Week #77 - The Final Countdown!

Family, I'm really excited to see you. Keep going strong! Don't get trunky! ;)  

This week has been amazing!!! I learned about how God doesn't care so much about the speed, but rather, the direction we go in life. God doesn't measure us by levels, but rather, by trajectories. If we have a trajectory of righteousness in our life, God will be able to bless us and our lives. We will be able to live with Him again! How big of a blessing is that?

Sister Hebdon and I are doing well. We keep our faith high in the area and choose to remain positive. Our numbers were better this last week than they had been in a while! Bit by bit, we are going to find this elect family!  

We received a referral for a family who had a daughter serving a mission in Brazil. When we went over to talk to them, they were so excited and let us in immediately. Thinking that this was our amazing elect family, we set a return appointment after doing some H2BT with the nonmember mother. When we came back the next time to meet with the excommunicated father, unbaptized member of record child, and nonmember mother....they weren't interested in learning more about the gospel. We were so sad!! However, I did realize that our testimonies and our honesty with each other opened the door for later missionaries. If their daughter hadn't been on a mission in that moment, we wouldn't have even gotten in the door. God knows when these people are ready. We just have to find those who are ready to change and to become members of His kingdom. You all help them get there. Don't stop!!

I love you but I've gotta run! I write a really good "dying testimony" next week ;) 

Hna Lake

Week #76 - A Perspective on Everything!

 As I near the end of my mission, I reflect upon what it will be like when I no longer wear this tag and officially represent my Savior. It's a tearjerker...But one thing that I've been able to see is that I have been called to minister unto the people of this world. Hopefully, these emails are evidence of that.

 Before I sit down to write my weekly public email I fervently pray to my Father to know what to say. How I can touch the hidden pains of your hearts and bring a sense of peace to your souls. It has proved to be an enlightening experience! The words have flown from my mind and fingers into the ways of cyberspace and it has been humbling as I've received responses from those who have needed it. I am not the one writing these emails. When I come home, I will not be this fountain of wisdom and will not always have the answers. I have been the vessel, not the teacher! The Lord really does give special keys and authority to us as missionaries in order to help us with our calling. However, similar keys are held by your Bishop, Relief Society President, Home Teachers, etc. They receive inspired guidance in our behalf that helps us grow in an eternal perspective. I recently read a talk sent to me by a dear friend who talked about "Rising to the Height of your Calling". It included a story about a bishop, who just after being released, received a visit from a member of the congregation. This member sat down and said, "I know that we have a new bishop but whenever we would talk in interviews, you always gave me such great counsel. Could we talk once more?" The member explained his worries and then waited to receive the guidance he was looking for. This bishop stopped and waited for the thoughts, ideas and impressions to enter his heart. None came. He looked at this member and said, "I'm sorry, but I can't help you." He no longer wore the mantle of bishop. The bishop in the story illustrated how the guidance he had receive was due to the keys he held before and that he truly was a vessel for the Lord. This is something that I'm going to miss. These amazing people and Sisters whom I have served with have been such a source of joy to me as I've been led to know how to lighten their burdens and open their minds. Although I will still have that gift of the Holy Ghost after my mission, my calling will be different.

Each one of us have different responsibilities and keys in order to unlock the gates of heaven to pour out the revelation that we need for ourselves and those under our stewardship. The callings we hold, the children we have, our spouses, friends, etc. give us different responsibilities and therefore ABILITIES in order to fill what the Lord has called us to do. When God calls someone, they may be the imperfect and may even think that they aren't worthy, but the Lord refines us and prepares us in order to have the ABILITIES to fill our RESPONSIBILITIES. Never are we alone. NEVER!

We taught Elder's Quorum this last Sunday, or rather we taught a fake investigator about the Restoration so that they could see what we might teach their friends, and it was a really powerful experience. The EQ President testified of our power and authority as missionaries and wow....did it open my eyes. It humbles me to know of the power I hold as a missionary as he bore testimony to all of them of the spirit we bring and the testimony we hold. Missionaries are powerful representatives of the Savior! We fear no man!

Don't be afraid to ask the missionaries to come into your home. Whether it be for a meal, a lesson, a lesson in your home for an investigator, or to just to help with service. We are willing. We WANT to. Let's face it. WE ALL NEED IT! Take the time to get to know the missionaries in your ward. Ask them to be involved in your life. I promise you that it will help, enhance, enrich and bless you in ways you might not recognize right now. Invite an investigator to be taught in your home. It's the best thing you could do for your children. Invite a friend to eat dinner with the missionaries. You'd be amazed how easily they can feel the difference that we hold. We had someone call us "pure" yesterday. Can you imagine what your friends will say to meet us? 

Please take this seriously :) It's led by the Spirit and will be an answer to your prayers. This I testify! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I LOVE YOU ALL!

Hna Lake

Week #75 - Sunshine!

This Saturday and Sunday were really hard days for me. I was struggling to just feel happy and motivated. It seemed to follow me around and no matter how much I smiled and worked, it didn't seem to sink into my heart of hearts. I felt very fake. It wasn't fun!  

But then on Sunday, I felt a strong impression to get a blessing from the Bishop. At first, I fought against it. I have been sick the past 2 weeks and had already gotten a blessing from the Elders so I didn't feel it was necessary. I didn't want to burden the bishop, etc. and  the list goes on. But I felt that distinct impression and decided to act.  

As the bishop began the blessing, I could feel of my Heavenly Father's love for me as all of my concerns and worries were covered within that blessing. I felt known and loved. Then the bishop said something that caught my attention. He said that I needed to allow Jesus Christ to be equally yoked with me. It really stuck out to me and that small sentence helped me realize something about myself and about life. As bishop talked to us afterwards, he mentioned something that stuck out to me.

 1st: WE ARE NOT ALONE. Our Savior Jesus Christ is waiting to heal.  

2nd: No one can help unless you let them. Bishop mentioned about how they were trying to assign other auxiliaries (like Young Women or High Priests) to do certain things or to have responsibilities. But he said that although it would be faster and easier for him to do it himself, they were trying to delegate! I'm the WORST at delegating. It's not like I don't like it when people help, it's just that I want so badly to get it done that I don't think to ask or allow others to. I'd been doing that in missionary work. I had run and run, worked and worked without allowing anyone to help me and had become quickly burnt out.  

3rd: WE NEED OTHER PEOPLE. Just face it. You can't do it all. You can't be superwoman or man without quickly running out of energy, patience and life. In the end, it is more effective to rely on others because the duration time is quickly tripled or even quadrupled. Once we understand and accept that, the Atonement is actually able to start working in our life......because we've allowed it to.

The greatest gift given to all mankind is often the most overlooked and unused gift of God's Son.  

 This morning as I read about Alma the Older I was struck by the amount of faith that he had. He prayed for the Lord to help his son come to a knowledge of the truth and when it happened, it was likely not in the way Alma the Older was expecting. Yet he continued trusting faithfully in the Lord and began praying that the Lord would use that experience to help the people gain a knowledge of the truth again. Servants of the Lord understand the bigger picture of God's purpose (eternal life and immortality of all men) and so they do not fret when something happens in the way they don't expect. THEY RELY ON JESUS CHRIST AND THE ATONEMENT! As soon as you understand you can't do it all, you are able to do ALL THINGS. As said in Phillipians, "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me!"

