The Promised Land of Wisconsin

Sister Tanner had an eventful week! She moved, received a new companion, and took on her new calling as a Sister Training Leader. "It's been a crazy week", she said. "Kenosha is crazy! Seriously the promised land of the Mission. I'm feeling totally overwhelmed with all we have going on, because I've never been in an area like this but I'm also feeling super blessed to be able to serve here. I feel like the Lord is pouring out the blessings for whatever reason. I came into the area with 2 baptism dates, and we just set another one this week. We have 3 baptism dates in May! We teach so many lessons, I wouldn't even have time to tell you about all of them. It's crazy! I'm exhausted but it's a good thing! The ward is amazing. So many miracles! It was hard to leave West Allis, because I love the ward and people there so much, but I know once I get a hang of what's happening here, I will fall in love with everyone here too!" We are so excited for Sister Tanner and all the lives she will bless in Kenosha! We know the Lord has huge plans for her there, and we are looking forward to seeing them unfold.

Monday was Sister Tanner's last P-day in West Allis. It was fun playing sports with everyone there for the last time. She was able to say goodbye to her dear friend Sister Stuart. It was her last week as a Missionary! She was Sister Tanner's Sister Training Leader when she first arrived in Wisconsin. Now she was giving Sister Tanner advice on being a STL. Her advice was, "Just love the girls, and everything will fall in place." Sister Tanner just loves her, and will miss her so much! On Monday, Sister Tanner also got to see her favorite bus driver! She was happy that she was able to say goodbye to her before she left for Kenosha. She ended the day with an amazing family whom she will miss so much! 

Sister Tanner spent the whole morning packing on Tuesday! She has too much stuff! She really wanted to go to the restaurant of one of the members in the ward, but really didn't think she had time. She kept feeling like she should go, so she did! She was able to say goodbye to the Brother in her ward, and eat his yummy food one last time. As the Sisters left the restaurant, they met an amazing girl who wants to learn more about the church! "She's a really cool girl", Sister Tanner said. "She's been looking for a church, and is interested! Sister Tanner knows she was prompted to go to that Restaurant for a reason. "We were totally supposed to be there and meet her", she said. The rest of the day was spent saying goodbye to all the amazing families and people that Sister Tanner has come to love! She had dinner with a fun family from her ward. They even all went together as a family to visit a less active member with the Sisters. "They are amazing and I'm going to miss them so much! They are incredible", Sister Tanner said. "We always spend dinner laughing and talking about how much the gospel is blessing their lives now, and how much they love the temple. It's the coolest thing ever!" Sister Tanner will always remember their family! After dinner, the Sisters went to Recipe Group with the Relief Society. Sister Tanner loves the Sisters in her West Allis Ward. They have all touched her heart, and she will cherish her memories with them forever! "They have all become my friends and my Ward family the last 6 months. I'm going to miss them so much. I love them all. West Allis will forever have a special place in my heart! I can't wait to go back and visit there someday, and show you all how amazing that place is", Sister Tanner said. West Allis will forever be in Sister Tanner's heart.

Wednesday was a bittersweet day. Sister Tanner had to say goodbye to her companion Sister King. She has been so blessed to be companions and friends with someone so amazing! They will be friends forever, and Sister Tanner will miss seeing her everyday! While at the Stake Center for transfers, Sister Tanner got to see Sister Newton! She was her first companion when she was in Prairie du Chien."Ah! I can't even begin to to describe the happiness I felt when I saw her! So excited she's in West Allis now! I love her", Sister Tanner said. Sister Newton and Sister King are now companions, and serving in West Allis together! So many amazing Sister Missionaries in Wisconsin! Sister Tanner was also able to see a familiar face from back home, Sister Vang. She is brand new to the mission! "She's so cute, and has an awesome trainer", Sister Tanner said. She was also able to meet a new Sister Missionary who had wrote Sister Tanner a letter before she went out on her mission. After receiving her call, she stumbled upon this very blog and was able to contact Sister Tanner. She is going to Prairie du Chien to serve, which was Sister Tanner's first area! How amazing! Transfers were emotional, exciting, and fun! Sister Tanner was blessed to see so many people she loves that day!

Sister Tanner and her new companion made their way back to Kenosha! It was off to work right away for the Sisters. Before even dropping off all the luggage, they attended the appointments they had lined up. Kenosha is a whole new experience for Sister Tanner! That next morning, the Sisters had breakfast with a member from the ward. She wanted to get to know Sister Tanner! "She's so cute", Sister Tanner said. She ended up recognizing Sister Tanner right away, and reads this blog! So exciting! "She's the cutest lady ever with a sweet southern accent. She invited her friend to Church and she wants to be involved in Missionary work. Ah! I love her! Members like her are going to change the world", Sister Tanner said. After breakfast, Sister Tanner had an appointment with an investigator, and she committed to baptism right then and there! "She's so ready", Sister Tanner said. Lessons, appointments, and more lessons filled up the rest of the day. "So many things going on", Sister Tanner said. "We were so busy that we didn't have time to weekly plan." Together the Sisters made a goal of trying to meet every member on their ward list. There are over 600 members in their ward! They put in all of the addresses on their GPS, and got to work. What amazing dedication these Sister Missionaries have! "It will help us meet less actives and get to know the active members better", Sister Tanner said. 

