THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

ELLO BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!!

ANOTHER AMAZING WEEK IN MANLY.

Words of the week "SEKI SAPEI!" Tongan and Samoan. Good, cool, awesome. Saweeet. I love my Soa.

Best line of the week.

We had just finished teaching the plan of salvation to a beautiful family and we asked them to pray together to learn if it was a true plan. Their 8 year old daughter said the closing prayer, with clasped hands and eyes squeezed shut, and then says, "I asked God if it was true, and he said yes, because he wants my family to be together forever, and so do I."

Crying. Yep. They are amazing. 

Also, this week I finished the Old Testament! It has taken me a long time to read but I have now finished and studied all of the standard works on my mission. I feel so much closer to God because of it.

I have been thinking all morning about what my "story" is, and what legacy I would like to leave. To be honest, I think that this is only part one! I think that I need more time to think about it, but I hope that I can express some of the thoughts that I have had about my faith in Christ how it has grown, even in just the last 7 days.  

This past week, we had so many miracles, accompanied by so many things that could have tempted us to be discouraged. L was supposed to be baptized last Saturday. We had an amazing family night with him last Monday, and taught the word of wisdom, which he was already living. I have also never seen him so happy.

The next day when we saw him, he was not the same person. He was so upset. The adversary never gives up and is incredibly patient, choosing to strike at our most vulnerable moments.Fortunately, we spoke with L, addressed some of his concerns and he is ready to set another baptismal date.

I also had the single most terrifying experience on my mission. I will not write of it and I am fine, but again, the adversary is so strong. I am so grateful that I could immediately turn to the Lord and ask for His protection. After the incident and praying fervently with my companion, I felt a burning inside of me. I felt the Spirit so strongly, and I felt a peace that I had never felt so powerfully before.

As I was reading in Jacob 7, I thought more about this experience, and everything else that happened this week:

 3 And he labored diligently that he might lead away the hearts of the people, insomuch that he did lead away many hearts; and he knowing that I, Jacob, had faith in Christ who should come, he sought much opportunity that he might come unto me.

 5 And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken.

 25 Wherefore, the people of Nephi did fortify against them with their arms, and with all their might, trusting in the God and rock of their salvation; wherefore, they became as yet, conquerors of their enemies.

I cannot think of a greater compliment than the things that we have encountered this week. How greatly the Lord must trust us to send me, and my companion, who has only been in the field 2 weeks, all of these experiences!

Sometimes, I am tempted to think, "Why? Why do these things happen to us, when we are trying so hard? Why are we not seeing the fruits of our labours?" I think that recently I have felt a bit frustrated and sad because we haven't had baptisms after all the set dates, and all the amazing people that we have met. Sometimes I wonder what I am doing wrong.

However, I revisit my 6 word vision:

"DON'T LET THAT OLD SERPENT GET YOU DOWN!" (Thanks Grandma!)

I can't think of a more peaceful promise, and the assurance that I should feel continually because I do know that all I have been called to do is love and serve.  I know that we are doing our best. I feel the spirit so powerfully in everything that we do.

After the upsetting experience, I opened my scriptures to D&C 88 and read:

 2 Behold, this is pleasing unto your Lord, and the angels rejoice over you; the alms of your prayers have come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded in the book of the names of the sanctified, even them of the celestial world.

 3 Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise; which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John.

 7 Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.

 11 And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;

 12 Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—

 13 The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things.

Also in DC 50,

 27 Wherefore, he is possessor of all things; for all things aresubject unto him, both in heaven and on the earth, the life and the light, the Spirit and the power, sent forth by the will of the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son.

 28 But no man is possessor of all things except he be purified and cleansed from all sin.

 29 And if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done.

I know that as I have been studying virtue, I have seen the power that has come in our teaching.  I have felt a change in me.  How grateful I am to be a creature of light, and to be the child of a Being who IS light. For a few moments this week, I was exposed to something terrifying and dark. I felt as the prophets did in the Book of Mormon when they said they were encompassed by the deepest parts of hell.  In reality, I really did.  But as quickly as those feelings came, even more quickly did they flee, because we have this light, this power from God. I just can't express how grateful I am for that.  

