Hello! I hope everyone found a reason to smile this week. Even though this past week seemed long at times, there was a lot of good and a lot of smiles. Satan tends to work a little extra on us on our slower days, but we still found reasons to smile everyday.
MISSION TOUR! Mission tour was the absolute best! All the words shared were so touching and brought peace to my heart. I have always viewed success as our intent and desire, not just numbers. This same concept was brought to light by Elder Jackson, of the seventy, and his wife. They discussed this idea of our "expanded purpose" and the different groups of people we serve. The majority of my mission has been spent building up the members and it has been my absolute favorite thing. When I find myself feeling discouraged, I know it is because I've let the outside pressures of converting non-members become the definition of "success." Elder Jackson and his wife explained this so beautifully. We are not only serving non-members, but also the MEMBERS! Actives, less-actives, inactives are ALL children of God, and God loves ALL of His children! We are also here to serve our companions, leaders, family and friends back home, and OURSELVES! It was exactly what I needed to hear. It also reminded me that comparison truly is the thief of joy.
This past week we were able to have some awesome visits and lessons with friends. We have an incredible member here in the ward who loves missionary work and helps us set up lessons - it is the best! He was able to set up lessons with a couple of his friends he has been wanting us to visit. We were finally able to visit them and bear our testimonies. I truly love being a missionary and helping others feel God's love for them.
I loved church yesterday. The speaker shared words that were EXACTLY what I needed to hear. He talked about how the Lord knows all people and all things. "He numbereth His sheep." The Lord speaks to us and answers our prayers in such a way that is so personal that only we can recognize it. My favorite part was that God isn't measuring us or comparing us to His other children. He recognizes that we are progressing and growing at our own pace and in our own way. I have heard this before and know this, but for some reason it just struck me! I urge all of you to really establish and maintain a relationship with God and your Savior Jesus Christ.
During my studies this week I was blessed with a really cool insight. I came across a simple post on the church site called, "You're not messing up Gods plan for you." It was so good. Have you ever thought that the choices you were making were somehow screwing up Gods plan for you? Have you ever been so worried about doing the "right" thing? This story addressed those questions. My favorite part stated, "God is much less a divine dictator who demands perfect compliance to a predetermined plan for our individual lives, and much more a co-creator with us of the kind of lives we want to live. I’m learning that His plan for me is a lot less like a laser-crossed minefield and a lot more of a journey of coming to know myself and coming to know Him." I thought this was pretty profound and impacted my perspective on Gods plan for each of us. It makes total sense. God is with us EVERY step of the way and urges us to involve him in our lives. He has given us agency for a reason. We may stumble, but it is OKAY! It is okay to fall, because when we do - we learn. God loves to watch us grow and progress.
I want to bear my testimony that it is the simple assurances everyday that remind me of God's love for me individually. His power helps me in every aspect of missionary work and in my life! I testify that God is always there for YOU! Sometimes it may not feel like it, and it may feel dark and lonely, but the light comes! I promise it come! Just hang on and just keep smiling!
I love and miss you all!
Love, Sister Merrill
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