KEEPIN' UP THE WORK IN ALBANY!

HELLO BEAUTIFUL FAMILY! GUESS WHAT? I'M STAYING IN ALBANY WITH SISTER L! HUZZAHHH!!!

Oh happy, happy day! Happy dance around the house. 

Sister L and I will have been together for 24 weeks. Y’all that's 6 months! A third of my mission! I can't believe it. I’m sure I will have driven her nuts by the end of this next transfer. We really have become just like sisters but I am so grateful, most of all, that we get to stay in this area and continue to build upon the relationships that we have been working so hard to develop. I feel so much love for this Ward. I am lucky to have served here for so long and really dig in my heels. It has been amazing because I am able to see some of the fruits of our labors-- miracle after miracle. 

I want to share a few awesome experiences from this past week:

Every few weeks we get to teach in Relief Society and Gospel Principles class. I love teaching! Anyway, we instructed on the Priesthood in Relief Society. We focused on a story that really hit home for me -- the power of God and sanctifying ourselves. One of the stories is about a boy who gets hit by lightning when he is playing football and he gets a blessing on the field. I sobbed through the whole thing, even when we were teaching! (ya, I know, just like Mom and I promise I won’t make fun of you anymore!) I kept thinking about my little baby brothers and how amazing they are and how lucky I am to have a father who holds the Priesthood. How lucky are we to have the power of God on earth today? 

Boys, as you are preparing for all of these awesome things in your life - mission, school, anything and everything, never forget your purpose and how priceless and holy the gift of the Priesthood is. I am so grateful for the peace and comfort the Priesthood has given me on my mission. I love this Gospel and our loving and miraculous Heavenly Father who does everything for our progress and joy.

HA! I dreamed that I came home and COULD NOT STOP talking in a southern accent! I kept sayin’ fixin’ and aint and y’all and Mum, you were livid but I couldn't stop! It was hilarious! Just wait. It will probably be a reality with a little more time here – hehehe.

This week we also had our ward combined Halloween Party! AH BLESSINGS!!!  Albany really is like home now. I love this ward so much and the sweet children and wonderful people who look after us. I don't know what I’m going to do when I have to leave.  Sister L and I dressed up as .... CANADIANS EH!!! We were limited on funds so we got creative and everyone loved it! When I get to Australia I am going to sound like a southern Canadian. Such a mess but I love it.

Time for some insights? Good stuff!

During one of our studies this week  I came across a scripture that I couldn't stop thinking about. It is found in Mormon 9:21:

"...whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all..."

I had an incredible awakening moment this week. I've been having a bit of a hard time with the visa situation lately, and when I read this scripture something struck me. I have never asked in my prayers that my visa would come. This whole time I have been praying that it would come at the right time, and that it would come when the Lord thought that I was prepared and ready to go. I have been praying that I would be at peace with the timing of when and if it comes. But I have never prayed that it WOULD come! I know that might sound silly, but it was like the Spirit had been waiting patiently for me to realize that. I haven't been having faith and/or hope at all because I have been "preparing myself for the worst." That is not having hope at all! I can't believe myself!  But I am so grateful for this lesson that I have learned. I know that God can do all things, but I need to have complete faith that after all that has happened, my visa could still come and that God can and will work miracles. I just haven't asked!

I also found a quote this week by Boyd K. Packer from the talk, Personal Revelation that really struck me:

"You have your agency, and inspiration does not-perhaps cannot- flow unless you ask for it, or someone asks for you. No message in scripture is repeated more often than the invitation, even the command to pray, to ask. Prayer is so essential a part of revelation that without it, the veil may remain closed to you. Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees."

Then another miracle. Toward the end of this week, I got a letter from my little brother who is preparing to serve his mission. He related my experience to a puzzle. Referring to the talk, Waiting on the Road to Damascus, these were his words of advice and comfort: 

"So you know with a puzzle you start with the outside and work in? What happens if you have a piece, but don't know where it goes? Do you throw it away and shove the puzzle off the table and give up because it's "broken"? NOPE! You keep working until you have enough puzzle pieces to understand where the other ones go. It's kind of like the gospel. WE don't understand (and have to accept that in mortality we will never understand) ever aspect of God's plan for us. But just because we don't understand or can't comprehend something doesn't mean the whole gospel and plan is untrue and flawed. We have a mortal mind and body and can't comprehend an eternal plan. WE just need to keep growing and learning."