Volunteering at the Food Pantry was an amazing experience for Sister Tanner! It helped her to realize how blessed she is to always have food to eat. After their service, the Sisters had a lesson with a girl who they are getting ready for baptism. "She's awesome", Sister Tanner said. "She has such a desire to change." Another lesson that Sister Tanner taught on Friday was with a familiar face. A woman whom Sister Tanner taught while on exchanges in Kenosha, is now getting baptized! She was excited to see her and teach her again!  "I taught her on exchanges for her first lesson, so she remembers me and likes me! Wow, she's changed and opened up so much from the first time I met her", Sister Tanner said. She is so exciting for her to be getting baptized! The Sisters enjoyed the beautiful 70 degree weather while going through their ward list. They have 600 people to visit on this list, so they got started. They met a lot of less active members! One man in particular seemed very interested about coming back. Sister Tanner is so excited! Serving in Kenosha is amazing!

In the wee hours of the morning on Saturday, strange things started happening in Sister Tanner's apartment. The Sisters started hearing their doorbell ringing. They got up to make sure the door was locked, and then went back to sleep. A bit later, music started blaring through their cd player. They knew it had been turned off, and the volume had never been up that loud. "We were freaking out", Sister Tanner said. "We totally thought someone was in our apartment. I can't even tell you the fear that was going on." Luckily, there was no one in their apartment, and nothing else happened. It was a very scary experience though! Needless to say, the Sisters were exhausted that day! They were so scared that they could barely sleep. The work goes on though! They had so many lessons that day! It was amazing! They even went tracting in Kenosha, and within 5 minutes they found an amazing family who is interested in the Church! "Miracles", Sister Tanner said. That night, Sister Tanner had dinner with a wonderful family! She adores the wife so much! She is also allergic to gluten, and can relate to Sister Tanner so much. She served a mission herself, and wants to help them in every way! She sent them home with 4 bags of groceries, and gluten free foods! "So sweet", Sister Tanner said. "Such tender mercy! So know that the members are taking care of us so well." What a wonderful and selfless woman! After dinner, the Sisters continued with their goal of visiting every person on the Ward list. They went to a home not knowing anything about them. A man answered the door, and told the Sisters that he hadn't been to church in a long time. He told them how much he wants to come back, but that he is scared. Sister Tanner was so happy that they found him! "We were able to testify about the Atonement, and how Church is for imperfect people, and that we go to Church to try to become better", Sister Tanner said. He came to Church that next day! What a miracle! "The Lord was totally preparing him and prompted us to go see him at the perfect time! How cool, huh?", Sister Tanner said. That night, a loud weird noise came blaring from their CD player. It was scary, but they were so exhausted that they didn't even care.

Sister Tanner loved her first Sunday in Kenosha! They have a huge ward, so there are a lot of people to meet. Sister Tanner was asked to bear her testimony. She loves opportunities to do so! It was amazing having 3 investigators in Church. One of them was the man they had met before. It seemed like all the talks were inspired for him, which was so perfect. It was a wonderful day at Church! Afterwards, the Sisters went around and visited more less active members on their Ward list. 

Sister Tanner had an amazing first week in Kenosha! She loves the intensity of the work there! She is excited to eventually meet all 600+ people in her new ward. We know she will work miracles there! We are so proud of her!

Sister Tanner's Testimony:

"I love it! I'm super overwhelmed with all we have going on but it will be good! I'm going to grow and learn so much from serving here. Last night, I was praying about if I should be thinking about what I should do after my mission and this morning I read 3 Nephi 13:24, "No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon", and I was like, "Yep, that's the answer to my prayer so I'm not going to worry about it! I can't believe it's been a whole year since I walked into the doors of the MTC. Time has flown, but at the same time I've learned so much. I am so grateful for every single day of experiences that has helped me become the person I am today. My mission has changed my whole life. It's changed what's important to me, it's changed the person I want to become, and most important, it's changed the decisions I make every day. I have come to know my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ more than ever before in my life. My testimony has grown more than I thought was possible. When I decided to serve a mission, I wasn't even sure why I needed to come or why I all of a sudden wanted to, but now I know that this was God's plan for my life. I needed to serve a mission to come to know the gospel and to become a better friend, daughter, sister, and someday a better wife and mother. Being a missionary, I've seen miracles, I've witnessed people change their lives, and I've felt the spirit confirm to me that the gospel is true. I love the Book of Mormon. Every day I am so excited to read the Word of God. I love being led to people and sharing my testimony every day and teaching them of the gospel. I can't even put into words everything I've learned, but I do know that everything I teach is true. I know that this gospel brings the happiness everyone is searching for, and a happiness that the world cannot offer. Even though my mission is hard, it's the hardest thing I've ever done, I've never felt so great of joy or happiness as I do now. The power of prayers is real. Christ lives and loves us, and because of him everything is possible. There is a quote from this talk I read this week. It's called, "Missionary Work and The Atonement", by Jeffery R Holland. You guys should check it out! He said, "The good news was that death and hell could be escaped, that mistakes and sins could be overcome, that there was hope, that there was help, that the insoluble was solved, that the enemy had been conquered. The good news was that everyone's tomb could one day be empty, that everyone's soul could again be pure, that every child of God could again return to the Father who gave them life." The gospel is the good news! I get to tell the good news every single day and I love it! Thank you all for supporting me and praying for me for the last year! I have 6 months to work as hard as I can! Missions are too short and there are too many people that need the gospel! I love you all so much! You're in my prayers every day! I love you! Happy May!"

