Farewell Talk

Good Morning Brothers and sisters. I am so happy to speak to you today. I know I haven’t been in this ward very long, about 7 months, But I Love you all so much! There are so many wonderful members in this ward, so many valiant soldiers of the lord. For those of you who do not know I was called to serve in the Temple square Salt Lake City Utah mission. I report to the missionary training center on the 18th. I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity to serve. What a glorious place as Temple Square to teach and touch the lives of others with the sweet spirit. So I was asked to speak to you today on James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. My talk will be focused upon the word Doer. The verses continue… For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straight way forgetheth what manner of man he was. But who so looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth there in, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. In the footnotes it describes a doer with the words – commitment, duty, and good works. Now what makes a good missionary? Commitment, duty, and good works. As we are missionaries in the field or in everyday life we are doers of the word. L Tom Perry spoke on this very topic in 1977. He had some wonderful words of wisdom how to become a doer • Determine to be the best in your chosen field. o For me right now, or in the future what it may be… o Missionary o Wife o Mother o Daughter o Sister o Visiting teacher… ect.. In our life roles and our callings we must strive to be the best doers we can be. Next. • Each day make a full effort to be more productive then you were the day before. Now I don’t know about you, but is there a never ending list? Do not be discouraged as long as there is productive progress each day. A couple days ago I wrote myself an actual list. I was like ok today I’m going to do this then that then those then these, and all I was able to do was clean out the garage that day. As long as we do things correctly there is improvement. Sometimes things take hours when we think they will be done in no time at all. The lord always does things the right way. It is more important that things are done correctly instead of being rushed through. The next point Elder L Tom Perry made that to me seemed the most important was • We have accepted the obligation to build the kingdom of god on here earth. ( We have already accepted this great work. And we are reminded of it through our scriptures, and prophets. Missionary work must be done. We told our father we would, so we must. While reading James 1:22-25 I thought of a little child asked by their parent to go get something from the pantry and them hearing it but not doing it, and then forgetting what it was in the first place they went down stairs to the pantry to get. If we do not mind our father we will forget our divine purpose here. We will not reach our full potential. I also though of the natural man with in us as we do not obey. A while ago I was thinking WHO AM I? As in who was I before I came to this earth? Who is my spirit? What was I like? How can I become that way again? I then came to the conclusion I have not changed. We do not change; we are the same spirit children now in these bodies as we were in the pre mortal existence. We only forget. As we sin, as we ignore the promptings of the spirit, and as we stray from the word of the father. There are so many other ways that we can become doers. In service. Mosiah 2:17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn awisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the bservice of your cfellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. President Thomas S Monson shared a story in a priesthood session about when he served as a priest corm advisor and he was helping some less active priests strengthen their testimony, and find what happiness the blessings of the gospel bring to life. Unfortunately these young men later again fell away in the busyness of school, and occupation. However President Monson said every time he sees them he says, “I am still your corm president and I wont let you go! You mean so much to me. I want you to have blessings that come with activity in the church. They know I love them. And that I’ll never give up on them. WE MUST NEVER GIVE UP! While serving and wanting so much for someone it takes never ending patience. I have had some similar experiences through out high school. That have followed me to this day, that will follow me forever. They have helped me love to serve, no matter the hard ship it may bring at times. The blessings far out weigh the sacrifice. I always did the school plays, and my senior year I had noticed a young man in the drama room who I had never met before. This was kind of strange because there was kind of a drama clique. Not that anyone else wasn’t invited, just that us drama nerds can be fairly crazy in our own way, and most of the other student body wasn’t very interested. But this guy was sitting alone, trying to mingle, and getting rejected. So I thought id see why no one wanted to talk to him. I got to know Rigo very well. And though we are so different we are wonderful friends. There was something about Rigo. Although he was lost, and didn’t even believe that God existed, there was curiosity, and hope in his eyes. He wanted to hang out with me outside of school. I wanted to put him under my wing and