MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB!

Ello sweet family!

Monday night I was studying my President’s letter that had a story about a man who was hiking a mountain, and as I read the words, 

 "The trail is beautiful as well"

I responded in the same way that this man in the story did, I wept.  At first, I thought that the word said, "trial" instead of "trail" and it took on a new meaning. I wept because every trail, either leading to a meadow, or another rocky ridge HAS been beautiful. It has shaped who Sister Lloyd is today. The message of the story was that of a man climbing a mountain and he kept asking people who were coming down if it was worth the trek. While sorting through personal issues while hiking, he wept at the summit and then, while descending, came across a Tibetan monk climbing up and he said to him that yes, the hike is worth it. The monk responded, I’m sure it is, but I’m also enjoying all of the beauty and sights along the path going up. Yep, you know the point, enjoy the journey! 

My entire mission, I have been trying my best to live in the moment and be grateful for what I am given. I remember reading the talk by P. Uchtdorf about not waiting for the "golden ticket" and not ever putting happiness on hold. I remember reading "Lessons from Liberty Jail" and learning that we can have redemptive and revelatory experiences in undesirable conditions. I have tried my best to not think about home, but it hit me that I need to celebrate going home.  I need to have greater faith and trust in the Lord for everything that I have been blessed with on my mission.  Every day has been a fight, and a miracle, but that will not stop just because I don't wear the black name tag.

This week, SN and I felt incredibly spirit led, and it was amazing!  For most of my mission, I have committed to "follow every prompting" and so whenever I try and talk myself out of talking to someone, or just walk by a house, that commitment rings in my head, and it takes about half a second to change my mind!  I love seeing what happens when I follow promptings. Sometimes, nothing happens. I know that God is probably just testing me to see if I am listening and relying on Him to guide our efforts. However, most of the time, we see miracles.  One of the times it happened was this week when SN and I were both staring at a house we were passing by. We decided to stop and do the survey. A young father answered the door and told us that he had met with missionaries when he was 17 years old, but that was over 20 years ago now.  He told us that he had investigated many churches, but no church had everything that he and his wife were looking for. He has two young children, and he asked us to come back and teach them and the purpose of family home evening. How amazing! A new family to teach!

 

I truly enjoyed every minute of the work this week. I feel like my body is so, so exhausted, and especially with the summer heat coming, but I don't want to waste a minute that SN and I have left together, and so I have been trying to just focus and work, work, work. I have had a few sad moments, but SB warned me last week that because I am nearing the end, that Satan is really going to try and get me. I was really grateful for her advice, because I honestly didn't even think about that! I thought that I would be so consumed in the work that I wouldn't even think about anything else. However, Satan is sneaky; he is trying to make me sad and ruin my time that I still have left! Well, I will not let that happen. I will not falter! 

I also had a situation that made me reflect on my decision to serve a mission. I remember getting subtle promptings, and I can still hear the voice saying to me, "You should go." It was never forceful, but I listened. I knew that  I SHOULD go, and I knew that it would be the best thing for me. I knew that the quiet voice was from God and that was enough for me. Almost 17 months into my mission, I am so grateful-- infinitely grateful-- that I chose to listen to that quiet whispering. It was never a grand event or a huge decision for me, I just knew that I should serve, and the Spirit spoke peace to me, and that was that.

Yesterday was yet again, one of the best days on my mission. I just love being a missionary and being devoted to something so purposeful and joyous all of the time! Last night we held a musical fireside with the Harbord ward, and we had arranged to sing with two of our investigators. Just 2 weeks ago we met G, an 18 year old young man from Spain. Since then, we’ve had amazing lessons where one of our members introduced the BOM to him in Spanish, and he has grown so much so quickly! He's one of those people that you just love to be around because he is so happy. It is quite a tender mercy, because he often reminds me of my little brother who is always singing, snapping and whistling. He didn't even think twice about saying yes to singing with us at the fireside, and said he'd love to sing a solo! 

I have been focusing on charity, and pure and calm love for the last couple of months, and I felt as though yesterday my heart might burst!  G and C, another one of our amazing YSA-aged investigators sang with us, "I Feel my Saviour's Love."  These are people who have NEVER heard the song and yet, through the Holy Spirit, understood it’s powerful meaning.

B was also baptized this weekend, an incredible miracle and one of the most beautiful baptisms I have ever witnessed. As we taught the last lesson, he said, "Of course I'll pay tithing, I want to follow every commandment that God gives me, because I can already see the blessings in my life that keeping these small ones has made." After his baptism, he bore his testimony in sacrament meeting. He bore testimony that from now on, he would always be a fully committed member and follow Jesus Christ.  

