In these last two years I have learned some very life changing lessons. Some of which include; the importance of developing Christ like attributes, how to set goals and make plans, act on those plans, how to truly rely on the Lord, and so much more. I have seen the Lord use me as a tool to help bring peace and joy to His children here in South Florida. The people I've met, the experiences I've had, the difficulties I overcame will change me forever. I can truly say that I am a Life Long Disciple of Jesus Christ.
I wanted to talk about the atonement of Jesus Christ for a minute. And how big of a role it has played in my mission. I have met a wide variety of people here in Florida, the rich, poor, happy, anxious, comfortable, struggling... Homeless, hopeless, depressed, lost, desparate, rejected, suicidal. There has been only one thing I have found that brings those people out of the darkness. That is the atonement of Jesus Christ accompanied by The Book of Mormon. I have seen how Jesus Christ's infinite atoning sacrifice change the lives of countless people. Friends I have met have made a complete 180 ° change in their life as they begin to read the Book of Mormon and repent daily. Not only have I seen this process help those that I teach, but within myself as well. As I strive to do better, and be better daily, I have seen the spirit truly change the way I think, act, and speak. It has helped me be able to see all the ways the Lord blesses me. As well as being able to recognize the promptings of the spirit, and act on them immediately. I have gained the ability to discern through the Spirit, what the Lord wants me to do everyday. He has been my constant companion, and my constant lifeline. I would invite everyone around me to continue to look for ways to improve. Ask the scripture says in ether, God gives us weaknesses so that we may be humble unto him. And the promise in that scripture is as we humble ourselves, the Lord will make weak things become strong unto us. A lot of times we are ignorant of the weaknesses that we have. For that reason we need to be in constant prayer and communication with God. He will help us realize our weaknesses and provide ways and opportunities for us to grow and turn that weakness into strength. The common saying comes to mind "Don't pray for patience", but please pray for patience. That is a big part of our experience here on earth. To have experiences to help learn and grow to become more like our Savior Jesus Christ and our father in Heaven, to become the sons and daughters that the Most High would have us become. And to fulfill our divine potential and live with our families in eternal peace and happiness.
While we're on the topic of prayer, I feel as though without prayer, I would not have been able to finish my mission. The nights where I feel alone, when I feel lost, when I'm home sick, are the nights my testimony grew the most. It's the nights like these that forced me to my knees and beg for mercy and comfort. Sometimes, a lot of times it wasn't instant, but I promise you that it did come eventually. As a XC runner I always had the phrase "There's no growth in the comfort zone", but in that growth process we can find rest in Jesus Christ through prayer. We can have the Comforter visit us in our times of sorrow and pain. I have had many experiences, where investigators share their deepest concerns and life issues. And me being only 18 to 20, I haven't had a lot of life experience, so many times I would be at a loss of words. But as I have quickly offered prayers, and trusting in the Lord... I would open my mouth and it would be filled with the words the Lord would have me speak. I was truly a mouthpiece for those seeking guidance. As we are worthy of the spirit, or strive to be, we can all be a blessing and a light to those around us.
Friends and family, our Savior, Redeemer, Mediator, the Only Begotten Son of the Father truly does live. He walks with us. He suffered, bled, and died for you and me. But He raised from the dead. Resurrected. He gained the Victory over death in our behalf, so that we can all be saved and follow his example and be resurrected with a body rid of imperfections, pain, and physical suffering. He provided a way for us to find joy and happiness in a world of darkness. Seek Him. Fight for Him. Defend Him. He will be by your side. I know the Lord is always waiting with open arms to accept us back into the fold. He truly does look for the One. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. Imperfect, but the one chosen to usher in the Restoration of all things. That by through him we have the Book Of Mormon. Which has the ability to teach us things about Jesus Christ that we cannot learn any other way. I know that it is scripture and the word of God. I know of assurity that as we keep the commandments of God, he will bless us in both temporal, and spiritual ways. I know that as we turn to him and trust him in our trials, that he will always support us and provide a way to overcome those hard times. I know this is the ONE TRUE CHURCH of which Jesus Christ leads and directs through our current prophet Russell M Nelson. I know that the priesthood power changes lives, and opens the gates of heaven to rain out blessings upon those who use it worthily. I know our body's are a gift from God. They are pure, and truly are our personal temples. As we treat them with sanctity and respect, the Lord blesses us so much that we will not have room to receive it.
I know I am a child of God, with Divine potential. He loves, cares, and watches over me. He is my Father, who blesses me. He leads me, guides me, and walks beside me. He has blessed me with an amazing family, especially my parents. Who are a constant example of holding tight to the iron rod through highs and lows. I pray for them daily. I know I can live with each one of my family members for eternity. That the family is ordained of God. Given to us to help support and guide us both spiritually and physically.
I love you all, thank you for all the support. The emails, letters, texts don't go unnoticed even tho I was the worst at responding. I promise they made a difference to me in my mission. That's wraps, I'll see you all soon.
2 Timothy 4:7
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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