"Have I Cheered Up The Sad? "

Sister Tanner had a fabulous week that started with a wonderful service opportunity. On Monday, the Sisters were able to help a woman in their ward with some house work. They helped her sand cabinets and clean up. Sister Tanner loves being able to help in any way she can.

On Tuesday, Sister Tanner had a lesson with one of her investigators. The woman has a slight disability, which has inspired Sister Tanner to find new ways of teaching. "She loves the gospel. We teach her as if we are teaching a child, so that she can grasp the basic principles. It's good though. She's so excited for her baptism", Sister Tanner said. After her lesson, the Sisters attended their weekly district meeting. It was all about the power of prayer. The District leader used Sister Tanner and her companion Sister Peterson as the example. The woman who was recently baptized, told the district leader all about how amazing the Sisters treated her. She told him that they always made her feel like the greatest person in the whole world. The District leader told everyone that this is what they should all be doing. Sister Tanner is such a great example! After the District meeting, the Sisters went on exchanges. Sister Tanner stayed in Kenosha, and had another Sister come with her. It was an amazing learning experience for her. She truly felt like she made a difference during this particular exchange. "She is trying really hard as a missionary, but doesn't have the strongest testimony, and used to be inactive for a long time. I tried really hard during the whole exchange to work really hard and have fun with her, and help her feel inspired to strengthen her own testimony of the Book of Mormon. I shared a bunch of quotes with her, and we had some really good conversations about testimonies and how we strengthen our own. I think the exchange was really good for her. I love being able to help the Sisters", Sister Tanner said. What a great example she is to her fellow Missionaries! Missionary work isn't just about baptizing or teaching new people. Sometimes the greatest missionary work is helping to inspire and strengthen someone else's testimony. 

Sister Tanner finished the Book of Mormon AGAIN on Wednesday! "It never fails that every time I finish the Book of Mormon, my testimony of it is strengthened. I LOVE the Book of Mormon. I refuse to go a day without reading it. I was able to use my studies to help strengthen Sister P", she said. After her morning studies, she had a good day contacting and visiting less active members and investigators. Then the Missionaries exchanged back, and Sister Peterson came home to Kenosha with her. As soon as they returned home, they met a new investigator! They also were able to teach a lesson at the lake! It was gorgeous, and Sister Tanner loved being in the sunshine! That evening, Sister Tanner had the privilege of teaching a new member lesson with the Bishop. She ended up learning so much from the Bishop! "We ended up learning more about the Priesthood from the Bishop than we ever thought we would know! It was good", Sister Tanner said. Her night ended in the "ghetto" as she put it. She was teaching an investigator who lives in the scariest of areas. "Where she lives is like the most ghetto street in town, but it's all good because all the ghetto people know who we are and call us "the Church people". Hahaha", Sister Tanner said. Luckily, Sister Tanner is safe since they all love "the Church People."

Thursday was a busy and rewarding day for Sister Tanner! She started her day by teaching an investigator about tithing and fast offerings. At lunch time, the Sisters ran into their neighbor's daughter. She asked the Sisters if they could help her mother clean. Of course the Sisters wanted to help! When they got inside, it broke Sister Tanner's heart. She has a hard time seeing people live like that. She was grateful to help this woman have a cleaner home. It took the Sisters over 3 hours to do the dishes and 1 bathroom. "It was really bad", Sister Tanner said. "It makes me so sad when I see people living like that. Anyway, we were glad to have the opportunity to help." What an amazing act of service that was to this woman! That evening, Sister Tanner was able to have dinner with an amazing family from her ward. "Such an amazing family. I feel like I say that about every family in our ward. We have so many really awesome young kingdom builder families in Kenosha", she said. Kenosha truly does sound like "the promised land". Sister Tanner feels lucky to be a part of such a strong ward family! After dinner, the Sisters went tracting. "We were determined to at least give 1 Book of Mormon out, but everyone was so rude! We finally found one girl that was interested and she accepted a Book of Mormon. Answer to our prayers", she said. 