I feel like this area has been on the brink of something so wonderful for so long, and now the missionary work is alive! Everything is falling into place, and the spindles of the Liahona are aligning to do the work of salvation together, like it is meant to be. I am so humbled and grateful to be a missionary at this time and in this amazing place.   

I love you to the moon and back my family. I love you so.

Sister Lloyd

LAST TRANSFER!

Ello Sweet Family!!!

Welp. I am blessed to be serving my last six weeks in the same area with Sister N. I am so happy. I am starting to feel some unfamiliar emotions, though, (fear, sadness, a bit of panic) but I’m told it’s normal. I’m going to try and look forward, continuing to serve with all that I have. I am happy to be coming home, but be gentle with my weirdness while I try to find my center, OK? Truth is, I don’t want to think about leaving these beautiful people and this work.

My core experience with God this week during a lesson with an amazing family. We both had separate yet similar personal revelations from the Spirit and it reminded us of how mindful the Lord is of our lives. 

We also met the most incredible young man this week from Spain. We offered to teach him English, and he told us that he wanted to learn how to pray.  We called him on Saturday night, and he said how excited he had been the entire week looking forward to church.  Church was such a miracle --  we had our Primary presentation, and class after class, he wanted to stay and learn more. He told us that he loved it so much that he wanted to come every week!  He told us how happy he felt there, and how loving the people were. 

Afterwards, we taught him the Restoration and answered some of his questions; mainly about prayer. We taught him that we believe that our prayers come from the heart, which he expressed a sincere desire to do for himself. Tonight he's coming to Family Home Evening with a great family in our Ward!

Lollies from Bountiful Neighbors - Love the Gardners Heaps! 

B is doing wonderful, and will be baptized this week! I am so grateful for the love and the support of the ward. I have such a strong testimony, and will testify again and again, that what makes the difference between a solid or a shaky investigator is involving the ward council.  He now has a "family" who will help him to adjust and support while he learns more about the Gospel and the Church.

This week, I have been trying to understand revelation and the ways prayers are answered. The simple truth is that personal PRAYER IS THE key to conversion.  We had an incredible week teaching one of our investigators including the gifts of the spirit and how to pray.  We’ve emphasized that her personal spiritual growth is dependent on her keeping commitments and receiving a simple, but life changing witness for herself. 

While with C, we were ordering at a Korean restaurant. I could tell that the young woman trying to take our orders was really struggling, and so while we were waiting for our food, I tried to talk with her. I asked her how many days she had been in Oz, and she held up her finger, “one day”!  I couldn’t believe it.  She was so sweet. I gave her one of our English class flyers, and she started crying and motioned to hug me. I tried my best to explain what we do as missionaries, and she just kept crying and telling me thank you.  I was so touched, and so happy to call her ‘chin gu’ (friend). That small, small act of kindness and her sweet spirit made my entire day. As we walked away, Charlie said to us, "There an undeniable feeling whenever I am with you Sisters. I feel this burning, warm feeling in my chest, and I feel so happy!” “That’s the Spirit!”

I read a scripture in the Book of Mormon that provoked a lot of thoughts over the last week.

Alma 12 reads:
9 And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.
 10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.

I know that God will give us line upon line the mysteries of heaven, and the revelation that we need for our families and for our lives.  However, it is all dependent on our diligence and faith.  I know that as a missionary, we must be completely dependent on the Spirit to govern everything that we do.  This understanding is one of the biggest changes for me; it makes me reflect and hope that my family and friends realize the power of personal revelation.

A Special Sister Who, Along with her Mum and Family, are Angels!

I have noticed that of the people we teach, the ones who either already had or want to develop an understanding of praying with real intent, are the ones that progress. It takes a lot of humility and faith to call upon someone or something that is so unfamiliar. However, I have seen the power of prayer work miracles in countless people’s lives. 

I testify of these principles, because I know for myself that they are true. I have experienced in my own life that God answers prayers, and provides us with comfort and revelation. How beautiful that truth is. 

Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis says:
“What a superb invitation by a prophet of the Lord...We are invited to test the word, we are given parameters, and we are told the outcome of the test if we follow the instructions. Thus the scriptures teach us that we can know the truth by observing its fruits or by experimenting with it personally, giving place for the word in our hearts and cultivating it like unto a seed.”

I echo that it truly is such an incredible invitation! To call upon God, and petition that the windows of heaven will be opened to help us know what to do to sanctify and align our lives with Him.

