that I have set for my self I continue to work at everyday and I'm learning to respect the process. Sister Larson talked in zone conference and she talked about how it is in the applying of what we're taught, that we truly learn. I can honestly say that I love everyday of my mission, or my life for that matter because of the things Heavenly Father allows me to experience i.e being sick for for-ev-er! That is the whole purpose of this earthly life, is to gain a body and go through experiences that will allow us to apply what we've taught so that we can come to a knowledge of who we really are and just what we were meant to become. Oh, it just makes me so excited thinking about it! Call me a nerd, or just a missionary but the gospel is AWESOME! I am so grateful that we are have our agency to choose what to do with our time on earth and that we have the spirit to guide us. It is through the process, that we do come what we want to be.

In other news, the work here in Lakewood Ranch is starting to pick up. It's been pretty slow lately but Sister Larson and I are putting on our thinking caps and doing whatever we can to help the work along. We've done some service projects helping out the ward. Which by the way, service is awesome and not just because I get to wear my jeans. I just love being able to show people we care without trying to force the gospel down their throats. It's just a simple way to say, we love you and we want to help you with whatever you need. LOVE it! If anyone has any ideas of creative ways to do missionary work so we're not tracting all day every day, share the wealth. I love new ideas.

Oh so here is a crazy story. We were teaching this lady who we contacted through the area book and things were going well. Well left and then not 5 minutes later, her house caught on fire. I'm really glad that we weren't there but it was so bizarre. We're going over there tomorrow to see what we can do to help her out.

Well I'm doing well. Just chuggin along, doing my thing and loving life. I hope and pray that you are all happy, safe, and enjoying your "process" whatever it maybe.

Peace and Blessing,

Sister Gracie Thomas

I don't think I am in Tampa anymore

2011-02-21T18:22:00.000-08:00

So Lakewood Ranch is.... AWESOME!! My area actually covers a lot of Sarasota but I'm in the Lakewood Ranch ward. I fit in well here, Sarasota is the Circus capital of the world ha! The first day I got here I saw a man dressed up as a knight riding down the sidewalk on a horse! Sister Larson and I busted up laughing. I looked at her and said, " I'm definitely not in Tampa anymore!" The next day we saw two nijias fighting on a busy street corner. I love all the endless entertainment. It's great! Not to mention there is a group of Omish people who reside here and you see then all over. I saw 5 sisters riding down the road biking in skirts and I was really surprised at how biking sister missionaries really do look omish. They have a bunch of resturants that you can eat at and it is supposedly really cool so we're going to check it out sometime.

Well Monday was full of more packing and goodbyes and there was one last thing I had to try in Tampa....

swing on the vines in our backyard. I'm still working on becoming a lady :) I felt lake Jane from Tarzan. Well after that little adventure. I loaded up the car, said goodbye to Diane and.....

Sister Salinas and started my journey south with Shelby one of my recent converts.

As we were driving trying to find my new apartment, we saw the beach!! Yay!! I was so happy. It's gorgeous!!! This is definitely not Tampa. I love Tampa but I love this place too!

Sister Larson is AMAZING!!! We're going to be awesome together. She laughs at everything so we're just both really happy all the time. The ward here is SOOOO great!! They love the sisters and take such great care of us. We have people calling us to ask if they can help with lessons. It's awesome. We've been going into the homes of the members and getting to know them a little better. I think I am really going to like it here.

Sister Larson and I found some way old Spanish cassettes in the apartment and we've been listening to them. It's so funny, we walk around repeating everything they say and then we start laughing. But hey, it's working! We weekly planned on this bench overlooking all these boats and the ocean. There was a slight breeze and I could smell the ocean and then not kidding, a dolphin comes like 10 ft from the where we were. No way!! It was just swimming around. We did some street contacting on this boardwalking thing and people are so nice here. Everybody is out enjoying the beauitful weather and that made is so much easier to start talking to people with out being all creeper like. We even got a few new investigators and a sun tan. I love Florida!

There ward is a little older because of all the retirement communities and I love it! We had dinner with all the widows in the ward and they were so funny! I don't think I've laughed so hard in my entire life. I love it here!

We're working with a few people that I am excited to meet and get to know a little better. Good things are still to come.

Hope everyone is happy and healthy. I am and it's great! :)

Love

Sister Thomas

I've got some good news and bad news:

2011-02-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

Bad News: I'm getting transferred

Good News: I'm going to Lakewood Ranch with Sister Larsen

Bad News: I'm still sick

Good News: I have everything I need to fully recover and I'm feeling better everyday

This week has been crazy, but so awesome! Well quick update. I feel SO alive again! After my transfer of death, I am able to go out and work and I love it!! Thanks for all your prayer on my behalf. It works.

So I am getting transferred. When we got the call we were at the bishop house having breakfast and Sister Summerhays called me so I thought she was just checking up on how I was feeling. I let out a sigh of relief and then she also said that I was getting transferred, and I yelled, "Noooo, I don't want to leave" She started laughing and continued to say that I was going to Lakewood Ranch with Sister Larsen. Totally not expected!! Sister Larsen goes home real soon so it looks like I will be "killing her off" Sister Larsen also served with Sister Lane (who I also killed) for 6 months. So I pretty much feel like I already now Sister Larsen. I am way excited! Lakewood Ranch is about an hour and half South of Tampa and located pretty close to the beach that I can't go to. I hear the ward is awesome and LOVES the sisters there so apparently I'll be well taken care of. It's also a full car area so I no longer bike. Not sure if I am happy or sad about that. I think mostly happy but I served my fair share of time in the one biking area for sisters in the entire mission. And get this... my old area is now going full car the day I leave. Ironic? Ha oh well. There is lots of work to do so the car will be beneficial.

I am really sad to leave but everyone says I'll get over it real quick. This area has been my mission so far and I love this ward and the people here so much. This was the perfect week to end on. First off, I felt better so we actually got to work. Second Barbara helped us do tons of "less active round up", as I call it. So many cool stories there. I think you should always have members help you because the Lord really does bless us with everyone with neat experiences. Then after she took us out for Bobas. It was just the best feeling watching Barbara, who I helped teach, be so active in helping others receive the blessings of the gospel. I love her so much and am going to miss her like crazy. It's weird to think that I might never see most of these people again. But I am so excited to see all the new people I get to meet in the upcoming transfers.

On Saturday, we planned to have dinner over at Diane’s to celebrate a Valentines early and as a little going away party. Well as we came around to her house, I saw posted on her door a happy birthday sign. What? She threw me an early birthday party!!! She made the most delicious dinner full of some of my potato's and fire and ice salad. Then she tried to kill me with her famous death by chocolate cake. YUM!!!! Diane has been my angel since the day I got to Tampa. She has been such a blessing to my life and I will always remember all the life lessons she taught me.

