There Is Sunshine In My Soul Today

The sun finally decided to come out in West Allis, WI this week! The warmth of the sun brought a huge smile to Sister Tanner's face! "It's been a great week of miracles and beautiful weather to enjoy! I miss you all so much, but things are so great here", she said.

She started off her week playing sports with all the other Missionaries on Monday. It was a lot of fun! After spending their P-day braving the huge snowstorm, they had a wonderful Family Home Evening. They spent that time with the same part member family whom they have been working with. They taught about temples, and the importance of them. The husband, who is a nonmember, is beginning to understand the importance of the temple! It is amazing for Sister Tanner to see the transformation in him! The Sisters enjoyed their time with this wonderful family! They ended the evening by helping shovel snow! 

Tuesday was the day of the funeral for the Relief Society President's husband. Sister Tanner was able to attend, along with her former companion, Sister Hancock. She received special permission to be there for the service, since he was someone she had taught. It was a beautiful service, and Sister Tanner was happy to be there for support. She was amazed at how strong the Relief Society President is. "She is doing so well because she has the knowledge of our Heavenly Father's plan, and that death is not the end. A lot of his non-member family and friends were there, so we had the opportunity to talk to a lot of them. We pray that he can now let go of his fears and concerns and accept the gospel", Sister Tanner said. What a blessing it was for Sister Tanner to have the opportunity to teach this man before he passed away. I'm sure he is eternally grateful for her service. 

After the funeral service, Sister Tanner was able to visit and teach with a few less active members of her ward. Later on that evening, she enjoyed having dinner with a fun family! She ended up finding out that they are distant relatives! "We got to talking, and it turns out we are related", Sister Tanner said! "Somehow through John Tanner. John Tanner is on her direct line. How cool huh? So after I discovered this, the little 5 year old girl suddenly became obsessed with me! She was like, 'We are practically sisters'! So she she wanted to sit next to me the rest of the night. So cute!" For those interested in learning more about John Tanner, and other members who played vital roles in LDS Church History, visit www.lds.org. There is also an amazing video titled, "Treasure In Heaven" about John Tanner and his relationship with the Mormon Church.

The sun was bright and shining on Wednesday! West Allis, WI hit 50 degrees that day! Sister Tanner couldn't have been happier! "We just wore sweaters and we decided to walk everywhere. I think we walked over 5 miles! The sun gave us so many endorphins, and we were loving life", Sister Tanner said. All those endorphins were put to good use, as Sister Tanner met a few new potential investigators! "Heavenly Father definitely puts us in the path of those he wants", she said. It was a very productive and positive day! There was definitely sunshine on Sister Tanner's soul that day! Even after loosing her new cute planner, she was still in the best spirit! "Wednesday was just a good day, because we were so happy", she said. 

The sunshine didn't last for long. By Thursday it was raining and cold again. Sister Tanner still had a wonderful day. It started out by teaching a man who has been less active for many years. He has needed help with gaining a testimony, so Sister Tanner knew just the lesson to prepare for him. She taught him about how the small and simple things can help strengthen your testimony. She also read him a conference talk about Conversion. "Something finally clicked for him", she said. "He finally understood the importance. It was the best lesson we've had with him yet! So happy!" After such a great day, the Sisters arrived home to beautiful flowers from their next door neighbor! "How nice huh? She's this cute older lady! Love her", Sister Tanner said.

Zone Conference was on Friday! All 3 Milwaukee Zones combined together for the Conference! "It was way fun to spend the day with a bunch of other Missionaries. Zone Conference was so good! The whole theme was prayer and it was super motivating", Sister Tanner said. A LDS Speaker from Madison, Diana Holscher, came and spoke to all the Missionaries about working with the members. "We are so motivated", Sister Tanner said. "We have so many new ideas to work with the members. It was such a great day!"  Sister Tanner learned a lot at Zone Conference! She also loved being able to see other Missionary friends of hers! 

Sister Hancock, Sister Milligan, Sister Tanner

Sister Tanner and Sister King

South Mikwaukee Zone

"Saturday was Miracle Day", Sister Tanner said. She called the less active that she had taught on Thursday, to see how he was doing. In 2 days, he was already on Chapter 10 of "The Book of Mormon". "We were super happy", she said. The miracles didn't end there. Sister Tanner's day was spent teaching many of her new investigators. She also was able to meet a lot of new people while waiting at bus stops! "I know the Lord truly puts people in our path. Lots of new potential investigators we met", Sister Tanner said.