After volunteering at the Shalom Center on Friday, Sister Tanner was able to meet with the woman who was just baptized. "She's doing really good and still feasting in the Book of Mormon", Sister Tanner said. "She loves it! She let us read her journal entry from the day of her baptism. She said she's never felt as much love and happiness as when she was baptized." What a special daughter of God this woman is! That night, Sister Tanner had a lesson with a less active Sister that she has been teaching. She has been to church for 2 weeks in a row! She told the Sisters that she will be there every week, and that she just needs to work on gaining more faith. Sister Tanner shared the perfect scriptures with her about faith replacing fear. "She's awesome", Sister Tanner said.

Sister Tanner played BINGO on Saturday morning! The Sisters visited a woman in their ward who lives in the manor care facility. They love getting to visit her and play games. She just adores them! The Sisters had a full day of lessons and visits after they left the care home. They met a group of teenage boys who are interested in learning about the gospel! The Sisters plan on referring them to the Elders though. They also met an amazing new family while they were tracting! Sister Tanner is excited to start teaching some of these new families she has found!

Sunday was an exciting day! A new brother was called as the Ward Mission Leader in Kenosha! "We are so excited! He is awesome! This is going to be a really good change for the ward", Sister Tanner said. She was also excited because the woman from the care home also attended church again! Then the Sisters had the opportunity to be in Young Womens, and next week are going to be teaching them! Sister Tanner is so excited, and adores the Young Women in her ward! After church, the Sisters went over the final baptism questions with one of their investigators. "She's ready! She's getting so excited and so are we", Sister Tanner said. It is amazing that yet another woman who Sister Tanner taught, will be baptized so soon! How exciting! That evening, the Sisters met a bunch of people while out tracting! Then they had a great dinner with a family in their ward. "They are the cutest family and they both served missions and so they spent the whole time telling us crazy Mission stories. They are way fun! It was a great day", Sister Tanner said.

Monday was Memorial Day! If major holidays fall on Monday, the Missionaries in Wisconsin move their p day to the following day. So this Monday was spent tracting and teaching. It poured all day in Kenosha. After leaving a lesson at a less active member's home, a random man approached the Sisters. He is a part of the Bahi religion. "Have you ever heard of that", Sister Tanner asked? After that, the Sisters received a great referral and had dinner at a fun home! That evening, the Sisters felt prompted to visit one of the less active members in their ward. It ended up being the most amazing experience. Sister Tanner knew she was supposed to be there. "She was really depressed. I know the Lord lead us to visit her. My heart sank and I felt a small portion of the love Heavenly Father has for her. We were able to cheer her up a bit and then we went to buy her dinner, because she hadn't ate anything all day. Another day in the life of a servant of the Lord. It was great", Sister Tanner said. What a wonderful spiritual experience! The Sisters were definitely led there by Heavenly Father to help this Sister. And I'm sure they truly lifted her spirits!

Sister Tanner had such an amazing week full of service and love. She truly is a great example of selflessness. Reading about her week reminded me of the hymn, "Have I Done Any Good In The World Today?" Every day, Sister Tanner cheers up the sad and makes others feel glad. I hope we can all work harder to spread happiness to others this week like Sister Tanner does.

Sister Tanner's Testimony:

"I was reminded this morning of how God gives us trials to strengthen us and shape us into the people he needs us to be. I know every day this is what he's doing. So many miracles have happened this week, so many times where God has led us to people at the exact time they needed us. I know this is HIS work. I love it! I love being a missionary every day, even though sometimes it's really hard. Looking back, I can see how muvh stronger I am now. My testimony is stronger, my faith is stronger, my ability to laugh off the rude people is stronger, my teaching abilities are stronger, my relationship with Heavenly Father is stronger, my knowledge of the scriptures is stronger, and yet there is still so much left to do and so much more to learn and become. Heavenly Father has a much higher potential for us than we have for ourselves and he will help us accomplish the things he has planned. I am so grateful for every experience, every trial, every miracle, every day. It's the greatest blessing! Here's a quote I love,

"Most of us have not reached that stage of compassion and love and forgiveness, it is not easy. It requires a self discipline almost greater than we are capable of. But as we try, we come to know that there is a resource of healing, that there is a mighty power of healing in Christ and that if we are his true servants we must not only exercise that healing power in behalf of others, but perhaps more important, inwardly."

-Gordon B. Hinkley

I love you all so much! Thank you for your examples to me and many prayers! I feel them and they help get me through the hardest and best of days! I love you!"