I testify of God's love and His desires to love us into the eternities. I testify of the all powerful nature of the Lord. NOTHING is impossible for Him. As said by a woman we met a while back: "Don't put God in a box."

I love you all and I am happy to say that Hermana Sunshine is back and smiling in full force. You are wonderful! Be safe. : )

Hna Lake

Week #74 - God's Timing is always Perfect!

A woman, Caridad, whom we had invited to attend church 2 months ago, came to church this past Sunday! We had already left the building because it was Stake Conference and the time had changed. The Stake President found her and he called us to let us know. We had no idea who she was, nor where she lived or her phone number. We had no record of her either. This past Monday, we then felt to visit a former investigator, but when we knocked she wasn't there. As we knocked, we OYMed a woman with this little girl who said, "Are you guys from church? I was there! Yesterday!" We were shocked. We asked her to tell us where the woman was who had taken her and she led us right to her home. Caridad was found. God knew exactly where she was! God knows where His elect are and He guides us to find them.

I got into a car accident 2 weeks ago, YES I'M FINE, and we saw SOOO many miracles because of it. The craziest part....the accident was my fault.

Blessing: We met an officer who was really impressed by our honesty with all that happened in the accident. He mentioned that he had met many Mormons before and had always been so impressed by them and their conduct. He said he really admired Mitt Romney and wished that there were more people like us in the world.....He now has a card and will be getting baptized someday. :) We then went to urgent care JUST IN CASE - we are FIIIINE - and the receptionist had been praying that morning for guidance and she said that we were sent there that night. She asked us questions and why we were on missions, etc. She was SUPER interested! She has a bunch of literature of the church now and said she would go on Sunday!

I had an exchange this past week with a trio in my stewardship. As I prayed that night, I felt VERY strongly that I needed to go with one specific sister and that my companion needed to go with the other two. As we were out knocking, this sister (who had been in my stewardship last transfer and I knew very well) started talking to me about the trio. Twice, she looked like her eyes were watering but I didn't say anything. Finally, I asked if she was okay and she burst into tears. She told me about how hard it was for her because of some current struggles on the mission and how she felt she was a terrible missionary. I was able to give her a hug and talk to her about it. The important part is that this sister DOES NOT open up easily but for some reason, we clicked. I knew I needed to be there to help her right then. God sent me specifically to her.

I had another exchange with a sister who had been struggling in her area and her approach to the people. We were focused upon being happy and showing our love.  We met Amelia, who is of another faith. Amelia let us into her house and allowed us to pray with her. OKAY. HUGE DEAL. We talked about how her family was falling apart and  her relationship with her husband was awful. We testified of miracles that  I was seeing in our area with our investigators. Their relationships were also struggling, but as they've learned about the gospel, and applied principles, they've changed. I wish that I could show you guys what I experienced the day that they read the Book of Mormon and prayed together. IT was SO special. They were happier, laughing, joking around with each other and PATIENT. I hadn't seen that the whole time. Amelia is now investigating the church.

I KNOW that God loves us. He puts us where we need to be when we need to be there. I LOVE YOU!

Hna Lake

Week #73 - Come Unto Me

This week has been wonderful. Sister Hebdon is wonderful. We are working on making sure that we are equal in everything. I've noticed I have a tendency to get so wrapped up in what I am doing that I forget to involve my companion. I'm working on it. :)


Mission Leadership Conference, January 2016

Miracle: Raul has been smoking since he was a little boy. But this past week he has cut down to ONE cigarette a day! We've been praying so hard and he got a priesthood blessing. He is so humble and willing :) His family can't get over the change in him or the way he reads the Book of Mormon with such gusto! The Lord has truly softened his heart.

Dulce has been struggling giving up coffee and we've been praying for her heart to be softened. Then, the doctor told her she could drink it anymore because it was bad for her health and then Dulce randomly asked if she couldn't be baptized THIS Saturday instead of NEXT Saturday. NO more coffee or tea! God works miracles :)

Something I've been learning has to do with the heart and the mind.

Ether 4:14-15 "Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief."

"Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you—yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel."

Jacob 3:2 "O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever."

Between these two verses, I was able to understand that wickedness, pride and blindness come because of our CHOICE not to believe. It is our choice if we want something to be true and choose to believe it. By believing, we have a willing heart (pure heart) and we will RECEIVE the word of God and FEAST on His endless love. If we decide we want this forever, we must decide firmly and we will for all time. The heart holds the desire and the mind makes the decision.

A statement that has really stuck with me is that the Godhead is made up of gentleman. They will never force themselves into our lives or make us do anything we do not want to do. They respect us and our agency in the highest degree. They would never do anything to take away our agency or harm us.

Therefore, it makes sense that if we want to listen.....we will be able to hear. If we want to see, our vision will be clear. If we want to understand, lives windows will be opened....But if we want nothing to do with God or his desires for us, we won't. Plain and simple.

There is Mormon Message about a girl (from Neon Trees) who said that she never had a relationship with God because she never wanted one. Plain and simple. I know that to be true.

There have been times on my mission where I have not wanted to know if there really was something I needed to change or if God wanted me to do something...even though I asked....kind of like asking a question without wanting to know the answer...just hoping it confirms what you hope the answer is.

It doesn't work that way!  

God has many, many, many ways to communicate with us....but he only can if we have a PURE HEART aka a WILLING HEART and a CONTRITE MIND. Meaning, we are willing to listen and act.  

The Heart holds our desires and our drives. When we learn truths, the Holy Ghost touches our heart, helps us know it is true and increases our desire to do x thing. However, Our mind is the control center that allows us to make the decision whether or not we will do that x thing.  

Choose today to have a TRULY open heart and a willing mind. It'll change the way your world works. You will be happier, healthier, less stressed and feel of your Heavenly Father's Love. You will FEAST on His love :)

I LOVE YOU!

Hna Lake

Week #72 - Staying Strong amidst the Gloom

As I type this letter, my hands are turning purple and they are numb. I HATE COLD! Florida has been freezing these past few days...granted, it's in the 60-70's but it's still cold!  

Speaking of Gloom, that's what it has been around here. No sunshine here in the Sunshine State! But we've not let that get us down. We pull out the cardigans we never use, blast the heat in the car and smile reeeeeeeeeeeeeal big so people let us in. We may look delirious....we may even be delirious, but at least we are smiling :) Truly, it's not that bad, but I'm sure to get some good laughs from you all in Idaho/Washington. 

This letter is from my heart; that's how all my letters are I guess, but I feel guided in this letter to talk specifically to someone who will read this. Who knows? It could be you :)  

I've never really understood God's timeframe or God's agenda. I know the end purpose, but I can get so frustrated because I don't understand the right NOW. But God also understood that. He knows.  

"The Lord’s thoughts and ways are higher than the thoughts and ways that come from men.

