How's reading the Book of Mormon going? I am on page 19, right before chapter 11. Something that I liked that I read this morning was in 1 Nephi 9:6 and 1 Nephi 10:17. God literally knows everything. We shouldn't be satisfied with the knowledge that we have as the inexperienced and imperfect human beings that we are. We have to learn and know for ourselves through diligently seeking. The truth will come through the Holy Ghost. It sounds simple, but the road to conversion is a constant struggle. The best way to find out what you know is learning how the Spirit communicates to you individually. No one can tell you how the spirit feels and how you are going to receive answers. That's why isn't so important to live in harmony with the teachings of Christ in order to feel the Spirit. As a consequence, mere beliefs turn into knowledge. It's so important for every member who has entered into the waters of baptism to have that knowledge.
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| Hermana Stoddard and Hermana Wrubell Beautiful West Seattle |
This week I went exchanges for the 3rd time with Sister Nelson, my sister training leader. I didn't appreciate her or the experience the first two times so I think that's why I had to go on yet another one. She is so down to earth with people and quickly relates to them, but doesn't go down to their level. She is always classy and dignified. That's something that I have struggled with is finding that balance of representing Christ, but also not being a preachy missionary robot that comes off as arrogant. I also learned about a lot of things that I need to change between me and my companion in order to work in more unity. Got to love those trials of love and patience!
Also, it's always an experience spending the night in another missionaries' apartment...especially when they're are in The Heights. The Heights are a ginormous complex with thousands of people in them. It's known for being "little Mexico," super ghetto and super sketchy. Don't worry, nothing too crazy happened! It's just crazy feeling the contrast between their cozy, clean apartment and when you walk out and you are blasted with the smell of weed and non-hymn music.
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| Hilarious Sign on someone's door at the Heights |
We were tracting during the Seahawk's game...do you want to know how successful that was? Hehe actually we ran into quite a few Hispanics, but everyone and their dog was watching the game which is a true statement because everyone has a dog here. No joke!
So something that our mission president has asked us to do is to share our "High Expectations." That's our mission motto. In Isaiah 55:8-9 it talks about how the Lord's ways are not our ways. Part of our challenge here on Earth is to align our will with our Heavenly Father's will. We can't live below our potential or else we will never be happy. Last year, our mission goal was 1,663 baptisms and we ended up having 330. This year we decided as a mission that we are going to have 1,042 baptisms which means every companionship would have to baptize every month. It's hard, but very doable. President Choi shared a story of a master telling his servants to push a rock. They tried everything they could, they would push for hours, but the rock wouldn't budge. When they complained to the master that the rock wouldn't move the master replied, "I didn't ask you to move the rock, I asked you to push it. And because of that you have become so strong."
Now that we are strong, we have to work smarter in order to move the rock this year. We have to make a lever to move the rock. We believe that lever will come from the support of our families. So one big way you can support me is by obeying one of our mission rules with me. Every day at 5:00PM all missionaries and members in the Seattle Washington mission stop what they are doing and pray for the missionaries, investigators, and leaders. They also ask Heavenly Father what they can do to help in the work. Will all of you set alarms on your phone for 6:00 so that you will be praying with me and my mission at the same time? Pray for our goal of 1,042 baptisms as a mission and 27 baptisms for the Seahurst branch. I know these goals are possible with your prayers and with the loving hand of our Heavenly Father. Thank you for all the love and support that all of you give me. I think about all of you and pray for you everyday.
Week 28 Challenge:
Con Amor,
Hermana Stoddard
(Some photos and challenges have been added to the last few weeks)
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