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Sunday, July 6, 2014
We're Not There....YET. Can You Hang On a Little Longer?
This week was amazing! So last week I wrote about being tired and how
I wanted this week to be full of energy. It was still hard, but not as
much. I feel like after Elder Falabella came, I just wanted to work
work work again. We had found our two families, both of those
experiences were outright miracles.
Wednesday night we followed a prompting to a potential family.
Richard, the father of the home, served an LDS mission and has served
in the armed forces and just completed that and is home for good now.
His wife is the daughter of a deceased pastor here in Rio Vista and
she is looking for a new church. Their daughter is 11-12 years old,
loves Jesus, and is a natural leader. We had a lesson and picked them
up. Miracle.
Thursday night we were anxious about finding and picking up another
family. We were down to our last half hour of finding before we had to
go to a lesson. We went to a home of a potential named Jon. His wife
answered. She knew who we were although we had never met her, and she
kindly told us that although her husband was interested and was
probably going to come to church Sunday, that she wasn't feeling good
and that we should come by at her time. My heart sunk. I didn't want
to lose hope, and I turned to go. But Hermana Bryant struck up a light
conversation about nonsense, or so I thought. She wove her way through
the conversation and offered a house blessing. Cool. The television
spouted noises and chaos, and two boys sat in front of it, eating
dinner. We had them turn off the t.v. and all gather around.
We spent a while talking with them, taught them that the gospel
blesses families, and about prayer, and then prayed for them. The two
little boys, Kaden (9) and Savion (11) sat there afterwords for the
longest time after the prayer, reverent. It was amazing the feeling
of gentle peace that filled the room. The mom looked so calm. A change
had definitely come over her. She wasn't stressed anymore. We talked
to her about the feeling, what it meant, and how she could have that
in her family more. Amazingly, the boys also listened, obviously
something was catching their attention. We invited them to be baptized
I with a soft invite, and we are going to go over and have a Family
Home Evening with them tonight. The father hadn't been there, but he
was the one that was initially interested. Then we came to find out
that These weren't even his sons, although we had oftentimes seen him
outside playing at the park with them, teaching them Kung Fu moves and
stuff.
I had another miracles. I had prayed that morning to find someone that
needed my help that day. I feel like the past week I've really had my
mind on improving and letting the mission change me into not only a
better me for my benefit, but firstly for the person that God wants me
to be. I want to be an instrument in His hand, because I'm sick and
tired of getting in the way of that with all my worries, doubts, and
apathy. I want to be ready at His every command. Anyway, that night we
were walking Main Street, right past the bar. We were talking to these
ladies and another lady slipped past us into an ally. I didn't know
why she had caught my eye, because usually I try to keep all my
attention on the contact at hand and what they are saying, but I had
this nudging that I needed to go talk to her. We kept walking to catch
another person, and we contacted them. They were't interested. I
voiced the prompting, a little hesitant, but then I told them I was
sure it was a prompting, and I marched after the lady because she was
just getting in her car. I talked to her, and it came out gat she had
grown up in the church and that she felt
Like she wasn't worth wasting our time. I hate it, but we get that
excuse a lot... Sometimes people mean it, sometimes they don't, but I
could tell that she meant it. I looked into her eyes, and simply
stated "You are a daughter of God, and nothing you could do could ever
change that." Tears came to her eyes, and she gave me a hug. We left
her our card, and offered service (she had broken her arm and was a
bar-tender...and that the bar was having a fund-raiser for her because
she couldn't work. Well. Hopefully she'll call us or come to church.
As we walked away, my heart broke. It's a familiar feeling these days.
You just want so much for people to trust God's promise at things will
get better as they partake of the gospel. But at that moment, I
remembered my prayer earlier that day to find someone who really
needed my help.
It's small moments like that that I won't ever forget. If there is one
thing that I have learned form my mission thus far, it is that every
individual is worth so much to God, and that He never gives up on
them, even if they give up on themselves. He never gives up even when
they give up on Him. I've learned that it is the same with me. Looking
backover my life, there were so many times when Heavenly Father was
reaching out to me. My life is like night and day, when I compare the
times where I reached out for Him as well, versus the times where I
was blind. It's not that I was intentionally keeping myself away from
Him and His love. I just wasn't looking.
I'm almost a third of the way through my mission. I panicked inside
when I realized that. It's almost been six months. That scares me.
Let's kick things into gear! That's how I feel. There is no time to
waste, especially since it goes faster and faster through my
fingertips every day, week, and month.
I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father. I know that even now my eyes
are blind to some of the things that I will yet begin to see. I'm
going to start praying for my eyes to be opened to His will, His love,
His mercy. I want to know God so well that I even know His
personality.
I can't be upset with people I run into everyday for not wanting the
gospel in their lives. Their eyes are just not opened. Yet.
That's another thing my eyes have been opened to.... I can't be upset
with the members for not getting it. Their eyes are just not opened.
Yet.
I can't be upset with myself. I've got to stop. I have to keep trying,
and I need to put harder, but I don't need to be down on myself.
Heavenly Father and my Brother and not done with me. They are not
upset or disappointed. My eyes are not opened.
Yet.
Yup. Dearest family and friends. I'm excited to share one other fun
thing that happened yesterday. You see, Sundays on the mission don't
really feel like Sundays because we still go out and do missionary
stuff. Pretty fun stuff. :) no really. I love it. Not even being
sarcastic. Well...
There's these kids that run around Rio Vista all the time. We see them
everywhere. They are basically our friends. Well, we talked to them as
they took this free couch and decided to walk it to the nearest park,
which just happens to be nearby our house and the new family we picked
up. So hours later, we are tired, and Hermana Bryant isn't feeling top
good. So we plop down on the couch. We decide we'll probably call one
our not-recently-picked-up families that we are teaching because they
need a couch and they need to see us even more.
All the kids start coming, over, excited about giving away the couch,
and we ended up filming a little funny video that I won't send because
I know I'd never live it down with some of you :) well, after, I ended
up teaching them about how God is our loving Heavenly Father, and then
I showed them this:
Yup. :) pretty cool for Father's day. During that time, they cuddled
up against me without realizing it, and one little girl even laid her
head against my arm. It make my heart ache and warm at the same time.
Wow. :) I miss my Brookey and my Jane so much, and being around those
boys made me think of my brothers. But it was cool to be able to share
the gospel with them.
I love you all! :)
Thank you for all that you do for me! And also... They announced that
we can check our emails throughout the week and read them just as we
would letters, but we can still only email and write on P-Day.... But
that means feel free to email me. :) I might just be able to read it
the night that you send it. :) Sorry I have been late with all my
letter responses. I'm the worst, but I do love you all and appreciate
all that you have done for me. :)
If you are going to pray for me, pray that I will receive more energy
of Spirit, and that my mind and heart will be opened to what I need to
do. :)
Love you all!
I know the Book of Mormon is true. Gotta read it and pray about it to
know that it is true. Phone Holy Ghost is the ultimate test for any
question, any doubt, and any concern you ever have. I know that Joseph
Smith saw God our Heavenly Father AND His Son Jesus Christ. I KNOW
that you have to be living according to the light you have received,
or you start to slip back. That means for all of us members, the
ultimate test is this:
Will we do the small yet hard things that God has commanded us.
Is it a surprise that the first commandments that we teach people is
to read scriptures everyday, to pray to Heavenly Father every morning
and every night, and to go to Church every Sunday?
That is the test.
The story of Naaman is a good example. "Master, if he had not asked of
you a great thing, wouldst thou not have done it?"
God will not give us great things if we will not do what He has
already asked of us.
See...
:) I'm learning!
:)
LOVE YOU ALL!
Sister Darby Eleyce Miller
I wanted this week to be full of energy. It was still hard, but not as
much. I feel like after Elder Falabella came, I just wanted to work
work work again. We had found our two families, both of those
experiences were outright miracles.
Wednesday night we followed a prompting to a potential family.
Richard, the father of the home, served an LDS mission and has served
in the armed forces and just completed that and is home for good now.
His wife is the daughter of a deceased pastor here in Rio Vista and
she is looking for a new church. Their daughter is 11-12 years old,
loves Jesus, and is a natural leader. We had a lesson and picked them
up. Miracle.