The Lord said to man: “… my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, … for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa. 55:8–9.)"

Okay, we understand that. But it's still hard to focus on the end result when the now brings so much heartache, pain, or sorrow. I'd like to share a few things with you that I've learned.

I felt really alone at the beginning of my mission. I didn't like anything about who I was and felt like I was all wrong and that I'd never be right. SLOOOOOWLY, I came to recognize my strengths and weaknesses. I came to understand why I am the way I am. I came to love myself for my quirks and stumbles. Then, this past week I went on an exchange with a Sister who broke down crying because she felt like she was all wrong, her family had told her she was all wrong, she didn't like who she was, and she felt completely without hope. I was able to tell her there was a field of sunflowers...if she would only open her eyes. If she would only look at herself the way that God saw her. The Lord allowed me to suffer for such a small moment, that seemed like eternity,  so I could help open someone else's eyes.

It was an hour long exchange, but I look back and the only thing I could feel was gratitude that I was able to make a small difference. That God had loved me enough to make me work to find myself and that God loved her enough to put her in my temporary stewardship...so that I could share my heart with her.

Sometimes when the gloom seems to close in, when our hearts seem to fail us, when we want to pull up the covers and cry....God uses those opportunities to open our eyes to His greater purposes. There are only two options when you are going through a hard time. 1) Shut God out or 2)Let God in. One will create bitterness and discontent and the other will use the trial to help you to become better.

A missionary miracle to explain:

  We had been working with a family named Dulce and Michelle but had dropped them because of their STRONG opposition to the Word of Wisdom. This Sunday, we were running behind on time and kept trying to leave church; however, God had other plans. Dulce and Michelle walk into the church building. Apparently, they had called the members whom we had brought over the help participate in the lessons, inquired about church times, and came all by themselves. When we discussed the Word of Wisdom later with Dulce, she apologized and said, "I know this is the true church of Jesus Christ and I will be baptized...I just had some questions. But that won't stop me from going!"  I had been so sad that we had had to drop her, but God helped me se what SHE needed.

We also have been teaching Juana and Raul. Their daughter Elizabeth was baptized 3 years ago and her father, Raul, was completely against the church. (Miracle #1) Now, he is so excited to get baptized the 17th, and feels so much peace and that his faith is growing. Raul is very addicted to smoking and has cut down his usage to 10 cigarettes a day instead of a 20! We've been praying so hard and he has been doing it all by himself!! They've already clicked with the members and love church. God works so many miracles in this work!

God knows the work better than we do and we need to be willing to change in order to listen. I learned that we shouldn't be upset when things don't go our way. Instead, we should be grateful and excited because it is evidence of God's hand in our lives and of His love for each of His children. He really loves us. We don't need to convert everyone, just the elect. But we do need to love everyone because that's what Jesus Christ would do and we are His representatives.

Love to all!

Hermana Lake

Week #71 - Gratitude is the Essence of Life!

This week was wonderful. It awesome to Skype with everyone at Christmas! I love you so much! 

I've been learning more about gratitude. My patriarchal blessing admonishes me a few times to be grateful and I struggle with that quality overall. SO, as I studied, I discovered that many of the things I am working on personally right now can be solved through gratitude. "Remembrance is the seed of gratitude which is the seed of generosity. Gratitude for the remission of sins is the seed of charity, the pure love of Christ." -Henry B. Eyring

I've been completely focused on the work here and be so committed to my purpose that nothing will prevent me from trying to achieve it. It is my #1 priority. Sister Alcazar is a wonderful example of that and has taught me much. One thing in particular that she taught me overall is that it's a choice to be committed. It's a choice to want something. It's a choice to be happy. If you don't believe me, choose to stick to that decision and see what happens ;)  

I've also learned that I can't be everywhere, do everything and be perfect this week. As STLs, We were on exchanges with a certain sister who I knew greatly admired me as a leader. I wanted to make sure that the exchange was helpful for her and I wanted to live up to her expectations. Yep. Nope. Didn't happen. EVERYTHING fell apart. We were late everywhere, members were so difficult, rain poured, doors slammed, investigators dropped us, we got locked out of our house, etc. I won't go on to save your eyes. IT WAS TERRIBLE!! When Sister Alcazar and I were together after the exchange, I confided in her all that had happened and how terrible I felt. I felt that I had failed. She then pointed out, in her faithful wisdom, that what God wanted to happen in that exchange, happened. He needed her to see that. As I sat there and analyzed all of the blessings that no doubt came to her because of what she saw....I was blown away by the Love of God for her and His understanding of her needs. It was really cool. 

At our Christmas Conference this last week, we watched the Nativity. Once again, I was touched by the Love of God. He does not leave us alone in times of trouble; He sends miracles to guide us, and to give us relief. He sends pillars of light to find Him, example: the star. The entire nativity story is filled with examples of Heavenly Father's love. Greatest of all being the gift of our Savior. I hope you all take a moment to try and recognize those small miracles in your life. I testify that they are there!

The area is doing well. I know that God truly does prepare people in His own time and pace. We are teaching a couple who are SUCH a miracle. They are the parents of a member and already read the Book of Mormon on their own and came to church last Sunday, without their daughter. God is working miracles in their lives. Members are able to come out, lessons happen, and investigators are found. I know that as we are dedicated to the Lord's work, involve him, and love the people, it all works out. 

I LOVE YOU ALL!

 "President Spencer W. Kimball said “Those who keep a book of remembrance are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives. Journals are a way of counting our blessings and of leaving an inventory of these blessings for our posterity.”

As you start to write, you could ask yourself, “How did God bless me today?” If you do that long enough and with faith, you will find yourself remembering blessings. And sometimes, you will have gifts brought to your mind which you failed to notice during the day, but which you will then know were a touch of God’s hand in your life."

I'm doing this. You should too :)

Hna Lake

Week #70 - Merry Christmas!!

Dear Family- 

I've been learning a lot about pride. Pride is the reason Satan fell. It's the reason we lose the Spirit as missionaries. I was reading 2 Nephi, when suddenly I decided that I didn't want to read it, that it wasn't important. Then Nephi threw down 2 Nephi 25 on me when he testified of the importance of the Isaiah chapters. I went back and read and was able to find some really cool tidbits that helped me in my understanding of the gospel and of myself. Yeah....that pride thing.... 

 “When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not." 2 Nephi 9:28  Ponderize this little guy... it will humble you!

I'm really grateful for my family. You guys have truly been a pillar of strength for me :) 

We had our ward Christmas party this last week and they asked us to talk about the life and purpose of Jesus Christ. Man, that was revelation for me. Truly, our Savior came to give us the gift of change. His entire legacy demonstrated to us the ability to be great and to achieve more than we may seem. Born in a humble stable, a simple carpenter changed the entire world of religion as we know it. He was a Son of God who listened to the will of the Father.  