DC 8: 8 Therefore, doubt not, for it is the gift of God; and you shall hold it in your hands, and do marvelous works; and no power shall be able to take it away out of your hands, for it is the work of God.

I testify that this is the great and marvelous work of which the ancient and modern prophets testify.  I testify that we have the ability to do marvelous works, not being compelled, or hindered in any way, when we have the power of God within us. The power comes from petitioning, and pleading, sincerely and full of faith to act on the answers we receive. This truth is life changing, but it will often come in the quiet moments after we say “amen.”  It will come when we are standing in holy places. So, let us do everything we can to be ready, and be prepared.  

I LOVE YOUS TO THE MOON AND BACK, AND BACK AGAIN!

SISTA LLOYD 

CONFERENCE CONNECTIONS

#LDSCONF  October 2014

 Ello Beautiful Family!!!

I miss you, but I am starting to miss my family here in Australia... I can't even imagine what it's going to be like to leave.

I love my mission.

Yesterday was one of the best days on my mission. I have felt this light and peace just consume me, and although I know that trials will come, I have the assurance that because of the Atonement, I will have the enabling power to press on.  

Last Monday, we had such an incredible miracle. I think that last week I related the miracle of meeting J and his family. Well, we walked up a huge hill to get to our appointment. When we finally reached the house, not only was the gate locked, and the phone not ringing, but there was that vicious guard dog again! Sis N and I would not give up! We knocked on the neighbor's door, they let us in, and told us that J and his family lived in the back. They came out and we were able to teach them such a powerful lesson about revelation and faith relating back to James 1:5. Tears filled the father's eyes as he told us that Sis N and I were a miracle to their family and that he admired our faith and desire to come and strengthen his family.

Conference came, and J sat between us on Sunday. He stood up and sang with all his heart, nodded, and asked questions the entire time. He leaned over and said, "You mean there's a living prophet today to help us like before? We can receive revelation today?" I just wanted to embrace that young boy because of his faith and his heart-- the Lord truly has saved the elect for the last days, and he led us to them this week.

After conference, we talked with him and his father, and they related how incredible they felt and how eager they were to learn more. This transfer, and even this last week, we have had dates drop, and things have been hard, but we have been so blessed this week.

Our apartment is for sale? 

Speaking of more miracles, we had an awesome lesson with L, our previously dropped baptismal date. We told him that his faith was resting upon him keeping commitments and reading the Book of Mormon.  We had an amazing lesson with an investigator B, and set his baptismal date for next week. While we were teaching him, we received a voicemail, "Hi sisters! It’s L. I just finished reading 2 NE 31, and I have so many questions? What is baptism by fire, and how can I get the Holy Ghost?! Call me back it's really important!"

Brothers and sisters, reading the Book of Mormon works miracles! Trust in the Lord's promises!

One more miracle. 

I wish to share some of the things that I learned from conference. I think that what I learned is more of my testimony, and that the spirit confirmed that these things are true during conference.  Saturday sessions were more for me, Sunday sessions were for our investigators.

Elder Robbins:

Never forget what way you face. There are times in my life when I definitely have been trying to serve two masters. I have had my eyes on eternity but my body faced to the world. I have learned on my mission that it is so, so much easier and more "comfortable" not to be straining my neck and eyes in different places. When my whole being is facing Christ, then I have felt God and angels around me pulling me towards happiness. Jesus Christ was one with the Father because HE represented Him so perfectly.  

Elder Christofferson:

I have had to willingly agree to change myself, but it hasn't come by will and whim alone-- it has come by actively practicing and participating.  It is because he is just, that he offers and provides mercy and compassion. 

P. Packer:

The role of Christ in my life is more alive and active in me right now than it has ever been. What has wrought this change in me?  More than my mission and simply stating that my name is "Sister Lloyd” but seriously understanding what it means to represent Him- in obedience, in patience, in submissiveness, in courage and in charity. I have been able to purify myself and MOVE ON.  

Elder Oaks: 

Why is it so hard for me to love everyone and not be impatient with people?  It seems that I have this love and patience for the people we teach because I serve them and look past their imperfections.  Just like it was always hardest for me to show love for my family, it is hardest for me to be patient with the missionaries I serve around- because for some reason, I think they know better.  But, I should not ever have a spirit of contention.

Jesus Christ didn't change, arrange or dilute the commandments depending on who he was talking to. Loving kindness is required, but a true disciple will be firm in the truth.  Followers of Christ should exemplars of civility and be wise in the manner and the choice of words we use to defend and explain our beliefs.  Something I know is that it matters more the way we speak. The sooner that I can banish contention- bullying, gossip, sarcasm and misunderstanding, the faster the spirit will come. The home is where I should practice this, but also where I should try the hardest to make sure it happens. Kindness is so powerful, especially in the home.  