Sister Karlie Marie Tanner

The Newest Sister Training Leader

"Wow, what a week it has been", Sister Tanner said. She had an exciting week full of changes and wonderful news! She also enjoyed this special holiday, and was able to help others focus on Christ. "It's been so wonderful to celebrate our Savior's resurrection and help get people excited about it", she said. 

Monday was an interesting P-day for Sister Tanner. After writing her emails last week, her and Sister King spotted their "stalker". They started hurrying out of the library as quickly as they could. As they were running down a flight of stairs, Sister Tanner fell! Luckily, she was not seriously injured. All that came from the fall was a sprained finger. Ouch! So, no sports for her that day! Instead, the Sisters decided to go to the nearby mall and get new Easter outfits! That evening, the Sisters had a wonderful Family Home Evening with a family from their ward. "We planned the coolest Easter Egg hunt activity to do with all the families this week. It was way cool", Sister Tanner said. 

Sister Tanner attended her District meeting on Tuesday. It was such a special one this week! All the missionaries were able to share their testimonies of the Savior with one another. "The spirit was really strong", Sister Tanner said. Later that day, Sister Tanner taught one of her investigators. Sadly, the lesson did not end as she had hoped. The man decided to no longer investigate the Church. Sister Tanner still encouraged him to read the Book of Mormon. It was a sad moment, and hard for her to accept. It is times like these however, that help her to grow and mature as a Missionary. Luckily, her day ended on a wonderful note. She was able to teach her Easter lesson again to another family that she loves. "Love them", she said. "They loved our Easter Activity!" On the bus ride home that night, Sister Tanner and Sister King met a really cool girl! "Tender mercy", Sister Tanner said.

Sister Tanner had a very productive and successful day on Wednesday. She was able to have a lesson with one of the less active members whom she teaches. It went really well. "He's totally progressing spiritually", she said. "He's reading conference talks all the time!" That is so amazing! After the lesson, the Sisters went to help clean for a family who just had a newborn baby. Sister Tanner loved being in their home, and seeing their new baby boy! "It's amazing to see newborn babies and think that they were JUST with Heavenly Father", Sister Tanner said. After being with their family, Sister Tanner and Sister King went and helped out with another family from the ward. Sister Tanner loved knowing that their small acts of service could truly help so much. She just loves both of those families so much! "I love them", she said. "Such great families!"

The weather was so beautiful on Thursday, that the Sisters decided to walk everywhere to contact people. They ended up meeting so many people! At one point in the day, the Sisters got a call from the girl who was just baptized last week. Her call really touched Sister Tanner! "She told us she was having an awesome week and that she feels different and she can feel the Holy Ghost in her life! Awesome right", Sister Tanner said. She also expressed to her that she cannot wait to go to the temple and do baptisms there. She is also looking forward to getting a calling soon! Sister Tanner is so happy for her, and so proud of this decision she has made in her life. She can see how it has changed everything for her! "She's awesome", Sister Tanner said.

On Friday, the Sisters were running ahead of schedule to their lesson, so they decided to stop at this random gas station. They just felt like they needed to go there. When they walked in, a man quickly came up to them. He asked them if they were missionaries. Of course the Sisters said, "YES WE ARE!" The man asked them why they had never knocked on his door. The Sisters were so excited! "SO AWESOME! He's this cool family guy and wants to learn about our Church. New investigator", Sister Tanner exclaimed! They were both so glad that they went inside that gas station when they did. They were definitely prompted by the Lord. After that, they had a lesson with a less active member. They were able to talk with her a lot, and even teach her children about the Resurrection. They children didn't know the true meaning of Easter before that day. Sister Tanner was excited to be able to teach them about the Savior's Resurrection. After that, it started to seem like a struggle to contact anyone. The Sisters started to feel a bit down. Right then, one of their favorite Sisters from the ward drove by and honked and waved at them. "For some reason it totally made our day! Thinking about it after, we were having a hard time and to have some one drive by, literally cheering us on was a blessing from Heavenly Father. It reminded us how many people we have "cheering us on" even during the hard times", Sister Tanner said. We are never alone. We always have a cheerleader rooting for us. Our Heavenly Father is our biggest fan. Even when it seems like there is no one, he is always there.