Sunday was full of goodbyes and impromptu talks in sacrament meeting. I'm sitting there enjoying my life, writing in my notebook, pondering life, feeling the spirit and then the bishop called me to come up and give a talk/testimony since I was leaving. It was so cute because Roy, who I was sitting next to, stands up and then starts congratulating me and shaking my hand. My first words when I got up to the pulpit were, "That wasn't nice." But it went well. Roy started crying and said he didn't want me to leave because he still needed spiritual guidance. I assured him that Sister Salinas would take good care of him.

I remember the first couple weeks on my mission praying so hard for charity towards these people. It was such a culture shock to me and things were different. How was I supposed to love these people when I didn't even know them? Well 7 and 1/2 months later, it came. Well it came over day by day but I love these people so much! When we first started teaching Barbara back in August we somehow established the saying, “I love love!" It was just something we said to each other. Well on behalf of Valentine’s day,”I LOVE love!" It's just so great to love people. It makes life so much happier. I Love you all and I hope you know that.

Funny story: So we were in a lesson with a less active and we were talking about prayer. I asked her if she ever had a time where she felt like God answered her prayers. She responded yes and then I went on to ask her how she felt but half way through her phone started ringing and my question came out like this. "How did you feel when God answered your phone?" The elders were there too and they lost it and started laughing. By the time I realized what I said we were all laughing so hard we were almost all in tears. I tried to pull myself back together but I had to let Sister Salinas take over. Yup, I am nerd but at least we were laughing.

Quote of the Week: Me to Sister Salinas "Good news our bikes are still there. Bad news there is a scary man standing next to them." Don't worry, we were fine. I'm going to miss Tampa!

My new address is

4521 Summer Cove Dr East Apt 521

Sarasota FL 34243

Or you can still reach my through the mission office which is the Dale Mabry address. Either way.

Take care!

I LOVE YOU ALL!

Sister Grace Thomas

Rosie the Riveter

2011-02-07T09:30:00.000-08:00

Rosie the Riveter was first introduced during WWII inspiring a social movement encouraging women who were living in a "mans world" while the men where off to war. Her famous, We Can Do It picture was on my mind this week as I continue to struggle with this darn plague. Full time missionary work is left primarily up the young men who have the priesthood responsibility to serve. As a Sister missionary sometimes I feel like I am living in a mans world. Sister Salinas and I were talking about just how different it is for sisters sometimes but I came to the conclusion... "we can do it!" Even if I am sick for 5 weeks straight. I can do it!

Remember those commercials where they had that caveman that looked, well like a caveman and they made everything they do look so easy. Well that's how I feel right now. Not that it's so easy a caveman could do it but I feel like I look like that caveman.

Spent another week in the trenches. Got to go out a little this week, mostly just traveling to and from the doctor but feeling a little bit better. I tested positive for Mono, how I got that, I have no idea but that's kind of a little monster that doesn't belong in my body. The doctors aren't sure if that's what is making me so sick so we're still playing the guessing game as to what is wrong. Got some antibiotics to hopefully calm that guy down and that has helped a little bit. Other than that, I am SO ready to go back to work. This is going on week 5 of being sick and it's a little discouraging but have no fear. I have found ways to make the most of my time, and so has Sister Salinas.

I read pretty much the whole Teachings of David O McKay book and I love that man. He is so cute! Well and really spiritual too lol. I've pulled a lot of stuff from him. The Zone Leaders dropped off a binder full of talks and I've spent hours reading those. I've been filling my mind with stuff like " The Atonement and Missionary Work" By Elder Holland, "The Inexhaustible Gospel" by Elder Maxwell and tons of stuff by McConkie. The gospel is SOOO cool!

One day we saved a baby turtle! We opened our door and about almost stepped on Donatello. This guy was SO tiny. Had to have been like a couple days old. We wanted to keep him as a pet but decided not to do so and to return him back to the pond. I hope the poor guy survived.

On a more spiritually side note, I have had some many prayers answered this week. I have a testimony of prayer. There is real power in sincere prayer. The answers come not always right away or when we are demanding an answer but line upon line. The come softly and peacefully and they pierce your heart. I've been doing a lot a praying and soul searching this past, well month of being sick and I think the main thing I have learned is a deeper understanding and love of the atonement. The atonement has never been so real to me than at this point in my life. I have never felt my Savior as close to me as I do now. I know that Christ personally suffered for me. He knows what it's like to sit in an apartment for day after day, week after week, feeling not only horrible but discourage that you aren't able to work like you desire. He knows what it's like to feel miles away from every person you hold dear at a time when all you want is for them to hold you and tell you everything is going to be ok. That or hold your hair while you throw up... TMI... gross. But regardless, Christ is the only way where were can find true healing. We were singing How Firm a Foundation in the other day and verse two felt really applicable to me.

2. In every condition, -- in sickness, in health,
In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth,
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea, --
The Lord, so thy succorr shall be.

Christ is my foundation. He is my strength. I am so happy to be sharing His gospel with the people of Florida whom I love. Even though I am a little disabled at the moment, I hopefully can share my testimony with those in need through my actions and words during this little trial I have been given. I love my Savior. I love this gospel and I love you. Thanks so much for all the prayers on my behalf this week. I truly do feel the strength of it.

Until next time.... WE CAN DO IT! And go out there and make it look so easy a caveman could do it. :)

Love

Sister Grace Thomas

Pray for Grace

2011-01-31T12:16:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. This will probably be a quick one. I've been really sick lately and so I'm going to make this quick so I can go back home and sleep. Not a lot to report on this week, well other than the tornado. That was pretty exciting. We got a text saying to return to our appartments quickly and not to leave for the rest of the day because of tornado warnings. We were already in because of this plague I have. We didn't see any actual tornados where we were but we did get a fun storm. I just laid wrapped in my blanket and watched the storm. It made for a nice evening. Also earlier this week, for Pday we went to downtown Tampa. I needed to get out of the apartment so the Hermanas drove us to their favorite spot in Tampa, the Pier. We waved goodbye to a cruise ship, took pictures, and they all ate sushi. I love the city of Tampa!

Well other than that I've been trying to recover from whatever this thing is that I've got. I should get some results back from the doctor today and then hopefully we can go from there. They say that you can learn something from every situation so here are some things I've been learning through this little experience.

