Being in Jerusalem has allowed me to reflect on my mission A LOT. Maybe it's something about walking the streets where the Savior walked that remind me about the time I spent doing His work building the kingdom or maybe it's learning of Him a little more deeply that reminds me of some of the sweet moments I had getting know Him in the trailer parks and middle of nowhere streets in Alabama. Sometimes it seems like a dream that happened way too long ago but then someone will say ROLL TIDE or a companion will post a picture or someone will talk about biscuits and gravy or pecan pie, or I'll get an email from an old investigator and it all comes flashing back. Never before have I been so grateful for my time in Alabama. The individuals I met, the principles of truth that were solidified in my life and the lives of those I taught, and the person I became through the process. I long for the day when I will be able to return to that beautiful place in the deep south of America. But for now, I'll just remember the lessons I learned and the things that continue to influence my life today.
1. Be Steadfast in Christ
What does this mean??
{resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering} thanks webster
Love Him with your whole heart. Do His will. Invite others to come unto Him. Never give up.
2. Act enthusiastic and you'll be enthusiastic
There were plenty of days on the mission and plenty of days now when you're just lacking that motivation and excitement to go out and work or get things done or even put a smile on your face. But if you just try acting that way, eventually you just start to feel that way. And when you look back on the day you'll be so grateful you made that choice to be a little more enthusiastic than you felt you could be and for the things that were accomplished because of it.
3. Service Softens Stony Souls
Have you ever noticed that? I'll give you an example of myself. During one of our first weeks here I was having a hard time adjusting. I just felt like there had been no consistency in my life and I didn't want to spend my time meeting new people that were just going to go oit of my life again in just 4 months. But then we had a service activity. We were putting together school kits for children here. We asked all the basic get to know you questions, we listened to music, and we laughed. And I realized that MY soul which may have been a little bitter and a little stony, started to soften. And now, towards the end of my time here, I have 62 new best friends. Was it worth the effort? Was it worth the change of heart? Absolutely.
Service is one of those things that always makes a difference. I believe that in Alabama there are a lot of homes that never would've been touched with the gospel if some service hadn't paved the way for some elders amd sisters to get in the door. I believe that a lot of less-active members never would've come back to church unless someone took a little bit of time to reach out to them and remind them of the fruits of the gospel by doing sweet and simple acts of service.
4. STP // Same Ten People
President Hanks explained it like this. You know those people who are always the last one out of the building because they were cleaning up or the ones who stay after church to stack the chairs, or the people who make a meal for someone in need without being asked, or always volunteer to go out with the missionaries (plug for member present lessons), or the ones who take a couple hours out of their day when they have a billion and one things to do to listen to the lady they visit or hometeach who just needed someone to talk to. These people are the real MVPs. There's not very many of them. But they are someone the bishop can always rely on. Thet magnify their callings and go above and beyond in being a true disciple of Christ. I learned to be one of those people.
5. "If you is what you was, then you ain't"
I believe this came from a dear inveatigator whose southern drawl captures the essence of the South but nonetheless rings true. We must change. We must become converted. We must use the atonement daily to reach a capacity greater than our own. We must be a partner with the Savior in securing our own salvation and then reaching out to teach and uplift our brothers and sisters ariund us. If we stop changing, we cease to exist. What will your life have been worth if you don't becone something because of it. President Hanks always says that a testimony has a shelf life of 24 hours. If you're not doing something each day to improve and strengthen your testimony, then it is decreasing and that's when Satan can come in and distract you from that which matters most.
6. The Plow Horse
We all have a picture of one of these on the back of our nametags. The lesson that can be learned from this animal is determination, hard work, and tenacity. Just a few of President Hanks favorite words. The plow horse has strong muscles, he has been prepared for the task ahead of him. He leans in a little more when things get extra tough. He doesn't give up until the job is done. It helped to have this image as a missionary. Sometimes it seems like it's just easier to give up, but that gets you nowhere.
7. Be a Determined Soul
"There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, cn circumvent, nor hinder, nor control the firm resolve of a determined soul." --Ella Wheeler Wilcox
We recited this poem every single morning during companionship study. It's a poem that often comes to mind even to this day. It made me realize that you really can do anything you put your mind to. Mind over matter. This is nothing that can stop us when we just decide within what we are going to do. I think this has become a big motivator for me in my life. You just keep working towards your goals with your whole might and it all works out in the end.
8. Obedience is Better than Sacrifice
This comes from a scripture in 1 Samuel 15:22. I pondered this a lot as we studied it this semester in Old Testament. I think it has a lot to do with our intentions. Are we sacrificing because of our love for God or are we doing for the rewards we'll receive. Sometimes we simply need to obey just because the Lord has asked us to and do all that is required of us. It plays into the why of the gospel. It applies to missionaries in regards to those who maybe are just giving up two years of their lives so they get a cool car when they get home or because their girlfriend would only marry them if they served. In real life, it can range from anything to attending the temple regularly to doing your home/visiting teaching each month. We need to do it out of LOVE. The Lord has a reason for everything he has asked us to do. It brings us closer to Him. We just need to obey and be happy about it!
9. There's only one Savior
On my mission I learned a lot about the atonement. It was a truly humbling experience. I've learned even more in the past year and a half. One of those things that I've learned is that I NEED Him. ALL the time. I can't do it on my own. When we turn to Him, we're able to do things we never thought possible. He ENABLES us to be His hands and accomplish His work on this earth. There are things that have happened in my life that I didn't know how I was going to get through them but the Savior's grace is sufficient. I can't replace Him, I can't even come close to doing all that He can do. And that has made me extremely grateful for His infinite love and ability to make weak things become strong.
