3/3/2014
So the title of my
email this week is a quote from a little kid in our rama...hilarious. We were
discussing the fact that there is so much diversity in Grand Island-
Africans, middle Easterners, Asians, Rednecks, (oops, did I say that out
loud?) etc. This little 5 year old girl got furious about Hermana Pocock
and I faking speaking Chinese and shouted that. Hee-lah-ree-owss. (Hilarious.)
Oh boy, I love these people.
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| "Eternal Love" |
So this week was a
wonderful growing week. Still seeing the sad effects of people using their
agency, but I can't complain at all. I love this work! We had Zone Conference
this week, and guess who gave a training! These girls! (Hermana Pocock y yo.)
It was an incredible and humbling opportunity to study, learn from the Spirit,
and share that with others. We taught about the Doctrine of Jesus Christ, and
really how it is a surefire path from our loving Heavenly Father to help us
reach the deepest and dearest desires of our heart. He loves us and wants us to
be happy and blessed with all the good things we want. That's why we have the
gospel! It ensures us that as long as we are simply obedient, and repent every
day, we can have those good things. I really enjoyed giving a training, I was
not even very nervous! When you let the Spirit talk, things always go well.
I had an interesting
experience with the Lutheran Pastor, Bill, who works at the Veteran's Home as
well, this week. After we helped him sing a few hymns for the veterans, like we
do every week, he asked to speak with us. He shared a little something with
each one of us. For me, he told me that I need to be patient, because the Lord
has a lot in store for me. It may come later down the road but He has a plan
for me, and he knows that because he sees my tendency for leadership. He said
that he can tell that I have been through a lot in my life, and that I have had
to be refined to get to this point, but it was all for my good because it
taught me to lean on the Lord. It was a very interesting and thought-provoking
experience. I am glad that as we are serving the veterans, we are also touching
the hearts of other people.
I am grateful for all the encouragement I have been receiving
during these hard blessings, you all are wonderful! I love you dearly! Despite
the hard times and the sometimes saddening effects of other peoples'
agency-this is the most joyful I have ever been. It is worth everything. I am
reminded of a set of scripture in Hebrews chapter 10 that I LOVE. (When I read
this, I read it in Elder Holland's voice, because the first time I ever heard
it was in his BYU address entitled "Cast Not Away Therefore Thy
Confidence.")
32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye
were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by
reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them
that were so used.
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took
joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in
heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence,
which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye
have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come,
and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw
back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto
perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
"Cast not away therefore thy confidence...ye have need of
patience...we are not of them who draw back...but of them who believe to the
saving of the soul." Wow. This scripture was truly written for us, in
these times. I love the Lord, and sometimes I am not always as patient with Him
and as confident in Him as I should be. I have a tendency to think that if I
don't do something perfectly someone will not receive the gospel or if we don't
immediately see progress it is because I am doing something wrong. That is
pride and I am trying very hard to repent of it. Just as important as doing the
right thing is doing it for the right amount of time. I love this work and I am
going to be more humble and more trusting in the Lord. He has an infinitely
better plan and vision than I ever could anyways! No point in worrying myself
to death! He has it all in His hands-all I need to do is be exactly obedient
and turn all my will over to Him. I am so grateful for the Atonement and for
the opportunity we have to change and improve every day! I love my Savior! He
lives! This is His work! And I am not ashamed! I will NEVER draw back, and I
hope none of you will either. There is nothing worth more than your salvation.
May this letter find you all happy, healthy, and full of the
Spirit. I pray and fast for you often.
Vaya con Dios!
Love, Hermana Miller J
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