Sunday was an amazing day at Church for Sister Tanner. The non member who comes to Church every Sunday, was there again. She told the Sisters how excited she is to have them over. "Yay! The Lord is totally working with her, and she's so ready", Sister Tanner said. That night, Sister Tanner had dinner with the Missionaries at a wonderful family's home. They have older daughters whom are all away at college. Their youngest son is 16, and at home. They love having the positive influence of Missionaries around him. Sister Tanner just loves their family so much! "The wife joined the Church when she was 19, and it made me miss Mom, and how grateful I am for Mom joining the Church and the Missionaries that helped her. So grateful for the person it's helped me become and the person I am today because of the gospel, and growing up with a knowledge of my Savior, and of what is right and wrong. I am so grateful for my family and that we are sealed for eternity. I love you and miss you all so very much! Have the best week ever and enjoy the rest of February. Time goes by too fast. I can't believe this month is over already", Sister Tanner said. 

Sister Tanner's Mom's baptism as a young adult.

Sister Tanner had a beautiful week! Even on the days when the sun wasn't shining, Sister Tanner was bringing sunshine into the lives of others. Blessing the lives of others is what Missionary work is all about! 

A Sister Missionary Valentine's Day!

"Sister Tanner's week started off in the most exciting way possible! Her and Sister King got a car, and a brand new car at that! Although, they were only able to drive it for a few minutes, it was the best 1.5 miles ever! "We got to drive one of the brand new mission cars from the mission office to the church building! It was pretty much the best 1.5 mile car ride of my life! Brand new Subaru! Only 18 miles on it! We had way too much fun taking pics and pretending we were car Missionaries! Only in our dreams", Sister Tanner said. Driving the new car around, and playing volleyball was a fun way of spending her p-day! "I'm finally pretty good at volleyball", she said! 

That night, Sister Tanner was able to spend Family Home Evening with a great family from her ward. She taught a great lesson about love and service! What a perfect lesson for the week of Valentine's day! "I love their family", Sister Tanner said of them! The husband who is not a member of the church, told her afterwards that she teaches with such confidence. This meant so much to Sister Tanner! "It hit me that the time we spend with them and the lessons we have so often, really are benefiting him. I never think he's paying attention during our lessons, but his comment made me realize he is, and that his heart will be softened and he will join the church one day! We are making a difference", she said. Sister Tanner truly loves this family so much, and is happy to have the opportunity to bring the gospel into the husband's life! 

At the District Meeting on Tuesday, Sister Tanner and the other Missionaries were able to all share their testimonies with one another. It was a very powerful meeting! "It was so cool to hear everyone's testimonies and personal experiences. The spirit was so strong", Sister Tanner said. Later that night, Sister Tanner and Sister King got lost in a scary neighborhood. A sweet member of the ward came to rescue them! She is so grateful for the sweet and selfless members of her ward, who are always willing to drop everything to help the Missionaries! 

Wednesday was a beautiful, bright, sunshiny day in Wisconsin! "It was way warm! Like 20 degrees! We were sweating! Haha", Sister Tanner said. It was also a very productive day for the Sisters! They helped their dear friend, whom they have been teaching for awhile, pack for her move. She is moving to Iowa at the end of the month. Sister Tanner is so sad that she is moving, and hopes she will continue in her progression of the gospel once she moves. After helping her pack, Sister Tanner had a lesson with an older couple whom she has been teaching. They have been faithful in keeping their commitment of reading the Book of Mormon. She hopes they will continue to study the scriptures, and pray to know that they are true. 

Sister Tanner had her weekly planning on Thursday morning. It seems to take forever, but is so beneficial in organizing all her lessons and appointments for the week. She was able to get ahold of many of her investigators, which was wonderful! (Below is a picture of her planner.)

That night, was another Taco Talk Thursday at one of her favorite ward member's homes! What a fun night to get together and share the gospel, all while eating yummy tacos! She also made gluten free Trifle for a Valentine treat! This is one of Sister Tanner's favorite treats from home! What a special night it was! "Love her", Sister Tanner said!

