In The Great Wide Somewhere: Truths and Lies We Tell

It's not the lights at Temple Square but who doesn't love a Nativity!

I studied Alma this week-- Alma is explaining his conversion to his son. Something that hit me was that his repentance process was from a state of rebellion to a state of peace and joy with the effect being his desire to share that same peace and joy with others.

EVERYONE

Alma wanted to share it with everyone he possibly could, Lamanites, Nephites, all the kinds of ites out there.

Then we have Enos who was not (as far as we know) ever rebelling or going against the church. In fact there is a sufficient amount of evidence to suggest he had been involved in the work already prior to his faith building moment of prayer that we know him for. Nevertheless he had heard about eternal life from his father, and had a desire to taste of that for himself so he prayed and his weaknesses were forgiven.

Weaknesses made strong. Well after this experience he had a desire to share the gospel with his brethren (Friends) the Nephites.

Then there is Lehi in Nephi chapter 8 who tasted of the joy of the fruit of the tree of life. We know of no major conversion moment with Lehi, he was a prophet and obedient. He didn't have the Enos moment, or the rebelious compelled to be humble Alma moment, he was simply faithful and obedient. But he still felt of the joy of eternal life and had a desire to share it with his FAMILY.

Desire leading to feelings of the Spirit

leading to change

leading to joy

leading to SHARING with those around them.

We can be like all three of these people, our hearts can change when we disagree or kick against His will, our weaknesses can change when we pray, we can reap the blessings of submissiveness even without being compelled to be humble and just be obedient like Lehi.

First that. Then... Share. Family. Friends. Active. Less Active. Everyone. Investigators. Missionaries. Formers. Potentials.

EVERYONE

feel.. then share.

pray, prepare, then SHARE

sin to clean

weak to strong

obedient to blessings

we can do it all.

Struggles:

I'm learning to love them.

Key word being LEARNING. (It's a daily lesson) Seriously , I have never had more struggles than on the mission.

It seems like they come never ending, and they aren't even huge struggles (most of the time)

They are small battles, thoughts from the natural man, adversary, or the human Sister Saunders that I am , and impressions of the spirit in a constant battle. Sometimes that battle is more intense than other times.

When I have a struggle I'm more vulnerable to lies of the adversary. Some lies he has told me this week that between prayer and Sister Baker I have been able to sort through:

Lie: These things that happen are to humble you because you are too prideful and you don't deserve comfort and peace because of your flaws.

Heavenly Father's truth: A positive side effect of struggles is that you will be more humble. But I give you these struggles because I love you, and because I trust you to do what no one else can do. You just need to ask and I will help you, help me. I am the Gardner here, and I know what I want you to be. Happiness is not a side effect of a comfort zone, it is the result of using the atonement when you are uncomfortable.

Lie: Others think you are not a capable or smart missionary.

Heavenly Fathers truth: You are not, and will never be as smart or capable as you can be without my help. BUT Joseph Smith translated a book of scripture in two months with little more than a third grade education.. with my help you can brighten lives, save souls, change hearts, and change yours in the processes. Care less about what others think about you, and more about what I think about you. You are amazing, precious, and I love you.

I'm learning how to recognize those thoughts in me and say:

"Okay, that's alright to feel and think that thought. Now it's time to pray, and change it."

It's hard but it's getting easier.

guilt is not an attribute of a disciple of Christ

Well I don't have much time because fun fact: Sister Baker is already leaving me. I am staying in Crestview, she is going to Tallahassee.

My heart is breaking, she is truly one of my best friends. LUCKILY we will still be able to see each other in the mission here and there. Thank goodness. She has been such a strength to me in so many ways. I LOVE SISTER CHADLEY BAKER

prayers are needed because change. is. hard.

but so many miracles come from hard things so I'm so excited for the adventures, the spiritual highs, and life lessons to be learned with my new companion coming to Crestview live from Fort Walton..

*drum roll please

SISTER JAMISON

fun fact: I have been in her Zone for four and a half months now and gone on two exchanges with her and she is simply incredible. God is good.

BITTERSWEET that is the lesson of the entire mission.