In my day I've heard many people say, "you can't change. people are the way they are. there is nothing you can do about it." If there is anything I've learned on my mission, it's the falseness of those statements. I know for a fact that people CAN and DO change. This week I've seen many of those changes manifest in the people we are working with.
Nicole: went from a drug addiction to living the Mormon lifestyle. She has given up all her worldly ways for the gospel. At church someone asked her, "are you visiting?" and she replied, "no! I'm here to stay!" She expressed how she knows what she's been taught is true because of the way it makes her feel. She's never been happier.
Jesse Mack: He thanked us for our teaching because of the positive changes he has noticed in himself. He smiles more, is less defensive, and has more patience. He feels something different and loves it.
Bro. Simmons: He hasn't been to church in years, and told us a month ago he wouldn't come until he 'found what he was looking for'. He realized he was looking beyond the mark, and remembered the joy he had years ago. On Sunday his ransmission went out, so he walked to church. It took an hour.
These changes are real and these changes are big. So what motivates someone to change?
The answer comes in Mosiah 5:2.
"We KNOW of their surety and TRUTH, because of the SPIRIT of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty CHANGE in us, or in our hearts."
The spirit is feelings of peace, joy and happiness that sink deep into our hearts. We feel it when we are doing good things-reading scriptures, going to church, praying, and serving others. It makes us happy, so we want to keep doing those things. As we do, our natures are changed. Change is the gospel I'm teaching.
And hey, change ain't strange! In fact, that's exactly why we are on earth! To learn, to grow, to develop. To stop making mistakes and to learn from the past. In essence, to become better each and everyday.
I know I've changed on my mission because I avoid speaking ill of others.I appreciate and embrace differences. I love a lot deeper and know everyone has a story to explain how they became the way they are. I want to serve others every chance I get. I think less about myself. I'm happier. I'm more confident. I'm feel more at peace. And that is why I loveeeeeeeee being out here!!!
Make it a great week and go improve!
Sister Madsen
pumpkin chocolate chip cookies on exchanges with sister shattuck!
found this car seat on someones front porch! hahha how I love the south!
sweet Sister Jackson who drove us far away for our appointment!
the first stages of doing family history....
the end result of family history!!! hahah it really does bring happiness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
old man who stopped to help Sister Stiles with her stuck skirt....hahah! souther hospitality at its finest!
Walmart. Jesus. what more could you ask for? i love the southern lifestyle!!!
Nicole looking beautiful at church!!!!!!!
Love these girls!!
Brother Simmons! He WALKED to church. Now that is some dedication!!!
Sister Reeves!! She has been in the Leeds Ward for years...back when it only had a few members and was a tiny branch! bless her heart! She is Charles Barkleys aunt. nbd.
real home cooked southern bbq. we made our own sweet potato fries!!!! YUM!
No comments:
Post a Comment