This week, as I was playing the opening hymn in sacrament, I saw one of our investigators slip in the door. Where did he sit? At the very back corner, right by the door, and by all the families with their “busy” children.  Well, our chapel was packed, and there really wasn't anywhere else for us to sit, so I went and sat with him.   Then, 2 people walked into sacrament meeting who hadn't been to church in over 30 years. Remember that man I met on the street a few weeks ago? He came up to me and said, "Sister Lloyd, I promised you I would come. I'm going to come every week." As I sat between him, and our investigator, and watched the others walk into church, I realized that this church is so true- in a way that I have never before realized. This perfect gospel is a haven for imperfect people, myself included, who are all just trying to do their best. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints IS true with its fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through the atonement of Christ, the gospel heals people. It gives them hope, and this gospel, with its priesthood leaders, holds the keys to help us receive and partake of the blessings of exaltation. I offered a silent prayer thanking Heavenly Father that he had chosen me to be a tiny part of it.

One of the most incredible miracles this week was being led by the Spirit in everything that we did. I can't even name all of the times that we stopped on the street and said a prayer and asked for guidance.  

To conclude, I hope that you can read "Redemption" this week by E. Christofferson, it is incredible. Redemption

L.O.V.E.

ELLO BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!

Alofa Atu !!!  (My new comp is Sister N from Samoa!)

Here are a few highlights and my fave quotes from the past week.

Baptism!

Mon- well, I wept HARD as I sat behind the piano and played Called to Serve to send away my best friend Sister B. Hardest thing I’ve done in a while.

Tues-  we are creating visions with the YW in our ward! (right now about 5 active) and it’s been amazing to work with them and see their maturity. They also saw a pic of Elder Lloyd and all turned bright red- including me! 

Wed- "The fact that you are here and followed the spirit is a miracle. Each day is a miracle" Sister Howes during our training

Thurs-  Q: "Would you like to learn more about Christ and his church?" A: "Yes, that is what I’ve been searching for my entire life!" LIKE THAT REALLY HAPPENED!!! 

Friday-"Oftentimes we are too busy driving to fill up on petrol." Pres. Howes

Sunday - ate curry and rice with my hands with our Sri Lankan family!

I also gave a talk in sacrament, taught YSA class, RS and conducted a baptism … all in what.. 4 hours?! Wow. I’ve come a long way, y’all!

Amazing, amazing week! xx

I think one of my favorite miracles this week were the referrals that we received.  We met three people on the street, and each one of them said that they have been searching for a church, and would love for us to teach and meet their families! One lady was pushing her trolley home from the shops w her daughter. We offered to help, and I guess she had run into the Harbord Elders about 3 times on the street. We asked her why she wasn't interested in learning! We also asked her about the rest of her family.  She said, "Give me your address, your number and your blue book! Will you come over on Tuesday and teach my whole family?!"  We were giddy we were so happy!  The Lord has blessed us with several experiences this week that came from us listening with love, and then people wanting us to share that love with those THEY love. Love, love, love!  It is the key to this work, isn't it?

I loved when Sister Howes said, "Each time I felt the Spirit before I was a member, it was because someone mentioned the Saviour's name."

I have been thinking about the power that comes from saying Christ's name with love and reverence. I have been very careful and reverent when I have used his name in bearing my testimony and introducing myself over the last couple of days, and it has made such a difference.  Not only do I feel different when I put on my name tag, but I feel the spirit, and so do those we are teaching.