be his best pal. But I didn’t want him getting the wrong idea. So I invited Rigo to mutual. Although Rigo didn’t enjoy the activity, he enjoyed the conversations I had with him in the car ride to and from. As did I! I told him about the plan of salvation, and the restoration. I told him about the savior and the atonement. These were just brief summaries and Rigo says “I think I want to try your church out. I think I’m gonna get baptized.” I laughed and thought to myself well that’s not exactly how it works, we don’t just try it out haha but I said “WOW! Great!” and we met with the elders. Now I could tell you Rigos whole story along his path of trial and triumph as he has joined the church, but I am not here to tell Rigos story. But The point is that Rigo struggles just like all of us, but we all suffer in a different way, and when we forget to have faith our load becomes to heavy to bear. At this time Rigo is inactive. It saddens me, but I hope that he will have the strength to rise above his opposition through the atonement. I converse with this friend very often, and plan to on my mission, by mail every once in a while, and through out the rest of my life. He has become my duty to help lead home. I will never give up. Another way we are doers of the word is by faith. James 2:20 But wilt thou know oh vain man that faith without works is dead? Being a doer and acting upon our faith will bless our lives in so many wonderful ways. As we act upon our faith it does not make our troubles disappear, yet makes our loads easier to bear. Since I didn’t grow up in this ward I guess you most of you don’t really know very much about me. But all there really is to know is that I am an extremely blessed young woman. I have had so many super heros in my life, so many stripling warriors. One of those graces was my gramma. As a child I thought my burdens were unbearable and that they drug me down to the depths of despair. She would always remind me who I am, why I am here, and that my father in heaven is aware of my every need. That comfort was given every time. I always told myself that all hope would be gone if Gramma ever left me. Her health was really bad for a long while. I even made her promise to stay until I had children that she could hold, love, and counsel. Father had a different plan. He must have needed her more than I do. In March my hero left this earth and was reunited with her husband after 34 years of being widowed. To my surprise my gratitude out weighed my sorrow. My faith gave me strength. My grammas legacy lies forever within me. I know that I will see her again. I acted upon my faith as I leaned upon the atonement of my savior to heal my heart. The atonement will heal every pain in this life if we have faith in the remarkable power it holds. I also act upon my faith as I remember what a Christ like woman she was, and as I follow in the saviors foot prints as she did. Only the standard of excellence is the goal we should be attempting to achieve in the assignment we have been given. Now this may be cheesy but in the story of superman, superman leaves his home planet as a baby and never knew his father. Later in the story his father gets to speak to him and says, “You've grown stronger here than I ever could've imagined. The only way to know how strong is to keep testing your limits.” The difference is our father in heaven knows our potential, and he wants us to know that we will be so strong if we test our limits. I want to hear him say to me, “You’ve grown the strongest you can be here. Just as strong as I know you could become. You did this by testing your limits, and enduring to the end.” We will become excellent if we strive to test our earthly comfort and become like him. For so much pressure on a piece of coal creates a beautiful diamond. This past year there has been so much trial, so much opposition, and it has been continual. I have felt like Satan has been attacking our family and wants to destroy us, in well being, and in corral. Then again, this has been a year of beautiful blessings, of new and everlasting friendships, of self-discovery, and of eternal commitment to build this kingdom on earth. I know that if I did not see the evil, I would not appreciate the good. I have grown stronger then I have ever been with each lesson I have learned through the darkness and the light each day. I am so thankful for the temple. I am so awed by the power of that the temple can bless our lives with. I know that the work that is done in the Lords house builds his kingdom on high here on the earth. I am so thankful for the priesthood. I know that it is so real, and will poor out miracles. If it be the fathers will, and if we have faith in the power. I know that it makes a difference in the home. I will someday marry a worthy holder of the Lords power. I will follow his counsel, as he follows the father. I am so blessed. I Love all of you so much! I am so excited to go and Do the things which the lord has commanded. For I know that there is a way for me. There is a way prepared, and I know the spirit will always be with me if I follow his plan for me. A great scripture to help us do is Proverbs 3:1-5. Quote.. It is my favorite! We cannot possibly do, if we do not trust and have faith that the Lord handles everything. I know I become a better missionary, as I trust in his power. Testimony… In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Never Stop Improving

