just here trying to fit a bunch of Chinese into your craniums!" or
something like that, and I thought it was so funny!!!!!!
Anyway, this week was AMAZING. I am again at a loss for words. The biggest
blessing I have received from my mission so far has been realizing EVERY
DAY how *miraculous* the gospel really is. I am reminded and relearn it
every single day. One of the biggest highlights was last night's
devotional. I have 5 pages of notes from it because the speaker was so good
and the Spirit was giving me so much personal revelation. It's like
Heavenly Father was like 'Quick! She's actually paying attention!' hahaha
The speaker was Bishop Waddell...
things the Spirit taught me:
~Life is about sharing. Heavenly Father has given everything to us to be
shared. The scriptures are the words of Christ and Heavenly Father, written
by prophets to be *shared* with God the Father's children. Our talents were
given to *share* and *help* others. The example Heavenly Father gave us
lived a life of perfect service, compassion, sacrifice, and charity. Jesus
Christ was about *sharing. Sharing* his knowledge, goodness, mercy, grace,
and love. Look around-*everything* denotes that there is a God. Everything
testifies of Christ. And everything has a purpose. *We find purpose in
sharing*.
~This line in Redeemer of Israel really stood out to me yesterday, "Our
shadow by day. And our pillar by night." First, I learned that Christ is
always walking with us. His shadow is always there, but in the day time,
you must be looking to find it. It is less apparent. However, in the
darkness, at night, a pillar of light would be obvious and distinct.
Darkness is needed to recognize and choose light. Trials are another way of
giving us our agency, and of showing our love for God. He is always with
us, especially as we walk in his footsteps. But we must choose to follow it
and let that light "grow brighter and brighter until the perfect day." -D
and C 50:24
~"You will have Goliath-type moments on your mission." -Sister Waddell.
Sometimes the language, prospect of asking people to change, being 18
months without my family, etc. seem like Goliath-type challenges. But what
is more important, is that we will have David-type strength bestowed upon
us. "You are on the Lord's errand, and you can expect the Lord's
blessings." That goes for any good work! Not just missions
~The Plan of Salvation was dependent on a covenant. Jesus Christ covenanted
with the Father to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. How amazing and
sacred that we get to make covenants with Heavenly Father as well, because
his Son kept his covenants and performed the Atonement.
~"God has a plan for every interaction." How cool is that?? Every street,
every contact, every conversation in Hong Kong has a purpose and is part of
God's plan.
"You will realize that this is a lot more difficult than you anticipated.
And that's a good thing. You will sacrifice." Wow! Bishop Weddell did not
hold back at all in his devotional, and I loved it. Missions are hard. But
they are good! I may have already said this previously, but whenever we
sacrifice, it is for something greater. "But in the gift of His Son, God
hath prepared *a more excellent way*." -Ether 12:11. Choose Christ. And I
know if you do, "you might with surety hope for a better world."
All right, friends and family. The gospel is simple, because Heavenly
Father and Jesus Christ love us SO much. And in the end, that is all that
matters. And because that's all that matters, there won't be an end.
The church is true. Like Joseph Smith, "The Lord has called (me) in (my)
weakness, but He qualifies (me) in (my) work." The Cantonese is coming
slowly and surely. I love my companion, and the MTC, and my zone, and life.
I love my Savior and am eternally grateful for this opportunity to become
converted unto the Lord.
*Sister Dopp*
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