There is a song that I have really come to love on my mission called "Lean Back." I found myself listening to it and thinking about the lyrics this week. It says, "lean back in the loving arms of a beautiful Father - breathe deep and know that it's good - He has a love like no other." How beautiful is that?! We can always lean back into the arms of our loving Heavenly Father. He is always there for us. I am so grateful for the peace I have found in being able to lean into His arms through fervent prayer with Him. I know I can lean into Him in every aspect of my life - in the good and the bad and during the hard things that come my way. We all get thrown curve balls in life and get knocked down, but with God we can pick ourselves right back up and keep going and come out stronger than before. It is really interesting to look back on my life experiences and see God holding me and helping me. He has also helped my think about the lessons I learned during those hard times and helped me find my purpose in it. Find His purpose in it. My whole mission has been an experience and a half. It has not been what I had an expectation for, nor was I prepared for things that I have gone through. But I am beyond grateful for this experience and for the opportunity I have to be here. The love and peace I have felt as a missionary is immeasurable, and the lessons I have learned are timeless. What a time to be alive!
This past week we got to do some fun things. We helped a member plant her garden and helped in her mini greenhouse in her backyard. It was wonderful to help and serve and be with them! We also got to have a few suppers outside - a yummy barbecue and some picnics. It is still quite strange to eat 6 feet apart, but it sure makes for some fun memories! We also got to visit one of our member's amazing property. They have a large pond and have built a huge pirate ship and a giant swing set. It was really fun. A couple of sisters stayed with us over the weekend. We had a fun lesson outside with a family and played spike ball with them 6 feet apart - that was definitely an exciting change to the game. I am grateful for the chance we get to be outside with our members. It is just a wonderful to be with them and serve them and get to know them.
My studies have consisted of reading and finishing the Book of Mormon - again. WOW! What an incredible book! It is full of so may stories, promises, lessons, advice - basically everything you need to be happy and find true joy in life! I made the goal a couple weeks ago as I was starting to read 2nd Nephi that I wanted to finish the Book of Mormon by transfers today, and with God's help - I did it! It was such a neat experience. The spirit and peace I feel that come from reading the Book of Mormon is so wonderful. I am beyond grateful for the testimony and knowledge I have gained by reading this book!
A couple cool miracles happened this week. We were able to have a couple lessons with some people we are teaching. One was with a lady we found through our Facebook page. Another one was with a guy that commented on a post I shared. We messaged him and now we have a bible study set up with him. As slow as the work can be some weeks, I know God is still working in the details of everyday. He is still preparing people and we are sometimes blessed to see the fruits of it. It has been a hard, but neat experience switching to a lot of online missionary work. The miracles are still happening. God will never cease to be God and He will never cease to be good! We just need to do our best and He will take care of the rest!
I am so grateful for my testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ and for all that He has done for me and for all that He continues to do for me. I am thankful for the Book of Mormon. I know it is true and that it truly is another testament of Jesus Christ. The reality of His presence and His hand is in our everyday lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to be serving and sharing the same love and peace that I feel in my life with all those around me!
I hope you all have an amazing week! Keep smiling and remember God never ceases to be good!
Love ~ Sister Merrill
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