Believe it or not, we are all children of God. We were born into different circumstances and yet each one of us is called upon to become something great, to be kind when no one else is kind, to smile when the sky is gray, to serve someone who doesn't wish you to serve them. Ultimately, we are called to do as our Heavenly Father would. We are called to listen to His will. If we truly hope to understand the purpose and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ, then we need to use it daily. We need to change, be better, sacrifice, and recognize the hand of the Savior in that change. I know that My Savior lives. What comfort this sweet sentence gives. He lives. He lives who once was dead. Look for the Savior this Christmas. I promise, He has been waiting.

Miracle!!
We went out to go see a potential after all our other plans fell through. We parked a little far away with the intention of knocking some doors on our way to her home. After the 2nd door, we found Orlando and Rosa. They were taught in Colombia by some Elders, had been to church many times and had read a little of the Book of Mormon. Even crazier, they had been talking the day before about the Elders and wondering where the Mormon church was in Florida! They've been committed to church, were so excited to get another Book of Mormon, and wanted for us to come back the next day! God sends us to where we are needed.

Love you all!

Hna Lake

Week #69 - Hogwash and Pollywog

I've been learning a lot out of the Proclamation to the World, my Patriarchal Blessing, and my purpose and blessings in this life. It has really opened my eyes to understand that God loves me so very much. Most of the responsibilities He gives to us are to help others receive the same blessings that we have. Truly, we are meant for the blessing and edification of others.

We had a full exchange with Coral Reef South sisters. As we knocked doors in their area, we felt to go down a certain direction. As we walked, we felt to knock a certain door. We met Jose. He said that he used to feel this closeness with God while he was serving in the Navy and now it was gone. He hadn't been able to find it again with any of the churches he has gone to and was searching to find it. He wanted it so badly. We said a prayer with him and he felt that amazing spirit. He came to church last Sunday with his wife and they are now set for the 26th of December. When you have that real intent to find people whilst knocking instead of just pounding on people's doors, God gives them to you!

Sister Alcazar was knocking in our area and found an amazing miracle! They felt to knock on a certain door; Victor. He was cool, they said a prayer but he denied church because of work. However, these Sisters are PMG missionaries! They asked for referrals and Victor told them to come back and pray with his mom. We did and met Gladys. She said she had left another church because it stopped "filling her" and no longer felt that strong spirit she wanted. When we said the prayer we told her to pay attention to how she felt and she said she felt peace. She felt FILLED! She said she wanted to come to church that Sunday. When we went by Sunday morning, she said she couldn't decide if she was going... Satan, Satan, Satan. We testified that if this was true, Satan would try to keep her from it and testified that what she felt was from God. SHE CAME!!!! She loved it. She said she felt so good and that the speaker really touched her heart. She is coming next week, too!

Sister Alcazar and I have been working with Maritza. She is an amazing Cuban lady with some serious sass and she knows it. We love her :) We've been trying to set her with a date for about 2 weeks and she always rejects it. She loved church, loves reading the Book of Mormon, feels such enormous peace after she prays to know it is true but always says the same thing when we ask her how she will act on her answer, "I will continue learning!" But this last time was different. We left her 2 Nephi 31:1-13 to read and when we came back to round her up for church, she committed herself to be baptized the 2nd of January. We left it in God's hands and He worked a miracle! God works miracles through the Book of Mormon.

Sister Alcazar and I have been praying so hard to find a Venezuelan family of 3 and this week, we found them! We finished all that we had planned and then our back ups (you need back ups for your back ups in missionary work) and decided to go visit a member who was less active and stood out to us on the list. We shared a prayer and then asked for referrals and they sent us down the street. As we were walking, Sister A said we needed to knock this door. Dulce answered. She said she didn't have time, but we were persistent and she let us in. Turns out, she avoids churches but she felt something different during our prayer and accepted to come to church!  When we went back to teach her she said that when she opened the door she saw a blonde girl with clear blue eyes and that she seemed to almost glow. She could feel that we had something different and could see it in my eyes. That's why she let us in!! God works miracles!

I love you family. I hope all our miracles make you stop and look for them in your life. They are there! 

Hna Lake 

 

Week # 68 - I Love being a Missionary!

Dearest Family- 

I love everything about being a missionary. It's so much fun!! You get to save lives out here. That's what it means to be in the work of Salvation right? 

I've been studying more about the 4th missionary this week and trying to also become more converted to our mission focus of baptism and dates for baptism. As I was studying on page 11 of Preach my Gospel, it clicked for me why it is necessary for us to baptize others into this specific church with this authority. Our purpose and privilege on this earth is to change to become more like our Savior. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the pathway we have been given to make that possible. We must have faith, repent and be baptized with His priesthood authority so that the Holy Ghost can be our Sanctifying Companion. Until we help these people accept the message of the Restoration, their true purpose in this life will be closed to them. Of course, the Spirit can touch them AT TIMES but the sanctifying experience that we all need to receive in order to complete our purpose here will not be available until they are baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

I have never been so grateful for my mission. It saved my life. I'm not being dramatic, I really do believe that my mission has saved my life spiritually, temporally, and emotionally. It's been one of the dang hardest things I have ever done; however, through my mission, my eyes have been opened to an understanding of the gospel, myself, my potential, and my purpose here on earth. With gratitude, I am learning more about the importance of baptism and it has made me want to bring it to all people. I finally understand more of who I am. I understand more about my divine nature, the love of a Father in Heaven and my potential. I understand the purpose of my life, the gift of the Atonement, and the perfect plan of my Heavenly Father. I WANT EVERYONE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT I NOW DO! It makes it a whole lot easier to be committed to something when you know and understand who you should be. If you are struggling with your testimony of the gospel open up your scriptures, read the talks of men called by God to instruct you and stop trying to find God's answers from Satan's resources. I know that this is my Savior's church. I know it!

 

This past month at a Zone Conference, I had the opportunity to pretend to be the investigator of two sweet sisters (one of which was Sister Becky Adamson...you might know her?). They taught me the Restoration so simply and then asked me one simple question. "What would it mean to you if this young boy really did receive this vision?" One simple question. It completely dumbfounded me. I had to go deep within my heart to find the answer. I thought and then said, "It would mean this really is the church of my Savior!" Tears welled up in my eyes as the Spirit whispered to me that this was true. I knew without a doubt that what I had said was true. This is the best and only way to be happy, to find peace, to be relieved of guilt and shame and to progress in this life. It is the best and only way because it is our Heavenly Father's way.  

I received this answer slowly. Took me about a year. After studying extensively, both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and through lessons given me through apostles of God, I came to the conclusion (intellectually) that this was God's church. It made sense. Everything fit together. There were similarities between then and now. "Sure, why not!" I thought. But then I realized that my testimony needed to be gained by faith. I began to pray, and to continue praying daily, to receive my testimony that this is my Savior's church and to grow in my faith. It's worth it. It brings so much goodness and joy!!

 We received a referral from a recent convert in Virginia this last week for a man named Luis. What a miracle that man is. His life is less than wonderful right now and he started drinking heavily. One day, his friend from Virginia told him that he was sending missionaries to his home. Luis stopped drinking that day. He hasn't drank for 3 weeks! He has such a hard time reading but when we committed him to read the introduction of the Book of Mormon and to pray about it, he tried. He said that after he prayed, he felt such joy and happiness and wants to continue reading in the children's Book of Mormon. He is so humble and wonderful. WE LOVE HIM!