Thursday night we were anxious about finding and picking up another
family. We were down to our last half hour of finding before we had to
go to a lesson. We went to a home of a potential named Jon. His wife
answered. She knew who we were although we had never met her, and she
kindly told us that although her husband was interested and was
probably going to come to church Sunday, that she wasn't feeling good
and that we should come by at her time. My heart sunk. I didn't want
to lose hope, and I turned to go. But Hermana Bryant struck up a light
conversation about nonsense, or so I thought. She wove her way through
the conversation and offered a house blessing. Cool. The television
spouted noises and chaos, and two boys sat in front of it, eating
dinner. We had them turn off the t.v. and all gather around.
We spent a while talking with them, taught them that the gospel
blesses families, and about prayer, and then prayed for them. The two
little boys, Kaden (9) and Savion (11) sat there afterwords for the
longest time after the prayer, reverent. It was amazing the feeling
of gentle peace that filled the room. The mom looked so calm. A change
had definitely come over her. She wasn't stressed anymore. We talked
to her about the feeling, what it meant, and how she could have that
in her family more. Amazingly, the boys also listened, obviously
something was catching their attention. We invited them to be baptized
I with a soft invite, and we are going to go over and have a Family
Home Evening with them tonight. The father hadn't been there, but he
was the one that was initially interested. Then we came to find out
that These weren't even his sons, although we had oftentimes seen him
outside playing at the park with them, teaching them Kung Fu moves and
stuff.
I had another miracles. I had prayed that morning to find someone that
needed my help that day. I feel like the past week I've really had my
mind on improving and letting the mission change me into not only a
better me for my benefit, but firstly for the person that God wants me
to be. I want to be an instrument in His hand, because I'm sick and
tired of getting in the way of that with all my worries, doubts, and
apathy. I want to be ready at His every command. Anyway, that night we
were walking Main Street, right past the bar. We were talking to these
ladies and another lady slipped past us into an ally. I didn't know
why she had caught my eye, because usually I try to keep all my
attention on the contact at hand and what they are saying, but I had
this nudging that I needed to go talk to her. We kept walking to catch
another person, and we contacted them. They were't interested. I
voiced the prompting, a little hesitant, but then I told them I was
sure it was a prompting, and I marched after the lady because she was
just getting in her car. I talked to her, and it came out gat she had
grown up in the church and that she felt
Like she wasn't worth wasting our time. I hate it, but we get that
excuse a lot... Sometimes people mean it, sometimes they don't, but I
could tell that she meant it. I looked into her eyes, and simply
stated "You are a daughter of God, and nothing you could do could ever
change that." Tears came to her eyes, and she gave me a hug. We left
her our card, and offered service (she had broken her arm and was a
bar-tender...and that the bar was having a fund-raiser for her because
she couldn't work. Well. Hopefully she'll call us or come to church.
As we walked away, my heart broke. It's a familiar feeling these days.
You just want so much for people to trust God's promise at things will
get better as they partake of the gospel. But at that moment, I
remembered my prayer earlier that day to find someone who really
needed my help.
It's small moments like that that I won't ever forget. If there is one
thing that I have learned form my mission thus far, it is that every
individual is worth so much to God, and that He never gives up on
them, even if they give up on themselves. He never gives up even when
they give up on Him. I've learned that it is the same with me. Looking
backover my life, there were so many times when Heavenly Father was
reaching out to me. My life is like night and day, when I compare the
times where I reached out for Him as well, versus the times where I
was blind. It's not that I was intentionally keeping myself away from
Him and His love. I just wasn't looking.
I'm almost a third of the way through my mission. I panicked inside
when I realized that. It's almost been six months. That scares me.
Let's kick things into gear! That's how I feel. There is no time to
waste, especially since it goes faster and faster through my
fingertips every day, week, and month.
I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father. I know that even now my eyes
are blind to some of the things that I will yet begin to see. I'm
going to start praying for my eyes to be opened to His will, His love,
His mercy. I want to know God so well that I even know His
personality.
I can't be upset with people I run into everyday for not wanting the
gospel in their lives. Their eyes are just not opened. Yet.
That's another thing my eyes have been opened to.... I can't be upset
with the members for not getting it. Their eyes are just not opened.
Yet.
I can't be upset with myself. I've got to stop. I have to keep trying,
and I need to put harder, but I don't need to be down on myself.
Heavenly Father and my Brother and not done with me. They are not
upset or disappointed. My eyes are not opened.
Yet.
Yup. Dearest family and friends. I'm excited to share one other fun
thing that happened yesterday. You see, Sundays on the mission don't
really feel like Sundays because we still go out and do missionary
stuff. Pretty fun stuff. :) no really. I love it. Not even being
sarcastic. Well...
There's these kids that run around Rio Vista all the time. We see them
everywhere. They are basically our friends. Well, we talked to them as
they took this free couch and decided to walk it to the nearest park,
which just happens to be nearby our house and the new family we picked
up. So hours later, we are tired, and Hermana Bryant isn't feeling top
good. So we plop down on the couch. We decide we'll probably call one
our not-recently-picked-up families that we are teaching because they
need a couch and they need to see us even more.
All the kids start coming, over, excited about giving away the couch,
and we ended up filming a little funny video that I won't send because
I know I'd never live it down with some of you :) well, after, I ended
up teaching them about how God is our loving Heavenly Father, and then
I showed them this:
Yup. :) pretty cool for Father's day. During that time, they cuddled
up against me without realizing it, and one little girl even laid her
head against my arm. It make my heart ache and warm at the same time.
Wow. :) I miss my Brookey and my Jane so much, and being around those
boys made me think of my brothers. But it was cool to be able to share
the gospel with them.
I love you all! :)
Thank you for all that you do for me! And also... They announced that
we can check our emails throughout the week and read them just as we
would letters, but we can still only email and write on P-Day.... But
that means feel free to email me. :) I might just be able to read it
the night that you send it. :) Sorry I have been late with all my
letter responses. I'm the worst, but I do love you all and appreciate
all that you have done for me. :)
If you are going to pray for me, pray that I will receive more energy
of Spirit, and that my mind and heart will be opened to what I need to
do. :)
Love you all!
I know the Book of Mormon is true. Gotta read it and pray about it to
know that it is true. Phone Holy Ghost is the ultimate test for any
question, any doubt, and any concern you ever have. I know that Joseph
Smith saw God our Heavenly Father AND His Son Jesus Christ. I KNOW
that you have to be living according to the light you have received,
or you start to slip back. That means for all of us members, the
ultimate test is this:
Will we do the small yet hard things that God has commanded us.
Is it a surprise that the first commandments that we teach people is
to read scriptures everyday, to pray to Heavenly Father every morning
and every night, and to go to Church every Sunday?
That is the test.
The story of Naaman is a good example. "Master, if he had not asked of
you a great thing, wouldst thou not have done it?"
God will not give us great things if we will not do what He has
already asked of us.
See...
:) I'm learning!
:)
LOVE YOU ALL!
Sister Darby Eleyce Miller
Remind Me of Who I Really Am, Who I am to You! ~Jason Gray
This week has been a really good one. I feel like I really lucked out with my companionship. They both have so many strengths and I'm learning a lot from them. Hermana Bryant is bold and loving. People just like her, even if they have never met her before. She is determined, yet also courteous of others feelings. Sister Warnock is a sweetheart and she is just full of joy and light. She is straightforward about the truth and she stands for what is right.
This week I'm going to work on keeping my focus very sharp. I feel like the heat of the sun and things really got to me, and I just felt so tired the whole week. This week I'm going to drink lots of water and stay energized. I think I'll call it operation: Sister Alba! Seriously! I want to have energy like that all the time! So that is my goal for this week.
We are teaching a lot of lessons on Facebook, and that is cool. We are just trying to see miracles, especially out here in exile to Paradise (Rio Vista).
We had exchanges with the other Sisters and that was fun. I think I learned that I need to step it up with being on top of knowing my area. That's another thing I think I'll focus on this week.
Also... A cool experience, we were just street contacting and we walked behind a little apartment complex. This little dog ran out of an open door and this lady followed. "Hello!" She just turned to go back in her house, pretending that she hadn't heard me. I called out again in a last ditch effort, after getting to know her a little but (I love contacting people with their dogs) she said that she had requested missionaries online, but hey hadn't ever shown up, she set up a return appointment because she had guests and then we went on our way like normal, then it hit me. That was a miracle! I guess I'm just growing accustomed to miracles like that. Well, that's another thing I think I'm going to work on: recognizing the hand of The Lord in the miracles that He weaves through all my life.
