Book of Blessings

READ THIS!!

"Missions are incredibly hard but that is why one can own the virtues on has developed over the course of a mission. Because it is in this very setting that we can choose over and over again to become what we most love and want to be."

- Mom

BECOME. That's hopeful. 

A little while ago I had this realization that the white handbook (Book of Blessings in our mission) is simply a guide to consecrating ourselves on our missions (we read 3 pages daily). I have grown to abide by the guidelines in it, and LOVE IT, because I see the happiness and peace is brings me when I do. It's as simple as that.

Some fruits of obedience:

- peace

- diligence

- prioritizing

- reliability

- trust

I've tried to set some rules for myself. I want to be more consecrated to the Lord. The Lord will allow His people to live the Law of Consecration whenever there is a people that are prepared for that. I feel missionaries can live it. President Stoker tells us all the time, "right now, you are living the Law of Consecration." As I've pondered that, the Spirit has told me what I can do to be best consecrated. It has to come from within. THIS is my desire, to consecrate myself. If I'm going to be ABLE to do it at any time in my life, now is that time. I must do it. A mission is the one time where you have one focus and purpose. I find that the best way I can be a missionary is to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ in every way that I can.

Moroni 8:25-26:

Each of these actions naturally leads to the next, and circles back around. It is the cycle of our lives.

Faith

-keeping the commandments

Repentance (remission of sins)

- meekness

- lowliness of heart

(here is where we make covenants)

Hold Ghost

- comfort

- hope

- perfect love (charity)

Endure to the End

- diligence unto prayer

DWELL WITH GOD

The Gospel of Jesus Christ was designed by God for us to find joy and return to Him. 

When we have faith, we want to change, or repent. Repentance is returning to God. Religion (as Elder Neilson talked about) is to be TIED BACK TO GOD. The Gospel of Jesus Christ just makes so much SENSE! I love it!

So, Chuck! The only thing holding him back is tithing. You can't gain a testimony of something you aren't doing. We told him that. He fast yesterday about it. He knows it's true! He is going to rework some numbers to be able to do it. I know that as soon as he puts forth his faith he will receive answers to his questions and can progress. 

Elane is gobbling up the Book of Mormon. She plowing through 1 Nephi! She's great! We saw her once. She loves it!! 

SYDNEY! We finally had dinner with the Knighton's. We taught the SMR. We gave her the most spiritual church tour of my life. She was reading the AoF when the Spirit just slammed into the room like a semi truck coming through the wall! IT WAS CRAZY. We talked about the 2nd Article of Faith and it just made so much sense to her. Friday we taught her the first part of the Plan of Salvation. She didn't make it to church, which was disappointing, but next week she is bringing her mom. She goes home and shares everything with them and they love it! Unfortunately, Sydney is moving to FoCo, Colorado in three weeks to gain residency to go to CSU. I hope and pray the hand-off to those missionaries is good. She's loving every second of our lessons. I love her! She is 18, runs like a beast, has a religious background. Super cute girl. 

Y'all don't know how lucky I am to be with Sister Westling! She makes me laugh ever second of the day. Her actions reflect her heart, and she has a pure heart. I am grateful for her constant support. I love the ability to trust her with the area and everything when I'm gone. I have definitely learned the value of a good companionship on my mission.

Tonight we go to MLC! We are doing the lunch time activity (for the record, I have never ever seen sisters plan this). We have a great leadership activity all about equality and how everyone is equal in the mission. Good ole King Benjamin taught this lesson so simply. Love it.

I am so grateful for this branch. I feel like missionary work is just FLYING. Our 40 day fast is almost full. It's a comforting feeling that for the next 36 days someone is always fasting for us and for their own work. It makes me work harder. We have so much support here. They are actually doing their Family Mission Plans we've planned with them. We planned with the Branch President to have the Stokers come and give a training similar to a 5th Sunday on the 24th. the youth are doing a Book of Mormon marathon this week, they are getting next BoM's to mark up and give to their friends! It is a great place to serve. I am grateful for the trust Heavenly Father has in all of us, working together for the salvation of His children.