Elder Klibengat:

When I see President, Bishop or other leaders, do I walk up and approach or "linger by the door?" I can never let the adversary chisel and chip away my faith in the Atonement. My confidence has increased in my teaching and studying and even speaking, because my testimony has become more solid each day. I am confident in Christ because I don't doubt His Atonement and never will. On the mission, the gospel has become my whole life, and that doesn

't' have to end. I love that he invites us to be "good" at repenting, joyfully, quickly and thoroughly.

Elder Nelson:

Part of my role as a missionary is to testify of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful that I have been called by Him and by God to represent Him and preach the restored truths and repentance in His name. I can't imagine the world, or my life without having something so consistent and concrete. I wonder why there is so much emphasis on sustaining the prophet this conference?  To me, it is because we need to be loyal and obedient and follow the Lord, even when it's inconvenient or when we have to make changes in our comfortable schedule.

Elder Hales: I know that the greatest gift I have received from my mission is understanding the love of God the Father and of Jesus Christ. It is amazing to understand and try and comprehend the loyalty that Christ has for the Father.  I will try and understand the relationship and love the Father and the Son have for each other.  God has prepared a special way for me to learn and gain a witness that is perfect and personal to me right now.  

At this point in conference, B, our investigator, said to us that now he understands what baptism means and that he knows this is not the end and we can continue repenting. Baptism is simply the beginning when we are being humble enough to show God we need his help. It was incredible and what I wish every person we teach understood this. God spoke directly to his heart to resolve his concerns. We were able to pray before and after conference with him, and I can just see the peace and the happiness that is filling his heart and he is finding truth. It is such a miracle.  I am so grateful for another witness of why I am here; God mercifully needed to bless me even further, and I am so grateful.  

Elder Ballard:

The main counsel is given to always stay in the boat!  If I was travelling down white water rapids, then I wouldn't jump in the water and abandon ship. If I jump ship, then I have only one choice- to drown.  It reminds me of DC 121, because sure, we know that as rolling waters keep moving, they will become better and more pure, but I think that I need to examine the other option- to drown or sit in dirty water! I should never jump ship or abandon my faith when I have proof that optimism, perseverance and faithfulness is what makes us truly happy.  i am so grateful for the opportunities my mission has taught me how to learn; live and love the things and words of God. 

My core experience with God this week came during Elder Andersen's talk.

While writing down my thoughts, I heard Elder Andersen say that we first have to make sure our own "oxygen masks" are secure before we can help others.  

I heard the clearest voice say: "That is why I sent you to Sydney, my daughter. I needed to make sure that your oxygen mask was secure so you can go home and help and influence others."

I was so overwhelmed by the Spirit as He answered by prayer.

To conclude, please read DC 6:35-36:

 35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.

 36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

He does not condemn us for not being perfect. Just go on today, and do it, and act upon what you have learned. Just be a little better and a little more kind tomorrow.

Love yous to the moon and back! 

Future Sister Missionary!

50 DAYS MATES!!!

GLORIOUS

This IS the Lord's Work

Ello sweet family,

Another amazing week!

One of my favorite experiences as a missionary is being told by the Spirit to go and talk with someone. I was crossing the street with a young man and after talking a bit, he said that for the last couple of years he has been really struggling and trying to get his life back on track, but hasn't been able to have any success. I asked him if he ever went to church, and his reply was, "Yeah, I was baptized when I was real little but I haven't been to church in ages! Isn't that hypocritical of me? Aren't we at church to renew the promises we initially made with God?" I was so touched by this young man's desire to be better.  

A Certain Sister Biddle Who Brightens Each Day! 

I met another young man on the bus this week. I saw him get on the bus, and the spirit prompted me to talk with him, but unfortunately I rationalized and said that he would get the wrong idea. Well, about 5 minutes down the road, the bus was so packed that we were forced to sit with each other. We started talking, and I learned that he is Christian and had been looking for the right church ever since he left his home in T. He agreed to meet up and learn about receiving answers to prayers. I am so grateful that the Lord gave me no choice but to meet and listen to these people.

Teaching as Jesus taught came from a lesson that we had with a new investigator. He has such a sincere desire to learn. Our first lesson we committed him to read Enos, and when we came back he had read it over a dozen times because he said that he really wanted to let everything "sink in."  We asked him what impressed him while he was reading, and the last 2 verses are what really touched his heart, because he has always wondered what happens after we die. He was so amazed that there truly are "mansions" prepared for us!  How beautiful.