I LOVE YOU ALL~~

Hna Lake

Week #67 - The Atonement Changes Everything

Dearest Family!

What an awesome couple of days it has been. Sister Alcazar is my new companion, yet another dying Latin ;) I love being with missionaries who are about to go home. Either they have crazy fire or their lack of fire gives me more. Either way, we work hard! She has already taught me so much. One thing that she does super well is getting return appointments with people. I'm trying to be better at giving everyone a really solid chance to accept the gospel and having more faith in finding.

 I started reading the Book of Mormon once again with a special emphasis on what makes these prophets capable servants of the Lord. I love Nephi so much! As I learn more of Nephi and his trials I have been struck by his faith. Every single action or word he places leads him to testify that through God, nothing is impossible! It's been helpful for me to receive that witness as I've received a new calling to serve as an Sister Training Leader (STL). Knowing that through God I can achieve anything helps me to remember that He is on my side and that He wants to help these sisters just as badly as do I. I'm excited!

This was a miracle for me. I've been pleading to understand what God needs for me to do to be the leader He needs and as I've studied about the Atonement, I receive my answer. I recently read a talk by Elder Bednar:

"It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means."

And it brought to mind a passage in the White Handbook which states, "Opportunities to correct the attitudes or behavior of other missionaries are important teaching moments. When handled with love, these opportunities build faithfulness and effectiveness in those who may otherwise fall short of what the Lord expects of them."

I notice a similar theme. It is through the Atonement that we are able to achieve our true potential and in no other way. My job as an STL is to ensure that these Sisters understand and apply the Atonement in their lives. What better way than to give me responsibilities that I cannot handle in any other way except through the Atonement? 

Many times in our lives Heavenly Father will give us something that we feel we cannot handle; that we feel inadequate to achieve. God has never once called the prettiest, smartest, or most capable to achieve His divine purposes; rather, He has done just the opposite.

He chose a 14 year-old boy with no education to bring about the restoration,  one of the greatest masterpieces known to all mankind. A masterpiece that would bring salvation, happiness, and peace to all who obeyed it. He put all that trust in a 14 YEAR OLD!

He chose Moses to bring about the great liberation of His beloved people.

He chose me to be a missionary.

He chose you to be a Mom or Dad, Aunt or Uncle, Sister, Friend, Visiting Teacher, Relief Society Secretary, Bishop, Elders Quorum President, or Deacon's Advisor.

Long story short, He chose you and Heavenly Father does not make mistakes. I know that for a fact. He has made that obvious to me MANY times. I know it is through Christ that all these things are possible!

I love you all!

Hna Lake

Week #66 - Atonement, Repentance, and the Spirit

Dearest Family!

This week has been awesome! I've tried to notice more the spiritual promptings I receive and to follow them. It has proven to be a way to miracles.

We were out knocking and felt to go into this certain apartment complex but it was gated and with a canal around it. Literally, a fortress with a wall, guards and a gate. So, I'm sad to say my faith wasn't high enough and we walked away. But then, I saw a man stop in front of the gate, wait for a car to go through and walked in after it. No problem. I thought, "Heavenly Father, if You want us in that complex, provide the way!"

1 Nephi 3:7- "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."

We walked up to the gate just as a car pulled through, then the gate stalled and stayed open. (No clue how?)  We were able to get in and talk to a former, and multiple potentials. The security guard drove by twice and saw us contacting...but left us alone. We just had a NEPHI EXPERIENCE! It was awesome. My faith grew as I recognized even more that this is the Lord's work and NOTHING can stop it from progressing. Where we are needed is where we will be as long as we have the legs willing to walk. 

Another Nephi experience was similar. We felt to go knock a certain apartment complex. When we got there, we couldn't get in because it required us to call a owner within....okay.....so we felt that we should keep going. After knocking and praying with a 22 yr old doing her First Communion (Catholic Baptism) and looking for more God in her life (We needed to find her. We testified and left her a card. She was cool; her boyfriend was not), we decided we needed to go back. We got up to the doors and my companion called the office....AND THEY LET US IN!  We knocked one door and then felt to go up a floor, we walked out of these doors to go up the stairs....and we were locked in the stairwell....okay, awesome.... we go up the stairs and the 2nd floor is locked....okay.....go up to the 3rd floor and for some reason...it is open. We knock on the very first door and find Lynette.

Lynette is an older lady, 60's, from Puerto Rico. She lives with her husband and mother with Alzheimer's. She was looking for peace and a WHOLE lot of it. She used to be Catholic but didn't agree with the Pope. After we said a prayer, she said that she knew that God had sent us  and that she really needed us. We then taught about the Restoration and the Book of Mormon and SHE LOVED IT ALL! She was so excited to read the Book of Mormon.  We won't be able to see her for a bit because of holidays but was so excited that she is going to read 3 Nephi 11-20 while she is seeing her daughter for 3 weeks. Turns out, Lynette is also the President of the Board....she let us in the building. She opened the door. She was completely inspired by God so that her chance for happiness could knock on her door.

GOD PREPARES THE WAY!!! We just have to be willing to follow it.

 I love you all. I know that God lives. I know My Savior is aware of my needs and wants. I know that They will do ALL possible to guide us.  I LOVE THIS!  

Hermana Lake

Week #65 - Drops of Awesome!

Dear Family-

This is one of the best blog posts that I have ever heard of. I can't read it but you all can, check it out. It's pretty much amazing.  

This past week has been characterized by the idea of drops of awesome. I feel really inadequate. I look back on my mission, the huge amount of time, effort and life spent....and think, "That's it?"...."Shouldn't there be more?"  Many times, I felt as though I was a failure, a terrible missionary and just plain discouraged. I would do something good and think, "Wow, I was able to do x thing! I'm so pleased with myself!" and then the thoughts would sink in.....

"So what? You also did this, that and the other thing wrong"

"Do you realize it's probably your fault that this happened?"

"How could you have been so dumb as to just forget something so important?"

"They are relying on you! You can't even hold up your responsibilities"

Etc. Etc. Etc.  

With each thought, I would become weighed down with discouragement as all my failures fell around me and I wanted to give up. It was the logical thing to do! I couldn't do anything right apparently...and in a SNAP that good, uplifting thought was gone.

How many of us feel this way? We feel like nothing we do turns out just the way we want or that our list of weaknesses is extensive. Well, let me tell you what I learned this week.

Life is not meant to be suffered through! Nothing is! There is joy in every footstep, a song in every breath and a light in every heart. We are children of Light :) Beings of Joy! We are children of God.

Moroni 10:8, "And again, I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God. And there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them."

Each one of us has been given certain gifts and blessings. Our blessing make us who we are and special in God's sight. We don't need to have all the gifts that Janet, John and Michael have. They might not be the ones that will PROFIT US.  But each one of us do have gifts. God has promised that. We just need to look for them.

These are our drops of awesome. These are the things that make up who we are.

