I can't believe that I have been out in New York for a month now. So much has happened! A lot of growth, challenges and opportunities to get personally get better! Even though some days are tough, I am grateful for every one of them. I feel like a different person in just one month. I can't wait to see what happens in the next month.
I really like the quote..."Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift... that is why it is called the present". Today I was thinking about all of the things I have learned as a missionary and as a person and decided to write them down. My list was bigger than expected... in just 1 month I have learned the following:
1) The Mormon Tabernacle Choir can put me to sleep faster than Nyquil. I have developed a deep love for LDS artists like the Lower Lights, and Rob Gardener (Lamb of God). I didn't know that I liked country gospel music until being out here and now I can't get enough of it... crazy right?
2) A missionary's saving grace is peanut butter sandwiches, quesadillas and Cliff Bars. Chocolate is the enemy!
3) Alpaca wool gloves are warmer than anything else. And, it's not about the thickness of the clothes you wear, but the materials... so you stay warm.
4) Wear 3 layers of socks with boots. Regular tights, tennis shoe sock and then a wool sock (in that order will allow for you to not freeze the toes off). Also, mink oil waterproofs anything!
5) Make sure to smile. ALL THE TIME!! :) People like it when you smile.
6) Every missionary has their own talents, we are all different instruments in the Lord's Symphony! Just because I might be a trumpet and my companion is a flute, does not make me any less important or needed! We also should not compare ourselves.
7) WORK HARD, WORK SMART AND WORK CONSISTENTLY. You need all three all the time. All three must equally be applied or else the results will not meet the goal that we are striving towards.
8) There is no comfort in the Growth Zone, and no growth in the Comfort Zone! Get out of your comfort zone!! That is when change occurs. The 'natural man' does not want change, because it is not comfortable! If we put our faith in the Savior and look to Him and rely on Him, we can do anything!
9) Faith without works is dead. Activate your agency and get to work! That is when we allow the Holy Ghost to testify and sanctify ourselves!
10) I should be (am) my first convert! My mission is successful if the only one I convert is me!
11) Hope endures when faith is weak!
12) Meekness means "strength under control".
13) Write things down!! Especially promptings or impressions from the Spirit.
14) Time. It's kinda important! Don't waste it!
15) The Spirit is the teacher. I am merely a vessel of the Spirit. That is why attitude and obedience is key. Our thoughts, words, deeds, and actions do turn into our destiny !!
16) As Abinadi says, "we need to apply our hearts to understanding". When we do this, that is how we get wisdom! Experiencing and testing out parts of the gospel will build our faith!
17) Application. Application. Application. After Church or any other spiritual experience you should also ask "How can I apply what I learned today, TODAY?" Through application comes power and progression!!
18) Sometimes hymns make for amazing study materials. If you have a question about something, look up the topic in the back of the book and just start reading hymns! My new favorite Hymn, number 100 "Nearer My God to Thee".
19) I really should not sing... but yet people still want me too.. Ha Ha, their mistake.
20) The priesthood is soooo important to this church. It is what make it the TRUE and LIVING Church.
21) Prayer. As they say, "Duct tape is silver, but silence is golden." After praying, spend 30 minutes to just sit in silence and think about what you just prayed about. Quiet time = revelation time!!
 |
| Working with the Sisters in Owego, New York |
I had a lot of great experiences seeing old MTC friends, but also making new friends this week! Also New York is really pretty... I have seen Ithaca, Syracuse, Utica, and Cortland in just the last few days.
The Church is True !!! Stay Awesome !!
Sister Kylie Williams