10. Blessed and saved
"Have a blessed day" and "I'm saved" are two phrases I heard an awful lot in Alabama. They have a lot of truth in them. I think we all need to show more gratitude and realize how BLESSED we really are! The Lord has given us so much! And yes we are saved! We have a Savior who lives and loves us! He broke the bands of death and because of that we can return to the presence of our Father!
1. Be Steadfast in Christ
What does this mean??
{resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering} thanks webster
Love Him with your whole heart. Do His will. Invite others to come unto Him. Never give up.
2. Act enthusiastic and you'll be enthusiastic
There were plenty of days on the mission and plenty of days now when you're just lacking that motivation and excitement to go out and work or get things done or even put a smile on your face. But if you just try acting that way, eventually you just start to feel that way. And when you look back on the day you'll be so grateful you made that choice to be a little more enthusiastic than you felt you could be and for the things that were accomplished because of it.
3. Service Softens Stony Souls
Have you ever noticed that? I'll give you an example of myself. During one of our first weeks here I was having a hard time adjusting. I just felt like there had been no consistency in my life and I didn't want to spend my time meeting new people that were just going to go oit of my life again in just 4 months. But then we had a service activity. We were putting together school kits for children here. We asked all the basic get to know you questions, we listened to music, and we laughed. And I realized that MY soul which may have been a little bitter and a little stony, started to soften. And now, towards the end of my time here, I have 62 new best friends. Was it worth the effort? Was it worth the change of heart? Absolutely.
Service is one of those things that always makes a difference. I believe that in Alabama there are a lot of homes that never would've been touched with the gospel if some service hadn't paved the way for some elders amd sisters to get in the door. I believe that a lot of less-active members never would've come back to church unless someone took a little bit of time to reach out to them and remind them of the fruits of the gospel by doing sweet and simple acts of service.
4. STP // Same Ten People
President Hanks explained it like this. You know those people who are always the last one out of the building because they were cleaning up or the ones who stay after church to stack the chairs, or the people who make a meal for someone in need without being asked, or always volunteer to go out with the missionaries (plug for member present lessons), or the ones who take a couple hours out of their day when they have a billion and one things to do to listen to the lady they visit or hometeach who just needed someone to talk to. These people are the real MVPs. There's not very many of them. But they are someone the bishop can always rely on. Thet magnify their callings and go above and beyond in being a true disciple of Christ. I learned to be one of those people.
5. "If you is what you was, then you ain't"
I believe this came from a dear inveatigator whose southern drawl captures the essence of the South but nonetheless rings true. We must change. We must become converted. We must use the atonement daily to reach a capacity greater than our own. We must be a partner with the Savior in securing our own salvation and then reaching out to teach and uplift our brothers and sisters ariund us. If we stop changing, we cease to exist. What will your life have been worth if you don't becone something because of it. President Hanks always says that a testimony has a shelf life of 24 hours. If you're not doing something each day to improve and strengthen your testimony, then it is decreasing and that's when Satan can come in and distract you from that which matters most.
6. The Plow Horse
We all have a picture of one of these on the back of our nametags. The lesson that can be learned from this animal is determination, hard work, and tenacity. Just a few of President Hanks favorite words. The plow horse has strong muscles, he has been prepared for the task ahead of him. He leans in a little more when things get extra tough. He doesn't give up until the job is done. It helped to have this image as a missionary. Sometimes it seems like it's just easier to give up, but that gets you nowhere.
7. Be a Determined Soul
"There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, cn circumvent, nor hinder, nor control the firm resolve of a determined soul." --Ella Wheeler Wilcox
We recited this poem every single morning during companionship study. It's a poem that often comes to mind even to this day. It made me realize that you really can do anything you put your mind to. Mind over matter. This is nothing that can stop us when we just decide within what we are going to do. I think this has become a big motivator for me in my life. You just keep working towards your goals with your whole might and it all works out in the end.
8. Obedience is Better than Sacrifice
This comes from a scripture in 1 Samuel 15:22. I pondered this a lot as we studied it this semester in Old Testament. I think it has a lot to do with our intentions. Are we sacrificing because of our love for God or are we doing for the rewards we'll receive. Sometimes we simply need to obey just because the Lord has asked us to and do all that is required of us. It plays into the why of the gospel. It applies to missionaries in regards to those who maybe are just giving up two years of their lives so they get a cool car when they get home or because their girlfriend would only marry them if they served. In real life, it can range from anything to attending the temple regularly to doing your home/visiting teaching each month. We need to do it out of LOVE. The Lord has a reason for everything he has asked us to do. It brings us closer to Him. We just need to obey and be happy about it!
9. There's only one Savior
On my mission I learned a lot about the atonement. It was a truly humbling experience. I've learned even more in the past year and a half. One of those things that I've learned is that I NEED Him. ALL the time. I can't do it on my own. When we turn to Him, we're able to do things we never thought possible. He ENABLES us to be His hands and accomplish His work on this earth. There are things that have happened in my life that I didn't know how I was going to get through them but the Savior's grace is sufficient. I can't replace Him, I can't even come close to doing all that He can do. And that has made me extremely grateful for His infinite love and ability to make weak things become strong.
10. Blessed and saved
"Have a blessed day" and "I'm saved" are two phrases I heard an awful lot in Alabama. They have a lot of truth in them. I think we all need to show more gratitude and realize how BLESSED we really are! The Lord has given us so much! And yes we are saved! We have a Savior who lives and loves us! He broke the bands of death and because of that we can return to the presence of our Father!
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