Yes, there is opposition in all things. I'm not saying we are all perfect but I am saying that you are wonderful! You are special! You are needed! You might not be needed in the way YOU want, but you are needed in the way God wants. The way God wants always ends up being the better option.

 Focus on your talents, your successes, your achievements and allow them to give you the encouragement to tackle life with a smile. Life is too hard without you making it harder for yourself. :) Choose today to be optimistic.  

I've started doing something. Every time that negative, angry thought enters my head. I turn it positive. I point out the good, recognize the bad and move on. You can't change the past but you have a definite say in the future. :)  

I hope each one of you recognize your own drops of awesome. If they can be found within me, as flawed as I am, they can be found in you.  

I know that my Savior is there. He listens. He is aware. He tries to open my eyes to the way that He sees me. He knows and loves me for who we truly are.  

The greatest gift I could give you is to help you see yourself the way I see you

God loves us all so much!  

I love this gospel :)  

Hna Lake

 

Week #64 - Laughter Changes the Weather

Hello Family!

Not that we ever have a shortage of sun here in Florida but I'm thinking of all y'all in the wonderful winter wonderland :) Add a little sunshine to your life!  

One of my very wise resources of guidance for my mission gave me some great counsel. In the morning, get up, look in the mirror and force yourself to laugh. How ever long it takes until you start laughing for real. It does WONDERS!  It wakes you up, get some chemicals moving in your brain and overall makes you happier. Children tend to laugh (I think, don't quote me) 140 times a day. However, adults laugh up to 17 times a day.  No wonder children are happier, less stressed, kinder and have a better optimistic look on life. "Become as a little child" and force yourself to laugh once and a while. It'll do you good :)  

I was talking with my companion last week about what I could do to help make the work easier for her. Her response was, "I need to laugh". I sat back and thought.....and realized that I hadn't stopped or really laid back enough to really laugh. I'd become so, "Go. Get it done. Work!"  that I forgot to find the joy in what I was doing. My faith struggled. My happiness struggled. My stress level rocketed. Overall, I was a mess. My companion was a tender mercy to save me from myself.

Now, this week....was completely different. I woke up in the morning and would find ways to tease my companion or act like a goof. Soon, I was laughing because it was hilarious to see her reaction and she was laughing because I was being totally weird. It lightened everything and made all the difference for her. Then we would sing to each other, quote movies, draw hilarious pictures, take  pictures together, tell stories and overall, BE HAPPY!  It was night and day. Both us become happy, optimistic, calm, faithful and hopeful. Overall, the mission turned from hard to manageable! It was the best!

No matter the dimness of the sky with its heavy clouds of gray, somewhere shines the sun  just to brighten up your day :) But you have to push aside the clouds, search amongst the guck, to find your own ray of sun....you'll find it, trust your luck!

This week we found no new investigators. We have been trying to find people to teach with no luck. But, we remained faithful and prayed specifically for a miracle. We went on Sunday with a sticky note of all these plans we had for Miracle #1 and Miracle #2.

We get to church and there is a Part Member Family we've been trying to track down and the mother (nonmember) is crying during the lesson on Eternal Families. We are seeing them this Wednesday. Then we walk outside and see a member ,who was telling us about this woman she wanted us to meet earlier that week, with her friend! We were able to set up an appointment to see them this Saturday! God is good and He will never fail us. The miracle was expected but came in an unexpected way. :)

A beautiful day!

I love you all and I am so grateful for my mission and for this gospel. It has changed me and my life for the eternities. I know that my Savior loves each of us and desires our happiness. Nothing in life is meant to make us sad but merely to help us greater understand joy.

Hermana Lake

Week #63 - Buts, but no Buts

Dear Family(s)- There are just so many of you that I consider family that it's easier said this way :)

So I got humbled this week.  

That was really fun.  

It was exactly what I needed.  

This transfer has been a roller coaster of emotions. It's kind of like I'm going along happily and slowly, but then I start going uphill and then falling, FAST. It's up and down. I couldn't figure out what got me going in that direction until I stopped and thought about where my thoughts, actions, and desires were stemming from. They all started with ME. Or I. Our roller coaster of life begins the moment that we start focusing on ourselves. 

I'm not going to lie to all of you. This has been a hard transfer filled with many realizations about the future, my potential, my weaknesses and my destiny. None of us will ever know what the future holds but we can know how the actions leading there will prepare us.  

My mind has been seriously drawn to ponder certain gospel principles. I've felt within my soul that God has something for me and that it's going to be hard; therefore, I received a blessing from the Bishop this past Sunday....and was shocked by its content. 

God speaks to us. HE PREPARES US. Like you, He has provided me with given the tools, talents or experiences to help me to rise to the occasion or to overcome what I've been given.  

Last transfer, President told me that he had a special assignment for me this transfer and that I needed to prepare for it. I spent last transfer pushing myself to greatest of my capabilities and trying so hard to prepare. When my interview came right before transfers, President looked into my eyes and told me I was ready. I asked, "Should I be scared?" He said, "No, but you should be ready." Then, I got a new baby and transferred to a new area. Well, SURPRISE! Oh wait, not at all a surprise.  

God loves His children and desires their greatest happiness. I love you all! 

Hna Lake

Week #62 - Driving on Autopilot!

Man! This week has been so crazy. Godly sorrow and recommitting are a strong couple.  I allowed my focus to slip a little - but the atonement is wonderful and repentance is an ever reaching gift.

 

Sister Evans is the BEST! She has true desires and has been writing herself little reminders and encouragements to keep her focus. She is awesome :) She has started leading companion study and also knocking sessions. She is diligent and faithful. Everyone can be baptized! She bears her testimony at every opportunity and is always willing to be corrected on her Spanish. I am amazed by how willing she is to change and to be led. I can't imagine a better teacher for me :)

Our area is doing well. We are going to be breaking out our bikes (Sister Evan's idea! :D) and finding all those prepared for us. We've become a LOT more committed to our goals and want to get 4 by Thursday and 7 by Sunday SO BAD. It's the Lord's standard that our mission president has given to us. We know that we can get it! There are people everywhere on the streets of Miami. I'm going to find them!

This week I've been trying to learn more about doing the Lord's will.
My scripture to ponderize is 3 Nephi 9:13-14:

13 O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?

14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.

I've been frustrated because of all my imperfections. I get so sick of messing up or not being all here and getting tired. I just want to WORK! But reading this chapter has helped me to realize that when I choose to do something halfway or not do what God wants, I'm allowing Satan into my life and into my mind. I'm not choosing to follow Him and that was a big enough motivation for me to put up a greater fight. I don't need any of that! Jesus Christ has said He will heal us. We just need to accept His Arm of Mercy and turn towards Him. I'm trying to understand more about the atonement and the nature of God. Mercy seems to be a hard concept for me to understand. It's like, "You'll forgive me if I'm really penitent? Okaay, and what else do you want?" It just seems too good to be true, sometimes. But that's the thing. IT IS TRUE! The atonement really does change us and make us better. It works at our level and with our needs. It pushes us but doesn't overwhelm us. Jesus Christ really is our Savior and really does love us infinitely. Why else would He give his WHOLE LIFE to us? He is so merciful. No one is exempt.