I'm excited for Friday, but I will say that I'm very scared about the two families we will need to have by then. But I know that Heavenly Father has a plan. Thank you for all your prayers for us.
I love being a missionary! I'm falling in love with the work again! This week is going to be awesome! I can feel it. This week, I am going to be different. This week, I'm going to be extraordinary. :)
I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day!
So.... I'm really upset. I just typed out this big long novel. It was amazing. And my iPad died. I know. That's a Darby thing to do. It's all her fault, not Sister Miller's. Sister Miller never does stuff like that ;)
Anyway... Basically the best part of it was when we went down the Sacramento River and we were contacting all the windsurfers and kite surfers and I talked to this almost 8 year old girl named Athena. She had never seen missionaries before and she believes in a God, but when asked her if she believes in Jesus Christ she said "I hear that name a lot, but I don't really know what it means." I told her the first thing that she should know about Jesus Christ is that she loves her and that and is the Son if God. I told her that God is our father, and that we lived with Him before we came to earth. I told her that He is the King, and the we are his daughters. I pointed to my name tag and said that that was why my name is Sister Miller. She excitedly called herself Sister Athena and I smiled.
Then I paused. "Athena, if God is our Father, and He is a King, what does that make us?"
"Sisters!" She blurted out.
"Yes, but what else?" I smiled and waited. I could see the thoughts having through her mind. She paused, looked up at me and cautiously asked me to give my answer first.
"If your Father is a King, what does that make you?"
Everything was still, but I knew better. Things around us were still loud. It could only be one thing. I knew the Spirit was speaking.
I leaned down, and looked into her eyes. I could feel the truth of it well up inside me. I didn't need tears to accompany any of my words. I knew that she would feel it, because she could see I really meant it.
"A Princess."
And then I could see it in her eyes too. She knew it too. But what she said next will never be erased from my memory.
"Then that means you are a princess too!" Athena smiled, and we continued our conversation. What a moment. Those are the moments I live for, moments of truth, where it all hangs in the balance and you as a missionary can't do anything but step back and watch as the Spirit of God works its miracles.
Those moments are everywhere. I wish I had more time, but I want to testify that I know if you, the person reading this, were to pray for your eyes to be open to the miracles around you, you would see them. Chariots of fire and armies of angels ready to catch you, help you fight the battles you face. I know they are there.
I know Who is at the head. I know Who I serve. I know the message I bear, the Book of Mormon, is from Him. I am divinely commissioned, and I speak by His authority.
I am a servant of Jesus Christ.
Sister Darby Eleyce Miller
A daughter of God, a princess,
And nothing can ever change that.
P.S. I love all of you. And nothing will ever change any of that, either. :)
May He keep you all. I know that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers, and that He loves all of us. You are in my prayers. :) And believe me, I pray a lot. :) I need it.
This week I'm going to work on keeping my focus very sharp. I feel like the heat of the sun and things really got to me, and I just felt so tired the whole week. This week I'm going to drink lots of water and stay energized. I think I'll call it operation: Sister Alba! Seriously! I want to have energy like that all the time! So that is my goal for this week.
We are teaching a lot of lessons on Facebook, and that is cool. We are just trying to see miracles, especially out here in exile to Paradise (Rio Vista).
We had exchanges with the other Sisters and that was fun. I think I learned that I need to step it up with being on top of knowing my area. That's another thing I think I'll focus on this week.
Also... A cool experience, we were just street contacting and we walked behind a little apartment complex. This little dog ran out of an open door and this lady followed. "Hello!" She just turned to go back in her house, pretending that she hadn't heard me. I called out again in a last ditch effort, after getting to know her a little but (I love contacting people with their dogs) she said that she had requested missionaries online, but hey hadn't ever shown up, she set up a return appointment because she had guests and then we went on our way like normal, then it hit me. That was a miracle! I guess I'm just growing accustomed to miracles like that. Well, that's another thing I think I'm going to work on: recognizing the hand of The Lord in the miracles that He weaves through all my life.
I'm excited for Friday, but I will say that I'm very scared about the two families we will need to have by then. But I know that Heavenly Father has a plan. Thank you for all your prayers for us.
I love being a missionary! I'm falling in love with the work again! This week is going to be awesome! I can feel it. This week, I am going to be different. This week, I'm going to be extraordinary. :)
I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day!
So.... I'm really upset. I just typed out this big long novel. It was amazing. And my iPad died. I know. That's a Darby thing to do. It's all her fault, not Sister Miller's. Sister Miller never does stuff like that ;)
Anyway... Basically the best part of it was when we went down the Sacramento River and we were contacting all the windsurfers and kite surfers and I talked to this almost 8 year old girl named Athena. She had never seen missionaries before and she believes in a God, but when asked her if she believes in Jesus Christ she said "I hear that name a lot, but I don't really know what it means." I told her the first thing that she should know about Jesus Christ is that she loves her and that and is the Son if God. I told her that God is our father, and that we lived with Him before we came to earth. I told her that He is the King, and the we are his daughters. I pointed to my name tag and said that that was why my name is Sister Miller. She excitedly called herself Sister Athena and I smiled.
Then I paused. "Athena, if God is our Father, and He is a King, what does that make us?"
"Sisters!" She blurted out.
"Yes, but what else?" I smiled and waited. I could see the thoughts having through her mind. She paused, looked up at me and cautiously asked me to give my answer first.
"If your Father is a King, what does that make you?"
Everything was still, but I knew better. Things around us were still loud. It could only be one thing. I knew the Spirit was speaking.
I leaned down, and looked into her eyes. I could feel the truth of it well up inside me. I didn't need tears to accompany any of my words. I knew that she would feel it, because she could see I really meant it.
"A Princess."
And then I could see it in her eyes too. She knew it too. But what she said next will never be erased from my memory.
"Then that means you are a princess too!" Athena smiled, and we continued our conversation. What a moment. Those are the moments I live for, moments of truth, where it all hangs in the balance and you as a missionary can't do anything but step back and watch as the Spirit of God works its miracles.
Those moments are everywhere. I wish I had more time, but I want to testify that I know if you, the person reading this, were to pray for your eyes to be open to the miracles around you, you would see them. Chariots of fire and armies of angels ready to catch you, help you fight the battles you face. I know they are there.
I know Who is at the head. I know Who I serve. I know the message I bear, the Book of Mormon, is from Him. I am divinely commissioned, and I speak by His authority.
I am a servant of Jesus Christ.
Sister Darby Eleyce Miller
A daughter of God, a princess,
And nothing can ever change that.
P.S. I love all of you. And nothing will ever change any of that, either. :)
May He keep you all. I know that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers, and that He loves all of us. You are in my prayers. :) And believe me, I pray a lot. :) I need it.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Farewell Santa Rosa! Hello Rio Vista!
President Alba
Mission
Letter – May 26, 2014
What we learn from the Book of Mormon – He that is righteous is favored of God.
First of all, I love the Book of Mormon! It contains the fullness of the gospel but most importantly, it contains the account of a family in turmoil, how they deal with their challenges and how the Lord in the end will protect and favor those who are valiant and are desirous to obey His commandments and to follow Him. I testify to all that it is true and that it contains the word of God.
Can you imagine being in the ship that the Lord commanded Nephi to build? They had cast out into the unknown except for a promise that was given to a prophet that it would be a land of promise – now this is pretty amazing to me that Lehi and some of his family believed and banked everything to this promise because they knew that the Lord would not lie to them. All that was required was to have faith in Him and to obey His commandments. Yet there were others who did not believe in the promise God had made but murmured for the rest of their lives.
“The sea roared with new fury as the fourth day of the storm broke over the ship carrying the family of Lehi. Driven by the gale, wave after wave crashed against the vessel with deadly force. All aboard greatly feared. How much longer could the craft keep from breaking up under the severe pressure of the storm at sea.” (Book of Mormon Religion Manual, p 41)
There was a greater storm that had greater significance that was brewing in the ship. A greater storm that had greater consequences to all those involved. This was the storm of rebellion against God. Laman and Lemuel and those who followed them were being tossed to and from by Satan, the master manipulator whose only desire is to thwart the plan of God. He had planted in the hearts of Lehi’s rebellious sons something greater – to disobey God and not follow those who had been chosen to lead them into the promised land.