 Saturday was Stake conference in West Allis. "It was amazing", Sister Tanner said. Elder Godoy, from the 70 was there. His talk was all about Missionary work. He shared his conversion story with everyone, along with many other recent converts who spoke. "He's hilarious", Sister Tanner said. "The most animated, hilarious, General Authority I've ever met!

"Easter Sunday was amazing", Sister Tanner said. They had Stake Conference, and it was amazing to see everyone in their stake all together. "My first Sunday in West Allis was Stake Conference, and my last Sunday in West Allis is Stake Conference. What a great way to leave", she said. It was such a wonderful day! She even met a family whose children and grandchildren all live in Sacramento. It turned out that Sister Tanner grew up with them! What a small world! All the speakers were amazing at Stake Conference, and the spirit filled the room. "Stake Conference was wonderful! We have an awesome stake Presidency here in Milwaukee South Stake! Kenosha is still in this Stake! Yay! Elder Godoy sharing his witness and testimony of the Savior was so powerful. He spoke a lot to the youth and a lot to husbands about treating their wives better. It was really good", Sister Tanner said. It was an amazing Easter Sunday!

A sweet family had Sister Tanner over for Easter dinner. They aren't very active, and don't have the strongest testimonies. "I think us being there and bringing the spirit into their home was just what they needed. It was wonderful", Sister Tanner said. Then the transfer call came! The Mission President called to tell her that she will be the new SISTER TRAINING LEADER! She is also moving to Kenosha! Her very first companion, Sister Newton is coming to West Allis to be companions with Sister King. How amazing! "What a miracle! I get to do exchanges with Sister Newton and Sister Hancock! I'm really nervous for this leadership position but I know the Lord qualifies whom he calls so I'm looking forward to growing and learning a lot and becoming the best missionary I can be. I will need your prayers", Sister Tanner said. We are all so excited and proud of her! We knew this day would come, because she is such a strong and inspiring missionary! That night, Sister Tanner went to one of her favorite family's house to say goodbye and spend the end of Easter with them. She was also able to do her Easter activity with the kids! She had so much fun! She loves that sweet family so much. They have treated her so good during her time in West Allis. She will forever be grateful for everything they have done for her! 

Sister Tanner had such a wonderful week! We are so proud of her new position as a missionary. She will be in our thoughts and prayers this week as she moves to Kenosha, and becomes a Training Leader. We know she will bless so many lives there, and touch so many people. She will definitely miss West Allis though, and can't wait to visit there again one day! 

She will never forget WEST ALLIS and all the amazing people there.

Sister Tanner's Testimony:

"West Allis has been amazing and will always be such a special place to me. I'm really excited to go to the "promised land" as everyone in the Mission calls Kenosha, where they baptize like crazy. It will be an amazing adventure! I love you all!"

Love,

Sister Karlie Marie Tanner

Baptism

Sister Tanner had the most incredible week of her mission so far, and one of the most memorable weeks of her life. "It's been one of the best weeks of my mission", she said. "No words can describe the happiness I felt as Sarah walked into the waters of baptism and made a covenant with our Heavenly Father. Being able to literally see her transformation and the happiness and joy that the gospel brings her now makes me more happy than I've ever been." 

Her week started with a nerf war on Monday at the Church building. "So fun", Sister Tanner said. They set up tables and chairs and had a huge game with all of the missionaries! For Family Home Evening that night, Sister Tanner had dinner with a wonderful family from her ward. She had an amazing gospel conversation with them, and committed the entire family to study "Preach My Gospel." This is something she hopes to encourage every member to do! 

After the District meeting on Tuesday, Sister Tanner and her companion got stuck in a rainstorm! Luckily, a sweet Sister from their ward came to rescue them! Sister Tanner is so blessed to have such sweet ward members! After the rainstorm died down, the Sisters went out to contact less active members. While they were waiting at the bus stop, they met an amazing girl! "It's nice to know there are people trying to do good in the world and live good lives", Sister Tanner said of her. The bus stop is always a hot spot for meeting new people!

