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| #LDSCONF October 2014 |
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.
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| Our apartment is for sale? |
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:
My core experience with God this week came during
Elder Andersen's talk.
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!
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| Future Sister Missionary! |
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