26 And I saw that I must soon go down to my grave, having been wrought upon by the power of God that I must preach and prophesy unto this people, and declare the word according to the truth which is in Christ. And I have declared it in all my days, and have rejoiced in it above that of the world.

 27 And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen.

Our Bishop, was released this week, and was able to come teaching with us to see P. P wanted so badly to believe that he could change, and that he could be healed, but he just didn't see that there was a way.  Brother T bore the most sincere, and powerful testimony saying that Christ healed people from the dead; he healed the leper and the blind, so why couldn't he do the same for us? With tears in all of our eyes, it really hit me how blessed we are to have that same Priesthood authority on earth today. The same power that set me apart to be His representative is the same that Christ used to heal the sick. I am so blessed to have been given that power and authority to love people and serve them. 

My core experience with God this week came from an amazing lesson with a recent covert. He is in AUS playing footy and joined the church last year because of the testimony that he gained in a short amount of time. My heart just burned as he told us how much he has sacrificed to be away from his family, and to stick to the standards of the church. He lives with many flat mates who aren't members, and he is surrounded by people who aren't of our faith, and don't live the way that he has chosen to live. He called us later this week and told us that he has a friend that he wants us to start teaching.

We shared with him the story of the sons of Mosiah. In Mosiah 27 it reads,

 28 Nevertheless, after wading through much tribulation, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God.

 29 My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness andbonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more.

 30 I rejected my Redeemer, and denied that which had been spoken of by our fathers; but now that they may foresee that he will come, and that he remembereth every creature of his creating, he will make himself manifest unto all.

He bore his testimony to us about how he didn't even know that he was looking for it until he felt the spirit and realized that it was the gospel that was missing in his life. I am so grateful that we are able to teach with him and work with him, because I see the light that he carries and I can see the impact that he will make on so many people's lives. 

We had another miracle seeking referrals from the members this week. It was amazing working with the members and seeking revelation to make specific, realistic plans of what we can do to work together.  I could feel the excitement and the love that these members have. That this is the way that the Lord wants us to work, and I felt so strongly. Like I've said before, many of the ward members just doesn't know how to even begin, and so SN and I are taking steps to help them create a vision of what their families desire and set goals.  

I think that too often we put members on the same plane- that we just create a simple lesson to "seek referrals" and to "build their faith in scripture thoughts!" NO!  We have to take as much careful consideration and planning that we do for our members as we do for our investigators. I have seen that when we do this, they are enthused about the work and can move forward confidently. 

We had so many miracles this week on visits! I can really see that ward is getting more and more excited about doing the work. We had an awesome night that we planned for the mutual this week, and we are doing our best to show the ward members how to have spiritual experiences while we aren't in the home or in the meeting.  

For the last couple of weeks we have been trying to arrange visits with the YSA, and it hasn't been happening, so we took the initiative this week and went on splits. IT was INCREDIBLE!  The young woman that I was with told me at the end of the night that she is now thinking about going on a mission! :) So amazing.  We went to visit some of the YSA, and she arranged for us to teach one of her friends later this week.  ALL BECAUSE she could feel the excitement and spirit that comes from going out and helping and serving people. 

The thing that touched me the most this week was the talk given by Elder Holland that we watched in our training, "Feed my Sheep."Feed My Sheep

There was a line that Elder Holland said in his talk that has been ringing in my head ever since...

"Called to serve! Called to serve! But so what? For how long?"

I loved the message from the talk, and the impressions that the spirit taught me today, that my mission has first been about converting myself, so that I can know how to convert others. Once we change ourselves, we will be able to understand the Atonement and the guidance of the Spirit enough to impact others' lives. I know that to be true. 

As I have sought revelation in my prayers, fasting and in the temple the last couple of weeks, I have really been trying to learn everything that I can to prepare me for the first couple of months adjusting home. I know that there are people I need to meet here, and things I need to learn and give away in my last two transfers, or else I wouldn't be here. I am trying so hard to do exactly what the Lord wants. I am absolutely committed to understand what it means to be 'called to serve' and be converted for the rest of my life. 

I know these things are true, and that this is HIS work.

And I love yous to the moon and back, and to eternity and back.

Please, please love the Saviour this week. Love him enough to give up something. Rid yourselves of the anger, the childish and foolish conversations. Please. Because I love you, and so does He.

Sista Lloyd

Congratulations to Katelyn on her marriage this week! So many years of friendship ...