How often do we think and say, “Why was he/she called to that position? There are certainly others more qualified or capable.” When we refuse to follow those whom God has called, we are in open rebellion against God. Because God is in charge of everything that happens, He will not allow anything to interfere with His purposes. We may think we can change the course of the eternities but we err in this this.
Nephi boldly declares to Laman and Lemuel their designs and warns them that unless they repent, they will be under the power and influence of Satan. Nephi tells his rebellious brothers the type of people they have become:
“Wherefore, the Lord commanded my father that he should depart into the wilderness; and the Jews also sought to take away his life; yean, and ye also have sought to take away his life; wherefore, ye are murderers in your hearts and ye are like unto them.
“Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an angel, and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder.” (1 Nephi 17:44-45)
Nephi outlines in these verses a brief character sketch of Laman and Lemuel:
1. They were murderers in their hearts.
2. They were swift to do iniquity.
3. They were slow to remember God.
4. They ignored direct evidence of God’s power, including the visitation of angels.
5. They were past feeling, their hearts were hard, and they rejected the Spirit of God.
6. They had knowledge of God’s power, but still refused to believe.
“Behold, the Lord esteemeth all flesh in one; he that is righteous is favored of God.” (1 Nephi 17:35).
I pray that we may always be like the righteous Nephi. He was blessed because he murmured not, he was obedient, he had great faith and hope and he wanted to believe all things his father had seen. He was faithful and the Lord in His mercy blessed Him in his afflictions and thus he was able preserve his faith and love for the Savior.
I invite all of us to be righteous that we too may be favored of God.
Love,
President Alba
What we learn from the Book of Mormon – He that is righteous is favored of God.
First of all, I love the Book of Mormon! It contains the fullness of the gospel but most importantly, it contains the account of a family in turmoil, how they deal with their challenges and how the Lord in the end will protect and favor those who are valiant and are desirous to obey His commandments and to follow Him. I testify to all that it is true and that it contains the word of God.
Can you imagine being in the ship that the Lord commanded Nephi to build? They had cast out into the unknown except for a promise that was given to a prophet that it would be a land of promise – now this is pretty amazing to me that Lehi and some of his family believed and banked everything to this promise because they knew that the Lord would not lie to them. All that was required was to have faith in Him and to obey His commandments. Yet there were others who did not believe in the promise God had made but murmured for the rest of their lives.
“The sea roared with new fury as the fourth day of the storm broke over the ship carrying the family of Lehi. Driven by the gale, wave after wave crashed against the vessel with deadly force. All aboard greatly feared. How much longer could the craft keep from breaking up under the severe pressure of the storm at sea.” (Book of Mormon Religion Manual, p 41)
There was a greater storm that had greater significance that was brewing in the ship. A greater storm that had greater consequences to all those involved. This was the storm of rebellion against God. Laman and Lemuel and those who followed them were being tossed to and from by Satan, the master manipulator whose only desire is to thwart the plan of God. He had planted in the hearts of Lehi’s rebellious sons something greater – to disobey God and not follow those who had been chosen to lead them into the promised land.
How often do we think and say, “Why was he/she called to that position? There are certainly others more qualified or capable.” When we refuse to follow those whom God has called, we are in open rebellion against God. Because God is in charge of everything that happens, He will not allow anything to interfere with His purposes. We may think we can change the course of the eternities but we err in this this.
Nephi boldly declares to Laman and Lemuel their designs and warns them that unless they repent, they will be under the power and influence of Satan. Nephi tells his rebellious brothers the type of people they have become:
“Wherefore, the Lord commanded my father that he should depart into the wilderness; and the Jews also sought to take away his life; yean, and ye also have sought to take away his life; wherefore, ye are murderers in your hearts and ye are like unto them.
“Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an angel, and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder.” (1 Nephi 17:44-45)
Nephi outlines in these verses a brief character sketch of Laman and Lemuel:
1. They were murderers in their hearts.
2. They were swift to do iniquity.
3. They were slow to remember God.
4. They ignored direct evidence of God’s power, including the visitation of angels.
5. They were past feeling, their hearts were hard, and they rejected the Spirit of God.
6. They had knowledge of God’s power, but still refused to believe.
“Behold, the Lord esteemeth all flesh in one; he that is righteous is favored of God.” (1 Nephi 17:35).
I pray that we may always be like the righteous Nephi. He was blessed because he murmured not, he was obedient, he had great faith and hope and he wanted to believe all things his father had seen. He was faithful and the Lord in His mercy blessed Him in his afflictions and thus he was able preserve his faith and love for the Savior.
I invite all of us to be righteous that we too may be favored of God.
Love,
President Alba
Dear President Alba,
This week has been a wonderful week.
I've found myself reflecting on my work here in Santa Rosa. I've
learned a lot. I'm glad to say that I am not who I once was, yet I
still see that I am not yet who I want to be. Being a trainer has
helped me understand my weaknesses and things that I need to push
hard against, yet it has also help me overcome some of the things
that I was struggling with before Sister Murphy came. She has helped
me grow closer to my mission goals of being exactly obedient, loving
others with the pure love of Christ, and following the Spirit. Thank
you so much for that wonderful opportunity. It was completely
priceless. I've found that those really are the things that I want. I
can see the night and day difference that small decisions make.
One of the most important things that I
think I have learned while I've been here Sister Murphy is that I can
make the decision to try. I may not be able to do everything
perfectly quite yet as a missionary, but that doesn't excuse me from
trying my very best to do so. God always expects us to try. If we
give up on something, saying that there's no point because we don't
feel like we can achieve it, then we have failed automatically. But
if we pour all our effort into something, even if we don't feel like
it is possible, at least we will grow. We may not always reach our
goals, but we will be that much closer to it. It's a continual
process.
One amazing thing that has happened
this week though, is that every time I'm about to give up, lose hope,
or slow down, I'm reminded of who I want to be. I've prayed
throughout the week at specific moments for Heavenly Father to help.
It's amazing what it has done. Every time I turn it all over to Him,
not knowing how it will turn out, and then try my very best, He works
a miracle and things turn out. It just starts with trying my very
best, not once, but every time I feel that hope is lost. Hope is
never lost. And that's how I feel about all the people I've learned
to love here in Santa Rosa. I feel like I made a difference. No one
was baptized that I taught, but look at how many people I've reached
out to. Look at how many people I've tried to help. It's not over
yet. And I know that this hope that I feel isn't in vain. God must
have hope for each of us, His children. He knows that at any point in
time, they can turn around. They can come to Him. Everyone is capable
of that.
We fasted for Elliott this past week.
That night, we had a very short lesson because he said he was busy.
But he told us that he was open to not drinking coffee. I can tell
when he has read his scriptures or not. Even though we follow up
every time, I can tell. He is so much more open and happy and excited
about the gospel when he reads the Book of Mormon. His heart wants
those things to be true. Jessica told me as I was leaving that we
would truly be friends for life, and I know that it's true. I can
feel it. I know that they are one of the reasons that I was here in
Santa Rosa. I can't imagine that I didn't know about Jessica and
Elliott before! They are my friends! I'm so excited for them to get
married, Elliott to get baptized, and the blessings to start pouring
down on them! I'm so blessed to have been a part of that! It's truly
amazing!
I love missionary work. I love Santa
Rosa. I could see myself moving back here after the mission. I
absolutely love everything about it. I love the members, the feel,
and I even now love the people. I feel like this is home. It's hard
to leave, but I'm excited to go to Rio Vista. Sister Henry said it
was her favorite place to serve. Right when I heard it, I knew that
it was a new adventure, with new opportunities. But the truth is, I
feel like a piece of me will always be here in Santa Rosa. It's the
place where it all started for me.
I am not who I once used to be.
I am not yet who I will one day be.
And I am so very excited!
"I'll go where you want me to go,
Dear Lord!"
Sister Darby Eleyce Miller
P.S. You and Sister Alba are in my
prayers. We truly love you both. We hope you know that. Thank you for
all that you do, and thanks for always putting up with my long
letters. :)
Dear Family and Friends,
There we go. Now that the bold is off....
