"You're A Baller"

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you all know how much I LOVE you. This week was good and hard. Sometimes, I can feel Satan working extra hard on me, and at the beginning of this week, I felt very inadequate as a missionary, but mainly as a leader. But with that being said, I'm grateful for what I am learning and for the fact that I am always able to rely on the Lord for strength.

I just need to say how much I LOVE OLD PEOPLE! My heart could literally explode with how much I love them. It literally hurts. That's all, hahaha.

I'm grateful for the spirit restraining me, hahaha. This week, we talked to this lady who was not the nicest and told us we should pick a different block. I'm grateful the spirit holds me back because without it, I'd probably be in jail right now, to be honest! Just kidding.

A couple of weeks ago, this lady sent in a referral (request to meet with us) and we stopped by and taught her (Shannon) and this other dude (Robert). So this week, we went back for a lesson and we pulled up, and the little kids were outside hoopin'! They asked us if we would play, and we said, "Of course" (we ain't passing up an opportunity to ball). One of the girls plays, and the other middle schooler boy was in J's (shoutout), and he plays as well! Needless to say, we balled out!

Robert kept saying, "You're a baller!" Basically, I had this dude convinced I was gonna be in the next NBA draft! Not gonna lie, though, I did go 3/3 on 3's. Gimme Kobe!

He also asked me to train his daughter, so 👀 shoutout to Chuck for making me the absolute baller I am today, haha.

Anyways... we have also been working with this less active member, Halee, who has been coming back to church! She is so awesome! I literally love her! Her boyfriend is a rapper (let's go), and this week we walked into the house, and this dude had a Jordan, Kobe, and LeBron (sorry Dad/Chuck, I know LeBron sucks) poster, so I, of course, told him how much I loved it and how I love Jordan, and the dude gave me the poster! He also told us he's gonna come to church, so I say it's a fat dub.

I forgot to put this in my email last week, but we stopped by a member I didn't know who she was, haha. She's active, but I didn't know her name! She is deaf, so we communicated through paper. BUT also, Sister Colson is half deaf and has hearing aids (I got permission to share this, don't worry), so she immediately told this member, and the connection they had brought me to tears. I don't think I'll ever forget that moment. This sweet member hasn't had missionaries stop by for almost a year, probably because no one can communicate with her very well, so they don't know her name! It has made me so extra grateful for all the communication God has blessed us with throughout the world and the things we have to be able to communicate, even through a piece of paper and a pen! This has shown me how much God truly LOVES each and every one of His children so perfectly and how the biggest blessing and gift He has given us is each other, to connect and communicate with one another. So special.

We had exchanges this week! I was with Sister Klippel from Temecula, California, and it was sooo much fun! I found someone who loves Drake and Kanye just as much as me, let's gooo! I learned a lot from her, and it's so cool to see the spirit just guide exchanges!

Most importantly though, BLAKE GOT BAPTIZED! It was such a special day! We, as a mission, are studying hope right now, and watching Blake get baptized gave me hope! It felt like the whole world was just standing still. Watching Blake turn towards his Heavenly Father and his Savior, and continuing to press forward with faith and getting baptized was truly amazing to see! I'm so grateful that I was able to be a part of his journey.

We had six people come to church this week! BIG miracles out here in Pekin! The work continues to move forward in this part of the Lord's vineyard. I'm so grateful to be a missionary. I can't say it enough.

Spiritual thought:

I'm reading a book right now that talks about grace and charity, and of course, we all know that charity is the pure love of Christ!

I want to share a part I love:

The Path of Love

Love gives second chances.

Love asks, "How can I help?"

Love is the welcoming in.

Love doesn't stand higher but meets people where they are.

Love is never too good for someone.

Love is full of grace.

Love does not call attention to self.

Love has an understanding heart.

Love assumes the best.

Will not stand for injustice.

Helps carry the burden.

Creates trust.

Has high hopes and expectations.

Doesn't leave when things get tough.

Love never fails.

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of love.

He is love.

Luckily for me, He puts people in my path every day who I get to bring His love to.

I'm tryna be like Jesus.

I invite you all to pray for the gift of charity and love this week!

I can promise, as a representative of Jesus Christ, that your life will change as you love people more deeply, and as you pray for that love, you will never be the same.

I'm continuing to see this every day. I hope to love everyone as Jesus would.

So, from the bottom of my heart, I LOVE you all! I know that if Jesus Christ Himself was sitting on your bed next to you, He would say the same!

Reach out if you need anything!

Love, Sister Liljenquist

1-3. Blake's baptism!

4. Temple pic my mom took!

5. My DL is tryna convince me biscuits and gravy is good.

6. When two worlds collide.

7. drip

8-9. sis colson

10. cutest little girl

11. sis klippel!!!