"Wednesday was a miracle day", Sister Tanner said. She had been praying to be able to contact a few potential investigators, and her prayers were answered! A man they had met previously, called them and wanted them to come teach him that same day! "We had an awesome lesson teaching him the Restoration and he's so prepared and looking for truth. Love it", Sister Tanner said. Her prayers were definitely answered that day!  After the lesson, Sister Tanner and Sister King looked up Elder Oak's talk from the Priesthood session of General Conference. It definitely helped inspire them as women! "SO GOOD", Sister Tanner said. "It helps us better understand our power in preaching the gospel as Sisters! We don't have the Priesthood, but we have the Priesthood authority to teach the gospel." In Elder Oaks' talk he said the following, "In that notable address, President Smith said again and again that women have been given authority. To the women he said,'You can speak with authority, because the Lord has placed authority upon you.' He also said that the Relief Society 'has been given power and authority to do a great many things. The work which they do is done by divine authority.'" What a powerful message to women! Sister Tanner was so inspired! Later that day, a previous investigator whom Sister Tanner has taught, contacted the Sisters. She told them, "I need to start meeting with you guys again and I need God in my life, because since you stopped coming, everything has fallen apart." Sister Tanner hopes to continue teaching her this time, and that her faith in the gospel will grow! Later that evening, Sister Tanner and Sister King were heading to the library to teach one of their investigators when their stalker found them! "Our stalker found us", Sister Tanner said! "He proposed to Sister King! Haha! He's crazy!" Luckily, he is harmless and the Sisters were able to get a good laugh out of it! Their night ended on a good note, as they were able to visit a less active family whom they have been trying to contact for months. How amazing! "She was so sweet and so willing to meet with us again", Sister Tanner said. What an incredible day!

Thursday was another wonderful day for Sister Tanner. She had a really powerful lesson with one of the less active members she has been teaching. "He's totally changing", Sister Tanner said. "He watched all of conference and loved it! He was quoting stuff to us the whole lesson! He also made us these CTR neon signs! So cool!" It is so special to see how Sister Tanner's influence has changed this man's life! That evening, Sister Tanner was having dinner with a family from the ward, and their son stopped by in the middle of it. "Their son who is not a member randomly stopped by and stayed for our message and everything. This is the second time he's stayed. We had planned a lesson on missionary work and we knew we needed to take the opportunity to do something else if he was there, so we opened up the scriptures and just started teaching. We taught about the Holy Ghost and how we can feel it and the spirit was so strong and he was participating and making comments and stuff, it was really good", Sister Tanner said. She was once again led by the spirit in what she was supposed to teach that night! When they were leaving the home that night, the parents told them that they were prompted to have them over for dinner that night. They had no idea that their son was coming over either! Everyone was prompted in this situation! Their son was obviously meant to hear the message that Sister Tanner and Sister King had to share. "The work is hastening and the Lord is preparing him! I know it! It's really cool to have been able to see the spirit working through them to invite us and the spirit working through us to know what to teach. I love it", Sister Tanner said! What a testimony builder! 

"Friday was awesome", Sister Tanner said! It was baptism day! They were able to have dinner with her first and help her get ready! It was so special. "Her baptism was amazing! The spirit was so strong! I will never forget the big breath she took before she went down in the water and the huge smile that was on her face when she came up. Words cannot describe the happiness! Her baptism is the reason why missions are WORTH IT! Every hard day, every door slammed in our faces, every mean person, it's all worth it to see one of God's special daughters enter the gate. My favorite part of the whole night was when she got up to bear her testimony at her baptism! She told her whole story and how her questions were answered at conference. I will never forget the words she said, "I know the Church is true". She talked about how she had to give up family and friendships of those who didn't support her decision but it's okay because she gained so much more. She's amazing! I have no doubt in my mind that she's going to be a strong active member forever. Her testimony is centered on Christ and the Spirit! I love her", Sister Tanner said. What a spiritual day, and an unforgettable one at that.

Saturday morning, the Sisters helped a family in the ward who is moving. After packing, the Sisters had an amazing Mexican lunch at "the best restaurant ever". They had such a good time with a sweet Sister from their ward. "She's the best example of a member Missionary", Sister Tanner said. "I love her!" After lunch, Sister Tanner taught one of her investigators at the library. The Sisters taught him all about the Word of Wisdom. "It went really good", Sister Tanner said. "Afterward, he introduced us to a bunch of his friends at the library. One guy's name was Turtle! He's a new investigator now! He wants to learn more!" How exciting! Sister Tanner is truly "pollinating the world", as Elder M. Russell Ballard has asked us to do. 

Sunday was an amazing fast and testimony meeting in West Allis, WI. It was also the confirmation day! "Lots of the members bore their testimonies about the spirit at her baptism", Sister Tanner said. "It was amazing. One testimony even made everyone cry." A less active member attended Church that day, and he was touched! "I love my life", Sister Tanner said. 

This week was one that Sister Tanner will never forget. Seeing someone she has grown to love so much, be baptized was the most spiritual experience. She is eternally grateful for this opportunity to be a full time missionary, and to keep teaching others of the gospel!