I'm leaving Santa Rosa. I definitely have mixed feelings on that. Oh well. It's the way that it goes. I'm done here though, and I can feel it. Even if I were to stay, things would never be the same. Change happens so fast, and I've never liked change, but I will say that I am glad for the adventure ahead. Sister Murphy and I set up everything by having other missionaries help "blitz" our area (our whole zone works in our area for 2 hrs) and so hopefully that will create a boom for the Redwoods YSA South area. I'm trying to leave it better than I found it, but idk. Only time will tell. Sister Clawson is going to be an STL in Vacaville (any referrals? ;) and Sister Heinrichson is going to Middletown, which is where Sister Zenger and Sister Henry were companions together their second time. To put it lightly, the gang is finally being split apart. We are so sad, but it's time. We've been together in the same house for 3 transfers, which is a long time for a sister missionary.
I'm off to Rio Vista... which is a tiny windy little town from what I hear. Have I mentioned I need short sleeve shirts? If not, I probably will again, because they say it is super hot there, especially in the summer. Bring it on! If the sweating helps me keep the weight off, then bring it on! :)
I truly am excited. In Rio Vista, I'm going to be in another trio, which will probably be a good thing because it will only be our one companionship in our apartment. Rumor is that we will have to drive 30 mins to get to district meeting. Sweet Mormon Tabernacle Choir all the way! :) Can I just say that Sister Murphy will be happy to never have to hear me sing Deep River ever again :) For me, it never gets old.
Also, I'm going to be in a "zebra" companionship. This means that Sister Bryant (who I knew in Santa Rosa my first 2 transfers) will be my new companion. Except, her name isn't really Sister Bryant. It's Hermana Bryant. So hopefully I'll learn to teach in Espanol as well. :) So excited. We also will have another sister with us. I can't remember her name. I've never met her before, though.
Well. Packing today was nuts. I've still got to go home and finish. Then we have dinner at the Peirce's with the Brushcreek Sisters, the other Redwoods Sisters, and the AP's. It'll be pretty fun. Then, we have FHE, and hopefully we are having Arthur Chaney come. He's a former that I helped find. Now that school is out, hopefully things will get rolling along. :) So excited for the Redwoods area... and then I remember that I'm not going to be here. Oh well. :) It still excites me.
Well, I love you all. I don't know what else to say. I am a little scared to move. I'm afraid that I've become accustomed to the city, and to being able to walk up to people. We've never really done knocking doors too much, but in Rio Vista, I'm pretty sure that will happen a lot. Bring on the challenge though. I'm ready for it.
I'm a little sad to leave Sister Murphy, but I still miss Sister Zenger and Sister Henry, funny enough. I still feel like they left just yesterday. It'll be good to have a change of scenery, I tell myself. :) It really is bittersweet.
I'm definitely coming back here to visit :) Mom, you would love it out here.
Oh, and happy Memorial Day. I've actually been thinking of my Grandpas a lot lately. I don't know why, but many times I will have thoughts of the people I love that are far away or gone just pop into my head. It's a comfort thing, not a missing thing. A tender mercy from the Lord when it comes.
WELL,
I LOVE YOU ALL.
I know that the church is true. I know it. I know that the gospel brings such peace and happiness. My heart is just swollen with joy for the opportunities that I have had everyday to share that happiness with people. Just last night, we walked up to this couple in a park that were having a quiet argument. The lady had dry eyes, but it looked like she had been crying. I looked into her eyes and told her that the Savior loves her, and that when no one else understands, He does. I told her that relationships and family are so important to God, more important than what you have, what you do for fun, where you work, etc. If you don't have that, none of that other stuff matters. When we walked away, they were no longer fighting, and the feeling we left was completely different than what we had walked into. I was so grateful to the Savior for letting me feel that. Usually we don't notice.
I miss all you, my family and friends, but I know that I am supported. I went through a rough patch there with missing all of you so much, but Heavenly Father is holding my heart, and I have found renewed strength.
He is there. I know He is. Even when I feel so alone, He is there. I know He is. I know that when I leave these my newfound Sisters here in Santa Rosa, I will be walking into the unknown again, but I KNOW with ALL MY HEART that I will NEVER REALLY BE ALONE. I know that He will be there with me.
I love you all. I want you to know that I know that Jesus Christ is real. We are real. We are not just ideas floating around in God's head. We are His literal children. As for the human condition, yes we are sinful creatures. But only if we choose to be. We were first children of God, and no matter what else happens to us, we will always be children of God. He is our Loving Heavenly Father. He sent His Son to die for us for one reason only: to bring us back to live with Him again. Why? Because He loves us and misses us. Does He need us? No. Does He want us to live with Him again? A most resounding YES!!!
Is it possible for you as an individual to be the person He created you to be? Y
yes.
But you have to choose it.
I love you all.
Jesus Christ is real, and He lives and He loves you.
Love,
Sister Darby Eleyce Miller
P.S. please send all mail to the 5301 Badger Road Santa Rosa, CA 95409. :) I love you all.
Miracles and RAT MAN RETURNS! (May 19th)
President Alba
EXTRAORDINARY LOVE
EQUALS A CELESTIAL MISSION
As I had the opportunity to spend time with you over the last few weeks in zone conferences I saw an amazing thing happening. Your light is shining brighter than I have ever seen it before. I saw real kindness and love extended to one another. I saw a mission of one heart and with one focus. I saw companions taking care of each other.... lifting one another...helping one another. I saw District Leaders, STL's and Zone Leaders reaching out to ‘lift up the hands which hang down.’
D&C 81:5-6
5 Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.
6 And if thou art faithful unto the end thou shalt have a crown of immortality, and eternal life in the mansions which I have prepared in the house of my Father.
It was a little bit of heaven right here on earth. It felt good. It felt divine.
We are closer to God than we have ever been before. Can you feel it? If not, I tell you it is here for you if you just reach out to grab it and become a part of it. Be ‘ALL IN’. Don’t miss it. It is up to you.
So now our mission has been told to Increase our High Expectations…. By an apostle of God, Elder Cook. The Hastening is ‘Hastening’ right before our eyes, again and again. How exciting is that? And it will not stop.
D&C 82:14
For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness; her borders must be enlarged; her stakes must be strengthened; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments.
So once again we are among the first in the world to hear the call from the Lord our God. But we are ready. We can do this. We are already doing so much of it so well. We are shining! We are his earthly angels. We are HIS.
It all comes down to love; Extraordinary love of the Savior. We gain more love for Him as we come to know and understand Him better. This next 2 transfers we are immersing ourselves in the Book Of Mormon together as a mission. Together we will rise up in righteousness, holiness and strength. We will increase our beauty and our borders will be enlarged. We will arise and put on the beautiful garments of Zion. We will become a Celestial mission
D&C 88:20-26
20 That bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it forever and ever; for, for this intent was it made and created, and for this intent are they sanctified.
21 And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, even that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom.
22 For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory.
23 And he who cannot abide the law of a terrestrial kingdom cannot abide a terrestrial glory.
24 And he who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom cannot abide a telestial glory; therefore he is not meet for a kingdom of glory. Therefore he must abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory.
25 And again, verily I say unto you, the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation, and transgresseth not the law—
26 Wherefore, it shall be sanctified; yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened again, and shall abide the power by which it is quickened, and the righteous shall inherit it.
Living the Celestial Law is not easy,… the trigger is having extraordinary Love of Jesus Christ….which brings extraordinary obedience….which brings extraordinary faith…which brings extraordinary results. We can do it.
This is not only possible in our mission. It is happening. It is there for the taking. We have been given the pathway. The Lord has chosen us to lead the world. Let us all reach out for the torch that God is handing us, take it in faith and courage and fulfill the measure of our creation.
Love, Sister Alba
EQUALS A CELESTIAL MISSION
As I had the opportunity to spend time with you over the last few weeks in zone conferences I saw an amazing thing happening. Your light is shining brighter than I have ever seen it before. I saw real kindness and love extended to one another. I saw a mission of one heart and with one focus. I saw companions taking care of each other.... lifting one another...helping one another. I saw District Leaders, STL's and Zone Leaders reaching out to ‘lift up the hands which hang down.’
D&C 81:5-6
5 Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.
6 And if thou art faithful unto the end thou shalt have a crown of immortality, and eternal life in the mansions which I have prepared in the house of my Father.
It was a little bit of heaven right here on earth. It felt good. It felt divine.
We are closer to God than we have ever been before. Can you feel it? If not, I tell you it is here for you if you just reach out to grab it and become a part of it. Be ‘ALL IN’. Don’t miss it. It is up to you.
