10/7/14

So we had transfers. That was crazy fun. I slept at the mission home.... that was weird... but really cool. Then we had MLC..... I learned that I do make a difference, either for good or for bad. 

Also, Lynn set a baptismal date. 

The reason I didn't email yesterday is because we had Zone Conference. We watched the new movie "Meet the Mormons" because Elder Holland instructed to have us do so and President Alba wanted to get through all the Zone Conferences asap. I want to be like that. Respond immediately when an apostle of the Lord commands. 

I wish I could write everything out, but my mind is running a million miles a minute, and the minutes are running a million miles away really really fast.......

And that's how I feel about my mission. I'm trying to do everything I can, but I constantly slip up. We have to find the balance in everything. Being perfectly obedient and being perfectly loving can only happen when we do both exactly and willingly. They aren't on opposite ends of the spectrum. They are on the same side of the spectrum.... the Christlike Attributes side of the spectrum. I have found that I can't love fully when I am not being fully obedient. I have small weaknesses that I'm going to attack this week.

It has been interesting to me. I love to repent. I love it. I've done more repenting on my mission than I ever have before. Repentance isn't a one-time deal.

This week feels like it has been forever! But it's been great! I love being a missionary. I'm excited for this coming transfer and for the opportunities and invitations that have already been extended to me. I received a lot of comfort and help during conference, and I am determined to make this the best transfer ever! 

The more that I am on my mission, the more weaknesses of mine come to light. The more I learn about the gospel, the more I see that I need Jesus Christ. We cannot do this on our own, because it is impossible to us alone. The only way that any miracle is possible is through Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, not us. 

As Sister Carter left, I realized that I have changed a lot because of her. She has helped me change my desires to be not only more obedient, but exactly obedient. Are we perfect? No. But we are perfect in one thing. We are perfect in trying. 

I had a thought this morning during personal study. An investigator last night had asked a question about the tree of life and if is was the same one that God commanded Adam and Eve not to partake of. We read 1 Nephi 11 with her, and talked about it. Then this morning it came to my mind again. The tree has always seemed like a symbol of Eternal Life in my mind as well... I learned this morning that we aren't changed after we struggle to reach the tree. It is in the struggle to reach the fruit, clinging to the Iron Rod, that we are changed. It is by "sticking to it" that we know the value and desire more than anything else to partake of the fruit of the tree of life.

I'm having a hard time explaining this, but it is the act of enduring to the end that prepares us and conditions our souls so that we are prepared for eternal progression. Those that are stuck in the Terrestrial and Telestial Kingdoms are stuck there not to be held back from progression, but rather, they are there because their nature is not to progress. Because they didn't make the effort to use the Atonement, they can't change from the state that they are in. The Atonement is the only way that true godly change happens. 

The Savior would save every single person He could. He loves everyone, but it is up to us to let Him. We have to accept it into our lives, and then act upon it. It is just like food. If we don't eat the fruit of the tree of life, if we don't seek out and allow ourselves to feel the love of God (because surely it is there for anyone that will approach and partake of it) then we can't receive the nourishment from it.

I'm beginning to understand that it is the little things that hold me back in life, not the big ones. And on the other hand, it is the small tender mercies and changes for good that continually support and propel us forward.

Lynn committed solidly to being baptized on November 8th. It was really awesome to see her take a step forward in faith, despite her fears. I'm so excited to find a family this week! I'm ready for it and pumped!

I love Sister Andreason. I've already learned a lot from her, and from myself the past few days. This is going to be a good transfer. So excited!

I love being a missionary. I love having all the counsel that we have been given from general conference and from MLC and from Zone Conference. I'm excited! 

Heavenly Father is building my faith. I can feel it!

So one cool thing that stood out to me at MLC was this: 

They showed a video clip about how wolves can change rivers. They briefly went over what happened to the Yellowstone National Park when wolves were reintroduced..... it blossomed because of so many different reasons.

It was definitely not something that you would expect to happen.... introducing something scary like missionaries or repentance into your life, but the effect is the same.

So I'm introducing some wolves into my life. I'm ready to attack those weaknesses... (all the while remembering that the best wolf I can let into my life is Jesus Christ.... He isn't a wolf! He is Aslan! You are welcome, Mom and siblings!.. :)

Sorry my letter is super jumpy and scattered.... I have to get off now, but this week has been crazy! I wish I could write everything that I have learned. Maybe next week I will! :)

Love you all!

The gospel is so true!

Love, Sister Darby Elecye Miller.

P.S. One of the wolves I'm bringing in is having the Savior in my own countenance. That's something I am going to really work on. I love you all! 

Also.... something from Meet the Mormons.... "I'm not perfect. But I am perfect in one thing.... I am perfect in trying!"
That's so true!

Also... we are all glorious. We all have a part to play! They will tell us what and how is we ask Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, and we will know by the power of the Holy Ghost that it is the true way. 

Do we recognize the Holy Ghost is our everyday life? If not, why? What can we do to better have it in our lives?

The thing you just thought about... that is your wolf.  :) 1 Nephi 3:7