Love always,

Sister Karlie Marie Tanner

Opposition

Sister Tanner had a whirlwind of a week, literally. Tornado warnings spread across Wisconsin! Being from California, this is scary for Sister Tanner! "They kept showing us pictures of the tornadoes that were over the lake and that could possibly come up on land. Ah scary! But we survived", Sister Tanner said. 

Tuesday was Zone Conference for both of the South Milwaukee Zones! When the Sisters and Elders arrived to their building, there was smoke everywhere! There was an electrical fire! Zone Conference was delayed for a bit, but it gave all the Missionaries time to catch up with one another! Sister Tanner was able to visit with 4 out of 6 of her companions! It was so fun to see everyone in one place! Sister Tanner also found out she was the victim of a hilarious prank. Last week, she received an anonymous letter from a guy professing his love for her. It was quite creepy and stalkerish, especially since she had no idea who it was from! At Zone Conference, she found out that her former companions Sister King and Sister Newton were the culprits! "THEY WROTE IT and sent it to me! Hahaha! These are my friends you guys! They totally pulled a prank! We were all dying laughing", Sister Tanner said. What fun Sister Missionaries! 

"Zone Conference was really good", Sister Tanner said. "It was all about how to become more converted ourselves." Afterwards, Sister Tanner went on exchanges with the Lake Mills Sisters. Sister Plante went to Kenosha with Sister Tanner for the day. "She's hilarious", Sister Tanner said. "We had fun together and it was really good for her because her and her companion are having a hard time getting along, so I think she enjoyed having a day of hard work and lots of laughs." The Sisters had a great time together, and were able to spend their dinner hour with a fun family! After dinner, they ended up finding an amazing new investigator! "He's totally interested, and has a family! YAY", Sister Tanner said. They ended their day by teaching a lesson to the woman who is being baptized. Her husband was there as well. He isn't a member of the Church, and struggles to understand why his wife is being baptized. The Sisters read him the Family Proclamation, and he loved it!

"Lots of good things happened", Sister Tanner said of her day on Wednesday. "A few of our less actives we are working with, have non member daughters who are interested and reading the Book of Mormon. So hopefully we can start teaching them soon!" How amazing! Sister Tanner had a wonderful time serving with Sister Plante for the day. After the Sisters switched back with their companions, they had a busy evening ahead. They taught lessons and met new investigators. They also attended Institute. The Sisters had invited a less active single adult in their ward, and she came! "She became instant friends with one of the recent converts that comes. Yay, that was so good", Sister Tanner said. It ended up being an ice cream party, which made the night really fun! What a great day!

Sister Tanner had so much fun baking cupcakes on Thursday. The Sisters helped bake for a fundraiser in Kenosha that was helping to raise money for a disabled boy in their ward. They were the cutest cupcakes ever! Afterwards, Sister Tanner taught a girl who is preparing for baptism. It was a really good lesson! Then the Sisters headed to the church for another girl's baptism interview. "Everything went great, and she passed her interview", Sister Tanner said. She is so excited to see her be baptized! That night, the Relief Society put on a gardening activity. Sister Tanner loved it! "It was very interesting and informative! Makes me want to start a garden", she said.

After volunteering at the food pantry on Friday, the Sisters had one last lesson with the woman who was being baptized the following day. "We invited all her family and friends that live in her house to come to the baptism", Sister Tanner said. She hopes she can start teaching some of them soon. The rest of Sister Tanner's day was spent teaching many new investigators.

Saturday was baptism day! Sister Tanner was overcome with joy for this daughter of God. "The spirit was really strong and she said she felt amazing. I love baptisms", Sister Tanner said. After the baptism, Sister Tanner had a hard time. The Sisters had many appointments and lessons lined up for the day, and every single one cancelled. All of them including their dinner appointment! Instead of feeling sad and down, the Sisters just parked their car and started to walk. They were able to completely change the outcome of their day. "We walked for 7 hours straight, tracting and talking to everyone. It was beautiful outside so it was the perfect day to do so! It was so great! We met so many people and found a bunch of new investigators and potentials! It was awesome being able to testify so much and give so many Book of Mormons away. Lots of people are one step closer to the gospel now", Sister Tanner said. What an amazing example this can be to all of us who are struggling with a bad day or week. Instead of getting down or giving up, we can just try a little harder. Sister Tanner shows how this can be beneficial not only to ourselves and our own moods, but to everyone around us. After the Sisters were walking for 7 hours, they were definitely in need of food and a bathroom. Right then and there, their ward mission leader and his wife drove by. The pulled over and picked up the Sisters! The took them out to a fabulous dinner. "Seriously the biggest tender mercy ever", Sister Tanner said.