So now our mission has been told to Increase our High Expectations…. By an apostle of God, Elder Cook. The Hastening is ‘Hastening’ right before our eyes, again and again. How exciting is that? And it will not stop.
D&C 82:14
For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness; her borders must be enlarged; her stakes must be strengthened; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments.
So once again we are among the first in the world to hear the call from the Lord our God. But we are ready. We can do this. We are already doing so much of it so well. We are shining! We are his earthly angels. We are HIS.
It all comes down to love; Extraordinary love of the Savior. We gain more love for Him as we come to know and understand Him better. This next 2 transfers we are immersing ourselves in the Book Of Mormon together as a mission. Together we will rise up in righteousness, holiness and strength. We will increase our beauty and our borders will be enlarged. We will arise and put on the beautiful garments of Zion. We will become a Celestial mission
D&C 88:20-26
20 That bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it forever and ever; for, for this intent was it made and created, and for this intent are they sanctified.
21 And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, even that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom.
22 For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory.
23 And he who cannot abide the law of a terrestrial kingdom cannot abide a terrestrial glory.
24 And he who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom cannot abide a telestial glory; therefore he is not meet for a kingdom of glory. Therefore he must abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory.
25 And again, verily I say unto you, the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation, and transgresseth not the law—
26 Wherefore, it shall be sanctified; yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened again, and shall abide the power by which it is quickened, and the righteous shall inherit it.
Living the Celestial Law is not easy,… the trigger is having extraordinary Love of Jesus Christ….which brings extraordinary obedience….which brings extraordinary faith…which brings extraordinary results. We can do it.
This is not only possible in our mission. It is happening. It is there for the taking. We have been given the pathway. The Lord has chosen us to lead the world. Let us all reach out for the torch that God is handing us, take it in faith and courage and fulfill the measure of our creation.
Love, Sister Alba
Dearest
President Alba,
We have seen
many miracles this week. We've reached out to some formers, set up a few
appointments with them, and I am so excited to meet with them. This past
transfer has literally flown by, even more so than ones that preceded it. I
want to share some miracles with you:
Monday:
We had an
extraordinary FHE in the singles ward. We missionaries had asked to be allowed
to teach it. We showed the Restoration video, bore our testimonies, and then
did some skits to show how to share the gospel using random household objects.
It was really silly, but fun, and it was quite a success, I think. We even had
an investigator named Sean there, and he told me that he related to Joseph
Smith because he felt like that was him three weeks ago, not knowing which
doctrine was right. He told me that he had prayed to know, asking God to guide
him to the church that was true. A few days later, he bumped into....
tadadaDUH!!!!!! MISSIONARIES! Sean expressed that he believed that the church
was true. I asked him if he had prayed to know if Joseph Smith's First Vision
really happened, and he said he didn't need to pray. I bore my testimony of my
experience, and how I KNOW that Joseph Smith really did see God our Loving
Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. I invited him afterwards to go home
and pray about it, so that he could KNOW it was true. He looked me in the eye,
and I could tell that he was going to do it. I knew that he wanted to know.
Tuesday:
I went on
exchanges with the Rincon Valley Sisters. I have to admit, I have been a little
overwhelmed and stressed a bit, feeling a little inadequate, but they reminded
me through example that MISSIONARY WORK IS FUN! :) It really is. I was able to
work hard, to feel like I was contributing to the Rincon Valley, and we even
saved an injured bird from some hungry cats (I couldn't bear to see them kill
it!), and we were able to interact with the non-member neighbors who were
drinking. We asked them for a shovel, and they helped us get a box for the
bird. Then we shared a message about God. Somehow in the process I lost my
name-tag. It was approaching curfew and I started to panic. In the dark, we
couldn't find it. We had to leave.
That night I
prayed and prayed. And then next morning on our run, we couldn't find it....
because it had been in Sister Barker's purse.
Wednesday:
We taught at
a 7th Day Adventist high school World Religions class for an hour about the
Restoration. Wow. One of my coolest experiences. So cool. They had so many
questions, yet they were respectfully curious. You could see it especially in
one girl's eyes. Wow. The other sisters noticed it as well. We gave each
student a Book of Mormon and a Restoration pamphlet and contact information for
the missionaries. After class let out, a group of about four students
(including the girl) came up to us, and we taught them about the Plan of
Salvation. You could see things click with them as them asked questions and we
answered. The spirit was present, and it was amazing. As the one girl walked
away, I heard her say to her friend "I'm definitely reading this
book!" So cool. One of my favorite moments as a missionary.
Later that
night we taught a few people in our neighborhood some first lessons. Miracles.
Thursday:
The Oakland
Temple was amazing. We rode with the Bangeters, and heard their mission stories
and the story of their lives, etc. The temple really does revive me. I now
understand why people say that every time they go, they learn something new.
We had some
special miracles that night. Daniel, our investigator has a family, and we've
been trying to teach them together for months. Somehow, it all just happened.
We taught his 11yr old Sister Angelee out on a park bench across the street
from her house. Daniel walked up, sat down. Then his mom (who we think is a
long-lost member) came and sat with us. Later, I lost one of our keys, and she
helped us find it. She expressed her faith about answers to prayers and
following the Spirit. Miracle.
That night at
sport's night, we had a former, Arthur Chaney, come. He's going to be meeting
with us tonight, at FHE. So excited. That just goes to show how important the
ward members are.
Also at
Sport's night, Sean told me that he prayed, and that he knows without a doubt
that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.
It's moments
like those that blow you away as a missionary.
Friday:
We did
service for Rene, a recent convert. People passing by stopped to talk to her,
and she always pointed us out, and we offered service. It felt so good to
serve. I love it.
We had a hard
lesson with Elliott. His biggest concern is with coffee. In the end, it will be
his choice. Obey God, and learn that it is true by praying and by experiencing
a life living the word of wisdom, or choose to have your cup of coffee everyday
and not be baptized. It's hard because he was so close to giving it up. Satan
uses those small wedges. They are so small, yet in the end it is always the one
degree that makes the difference between hot water and boiling water. It left
me feeling down that night, because I have come to truly love Jessica and
Elliott, and I want them to be blessed. It also made me realize that I'm living
beneath my potential, and that I need to step it up. I'm frustrated with
Elliott for not giving up something as small as coffee, but I found that I had
my own little wedges that I'm going to be attacking here in the next little
while. I know that Elliott will find the answer. He's just got to keep trying.
He's got to be willing to do whatever the Lord asks.
The Lord will
never give us an answer that He knows we won't follow.
Saturday:
We had a
blitz, and I went with Sister Barker. She is so cool. I'm amazed by all the
greenies out here! They are on fire! She taught me to offer the gospel to
everyone, but also move on so that you can find those who are ready NOW. I
think this is a problem that Sister Murphy and I have. We spend a lot of time
with everyone that will talk to us, and then nothing happens from it. I'm ready
to find those that want to hear us! I'm excited!
We had an awesome
lesson with a LA who wants to know the truth. We invited him to read the Book
of Mormon and pray. Another miracle, because the lesson was unexpected, yet it
was amazing. I love seeing the desire to know in people's eyes.
Sunday:
We were able
to get one of our contacts that we see every week at Safeway to church. His
name is Kurt. He came to church, and loved it. You could tell that he was
uncomfortable at first, but he sang the hymns, and listened to the talks about
Joseph Smith and other prophets, and about authority from God. Elliott also
came to church. He said that he always feels the Spirit here. We told him it is
good to have questions, and that he is always welcome to church. In the long
run, he has come so far from when he first walked into the chapel that January
Sunday. He has come a long way, and he will continue to do so, because he is
seeking truth.
We had a
first lesson with Kurt. I was a little stressed about it being a first lesson
with all the things that need to be said in a first lesson. I was making the
lesson awkward because I was too stiff. I prayed to Heavenly Father, telling
Him that I was going to let go, but that I needed His help and guidance to be
able to be obedient. I told Him that I knew that He could help the lesson flow
to the baptismal invite and things. It happened, so beautifully. We had two
members there, and Sean wanted to join us. That scared me at first. I've taught
two investigators together before, and it is hard. But Sean was amazing! He
bore his testimony of Joseph Smith and that this is the true church and that
God lead him to it. Kurt told him that he was praying for God to help him be a
better person, because he just wants to do what is right, and Sean pointed out
that if this isn't a sign (two missionaries walking up to him), then he didn't
know what was. He told Kurt not only to pray to know if what we were teaching
was true, but to pray ask ask God what he should DO because of it. So cool.