Sister Tanner's Testimony:

"So grateful for this week we have to celebrate our Savior's Resurrection! I'm so grateful for the knowledge that we have the HE lives! Because of him, we are able to overcome all our trials and we can become better and most importantly, we can return to our Father in heaven again. Please share the #becauseofhim video on mormon.org on your Facebooks. It will help others to know of him. I'm grateful for my mission helping me better understand Jesus Christ and being able to trust in him more. I have a testimony that HE LIVES and that he loves us and that he will come again!"

2 Nephi 25:26

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."

"I love you all so much! Happy Easter"

love,

Sister Karlie Marie Tanner

Please share this video, and help others understand what Easter is all about! Because of him, all things are possible.

#LDSCONF

"This week was amazing, full of miracles and lots of revelation", Sister Tanner said. "I hope you all enjoyed conference as much as I did!" Sister Tanner had an amazing conference week! She is enjoying the spring sunshine in Wisconsin, and the beautiful miracles she experiences every day! 

Instead of the normal sports activities on Monday, the Sisters and Elders played Marshmallow wars with a family from the ward. Everyone had so much fun! "Marshmallow wars will forever be one of my favorite memories from West Allis", Sister Tanner said. After the fun game, Sister Tanner and Sister King enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Bishop's home. They ended their day by having Family Home Evening with a less active teenage girl whom they have been working with. "Monday was awesome", Sister Tanner said.

Sister Tanner and Sister King had fun tricking everyone on Tuesday for April Fool's Day! The Sisters wore each other's clothes and switched name tags! At their Zone Training, Sister King was playing the piano. The closing song was, "If You Could Hie To Kolab". She got up and started playing, "Joy To The World". How funny! That day was also one of the Sister Missionary's last Zone Meeting. "Sister Stuart. LOVE HER! She shared her testimony and she's such a great example to me", Sister Tanner said. She will definitely miss her! The remainder of the day was spent visiting less active members. Sister Tanner helped everyone prepare for General Conference, and committed them all to watch it!

Sister Stuart

The sun was out and shining bright on Wednesday! Sister Tanner was able to work out and go for a run for the first time since being in West Allis. "It felt so good to be outside to work out", she said. She received wonderful news that day! Both an investigator and a less active member whom she has been teaching, told her that they have been reading the Book of Mormon every day! This is amazing, and a huge step for both of them! Sister Tanner was overjoyed! 

Thursday was a great and successful day of contacting people. Sister Tanner was able to have dinner and a lesson that evening with the woman being baptized. "We taught the law of Chastity, which she already knew everything about and we also talked about obedience and went over logistics for her baptism. She's so ready", Sister Tanner said. She is so excited! After that lesson, the Sisters met up with the Bishop. He came with them that night to teach one of the less actives they have been working with. He just recently came back to Church for the first time in YEARS, and he loved it! "He said he's noticed a difference in his life from reading the Book of Mormon. He's totally changing", Sister Tanner said. Having the Bishop there with them was very special. What an amazing day!

"Friday was General Conference Eve! Yay! We're dorks and were way too excited", Sister Tanner said! It was a great day for the Sisters! They set their minds on meeting new people to teach that day, and they did just that! "We went out to try to find new investigators and met a lot of really cool people. Some creepy 16 year old boy chased after us and tried to hug us and get our number, but besides that, it was a really good day", Sister Tanner said. Later that night, as they were walking to their apartment, they came across a man whom they had run into before. This time was different though. He wanted to talk with them, and the Sisters even ended up teaching him right then and there. They got his information, and invited him to watch Conference. He told them, "Obviously I need to listen to you guys if I've run into you this many times!" The Lord always leads them to who they need to teach!

Saturday was the start of Conference weekend! Sister Tanner was so excited for this day! "The first session was my favorite", she said. "Holland was amazing as usual! Such strong messages for us! I love it!" The Relief Society President was so sweet and took the Sisters out to lunch in between sessions. The afternoon Session was amazing as well! "All my questions were answered during conference, I love it! I had this random questions about Mary and Jesus when he appeared to her, and I was like, I'm not going to write it down, but I did anyway, and it was answered by the Asian guy. Crazy! I know every question, no matter how random can be answered during Conference", Sister Tanner said. If we have questions or troubles, we can turn to the General Conference talks like we do to our scriptures. They are words of God being spoken through our apostles and our Prophet. Many of our questions and troubles can be solved by studying the General Conference talks. If you didn't have the chance to watch Conference, or you missed some of it, visit www.lds.org. You can watch or just listen to each talk individually. 

Sunday morning, Sister Tanner attended the correlation meeting for her ward. They went over the logistics for the baptism this coming week. "Everyone was shocked we had everything organized already", she said. In between Conference Sessions that day, the woman being baptized had her final interview. "She came out with a huge smile on her face, and gave us big hugs", Sister Tanner said! The Elder that gave her the interview, told the Sisters that it was the coolest interview he's done. He told them that she answered all the questions before he could even ask them. She even bore her testimony to him. "Ah, makes me so happy", Sister Tanner said! " He said she's the most prepared person he's ever interviewed. She's so ready!" Sister Tanner is so excited for this sweet soul to be baptized this Friday! She has been so touched and blessed to be able to teach her the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For the Sunday afternoon Session of Conference, the Sisters watched it with one of their favorite families in the ward! "It was so good", Sister Tanner said. "I seriously can't get enough!"