Trust the Lord!
Trust the Lord
Trust the Lord

You think I'd get it but for some reason I need to make sure I really trust Him. I've had a lot of time to pray and think since I can't really do much other than sleep, lay on the couch, and read my scriptures. I feel like that Lord is taking care of me and I know I'm in good hands. I don't always understand why things happen but I know that Lord is in control. I thought I'd be the one serving people on my mission and it seems like people are always serving me. Vicky (my neighbor) made some more soup. Diane has so graciously done what she can to make sure I'm comfortable and happy. Sister Summerhays calls everyday to check up on me, and Sister Salinas, oh poor Sister Salinas, well she says she is getting really good at her scripture study and she manages to find things to do. Poor Sister. Our Zone leaders have dropped by milk shakes, reading materials, and given me a blessing. I sure do love the Priesthood!

Well I think that's about it. Hope everyone is doing well. Happy Birthday Jimmy. Sorry it's late but I'll send a letter soon. And Mrs. Vickery..... YOU MAKE ME SO HAPPY! When I saw Drain, OR on the return address, I about leaped out of my shoes. You're the best!

Take care,

Love

Sister Thomas

Hello My Name is: Sister Thomas and I'm a Mormon

2011-01-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

Hey Hey Hey, It's Fat Albert... er... I mean Sister Thomas. So this week has been pretty much the usual, teaching, tracting, being followed around by a camera crew, hanging out with famous LDS actors, you know the usual. Ok so that last part wasn't normal but definitely made for an way fun day.

Here's the rest of the story....

So because my mission president is the Bruce Summerhays, Mormon.Org decided to do a profile on him and what he is doing now that he retired from the PGA. I haven't had the opportunity to check out the new mormon.org campaign they've been working on but apparently it's pretty cool. So Wednesday I show up to our Zone/District Meeting and there was a camera crew hanging out. I felt like I was right back at BYU Broadcasting and I couldn't help but talk to all the people about what type of camera they had and all sorts of fun questions. They filmed our whole meeting, that was a little weird but kind of made me feel all epic. Then they said the words, "role play" and "sisters" in the same sentence and I think that's about the time I went into cardiac arrested. Ok that probably wasn't the best joke to make considering my previous cardiac problems, but really I think that's about when my stomach fell to the floor and then everyone started talking in slow motion and looking at me. In a slow muffled tone I hear, "Heeeey, thaaaaaatttt's yooooooou, geeeeet uuuuuuupppppp tthhhheeeerre." Oh no, did they just volunteer me to role play with the mission president in from of this camera crew so it can be posted on the Internet for the whole world to see?! Um..... I think I have to go.... to... um... water my plants or something. I get nervous enough teaching in front of complete strangers let alone in front of my whole zone, President Summerhays and a camera that's all up in my face with a big ol light shining right in my face amplifying every blemish I've ever had and now the sweat that is dripping from my brows. Not to mention, I'm training so no pressure. Oddly, I loved every moment of it! :) I don't think I've prayed so hard as I did in those 15 minutes. Ok that's not true but close. After our meeting, I began talking to the crew about their job and how they got put on working for projects like this. I was in heaven. Part of me just lit up inside. I even got a connection. One of the guys gave me his card and said to call when I get home and I might be able to help on some projects the church is working on i.e Mormon Messages, and the new Mormon.Org videos. SO COOL! The guy who was doing the photography was the guy who played the German in Saints and Soldiers. Ha, he was a hoot. Anyway, that made for a fun district meeting. I also found it funny that here is this camera crew from the church here to film our missionaries and the elders can't wait to be done so they can go to Taco Bell. Ha, makes me laugh. They said it should be online in a couple months like March or April so keep on eye out for it and you can see Sister Thomas at work. Action shots of the mission as I like to call it. Florida Tampa Mission : The Real Story.

The rest of the week was just as exciting. We've been teaching a couple new investigators, one of which is Roy. He is so cool. Trying to put his life together and thought he'd give church a try. We tracted into him on the streets and invited him to church and he actually came. So now we've been teaching him and he has come three weeks in a row and is reading the Book of Mormon. In our PEC meeting yesterday, the Bishop shared a story about how he was at the church and Roy was waiting for our lesson and he told the Bishop he was waiting for Sister Teressa meaning Sister Thomas. Made me chuckle. I really am amazed at his willingness to search out truth. He is a great guy and I'm excited to teach him more.

This week has also been full of tender mercies. Working with so many different people, I get to experience vicariously differently lifestyles and see the consequences of actions both for good and bad. I always tend to get myself wrapped up in peoples lives so much that I feel like I experience everything right along with them. That can be a great thing but can drain me emotionally if I am not careful. I was talking to Sister Salinas about how I want to just carry these people on my back through their trials so they don't have to suffer. I want to just make them laugh and solve all their problems. Unfortunately, I can't. As hard as I try, I do not have the capabilities to solve all their problems. Sister Ferguson, a member of our ward was talking about how she feels the same way sometimes but she had to learn that we can't heal. The Savior is the only one who can heal. He is the only one with the power and capabilities to heal us. We are to strengthen, support, love, encourage but He is the one to heal them. That really stood out to me. I don't know how to solve their problems and heal their pain but I do know to what source they can find that healing. I know because I have personally experienced the Saviors healing power. I have felt myself stand strong by myself as I've faced insurmountable hurt and pain. I know that He is the only source to find true healing.

I was reading in 3rd Nephi chapter 17 and came across this...

6And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with ^acompassion towards you.

7Have ye any that are ^asick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or ^bleprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will ^cheal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.

9.....and he did heal them every one....

This concept also took a double meaning to me lately because I haven't been able to shake whatever this flu/cold/bubonic plague thing that has managed to attach itself to me. I hate being sick and feeling held back. I'm the person that likes to go, go, go and then play, play, play, and if I can't do that I feel like I am failing. I've had to step back and realized that the Lord is in control. Christ has the power to heal both physically, mentally, and spiritually and He will if we have faith but He will also do it at the time that will yield the biggest advantage for us. I am grateful for those times where I have to just sit back and trust. I am grateful for the times that he lets me struggle just a little bit so I can grow and learn. I then get to take my experiences with the atonement and testify of Jesus Christ and His healing power to those who need the message the most. I love what I do. I love the gospel. I love Florida. Most importantly I love the Savior and am eternally gratefully for his sacrifice. Although I can't comprehend it, I know it happened.

I hope you all are doing well. I hope you are doing what you can to move the gospel forward where ever you are, whatever your situation. It's true! Stay safe, laugh lots and love more!

Love

Sister Grace Anne Thomas

Oh P.S Will and Jenni: Tell your brother Stephen to keep an eye out for me at stake conference on Sunday. I'm still in the same stake! :)

I also attached a picture of Sister Salinas morning prayer... haa makes me smile.

