MTC - El Ultimo Semana‏, Jan. 29, 2010

Hola Familia!

This is my last week at the MTC, so I want to share with you some of the things I have learned from my experience here.

#1 God really does have a specific plan for each of us, and I shouldn't be presumptious by to thinking I know what it is; i just have to trust him.

#2 Heavenly Father humbles us so we can learn that when we are strong we are strong because of him. If we think we can do it on our own we are missiong the point.

#3 We are here to become like God. Part of that is learning how to control the natural man. i have learned so much about self-control here. I have made goals and stuck to them- I've gotten up early every morning for aerobics (except twice when i forgot to set my alarm), I've only had desserts on holidays, and I have eaten really healthy. These things have given me more control over my physical body, and as a result I haven't gotten sick. There is so much more we can do than we realize to make our lives the way we want them to be. It is the same way with strengthening our spirits- we have the control to do what is best for them and if we do we are blessed.

#4 Being obedient is the key to unlocking blessings from God. Even the small thaings that we need to do- if we do them they unlock more blessings. They help us come closer to God and have more power over temptation. Being obedient also brings you respect and the ability to lead, because people will want to follow your example and they can see that you aren't being hypocritical. Another blessing of being obedient is that when someone tells you you should do something you donm't get frustrated at being told what to do, because you have already chosen that you want to do it for yourself.

#5 There were so many things that i didn't realize were commandments- like praying and reading your scriptures every day, and having family home evening. I always thought they were just good things you could choose to do to help you out. These are commandments because they also unlock blessings in our lives and help us. I know that learning to live the commandments and follow all of the mission rules has taught me so much and strengthened me spiritually and also really prepared me to go out into the world and teach the gospel and represent Jesus Christ without feeling hypocritical.

#6 The spirit really does help us and work through us.

#7 There are so many people out there ready and waiting for the gospel- the field truly is white.

#8 I have learned how to apply the scriptures to my life, and I keep learning how I can better help others apply the gospel to the situations they are goind through.

#9 I've learned not to worry so much about whether or not something is a prompting from the spirit- if it is good and it seems like a prompting then do it- at least you are showing the Lord that you are willing to follow his promptings. Don['t wait until you know why you have to do it to do it. A lot of times heavenly Father doesn't tell us why because we don't need to know- we just need to have faith, and then sometimes after our test of faith we will get the confirmation of why. As long as we are striving to do what is right the Lord promises us that we won't be led astray.

#10 We truly are God's children- he understands and loves each of us. Another part of becoming like him on this earth is learning how to love everyone. It is not the easiest thing to do, especially when you are with some of them 24/7. No matter how great they are it is still hard- everyone has weaknesses and frustrating things about them, and Satan wants us to focus on that, whereas God can help us look past that and love them anyway.

#11 i've realized a lot more about what makes people admirable and extraordinary and what I want to strive to become, especially from the examples in the scriptures. i've realized that good people do good things and make good choices, but I think what makes a person extraordinary is when they do what is right no matter how small and insignificant it seems, and no matter how big and significant the excuses that they could potentially use are. We don't ever have to use excuses- we can do what is right and what we know we need to do, and when we don't we can be strong enough to take the responsibility to change it. We can wither act or be acted upon.

#12 Heavenly Father will help us as we take the initiative to change our lives and be better. There is no way I could have come this far on my mission without his support, the comfort from the spirit, the times i have been humbled, the cumulative hours on my knees in prayer, and the testimonies and things I have learned from all of the great teachers and other missionaries here. It is an incredible work to be part of and it blesses us and brings us joy as well.

You can pray to be part of the missionary work as well. i know that as you ask specifically to have missionary experiences the Lord will help and support you, and that really is how you could help me out as well. i hope that when i get to my areas the members will be excited about missionary work and want to help.

Will you pray with real intent to find a way to help with the missionary work? :D

I love you all so much! Thank you for your testimonies and examples. :)

Have a great week!

Love,
Hermana Dansie