Elder Tyler's email 11/24/2014
Dear Dad,
Oh my gosh I wish I could email all day! did you read Tanner's email?! holy crap!! that was freakin awesome!!! ...Britney getting a job?!?! ...all the mission calls?! ...HIGHLAND FINALLY WINNING STATE?!?! holy.. I need to calm down. Now I know how Alma and Nephi feel when they said that their joy was so exceedingly full unto the consuming of their flesh! my heart is burning, and my fingers are trembling!! hahah
Oh man. I just can't get enough of mission life! it's tough, but that's what makes it fun! you can see yourself grow if you look around. it's soo important to not compare yourself with others, but to compare yourself to yourself. when you do that, the growth is undenialble, and you become motivated that your efforts are availing to something! Track was (is) one of my favorite sports because you can see week to week yourself take two steps forward, one or two back, but then two more forward, and it's so thrilling, and driving! this realization is probably one of the greatest tender mercy revelations I've received so far on my mission! it had helped be to see past other people's numbers (my comp is the district leader, so I see them all) and focus on mine, my personal goals of becoming more chirst-like, and continue to grow in grace! I'm not saying this to boast in myself, but to show that comparison to others is an effective tool of the adversary, and decreases your spiritual effectiveness. when you can see change in yourself, your testimony of the Atonement grows, and you have a greater respect for it's power and an increased desire to share it with others!
I really appreciate what Elder Judy said about obedience! I recently (this morning) re-studied the story of the stripling warriors, and found out that their exact obedience, and the desires of their hearts were the things that manifested the power of God in them. In alma, it says that none were lost, but EVERY one of them suffered MANY wounds. This I believe was to testify that it wasn't in their strength that they did this, because were it up to them, they would have died due to these injuries. but despite their injuries on battle, their faith was unshaken, and they continued in their desire to protect their fathers and families. sometimes in the work of the Lord we receive many wounds. this isn't because you were doing something wrong, it's so that the power of God can manifest itself in you, and to other people. though they never fought before, and their inexperience may have lead to injuries, their unshakable trust in the Lord provided the miracle.
I want to share an awesome experience! I thought before my mission that the "fun" times and the "awesome experiences" would be in doing something crazy. I was right only in that it's through following the spirit that this happens. we walked passed this group of people eating at our apartment complex, and I got the crazy impression to go offer to them a blessing on the food! I told this to Elder Roper who grinned in reply, and we turned around. when we offered to say the prayer, it started with introductions for everyone, handshakes all around, and a warm welcome. one young lady said "I already ate, so you'll have to bless my stomach." so I offered the prayer over their food, and blessed this young woman's stomach and the contents therein to nurture the body. it was such a fun experience, and it left me smiling the whole rest of the evening!
I love being a missionary! I can't get over all the awesome opportunities that are put in our path to share the gospel, to be the message of love, and to show others the happiness the gospel brings.
I love you too Dad!! thank you for your faith and prayers! I wouldn't be where I am now with the attitude I have now without them! same goes for all that read this letter! thank you soo much for your faith. I'm overwhelmed at times when I pray to thank Heavenly Father for all the prayers in my behalf. Thank you again. They are the reason I can press forward with a steadfast faith in Christ! I love you all so much!!
Love,
Elder Judy
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