Work Hard Play Hard

2011-01-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

I've adapted the motto for my mission, "Work Hard, Play Hard." The last couple weeks, well months really, have been rather stressful for me. A lot going on and trying to help everyone to the very best of my abilities has taken it's toll on me. I've spent the last 6 months trying to find the balance of working so ridiculously hard with out killing myself and still having fun, creating memories etc... Moderation in all things right? Well how do you do that as a missionary when you're whole existence revolves preaching the gospel. I think I've figure it out. Work Hard, Play Hard. I've put that to the test this transfer and I love it! This past week has been awesomely fun and super fruitful.

We've discovered some new friends, the Hermanas who apparently share an area with us. Who knew? Well we've spent the last 3 p-days hanging out with them. I tell you, so much fun!

It's just nice to get together with other Sister and get to know them better. They have definitely all helped me and strengthened me in the work. Yesterday for P-day we went to Skate World! Ok, so I think the last time I went to a skate world was like back in 6th grade for a birthday party or something. Actually no, I think it was for a Single Adult Activity but I try to forget those lol. Because it was a holiday there were TONS of little kiddos everywhere and then there were 5 of these crazy giants girls skating around. Fact: I don't think I've laughed so hard in my entire life. Well it was all fun and games until I took I tumble. That's what I get for showing off. I got a wicked sweet bruise on my knee and my left knee is twice the size of my right knee. It's pretty cool. Not so fun when I had to get on my bike and ride a couple miles but it was totally worth it.

With that time to be able to relax a little and just enjoy my time here, I have been better able to put more zeal into the work. This week have expanded my horizons a little bit by trying to be more creative with the work. I will do anything as long as I don't have to tract for 10 hours straight. So, we put on our thinking caps and switched up the routine a little. We've found ways to serve those around us by doing simple service such as helping a new neighbor. I made some calls using the good ol yellow pages, ( you know the prehistoric way of finding locations prior to Google, remember those? ). I remembered how when I was back in school I would volunteer at the soup kitchen once a week and those were seriously the best days. The Elders there volunteered once a week with me. Now there's an idea. I'm now in the process of getting something set up for once a week the missionaries will go to a retirement home and run some activities. Wish me luck. I'll get transferred just as it gets set up but hopefully it'll help the area. We also invited some of the young women to come tracting with us. Ok, um, SOO much fun!! The girls are amazing and so eager to bare their testimonies! I prayed that they would have a good experience with us and that was the best tracting experience yet. We had lesson after lesson and new investigator after new investigator. I definitely know the Lord was blessing us.

I've met so many awesome people this week that I'm really excited to start teaching. The Lord is blessing me in so many ways. Someone told me in a letter that the Lord doesn't expect us to find golden investigators everyday, in fact that is rare, but he does expect me to work like I am going to find one everyday. That has been replaying in my head all week and has pushed me to work a little harder and exercise more faith. It's paying off.

In addition to my new and creative ways of sharing the gospel, I have been having a a snow day (I specifically said snow because apparently Florida is the only state without snow) with the scriptures! President Hinckley pretty much sums up my feelings

I love our scriptures. I love these wonderful volumes, which set forth the word of the Lord—given personally or through prophets—for the guidance of our Father’s sons and daughters. I love to read the scriptures, and I try to do so consistently and repeatedly. I like to quote from them, for they give the voice of authority to that which I say. I do not claim distinction as a scholar of the scriptures. For me, the reading of the scriptures is not the pursuit of scholarship. Rather, it is a love affair with the word of the Lord and that of his prophets. They contain so much for each of us. President Gordon B Hinckley

Any spare minute I have, I am reading from the scriptures! They are my source of peace, understanding, and joy. They are amazing!! I just can't get enough. Pour Sister Salinas as I so enthusiastically share everything I'm learning. It's great and I'm happy.

Here are a few of my recent developments I thought you might be interested in knowing

I can now do the maccarena while riding my bike... in a skirt!
I can carry a Hungry Howies pizza box while riding my bike... in a skirt... in the wind... in the dark
I have eaten at a side of the road BBQ pit. Looked a little sketchy but man was it GOOD!
And I have memorized the first half of the Living Christ.
I have a Hello Kitty fetish
I eat jalapenos for breakfast. Seriously. I have a new found love for anything spicy and I mean REALLY spicy. I put hot sauce on everything

I am so happy right now. I am tired, sore, but oh so very happy. As I work hard and play hard, I could do this mission thing for the rest of my life. I feel the peace the comes from being obedient. I witness the blessings of hard work and I enjoy the love of missionary work.

President David O. McKay said, “Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that the love of work is success”

I pray that you are all doing well, working hard, and LOVING your life. I know I am. This church is Christs kingdom upon the Earth. I know this by the power of the Holy Ghost. I know that I am in the right place, doing what the Lord wants me to be doing and there is nothing better than serving the Lord.

Take care and don't forget about me

Love,

Sister Grace Thomas

Sister Thomas:0 NyQuil:3

2011-01-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

Well this week has been way out of the ordinary. I seemed to have contracted some weird flu which knocked me out for 4 days and counting. On Wednesday I pushed my self and I pushed my self and I think I went into "Warning Overload. All Systems Fail in 5...4...3..." The rest of the week was a blur. I've slept the past 76 hours, which I must admit felt nice but really threw me off. I've had a fever for about 3 days and then I took NyQuil which, that's disgusting and I'm never taking that again. So..... yup that was my week. Not the funnest but here are some great highlights

Diane made homemade potato soup and corn bread for us
Our new neighbor Vicki was SO sweet to make me beef stew when she heard I was sick
Barbara brought me some orange juice with extra calcium. Then she sat on my bed and read me the scriptures. Have I told you lately how much I love Barbara? Well I do I dooooooo!
Garrett (Diane's grandson) brought me a get well card and some flowers. He is so cute!
But the best part was when my zone leaders gave me a blessing. I love the priesthood!!! The first thing they said was that the Lord is really proud of me for all my efforts. That's about when I lost it. That made me feel SOOO good. He then blessed me extra guidance from the spirit so I can find those people that are waiting for me. So I guess I better get feeling better real fast! Seriously, there is nothing better than the priesthood.

