Shells

We can be given everything we need (clothes, food, shelter, company) and still be completely miserable. The secret to happiness is work. It is better to act and fail, than not act and flounder. Fear, sorrow, and discouragement are swallowed and overcome when we work. In nature, if one doesn't work, or act, one dies. I believe the same to be with our souls. We must work, be diligent, act (not be acted upon) on the principles of the Gospel or our souls will starve. The sure way to fail is not to act, not to question, but to remain idle. Idleness will lead to regret, sleepless nights, loss of confidence. When we do the Lord's work, it is a sure way to guarantee that we will see the hand of the Lord. We must look sometimes, but it is there. If we only realized how His fingerprints are on the lands where we are, and on the hearts of the people around us, maybe it'd encourage us to work just a little harder.

In my experience on a mission, the reason why so many missionaries and people lack confidence is because they fail to recognize who they are working for and their true identity. WE ARE CHILDREN ON GOD, BORN TO VICTORY. BORN TO SUCCEED. We have incredible capabilities that no one has had in the history of mankind. We can work harder and more effectively for the Lord now than ever. Generations upon generations of people who succeeded time has lead to us being here NOW. Yet, there is so much further we can do. If you want to be happy, work. You will gain confidence as you act and use all that you can. The sure way to fail is not to act. My mom always had this quote on our fridge growing up: "what would you do if you knew you could not fail?"

We are so completely indebted to the Lord. I realized how incredibly merciful He can be this week. I make so many mistakes, yet He grants me so many blessings and opportunities to bless those around me. He sees me make these mistakes, and like a child learning how to walk, lifts me up and helps me learn His ways (for His thoughts are higher than ours, and His ways higher than our ways, like the Heavens are higher than the earth). 

Is it no wonder that all have the instinct to call for help? It's because we are created to call for help from God. We reach out, and we need to reach up. We need to "pray to acquire abilities equal to our opportunities." I just know that I need to be praying more. The Lord's way is the most effective way to go about ANYTHING. I have learned that from trial and error, and continue to, yet He is so merciful and continues to reach out to me.

2 Nephi 31 was the highlight of Zone Conference. We had the largest zone conference, encompassing all the missionaries serving in Maine. We had a huge study together, reading every verse and picking it apart. Nephi starts teaching the Doctrine of Christ (notice it's not doctines, it's because there is one way - the strait and narrow way!) by teaching about baptism. President talked about how Nephi was taught from the Godhead, which is some vision if you ask me! He pointed out the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. They testify of one another perfectly,and the importance of each witness. That really stuck out with me above all else.

We were tracting down this long street in the middle of no where when we met this lady named Elane. We taught the SMR (seven minute restoration). She told us that God sent us to her. She had heard the story of Joseph Smith and believes. She is going to read the Book of Mormon. We are visiting her this Wednesday. Oh what a neat woman! She makes maple syrup in the middle of the woods. SHE IS WONDERFUL!!!!

Tonight we have a dinner/lesson with one of the members friends Sidney, I believe I talked about her last week, but we are finally having the dinner. She's perfectly prepared and I CANNOT WAIT. How I love sharing this Gospel.

Chuck finally opened up about what's holding his from baptism. He's been coming to church every week since I've been here, and is praying diligently now. He reads ALL THE TIME. It's tithing. The Spirit will surpass his understanding as he acts on the principle. His heart is so soft so it's nice to be able to help him address this.

Sister Westling and I are perfect for each other. It is incredible how we balance each other out. I could go off about how wonderful she is for EVER. She helps me just keep breathing (sometimes I move too fast to breathe).

Note for the future: it hit me. I need to go into communications to give others a voice! Goals are great. We always need to set goals to help us live up to even a part of our full potential. Making goals for life post mission isn't bad, and I think I'm accepting that a little more. I made goals for my mission prior to being on a mission, I should do the same with an education.