When the Sisters arrived home that night, they received some sad news. The Relief Society President from their ward's husband passed away unexpectedly. He was not a member of the church. Sister Tanner had the beautiful opportunity of getting to know him, and teach him the gospel. The Relief Society President sadly came home from work, and found him dead. He was only 51 years old. The cause of death is still unknown. "It really hit us", Sister Tanner said. "I realized that the last time we saw him, was when Sister Hancock had to go to the doctor for her foot. He told us then that he really respects us. That's the last time I saw him", Sister Tanner said. Although he passed away before accepting the gospel here on earth, Sister Tanner is certain he will. Her testimony of the Plan of Salvation, and of temple work is touching. "I know that he will accept the gospel in the spirit world, and that he will do whatever it takes to be with his wife again. Our hearts broke for her, because she doesn't have any family around to comfort her. I realized how grateful I am for each of you and that we are sealed as a family. I am grateful for our knowledge that this life is just one small part of the plan, and that no matter what happens to any of us, we will see each other again. Because of the comfort and knowledge the gospel gives us of this, his wife is doing surprisingly okay. The funeral will be tomorrow afternoon. Please keep this family in your prayers", Sister Tanner said. What a powerful message that Sister Tanner is sharing. We can all be together again, regardless of death. The gospel provides us this reassurance. She has faith that he will accept the gospel of Jesus Christ in the spirit world. She knows he will be with his wife again one day, for eternity.

Friday was filled with so much love! It was Valentine's day! Sister Tanner was able to show the love of Christ by giving service. She helped the woman moving to Iowa pack her place up! She was also able to teach a less active member. It was a fun day! "We gave out valentine grams to everyone we saw. Seriously, we brought a bunch with us and would just give some out to random people we saw on the street. We hope it made their day", Sister Tanner said! We are sure that she touched so many lives that day! She was sharing the greatest love of all, Christ's love.

For dinner that night, Sister Tanner ate at a fun young couple's home. "It was so nice of them to include us on Valentine's day", she said. That night, one of her favorite ward members came by their apartment. The family brought the Sisters a heart shaped pizza! "It was such a nice thought of them! We had such a fun day", Sister Tanner said. It seems that many ward members went out of their way to make sure the Sisters felt loved on Valentine's day. Sister Tanner certainly felt the love! What a beautiful Valentine's day!

On Saturday, Sister Tanner received the news about the funeral. She was told that there will be many nonmembers there, including his family. The Relief Society President told them it will be a wonderful missionary opportunity. "She is the most selfless person ever to be thinking of missionary stuff during this time. I love her", Sister Tanner said. Later that day, Sister Tanner and Sister King went to lunch with a member of their ward. They were taken on a tour of a beautiful Catholic cathedral. It was built by Polish immigrants a long time ago. "It was really pretty", Sister Tanner said. "But somehow, it strengthened my testimony of our church and the real beauty of our temples, and not the glitz and glam of it, but because of the sacredness and spirit that is in our houses of worship." As the Sisters continued their day, they started to feel really discouraged as they could not contact anyone. "We were feeling really discouraged and I could feel Satan trying to make me feel like our hard work is not even worth it. It's the first time on my mission I was thinking like, what's the point of being here if we work so hard and see no fruits from it! We were both feeling pretty bummed, and we were waiting on the corner for a bus, freezing. We thought to start singing hymns. We started to sing every hymn we could think of. All of the sudden, I felt so much better. I knew that Heavenly Father is proud of my hard work, and that he was there. Singing hymns can do so much", Sister Tanner said. Every missionary has hard days and trying times. Sister Tanner was able to use that experience to strengthen her testimony of music. She knows it can bring peace and comfort during challenging times. It also invites the spirit wherever you are. 

"Sunday was an amazing day", as Sister Tanner put it. One of the less active members whom Sister Tanner has been teaching, came to church! "It was her first time in years! We were so happy she was there", Sister Tanner said. The Sisters had been fasting and praying to be able to have the opportunity to meet with a friend of someone from Church. She is not a member, but has been attending Church every week. She hasn't wanted to meet with the missionaries yet. However, the answer to Sister Tanner's prayers came during Relief Society that day. She saw the Missionary Dinner Calendar, and the woman had signed up to feed them! "She signed up to have us over! Direct answer to our prayers! She is so ready and prepared for the gospel, and we can't wait to teach her and help her come closer to making covenants", Sister Tanner said. She is so excited! What a wonderful Sabbath it was! "Me and Sister King were going crazy over our spiritual uplifting day", she said. 

