November 11, 2013

Hola familia!!!

It has been such a great week... We received transfer calls Saturday night. The bad news is, Hermana Child is being transferred (not a big surprise because we were having a little trouble with some converts/investigators falling in love with her). The good news is i'm staying. And the great news is I am not training. So life is pretty good. 

I LOVE November! Thanksgiving is coming and that means only one transfer until Christmas... not that i'm wishing the time away... but Its hard not to think about the holidays when Hispanics keep Christmas decorations up all year-round. We have been working hard, knocking a lot of doors, and teaching a few lessons here and there. The members have been letting us in because its hermana Childs last week... so that was a blessing. 

I read an awesome talk by Elder Richard G. Scott called the Transforming Power of Faith and Character. Everyone should read it!! 

"Faith can transform an individuals life from maudlin, to common everyday activity, to a symphony of joy and happiness."

Faith is demonstrated by the couple sealed in the temple (thinking of Hayley and Brandon)... they understand that obedience brings happiness and they recognize that when the challenges intended to be growth opportunities come, they will find ways, as prompted by the holy ghost, to overcome them in ways that are productive and character building."

"Faith in the power of obedience to the commandments of God will forge strength of character available to you in times of urgent need!" 

    One thing that I have learned on the mission is that you cannot force anyone to do anything. No matter how much you love them, how much you do for them... how close to Christ you try to drag them... ultimately, it is their decision and their choice to change and act. Which is frustrating. Really frustrating sometimes... because I feel like we try so hard to drag people to church (literally and figuratively) We would carry them if we could. But at the end of the day, it is their choice. 

I realized that it is my choice how to act, how to react, and if I want to change and build my character, I have to deliberately make that choice. Because conversion is a personal responsibility. but I love the way Elder Scott explains it! 

"Character is woven patiently from threads of applied principles, doctrine, and obedience... we become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day." 

"Your character is more valuable than any material object you own, any knowledge you have gained through study, or any goals you have attained... In the next life you righteous character will be evaluated to assess how well you used the privilege of mortality." 

A scary thought... but the good news is, we have our whole lives to build our characters. Strong moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. So as long as we are making the right choices everyday, and striving to be better, we will be building our character. 

I hope everyone is feeling better, that your staying warm and helping the missionaries as much as you can! cause we need it :) Alex, i hope basketball tryouts are going well!!! I know you will do great and you have worked really hard... and no matter what happens, yours an awesome athlete! But Ill be praying for ya! Adam, your picture frame is amazing!!!! I have such a talented family. I miss you all, it makes me sad to miss Hayleys wedding but Im so glad you could all go through the temple with her!!! I miss the temple so much. Im so excited for hayley and brandon, and send me photos :) 

Thanks for all you do for me!!! Read Elder Ballard's talk from conference - its a winner! 

love you all!!!! 

Hermana Johnson