As I was sharing my poetry with my Grandfather he brought me out this poem. It is now my favorite! Written by President Lorenzo Snow. Dear Brother: Hast thou not been unwisely bold. Man's destiny to thus unfold? To raise, promote such high desire, Such vast ambition thus inspire? Still 'tis no phantom that we trace Man's ultimatum in life's race; This royal path has been long trod By righteous men each now a God. As Abra'm, Issac, Jacob too. First babes, then men, to Gods they grew. As man now is, our God once was; As now God is, so man may be- Which doth unfold man's destiny. For John declares: When Christ we see Like unto Him we'll truly be. And he who has this hope within Will purify himself from sin. Who keep this object grand in view, To folly, sin, will bid adieu. Nor wallow in the mire anew. Nor ever seek to carve his name High on the shaft of worldly fame; But here this ultimatum trace; The head of all his spirit-race. All, well. That taught by you dear Paul, Through much amazed, we see it all; Our Father God has ope'd our eyes. We cannot view it otherwise. This boy, like to his Father grown, Has but attained unto his own; To grow to sire from state of son, Is not 'gainst Nature's course to run. A son of God, like God to be, Would not be robbing Deity; And he who has this hope within, will purify himself from sin. You're right, St. John, Supremely right; Whoe'er essays to climb this height, Will cleanse himself of sin entire-- Or else 'twere needless to aspire.

