He Has Prepared Me

I marvel at how God has prepared me to serve.  In every challenge I have ever had in my life, there has been a way for me not only to escape but to grow as well.  When I have the chance to glimpse my trials in perspective, I find how much easier it would have been if I would only have learned to listen. I didn’t learn to truly listen to my parents and teachers who taught me the truth. I have had every tool and everything necessary for me to succeed, and yet I still failed.  I was entrenched deep beginning to lose hope but still trying to persist and endure.

I think it was best said by an investigator taught by a return missionary named Christina who served in Meza, AZ, whom I heard at a dear friend’s Mission Farewell.  The individual said,  “I’ve lived my whole life in sin, and I’m tired, I want to do whatever I can for Righteousness.”  As direct a quote as I can remember.  I hadn’t realized before, but at the beginning of my trials I was sent my best friend I’ve ever had Logan Jones, and he was the only reason I kept up the good fight.  Then came my worst experiences ever.  I was tired, and that’s when I was sent the family who could help me to change. . .  The Carters.  We must have been great friends in the pre-mortal existence because we think so much alike and they bring out the best I can be.  They don’t know but I’ve learned more lessons from them, then anytime else in my life, and maybe ever besides my mission.  I’ve had so so so many good influences in my life and so many good hearts to guide me.  I am so very thankful for those missionaries and teachers in my ward who went before me to set the example.  I won’t name them all but it’s amazing the way the Lord knows how best to help each of us learn and progress.  And then I learned you can either feel sorry for yourself or you can change, and through the power of the Spirit I began to change.

Today in combined Priesthood and Relief Society about 8 individuals from our ward spoke about understanding and experiences of the Spirit they personally had for themselves.  THEY WERE POWERFUL!!  I gained a strong testimony of how what I deem to be “ordinary people” have had their own witnesses and experiences of great trial and faith.  How humbling it was to hear and see the determination and feel their spirit.  In my preparation for a mission I need to find that deep spirit that everyone has and learn to see people for their own pure goodness and faith, and how in almost any circumstance you can find the savior.  Because of this I felt just a moment of the Pure Love of Christ!

The bar is set high!  Tonight I also listened to 2 men, who are but months older then I am, who spoke with such power and spirit, that I will not easily forget the promptings I felt when they were teaching.  They spoke of how as a Missionary, and even as a person, we must be constantly ready to receive revelation, not letting a single bad thought consume our thoughts, words or deeds.  To be able to act upon the Spirit at any instance.  Elder Spurlin, and Harlin (names may be spelled differently) were one of the big reasons I was prompted to come home from BYU a semester early.  I had the strong prompting of the Spirit that it was where I needed to be.  I now know that it was because I was supposed to see how missionaries who are working hard with the Spirit as the guide cannot falter.  And to see the pureness and sincerity and love in their eyes and actions made me want to improve myself so that I can see miracles EVERY DAY!!  I also know that there is someone else here that I can touch by the Spirit and help to teach, and as the Missionaries asked of us I will pray for the Lord to help me know and hear and speak by the spirit, and pray every day for forgiveness and someone whom I can help bring unto Christ!!  I will always Remember there can be miracles, when you believe. (Prince of Egypt, “When You Believe”)

Constantly Seeking