As a district we were recently challenged to read M. Russell Ballard's talk, "Return and Receive." He talked about setting goals and pointed out the difference between a goal and a plan. He stated, "a goal is a destination or an end, while a plan is the route by which you get there." For example, Heavenly Father's goal is to 'bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.' He wants us to return to His presence and has set a route for each of us through His plan of happiness! I have been thinking a lot about goals with the start of the new year and Elder Ballard's words helped to clear my mind as to what direction I should take. He stated, "A key to happiness lies in understanding what destinations truly matter - and then spending our time, effort and attention on the things that constitute a sure way to arrive there." He later stated that goals should be simple and straightforward and should be stepping stones to one ultimate goal. We as members of the church should all ultimately have the goal to return to Heavenly Father's presence. We need to set small and simple goals for ourselves. I know that the small efforts we put forth are noticed by our Savior. He just asks for us to do our best and to include Him in all of our efforts. The more we focus on and include Him in our plans, the more achievable life's goals and obstacles will become.
While we can make plans and set goals - it isn't always easy and we can fall short and life can get really tough. I have learned that lesson even more since coming on my mission. I heard some of Miley Cyrus's song "The Climb" and was reminded of some of the lyrics, "there's always gonna be another mountain - I'm always gonna wanna make it move - Always gonna be an uphill battle - sometimes I'm gonna have to lose." When applied to the gospel there will always be another thing, another hardship, another trial and so forth, but when we include the Lord in expending our own efforts we are carried through again and again. He is always there with us by our side, strengthening and carrying us when we think we can't go on. I am beyond grateful for the strength He has given me to keep going. I have been on the wildest roller coaster in my life and have thought many times that I can't keep going, but as I continue to rely on my Savior and pray for His help, He continues to show me that He is always there! He has carried me without me realizing it in the moment and I've learned His help isn't always given in ways that I would have thought of. He is such an individual God and I love Him more and more every day!
This week we only spent a few days in my area because of exchanges in another area. It was super fun to be with other sisters for a few days. Our zone did a 3 day quest and we we able to participate in a bunch of fun challenges! You can see some of them in the pictures I attached. It was fun!
A couple things I learned from my studies of the Book of Mormon this past week came from reading and studying the introduction and testimonies of the witnesses. I kept thinking about how we have these witnesses and testimonies to help strengthen our own testimony and to receive a spiritual witness for ourselves that the Book of Mormon is true. A quote I found and loved about a witness is from James E. Faust that reads, " Knowledge comes through Faith. In our day and time we must come to know the truthfulness of what was on the golden plates without seeing them....seeing an angel would be great, but it's far greater to come to a knowledge of the divinity of the Savior through faith and spiritual witness." We don't need to see the physical plates or have an angel come down and tell us the Book of Mormon is true. We can come to an understanding of its truthfulness through the spirit and by reading it with an open and sincere heart. God is willing to talk to us and let us know, but we have to be open and willing to listen.
I want to share my testimony of the love God has for each and every one of us. His son Jesus Christ suffered for EVERY SINGLE PERSON! He has felt everything we have felt, will feel and even things we might not. He loves us more than our mortal brains will ever comprehend. I can't find the words to express my gratitude for his sacrifice. I hope to always strive to do my best and continually give thanks to Him. I pray that we can all find little ways to thank our Savior for everything He has done for us!
Love and miss everyone!
Love, Sister Merrill <3
Beautiful Sister Merrill!
Exchanges with Sister Brown & Sister Lynch
Happy New Year!
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