Preaching in Pennsylvania: Music + Miracles

Hey family!

As the title of this email suggests, this week was filled with music and miracles. :-)

The hymn we chose to learn/memorize/sing this week is "Now Let Us Rejoice". Sister Schofield played it on the guitar and we both sang. We sang it for each family we ate dinner with, and it brought the Spirit every time. Plus, the members LOVED it! Memorizing the lyrics was such a powerful experience too, because of the beautiful message of the song. I love the last chorus: "Then all that was promised the Saints will be given. And they will be crowned with there angels of heaven. The earth will appear as the Garden of Eden, and Christ and His people will ever be one." That is one of the most beautiful images. I so look forward to that day.

We had another wonderful lesson with the Roger and his kids on Monday, and officially taught them the word of wisdom. The member we brought with us shared an amazing personal experience that we could not have provided--super grateful. Members of the family opened up, and it was just a great lesson. They are working on quitting smoking (They need extra prayers!!) and are really progressing. We're so excited for them!! Miracle.

On Tuesday, we met with Dylan again, this time in a member's home. We taught him the Plan of Salvation, and though it was a little rough, it made sense to him. Also, the member saved us by bearing her testimony--super grateful. ALWAYS BRING A MEMBER. Ha ha. The things you learn on a mission. Also, we extended a baptismal date to him--March 26th. HE SAID YES WITHOUT HESITATION. We asked him if he would come to church, and he again said yes without hesitation. SO COOL. And he actually came yesterday!! Miracles.

This week, President and Sister Johnson came to our district meeting. It was so good to see them!! Oh, I love them so much. My interview with President was exactly what I needed. He is one of the most amazing people I've ever met. I feel like he was hand-picked just for me. Him and his wife--they will forever hold a special place in my heart. For district meeting, Sister Schofield and I sang "Now Let Us Rejoice" as the opening song. It is one of President's favorite hymns, and he loved it so much. During my interview, about the musical number, he said: "You and Sister Schofield are like two little angels. And when you were singing, it sounded angelic." So so sweet!! President told me so many other things I needed to hear. For instance, "I know that you being here is a miracle. I can't tell you how grateful I am for that miracle." "I know that your not only here to bless lives--you're doing that. You're also here to change yours." Also, he stressed to me that all the feelings of inadequacy I am feeling so NOT come from my loving Father in Heaven. They are from Satan. I can't listen or let him win. I have to shut him down, and shut him out. It's a work in progress every single day, but the Lord is obviously helping me out. He also reminded me that the Lord called ME. He needs me here, and I am doing great things, even when I don't see it that way. Just so grateful for President. He knew exactly what I needed and when. I love him dearly. Music. Miracles. Feeling blessed.

On Saturday, we visited a less-active named Sister Guffey. We felt strongly that we needed to share a message with her about self worth. So we sang "Beautiful for Me" by Nichole Nordeman. We shared Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 with her: "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." As we sang, the Spirit filled me from head to toe. It was the most beautiful thing. The prayer she prayed before we left was so sweet and tender, and it filled my heart with joy and more of the Spirit. Tender mercies.

I am so grateful for these incredible experiences I am having with music on my mission. I will forever remember and be grateful for them!!

We got a referral for this lady in Danville, so we called her. We called her, and she said she is gone all day every day, but that we could drop off the Bible she requested. We decided to drive out there the other morning, AND SHE WAS HOME. We were able to give her a copy of the Bible and the Book of Mormon and testify of both. Another miracle.

Also......I sort of have a goose egg on my forehead....I hit my head on the corner of the car door as I was opening it. It has only swelled a little bit--and Sister Johnson is aware, so all is well. It's not super noticeable, which I'm grateful for. Just thought I'd let you know. Don't worry about me though--I'll be just fine. :-) It was a miracle the swelling isn't worse than it is.

Craziest thing. I had a thought this week. It happened during studies, and I realized that at some point after my mission, I really want to live outside of Utah (at least for a time) so I can have more of an opportunity to go out with the missionaries. To teach, to testify, and to invite others to come unto Christ. I just think that would be the best thing ever. There is nothing like missionary work. And feeling this way is just a testament to me that my heart is changing, and my missionary tag is becoming engraved on my heart. I couldn't be happier. Again, miracles.

Ponderize scripture (still need to memorize it a little more):

"And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."

I KNOW IT IS TRUE. I have already seen it time and time again in my life, as well as thus far on my mission. Miracles happen because the Savior and His angels are always there.

"Do not ignore the seemingly small things in life. God doesn't." Miracles and tender mercies come in all shapes and sizes--don't discount the small ones--sometimes they count the most.

Thank you so much for reading all of this--I appreciate it. You rock!!

Let's go save the world.

With so so so much love,

Sister Bartlett xoxo

The Danville Library (Across from Bri's Apartment)