Sister Salinas kept a record of all the funny things I've said this week. Maybe you'll find humor in my "out-of-wackness"

" I don't want to confect your pillow" ( contage + infect)

" If there is anything you can do for us, please let us know." ( ok that one I really didn't mean to say that and I felt awful saying it but I meant to say anything WE can do for YOU

"Momrie Barbrie" ( I think that was something to do about Mormon moms and Barbara...???... ya I don't know)

"May cause sliver disease?!?!" ( reading the back of the NyQuil box "severe liver disease" )

Well needless to say, we're both really ready to go out and get back to work. Hopefully I can shake this darn thing soon. Pneumonia has been going around the mission so hopefully I don't have that. I have to much to do to be sick.

Well I think that's all. Hmmm..... yup. That's it.

Have a good night!

Love

Sister Thomas

Oh so funny thing. The guy next to me just complimented my typing skills :) Ha yeah!

Little did she know

2011-01-03T10:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!

Here I am again sitting at this computer trying to accurately describe my life and all the things I am learning and experiencing but once again can't find the right words to express just how happy I am. This past week has been wonderful.

I've been doing a lot of pondering this week and reflecting on the past year. A line from the movie Stranger Than Fiction popped into my head... "and little did he know how" and then something else that I can't remember but the thought "little did I know" has been running through my head. When I think about this time last year, I am taken back to when my family all got this weird sickness over New years and then I forward past that part because well, let's face it, no one wants to remember that but unfortunately I think we all do :) but that's beside the point. 2010 has been a land mark year for me. So many life changing events took place and so many blessings have come my way. I could sit here and tell you all the wonderful blessings that I've experienced but I think the most important one has been the privilege to serve a mission. I feel like everything that happened this year has helped me to come to the decision that I wanted to serve a mission. From my dads health that we experienced as a family and just the realization of how truly grateful I am for the gospel in my life. As I sat in the hospital room with my mom and read from my scriptures, I felt so impressed that there were other people just like me throughout the world who need to hear the gospel. They are waiting for it. I decided that I wanted to show the Lord just how much I really do love him by serving him. I put everything on hold and excitedly accepted my call to Florida hoping for the best and really having no idea what I was about what I just signed up for. The last half of the year has been the hardest, funnest, awkwardest, most rewarding thing I've ever done. Little did I know at the start of last year that I would one day be sitting here talking about my mission experiences. Little did I know that my life would forever change. Little did I know that I would soon meet some of my new best friends and build relationships that will last for eternity. Little did I know, when I signed my name on that mission acceptance letter what exactly the Lord had in store for me.

I think far too often, we don't know what things the Lord has planned for us. But I do know that as we rely on the spirit, exercise our faith in the Savior and as we continue to do those small and simple things, that the Lord will really bring great things to pass. I know this because I am a living testimony of it. This year, is a great thing. My mission, is a great thing. My testimony is a great thing. My life is a great thing. And it's come through small and simple things.

I also think that we don't understand the influence that we can have on people for the better or for the worst. This week my good friend Shelby was baptized. I love Shelby. She has taught my so much about faith and courage. She has been investigating the church for about 3 years now and I had the opportunity to teach her and watch her receive the covenant of baptism. I have watched this young woman as she has interacted with the ward, her friends, and family as she has come to accept the gospel. I am so amazed at the influence she has had on them. In testimony meeting she bore her testimony and so did so many others about how someone in their family at some point joined the church and they were a result of someones faith. I know that so many people have touched my life, not only on my mission but prior to my mission as well. So many of you, (most likely if you're reading this) have influenced me. You have strengthened my testimony. Thank you for that. I can not thank you enough for the examples you have all been to me.

I am SO excited to see what the Lord has in store for me this upcoming year as I continue to faithfully serve him. I will be starting off the year still in New Tampa and another transfer with Sister Salinas. I can't wait until the end of this year and I can look back and see all the beautiful things that I have experienced this year. So many good things are in store.

There is a Mormon message video I watched on Sunday that made me so happy! I hope that maybe Elizabeth can put it on my blog because I think it illustrates a point that I am unable to express. It's called "Good Things To Come."

Little do I know... what this next year holds :) Bring it on!

I Love you all. I really really do!

Love

Sister Thomas

Oh here are some funny things that happend this week

There was a random otter sitting on our door step one day as we were leaving. That was SO weird!!
I had my second bike crash. Well it was more like a bounce. I bounced off my bike and then bounced back on. Very graceful really but not so painfree. I'm it had to be funny to watch though because Sister Salinas laughed the rest of the day.
Sometimes when we're downtown, there are a ton of people riding around bikes and sometimes, just sometimes, I like the race the little kids. I may be in a skirt but I can go pretty fast. I think the kids love it. I look over and say, "Hey, I'll race you" "You're on!!" They all yell. I of course let them win :) I love Tampa!

You say Christmas Bakin', I say Christmas Bacon!

2010-12-28T19:35:00.000-08:00

Best week evah!! Have I told you how much I love my family? Well let me tell you. I LOVE THEM, I LOVE THEM, I LOVE THEM!

This week has been full of Christmas cheer! We did some caroling with our district. That was awkward but still really fun. Most people had no idea what to think and were surprised people still carol. Other people were just so happy and told us and kept forking out requests.

Sister Salinas made fudge over at Diane's house following the tradition of every new sister leaning to make fudge. Diane said something about "Christmas bakin" and Sister Salinas looked over at her and said "Christmas bacon?!." So I have started a new tradition of Christmas morning making bacon and that is just what we did. Christmas morning I immediately ran to the kitchen and made bacon, yum! I also opened the door to see if my dreams of a white Christmas came true. Nope, but a green sunny Christmas isn't too shabby :)

Throughout the week we delivered the fudge to people we are working with and just passed along some delicious and definitely not nutritious Christmas loving. It made me so happy to see these people so happy. And everyone was so nice to thank us for sacrificing time with our families to be there with them on Christmas.

We spent Christmas eve over at the Laylands house and acted out the Nativity. I got to play the part of the angel, I think it's because I'm white :). They were so kind and gracious to us. We even had a short little testimony meeting. That was tender. No really it was. We went home to open one present because well after all it is Christmas eve. I opened what I thought was going to be pajamas but to my surprise it was the cutest shirt ever accompanied with matching shirt. That will get way more use than the pajamas. Then off to bed quickly so Santa could come. :)

Christmas morning was so delightful. I didn't have to be anywhere or do anything right away and I just enjoyed the morning. After a little Christmas bacon and rockin around the Christmas tree, I was soon surrounded by wonderful presents from the best family ever! Thank you so much everyone for thinking of me and sending me your love. I wish you could have seem my face with every little thing I opened. I was just SO happy!