The journey since my call

Oh my goodness! I have been a terrible blogger! There have been so many wondrous life experiences that I have not shared. First of all I got my mission call. The way that I opened this important manifestation on top of a mountain. Some of the greatest revelation received has been given on a mount. For the mountain is the closest you can be to heaven. In reading first Nephi 11:1-6 I had the prompting that I should go to the top of a mount and open my call. I wanted to know what my father had seen for me. So on I went to receive that divine revelation from my father that the call was of him, and that the call is where I indeed need to go. Salt Lake City Utah Temple Square Mission! Oh what a glorious call as Temple Square! I knew at that moment that the Lord truly needed me there. I literally ran down the whole mountain to tell everyone the news. Interestingly at this time in my home ward there was a Temple square sister missionary serving the out bound portion of her mission. Each Temple Square sister serves a certain period out bound. This means that they will serve in another mission as well. Right when this sister went back to Temple Square another Temple Square sister had come to our ward! How ironic! But I know this was no coincidence. I loved to talk to Sister Humble about the divine call. She told me that she has received the impression that Temple Square missionaries have a special understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Not that they understand it completely,but they have experienced things in their lives to give them a great and powerful testimony of the power it brings. I was pondering about what she said. Am I going to be as wise as these other sisters? Has the gift of the Atonement saved me in a significant way? As I was pondering these questions I thought of the obvious ways that I am saved through the great sacrifice, and gift of the Atonement. As I make mistakes each day, as I need forgiveness of my imperfect life. And as I learn through the trials, and become a better disciple of the Lord by leaning on the Atonement to help me stay on the straight and narrow. Everyone is saved by the Atonement in a significant way for their salvation if they use that gift to cleanse their spirit. I was thinking of specific examples in my life that I have truly needed this powerful remedy to the soul. I came across three times in my life where it has taught me great lessons, and healed me to the core of my existence. Like all of us, I am not a perfect person. I sin every day and make mistakes which need forgiveness. I am not exempt to the forgiveness portion of the Atonement. However, I have followed the prophets counsel, and have not needed to go through a very serious repentance process that needed to be resolved with priesthood authority. But a sin is a sin is a sin. The repentance process must take place in our lives to learn from every mistake we make. "Wherefore I know that thou art Redeemed, because of the righteousness of thy Redeemer; for thou hast beheld that in the fulness of time he cometh to bring salvation unto men." (2 Nephi 2:3) If there was no opposition we would not learn. "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility. Wherefore, it must needs have been created for a thing of naught; wherefore there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation. Wherefore, this thing must needs destroy the wisdom of God and his eternal purposes, and also the power, and the mercy, and the justice of God. Wherefore, it must needs have been created for a thing of naught; wherefore there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation. Wherefore, this thing must needs destroy the wisdom of God and his eternal purposes, and also the power, and the mercy, and the justice of God." (2 Nephi 2:11-12) For when we act in the justice of our God mercy will be granted unto us, his children. We make mistakes to learn and become better. We cannot become perfect without suffering mistakes, and good and bad consequences. The Atonement helps us in the "learning" and healing process. Although I use the power of the Atonement daily, one time that has reflected significance to who I am is totaling my car... I had picked up my little sisters from mutual and decided to take a rout home that I never had driven before myself. It was a gravel road and I was speeding. I was not speeding to rebel, I was not speeding to be naughty, I was not intending on wrecking the vehicle. However I was defiantly not following the law of the land, and I was indeed jeopardizing our safety by risking the chances of getting a bad consequence through that bad choice. As I was prompted to slow down, I took my foot off the gas, and began to feel shaky, the car began to fish tail. What did I do? I panicked! I put my foot on the brake not thinking of the consequences of this action and we swerved into a ditched and rolled three times into a potato field. I cannot describe the guilt that I felt through this moment of stupidity. I had put my sisters lives, and my life on the line for no reason at all. Just foolishness. I cannot take back the memory, I cannot take back the fright, I cannot take back the horror of this dreadful night. I could not believe that that had happened. I just kept asking myself why were you so stupid? Why did you do that? Really?! Now... What was I doing wrong in that time of grief and sorrow, in that time of regret and guilt? I was trying to take it back, I was wishing it away. When in-fact I could never do such a thing, but he could heal my heart, and could make it better. I was truly sorry for this awful sin. I was truly aware that this moment of stupidity was all my own, and others suffered because of it. My heart was heavy. It wasn't until I had faith that my prayers were being heard, until I had faith that he knew the sorrow in my heart, and that he loved me no less because of this transgression. The Atonement not only cleansed me from my sin at this time, but healed my heart. I knew that everything was ok. Another time I have been lifted by the remarkable power is when my great hero passed away. My Gramma Jorren was a beautiful soul. I loved her more than words could describe. Heavenly Father knew I needed her in my life to survive some awful hardships and struggles. I thought that my life would become a black whole of depression in my sweet Angel ever left me. I made her promise to stick around at least until I had children that she could hold, love, and council. The Father had another plan. To my surprise my gratitude out weighed my sorrow, my faith gave me strength. I acted upon my faith as I leaned upon the atonement of my savior to heal my heart. The atonement will heal every pain in this life if we have faith in the remarkable power it holds. The third way I have learned a huge lesson of the Atonement in my life that I thought to share, is not mine to share, they were moments where I watched others very dear to my heart go through this pain, this suffering, and beautiful renewing power. I was bettered by the Atonement by watching, and encouraging these gems to be polished by the blood of the Savior. What was red as crimson, shall be white as the pure driven snow. What is so beautiful about this gift is through it, is as if there was no sin in the Lords eyes. So obviously I do not have a perfect understanding of this wonderful Atonement, however I have a solid testimony of it. I use it everyday. There are plenty of stories I could tell of my falls, and the lifts I received from the hands of my redeemer. And I know that throughout my mission I will grow stronger through this power, and I will continue to understand it more, and more as I study of the sacrifice and ponder in the power. This is a great talk to learn more of this saving power. https://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/04/the-atonement-and-the-journey-of-mortality There are other reasons that I know that this mission is for me. I find more every day! I LOVE culture! I am in the perfect place for that. My mission is full of international Sister Missionaries. I will learn so much! Also, an interesting detail Sister Humble shared with me, is that I am probably one of the only younger Sisters on this mission being 19. Also another grand blessing that I have been given is being Endowed. (D&C 124:39) I feel ever closer to my Father in heaven, I understand his love for me more deeply. I will continue to return to the Sacred house of the Lord very often, and draw closer unto Him. I was set apart as a Missionary of the Lord on the 12th of december. I was given special authority to formally serve as an ambassador of the Lord. I know this Gospel is true, I have the desire to share it with all. I am thankful for this opportunity I have to serve. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Through Jesus is the only way.

