This week has been incredible! It started off a little rocky at first, but as I figured some things out, I was able to accomplish more than I could ever imagine! During our hard times, if we turn to our Savior through prayer and scripture study, we will be supported and strengthened. I know this to be true! He will make weak things become strong (Ether 12:27). On my mission, I have come to the understanding that trials are really blessings in disguise. I love my trials. I know this sounds completely crazy, but every little trial that we go through is meant just for us. Our Father in Heaven allows us to experience different challenges in this life, so that we can learn and grow. This progression prepares us for the life to come which is eternal and glorious.
One of the principles of the gospel that I really focused on this week was diligence and enduring to the end. As I continued to study and ponder this topic, I began to realize that Heavenly Father does not want us to simply ENDURE this life, He wants us to ENJOY this life. We are all here to become like God, this life IS the time to prepare. He has a plan for all of us. This plan is called the Plan Of Happiness. He wants us to be HAPPY right now, during good times and bad. To aid us in returning to our Heavenly Father's presence, he sent his son, Jesus Christ. Not only did the Savior atone for our sins, he also felt our pains, our sicknesses, our heartache, and our infirmities--He will succor us (Alma 7:11-12). Life is hard. It was never meant to be easy. We were fully aware that we would face hardships in this life, but we were ready and excited to come to this earth so that we could become like our Father in Heaven. As we look to Christ, come unto him, and repent, we can find much joy in this life and in the life to come. He is our light and our hope. through Him, we can do all things. (2 Nephi 22: 2).
This week, we didn't have a car, but we ended up having rides to all of our appointments. We had a lot of member team ups. I love teaching lessons to investigators or less actives with a member present. Having them there, really brings the spirit, especially when we ask them to bear their testimony. The members are amazing! They all take part in hastening the work, incredible member missionaries--it's inspiring. "Every member a missionary!" :)
My favorite thing to do is service! I have grown to love weeding. Most the members have gardens, and so whenever we serve anyone in the ward, we spend it "deforesting" around their crops. It's hard work, especially in the humidity, but I love it! I know that when we serve others, we are truly in the service of our God. I am also planting seeds in other ways. When Jesus said, "I will make you fishers of men," I think he meant gardeners of men. hehe! My companion and I have a goal of saying hello to everyone we pass. Sometimes this turns into a full blown conversation mostly about the gospel. :) I have grown to realize that missionary work is not about the numbers, it is about planting gospel seeds in the hearts of many, and when they are ready, Heavenly Father will make a way for them to grow their seeds of faith into trees, which eventually spring up into everlasting life (Alma 32:40). "The field is white and all ready to harvest" (D&C 4).
I know that I am on the Lord's errand. I feel so happy and blessed to be part of this great work! The church is true! God loves us! Remember, when life gets too hard to stand, kneel! I love you all and hope that you have a great week!
Love, Sister Timothy
One of the principles of the gospel that I really focused on this week was diligence and enduring to the end. As I continued to study and ponder this topic, I began to realize that Heavenly Father does not want us to simply ENDURE this life, He wants us to ENJOY this life. We are all here to become like God, this life IS the time to prepare. He has a plan for all of us. This plan is called the Plan Of Happiness. He wants us to be HAPPY right now, during good times and bad. To aid us in returning to our Heavenly Father's presence, he sent his son, Jesus Christ. Not only did the Savior atone for our sins, he also felt our pains, our sicknesses, our heartache, and our infirmities--He will succor us (Alma 7:11-12). Life is hard. It was never meant to be easy. We were fully aware that we would face hardships in this life, but we were ready and excited to come to this earth so that we could become like our Father in Heaven. As we look to Christ, come unto him, and repent, we can find much joy in this life and in the life to come. He is our light and our hope. through Him, we can do all things. (2 Nephi 22: 2).
This week, we didn't have a car, but we ended up having rides to all of our appointments. We had a lot of member team ups. I love teaching lessons to investigators or less actives with a member present. Having them there, really brings the spirit, especially when we ask them to bear their testimony. The members are amazing! They all take part in hastening the work, incredible member missionaries--it's inspiring. "Every member a missionary!" :)
My favorite thing to do is service! I have grown to love weeding. Most the members have gardens, and so whenever we serve anyone in the ward, we spend it "deforesting" around their crops. It's hard work, especially in the humidity, but I love it! I know that when we serve others, we are truly in the service of our God. I am also planting seeds in other ways. When Jesus said, "I will make you fishers of men," I think he meant gardeners of men. hehe! My companion and I have a goal of saying hello to everyone we pass. Sometimes this turns into a full blown conversation mostly about the gospel. :) I have grown to realize that missionary work is not about the numbers, it is about planting gospel seeds in the hearts of many, and when they are ready, Heavenly Father will make a way for them to grow their seeds of faith into trees, which eventually spring up into everlasting life (Alma 32:40). "The field is white and all ready to harvest" (D&C 4).
I know that I am on the Lord's errand. I feel so happy and blessed to be part of this great work! The church is true! God loves us! Remember, when life gets too hard to stand, kneel! I love you all and hope that you have a great week!
Love, Sister Timothy