August 25th, 2014

Good afternoon everyone!!

Thought of the Week 

I was reading a talk called pray always by David A. Bednar and it was super awesome so here's an excerpt:

“And now, behold, I say unto you, that these are the generations of the heaven and of the earth, when they were created, in the day that I, the Lord God, made the heaven and the earth,

“And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth”  -Moses 3:4–5

We learn from these verses that the spiritual creation preceded the temporal creation. In a similar way, meaningful morning prayer is an important element in the spiritual creation of each day—and precedes the temporal creation or the actual execution of the day. Just as the temporal creation was linked to and a continuation of the spiritual creation, so meaningful morning and evening prayers are linked to and are a continuation of each other.

Consider this example. There may be things in our character, in our behavior, or concerning our spiritual growth about which we need to counsel with Heavenly Father in morning prayer. After expressing appropriate thanks for blessings received, we plead for understanding, direction, and help to do the things we cannot do in our own strength alone." 

I love this thought so much! It really helped me understand how important morning prayer is. He talks about how our morning prayer helps us spiritually create our day before physically creating it by living it. It hit me how much more powerful and meaningful each and everyday can be if we truly live by this principle. I have started doing this for the past few days and I have seen a noticeable difference in my purpose and where my thoughts are directed. I continue to think about what ways I can improve and be better and in turn I am presented with so many more opportunities to learn and grow each day!

I also really liked the principles of prayer that he covers in this talk:

• Reflect on those occasions when we have spoken harshly or inappropriately to those we love the most.
  
• Recognize that we know better than this, but we do not always act in accordance with what we know.
  
• Express remorse for our weaknesses and for not putting off the natural man more earnestly.
  
• Determine to pattern our life after the Savior more completely.
• Plead for greater strength to do and to become better

I think the reason this hit me so hard this week is because it was a new level of spiritual learning for me! I pray frequently, I exercise faith, I work hard and now I am learning to have meaningful prayers and truly converse with my Father in Heaven frequently. 

There still isn't a ton going on lately but Heavenly Father has been answering my prayers in little ways here and there. I have been able to really conquer my fears. I had an incredible breakthrough this last week. I realized something, I am fully confident with knocking on doors, working with the members and teaching lessons, but I had a huge weakness: I was really struggling with just talking to people on the street or in public places because I was thinking about how awkward it might be or how I was scared of being rejected. 

Then it hit me, this is exactly what Satan wants me to think to prevent me from reaching my full potential! Why do l even care what people think of me? Why am I so afraid? I am never going to see these people again in my life and what's the big deal if they reject me? I am here to be a missionary and that is what I need to do! So I had this new resolve and determination to talk to everyone I possibly can and show my willingness and faith to Heavenly Father. 

That first day I talked to like 7 people and one of them was super interested and turned into a new investigator! It's amazing what a difference it made once I just made the choice to get over myself and face my fears! I am so grateful to be able to come to this point of turning this weakness into a strength because this has been a struggle for my entire mission and I wasn't sure if I would ever overcome it. I know Heavenly Father has answered my prayers and blessed me with the ability to continue to refine myself and turn weaknesses into strengths because I have been seeking for the opportunities through diligently praying sincerely and working hard to achieve it! 

I never cease to be amazed at Heavenly Father's patience, love and desire to help me learn and become better no matter how long it takes or what struggles I go through in the process. He is always there right beside with his steady reassuring hand leading the way and picking me back up when I stumble or fall. 

The only downside to this week actually happened this morning. So there I was running peacefully and enjoying the beautiful weather when before I know it I was face down on my hands and knees on the ground. My stupid foot decided to get caught on and uneven sidewalk again today and I ended up with skinned knees once again. 

The sad part is this exact thing happened about a month ago as I am sure many of you remember and my knees were finally all healed with perfectly new skin to protect them. Then I go and skin them again requiring my poor knees to work excessively hard to try to repair themselves again. I didn't realize that one of the biggest challenges on my mission would be staying upright while trying to run on the sidewalk! :) It was pretty hilarious though! Hopefully this isn't my fate for the rest of my mission, to walk around with scabby knees! 

Anyways, I hope you all have a fabulous week! Thanks again for all your incredible love and support! I can feel it strengthening and stabilizing me every moment of every day! :) Keep the faith and don't forget to smile!! :)

Love always,

 Sister Johnson :)

 Our "cheer up" party for a member who just got out of the hospital :)

 Beautiful sunset!