November 22, 2021: LIFE BELOW ZERO🥶

 Everyday this past week has gotten to -20 degrees. One day, we were driving in our frozen car, with what it felt like icicles hanging from our noses, and saw the temperature change. Sister Baxter said, "It's getting warmer! It's -3!" Happy Thanksgiving Folks, I'm grateful for my coat. 

We honestly have been really struggling getting the members of our congregation involved in spreading the gospel. I've been in this area for 5 months now, and so many tears have gone into trying to help our friends being taught get friends in the church! This week, we managed to have 2 fellowshippers at every lesson. After a lesson, one of them(Tom Wardhaugh) called and basically said that he is going to help us with uniting the ward into our missionary efforts. My heart is full of gratitude for this good man who is willing to sacrifice time to help bring others into the gospel fold. This was a big miracle for the Matanuska ward/congregation.

We showed up to "Susan the pumpkin gal's" home and she let us in! Before we went in, we told one another that if the spirit prompts us, we should teach her about the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom is a commandment God has given his children for their physical and spiritual wellbeing. God has revealed through modern day prophets, of things we should not eat and drink to help us stay healthy! Which include... Coffee, Black/Green tea, Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Harmful substances. These are really hard things for individuals to give up and it's usually the hardest lesson to teach. But, Susan brought up one of her addictions and how her son wanted her to stop. We read the blessings of obeying the word of wisdom in Doctrine and Covenants 89, which are... health, wisdom, knowledge, and protection. She invited HERSELF to keep the word of wisdom and to receive the blessings God has promised. It was SO powerful to me that God prepared Susan to feel the spirit to accept to live the word of wisdom. I am beyond thankful for this commandment. 

I did a photoshoot this week with Aurora and her boyfriend, Aaron! Me and Sister Wilhite used to visit with her in Willow over a year ago. After we froze our butts off, we got Hot Cocoa and visited. Her mom was baptized a year ago, and her sister was baptized last weekend! The elders gave me permission to teach her because they haven't had much luck. She opened up to me about how she it's a hard change for her to live the standards to become a member of the church. It is SO hard to change. Change isn't easy for anyone! But with Christ and the Spirit working together in our hearts, we can apply grace into our lives and make our weaknesses, strengths. Aurora, has a soft spot in my heart and I am exited to help her come closer to Christ. 

We introduced the Carpenter family to Kristen and Cole this week! The Carpenters invited us all for dinner that Sunday. We were SUPER late from making a music video with my pals Sean Walker & Kiasa in Wasilla(which was stressful). But when we arrived at dinner, Cole(who is 5 years old) yelled, "REX!". He ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug ever. I love kiddos because they help me feel pure joy. This made me miss Tinley and Cosette Chambers big time!! 

Choose JOY,

Sister Rex

Pics:

-Cole&kristen&the carpenter fam

-Evan's diet

-Madi Drawdy wedding &Teeana #singleladies

-recycling center volunteers 

-Aaron&Aurora photos

-Avish teaching us in her little English how to make BOMB DIGGITY soaps.