I sent out an email a few days ago, so I don't have a ton to say today--but the news of this week is that on Wednesday we will be changing mission presidents. It's definitely bitter-sweet, but I am so grateful for the service President and Sister Bonham have rendered and I look forward to meeting and serving under President and Sister Wilding (who, by the way, are from Texas!) Late Sunday night we got a call asking us to speak in church the next day. We hurried to put together talks and in the morning about 2 hours before church, we got asked to speak on different topics. So we scurried to make it to branch council and write our talks on the new topic. It ended up going just fine. We were able to talk about testimonies and how to get and strengthen one. We always have to be ready...haha In Relief Society, some of the members of the English ward came to teach the sisters how to lead music. It was fun to watch. So cute. Yay for developing new talents and abilities! Sweet moment of the week--we went to a fireside on Sunday that our mission president and wife would be speaking at and Alex was there with one of his sons! For those of you who don't recognize the name Alex--he was one of my investigators in Marysville. He hasn't change a bit... Oh it was so fun to see him and his son. Found out that this week they are moving to Everett...which means he will be coming to our branch now! Yay! The Lord works in mysterious ways... Lastly, here's a thought and challenge from the week! Something I have learned to love and treasure on my mission are *study or revelation journals*. When we "seek diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, [when we] seek out of the best books words of wisdom, [and] seek learning even by study and also by faith," we are given knowledge even unto the learning of the mysteries of God. [D&C 109:7] Elder Richard G. Scott taught, “Knowledge carefully recorded is knowledge available in time of need. Spiritually sensitive information should be kept in a sacred place that communicates to the Lord how you *treasure* it. This practice enhances the likelihood of your receiving further light.” I know that this is true! I have great reason to think that Alma the elder kept a study journal...lets look at Mosiah chapter 26 verses 12-15, 29, and 33 (don't mind my commentary in italics): But king Mosiah said unto Alma: Behold, I judge them not; therefore I deliver them into thy hands to be judged. *Oh no. Here's a challenge.* And now the spirit of Alma was again troubled (*I'd be a little afraid/hesitant too with such responsibility...)*; and he went and inquired of the Lord (*what a great idea! I suppose he studied a little in his mind before asking his question)* what he should do concerning this matter, for he feared that he should do wrong in the sight of God. And it came to pass that after he had poured out his whole soul (*that says a good deal about the amount of effort he put in)* to God, the voice of the Lord came to him, saying: Blessed art thou, Alma (*this could be me or you!)...*Thou art blessed because of thy exceeding faith... *(Here's the answer to his question) *Therefore I say unto you, Go; and whosoever transgresseth against me, him shall ye judge according to the sins which he has committed; and if he confess his sins before thee and me, and repenteth in the sincerity of his heart, him shall ye forgive, and I will forgive him also. *(What did Alma do with his newly obtained knowledge...?)* And it came to pass when Alma had heard these words *he wrote them down that he might have * *them*, and that he might judge the people of that church according to the commandments of God. Think of what would have happened had Alma no written down the things he learned in this experience. Though we are blessed with great and competent minds, we have about (now this comparison is relative) 2 GB of storage in our minds and much more than that that we want to try to also add. As we all know, once the storage space has reached capacity--there's no adding more. You have to delete something or be satisfied with what you have. The beauty of a study/revelation journal, however, is that it is like our hard drive for spiritual knowledge. We can load it up and not worry about never having space because the capacity is so large. We should use this "spiritual hard drive" to recall spiritual experiences, see new insights, and recognize our growth. We must use it *often* to review, access, and apply what we have learned. An addition, it can help us understand, clarify, and remember what we are learning. I know that what Elder Scott said above it true. The Book of Mormon testifies of this also: When we use our study/revelation journals, we have this promise from the Lord: *I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel [...and write it down], for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.* And with this blessing I extend this challenge: If you don't already have one, create and start using a study/revelation journal! And if you already have one, review it and pray to know how you can use it more effectively and fully, and then do it! I testify that it's the best. Have a great week! Hermana Clark |
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AuthorHi! My name is Kallie Clark and I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, called to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in Spanish for 18 months to the residents of Everett, Washington. Archives
August 2015
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