I am so blessed! Look at all of this incredible revelation and encouragement I have received this week.  I know that I cannot fail! 

I want to share a quick story with y’all:

“There was an old well with two buckets, and the people who drew water from the well didn't know that the buckets could talk. They would talk to one another as they passed each other. One bucket was a cranky and sour pessimist, he would always complain to the other about how many problems he had. He would say," My life is terrible! I live in a dark hole, the people never thank me for what I do, the worst part is, no matter how many times I come up full I always go down empty!" The other bucket was a classic optimist. He would try and encourage the other bucket when they passed each other. "I wish I could share with you the wonders that I see! I am always excited to see who will be bringing me up this time, will it be the boy who gets water for his father's field, or the little girl who helps her mother in the kitchen? They don't know I can talk so they thank me with their eyes. Will there be sunlight or glistening stars when I come up? The best part is, no matter how many times I go down empty, I ALWAYS come up full!" I love this story. It reminds me to always stay happy and to look on the bright side of everything.

I know that I need to do a much better job at being positive. It's hard sometimes, but I have learned that this (work/life) is NOT about me. This is about helping other people, serving and loving others.

I love y’all a lot, like a whooooollllle lot! I miss y’all a lot too but, I have work to do! I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU!


I have the most wonderful family on the planet.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
sister alex lloyd 

MIRACLES, JOY & GATORS!

Hello Beautiful Family,

It has been another wonderful week! I don't think the blessings will ever stop. I feel so humbled and lucky to be a part of this work and to be a missionary; there is no greater calling.

She doesn't know the piggies are gator supper!

EXPECT MIRACLES was one of the promises we received in the MTC. I will never forget that promise and it is so true ... our Heavenly Father is a God of miracles!

During one of our instructions, we re-read our Call Letter, our Ministerial Card, our Name Tag and our purpose. It was such a spiritual experience to know that we are literally surrounded by angels in hastening this work. I can't believe that our Heavenly Father, through a prophet, has entrusted me to serve my brothers and sisters in Louisiana and that I get to be a representative of my brother, Jesus Christ. I love, wow … I LOVE being a missionary!

I found a really interesting video on lds.org about the new age of missionary work and the 1964 World’s Fair in New York http://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/a-new-era-of-missionary-work?lang=eng. It shows how missionary work has progressed. Watch it!

Alright y’all ... last P-day we went to the GATOR FARM! It was so much fun! Can you believe that I am rollin’ around in the mud, and well, being OK with it?!?! Some days I can’t believe it! Sure can't!!! 

So many incredible things happened this week! Let me touch on a few real quick:

You Go Sista!

Last week, I shared how one of our investigators came to church for the first time. It was wonderful and we have been giddy all week witnessing the progress he is making. We taught him another lesson and watched the Restoration video with him. Sis L and I shared that the reason we get so excited is because we can see the changes he is making in his life and how the Gospel will bring him more joy. He is reading the BOM and praying to know its’ truth. We were prompted to invite him to be baptized and he replied YES!

This week I studied a talk found in the 2007 Ensign about LAUGHTER! I was intrigued by the subject and studied more to see what I could learn from the scriptures.   

I started with a scripture in 2 Nephi 2:25:
"Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have JOY."

Then, Proverbs 17:22
"A merry heart doeth good like medicine."

Then, D&C 93:33
"For man is spirit. The elements of are eternal and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fullness of JOY."

Then, Mosiah 24:15
"And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit CHEERFULLY and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

And last, D&C 59:15

"And inasmuch as ye do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances ... with a glad heart and a CHEERFUL countenance ... the fullness of the earth is yours."

I don't know why I forget sometimes, but all God wants for His children is for them to be HAPPY and by filling our lives with the Light of Christ, the gospel, love, charity and cheerfulness, we do just that – we become HAPPY.  It is so important to be happy and have a good attitude.

Multiple studies show that “successful” missionaries (and all people!) share the same attribute: a very positive and energetic ATTITUDE. The way we think has so much POWER! We need to choose to think positive and faith-filled things and we will find that positive things will occur around us.

Love y’all to the moon and back!
Sister Lloyd

Never would have happened pre-mission!

SHE MADE ME A SCARF!

Ali learned to crochet during conference and sent this scarf doused in her perfume. # wearingthislot  # smellslikemybaby

SUNSHINE IN MY SOUL!