Sister Tanner had a spiritually fulfilling week! General Conference inspired her as a missionary, and strengthened her testimony even more! She feels so proud to be a Missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Teaching others and bringing the gospel into their lives, is the greatest calling. We are all so proud of her service to Heavenly Father and the people of Wisconsin. She has an exciting week ahead of her, as she watches a sweet Sister be baptized into the gospel. What a great and amazing Missionary she is!

Sister Tanner's Testimony

"Miracles are real. She is getting baptized because of her prayers, *(name removed)'s prayers, our prayers, and your prayers! The gospel is so true and brings more happiness than I could ever describe to someone. I'm so grateful for the messages we heard at Conference. I loved the concept of "living true to the faith" spoken of by our prophet, and many others. My favorite talk was Hollands about defending our beliefs. It's not easy, but it's WORTH IT! If my mission has only taught me one thing, it's that living the gospel brings more happiness than anything else in the world. Staying true to our faith and beliefs is hard when people every day are trying their hardest to tear us down and rip our faith apart, but as we hold fast to the rod and live the gospel, we will be the best example and receive a hundredfold later. I love being a missionary and literally wearing my religion on my chest every day. I love that I get to represent Christ every day and go around telling people of the glorious truths we have and preaching the Gospel. I love it! I love all of you so much! Thank you for your prayers and support and love! I couldn't do any of this without you! I love you!"

Sister Karlie Marie Tanner

Sister Tanner's Favorite General Conference Quotes

#ldsconf

#teamsistertanner

Personal Revelation

"It's been an amazing week full of miracles", Sister Tanner said. The sun is out in West Allis, and she is able to forgo her boots for the first time in 6 months! Not only has the sun been bright and shiny this week, but the spirit has as well! So many miracles are happening all around Sister Tanner. "The lord is truly blessing us so much", she said.

Monday was such a fun day for Sister Tanner! She was able to teach the Sister who is preparing for baptism. The lesson was on keeping the Sabbath Day holy. Sister Tanner is so excited for her, and knows she is so ready for the gospel! After their lesson, the Sisters went rollerskating with her! "Tons of fun", Sister Tanner said of their day!

Sister Tanner and Sister King attended their District meeting on Tuesday. This week their meeting was focused on following the spirit."Lots of personal revelation was received as my District leader taught me", Sister Tanner said. "It's crazy how much following the spirit can help us know what other's concerns or needs are. We don't know, but Heavenly Father knows and he can give us what to say to help them." If we are prayerful and have the spirit with us always, we too can receive personal revelation in our daily lives. 

After the district meeting, Sister Tanner was able to teach one of her investigators. She went over all the questions for baptism with her. "She's so ready", Sister Tanner said. So exciting! Then the Sisters went with her to the Church for Recipe Group. It was a fun way for her to meet more women in the ward! After their fun evening at the church, the Sisters returned home to meet up with the Sister Missionaries from Kenosha, WI. Kenosha is a beautiful city on the southern border of Wisconsin, touching Illinois.The Sisters came up to West Allis to go on exchanges with Sister Tanner and Sister King. That night, Sister Tanner left to go to Kenosha with one of the Sisters.

Sister Tanner had a wonderful time serving in Kenosha on Wednesday. It was a full day of teaching and visiting with less active members and recent converts. Although Sister Tanner has never been assigned to serve in that area, she is starting to get to know people there. She has had the privilege to go there on a few exchanges, and feels as though the people now know her there! While in Kenosha, she had the opportunity to volunteer at a food pantry. It was a very rewarding experience! She had a wonderful dinner of corned beef with an amazing family there! Corned beef is huge thing in Wisconsin, so she was excited to try it! Being in Kenosha for the day, was a great experience. Sister Tanner learned a lot!

On Thursday, Sister Tanner had an amazing lesson with a less active member. "He's making progress", she said. "We taught him how he needs to apply the teachings of The Book of Mormon." Sister Tanner has been trying so hard to help this man progress in the gospel! After their lesson, Sister Tanner and Sister King worked on their weekly planning. Sister Tanner loves staying organized on her mission by making a new planner for each month. Here is a picture of her new April 2014 planner.

For dinner that night, the Sisters were able to go with one of their investigators and ward members to a fun pizza place called "Organ Piper Pizza". "This guy sits and plays the organ the whole time and you can request sons and he will play anything", Sister Tanner said. "He played a bunch of Disney! We were freaking out! It ended up being such a fun night!" 