This week, my companion and I both felt that the Assistant's training on centering every lesson on Jesus Christ was specifically for us!  The next morning, we had a lesson with our baptismal date, Luke. He is set for next Saturday, and we were planning on teaching the word of wisdom with a member to him. The entire morning was a complete disaster!  Our fellowship cancelled about 3 different times, the time had to be changed then we were planning on teaching at the park, and it started to rain.  Finally, we found a place, time and a fellowship that was what the Lord intended for that day. It turned out to be an amazing opportunity to teach Luke about the Adversary.

  

I also had a very personal and tender experience that emphasized the power of love. With an investigator who is planning to be baptized, but who is facing some opposition, we shared something where I think for the first time in my mission, I deeply understood the pure love of Christ.

My core experience with God this week was provoked by a lot of thoughts that I had during our zone conference. At the beginning of my mission, we received a training on "burning our boats," leaving behind the things that were still holding us back from the work.  I remember that a huge list of things came to mind, and every single time that I have done a 40 day fast on my mission, they have been big things that I’ve tried to forsake.  Things that have been really hard to give up, and caused a lot of change in how I think and live.  However, as I sat there in our meeting last week, I felt this sweet peace, that I had really been obedient to most every prompting that I received when I had asked for guidance on sanctification. 

Sometimes it took months, sometimes it only took a few days, but I heard the spirit whisper to me that my Heavenly Father is pleased with me.  This week I have felt a different kind of joy than I have ever felt during my mission.  I feel at peace- I feel settled, and I have this burning desire to love and serve like I never have before.

What I have decided to focus on the next 11 weeks is to always put my companion first. Sister N is incredible! I will work with all that I have to ensure that she learns and experiences the things that I wish that I would have known at the beginning of my mission. I am so blessed to be her trainer. 

I thought back to all of my favorite heroes in the Book of Mormon:  Nephi, Ammon, Helaman, Alma, and what really stood out to me as I have been reading lately, is not only their boldness and power, but the compassion that they had for the people over which they had stewardship.

It reminds me of a scripture in Jacob 1:

 4 And if there were preaching which was sacred, or revelation which was great, or prophesying, that I should engraven the heads of them upon these plates, and touch upon them as much as it were possible, for Christ’s sake, and for the sake of our people.

 5 For because of faith and great anxiety, it truly had been made manifest unto us concerning our people, what things should happen unto them.

 6 And we also had many revelations, and the spirit of much prophecy; wherefore, we knew of Christ and his kingdom, which should come.

 7 Wherefore we labored diligently among our people, that we might persuade them to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into his rest, lest by any means he should swear in his wrath they should not enter in, as in the provocation in the days of temptation while the children of Israel were in the wilderness.

 8 Wherefore, we would to God that we could persuade all men noto rebel against God, to provoke him to anger, but that all men would believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world; wherefore, I, Jacob, take it upon me to fulfill the commandment of my brother Nephi.

I take it upon me to make the last two transfers of my mission transformational for my soa, or companion. I can't think of a better way to end my mission! To help start Sis N’s with her! I can only imagine what the Lord has in store for her and the rest of her mission!

I love being a missionary, I love each day! Each day is a miracle and a blessing. 

I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK! AND THEN ON TO ETERNITY!

MORE MIRACLES IN MANLY!

ELLO BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!

So I found out that yes... I am training again! My new comp is flying in tomorrow! I am so excited and hoping to help pass on the best beginning to another sister. 

uhumm... happy birthday llama face! i love you! hope you have a smashing day! xo

We witnessed the miracle of D's baptism this week.

It was incredible to hear him bear a simple, powerful testimony, and what really struck me was his reason for getting baptized: he said that he wanted to find happiness. He testified that everyone is looking for happiness, and he was finally able to grab hold of it through the gospel. He said  "I am just a good man, trying to be better."  After his baptism, he literally "clapped" his hands because of happiness, and I was moved to tears as I of people who were baptized in the waters of Mormon when they clapped for joy because their hearts desired nothing more than to follow Christ.

My core experience with God this week was a miracle with a family.  On Wednesday, we stopped by to invite their daughters to mutual.  They were in a rush, and all that we had time for was an invitation, and a family prayer. We couldn't reach the leader who was going to pick up the girls, but we prayed that a miracle would happen.

