"The Lord had called me to this work, and I feel as though I did it." - Brigham Young

welcome home, Michaela! :D

Wickedness Never Was Happiness - 10 DAYS

Wickedness never was happiness.

I understand that each and every one of us MUST pass through difficulties and hardships. BUT TAKE HEART. I pray that all of us may endure these brief moments of our lives so that we can more fully enjoy the blessings that follow-- If we but endure WELL. Here in the closing moments of my mission I have seen and heard many other missionaries turn off and shut down and the spark of a trial. "I can't" and "It's too hard" are the lousiest excuses I have EVER heard. We are ALL capable and able to endure the tests the Lord gives us; of that I'm certain.

Obedience brings such peace to our lives. We never need worry if we are walking hand-in-hand with the Lord. 

"Many people feel that the commandments are burdensome and that they limit freedom and personal growth. But the Savior taught that true freedom comes only from following Him: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31–32). God gives commandments for our benefit. They are loving instructions for our happiness and for our spiritual well-being."

I invite you all to read these inspired words:

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2004/07/be-strong-in-the-lord?lang=eng

I love you all.

Aug 4

We have become very involved with Family History work with our inactives. It has been a very tender experience working with these members and inviting the Spirit of Elijah into their homes. I love the temple.

Jesus is the Christ. There is no room for doubt or questions. He truly did live and die the way the scriptures indicate. I love Him, and I am grateful that my Father offered His Son that I might have JOY.

I feel joy as I obey the commandments. They are not rules or suggestions written by a light-minded religious man. They are commandments. And each one comes with a specific blessing. As I live the Word of Wisdom, I feel healthy and happy. I run and grow not weak. I walk and grow not weary. I breathe and laugh and enjoy pure entertainment. As I live the Law of Chastity I grow closer to my Heavenly Father and learn more about these sacred powers He has intrusted us with in order to have families. As I read the scriptures, pray, and go to church I strengthen my testimony and feel the guidance of the Spirit more evident in my life.

I love this gospel. What a joy it is to preach it!

I love you all!

July 28

Well, be still my soul!

A wise friend once told me to expect miracles. But I wasn't expecting them like THIS! Life is great as a missionary!

We went to the temple on Saturday to see one of the families we've been working with get sealed. It was so incredible. BUT even better-- Chitre AND Santiago branches were at the temple, and I was able to see 2 more sealings, one of them being a less-active family Hermana Cabral and I had started working with there in Santiago. AND I SAW CABRAL! That was a tender mercy.

I just feel so grateful.

I love that after Christ's resurrection His disciples realized the weight of their calling. They taught boldly the gospel they once heard from the lips of their Savior. I love a certain account when Peter in teaching in the temple and the people feel the need to change their hearts. They cry out, "What should we do?" With love and authority, he admonished them, "Repent, and be converted."

I know that true conversion comes when we make and understand covenants with God. Our first covenant is baptism. I love thinking of the day of my baptism. I love thinking of those glorious promises made to me. The Holy Ghost helps and guides me along the way, and I know He will faithfully lead me as I strive to live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I love you all!