Sister Tanner's week was full of so much love! She was able to share the pure love of Christ with so many people. She may have had some challenging times, and sad moments, but with every trial her testimony of the gospel is strengthened. She is such a strong and confident Missionary, and has so much love for the gospel. 

Sister Tanner's Thoughts and Testimony:

"Missionary work is so bipolar! One day is the worst day ever, and the next day is the best day ever! I love it! All the hard times are so worth it!"

"During my studies this week, I read a conference talk from Bonnie Oscarson called, "Be Ye Converted". I love it! It talked about how we can't force people to be converted, we can't do it for them, but the more converted we become, our desire to share the gospel will increase! I know this is true! I love you all so very much! I know Heavenly Father is there for us during hard times and during good times. I know he hears and answers our prayers and that this is exactly where he needs me to be. He loves us so much! I love you all!"

"Your personal conversion will help you as you prepare to make covenants in the temple, serve missions, and establish your own future homes. As you are converted, you will have a desire to share with others what you have learned, and your confidence and ability to testify to others with conviction and power will increase. This desire to share the gospel with others and the confidence to testify boldly are natural results of true conversion. The Savior taught Peter, "When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

"Living the gospel and standing in holy places is not always easy or comfortable, but I testify that it is worth it! The Lord counseled Emma Smith to "lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better". I suspect we cannot begin to imagine just how magnificent those "things of a better" world are!"

- Bonnie L. Oscarson ("Be Ye Converted" October 2013 General Conference)

"Come Unto Christ And Be Perfected In Him"

Sister Tanner's week was cold, but wonderful! She is looking forward to spring and warmer weather! Monday was filled with a fun day of sports with the other Missionaries. Sister Tanner loves getting to socialize with everyone on P-days! Afterwards, the Sisters made really cute treats to bring to the Family Home Evening they were teaching. Their lesson was on the Priesthood, and the power it has in our lives as men and women. Sister Tanner made cute Reese's covered in labels that read, "P-Riest-hood". Sadly, they ended up finding out the son was allergic! It was such a cute idea though!

Sister Tanner attended her District meeting on Tuesday. They spent the day doing lots of role-plays and learning new methods of teaching people. Right after their meeting, a less active member texted Sister Tanner asking if her and Sister King could come over. They were able to talk to this woman for awhile about the problems she is currently going through. Sister Tanner was able to use the scriptures to comfort her, and help her through this rough time. "By the time we left, she was feeling a lot better! It's awesome that the scriptures always have something for everyone", Sister Tanner said.

Sister Tanner had so much success on Wednesday! She was able to visit and contact so many people! Her and Sister King even went tracting in a new area together! "We must have picked the meanest street in Wisconsin", Sister Tanner said. "Sister King was scared to death!" Luckily, the Sisters had a great day and were able to stay safe! That night, they were able to teach a Priesthood lesson to a family in their ward. The kids loved getting their Priesthood Reese's! 

After weekly planning on Thursday, Sister Tanner and her companion went to contact a referral they had received. The Sisters are so dedicated, as it took them over an hour to get there! "I'm surprised my toes still don't have frost-bite. The Lord blesses us for sure", Sister Tanner said. The appointment went amazing! The girl was very nice and open, and even scheduled a time to meet with them again. Meeting with her was worth every minute of Sister Tanner walking through the freezing cold.

Friday was another full day of teaching for Sister Tanner. One of her lessons that day was with another less active member she has been working with. She had planned to teach him a lesson about Jesus Christ and the gospel. Right when she started the lesson, something felt wrong. She kept feeling inspired to ask certain questions. Before she knew it, the entire lesson was on prayer. " That's what he needed", Sister Tanner said! "I love feeling the Spirit prompting me to change our lesson plans because that means we are relying on the Spirit." How amazing it is to be so in tune to the spirit, that the Lord can completely guide you in a lesson! I'm sure she was able to inspire that man! Afterwards, she met an amazing family who invited her right into their home! She taught them a lesson right away, and even has another scheduled with them! They seem like an amazing family who is ready to hear the Gospel! What a successful Friday for Sister Tanner! She ended her day by making Valentines to pass out to people next week. She also had dinner with one of her favorite Sisters in the ward! "She's awesome, and the most hilarious person on earth", Sister Tanner said of her. She is so lucky to have such amazing ward members who love her and take such great care of her!