Sister Lloyd's Mum had the blessing of meeting a former companion who's serving at Temple Square. They were very tolerant of the excessive hugging and exclamations of adoration!

L-S-Shoe!

Allllllllrighty Fam! I am really short on time today! I’m sorry! 

It has been an incredible week. Woah. Yeah. I will try and touch on everything really quick.

*Last week we had zone conference. I feel that we have been so spoiled in the last couple of weeks because of conference and all the training we have received. It was amazing. The theme of our conference was that we are Messengers of HOPE. Pres Wall reminded us that our success as a missionary is determined first by our dedication and then, if we are bringing hope into someone's life, we are successful. Everyone can do that, right? We can all smile, serve, bring hope and the light of Christ into someone's life each day.

*Our p-day was SO MUCH FUN! One of the Elders from Highland played ultimate frisbee so we got together and played last week! Sprinting up and down the field, sweating our little out of shape hearts out! It was such a blast! Today we are going to an alligator farm – yippee! (Just wait, as soon as I get to Oz, I’ll see if we can go to a crocodile farm!)

*Highlight: I ate a Cajun delicacy - hog head cheese. It’s cheese in name only because there’s not really anything cheesy about it! They grind up the insides of the pigs head, spice it up and call it cheese. Not my favorite. haha NOW DAS PIG MEAT!

*Weather report: I wore a cardigan this week AND a scarf - in the same week - outside of the apartment - in Louisiana. BLESSINGS! 

 *Mom, check out this painting – Michael Sowa’s Diving Pig! You will LOVE it!

*I ate my first real po-boy this week! Grilled "scrimp" jalapenos and onions. Delish!

*WAY TO GO UTES BAYBAY!!!!! Except I was sad that Stanford lost because of Dallas! 

OK - time for some MIRACLES!!!

Wow, we had the most incredible weekend! I still have a huge smile on my face from yesterday while typing this!

Yesterday, I prayed that I would be able to have a sincere and meaningful fast.  I came across a scripture (Hel 3:35) that really struck me. I realized that we fast so that we can become humble and align our own will with God's. I felt that I should fast for one of our investigators so that their heart would be softened and they would want to come to church. 

While walking out of one of our meetings, who did we see coming across the parking lot? Yep. The person who said they would never listen to the missionaries, pick up a Book of Mormon, or come to church, was walking through the chapel doors! We've heard that they can't put down the Book of Mormon and that they are excited for our next lesson and they want to come to church again! They might even want share the "gift" we gave them (the Book of Mormon) with their mother. WOW!

Y’all, the church is TRUE! Moments like this make everything, everything worth it! Do you see how aware Heavenly Father is of each of His children? He knows EXACTLY WHAT AND WHEN WE NEED, even if we don’t.  It also reminded me  that I must cherish and acknowledge the little triumphs, regardless of how small they might seem at the time. We never know when we will make a difference in someone’s life. 

Now, time for a little insight:

I took some time to study before bed last night because I was feeling so overwhelmed with the feelings of love and peace and joy that came from our fast and testimony meeting.  While I was reflecting on the things that I had learned this week, I was struck by a scripture found in Alma 26:

11    But Ammon said unto him; I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.
12     Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many might miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name for ever.
13     Behold, how many thousands of our brethren has he loosed form the pains of hell; and they are brought to sing redeeming love, and this because of the power of his word which is in us, therefore have we not great reason to rejoice? 

When I think about all that happened yesterday, my heart is so full I cannot find adequate words. My testimony continues to be strengthened every single day of God's love for and awareness of His children. I have seen the results of Him preparing me and preparing people for us to come find and help bring them to Him. We have seen miracles this week! And it is not because of Sis. L and me, but because of the power, completeness, truthfulness and the simplicity of the gospel we partake of and are blessed by.  

My joy is overflowing as I realize that when we keep working hard, the Lord blesses us! I humbly acknowledge that we are just instruments in His hands to help others along this joyous journey. We are rejoicing because of the power of this Gospel and the happiness God has brought into our lives.

I love y’all so much! Keep being obedient and happy and hopeful and the Lord will bless you in ways that you cannot imagine!

xoxoxoxoxo,
sister alex lloyd 

DREAM BIG

When you cry be sure to dry your eyes

'Cause better days are sure to come
And when you smile be sure to smile wide
Don't let them know that they have won
And when you walk, walk with pride
Don't show the hurt inside
Because the pain will soon be gone

And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big

When you laugh be sure to laugh out loud
'Cause it will carry all your cares away
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself
And it'll help you feel okay
And when you pray, pray for strength
To help you carry on
When the troubles come your way

CAR WASHING = MISSIONARY WORK!