The leader called us the next day to apologize for not answering our call so we just figured she didn't get the girls. We decided to stop by the family's home again that day. When we met the mum, she said that she really needed to talk with us about some things. Her visiting teacher was with us, and we shared the simple, powerful message of the Restoration. She was in tears and said, "Guess what happened last night?  When the girls got home from mutual, they went in to their dad and told him that it was time that we go back to church as a family. He agreed.  My prayer has finally been answered!   We were all in tears, it was such a miracle. The next day, our Elders Quorum president asked us, "Sisters, what can you tell me about the P family? I have a feeling that I should go over there and give Bro P a blessing." Again, I was so moved by the miracle. Just a few days earlier, the father had torn his achilles and was immobile.  I explained all of this and thanked him for being spirit led. 

This experience has taught me so many things. I know that God knows the true intent of our hearts. He is there for every aspect and time of our life.

This week, we were included in a setting apart of now missionary Sister N who is headed to serve in Singapore with my brother!  President said the prayer which was powerful and full of words of advice. Although not "my" blessing, I felt like much of what he said answered my prayers and questions. That day, I had been fasting not only for our mission, but to strengthen my brother and help him on his mission. I felt heaven's arms around me as he spoke the words in her prayer and knew that the Lord was taking care of my brother. I know that He always has, and always will, but sometimes I need extra patience and reminders.  So grateful for the loving kindness of the Lord.

I have seen the healing power and hope of Jesus Christ touch hearts this week.  

I saw it in our investigator M this week, who will be baptized this month. Over the past couple of weeks, I have seen a shell melting away from her countenance and her heart, as she has realized her potential.  Her mother told us that she said the words, "Mum, for the first time in my life I feel like I am loved by a being who has been there for me all along."  As I listen to their testimonies, and do everything we can to help them take this journey, I can't help but rejoice. 

While saying goodbye to Sister B yesterday, I poured my heart out to her! She is someone who I have been able to open up to, and I know that she will love me no matter what.  As she stood there for the last time before going home -- supporting me, and listening to me, I felt a wave of hope and a renewal of my testimony and love for this work. Simply because she listened to me.

The experience was the same with our investigators this week- there is so much power in listening with love. I have been reflecting on what I learned from that this week, and I immediately drew a connection to prayer. It is why prayer is often the key to our conversion- when we feel that someone is listening, and then our God, who incomprehensibly loves us, will answer us and bless us with peace and understanding. I know that my life has been changed because others listened with love, and especially the times I've had sacred communication with my Heavenly Father.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to invite others to partake of the blessings that I enjoy each day. We truly have seen miracles in Manly. I am so grateful for the opportunity to train, and that the Lord has trusted me with this leadership. I will do my absolute best.

My invitation to you this week is to think about and do this:

"Right in the palm of your hand you have the wisdom of the ages—more importantly, the words of the prophets, from Old Testament days to President Thomas S. Monson. But if you don’t regularly recharge your cell phone, it is useless, and you feel lost and out of touch. You wouldn’t think of going a single day without charging your battery.

As important as it is to leave home every day with a full charge on your cell phone, it is far more important to be fully charged spiritually. Every time you plug in your phone, use it as a reminder to ask yourself if you have plugged into the most important source of spiritual power—prayer and scripture study, which will charge you with inspiration through the Holy Ghost (see D&C 11:12–14). It will help you know the mind and will of the Lord to make the small but important daily choices that determine your direction. Many of us immediately stop whatever we are doing to read a text message—should we not place even more importance on messages from the Lord? Neglecting to connect to this power should be unthinkable to us." (see 2 Nephi 32:3). -Elder Ridd. 

So this week, we are gonna change things up ...

I LOVE YOU TO... ETERNITY AND BACK!

  

BUS = ZION

ELLO BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!