There was a man quite old and gray Who never had a word to say And hadn't had the care to pray, To listen, love, and to obey. One day there was a painful loss his friend, his mate to be the cost of his hardened heart and lot. With pride and ignorance he fought. Now on a night so dark and cold He felt his bones grow very old There was no point to live he told The no one in the curtain fold. The sun had risen warm and bright How brilliant how clear the light shown through the curtain in his sight The one he talked to in the night. "Good morning dear," a whisper said. The old man sat and scratched his head. No one around, just him in bed. Confused, he wished that he was dead. There was a knock upon his door He cringed to feel the cold wood floor. the journey to the door he wore his sleep wear from the night before. "Good morning sir" he heard a squeak It was a child so small and meek she popped on by to take a peek of the old man so frail, and bleak. May I come in and have a chat? She walked on in and there she sat. She gave his old grey hand a pat before he answered that was that. The beauty from the child shone An Angel to him she had flown. He need not ever feel alone. A warmth grew strongly on its own. They visited for a long while had he forgotten how to smile? This child's lesson took him miles from that old man who was beguiled. It was the time for the last look into her eyes. His soul, it shook as she handed him a book A book of God. The book he took. Why did he meet this little friend? So near he knew was his end. He read and prayed the lord would send some mercy. Some love to lend. This old man had much to learn And in his heart he knew and yearned The Lords love need not be earned. His light of Christ has now returned. But what to do? so little time! Nothing to give, no not a dime He worried that he lived a crime. Was it to late for truth sublime? A whisper soft again did say, "there's nothing dear you have to pay. Through Jesus is the only way. That is the way back home to stay." The old man wondered what this meant The time is gone, his life is spent no time to repay what was lent. "oh my dear friend you must repent." He healed the sick from leprosy He sailed the sea's of Galilee How can I be as great as he? How can I show my love for thee? "There is no need to measure up. He paid the price, he filled your cup." The old mans fears began to letup. He prayed all night until sunup. It is through him, he is the way. And in my heart I'll always say He is my Savior Jesus stay forever by my side each day. -Emily Diane

This week has been such a roller coaster! So many joys, so many wonders, and a couple self disappointments. There is so much love in my heart. It is a love that will never be dimed. It is a love that will constantly grow. I become a better woman through this love. It is the love of the Savior. I have goals in my life that need to be fulfilled. I have one of those personalities that plan exactly the way its going to work in my mind. Often it sways another way. I know that is ok. It is better the Lords way. When I fall he is my hand. when I cry he is my shoulder. When I leap he is my wings.

What's up pumpkin?!

Missionary package! I wanted to do something creative, festive, cute, but still uplifting! So I carved a baby pumpkin, let it sit out to dry for about a week, and filled it with little strips I paper with quotes, and scriptures on them that he could read when he has the time. I also made a big batch of wassail! It's getting colder out so a warm glass of that might feel good on maybe a sore throat, or just a cold body! So I sent a jar of that. I also put in a pumpkin sent wall flower, just in case where he is staying smells. Or just to make where ever smell good! Haha all that accompanied with a letter. 💕 Happy autumn Elder Lim! 

I will be a witness

There’s a land off the shore in my dreams evermore where the night stars hit the water, The light glistens through trees brakes the darkness with ease so I’ll never forget I’m his daughter. When the sun rises high in the sapphire sky the warmth touches my soul like a fire This is the land where all know of his plan, where golden ones come to aspire. Where the sky meets the earth how we got here at birth where the mountains they grow even higher. There are castles each way that you see night and day, the world covered in beautiful spires. When I wake from my dreams I’m determined to be that ever so positive dear. I will study, and pray. I will sing of his praise, for I know there is nothing to fear. As I learn, as I grow, and continue to know of the dream that’s becoming so clear I will tell one and all of the one who will come, and this day is rightfully near. There are shadows to fight, and blackness to chase, there are wounds to mend and build stronger. Through the battle we find those who search for the light the ones who won’t wait any longer. That is the time; it is there that we see a change in the life of that soul We see light in their eyes as they glow in surprise it is through truth we are whole. So that is why I’m preparing each day, why I live the way that I do. Now the dream that I have of this faraway land is not crazy, but actually true -Emily Gearheart