Sooooo this week on Friday I turn 1 year in the mission.... So that's insane to think that exactly one year ago I left my beautiful family and started this crazy, hard, wonderful, lonely, beautiful, exciting, emotional, spiritual, one of a kind, life changing, difficult, funny, amazing experience going on a mission. Honestly, deciding to go on a mission was the best decision I have made in my entire life. Without a mission I really think I would've turned out as a different person. Before my mission I loved the gospel and things, but I took so much for granted. Going on a mission and being here and concecrating myself to the Lord and his work has really changed my whole life. My mission will be the biggest U turn I make in my life for the better. To learn more about the gospel, serve others and not think about myself, and to really learn how to become more like the Savior and really know Him.
This last week was wonderful because we were able to go to MLC. Being missionaries and members we are true "followers of Christ" Moroni 7:47-48. We were able to really ponder and realize that what we do as missionaries is just a little glimpse of the work Jesus Christ did here on Earth. Then we watched this amazing video about the power of a missionary and why missionary work isn't easy. As Jeffery R. Holland stated, "Because Salvation is not easy" Wow that is a powerful video, if you guys can find it on LDS.org I would highly suggest you watch it because it is amazing. One thing that really impressed my mind was how perfect the Savior was. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we are constantly striving to magnify ourselves and become more like Christ. One thing President Ostler asked us was to describe Jesus Christ in 3 words. Then to chose one of the words your wrote down and try your best to acquire that attribute within yourself. It was such a spiritual, motivational MLC that I will never forget.
I love that all this work and effort I put into this mission is for Jesus Christ. Why am I here? Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. To help others realize that they can come to know Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. Not just know about Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the gospel in my life and for the decision I made to go on this mission. It has and forever will have changed my life.
One story, quote, poem thing I absolutely love and want to share with you is called, "The Fellowship of the Unashamed" By Bob Morehead as quoted by Elder Henry B. Eyring. It says, "I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, color-less dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, positions, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He returns for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My banner will be clear."
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I will do everything I can to be the person He wants me to be. I will be faithful and diligent until the end. When I come home in 6 months I will be able to say I gave everything. I love my mission with my whole heart. I'm ready for the trials, hardships, excitement, and beautiful times to come within these next 6 months. I love all of you with my whole soul and I love this gospel and my Savior and Redeemer with my whole soul. Continue to look up and stand up as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Thank you for all that you do. You are beautiful examples to me and I appreciate you all so much. So read the Book of Mormon with diligence, Pray with real intent, and Chose the Right everyday. Thank you for being you.
Mahal ko kayo,
Sister Barton
PS. When we went to Manila we also got to get SUBWAY. So that was so amazing! We bought selfie sticks too.. we are so white talaga and we thought the airplane pic in the back was gonna work out a lot better than it actually did sooooo... haha but going to Manila was really really good. I loved it.
No comments:
Post a Comment