Sister Lloyd's Mom received this unexpected email from a stranger tonight. She saw the Sisters washing their car in Hammond and sent the following:

"These young ladies asked I send the enclosed picture to Sister Lloyd’s mom. I passed their home and observed them working diligently waxing a car. Being the mother of a daughter I remarked, certainly you can’t be from here! Laughter ensued and I said certainly, a mother would love to see this scene, young women working hard without parental supervision.  Good job Moms; well-mannered, polite, and industrious!!!!!! Luckily I had my constant companion - my camera with me so the girls used it to prove you did good. They seem well and happy!!!!! I enjoyed the few moments I spent with them."

I asked about her and she replied:

I was born in the parish where they are located and lived in the town where they are now. I was traveling through their neighborhood when I came upon the scene I described earlier.We bantered back and forth with laughter and I asked if they liked photography your daughter helped me unload my camera an she took some of the pictures. She then joined the others so she could say hello to you while I photographed them all.She looks happy, healthy, and lovely.

I have one child, a daughter who is always constant in my mind. I now live in Katy, Texas, however, I will often return home so I will say hello and check on them when I visit my hometown. My camera is always with me so you will get periodic photos every so often when I go home.  I’m not LDS but have had close friends who are, I miss them, they moved from my community. My husband’s aunt’s family was LDS in California. I have invited them to photograph wildlife with me when I return from Texas. I will make it a point to check on them each trip if they are available.

... by small and simple things ...

I'M A MORMON: I KNOW IT, I LIVE IT, I LOVE IT!

Hello beautiful family! Oh, how I wish I could give you the biggest, squeeziest (yes) hug right now! I love y’all so much!

Of course, this has been another week full of tender mercies, answers to prayers and miracles. The highlights of my week were focused around Conference and my thoughts about this will take most of my time typing today, so here we go.

I took the prophet’s advice to write down questions and concerns and prayed that I might be able to have them answered this weekend. Wasn't conference amazing? I don’t know if it was because I am a missionary, but I feel like I have been so edified and lifted by the spirit in the last couple of days. How lucky are we to be members of a church where revelation is received from God to help us at this time? I took lots of notes, but I decided to try and summarize everything that I learned into one sentence from each talk.

Experiencing conference as a missionary was really special. We all gathered at the church and watched conference together. I wished I could just stay in my PJs and eat bacon and waffles at grandmas, but I stayed alert and listened to every message! No snoozing on the sofa for this girl! I also can't wait to go back and study the talks in my personal time.

Ready?! Okay. Key Points:

Hales - I should be sensitive to the spirit, I need to be patient when answers don't come when I expect, but must trust in His timing.

Soares - meekness, the first step to any Christlike attribute, comes from continuing to be faithful even through difficult times.

Stephens - the renewal and keeping of covenants such as priesthood blessings, baptism, sacrament, endowments, arms us with power as faithful Latter day Saints.

Dube - Edward, never look back! Look at what we still have to do. So powerful!

Bednar - the Lord has planned this journey for me and I need to rely on him and have faith in all that that He has promised me if I keep my covenants.

Uchtdorf - I find such comfort knowing that I am part of a work that will never fail- we should doubt our doubts before we doubt our faith. 

Packer; we can unlock all the keys of peace and forgiveness found in the scriptures- you are late... but I am clean.

Christofferson - I should never be ashamed of being meek, modest and feminine- Christ never strayed from that which the father expected from him and I need that same strength and conviction.

Nielsen - Every member should pray for their area's missionaries and their investigators by name, every day. EXCLAMATION POINT!!!

Valenzuela - People are waiting for us to reach out to them in small and simple ways which bring great things to pass!

Dyches - we must remember and find strength from the times we were made whole through knowledge of god's love and the atonement.

Holland - never forget that God loves each one of us and that we need to hold on to the hope that one day the morning will break – all will be made whole and free. Compassion and understanding.

Ballard - we need not become complacent in the work that is done, but rather should quicken our steps and build upon the great work already done. We are a mighty force for good!

