Hello LIFE.Favorite links first!!
Beatta is FINNISH! Just like my new INCREDIBLE companion (Sister Moisio).
Hooray for girl power!!
We taught a 22 year old named Logan this week. Arizona. 99% of his friends are LDS. And he knows a lot about the gospel. Logistics I suppose. He knows what a home teacher is and a companion. He's met missionaries before. So when I asked him if he wanted to again, he said, "Yeah. I'm looking for answers but not really finding any".
Me: Well, what would you like Sister Moisio and I to prepare more for you about? Anything specific?
Logan: I know it all. You better have your guns loaded when you call.
Ha! Well, Logan is hilarious. We prayed probably 3-4 times for him before we called. Well, when we called, the spirit took over. It was one of the smoothest conversations ever. Spirit-led. Christ centered. His needs, not our agenda. He hasn't prayed in over a year. How can he find spiritual answers if he doesn't ask a spiritual source? He realized what he needed to do to find answers.
With the lieu of a new transfer comes my favorite things. "Getting to know you's" and "check-ins". Room check-ins, sure, but if you know me at all, you know my favorite type of check-in involves uninterrupted eye contact (thank you Baby Mama).
Speaking of Mamas....I gave a talk on Sunday. I was asked to speak for about 7-10 minutes about this quote: "No other success can compensate for failure in the home. The poorest shack in which love prevails over a united family is of greater value to God and future humanity than any other riches. In such a home God can work miracles and will work miracles. -President David O. McKay"
Basically I focused in on 3 incredible women who live that motto. Women who help their homes put trust in God and faith in Jesus Christ.
The first was a woman who, as a teenager, was asked to serve as the mother of God's son. (no pressure). But when she was first told of her destiny, here's some reassuring comfort: "And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God" Luke 1:30. With no better circumstances, she gave birth to the Savior of the world in a tiny manger. With no better medical supplies, this faithful woman turned to her Heavenly Father. Trusted Him. Put His will first. Then put her faith in that tiny baby. She knew who He was. And humbly, lived what she knew.
Then there is Lucy Mack Smith. The mother who would raise the prophet of the restoration. She's incredible. I thought about the strength that she had as she watched her young son endure a painful surgery in the early 1820s. The surgeons operated "by boring into the bone of his leg, first on one side of the bone where it was affected, then on the other side, after which they broke it off with a pair of forceps or pinchers. They thus took away large pieces of the bone". (History of Joseph Smith) When the surgery ended, Lucy was incited to enter the room, She wrote: "What a spectacle for a mother's eye! The wound torn open, the blood still gushing from it, and the bed literally covered with blood. Jospeh was pale as a corpse". I'm grateful for the trust that Lucy put in God. Through everything. And the faith that she taught her son Jospeh Smith to put in the Savior.
Then there's the warrior of today. Mama Harmer. She's incredible isn't she? I talked about a time on my mission when she really helped me put things in perspective. I once received a letter from my mom, (I'm sure after I had complained about feeling too tired or sore...). She wrote, "Dearest Sister Harmer....I want you to know I am with you always. Holding you and helping you endure, no matter what the task. Exercising, studying, giving tours, learning the programs. You are so special to so many, but most importantly your Heavenly Father. He can give you strength to move mountains, touch hearts and teach souls. I'm sure there are days you are exhausted both spiritually and physically. Just say your prayers to endure and have the strength to conquer all. Remember to always trust Him, no matter how small or big the task is....Enjoy the journey!" I am SO grateful for my mother. She has taught me where to turn. I know that her example of Christ-like charity has been my standard. I love her so much.
Thanks for a wonderful week!!
Sister Amy
