What a crazy last three days it's been. I feel like I had to put my big girl pants the moment I got told I would be training. It's been a different experience training a missionary. I've been able to learn a lot through the experience, even in three short days. I'm so thankful for my new companion! Her name is Sister Birchett and she is from Payson, Utah. She graduated the same year as me and attend Utah State University for 3 semesters before she came out. She is INCREDIBLE.
Seriously, she testifies all the time, teaches clearly and simply, and I feel blessed! She has such a humble heart and I love her drive to help Gods Children.
On Friday, we were out knocking and we met a girl named N. She is probably a year or two older than me. We showed her the new Easter video and then she asked if we had time to come in. I simply said, "Yes" when inside I was screaming, "OF COURSE WE HAVE TIME...OH MY GOODNESS, YES WE WOULD LOVE TO COME IN." But that would have freaked her out so I stayed with the simply yes. Haha. We walked in and she shared personal stories how she gained her faith in Christ. We were able to share the restoration with her and she was so engaged. It's been the most engaged I've every seen someone in a first lesson my whole mission. We extended baptism and she didn't accept...(YET) because she has already been baptized...but we can work out that. (:
We set up a return appointment and came the next day. About an hour before our appointment she text us and told us she was excited to meet with us again. When we got there, she had chairs set up and her Book of Mormon as well as her restoration pamphlet out. We had Sister Logan come with us and it was such an incredible lesson...I really felt like "Teach People, Not Lessons" was happening. As we taught about the pre-mortal life, she said with excitement, "Yes!!" Sister Birchett asked her why she reacted like that and she explained that she loves the idea that we once lived with God as spirits. She said she couldn't wait for the day to live with him again. As we have met with N, my eyes have been open. She has taught me so much and I can't wait to continue to teach her. She is such an incredible example of someone who has a sincere desire to follow Christ.
Saturday, we had the opportunity to sing at the Zone Leaders baptism.
(YES, MY COMPANION SINGS.) We sang "I Know That My Redeemer Lives."
The spirit was so present during that baptism. We had opportunity to help J get in and out of the font due to her age and physical state. It was a testimony to me that no matter our age or physical condition, we can follow the Savior.
We've been working with M and things with him are slow but he is making progress! He has made the comment, "I tried the Jesus thing before you were born." But I know that Christ is more involved in his life than he realizes. I know our Heavenly Father is so aware of Mick and all we have to do is invite the spirit and help him recognize it.
We are trying to focus on him understanding the plan of salvation so he can understand that he does have a purpose on this earth. As I was studying the plan of salvation this week, I came across a quote I wanted to share. Bruce R. McConkie said: "It is not possible to believe in Christ and his atoning sacrifice, in the true and full sense required to gain salvation, without at the same time believing and accepting the true doctrine of the fall. If there had been no fall, there would have been no need for a Redeemer or Savior. And it is not possible to believe in the fall, out of which immortality and eternal life come, without at the same time believing and accepting the true doctrine of the creation: If there had been no creation of all things in a deathless or immortal state, there could have been no fall, and hence no atonement and no salvation. The Father’s eternal plan called for the creation, for the fall, and for the atonement, all woven together into one united whole." I came to realize the importance of the creation, fall, and atonement. Our Father in Heavens plan is so perfect. How lucky are we to know the plan of salvation. It is eternal. It is for US as Gods children.
I am so thankful for the time to wear my Saviors name and represent Him everyday. Everyday I learn more of who He is to us all and is to me personally. Because of Him, we can overcome physical death and spiritual death. Many people begin to give up as they feel like they will never be good enough. Brad Wilcox says, "There should never be just two options: perfection or giving up. When learning the piano, are the only options performing at Carnegie Hall or quitting? No.
Growth and development take time. Learning takes time. When we understand grace, we understand that God is long-suffering, that change is a process, and that repentance is a pattern in our lives.
When we understand grace, we understand that the blessings of Christ’s Atonement are continuous and His strength is perfect in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). When we understand grace, we can, as it says in the Doctrine and Covenants, “continue in patience until [we] are perfected” (D&C 67:13)." I know that everyday through Christ and His grace that we can strive for our divine potential. How thankful I am to know this. I know Christ lives. I know He loves each one of us personally. He will never give up on you, so never give up on Him. I say these things in the name of our Beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen. Until next Monday...lots of love!
Please read this talk:
https://www.lds.org/youth/article/his-grace-is-sufficient?lang=eng
XOXO
Sister Detamore
1. Sister Birchett and I
2. oHiO
3. Easter
4. I LOVE OHIO ❤️
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