Sister Tanner had a tough day on Sunday. Her favorite day of the week seemed so trying and full of struggles. She described the day as being "unreal", and at certain points she thought she was dreaming. Out of respect to everyone involved, these stories will not be shared. Sometimes the most trying moments are when we learn the most about ourselves, and when our testimonies become most strengthened. Sister Tanner had the pleasure of seeing the sweet woman she taught, be confirmed a member of the Church. It was amazing! "He thought it was best that she got confirmed right away, so she can have the Holy Ghost. So they confirmed her in the Bishop's office and they let us be there for that", Sister Tanner said. After church, her and Sister Peterson talked to the Bishop's wife for a bit. "She served a mission and totally understood everything that happened. She made us feel so much better", Sister Tanner said. It was great for the Sisters to be able to talk to someone who was so understanding! When they returned home from Church, they decided the best way to get out of their "funk" was just to work, and to work HARD! It definitely made everything better. "As soon as we were inside these people's homes, testifying of the Book of Mormon, we felt so much better. We just kept having to remember the saying that President Cutler tells us all the time, "If you aren't feeling opposition, you're doing something wrong." With all the opposition we felt this week, we must be doing alright", Sister Tanner said.

Sister Tanner may have had a week of trials, but she chooses to focus on her successes! She worked very hard, and was able to find so many people that are open to learning about the gospel. That is what missionary work is all about. We are so proud of our Missionary, and her ability to shine even when times get tough! 

Sister Tanner's Testimony:

"What a hard week it's been! I am grateful for trials and hard weeks, so that we can become stronger and learn to appreciate the good days even more. So we are looking forward to a week full of miracles and good things! I found a really cool scripture this morning that shows how we have relatives in the Bible!"

Acts 9:43; "And Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a Tanner named Simon."  

"I love you all so much! Thank you for your prayers. I can feel them! Prayer is the only way we make it through our trials and hard days. Because no matter what trial we face, Christ understands. He's felt it. Every time I prayed this week, I didn't get immediate answers, but I felt immediate peace and calmness that Christ understands. I'm grateful that trials help us to turn to God more and become more reliant upon him. I am grateful that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, and that trials always pass. Missions aren't supposed to be easy, but they are sure worth it! I love you! Have a great week! I'm praying for all of you!"

love always,

Sister Karlie Marie Tanner

Happy Mother's Day

P-days in Kenosha are quite different than in West Allis. Instead of playing sports with all the missionaries, the Sisters are able to get some rest and run their errands. "P-days feel like I'm just hanging out with my best friend", Sister Tanner said. She is so blessed to have had such amazing companions who will be life long best friends! After the Sisters finished their personal errands, they were able to go visit a less active member who they have been working with. She threw them a Cinco de Mayo party! "So fun", Sister Tanner said. "She decorated her whole house! We had mustaches, etc. It was so fun! She did it all for us! So sweet!" It was a really fun night for Sister Tanner and Sister Peterson!

Eating lunch on Lake Michigan was something Sister Tanner will never forget. On the way to their District meeting Tuesday, they stopped to enjoy the beautiful view of the Lake. It was a breathtaking sight! Their district meeting was all on Family History. Sister Tanner loves it! After the meeting, Sister Tanner met up with her former companion, Sister Hancock. They went on exchanges with one another! It was so fun having Sister Hancock come to Kenosha with her for a day! "It was so fun to be with her again. We had a couple of lessons and it was so cool just jumping right back into teaching together again. I love it! We spent the whole evening talking about how we should be roommates after the mish. She'll definitely be one of my best friends", Sister Tanner said.

Wednesday was a great day for Sister Tanner! She was able to contact and teach many people! One family she taught, was a part member family. The husband is not a member, but loved Sister Tanner's lesson on the Plan of Salvation. "Slowly his heart will soften, I know it", Sister Tanner said. Later that day, the Sisters exchanged back to their normal companions. It was an amazing day for Sister Tanner to serve with Sister Hancock again! That night, the Sisters attended Institute. It was amazing! Sister Tanner loves having the opportunity to go. The teacher led a discussion on the last few chapters of the Book of Mormon. The teacher said, "You can't sincerely read the scriptures and not be changed by it". Sister Tanner says how true this statement is! She loved the lesson in Institute that night!