I was so happy I forgot what time it was. I looked at the clock and realized I got to call me family in 20 minutes. I quickly got ready and ran over to Dianes.Diane made me the cutest green polk-a-dot blanket. ( does she know me or what?) I then ran well more like jumped around her apartment in search for the phone. I had a little surprise for my mom that I knew she'd love. The rest of the family was in on it and this was going to be epic. My mom answered and I couldn't restrain myself as I yelled out, "MOMMY! Go find Laura!" So must have thought I was crazy or something but regardless Laura was sitting by her computer waiting for her as I was on the screen ready and waiting to SKYPE with her!!! Oh mylanta her reaction was priceless!!! This year we were given permission to skype with our families and that was AWESOME!!!!!!

I just about melted as Jace said "Hello Aunt Gracie" and Sitani proudly wore his new BYU football helmet, Marley showed me her ballet outfit and Preston excitedly showed his Thomas the train set. I also got to meet baby Taylor and he is not a baby anymore. Well I guess he still is but I have never seen him before. SOOO cute!! I loved being able to see my family and talk with them. They are amazing!! They are like my little cheer leading squad. After talking to them we spent the rest of the day visiting members of our ward. We watched "Letter to Juliet" with Sister Snow and her daughter Kenzie. That was just so much fun to sit around and be a girl for a little bit. There was a part in the movie where she explains how the words "what" and "if" are two harmless words but when put together can create years of sorrow and confusion. I had a little moment where I was so happy that I never have to think to myself, "Self, what if you had gone on a mission." I am so gratefully for my decision to serve and for the blessing that haven't stopped pouring on me since the second I decided I was going.

Sunday was a great day as I watched Stephanie ( my recent convert) give a talk in Sacrament. I felt like a proud little mommy as she was up there. Then in Sunday school Barbara taught an impromptu lesson on sacrifice. I just sat in the back of the room with a huge smile on my face as I watched her teach. She asked me a question about sacrifice which ironically, or not, I've been thinking a lot about. I responded by talking about all the sacrifices that were being made so I could be here on my mission such as my mom etc... I then talked about how I was impressed watching my converts sacrifice so much to become members of the church. It hit me, I LOVE THIS!! I love this people! I love the process of how we become who were meant to be. Then Barbara bore her testimony of how she was so grateful for all the sacrifices I made to come on my mission so that she could have the gospel. Hearts were touched, tears were shed, enough said. I love being a missionary. I love this gospel and I love sharing it with my brothers and sisters. I hope you all at some point in your life get to experience the sweet peace that comes from sharing and seeing someone accept the gospel. I have babbled on way to much but there is just so much to say. I am just blessed with a beautiful life!

Thank you all so very much for all that you do to support me out here. I couldn't do it without you. Thanks for all the prayers, encouragement, and love. I hope that everyone had a safe and wonderful Christmas. Happy New Year!

Love your favorite Floridian,

Sister Grace Thomas

Diane and I "no you're the coolest"

Why I love being a Sister

2010-12-20T15:19:00.000-08:00

This week we had "Specialized Training" aka Sister Conference. It was so much fun and yet spiritual enlightening, my two favorite things. It was held in Port Charlette about 2 hours south of where I am currently serving so I got to ride in a van full of sister missionaries for two hours. I felt so sorry for the poor office elders who had to drive us. I couldn't help but laugh at what the elders were probably thinking as one sister babbled on about how she was starved for some physical affection ( she didn't mean it in a bad way at all just that she missed people playing with her hair etc..) another sister was giving a low down of all her previous "creepers" as she called them and then of course the sister who was arguing with the driver about having to stop to go to the bathroom. We were already running late and she was insistant about stopping and he was dead set on not stopping. I have to say the highlight of the ride was when one elder pulled out a box a chocolates and someone saw it. Pretty soon that box was passed around the van. One elder looked over at the other and said, " Way to go Elder. You should've known better than to hand out our chocolate to a van full of Sister." It was so funny. I just couldn't help but laugh. Poor Elders :) As soon as we arrived and I stopped out of the van, I saw Sister Fox ( my MTC companion) and she came running up to me and just about tackled me. I was SOOO happy and excited to see her again. The conference was amazing. President Summerhays told us how much he loved and appreciated us ( girls loved to be told they are loved and appreciated). After several amazing talks, President surprised us by giving us each a rose. Of course all the sisters start crying and and "ooooo"ing and "awww"ing. It was really sweet actually.

Other than that little adventure, I've been staying really busy being a missionary. This time of year always makes me so happy and I was really hesitiant about being away from my family during Christmas but there is nothing better than serving the Lord at this time of year. My testimony of the Savior has grown "2 sizes" this year. Mark Nelson shared a scripture with me that I've reflected on over and over again. Mosiah 5:13

"For how ^aknoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?"

Before I came on my mission I wrote down on a little notecard my goals for my mission. One of the first ones on there was that I wanted to develop a deeper relationship with my Savior. The past couple months, every single day, this goal has become a reality as I have served my master. I know the Jesus is the Christ. I know He lives. His birth but more importantly his life, is the reason I celebrate every day. I know that Christ personally took upon himself every thing that I have and will yet experience. I can feel His love for me as I reflect on my life, my friends, and my family. I am so grateful for my testimony of Him and I am honored to represent him here in Florida. I love my Savior and there is nothing more I would want to be doing this Christmas season then testifying of Him and His matcheless love.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. If I get to talk to you, then :) I am SOO excited! You might want to bring your ear plugs because I have so much to say. If you don't get to talk to you then know I love you. Please travel safely everyone and Merry Christmas!

Love

Gracie

PS this is my 150 post on my blog.

What you need is a large green monkey

2010-12-13T12:25:00.000-08:00

Well folks, it happened. Took 5 months but it happen. It wasn't your typical "skirt stuck in the tires or brakes." It was just plain embarrassing. I had my first bike wreck. Yup, every biking sister has at least one bike crash and I was beginning to think that I was the exception. Nope. There I was biking along when all of the sudden I was binned between the cold cement and my bike. Apparently I have bad perception of where the sidewalk begins and ends. Sister Salinas comes biking up and just laughing her little head off. I'm pulling my skirt down and laughing when I look over and see the whole bus stop of USF ( University of Southern Florida) college students starring at me. Then accross the street is about 10 construction workers who also had a little show. Oh my goodness I was so embarrassed. Then not 10 minutes later we witnessed a hit and run and we were told to see if we could get the guys licence plate. So here we are chasing down criminals... all in a days works :) My life is so adventurous.