Saturday was another successful day full of lessons and visiting with less actives and investigators. Sister Tanner feels so blessed to be able to bring the spirit into so many homes, and share the gospel with the people of Wisconsin.

The Sabbath is always a wonderful day for Sister Tanner. She enjoyed hearing all the talks in Sacrament Meeting about enduring to the end and overcoming trials. In class, she learned about families, and the Plan of Salvation. "It was a great Sunday", she said. What a wonderful week it was for Sister Tanner!

Sister Tanner's Thoughts and Testimony:

"Happy LOVE Week! I love you all so very much! Valentine's day is one of my favorite holidays! One reason, the decorations are PINK and HEARTS! Duh! But the main reason is because it's about LOVE. Charity is the pure love of Christ. We should all strive to love others the way Christ did. I think of his life and the many lives he touched because of his love. He LOVES us so he atoned for us to be able to overcome all things and return to him and Heavenly Father. I pray to be able to love with the pure love of Christ."

"I've been studying about the Atonement and about Jesus Christ because I'm reading the New Testament. I read Matt 11:28-30. "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest". " (This is also quoted at Sister Tanner's favorite spot in the Visitor's Center of the Oakland Temple.)

"Moroni 10:32-33, "Come unto Christ and be perfected in him". I am so grateful for my Savior. It truly is because of him that I can overcome my trials. Because Jesus Christ bled from every pore and died for me, I can find peace, I can become perfect, I can be forgiven of my sins, and I can stand before my Heavenly Father without spot, I can be with my family forever, and I can live up to my potential. Christ makes it possible. He is my Savior and redeemer, my brother, and my best friend. I know that He lives, and I know He loves us more than we can comprehend. Happy Valentine's Day!"

Love,

Sister Karlie Tanner

Happy 9 Months!

Sister Tanner had an incredible week! "It's been a super great week! Miracles are happening and good things are coming our way here in West Allis", she said. This week entailed many changes for Sister Tanner. She is excited for everything that is yet to come on the second half of her mission.

Sister Tanner's week started off with sports day on Monday. Sister Hancock couldn't play because of her injury, but the Sisters still wanted to go. They were able to take pictures with everyone, and say goodbye to all the Missionaries who were being transferred. They had a lot of fun! That night, Sister Tanner and Sister Hancock had dinner at the bishop's house. They were taught an amazing lesson on the importance of music, and how it can invite the spirit. They ended the night by singing all of their favorite hymns together. "It's really important to remember the impact music can have in inviting the spirit", Sister Tanner said.

Tuesday was a fun filled busy day for Sister Tanner! After an amazing lesson with a less active whom they have been teaching, the Sisters seemed to run all around West Allis that day. They visited so many people that Sister Hancock wanted to say goodbye to. They also had a big lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings with all the Missionaries in their area. It was so fun to all be together before many of them were transferred. That night, they played another round of Marshmallow Wars at a member's home. This game sounds so intriguing, especially after seeing this photo.

After a long night of packing Sister Hancock's things, the Sisters left bright and early Wednesday morning to where the transfers took place. "I am really sad Sister Hancock had to leave", Sister Tanner said. Although it was hard to say goodbye to Sister Hancock, she received a new amazing companion. "Sister King is awesome! She's from Provo, and we get along really well. I am excited to be with her! She's super well prepared for her mission and is already a great teacher. We are going to accomplish great things while we are companions", Sister Tanner said. 

Once Sister King was all moved in and settled, the Sisters attended the Relief Society quarterly meeting. A less active member that Sister Tanner has been teaching came! So wonderful! The Young Women in the ward hosted the evening for the women. It was about giving them the opportunity to work on Personal Progress again. Sister Tanner loved it! 

