Hola a todos! I hope you have had a great week. This past week for us in Maryland has been a good one. We had the privilege and opportunity to be visited by two general authorities. One of which was Elder Haynie, a member of the 70 who gave the talk at this recent general conference on following the prophet and compressing our plastic water bottles. To say the least, it was delightful to be addressed by an authorized representative of the Lord, especially before the general conference. I will return to his comments later in this email.
We had exchanges in various parts of the mission and were blessed to attend a mission leadership council meeting on Friday. We have seen quite a few miracles, and have felt the guiding hand of the Lord in our lives as we do our best to gather scattered Israel. A few storms have blown up the East Coast, and this past week has been full of rain.
This past week, Elder Haynie and Elder Daines had some powerful insights into our purpose as missionaries. Elder Haynie expanded my understanding of the gathering of scattered Israel, something that has been preached from the pulpit of general conference many times within the previous few years. There are two quotes that I wish to highlight and share with you that Elder Haynie shared during this past week. For many of us, living within the kingdom of God and participating in the work associated is a privilege but often draining task. God seems to demand the very best of us, which is true in some ways. But I wish to remind you that God is at times and in all ways and all places our loving Heavenly Father. There is absolutely nothing that you could ever do in your life that could separate you from the love of God. (Romans 8). That being said, within whatever capacity in which you serve, remember that "God does not choose based upon the criteria of the world." (Elder Haynie). I wish to remind you that God's eyes and standards are often not the world's eyes and standards. Remember that you are called to this work because you are exactly who the Lord needs. Do not let Satan tell you otherwise. However, we need to remember that we are given things to do, from callings in His kingdom to keeping the commandments, that are meant to change our natures. As missionaries, obedience is often brought up. While it can have a negative connotation, it is crucial to remember that it is a good indication of where our heart lies. No, we are not perfect and we do make mistakes, but when we desire to be obedient with all our heart, we give our will to God and He can shape and mold us. "The tragedy of obedience is that you return home the same person you were when you left" (Elder Haynie). The principle taught is that we have to be all in. If we desire to become who God wants us to become, we cannot have one foot in the world and the other in the work. My dear brothers and sisters, whatever your capacity in the Lord's kingdom, be all in. Do not sell yourself short of growth and change by hanging onto mistakes of your past, the whispering doubts of the adversary, or laziness and idleness. I promise that as you are all in, you will feel the Savior changing and shaping you into who He needs you to be. Your desires will change and blessings will enter into your life that weren't there before. I promise you joy as you embark in the service of God.
Con amor,
Elder Blackburn
No comments:
Post a Comment