Eyring - He didn't forget one soul, but perfectly, incomprehensibly planned challenges for each one of us because he knows us and he knew we would endure and grow from them.

**NOTE: To Draw Closer to God by Eyring is incredible! I could spend an hour on one page; I love it and it has been so relevant and powerful to me.

Oaks - we need never compromise, but take courage to remove all other distractions to focus on our ultimate goal – eternal salvation! 10 commandments.

Oscarson - every day I am challenged to strengthen my testimony and I must hold on to the faith and knowledge that I already have to become more converted, more rooted in the gospel each day. Testimony not enough without action.

Maynes - we need spiritual stamina to keep our testimonies in shape and immune from the wicked world.

Scott - Satan uses guilt of previous sins to lure us into more- we must use the gift of repentance for power and peace and forgiveness – not shame and punishment.

Monson - I need to remember that my and Heavenly Father's goal is for me to finish, not falter, my mission and my entire life with success and joy.

Cook - we must make a commitment to stay out of bondage, or free ourselves or other’s from bondage and help bring them unto Christ through love, acceptance and charity.

Andersen - as we keep and renew our covenants worthily, we sustain the power of God on earth.

McConkie - I cannot fail because God speaks, and has called us by the power of prophecy and revelation. His words directly to and for me!

Hamilton - we must never divert our eyes from our eternal goal and refuse to let go of the iron rod!

Ochoa - if I ever come to something that makes me compromise or question what I already know I need to look up – to Him!

Vinson - God's purpose of giving us trials is to align his will with our own through humility and understanding and as I learn more about him, the more I will want him near. Oh, and he’s an AUSSIE! (:

Nelson - the spirit is the master over appetites and frees us from captivity, bondage and misery- on a small scale - my health and a larger scale, my salvation.

Don’t quote me on any of the above thoughts because they are not exact, but I loved conference and I received so many incredible answers and felt so much peace. Certainly the most I’ve ever learned before and I will never “listen” to Conference in the same way.

HUGE tender mercy! I was sitting at the church helping with a service project and this Elder kept catching my eye. I didn't know why he kept looking at me! Finally he came over and asked, are you Sister Lloyd? I said yes, why? He told me that he was Jake Lloyd's (Ali’s cousin) best friend and had heard all about me! Oh I just wanted to hug that Elder! It was a little piece of home and family. He acted and almost even looks like a Lloyd. Haha! We ended up talking and sharing stories. I loved that kid immediately and "lol-ed" when he said the word DOPE because I could just hear Jake and Dallas saying it! He has been out about a month. Tender mercy - I have a new friend (:

Also, I’ve heard that there is a lot of chaos going on with the government right now? I heard that things are getting shut down because of budget/healthcare issues? It’s killing me not knowing what is going on! Does this mean that the visas from Australia won't come in? I'll admit, I got a little teary during Vinson's talk yesterday [he’s from Sydney]. Is it possible that I am homesick for Oz? I know that the Lord's plan for me is perfect and I trust Him completely. I guess I just want to know -- any updates on what is going on? Should I settle in for a few more months? I am praying for peace and acceptance.

I love y’all so much! Thank you for all of your love and support – I really can feel it each day. I pray for all of you and please pray for me and my companion and those that we are teaching.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Have a wonderful week -

Sister Alexandra Lloyd

BE BRAVE

Excuse the nasty ads. Say what you want to say and let the words fall out ...

THINKING OF YOU MS. ALEX: Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 5, Op. 10 No 1 in C minor, 3rd Mvt.

NEVER ENDING HAPPINESS!

Hello Beautiful Family!

OK - time for me to give you some highlights from my week! It's been incredibly reflective and eye opening. I have had time to ponder on all that I have been given and Sister L and I have received so many blessings and miracles!

*Last week we had to go to Baton Rouge for an appointment so on the way home we used our dinner break to stop by Bass Pro Shop. Alright y’all, do you know what this place is? I would describe it as Disneyland for hunters and outdoorsy folk or Nordstrom for me and KA! My jaw was on the floor!!! They had stuffed and LIVE animals, a restaurant, everything you could ever think of that has to do with hunting and gathering. We had a blast looking at everything! So much camo!