Kurt prayed right there. He told us believed all that we related was true, and
that he would be baptized as he came to know it was true. So cool. You could
see it there in Kurt's eyes. Despite the social fears that he had had, he came
to church, met many good people, and felt the spirit during the First Vision.
He is meeting with us tonight hopefully before FHE as well. We were also able
to get all of our contacts last night downtown.
Miracles.
This week has
been full of miracles.
And it is all
to the glory of God, because I know that it is not me.
I am so
grateful to have been a part of this week. I love that look in people's eyes
when they feel the Spirit; when they begin to believe. All it takes is a desire
to believe.
So I'm going
to build my faith. I'm going to believe that God can help me get it all done,
but even more than that... I'm going to have the faith to act accordingly. I'm
going to look forward to the miracles that are all around me. They are
everywhere.
Miracles.
With love and
hope and faith for the future,
Sister Darby
Eleyce Miller
PS... DEAR LOVED ONES. I met Adam, the rat man again last night. He swore up a storm as we were TRYING to preach the gospel! Ahem! Excuse me! ;)
then I realized who he was. I called him out on it. "Adam! Why are you yelling at random strangers who aren't even talking to you! You didn't know it was going to be me, did you? That's embarrassing! You were so nice to me last time. What happened?"
He apologized, gave me his CORRECT facebook information (which he muffed up last time so that I couldn't really find him on facebook) and then listened as we sang "I am a Child of God." and he let me hold the rats again, and I introduced him to Sister Murphy.
Some of the saddest things I have seen have been downtown.
God is continually reaching out, but sometimes people are so blind. I don't blame them. They have so many problems, but nothing will happen for them until they listen. It continually breaks my heart.
We walked away from Adam. He wasn't listening. We're just another stepping stone in his path to accepting the gospel. That's the beauty and the hardship of missionary work: You just love these people so much.
I love you all.
Look for the Miracles.
Mosiah 4:9
the whole chapter is amazing, by the way.
Monday, May 12, 2014
"I'm hitting the ground running"
Dear family and friends,
I'm not going to type out everything. Just know that it's been a very trying few weeks for me. I've felt a little hopeless at time, and then renewed with hope from Heavenly Father at other times. Regardless, I can still say that without a doubt in my mind, I KNOW that this gospel is true. As a very wise little girl has made known, I would not be doing this if it wasn't true, or if I didn't know that for myself. But I do know that what I teach, live, and know is true. This church is true... it IS the only true church of God... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Do you know it?
If you don't, get to know it.Take it upon yourself to find out. All that is required is that you be willing. Ask the question. Ask with a willingness, an open mind and honest, sincere-wanting to know heart.
Because there is an answer.
Are you ready for it?
anyways, here's some stuff to read. Sorry I'm not more organized. :)
President Alba
Mission
Letter 5-12-14
Contacting with faith and with purpose.
Dear Elders and Sisters,
I hope that each of you had an opportunity to speak with your mothers yesterday as we all celebrated Mothers Day. I know that your mothers were so excited to speak and Skype with you as I’m sure each of you were as well.
There is a wonderful connection between a mother and her children. I know that each of you have a tender spot in your heart for each one of your mothers. I do, and will forever be grateful for the things I learned from her throughout my lifetime.
In 1 Nephi chapter 7, we learn of the commandment given to Lehi that Nephi and his brethren were to return to the land of Jerusalem and to enlist Ishmael and his household to join in traveling to the promised land. Now, I don’t know about you but if I were Ishmael and his household, I would have had a really hard time being convinced to join in such a venture. Imagine, leave everything behind, home, friends, and all the things with which God had blessed us to go off into some unknown place to follow Lehi and his family.
In verses 4–5 we read:
“And it came to pass that we went up unto the house of Ishmael, and we did gain favor in the sight of Ishmael, insomuch that we did speak unto him the words of the Lord.
“And it came to pass that the Lord did soften the heart of Ishmael, and also his household, insomuch that they took their journey with us down into the wilderness to the tent of our father.”
This is the ideal contact! What a wonderful way for us to learn from the scriptures and to apply these things in our everyday efforts to contact sons and daughters of God so that His Spirit might soften their hearts and persuade them to join in our wonderful journey.
First of all, Nephi and his brethren went up unto the house of Ishmael – in this case, let us replace the name of Ishmael with “investigator” – so are we entrusted with this, to go up unto every house and to proclaim the good tidings that we bear unto all every household. There is something unique in going to up unto each house.
Secondly, they gained favor in the sight of Ishmael. How do you suppose they did that? Do you think they came, knocked on the door and blurted out “Ishmael, we are here to take you and your family into the wilderness to join us in a great adventure!” No, gaining favor in the sight of others is simply done by establishing rapport (a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well). We must find something in common and gain their favor by understanding each other’s feelings and then communicating them in a simple and clear way. This is how we gain their favor.
Thirdly, they “did speak unto him the words of the Lord.” The Lord had told them exactly what needed to be said and they delivered their message as the Lord had asked them to do so. So too, we must go forth and deliver the words of the Lord – the Doctrine of Christ – unto all so that they can choose to follow. Anything more or less than this is NOT of the Lord but our own words and they will sound hollow in their hearts.
Fourth, “the Lord did soften the heart of Ishmael, and also his household.” We cannot soften anyone’s heart but we must teach with clarity and simplicity the words that will allow the Spirit of God to soften the hearts of those who faithfully hear it. Ours is the responsibility to deliver the message UNTO the hearts of those we invite and the Spirit will then softens their hearts and deliver the message INTO their hearts. This pattern is the pattern that the Lord uses in order to help the elect to follow Him.
Fifth, once Ishmael and his household heard the message that was delivered and once their hearts were softened, then, they took the journey into the wilderness to the tent of father Lehi. It is the same that can happen when we do all the Lord asks us to do. There will be those who will follow even into “the wilderness” to begin the greatest journey upon the earth – to follow the example of Jesus Christ and to be like Him.
I love these two verses as it teaches us exactly what we learn in Preach My Gospel. We must develop the faith, just as Nephi did, to find those who will hear the word and follow it. “He will lead you to them or He will lead them to you.” As Alma declared, so is my desire:
“O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in brining them again unto thee in Christ. Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious . . . ; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee.” (Alma 31:34-35)
I promise each of you, my young missionaries, those who have been called to labor in His service that as we follow the formula that Nephi used, we will gain better access to the elect of God. With great faith:
1. We must go up unto their house
2. We must then gain favor by establishing rapport with those we contact
3. We must speak the words of the Lord with simplicity and clarity
4. The Lord will then soften their hearts, and
5. They will then take up the journey with us.
I appreciate all of you who so obediently follow what the Lord has asked us to do. Others who are not yet on board, I invite you to join in this quest and to do it in the Lord’s way.
All my love,
President Alba
Contacting with faith and with purpose.
Dear Elders and Sisters,
I hope that each of you had an opportunity to speak with your mothers yesterday as we all celebrated Mothers Day. I know that your mothers were so excited to speak and Skype with you as I’m sure each of you were as well.
There is a wonderful connection between a mother and her children. I know that each of you have a tender spot in your heart for each one of your mothers. I do, and will forever be grateful for the things I learned from her throughout my lifetime.
In 1 Nephi chapter 7, we learn of the commandment given to Lehi that Nephi and his brethren were to return to the land of Jerusalem and to enlist Ishmael and his household to join in traveling to the promised land. Now, I don’t know about you but if I were Ishmael and his household, I would have had a really hard time being convinced to join in such a venture. Imagine, leave everything behind, home, friends, and all the things with which God had blessed us to go off into some unknown place to follow Lehi and his family.
In verses 4–5 we read:
“And it came to pass that we went up unto the house of Ishmael, and we did gain favor in the sight of Ishmael, insomuch that we did speak unto him the words of the Lord.
“And it came to pass that the Lord did soften the heart of Ishmael, and also his household, insomuch that they took their journey with us down into the wilderness to the tent of our father.”
This is the ideal contact! What a wonderful way for us to learn from the scriptures and to apply these things in our everyday efforts to contact sons and daughters of God so that His Spirit might soften their hearts and persuade them to join in our wonderful journey.
