These bruises make for better conversations . . .

Date: 04-23-2018
Companion: Hermana O'Barr
Area: Vancouver East Stake, Prune Hill Ward


*flashback to 2 weeks ago*

Well let me tell you about a man named Dave. Dave claims to be a sailor. In fact, he was one of the best sailors of his time. As we sat in this man's house he told us he didn't believe in God and he didnt believe the nephites could sail their way across the Americas because no one taught them about sails or anything of the sailing sort. As we kept talking with Dave about who God is and what He wants for all of us, we asked him if he would be willing to pray and ask God if He was there, and wanted him to be doing the things the book of Mormon tells us to do. Dave replied and said he felt like God wanted him to be an artist.

I've thought about this encounter with Dave for a while now. Thinking about how sad I was for my fellow brother who wouldn't even take the time to ask God if He was real because, and I quote, "I'm a 73 year old man, I'm not going to change" and the fact that he would say anything to keep living his comfortable life with no progression.

How many times have we let something get in the way of our happiness because we're too afraid of change, or we don't want to put in the effort or motivation to change? In short, we don't have the faith to change.

Mormon 8:38 asks us
"Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies - because of the praise of the world?"

Or in other words, "why do you think the praise of the world, which leads to never ending misery, is better than endless happiness?"

Often times, I find myself worried about the things in the world. About my image, what others think of me, ALL THE STUPID THINGS YOU CAN THINK OF.

Verse 14 in chapter 9 says
"he that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still."

If you're not happy right now, it's because you need to change. God has asked us to do a couple of things on this earth because He knows what will make us happy. Sometimes we see the things He asks us to do as "rules" or "restrictions" but I see these commandments as blessings. As I have strived to live the commandments in my life, I have felt more happiness than the world could ever offer to me. I have felt more joy and comfort as I have turned to my Savior and anything that is found on the earth. And that doesn't mean it was easy. Often times it's HARD to live the commandments. But it all starts with a desire. Once that desire and that faith are there, and we turn to God, that's when we start to see the miracles happen.

I promise you that God is still a God of miracles and He hears your prayers. Here are some of the miracles I've seen just this week:
-I've survived 15 months in the mission field
-Jorjan Werry showed me how to sew yesterday
-Prune Hill got two new investigators because we had 5 sets of missionaries work every inch of our area
-I took a picture with an ewok
-I didn't break my hand when I accidentally punched a shelf this week (I think)(chill mom)
-I received revelation from The All Powerful Creator of the universe.
-God loves me

Please take the time to evaluate where you are at right now, look at the miracles in your life, and ask God where you can improve and change. I promise that you will find more happiness and joy in your life than you have ever had before.

Also please remember how much I love you! whether you're struggling with the word of wisdom, you're living your best life in the Tallahassee Florida mission, you're flying to Minnesota this week, or whatever your situation might be, you have someone who's praying for you!

I love youuuuu!

☀️FIND JOY☀️

1. Tell me this dog doesn't look like an ewok
2&3. It was sunny and nice outside and I really enjoyed it
4. I fit in the trunk of our car (we're finding out the important details here.)
5. Last very cool friends pic on the mission. )':
6. Mount Hood!
7. I don't even know at this point I'm sorry.