"Hold Fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes."

-Elder Holland

I love this quote from Elder Holland so much. I read it this morning in my personal studies and it brought me so much comfort. We experience so many trials in life where we think WHY? WHY ME? WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? Well we know that God has a plan for us and that everything is going to be okay as long as we "hold fast" to that knowledge. He will never leave us a lone. We may leave Him but he is constant and will ALWAYS be there for us. 

This morning I got some shocking news that was not expected at all. 

​Brother Garner, my ward mission leader, passes away last night. I was in shock and was not expecting that at all. 

This is where the quote comes in. I know that God has a plan for each of us individually. I do not perfectly know the plan He has but I do know that there is a plan. This life is such a small portion of Eternity. Yes it is sad, but we can rejoice because this is not the end.

 

"The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take the love out of life." 

Aren't we so blessed to have so many loved ones? So many friends and family who care about us dearly. In this life we will experience so much sorrow and grief but because we know what that is like it makes the happy times so much better and we can experience so much joy. 

I am so grateful for this knowledge of the gospel. It brings me so much peace and happiness. This is the one and only true church and I gain a greater testimony of that every single day. I am so grateful for the time I have to serve as a missionary. God knew that is what I needed far before I knew that is what I needed. "I will follow God's plan for me. Holding fast to His words and His love. I will work and i will pray I will always walk in his way. And I will be happy on earth and in my home above." 

(Those may not be the exact words but I have faith that they are close;) 

I have an a really good week. I love the people in Three Rivers. It is so fun to walk down the street and have people say Hi and wave and I am like "This is my town!" Haha but I am famous in Three Rivers! A while ago Sister Roberts and I took a survey about downtown Three Rivers and they took a picture of us doing it. Well we are now on posters all over downtown! I AM FAMOUS!! I knew this day would come;) haha It is pretty great. It isn't to serious yet but people are letting us into their homes more so there is good coming from it;) Ok it has no relation.

BUT... people are letting us in more. We got 7 new investigators this last week. 

Keisha and Jerrod- They first thought that Mormon's did not believe that black people have souls. I was like no no that is Red heads... haha I love teasing Sister Edwards for being a redhead. She makes jokes about it to so all is well. SO after we got that false doctrine fixed we found out that Sister Edwards knew her brother from the first area she served in. In fact, Jerrod used to go play basketball with the Elders in St. Joseph. They were really interested and it was cool to see that we are able to harvest seeds that other missionaries have planted. It doesn't matter how many baptisms we get, none of our work is a waste. 

So as a missionary we encounter so many different people. We try to help all. We set up a lesson with this guy who was really wanting to change. So the day comes and we are waiting for him but he was not able to meet. He went to jail the night before unfortunately. SATAN!!! Ahhh... Why does he have to work so hard on people when we are trying to help them? Oh yeah because he wants to make every one miserable! Haha that is ok because Satan doesn't win in the end! SPOILER ALERT! 

Be Quick to Forgive

Why? Because it brings freedom.

Once upon a time there were some Sister Missionaries (We aren't perfect) who got in a little argument because we cannot read each others minds. As Much as they wished they could... they could not! So this argument caused tension and that is not okay in a companionship because then there is no room for the spirit. One Sister Ended up apologizing and the other was left with the choice to forgive or to hold a grudge.

 Well... I forgave her and it was the coolest experience. I am one to hold a grudge. It is something I have been working on for the longest time. No matter how hard I would try to forgive someone what ever they did still ate me alive. This time it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders and I was truly able to forgive.

Being able to forgive is a charitable act and it is hard but as we strive to develop charity we can forgive. My nature has been changed time and time again. If we will let the Lord help us change and become better we WILL change and become better! 

This gospel works miracles I can promise you that! 

I hope you all have a fabulous week!! FALL IS COMING!! YAY sweater weather is among us!!! 

I love you all! The gospel is true! 

Mosiah 4:9