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Monday, September 15, 2014

General Authority visit for Zone Conference (08/19/2014)

Hola mi Madre Bonita!
I took tons of General Authority notes which I will get to you next week. But just so you don't have to wait so long, I'll put down some of the coolest stuff now.....And yes, I got to sing in the Choir.
<Mom Note: Elder Brent H. Nielson of the Quorum of the Seventy and his wife visited the Oregon Eugene Mission Zone Conferences in August. Sister Duenas was in the Eugene Zone at the time - the Eugene Zone Conference was held on 08/19/2014.>
Eugene Zone Conference 8/19/2014 - Sister Duenas is in the 3rd Row, 7th person from the right side (in the green blouse)
Sister Nielson spoke first to the Sisters alone and it was awesome and so spirit filled. She spoke about how the (missionary) age change is very much part of the Lord's plan for hastening the work. The period between (the end of) high school and getting your own family (19-25ish) is the hardest part in a person's life. So many decisions to make that we need the Holy Ghost constantly with us. Being on a mission has helped to give more purpose to this hard time in my life. Sister Nielsen told us that this time/age range has been the hardest because she's seen so many people go away from the church at this age. It's been great to have this foundation in the Spirit so I can kinda skip over this difficult time period. <Mom Note: hmmmmm, not so much 'skip over', but more like continuing to build a more sure foundation to navigate through this period, but I'm sure that's what Sister Duenas meant :) >
FOUNDATION is EVERYTHING. No Foundation = No Purpose. No Purpose = No Bridling of passions. No Bridling = Mists of darkness. Foundation is Everything.
She also talked a lot about 'after mission' life, meaning looking for our Eternal companion. She gave some great advice. Returned Missionary does not always mean he's the best husband candidate. She encouraged us to look at how he holds and uses the priesthood, learn on your mission what a real, honorable priesthood holder looks like. Understand the doctrine of the family. This was very much stressed little by little through the whole conference. No matter your past you can make your own eternal family. Find someone to whom you can be equally yoked with. Don't marry a "project"! She said lots of other things, but I'll wait and let you check them out......next week  8P
Random picture time to break up the reading :) Sister Haugen (middle) and Sister Duenas (right)
Elder Brent H. Nielson said a lot of stuff that I totally can't explain unless face to face, so I hope these notes will suffice. Here's a couple of good stuff though, again so you don't die of impatience.
"As missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we have no fear."
If an investigator (or really anyone) doesn't read the scriptures, pray or come to church, no revelation will come to them. "If they chose to do these things the heavens will not open to them." And we know that the heavens are open to everyone (that sincerely seeks guidance in prayer to Heavenly Father), because it came through a 14-year old farm boy. Not a Pope, minister, philosopher, ruler, etc. It came through a young farm boy - who was humble enough to ask and receive.
And lastly, John 7:17 (If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.) - to understand the doctrine, you have to do it. Give it more than a day or one try. Having desire and real intent when you do it will open up the heavens. That's it.
Sister Haugen is really great. She's been here one transfer and is teaching me the ropes of this area. I'm actually serving in two areas again - Central Point 1st Ward and Central Point 2nd Ward. Still trying to get to know everyone, but it'll be a while. Haven't had any talks. Nothing special for Labor Day, but a family is going to be feeding us.
Well, tomorrow's Tuesday, so we'll be doing temple yardwork, so that should rejuvenate me :)
Love you bunches!
Sister Kiana Duenas

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