Aloha! :)
so there is this talk that we study as missionaries, it's called The Fourth Missionary, and it is wonderful. I was studying from it this morning, and this is what I learned:
"Every challenge, unfairness, conflict, sadness, tragedy, disappointment, heartache, temptation and opposition happens for one purpose only: to give you opportunity to respond by applying in your life the teachings of Jesus. As you do so, YOU ARE CHANGED to become more like Him."
quick background of our week:
- lots of people testing our biblical knowledge (which we can never seem to satisfy anyone with)
- lots of people trying to bring us down
- lots of interesting (and incorrect) views of the Book of Mormon
- lots of prideful people.....
sorry for my bluntness, but sometimes I just don't understand how human we can be!! Seriously, it's incredible what the gospel has to offer us: peace, love, direction, salvation...etc etc. but each one of us (im trying to not just focus on all those "lots of people" up in the bullet points) get in the way of our happiness.
I think it was... Elder Holland? ... who mentioned stupidity yesterday? well, he said that IF WE GIVE OUR HEART TO GOD, WE CAN CONQUER STUPIDITY. that's how good God is. because no matter what opposition we face, and no matter how much we can get in our own way to our own happiness, there's always a way back on track.
we shared with peeps Helaman 12:15 this week about the earth moving and not the sun. well that's just it. the Son is always there. He's the constant, and we are the ones who turn away and it's also up to us to turn to Him. We must take the steps to turn to Him and receive HIS LIGHT!!
okay, so as we do this, WE ARE CHANGED. doubts can be swept away, sin can be washed clean, confusion can be set straight, and MIRACLES HAPPEN!
this week we were also able to see many incredible people. so here's another quick background of our week:
- lots of people struggling, but turning to God for answers
- lots of service opportunities
- lots of people ready and willing to come back to church
- tons of miracles (like having two of our investigators attend conference with us and finding a wonderful family who is super prepared for the gospel and ah just so much more!)
- exchanges: I got to go with Sister Carlsen to Kaneohe, and man we met so many amazing folks over there :)
I don't know if this email makes sense, but basically, this is my point: God is good you guys! He knows you. He loves you. Although we see trials & opposition in our lives, and at times our own or others' stupidity makes us get off track for a second.... our weaknesses can be made strengths (Ether 12:27)... our pride can change to humility (Jacob 4:7)... and we can trust in the Atonement to help us reach our potential.
so back to The Fourth Missionary talk... there are four kinds of missionaries, and the fourth missionary is the one I'd like to be. She is the missionary that gives her heart to God and works hard. There is a lot to being a great missionary, just as there's a lot to being a great disciple of Jesus Christ or a great friend, etc. but I know that we can reach our goals as we turn ourselves to God and allow Him to make of us what needs to be made. He will help us conquer stupidity, He will help us conquer satan, He will help us fight our trials & temptations, cuz He is GOOD! but we HAVE to do our part first.
"Only God can change a mess into a message, a test into a testimony, a trial into a triumph, and a victim into a victory."
love you all! keep fighting :) may the fourth be with you.
xoxo,
Sister Judkins
ps. sorry if this is too confusing to understand.
attachments:
the signs people have in their yards crack me up :)
I was on exchanges 8 months ago in the same area, and I got to meet this lovely family, the Higa's, AGAIN! last time I met them, they were inactive. this time, they have been active for a couple months and are working on getting to the temple to be sealed!! they are great.
also, this is Aunty Lola. she is amazing. :) I look forward to the day you meet her mom! seriously. too good. <3
Also I have been a missionary for 1 year now and so we bought some Hawaiian candy to celebrate :)
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