Thursday was a fun day of showing Sister King all of West Allis! After weekly planning, Sister Tanner was able to introduce her to many of the people that they are currently teaching. As they were out contacting people, an amazing experience happened. "We were waiting for a bus and started talking to this lady at the bus stop. We had a great convo about the Book of Mormon and what we believe. The bus was super late at this point. So we asked her if we could say a prayer before we just start walking. So we say a prayer, say amen, look up, and there the bus is right there. MIRACLES. It was really cool", Sister Tanner said. The power of prayer is amazing! Her prayers were also answered about not getting lost. It was her first day without Sister Hancock, and she didn't get lost once with the buses! "Heavenly Father was really helping me", she said.

Sister Tanner was able to teach another less active member on Friday. She taught him all about the Plan of Salvation. It went really well! He had a lot of deep doctrine questions for the Sisters, and they were able to answer them well. Towards the end of the lesson he asked Sister Tanner, "Tell me how I can make it back to him. Tell me one thing I can do right now." The spirit was screaming at Sister Tanner, and telling her exactly what she needed to say. She told him, "You need to come back to Church". It was bold and direct, and she knew it was the spirit leading her in what to say. "He's a great guy", Sister Tanner said. "He 'll come back soon." 

Saturday February 1st, was the exact half way point of Sister Tanner's Mission! 9 months ago, she entered the MTC. It's amazing the strong missionary she has come to be, and how much she has grown and accomplished in such a short period of time. We are so proud of her! Here is what she had to say about this special day. "Saturday was the best day ever! My 9 months mark! It's crazy I'm halfway done. I feel like I just started my mission still. I don't want it to be over yet. It's really cool to look back and see all the things I've accomplished and the person I've become. I am grateful for my mission for a million reasons, but most of all, I have learned the gospel myself. My testimony is unshakable now. I know the Church is true. I know this is the only way. I've found the true happiness Heavenly Father wants us all to partake of. Looking back, I sometimes wonder what the heck I was thinking in serving a mission, because I didn't know anything! I still don't know everything, I never will, but I've learned more than ever. I understand the gospel of Jesus Christ now. I live it, and I will forever be a different person because of the last 9 months. I have truly come to understand the Atonement and how it applies in my life. I look forward to the miracles and experiences that the next 9 months hold. I will see you in such a short time. Time goes wayyyy too fast!"

Sister Tanner's testimony has grown so much in these last 9 months. It is so inspiring! Her day on Saturday was an amazing one. She had the opportunity to lead a Church tour with a woman who is investigating the Church. It went so well! "The spirit was so strong. That's all she could talk about is how she felt. She said she knows it's true, because she's never felt that way in any other Church building", Sister Tanner said. After the tour, they were even able to attend a baptism with her. The spirit was so strong as they watched this sweet 8 year old girl be baptized. The woman was in tears the entire time. "It was a great experience. She committed to come to church and be baptized! We are going to set a date next time we meet with her", she said. What an incredible experience and way of teaching someone! The use of the Church building itself as a missionary tool is remarkable. We are so excited to hear more about this woman and her journey to the gospel! Sister Tanner celebrated her 9 months by going out to frozen custard with a family from her ward. Frozen custard is something she will miss so much after her Mission!

Sister Tanner had the opportunity to hear her new companion, Sister King bear her testimony in Church on Sunday. They asked the new missionaries in the ward to bear their testimonies. "It was really powerful", Sister Tanner said. "Sister King has a strong testimony and I'm so grateful to be her companion." Another wonderful part of the day was having an investigator attend Church. "She was participating and making comments during class like she was already a member! Love it", Sister Tanner said.

Sister Tanner had a wonderful week full of rewarding and touching moments. She is loving her new companion, and all the great things that are in store for them! We look forward to hearing more about their teaching!

Sister Tanner's Thoughts:

"It's been a super great week! Miracles are happening and good things are coming our way here in West Allis. I am so glad to hear about the rain you guys received because of your prayers and fasting. That inspires me and strengthens my testimony of the power of prayer and fasting. Heavenly Father is willing to grant us the righteous desires of our heart if we just have faith. Remember that we can move mountains if we just have faith the size of a mustard seed. We are trying to increase our faith as we have made a goal to have a baptism this transfer. I know it's possible with Heavenly Father's help and with prayer and fasting."

"I love you all so very much! Thank you for your continuous love and support for not only the last 9 months, but for my entire life. Thank you for being such great examples to me! I love you so much! Have the best week ever!"

Love always,

Sister Karlie Marie Tanner