The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, small planting, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tainted visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need pre-eminence, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be first, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on his presence, am uplifted by my prayer and labor with power. My face is set, my gait is fast, and my goal is Heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough. My companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ. I must go till he stops me. And when He returns for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. MY BANNER WILL BE CLEAR!
This week has been pretty crazy. I got my flight plans and I leave the MTC at 4:00 am on Monday, the 19th. AH! I'm so excited out of my mind! I thought that I would be nervous when I got to this point, but I'm not at all. I'm ready to teach people about eternal bliss baby!
I have a funny story to tell. Yesterday at lunch a couple of Elders in the Zone wanted to find out if they could empty the entire dispenser of marshmellow mateys. So they tried to see if they two of them could do it, but to none avail. The word spread throughout the Zone, and everybody disregarded what they had been previously eating and joined in (except for Hermana Cozzens, she doesn't like marshmellow mateys). I even ate a bowl myself. In the end, the container was empty, and we all felt very satisfied with ourselves for accomplishing such an important achievement. Some of the Elders ate like six bowls. It took about fifty in all. It was pretty hilarious to see all of the cereals full except that one.
We had another TRC yesterday. We had a goal to have the lesson very conversational and a lesson that would change the volunteer's life. It was the second lesson (Plan of Salvation) and the Law of Tithing to a recent convert. It is amazing how the Spirit guides the conversation recent convert. It is amazing how the spirit guides the conversation when you go in their with a plan and a bank of knowledge to draw from. Another instance of my companion saying the words I was thinking. Someone once told me that the fun of missionary work is when you follow the spirit and you sit back and watch it tough the people you are teaching. This was one of those moments, that I just felt like I was only an instrument in the hands of God to bring someone closer to Christ. I can't wait until I can share the message of Jesus Christ with Ecuador. I know that He lives and it is through His plan of faith, repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end that brings eternal bliss.
It makes me laugh to think that some people don't think that the gospel is for them. Basically, they are saying that eternal bliss just isn't for them. Like it says in Alma 37:44 "the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss...." That just wants to make me say, "Well, if the gospel isn't for you, then i guess neither is happiness."
I have one more scripture that I'd like to share. There is also a song based on it called "My kindness shall not depart from thee." So amazing. Anyway, it's 3 Nephi 22. It's all about not fearing and realizing that absolutely nothing has power over me. I have been called of God to call people repentance, and even though "The mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee."
Have faith! God will take care of you. There is nothing that Satan can throw at you that you can't fight off. For me, I have the authority to teach, for you, you have the marvelous gift of the holy ghost. Use it! That is what sets you apart from all the other people in the world. You have the companionship of a member of the God head.
The next time you hear from me I'll be in Ecuador!
Love Hna Cooper
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