Well this week I got to spend about 4 nights in Bethlehem. One of the stakes here does a live nativity that is pretty well known around the state of Florida. It was amazing!!! They have a town set up with shops and roman guards walking around. Then a trumpet sounds and calls everyone to gather around. They give you a candle to light your path and then you walk to the manger. In comes Mary and Joseph riding in on a mule. Then the shepards come in with real sheep and then wise man come walking in. Anyway you had to have been there to get the full effect but it was so cool. Then after everyone goes to the church for cookies and hot chocolate. Then that's where my roll came in. I walked around talking to people, members and nonmembers about the church. It as great! So much fun! I felt like a Temple Square missionary asking everyone for referrals. It was fun. Plus with hundreds of members around they just sit there and tell you how much they love and appreciate missionaries especially sisters. Makes you so warm and fuzzy inside.

I don't really know what else to say about this week... hmm, oh let me explain the title of this email. So the other day we saw this huge green blowup monkey outside a store advertising some solution to a problem. I was thinking how did the advertising committee come up with that one. "So we need people to pay there bills on time. Any ideas Ted?" " Uh... I know what we need A large green monkey. Yeah that'll solve all our problems" I don't get it but it made me laugh. So now Sister Salinas and I always say, "I know what you need, a large green monkey." I know what your thinking. Sister Thomas is weird. She is on a mission and the only thing she can think to write about in her email is about a green monkey. Well I do have a point, I promise. You see this week has been very stressful on me. I've been dealing with a lot of people who have rather large problems. When I see that, I want to take over and make all their problems go away. I hate watching people suffer. I especially dislike the feeling of feeling helpless. I came on my mission because I wanted to help people and ultimately the gospel is the way. What I knew but didn't expect was that although the gospel will bless their live tremendously it doesn't take away all their problems. I got to a point this week where I wanted so badly to help but it was out of my hands. I really had to turn it over to the Lord and let him take control. I have been amazed at just how much our Father in Heaven really does know each and everyone of his children. Sometimes I get a small glimpse of just how much he loves each one of us. It's so overwhelming! I know that my Father in Heaven really does know me, Grace Anne Thomas. Not only does He know me, He loves me. I know that He knows and loves each and everyone of us. I am so grateful for that knowledge because that only makes everything so much better. Well my time is up but I love you all. Thanks for all your prayers.

Oh and Laura and Mark, I was SOOO happy to read about your friends getting baptized. I thought to myself. Yes, there is my family, doing missionary work! I'm so happy!!

Welp, I'm out

Love your favorite Sister

Sister "Thunder Thighs" opps I mean Sister Grace Thomas :)

That's another one for exotic bird bingo

2010-12-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

So serving with someone who hasn't been on her mission long is so fun because she finds so much joy in the little things. I remember the first couple weeks here in Florida and I was so amazed at how beautiful everything was. She seems to point them all out to me and it's been so fun to get excited about the simple beauties in life. Also she seems to know a lot about birds, which neither of us can quite understand but it's pretty funny. We've seem a bunch a crazy birds lately. One imparticular was so cool because Diane came knocking on our door and said, "grab your camera and come quickly" I take about 10 steps outside my door and there is this huge owl just sitting there looking at us. This was about the 6th bird we saw that day that was out of the ordinary. I look over at Sister Salinas and say "That's another one for exotic bird bingo" ( a movie quote)

Anyway that was an exciting way to start this letter. Well this week has been interesting. I have so much to say and I want to explain everything in so much detail to you all because, well, my life is pretty much awesome and I wish you all could experience it with me but instead I'll take the easy way out and bullet point the highlights of this week.

We helped Diane set up her Christmas tree. That was so fun. Sister Salinas helped make Cinnamon Rolls. I worked on making a project, we listen to Christmas music and set the tree up. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!
We spent a lot of time helping on of my recent converts move into her new place. Can I just saw how much I love the Priesthood. So we're sitting herr trying to move everything and then out of the blue, a bunch of men from the ward show up in this truck and help move. It was such a happy sight to see. Of course they didn't expect the sister to do much but I showed them as I carried the mattress up the staird by myself singing, "Put your shoulder to the wheel, push along, do your duty with a heart full of song." It was really fun!!
On Friday a nice man in our ward calls and says he is on the way with our christmas tree. I'm like, "ok?" and then he brings us this live Christmas tree. It made me so happy. So we now have a live tree in our apartment! It smells so good!
Watching Stephanie at the Ward Party interacting with all the young women as if she had been their best friends for years
Seeing Santa!!

Oh so funny story for you. We were heading to a lesson and Sister Salina goes ," STOP THE CAR!" I pull over and she jumps out and starts screaming that there was a black widow in the car. She is dancing around and freaking out but couldn't seem to find it. It was dark outside and said, "I need a flashlight" She then starts playing with the window trying to see if it's still on it. I am laughing at the situation because she was just so cute. I respond, " Get in the car we're going to be late." She says, "no I'm not getting in the car until I find it." Between all the laughing I told her to pray for protection and get it. In a high pitched squel she says, "Heavely Father, please don't let the spider get on meeeeeeeeeeeee" It was so funny. The best part of the story is a couple days later we found the spider squished between the window. We both just started laughing. I love Sister Salinas because she thinks I'm funny :) We get along really well and she is so patient with me. We've had several adventures this last week as we've biked the streets of Tampa looking for people to teach.

All the silliness and funny aside. This week has been really good for me spiritually. I've had a lot of time to really reflex on my life and just how the Lord has been helping me. I am so happy with the way things are coming together. I am pretty much just so happy.

Well I am not really good at this whole letter writing this so I'm just going to send more pictures because I love pictures. I hope you are all doing well.

Love

Sister Grace Thomas

Turn and face the changes ch-ch-ch changes

2010-11-29T11:40:00.000-08:00

So another week has come and gone and I once again find myself at the library reflecting on the past week. This week has been so out of the ordinary but good nonetheless. Monday was spent with getting Sister Lane all ready to go home while running back and forth between lessons. Tuesday I spent all morning in a training meeting and then I got to meet Sister Salinas my trainee. She is super awesome and one heck of a missionary. After a couple minutes my nervous calmed down and I knew things would be ok. She is from Northern California but has been living in Logan for the last 8 years. I am pretty sure this is going to be one great transfer together. We dropped Sister Lane off at the mission home and said goodbye. I am so not good at those but you'd think they'd get a little easier. Thursday was thanksgiving and what a better way to welcome a brand new sister into the field then but watching Toy Story 3. Ha, it was weird because she's been in the field for like one whole day and then it's Thanksgiving, one day where we don't do any schedule work and we got to watch a movie. We went over to the Hopegoods for dinner and there family is just so awesome! The highlight of the evening was when we lit a sugar Santa on fire. That was pretty cool. Then I cleaned out the closet in our apartment and discovered boxes of Christmas stuff. I decided to decorate. That was fun.

