Week 11 - December 9, 2019

Hey, y'all, 

This week was such a fun week...each Monday Sister Johnson and I go over to members' homes and bake cookies with them.  Last week we went to the Lewis's and apparently their daughter is like a phenomenal Baker.  She went to culinary school and everything....so I'm basically a professional now!  No biggy!  Throughout the week, we either deliver the cookies to people who need a little holiday cheer...or go caroling with a family in our ward.  It's THEE best!

I've learned it's all about relationships.  Since Sister Johnson and I are still pretty new to the area...we are making it a priority to create those relationships with our ward members.

 Beehive Gingerbread Contest

With Christmas coming up...I've been thinking about all my Christmases that I have had in the past.  I've been trying to think of what presents I got for Christmas last year.  I couldn't even think of one...How sad is that?  However, something I do remember about Christmas last year are the gifts I gave. 

I was reading in Matthew 25, where Jesus is teaching the Parable of the Talents.

 

In this parable there are three men: 

One of which was given 5 talents 

Another was given 2 talents 

And the last was given only one talent

-the ones with 5 and 2 talents, used them and ended up multiplying their talents 

-while the one with 1 talent buried his deep in the ground 

Their talents are similar to the spiritual gifts we have all been given. 

Some of us have more than others but, that doesn't matter. We all have the ability to multiply our gifts...we just need to use them. 

What good is a gift if you leave it wrapped and never open it? What good is my testimony if I never open it up and share it with others?  When we use our gifts, we are sharing them with others. 

Just like Christmas gifts, we may not remember or know what gifts we have been given, but as we share our gifts, the more apparent they will become.  As we share our gifts...just like the men who used their talents... our gifts will multiply. 

We've all been given special spiritual gifts!  USE THEM! 

I love you all!

Thank you for the love and prayers!

CTR

<3 SISTER LAUREN COPELAND 

Pics of the Week

1. Vogue?

2. Photo shoot lol

3. District

5. Pday fun