Thursday was a busy day for Sister Tanner! After teaching a lot of lessons, she went to the Family History Center. She wanted to work on her own family history, so that she can be better at teaching it to others. While working on it, she found a huge gap in part of the Tanner family history! She hopes to be able to find out more about that missing gap! After that, she taught a lesson to the girl who is being baptized this coming Saturday. "She's blasting through the Book of Mormon", Sister Tanner said. "And she loves it! We went over the baptism interview questions and she answered all of them great!" How exciting! Sister Tanner cannot wait to see her be baptized in a few days! After her lesson, the Sisters seemed to run into so many people who wanted to hear the message they had to share. It was incredible! They continued on their quest to contact all 600 people on the ward list. They went to a home where they didn't know what to expect. No one answered the door, so they started to walk back to their car. Right then, a car drives up to the home! The woman gets out and says, "Are you the Sisters?" "How did you know to come here?" It was as if Heavenly Father led Sister Tanner to this home. "She told us how she just moved here and didn't know where the Church was and was just baptized like a year ago and so she emailed her Sister Missionaries that taught her, and asked them to help her know what to do and how to get in contact with the Church. BAM. We showed up. Miracles. The timing was absolutely perfect, we were an answer to her prayers and I'm sure the Sisters she emailed prayers too. And she was an answer to our prayers to find a family, because she has a less active husband and 3 kids who are old enough to get baptized, but haven't been. The Lord is truly in charge of this work", Sister Tanner said. What an amazing and powerful experience! 

Sister Tanner had the opportunity to volunteer at the Shalom Center on Friday. It was amazing! Afterwards, it was time for exchanges again. It is fun for Sister Tanner to be able to go on so many exchanges now! It's a great way to be able to serve in many cities in Wisconsin. She went to Elkhorn, Wisconsin with another Sister. They enjoyed a delicious dinner at a Mexican restaurant, and were able to give their sever a Book of Mormon. Afterwards, they had a meeting scheduled with one of their investigators. When they showed up, she wasn't there. However, her friend was there babysitting her kids and her own. "We got to teach all the little kids about the Restoration and we taught them how to pray", Sister Tanner said. "This one little girl was super into it, and I was telling her about the Book of Mormon and the Holy Ghost, and she said she was going to start reading it today! She was so cute and sweet! I love teaching kids!" Sister Tanner can feel the sweet spirits in all of those children! She hopes they are able to learn more about the gospel! On their way home, the Sisters pulled over to take a picture with a "Mormon Road" sign. A woman saw them, and pulled over to ask if they wanted a picture of both of them. They ended up talking to her all about the Church. By the time she drove away, she had a Book of Mormon sitting next to her in the car.

"I can officially do anything in a skirt", Sister Tanner said. She had a full day of service in Elkhorn on Saturday. She was able to clean a lot, and help many people. She only wishes she had brought service clothes! She had a fun time with her exchange companion for the day. Sister Tanner learned a lot from her. "She's a beast at the family history thing", she said. Later that day, Sister Tanner returned home to Kenosha with Sister Peterson. She was happy to be back! Her beautiful city hit 80 degrees that day. So amazing! 

"Sunday was amazing", Sister Tanner said. They had 4 investigators at Church! A lot of less active members were there as well It was a beautiful Church program. After church, the Sisters visited a woman in their ward, at her care facility. Sister Tanner taught a wonderful lesson to the woman and her roommate about the Stripling Warriors. She taught about how their Mothers made such a difference in their lives by teaching them what they needed to know. It was a great Mother's Day lesson. After tracting and meeting a few potential investigators, it was dinner and skype time! Getting to skype home twice a year (Christmas and Mother's Day), is something Sister Tanner looks forward to! "Ah it was so great", Sister Tanner said. "Thank you for being the amazing family you are! I really don't know how I got so lucky to come to this family. I can't wait to be with you guys in only 6 short months. Thanks for making me laugh yesterday and being the greatest, most hilarious people I've ever met. I love you so much family! Thank you for supporting me and being the greatest examples to me. Happy Mother's Day Mom! Thank you for making the decision to get baptized and to raise and teach us in the gospel. Thank you for your example of selflessness and sacrifice for the things that matter most. Thank you for being the reason I am here today! I love you Mom!" Sunday was such an amazing day! Sister Tanner's spirit filled the room even through skype. What a perfect Mother's Day it was! 