We've tried to be more grateful in our finding sessions. Every time we find someone or we see a little miracle, we say a gratitude prayer. This lead us to Pilar! We OYMed her and she is so elect. She wants a strong family, to find the true church and to strengthen her relationship. We are so excited! :)

 

We are also teaching Manny. Our little humble seeker. (He is a grown 48 yr old. We love him :D) He is trying so hard to find truth. He came to church on Sunday and liked it. I think that our church is more different than we think. We are more reverent than most. It'll be a blast to have him come the 2nd week...we've broken him in already! :)

 

I love you all and know that this is our Savior's church. Sometimes you don't realize how much you know until you bear it. We were teaching Pilar this last week and after I bore my testimony and we finished the Restoration, she looked at me and said she could tell I knew it was true by my conviction and by the way I talked. I didn't realize it until she said it. I know this is TRUE! This has become so sacred to me. The gospel is my greatest companion and confidante. I Love it!

Hna Lake

Week #61 - Welcome to Miami!

That's right folks. I'm in the wonderful city of Miami. Drivers are terrible, everyone speaks Spanish and there are people to talk to every 2 feet. Needless to say, I'm in love. I never want to leave here!
I LOVE BEING A TRAINER! This is pushing me to be at my best 100% of the time and I love it. Sister Evans is adjusting well. She loves knocking doors and wants to get to know everyone that we meet. She definitely excels in the "Teach People, not Lessons" category. She oymed someone by herself yesterday and did a wonderful job. She is a SPONGE! Everything that we say and do, she absorbs. She is always asking questions and loves to improve. I love her to pieces :)  

Sister Evans is from Kaysville, Utah (surprise, la fabrica)  She is full of laughter, energy and is ALWAYS hungry. We have a constant supply of snacks because she can't make it an hour without eating ;) Makes sense, she is 6 ft and teeny tiny! She is my first companion that has been taller than me. When we knock on doors, people just see two tall blonde warriors ready to convert them on the spot! I love missionary work. I'm doing very well. Pinky promise! Training is more responsibility but I am thriving under the hustle and bustle and constant to-do list. This is the busiest I've been and I'm in love with it. It's been a blast to get to know a new area and meet thousands of Cubans!

Miracle: Yesterday we were out knocking doors in this certain area and when our time finished, we felt we should continue knocking more. It was about 8:15 and some people were a little angry but when we prayed for guidance, we felt we should be more careful about the doors we knock and to keep going! The last door we knocked was Tony. He has been Catholic for years and warmly accepted a prayer. Afterwards, we testified of the Book of Mormon, the Restoration and invited him to read it. When we called him this morning, he had read the chapter, prayed about it and felt wonderful! Sadly, he chooses to follow the tradition of his fathers BUT we planted a deep seed. When we told him he could keep the Book of Mormon, he was so excited so that he could continue reading. We will be following up in a few weeks to get him baptized! :)

 Moral of the story: Be Aware. Be Diligent. Don't allow Satan to dictate your choices.

We were walking down the street one day and suddenly an image popped into my mind of a tall, strong, seemingly determined warrior. I could see within her eyes the unwavering decision to fight. She emanated a powerful presence of confidence and strength. She seemed to say "Try me. I know what I want and why I am here!!!" Then the image was gone. At first I didn't understand where this came from or why I thought of it but it seemed so real and so tangible. Each one of us are powerful, strong children of our Heavenly Father. As we live worthily of the Spirit, we will become these amazing beings of confidence and strength. The Spirit is the great refiner. It can change hearts. Minds. Worlds. It is the greatest gift that God could have given us for our time here on earth.  

I know that the Spirit is the greatest and easiest pathway to change and to happiness. Live worthily of it and you will be at peace. There is no greater joy than that!

Hna Lake

Week #60 - My Baby's got a Blue Chainsaw

The title is a tribute to Sister Stewart.

So family! Your daughter is once again TRAINING! I'm transfer training. I'm stoked. I can't wait to find out where I'm going. They are opening a new YSA in my baby area so I'm praying that I get to be sent there with my baby. PLEASE!

This week has been amazing! We had interviews with President This last week. That interview was much needed. He gave me such a cool idea! We were talking about Captain Moroni and the reason behind his success as a leader and a son of God. He controls his thoughts! Satan cannot tempt what he does not have.

"All the evil in the world

The darkest kind of sin

Can never hurt you

Not one bit

Unless you let it in!"

President is a Harry Potter fan and attributed this thought cleanse to when Dumbledore puts his wand to Harry's temple and pulls out a "memory" and puts it in a flask.  I have already implemented the "Dumbledore Swish and Flick" for my thoughts and it works wonders. I'm throwing all sorts of stuff out! It has bothered Sister Estrada and I to realize how often Satan attacks our minds and how to be more like Moroni and push against those things. I love it! If you find negativity, sadness, doubt or anything you don't want coming into your mind, try the Swish and Flick. It's a physical action that brings about spiritual blessings!

We've seen so many miracles this week. On Sunday we heard about Tender Mercies in our Sacrament Meeting and then our investigator, Maleigha, received a priesthood blessing afterwards and we talked more about miracles. Miracles are daily things. They CAN be big things but most often, they are small and specialized to us. This last week I was emotionally exhausted. I silently prayed and asked for help to be loving and be a true disciple of Christ. That day....I'd never had so many nice people talk to us! Everyone was kind, we met multiple people who had previous contact with the church and many accepted a prayer. No one wanted to learn more about the gospel, which was saddening, but I felt like God gave me a small miracle that day. He watched out for me even though He put me here so these hard things would make me grow. I know Heavenly Father loves me.

We met this great lady knocking doors who is a devout Catholic. She mentioned that something was missing and that she wished to figure it out. Well. That's the priesthood. It is SO amazing. I sat in a room watching Maleigha receive a priesthood blessing and was so grateful for all the amazing priesthood holders in my life and their worthiness.

I've also been learning more about Faith. Before, I struggled understanding why every time I felt like I knocked doors with firm faith and determination.....we found no one. I learned that we need to have faith in Jesus Christ and to understand that His purposes are always for our good. We need to trust him. But we also need to HOPE! I've never fully understood that connection. But faith is belief in concrete things - like our Heavenly Father's love. Hope is a belief that because of that love, He will give us what we need, when we need it. I stand hopeful for the many miracles to come with my baby in my next area. I'm so stinkin excited!!! :) I hope I go Spanish again!!

I love you all :) 

Hna lake

 

Week #59 - Once there was a Snowman

 I'm doing OUTRAGEOUSLY well. I've picked up a new love for iced tea, thanks to our southern investigator, Maleigha. "But Sister Lake! TEA?!?" Don't worry. To help Maleigha overcome her addiction to tea, we put a spin on it and made Chamomile sweet tea. It is surprisingly delicious and has the potential to give you cavities within a week. Yum! Maleigha asked me how I can handle drinking any kind of tea without sugar or honey in it and I explained my childhood. She looked at me with horror in her eyes. "You poor dear! You only had dessert ONCE A WEEK?!?" I just died. Apparently, I was abused as a child because my mother kept me from thousands of cavities.
THANK YOU MOTHER! #lakefamilyprobs

Can we all just stop for a moment and realize how amazing are our mothers? It's true. They truly do bear so much for us.  