I've been pondering a lot this week about changes. Mostly my thought were centered on just how I've been changing so much over the last couple months. It's funny because this time last year, I thought my answer to a mission was no. Little did I know that I would be on one a year later. It always amazes me at just how the Lord works. How he lets us make choices that allow us to grow and change. I think back to where I was a year ago and who I am today. Of course I am still crazy and the same old Grace (oops, I mean... Sister Thomas), but my outlook on life is so different. I don't really know how to explain what I feel but just know good things are happening. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be serving a mission at this point in my life. I am so grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord. I love the changes that are taking place in me. I love this gospel. I love reading from the scriptures and finding the hidden treasures they contain. I find so much peace and strength from the Book of Mormon and sometimes humor. There are some funny characters and I sometimes find myself imaging what they are really like. What's the rest of the story we don't know about. Anyway that's a random side note but I want you all to know that I have a testimony of this gospel. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that my Father in Heaven loves me and has such a perfect plan for me. As I've been studying the New Testament lately and as I teach of Jesus Christ, I have to come to be able to say with all my heart, that I love my Savior. I know He lives.

I hope you all had a safe and great thanksgiving.

Love,

Sister Grace Thomas

A Matter of Life and Death

2010-11-22T13:57:00.000-08:00

This week has been a matter of life and death. Death because, as the mission lingo says I'm killing off Sister Lane. Her "tour of duty" as the post office lady calls it is coming to a close. Tomorrow I will send her off to the real world . I've never killed anyone before but it's sure been a pleasure killing Sister Lane. She is just want I needed and has been such a great example to me. I really look up to her.

A matter of life because well.... I'm going to be a mommy. By that I mean, I get the opportunity to bring a precious little soul in to this life we call a mission. Yup, I'm training and scared out of my pants!! I know what you're thinking. She's hasn't even been out 5 months and they're letting her train. Yeah, I think the same thing.

Lets start back at the beginning of this roller coaster of a week. It literally started on a roller coaster. As I mentioned last week, I got to go to Busch Gardens. A member of out ward is an animal nutritionist there and he got us in and was so kind to give us a VIP tour.

We fed the kangaroos, enticed some birds with some nectar. One little guy was so excited he pooped on me. I didn't even care, I was just having so much fun. We took a safari ride around Africa seeing all kinds of exotic creatures and then Sister Lane and I went straight for the rides. Since it was a Monday afternoon there were no lines and we walked right up to the front of the line and on to the front of the coaster. We rode all the rides... twice! It was great!! I felt like a little kid at Christmas. After that eventful P--day we were back in skirts and teaching a lesson by 5. Self, great day!

This week, being Sister Lanes last week, we gave enduring to the end a whole new meaning. My bike tire has been having a little rough time lately and through a series of unfortunate events, we found ourselves having to be at a lesson in 20 minutes and no way to get there. Sister Lane and I looked at each other and said, "Well I guess we better get running." We had 20 minutes to run 2.4 miles, we got this. We put on some running shoes, a change of clothes and scriptures in our backpack and sprinted out the door. The first half mile we just laughed the whole time and and joked, "Hey remember that time we ran to our lesson?" About a mile into it we realized we better stop laughing and focus on breathing. That was also about the time I was thinking the 5 spoonfuls of cookie dough and milk was a bad idea. Well we made it to the church on time for our lesson which was followed by a missionary appreciation dinner hosted by the Young Women. As we walked in to the room, they all stood up and sang Called to Serve. It was awesome and delicious! Probably my favorite part was when Stephanie stood up and said, " Hi my name is Stephanie and my favorite holiday is Nov 20th because that's they day I get baptized." Yup, that's my investigator! She is so awesome!!

The end of the week was a challenge. Sister Lane got sick, to the point they canceled our Bible study because they said she looked pale. I took her home, made her soup, drugged her up and send her to bed. Being sick on the mission is the worst especially on the mission because not only do you feel sick, you also feel guilty you feel awful. So I tried to "mommy" her to make her feel better. She can't go home sick. No way. She said that none of her companions took care of her when she was sick, so that made me feel good. Well things were going well for me until I woke up Friday feeling sick too. I starting throwing up pretty much anything inside me. It was awful. I was joking about not being able to survive the mission physically before my body shut down and then the following morning, I feel like death. I was pretty sure that was it. I could see the bright lights and everything. I guess the mission is a great place to die right? Ok so I am just being dramatic but for real, it was no fun. I pulled myself together and a few hours later we were out tracting. I think that was the hardest thing to walk out the door, feeling the way I did, Sister Lane going home in 2 days and here we are tracting. For those of you who have served missions know all the joys of tracting but despite everything we did it. The Lord had work for us to do and we did it. The whole time I was praying not to blow chunks on the person at the door and Sister Lane is praying not to pass out but we did it and were able to talk to a lot of people.

Later that night we had a special dinner planned with Diane. Sister Lanes mom paid for us to take Diane out to eat to thanks her for all she's done for us. We got all dressed up and went out to Carabbas. Unfortunately I was still feeling sick so I didn't get to enjoy the food as much as I would have liked but they made awesome leftovers!! I didn't sleep well that night because transfer call were in the morning and after about the 12th dream in which I was told I was training, I woke up and knew that I would be training. I didn't sleep the rest of the night. Bright and early the phone rang and when I saw President Summerhays name on the phone my stomach about fell to the floor. He told me that the Lord had a lot of confidence in me because he was calling me to be a trainer to the incoming sister. I laughed and asked if he was sure the Lord said my name. He reassured me that this was a calling from the Lord and was probably one of the most important leadership positions on a mission. He then preceded to say that this was going to stretch me and would be really difficult at times. Oh great, now not only do I feel highly inadequate, I am also told to prepare for the worst. Ok, great, thanks. He said some other encouraging words but my mind was still in Warming: System Overload. All systems fail in 3...2...1" mode. I am facing so many fears and doubts. I think about every weakness I have came flooding to my mind. I have no idea what I am doing, how am I supposed to teach someone else.

Despite everything, I have felt a great peace. I know the Lord is aware of me and he called me despite my weaknesses to train this new sister. He will not let me fail. I trust the Lord. I am excited to see the things this next transfer will bring. I am going to learn so much. If you don't hear from me next week, it's because I didn't survive the training meetings. Ha just messing, I'll be fine.'

Saturday was also Stephanie's baptism and things went well. It was so great and the young women were a great support. Well I am about out of time but keep me in your prayers. I'm going to be a little frazzled the next couple weeks.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! Please be safe!! Oh and Dad, save me some candy corn when you pass around the thankful bowl :)

Love

Sister Grace Thomas