Wow. Llama, you are the best. I love you so much. I cannot wait to spend time with you. Congrats on your game!! You. Are. BEEEEAAAAAST! 

Trevor, thank you for your example of courage. Wèi nǐ jiāo'ào!

Here are a couple of funnies that came from the bus...

Bus driver as I’m getting off the bus: "Hey you! What do you think you're doing? Get ova here!"

Me: "Yessir, what can I do for you?"

BD: "Just a warning, Aussies aren't very religious. You're wasting your time."

Me, laughing: "You are very wrong sir! There are lots of incredible people here!"

BD: "What, do you think you're going to convert all of Sydney, one bus at a time?!?"

Me: "THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I PLAN TO DO!!" HAHAHA

Next one.

So there's this man and a little girl sitting next to me on the bus. He kept giving me the stink eye, so I thought I would just be nice and talk with his daughter. Then I noticed a Lemony  Snicket book in her bag! I asked her about the book, still getting the evil glares. He kept sliding in rude comments and finally he stood up. I handed the book back to girl, and the dad turns around and "says" to me at the top of his lungs, so the whole bus can hear (everyone is looking by now, and I’m leaving out most of the bad things) "You could have a beautiful life; don't waste ittttttttttttttttttttt! And SLAM. Bus driver hits brakes and guess who falls right on top of me? I had to bite my hand to stop from laughing. 

Glowing plankton result of chemical reaction when sea water is disturbed by oxygen 

Also, coolest thing. We were walking to an apt next to Manly beach last week and we noticed flashing in the water. I thought it was a light shining on the water. We went to look closer. Turns out, because there was a new moon, you could see the florescent plankton lighting up the waves in the water. Every time the waves crashed, the whole wave lit up green. It was incredible. I am so blessed to be here! Ah!

Another tender mercy- this weekend we had stake conference and Elder Coward (Area presidency) spoke to us. Well guess what, remember A Coward? THAT's HER DAD!!! He started telling a story about the Bountiful Temple and I start choking up. I couldn't believe it. He said he loves Bountiful, because as long as you keep your sights on the temple, you'll be able to find your way home.

Well, after the conference I ran up and introduced myself. I asked, where's A? … Get this- SHES SERVING IN SINGAPORE! The world is much too tiny over here. I love it!

It has been an incredible week!  The clouds are starting to break, and the miracles continue to pour down upon Manly.  

I was so grateful to talk with Sister B after the conference last week. We didn't have to say more than a few words to each other, and we both choked up with tears. I am so grateful for the eternal influence that SB has made on my life. I know that we were sent to Australia to help each other. The transformation that occurred in both of us during our time in Toronto is something that I will be forever grateful for. Her eye has never deviated from her purpose, and she is one of the most consecrated missionaries I know. She is constantly trying to improve and become more virtuous. I am grateful for the renewal of hope and faith she gave me that day.

While sitting on the bus, we witnessed a very rude passenger yelling at the bus driver. I went up and apologized and asked if there was anything that I could do. I saw a lady at the back of the bus, and she was smiling! I decided to go sit with her. Our smiles unfolded into an entire lesson, and she was more than willing to have us come back so she could learn more. While following up with her that night over the phone, she said, "Sister, I am so busy, but there is something about you that I am drawn to. When I talk to you, and when I saw you, I feel so happy! I want to feel like this more often during the week so I will make time for you."

On exchanges with Sis H, that is something that she also noticed in me, and me in her.  That when our motives are pure, and the love of Christ exudes from our countenances, people are really drawn to us, because it is something that is rarely found in the world. She told me that people were "sucked into me" that day. I know that it isn't me though - it is our spirits connecting and the influence of Christ. This experience has caused me to contemplate about my core experience with God.

As we were walking down the street, we met a man and his wife who were extremely rude to us. They were swearing at us, and telling us how we had been "brainwashed to be obedient to our parents and a cult" and all kinds of things that we just smiled and accepted.  