"The gospel brings families together and helps people change. I love our family so much I can't even describe. I feel soooo lucky to be a part of our family!"

- Sister Karlie Tanner

Sister Tanner's Testimony:

"I love you all so much! Thanks for your prayers and everything you are doing! One last thought... My testimony of the Book of Mormon has increased! Every single time I pray about it, I get an answer! I tried it again this morning and Ether 4:11 was my answer! (Ether 4:11; "But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. For because of my spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good.") I know the Book of Mormon is true! It helps us become better. It changes our nature and helps us become more like Christ. I know that Heavenly Father answers prayers, every single one. I know they come in his time and in his way, but they come. I know that being a missionary, we are literally tools in his hands and he helps us answer others prayers as well. I LOVE everything I've learned this past year. I love the person I've become and I love the testimony I now have. Missions change lives! I love you all so much!"

Love,

Sister Karlie Marie Tanner

Happy Mother's Day!

Sister Tanner's 1 Year!

Sister Tanner's week started off with a fun sports day! It was her first time playing sports with all the Missionaries in the Kenosha area. She got to spend time with one of her old companions, Sister Hancock! It was so amazing for her to be around a familiar face! Later that day, Sister Tanner was able to meet with a recently baptized girl in her area. She is 16 years old, and has the strongest testimony of the gospel! She is so organized, and studies harder than any missionary! Sister Tanner is so inspired by her!

Tuesday was Sister Peterson's birthday! Sister Tanner loved making the day special for her new companion! That morning, both Sisters coincidentally studied the exact same thing during their personal studies. They both focused on "Teaching for Understanding." The Lord definitely wanted them both to be inspired by that! "Dang, I guess we really need to apply this", Sister Tanner said. That day at their District meeting, they learned all about the "plan, study, teach cycle". It went hand in hand with what they both studied that morning! After their district meeting, the Sisters had a lesson with a Sister who is getting baptized in a few weeks. It was such an amazing lesson! This Sister had just finished reading 1 Nephi, and retold in her own words what she had read. Her comprehension and understanding of the Scriptures is incredible! That night, Sister Tanner and her companion celebrated her birthday with a few families from their ward. They had a wonderful dinner, birthday cake, and birthday pie! What a fun day!

The Sisters had a busy day on Wednesday! It's incredible how many lessons and appointments they have in Kenosha. One of the less active members that they visited that day, had forgotten she was even a member of the Church! The Sisters taught her about the Plan of Salvation, and she loved it. She has a huge family, and none of them are members of the Church. Sister Tanner cannot wait to start teaching her and her family more! The Sisters continued their appointments, and got so busy that they ran out of Book of Mormons! What a great problem to have! They met up with the Elders so they could get more Book of Mormons. For dinner that night, the Sisters went to a part member familiy's home. The husband is not a member of the church, but is very supportive of his wife. Sister Tanner taught them a lesson on the importance of the temple. The husband even encouraged his wife to attend the temple. "He hasn't joined the Church, but he basically knows more about the Church than I do, and he know it's true. If you didn't know, you would think he was a member for years. We are slowly working with him. He's awesome and will join the Church someday soon. There will be so many missionaries who will be so happy the day he does get baptized. We just have to remember, in the Lord's time", Sister Tanner said.

Thursday was Sister Tanner and Sister Peterson's 1 Year of their Missions! They both came out to Wisconsin together from the MTC. "We celebrated by doing weekly planning", Sister Tanner said. Afterwards, she taught a wonderful lesson about the Plan of Salvation to the woman who is being baptized soon. "She loved it", Sister Tanner said. "She loved the part about being perfected when we are resurrected." The Sisters might bump her baptism date up, because she is so excited and ready for it! How amazing! That night, the Sisters packed up and drove to Muskego Lakes to spend the night there. Happy 1 Year of Sister Tanner's Mission!