First of all, Nephi and his brethren went up unto the house of Ishmael – in this case, let us replace the name of Ishmael with “investigator” – so are we entrusted with this, to go up unto every house and to proclaim the good tidings that we bear unto all every household. There is something unique in going to up unto each house.
Secondly, they gained favor in the sight of Ishmael. How do you suppose they did that? Do you think they came, knocked on the door and blurted out “Ishmael, we are here to take you and your family into the wilderness to join us in a great adventure!” No, gaining favor in the sight of others is simply done by establishing rapport (a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well). We must find something in common and gain their favor by understanding each other’s feelings and then communicating them in a simple and clear way. This is how we gain their favor.
Thirdly, they “did speak unto him the words of the Lord.” The Lord had told them exactly what needed to be said and they delivered their message as the Lord had asked them to do so. So too, we must go forth and deliver the words of the Lord – the Doctrine of Christ – unto all so that they can choose to follow. Anything more or less than this is NOT of the Lord but our own words and they will sound hollow in their hearts.
Fourth, “the Lord did soften the heart of Ishmael, and also his household.” We cannot soften anyone’s heart but we must teach with clarity and simplicity the words that will allow the Spirit of God to soften the hearts of those who faithfully hear it. Ours is the responsibility to deliver the message UNTO the hearts of those we invite and the Spirit will then softens their hearts and deliver the message INTO their hearts. This pattern is the pattern that the Lord uses in order to help the elect to follow Him.
Fifth, once Ishmael and his household heard the message that was delivered and once their hearts were softened, then, they took the journey into the wilderness to the tent of father Lehi. It is the same that can happen when we do all the Lord asks us to do. There will be those who will follow even into “the wilderness” to begin the greatest journey upon the earth – to follow the example of Jesus Christ and to be like Him.
I love these two verses as it teaches us exactly what we learn in Preach My Gospel. We must develop the faith, just as Nephi did, to find those who will hear the word and follow it. “He will lead you to them or He will lead them to you.” As Alma declared, so is my desire:
“O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in brining them again unto thee in Christ. Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious . . . ; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee.” (Alma 31:34-35)
I promise each of you, my young missionaries, those who have been called to labor in His service that as we follow the formula that Nephi used, we will gain better access to the elect of God. With great faith:
1. We must go up unto their house
2. We must then gain favor by establishing rapport with those we contact
3. We must speak the words of the Lord with simplicity and clarity
4. The Lord will then soften their hearts, and
5. They will then take up the journey with us.
I appreciate all of you who so obediently follow what the Lord has asked us to do. Others who are not yet on board, I invite you to join in this quest and to do it in the Lord’s way.
All my love,
President Alba
Dear President Alba,
What can I say? I love my mission. We
have really been trying to teach as we are finding, and we are
teaching a lot of neat people during our contacting time. We
literally talk to everyone. Sister Murphy is teaching me to slow
down, to really listen to what people are saying, and then to
testify. Things are starting to really flow well between the two of
us during contacting, and I'm feeling a lot more confident about it.
We are trying to make every contact meaningful, even if they speak
only Spanish. Why else would an English missionary need a Spanish
pamphlet? *smile*
I feel like I've given up on being
frustrated. I feel renewed and excited, and I don't feel like I have
to fight for it like I have been the past few weeks. I feel bad about
dropping people, but how long are we supposed to call and stop by
with no response? We have places to go and people to baptize! I don't
have time to beg! I need time to listen to someone with a sincere
desire to draw closer to our Savior... those are the people I want!
Elliott... I know that even though it's
been a long process with him, he was starting at zero. He didn't
believe in God. But look at him now! Just last time we met with him,
he expressed his commitment to Jessica as the one he wants to be
loyal to, and he expressed how he knows that this church is true and
that he can't deny it. He expressed how he can tell a difference when
he lives the commandments and when he doesn't. He expressed his
desire to deserve baptism, and how it's no longer an if, but a when.
We are really going to crack down on Word of Wisdom and make a
baptismal plan with him. He felt really bad about missing his date.
He brings up baptism before we even have a chance to follow up.
When I first met him, he was the last
person I would have expected to progress to this.
And then there's Maria. She approached
us as we were tabling at SSU this week. She approached us! WOW! We
had a lesson at a table on the Restoration, and she ate it up and had
a million and one questions. She agreed to think about being
baptized. Then we taught her the very next day about the first part
of the Plan of Salvation. I've never had a lesson like that before.
She said that she believed all that we were saying. She said that it
seemed familiar, like she had known it all her life. She set a
baptismal date on her own for Aug 30th, and she is excited to meet
with missionaries where she was moving to. (sad... she's moving. but
the missionaries there will love her! and then when she comes back,
she'll be in the Redwoods Ward. Yay!)
I just realized that I probably won't
be here for all that to happen. So sad, but I am happy to have been a
part of her grand beginning!
Then last night we met a homeless man
downtown that I've talked to time and time again. He's always had
big, long spiels to tell us, but finally he listened. He let us
participate in the conversation, and we got down to the root of some
problems. It was neat. Sister Murphy told him straight out, "Your
body is a temple" and all I could do was smile. He lit it up and
apologized. I told him that he has the agency to smoke, but that if
he does, he has to be willing to deal with the consequence. That
opened up a big conversation about church and how he doesn't feel
like he would be accepted. His concern was sincere, and he seemed not
defensive, but sad rather.
Funny enough, just earlier on Sunday,
the Bennett Valley Elders had a new investigator attend their ward,
and then he (Sean) stayed for Redwoods Ward Sacrament Meeting as
well. He just got out of a sticky situation, and said that he is
starting over, rebuilding his life, and here was where wanted to
start. "I'm hitting the ground running!" Wow. That's what
Christ can do for us... white the slate clean, and help us rebuild
our lives and character to be more like Him- more full of joy and
peace and willingness to obey Heavenly Father. Sean kept saying, "I'm
full of the Holy Spirit!" So cool.
I told the homeless man about this, and
he stopped talking. He thought about it a long time. He ended up
giving us his cell phone number, which he wouldn't do all the other
times we talked with him. Hopefully he will come to church, but
again. He has the agency.
But I also have the agency to reach
out.
I love missionary work! It's moments
like these that I live for! It's tender mercies like Elliott and
Maria that let me know that Heavenly Father is in control, and that
He loves me too, and knows that I want so much to succeed in life and
on my mission.
I've reached the point where I really
want people to have questions. I want them to ask crazy questions, so
that I can answer with my testimony. I love Sister Murphy. I'm
becoming more like her, hopefully. Instead of a big sister, she seems
like a little sister, but a brave little sister who is a good example
to me.
I love you and Sister Alba.
I pray for you.
Thank you for putting up with all the
downer stuff as well. You both are so positive, but I know that you
probably have some interesting experiences as well. I want to be more
positive like Sister Alba.
Thank you for your letter on
contacting. It really is a boost. I'm an awkward person, so I think
that building rapport is something I'm going to learn to do.
I love Santa Rosa. I can finally say
that I love the people here. I love it here.
Your mission daughter,
Sister Darby Eleyce Miller
#hittingthegroundrunning #cleanslate
#templetrip-hereIcome!
I know that Jesus Christ is real.
And what I mean by that is I know that
He is real in my life.
so that was my letter..... and now back to you, dear family and friends....
Are you hitting the ground running? :)
If not, start. Go HAM it..... (Hard as Moses) and look what he was able to do, with God's help, of course.
Expect the miracles. They will come. That is a promise from a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you are willing to live the commandments, then the miracles will come.
Faith, and then miracles.
Not the other way around.
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jesus Christ is real. I am not brainwashed, because I don't have to listen and rely upon others to know it. Jesus Christ is real, and this is His church, and Joseph Smith did in fact see God, Our Loving Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. I know it for myself.
I will not ever deny it.
Sister Darby Eleyce Miller
Monday, May 5, 2014
May 5th!!! Short But Sweet!!!
I don't have any time to write, so I'll just write that Sister Murphy is awesome, I love her. The work is hard, but I know I'm supposed to be here.
I read 2 Nephi 4 yesterday during the sacrament. If you want to know what my week was like, read that. That's how I've been feeling. No one wants to meet with us, really. I don't really want to drop anyone, but I might have to. Faith.
I hope all of you know that I love you, but I didn't get to read through all of your letters online. Please don't be offended if I don't respond right away.
LOVES!
Sister Miller
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