Last week I learned how to sense the urgency of my life here on Earth,
and especially my time as a missionary. But guess what. As you learn
to sense to urgency, you also become acutely aware of the time you are
wasting, the things you're not doing right, and all of the tiny
mistakes that are a part of human existence.
So this week's theme? Second Chances.
That's right. Because no matter how many times I take a wrong turn,
say something awkward, or eat to many cookies on exchanges, it's not
the end. That's not the worst thing that's ever going to happen to me.
And God doesn't mind! Not as long as I'm doing my best and striving to
improve! He wants me to succeed. He is perfectly merciful, and
perfectly patient, and perfectly forgiving. I think I have a need for
a few of those attributes in my life, eh? :)
Which brings me to a breakthrough I had in understanding the gospel.
You know the story of the Prodigal Son? If you don't... Please google
it! It's great! Moving on.... All my life I related to the son who
stayed at home. The one who was ever faithful. The one who never
turned away and had np need to return. And I always kind of took his
side as to how he viewed his father's response to his brother's
return. Confusion, hurt, and judgement. Why would the father favor the
son who had turned away and caused him so much pain, while never
really taking the time to thank the always faithful son.
What a proud human I am!!!! How could I have not realized that I am
the prodigal son!!? I am the one who makes mistakes and has done so
many things against my Heavenly Father's will!! I am the one who has
need to return to my Father's presence!! To ask for His forgiveness
and acceptance. I have no need to judge others who are returning,
because I have my own need to return and change!!
And thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ I can!! Thanks to His
Atonement, my Father in Heaven runs to me with open arms upon my
return. Through repentance, I can return to Him daily, and know Him
better. And He accepts me. He wants me to return. I, who deserve no
more than a place as His servant, am of infinite worth to Him.
Each of us have infinite worth. We each have so much potential for
excellence, and we have to remember that as we live our lives! God
wants us to return to Him and we Can! We CAN return to Him through our
works and reliance upon our Savior. I've gotta say, I kind of like
that. :)
So with that being said, I guess I'll give you a review of just a few
of the miracles I was able to see this week!
I don't know why I was called to Japan, because half of our
investigators are from South America! Thank goodness for google
translate and the gospel library in Portuguese and Spanish. There is
not one day on my mission that I don't regret not taking advantage of
Mom's Spanish abilities. It would be really handy right now to be able
to say at least something to these people in their native language!!
We went to the Cat Cafe last week for P-Day. So many cat party pics. I
love Japan and their mild obsession with cats.
We asked one of our English Class students is interested in learning
more about God and Jesus Christ. She said yes, because she sees Selena
Gomez tweet about the Bible. This may sound silly, but it really
struck me! We have no idea the scope of our influence, especially when
it comes to social networking. Don't be afraid to share what you know
to be true! To share the light of Christ. You have no idea the kind of
people you could influence :)
Adriana's baptism is this Saturday and I think it will become a
regular fiesta!! Her husband is coming, which is a huge miracle in
itself. She is so excited, and every time we talk about it her face
lights up. She is such a great example to us of how to follow our
Savior Jesus Christ. I love her so much!!
I found out that I'm intimidating. And known as a really strict
sister. Kind of embarrassing. But also good? I'm not sure how to take
it, but I guess I'll increase my declarations of love and see where it
takes me!
Life is good and happy. I love Atsugi. I love Sister Handy. I love our
investigators and our friends who we are spending time with. They mean
to world to me, because I know that they mean to world to our Heavenly
Father. I'm grateful that He trusts me with so many of His beloved
children.
and especially my time as a missionary. But guess what. As you learn
to sense to urgency, you also become acutely aware of the time you are
wasting, the things you're not doing right, and all of the tiny
mistakes that are a part of human existence.
So this week's theme? Second Chances.
That's right. Because no matter how many times I take a wrong turn,
say something awkward, or eat to many cookies on exchanges, it's not
the end. That's not the worst thing that's ever going to happen to me.
And God doesn't mind! Not as long as I'm doing my best and striving to
improve! He wants me to succeed. He is perfectly merciful, and
perfectly patient, and perfectly forgiving. I think I have a need for
a few of those attributes in my life, eh? :)
Which brings me to a breakthrough I had in understanding the gospel.
You know the story of the Prodigal Son? If you don't... Please google
it! It's great! Moving on.... All my life I related to the son who
stayed at home. The one who was ever faithful. The one who never
turned away and had np need to return. And I always kind of took his
side as to how he viewed his father's response to his brother's
return. Confusion, hurt, and judgement. Why would the father favor the
son who had turned away and caused him so much pain, while never
really taking the time to thank the always faithful son.
What a proud human I am!!!! How could I have not realized that I am
the prodigal son!!? I am the one who makes mistakes and has done so
many things against my Heavenly Father's will!! I am the one who has
need to return to my Father's presence!! To ask for His forgiveness
and acceptance. I have no need to judge others who are returning,
because I have my own need to return and change!!
And thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ I can!! Thanks to His
Atonement, my Father in Heaven runs to me with open arms upon my
return. Through repentance, I can return to Him daily, and know Him
better. And He accepts me. He wants me to return. I, who deserve no
more than a place as His servant, am of infinite worth to Him.
Each of us have infinite worth. We each have so much potential for
excellence, and we have to remember that as we live our lives! God
wants us to return to Him and we Can! We CAN return to Him through our
works and reliance upon our Savior. I've gotta say, I kind of like
that. :)
So with that being said, I guess I'll give you a review of just a few
of the miracles I was able to see this week!
I don't know why I was called to Japan, because half of our
investigators are from South America! Thank goodness for google
translate and the gospel library in Portuguese and Spanish. There is
not one day on my mission that I don't regret not taking advantage of
Mom's Spanish abilities. It would be really handy right now to be able
to say at least something to these people in their native language!!
We went to the Cat Cafe last week for P-Day. So many cat party pics. I
love Japan and their mild obsession with cats.
We asked one of our English Class students is interested in learning
more about God and Jesus Christ. She said yes, because she sees Selena
Gomez tweet about the Bible. This may sound silly, but it really
struck me! We have no idea the scope of our influence, especially when
it comes to social networking. Don't be afraid to share what you know
to be true! To share the light of Christ. You have no idea the kind of
people you could influence :)
Adriana's baptism is this Saturday and I think it will become a
regular fiesta!! Her husband is coming, which is a huge miracle in
itself. She is so excited, and every time we talk about it her face
lights up. She is such a great example to us of how to follow our
Savior Jesus Christ. I love her so much!!
I found out that I'm intimidating. And known as a really strict
sister. Kind of embarrassing. But also good? I'm not sure how to take
it, but I guess I'll increase my declarations of love and see where it
takes me!
Life is good and happy. I love Atsugi. I love Sister Handy. I love our
investigators and our friends who we are spending time with. They mean
to world to me, because I know that they mean to world to our Heavenly
Father. I'm grateful that He trusts me with so many of His beloved
children.