"Friday was the best day ever", Sister Tanner said. That morning, Sister Tanner had a lesson with the woman who is being baptized. She had it planned out perfectly, but when she got there she taught something completely different. "The spirit is amazing", she said. "It always tells us what they need to hear". Sister Tanner was led by the spirit to teach an entire lesson on daily prayer and scripture study. She hadn't come prepared for that, but taught the lesson with ease. It was exactly what the investigator needed to hear, and she told them that afterward. "I love the feeling of the spirit working through you like that", Sister Tanner said. What a powerful example of personal revelation! 

After the wonderful spirit led lesson, the Sisters continued to have a productive day. They had so much success contacting people. Sister Tanner met an amazing girl who told her, "I'd love to learn more about this!" "Those words came out of her mouth! It was awesome", Sister Tanner exclaimed! After more lessons throughout the day, the Sisters ran to their bus stop. They made their bus in perfect time! "Seriously miracles! Everything worked out on Friday because we had a super effective planning on Thursday. We had lots of things we wanted to do and didn't think we would have time to accomplish everything. Because we took the time to work out the kinks and ask members to give us rides places, everything worked out perfect, and we contacted every single person we planned to. MIRACLES!!! Effective planning = Effective day", Sister Tanner said. Planning effectively is vital in missionary work. Sister Tanner has grasped this so well! What an amazing day!

"Saturday was awesome", Sister Tanner said. The Sisters were at the church from 9 am to 9 pm. They got there early to help set up. Their Stake put on a big Workshop for Women's Conference. "It was amazing! We got to pick 3 workshops out of the 6 they had. We picked, 1) Finding Faith Through the Atonement, 2) Divine Qualities as Daughters in His Kingdom, and 3) Personal Revelation Through Scripture Study. All had amazing teachers and I learned so much", Sister Tanner said. After the workshops, the Stake put on a huge dinner for everyone! Then of course was the Women's Conference Broadcast. What an amazing conference that was! Sister Tanner just loved it! "I love that they are bridging the gap between primary and young womens and Relief Society. We are all daughters of God. My favorite part of the Broadcast was the video about the temple and how no matter what point in our lives we are, we are always looking toward the temple. I love it", Sister Tanner said.  (This video is featured at the beginning of this blog post.) Saturday was a wonderful day for Sister Tanner and all the women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. We are so lucky to have the knowledge that we are daughters of God. Sister Tanner's hope is that everyone can have that knowledge. 

Something happened on Sunday that touched Sister Tanner so much. One of the less active members that she has been teaching, came to church for the first time in over 20 years! "He loved it and really enjoyed it", Sister Tanner said. In addition to him, 2 of their investigators also attended Church! "Miracles", she said. The miracles didn't stop there either. After church, Sister Tanner was able to meet with the young girl she met earlier in the week. Not only did she get to talk to her, she was able to meet her entire family! "They are all so receptive to the message of the Restoration and they are the sweetest people ever. SO excited we found a whole family to teach", Sister Tanner said. She definitely met this young girl for a reason! After leaving their home, Sister Tanner realized she had forgotten her bus pass! Right then and there, a sweet Sister in their ward drove by. It was perfect timing! She stopped and saved the day! She was so grateful because she made it to her next lesson in time. Her and Sister King taught the women who is being baptized again. It is amazing how receptive and eager she is to learn more about the gospel! The Sisters taught her about following the Prophet. They explained to her all about General Conference, and she now plans to watch all the Sessions with them! After their lesson, the Sisters went to dessert at a member's home. All of the Elders were there as well. They spent the evening reading the scriptures together and discussing the signs of the Second Coming. "I love it! We had a blast", Sister Tanner said. One of the Elders shared this quote with them, "When Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future." "We are so blessed to know how things will end and how it will all turn out. As long as we hold fast to the rod, we will return home with our Heavenly Father", Sister Tanner said.

Sister Tanner had an amazing week of helping others come closer to their Heavenly Father. She is such a great example of using personal revelation in our life to share the gospel with others. If we are faithful and prayerful, we too can have the spirit with us at all times. Sister Tanner also encourages everyone to watch and enjoy General Conference this coming weekend. For those of you who may not know, it will be broadcast on BYU TV and also online. For more information visit www.lds.org.

Sister Tanner's Testimony:

"I love my life and this work. I'm so excited for General Conference! We read in Eph 4 that the Lord gives us prophets and apostles for the "perfecting of the Saints". Lets all open our hearts and minds this coming weekend to how we can come one step closer to perfection. After all. that's our goal, isn't it? It's only possible through Jesus Christ!"

Moroni 10: 32, "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in hime, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind, and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God." 

"I love each of you so much. Thank you for your prayers, I can feel them every day. This is truly the Lord's work. I know that each of us are instruments in the hands of the Lord for him to accomplish his work. I will feel close to you this weekend as we all gather to hear what the Lord needs us to know and do through the mouth of his prophets and apostles."

Sister Karlie Marie Tanner