*We had an awesome opportunity to work with the Fuller Center for Housing again. We built a ramp for an elderly woman in Ponchetula who hasn't been able to leave her house because she is in a wheel chair. They showed us how to do every step and we cut, placed, and drilled! The people in charge were so patient and I was able to work  with a volunteer who’s a carpenter. He showed me how to do everything and then let me do it myself. Fam, I was using power tools and it was awesome!!! It was so great to see something so important come together. Yep, good stuff! Working with all of these people is great because we answer questions that they have about our church, listen to them talk about their beliefs, and learn that we are all children of God. Working and serving together is always a spiritual experience.

*Oh, fam, get this, prissy pants Sista Lloyd killed a snake. With my bare hands! Well, and a shovel, but still! We were raking grass and I saw it. I didn't know what to do about it at first, so I figured I should probably kill it before it bit someone so I smashed it with a shovel and then a rake for good measure! And then I touched it … after it was dead. :)

*We met with that young lady that we met last week at the end of the street! We learned about her religious background, her general life situation and listened to her questions. I don't think I've met anyone down here who hasn’t heard of Mormons, but she hadn't. It was amazing to just listen to her. It was clear that she felt very comfortable with us and we are meeting again!

*We had another awesome service project  with the Kiwanis club. Each week they take backpacks and fill them with books and food for the children at an elementary school. Oh, these sweet children were so beautiful and so happy. It reminded me of what our ward used to do at Christmas time with the children in Salt Lake. Are y’all doing a service project like that again? I know it takes a lot of work but having the chance to do that as a teenager really impacted me.

*I had the chance to go on exchanges with the Sister Training Leaders this week. They are always amazing and such an answer to my prayers. This week I stayed in Albany with Sister T who is from Salt Lake, plays collegiate volleyball and is a Ute! Huzzah! We had an awesome time together teaching and studying. 

*A young woman in our ward received her mission call! How incredible! She is going to Kennewick, Washington!

*Um........SNOW?!?!?!?!?!?!? Are you crazy?!?!?!?!?!?!??! We are still suffering in the heat!!!!!! I saw that pic from the football game and DIED! Y’all are in coats!!! 

*Hey - this week is Conference! Are y’all SO STOKED!?!?! I feel like it is Christmas time!! I know how busy you are, but I want to bear my testimony about the importance and blessing of Conference, and how grateful I am that we have modern day prophets who receive revelation for EACH OF US. When you think about it, that is a significant part, well, the main part, of what sets our church apart from the world – REVELATION FOR US, TODAY – DIRECTLY FROM HEAVENLY FATHER! I am so excited for Conference and I hope that y’all will make it a priority to watch and listen,take notes, and please be attentive so that you are ready to receive answers to prayers and questions. Watch the blessings of conference on lds.org sometime this week. It's awesome.

*Sister L and I have had a week full of miracles and tender mercies.  One of the most incredible things that happened to us this week came through the power of specific prayers. We decided we would pray to decide what an attainable goal of teaching lessons for the this week might be. We came up with the number 13. We made sure that whenever we were having study time or planning, that we included what we needed help to reach our goal to teach 13 lessons. Each day we started off by asking that the Lord to help us reach this goal. We ended our week and we taught 13 lessons! We still did 26 hours of service this week, but the Lord helped us reach our righteous goal. 

*I was so grateful for the Relief Society broadcast on Saturday. Wasn't it amazing? I was really struck by the focus on keeping covenants. I decided to study why people are happy when they are keeping covenants, and why it is so important to remember our baptismal and temple covenants. I found a scripture in Mosiah, chapter 2:

41     And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and HAPPY state of those that keep the commandments of God.For behold, they are blessed in all things, bother temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never ending happiness...

I love this scripture because it reminds us of what our purpose is as missionaries, and our purpose here on earth. Heavenly Father desires each one of us to experience happiness and joy on this earth and in the eternities. I am so grateful for the opportunity we have to take the sacrament each week and be reminded of our baptismal covenants. I am so grateful to wear a name tag that reminds me of the promise that I have made to be a representative of Jesus Christ in all that I do. I can represent Christ and be truly happy by keeping the commandments and remembering the eternal perspective that I have been so blessed with.

Alright y’all, I’m out of time. I hope that you are happy! Please remember how much Heavenly Father loves you. I have the most incredible family on the planet. Y’all are amazing and I am so very blessed. Thank you for your letters, love, concern and support. I am SO happy. I love being a missionary and I am so humbled to be a part of this work. I love y’all to the moon and back; truly.

Oh …

and I love y’all. 

Downtown Hammond

Bass Pro Shop