Later this week, as I was getting on the bus, the bus driver said, "Hello Sister Lloyd, how are you?" I stopped in my tracks. A few weeks ago, amidst the rain in Manly, we had hopped on his bus, and he drove us down the hill. We shared a though provoking conversation, and I was so touched with his sincerity.

He said that ever since we last spoke, he had been thinking about everything about which that I testified.  He said, "Sister Lloyd, some people really make an impact on our lives. You are one of those people to me. I was deeply touched by what you shared with me on the bus the other day." 

I stayed on the bus longer than usual and was able to teach and testify to him for about 30 minutes. I was so grateful for the tender mercy of A being placed in our path again. He told me that because of my happiness and my countenance, others might be drawn to me. It made me think about the contrast of experiences that I had had this week, and what truly has made me happy in my mission, and in my life. It was a faith renewing experience where I realized that this gospel really is the plan of HAPPINESS for God's children, and I am so blessed to know that with a surety.

Teaching as Jesus taught came from a day when almost every one of our appointments fell through. I will admit, I was tempted to feel discouraged. We stopped in the middle of the street, and said a prayer together so that we could see more clearly the reason why we were there that day.  We opened our eyes and saw one of our friends we haven't seen for weeks.  We quickened our pace, and were able to wrap her in a huge hug. Immediately the spirit was so strong. My heart was so filled with love for her. I know that we were there on the street that day to promise her that God never forgets His children. 

As I have been thinking about my level of obedience, a line from Elder Coward's talk stuck out to me:

"As critical as obedience is, what is becoming and changing on the inside?"

My prayers were very clearly answered going to stake conference this weekend. I loved the scriptural examples that he gave of the difference in understanding the law, and applying the Atonement into our lives so that we become, or change into a new creature.

In Mosiah 12 we read:

 27 Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. Therefore, what teach ye this people?

We read that Abinadi taught the people that although they understood the law, (the WHB or commandments) they hadn't let it change them. They hadn't allowed the Atonement to become a sanctifying process, becoming a verb in their lives.

 28 And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses.

In Alma 33:

 20 But few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of the hardness of their hearts. But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them.

Because of the easiness of the way, they were too prideful to even let the small things be healed through the Atonement. Instead of focusing on the problem, we need to look to the source of who can heal us.

Mosiah 17:

 20 And now, when Abinadi had said these words, he fell, having suffered death by fire; yea, having been put to death because he would not deny the commandments of God, having sealed the truth of his words by his death.

 1 And now, it came to pass that Alma, who had fled from the servants of king Noah, repented of his sins and iniquities, and went about privately among the people, and began to teach the words of Abinadi—

I love the inspiring words that our adoration of the Saviour must move to emulation.  It must be an active process that we are seeking to purify what is inside us.  As I saw earlier in the week, it wasn't the perfectly memorized discussions, or even the words that I said to most of these people, but that the vessel that carries the message to these people is an emulation of Jesus Christ. I pray that I will be able to cleanse my inner vessel and become like Him. 

I have recommitted myself to be an Atonement-centered missionary. In the talk, “Becoming a Consecrated Missionary” Elder Callister says, "What is the driving motivating force for a consecrated missionary? It is the Saviour and His Atonement. If we fail to be obedient, humble of fearless... perhaps we intellectually understand the Atonement but somehow we fail to grasp the underlying love of his sacrifice."

Also read from April Conference 'What Manner of Men" by E. Hallstrom What Manner of Men?

I am so grateful for the Atonement and sacrifice of my Saviour, Jesus Christ. I know that He lives, and I am so grateful to study His words and His life daily so I know how to pattern my life. I am so grateful for the power of testimony, and the change that is available, the happiness waiting for us, when we chose to become perfected through Him. I love being a missionary, and His representative. 

I LOVE YOU FAMILY … TO THE MOON AND BACK.

ENJOY SOME FOOTBALL FOR ME! ('MERICAN STYLE)