Friday was a very exciting day for Sister Tanner! She attended her first Mission Leadership Council Meeting in Muskego Lakes! All the Zone leaders and Sister Training leaders attend this meeting. Sister Tanner was nervous at first, but loved how amazing the meeting was. "I learned so much", she said. "President talked about how his main concern is having us be converted and helping those we are over be truly converted to the gospel. The more consecrated we are, the more converted we are, the more our desire to share the gospel will be and the harder we will work." Personal conversion was a big topic at this meeting, along with family history training. The Missionaries learned all about teaching family history and incorporating that into their teachings of the Restoration. "We were like, what the heck at first! But it totally works", Sister Tanner exclaimed! It was such an inspiring and motivating training meeting! " I'm so grateful to be able to work with President so much, and have the opportunity to implement his inspiration in the work, and help the Sisters I'm over do the same", Sister Tanner said. 

After the training meeting, the Sisters went to do exchanges with the Oak Creek Sisters. "We were so tired already, and I prayed so much for Heavenly Father to help me stay awake and alive", Sister Tanner said. The Oak Creek Sisters just went from having a car, to using the bus system. Sister Tanner was able to teach them effective ways of meeting people while traveling on the bus. She definitely had a lot of experience doing so in West Allis! It was helpful for those Sisters to learn from Sister Tanner.

"Saturday was such a beautiful day", Sister Tanner said. She was able to use the family history approach she had learned the previous day. It worked, and she met so many people because of it! "We found 3 solid potential kingdom builder investigators for them who were really interested", Sister Tanner said. "It's crazy how Heavenly Father really strengthened me to be able to be a good example and work really hard even though I was so tired." Her prayers were definitely answered that day! As tired as she was, she was able to work hard and teach the Sisters of Oak Creek. A wonderful surprise happened later that day. Before she headed home to Kenosha, she ran into the girl who was just baptized in West Allis! She was so excited to see her! She technically lives in the Oak Creek ward boundaries, which happens to be right next to where those Sister Missionaries live. She was outside! "She was so happy to see me! She's doing so good", Sister Tanner said. 

After a wonderful night's sleep back in Kenosha, Sister Tanner had a great Sunday! 2 investigators were at Church which was wonderful! In Relief Society, the lesson was on Charity which is Sister Tanner's favorite subject! After Church, Sister Tanner and Sister Peterson taught a lot of lessons! They taught a few less actives, and one of their investigators who is being baptized soon! It was such a great day!

Sister Tanner had an amazing week! It is crazy to think that a year ago she was sitting in the MTC learning all about being a Missionary. Now, a year later, she is the one teaching other Missionaries! It is incredible how much her testimony has grown, and how strong of a Missionary she is. Everyone who knows her, will testify of her enthusiastic personality! This trait has helped her to become such a powerful and inspirational Missionary! We are all continuously proud and blessed because of Sister Tanner's decision to serve. We cannot wait to see the miracles that await her in these next 6 months!

Sister Tanner's Testimony

"Things are going so well here. The Lord truly qualifies whom he calls and has helped me make it through this busy week. We have another busy week ahead of us, with 2 exchanges. I am so excited to talk to you guys on Sunday! What a beautiful day that will be! Thank you all for your support and love. I know this is the Lord's work and when we give our all, we are just tools in his hands to do His work the way He knows best. I feel more focused and more motivated than ever before on my Mission! I read this quote this week that I wanted to share with you":

"You only get one chance to serve a Mission, it is your responsibility, your duty, to use it to the fullest, to give every last ounce of energy until you collapse in exhaustion at the end of it. All the hardships, all the tears, all the hard work will be looked back upon as the best thing you've ever done, not because you enjoyed it, not because you baptized everyone, but because you gave everything you had, even when you didn't think you could, and especially when you didn't want to. Live your mission to your fullest, work harder than you've ever worked before. Let people know that this is the most important thing in the world to you... If you do not run until you have nothing left to give, and then keep going anyway, cry and pray and work and sweat and plead until you are so drained that all you can do is turn to the Lord, if you don't do this, then these people will not come to this joy because of you. Their failure to come to Christ will be partially upon your head. Come out of your mission proud of what you've done and this experience will bless the rest of your life."

-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"I love how true this quote is! Happy One Year! Happy May! Happy Cinco de Mayo! And Happy Mother's day! I love you so much!"

Love always,

Sister Karlie Marie Tanner