Sept. 17

Elder Lawrence (of the Quorum of the 70) and his wife came to our mission this past weekend for our mission tour. That is why I could not email on Monday. Sister Hilton (serving in Fruita), Sister Gregerson, and Sister Stephens and I left Sunday night for Rifle. Then Monday morning we drove the rest of the way to Vail. Elder and Sister Lawrence attended our Mission Leader Council. He made it into a real council, whereas before it was more like "sit here for 5 hours while we talk at you." We made a list of all the things in our mission that are problems, all the things that are holding us back from doing the work that the Lord needs us to do. And then we talked about them. We discussed things like lack of testimony, wasting time, zone leader/sister training leader coordination, discouragement, how to use tough love, blatant disobedience, inappropriate elder/sister relationships, and staying a missionary on P-day. It takes courage to stand up for what is right. I have to be a representative of the Lord and my mission president who stands facing the other missionaries. We made the resolve to make obedience the norm in our mission. Love for the Lord is the real motivation for all that we are doing here. He told us that if we obey all the rules, magic will happen to us eventually. We will become the consecrated, dedicated servants the Lord needs us to be. He doesn't just want it. The Lord needs it. We have the imperative task of gathering Israel, of gathering those who are ready to make covenants with God and keep them so that they can return to Him someday. He shared with us this quote, "A (priesthood) leader that does not give correction is selfish." Sometimes it is hard to address disobedience when I see it. I'd rather just not say anything. I can't be afraid to be persecuted for being righteous. I'm learning that true happiness comes from putting the Lord first. I know where my loyalty lies. It is our decision. As missionaries, we are privileged to help people decide for themselves where their loyalty lies. Is it to the world? Or is it to God? Being a missionary is a total privilege. If we choose to waste the time we don't get it back. That applies to being here on Earth too. It is a privilege to choose each day to follow Jesus Christ, to learn of His example, and to develop a personal relationship with Him. 

The next day we had a zone conference with all the missionaries out west. I was able to see the beloved Sister Fletcher for the first time in almost 8 months! It was like we were never apart! She is still serving in Meeker and has almost been there for 9 months! Elder and Sister Lawrence spoke to us. Sister Lawrence gave the most incredible presentation about what it means to be part of the House of Israel and the responsibilities that are ours. In the premortal life, we were all born a spirit son or daughter of Heavenly parents. We made decisions that showed to our Heavenly Father that we were trustworthy. Each spirit progressed at a different rate because of his or her's choices. We distinguished ourselves by our faith and our exceedingly good works because of our premortal obedience. And showed that we have the talent of spirituality: we can recognize truth and then act on it. And so He trusted us to come here and be part of the gospel. He knew He could rely on us. He sent us to Earth at one of the most difficult times because He knew we could accomplish all that He sent us here to do. Now think, if you were Satan, wouldn't you focus on the House of Israel? Those who would be able to help the people around them the most? We have to be aware of how Satan is attacking us. Because he is. He wants us to be miserable. He will never have a body or a family. So he concentrates on those who have both. Yesterday I came to the realization that the way Satan is attacking me right now is by convincing me that I don't have the spirit and that I am not guided, when I do and I am. I have to trust God's promises. I am not doing anything that would prevent the spirit from guiding me. I have to trust that God will help me and that I can do all that I was sent here to do. I have had to make some difficult decisions in the past few days and I can see now that the spirit is guiding me. 

I learned so much during this meeting that it would take me more time than I have to record it here so I will save it for another time. During the meeting, I realized I used to be scared of the 2nd coming because I had no faith. Now I know that because of Jesus Christ, I don't have to be afraid. I can know where I stand with God. It is imperative that we are real and honest about who we are and what we are doing here. 

We learned the 5 basic rules of being a missionary.

1. Up at the right time, out at the right time, back by the right time, and sleeping by the right time.

2. Live the morning study schedule exactly.

3. Keep the mission music standards, and avoids all forms of worldly entertainment

4. Don't waste time

5. Obey the guidelines in the White Handbook and any other rules or guidelines established in our mission. 

At both of the meetings I was privileged to help with the music, both accompaniment and singing. Both times, when I took my seat, an incredible rush of the spirit came over me and brought me to tears. The music brings me closer to Christ and I am so grateful for it. 

I am going to be the exactly obedient missionary the Lord needs me to be. And I'm going to help everyone around me too! The difference will not only change my mission but it will start me on my path to sanctification. It won't be easy but it will be worth it. The Saviour promised each one of us that if we will lose our lives in His service, we will find it. Consecration is the only surrender that is a victory too!

I know that my everyday efforts to be the missionary and daughter that God needs me to be are changing things. And they are changing me. The gospel is the most real thing in the world because it is not of the world. I am so grateful for it and I am thankful for all of you, for listening to my preaching. It hit me this week. I have less than 5 months left on my mission. My mission has changed me forever. The Book of Mormon has changed me forever. I'm about halfway through my 7th time reading it. I would invite all of you to read the Book of Mormon from start to finish before I come home. I promise you that if you will do it, it will change your life. You will feel a difference. It will be the sweetest feeling because you are bringing yourself closer to our Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is because of Him that we are even here. I hope you will take my invitation seriously, mainly because I love you and I want you to receive the greater peace and happiness that is waiting for you! 

I love you all and I LOVE MY MISSION!  

A group of sister training leaders

sister fletcher!

and my favorite person!