This conference taught me a lot about the Atonement: 

Are you sure??

Come on, there has to be another way?

You're playing with me aren't you?

But there is no way!!!

"Not my will but Thine be done"

OKAY! You're right, you're right. 

How often have we had this conversation when we try to make God change His answer for us, "ARE YOU SUUUUUURE??" comes His loving reply.  I can remember SOOOOO many times my mother saying, "My answer isn't going to change no matter how much you wish it!"

God gave me an answer this last week that was really hard to handle. It was big, scary and I knew it was going to push me more than anything else. I think I asked these questions, time after time after time. Finally, He just stopped answering. The silent treatment is as good as, "It's not going to change! I already told you the answer!"   

As I watched those selfless men and bear testimony to eternal truths, I felt my heart stir in remembrance of my Savior and all that He, too, gave for me. When our dear prophet, Thomas S. Monson, looked as though he would collapse right at the pulpit, my heart split in two. It was so striking to realize that this man gave EVERYTHING for us. He looked determined that he would not fall, he would not go down and that he would share this message from his heart to the world. When he did that, I envisioned my Savior bent over in the garden, pleading that there be another way and yet doing the Father's will.  It helped me to understand the Atonement better. 

"If ye love me, keep my commandments" That is my scripture to ponderize. It reminds me, "Do I really love my Savior enough to do X thing? " "Am I really committed to follow Him?". "Can I follow through with the covenant I have made?" We made promises that we must now break. When fear smacks ya in the noggin, remember this: If we truly love the Savior, we will do as He has asked. No sacrifice is too much for the Savior; yet, He will help us make that sacrifice!

 Finally, I accepted it. I'm listening now. I'm sorry for being stubborn. I still don't get it. I'm still a little scared. But, I'm trusting you. I will listen. 

1 Nephi 3:7- I will prepare a way for you to do all things that I have commanded. Stop worrying!

I love you. 

I love you too.  

God calls those who are weak and simple. It's scary. It's a little daunting. But it's possible. Just let Him in. "LET THE EARTH RECEIVE HER KING" So, when are you going to do it? Do what you may ask? RECEIVE. God is waiting. Receive His will and let It change your life.  

Miracle: Ronald is amazing! He came to conference, LOVED it and took a page and a half of notes. When the session finished, he asked one question about the structure of the church and that's it. THAT's IT?! His mother shows doubts and Ronald stood up for a church he has known for a week! He testified to his mother of truths. He knows this is true!! He can't wait to be baptized on the 18th and the ward has really stepped up to help him. Wow. I'm stunned and inspired by this 18 year old. He has such a good head on his shoulders. I wish you all could meet him!

I love you!

Hna Lake

Week #58 - Power is not Limited to only the "Strong"

Wow. Just wow. This has been a really good week. Our faith has been higher, our endurance stronger and we are trying to be on the Lord's errand. Saturday, we had no one committed to church and we REALLY wanted to get people there. We went out with faith high that we could find someone and we were led to a family of 4 that wants to hear the gospel. THEY CAME! The son, Ronald, has been searching for truth and is trying to make sure he knows what he is doing is the right thing. After church, we asked him how he felt and he said, "I feel like this is the place I want to be". HE WANTS TO BE BAPTIZED!!  

2nd Miracle: I've been scared out of my mind to set people with baptismal dates. But, we decided to push our fears aside and confronted an investigator, Maleigha, who had still not committed. She said it was because she wanted a sign that these things were true. We asked her about what she did believe. She stated that the Book of Mormon was true and that the Plan of Salvation made sense. We explained that we were the only church that taught those principles, shared personal testimony, and read with her from Alma 32: 16-18.  

16Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe.

17Yea, there are many who do say: If thou wilt show unto us a sign from heaven, then we shall know of a surety; then we shall believe.

18Now I ask, is this faith? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for if a man knoweth a thing he hath no cause to believe, for he knoweth it. 

 

She is now getting baptized on October 10. Satan wants us to believe that we can't do it, to paralyze us with the fear that we will mess it up and therefore, they'll say no. He wants us to believe that our personal talents and abilities cannot be magnified to do the Lord's work. That's bogus. We are given power and authority from God to preach His gospel. We receive individual revelation for our area, our investigators, and for ourselves. DO NOT BE DECEIVED! We can win; with the Lord on our side, we will! Now, I can recognize a little better whose voice is in my head and choose what I need to.  Mom insert: We must recognize the voice of the messenger.  

We are warriors in our Savior's army. Each life that we touch for good is added to our army. Each life that we bring a little closer to the Savior becomes a member in the fight for good. We are not alone. We are not defenseless. We must stand firm. We will stand for truth. We will not forfeit our eternal birthright for a cheap imitation of Celestial Glory. We want truth. We want to be servants of our Lord and Savior.  We serve in our army with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. We are grateful. We are patient. We trust in the Lord when the battle begins to look grim and await the Heavenly support we have been promised. We do not sway under the scorn of the world or words of unrighteousness. We are valiant leaders in the fight for virtue and godliness. We are sons and daughters of God and must accept no less. 

My mission has taught me to be firm in my convictions and beliefs. It has taught me that when it really comes down to the bare minimum....there are no maybes, halfways, or could be. It is yes or it is no; it is do or die. Either we choose to follow our Savior Jesus Christ or we do not. God doesn't dabble in confusion. He is one or the other. Be STRONG! We are divine! We are royal! 

Remember that family I mentioned? Well, they brought their 3 yr old daughter and she wanted to bear her testimony in church yesterday. At first, I wasn't sure about time. So I told her we could next time. She just deflated. I became determined to get her up there if there was any space. The last one finished, bishop stayed sitting so I shot up with this little girl and we were up there in a flash. She got up to the microphone...and froze. She looked to me for help and I told her simple truths that I knew she knew. "God loves me. I love Jesus. I'm a princess. I want to follow Him" Many ward members came up afterwards and told us that her sweet testimony changed the meeting; this 3 yr old changed the meeting. The simple truths that "God loves me and I'm his daughter" are POWERFUL and everlasting. 

Testimony of these things are not limited to anyone in particular. If you want to know for yourself, get down on your knees and ask God, "Am I really your daughter? Do you really love me?" I PROMISE that He will give you the perfect assurance that He does and that you are His. He has done it for me - I know that I am His daughter and that He wants for me to return to Him. It is no different for any of you. WE ARE HIS CHILDREN! Don't miss out. Take the challenge left to you from God, the prophets and apostles, women leaders, and me. ASK HIM! Please, let something as simple as this firm knowledge shape the rest of your life.  

I LOVE YOU ALL! I know my Savior loves me and desires my success. I know that He supports me in my trials and waits for reasons to bless me. I know my Father in Heaven is aware of my needs and that everything in my life is for a reason. I know this is the everlasting Gospel. DO NOT WASTE IT!

Hna Lake