tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14238003467170059052024-03-13T22:50:55.263-07:00A Missionary's JourneyHello everyone! I am Hermana Cynthia Hurd, here to tell you all about my journey as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in the Spanish language in the Arizona Mesa Mission!Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-53366467518150580532016-02-25T19:08:00.000-07:002016-02-25T19:08:04.915-07:00Still Going Strong!As of February 24, 2016, I have officially been home from my mission for exactly one year. And what a year it's been! This is my third semester back at school. I've been on countless dates (and still don't have a boyfriend). I've met so many new people and done so many other things. But most importantly, I have not forgotten my mission, nor have I forsaken it. To repeat the cliche, my mission was the best 18 months of my life.<br />
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Now, I define "best" in a few different ways. First and most predictably, those eighteen months spent in the desert valley of Mesa, Arizona were some of the happiest of my life. I wasn't always happy, mind you--I'm still human, after all--but I was close to the Spirit, close to my Savior and my Heavenly Father, and that kind of happiness cannot be replicated.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h8YwfMtfY5Q/Vs-zNpLqXEI/AAAAAAAAAQM/DEHpHp7UB-w/s1600/1427315598999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h8YwfMtfY5Q/Vs-zNpLqXEI/AAAAAAAAAQM/DEHpHp7UB-w/s320/1427315598999.jpg" width="320" /></a>Second, and on the opposite end of the spectrum, those eighteen months were the <i>hardest</i> of my life. I cried more times on my mission than I ever remember doing at any other time in my life. I was constantly rejected, let down, heartbroken, stretched and wrung out and burned (literally and figuratively). My Heavenly Father was constantly testing me, pushing me beyond my comfort zone, occasionally shoving me out of my depth. He tested my resolve. But, I <i>never</i> gave up. And I grew and became better because of all those hard times. To quote Kelly Clarkson, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger," and since my mission didn't kill me, it must have made me stronger.<br />
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Piggy-backing on that idea, my mission was the best in terms of my own personal growth. Now, I'll be the first to admit that I am <i>not</i> perfect--far from it, in fact--but I <i>am</i> always trying to be better. And with every trial that my Heavenly Father gave me, I found a way to learn and grow from it. As a result, I didn't recognize the person I'd been before by the time I finished my mission. She was a stranger to me. And I made a solemn promise to myself that I will <i>never</i> go back to the person I was before. And I am happy to say, a full year--12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days--later, that I am still going strong!<br />
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I still have my challenges. My life isn't all rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes the trials I face seem bigger than anything I experienced on my mission. I still struggle with some things. But, I'm trying. I'm fighting. My ultimate goal is the same now as it was while I still wore a name tag that read "Sister Hurd": become the person my Heavenly Father wants me to become, and help as many other people along that path as I can--starting with my very own family (and believe me, that isn't an easy task).<br />
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I have a long road ahead of me and a whole new set of challenges awaits around every corner. But I won't give up. I will <i>always</i> be striving to become better, a little bit every day.<br />
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Wish me luck on my new journey!<br />
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PS: Don't forget to check out my other blog, <a href="http://awriterscache.blogspot.com/">A Writer's Cache</a>!Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-70476406291783880362015-02-21T14:59:00.000-07:002015-05-06T11:17:03.680-07:00The Last Step"The last step of any journey is the first step of an even greater adventure" - <u>A Wrinkle in Time</u><br />
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As you may have guessed from the quote, my journey as a missionary is coming to an end. And what a journey it's been! I've learned and grown so much that I can't even begin to describe it all. But I'd like to use this last post as a chance to share just a few of the things I've learned in the last 18 months and what I'm going to do with them afterward.<br />
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First of all, I've learned the value and the rewards that come from working hard. A mission isn't just teaching and having fun. A mission takes a lot of work and dedication. But the reward of hard work is undeniable. You really learn to have joy in the work. And I will continue to work hard. I still have two years of school left plus I need to find a job! So I will never let myself become lazy and unproductive like I was before this journey. Because without work there is no progression and no improvement. I will use every moment to do <i>something</i> that will help me or someone else become better than they were before.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvOylW4CjFw/VOj_eBAbxLI/AAAAAAAAAME/ADKjfs-Q4HU/s1600/christianity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvOylW4CjFw/VOj_eBAbxLI/AAAAAAAAAME/ADKjfs-Q4HU/s1600/christianity.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>Second, I've learned what it truly means to love like the Savior loves. That has been something I've been working on for a long time, and I'm seeing the fruits of it. My relationships with people--members, those I'm teaching, my companions, other missionaries--are so much stronger. And you know something? The secret to an unbreakable relationship is love and sacrifice on another's behalf. Just like Christ sacrificed his very life in an act of love for us, I will sacrifice for others. I want to strengthen my relationships with my family and current friends as well as forge new friendships that will last. And I know that the first thing I have to do is love them. Then I have to show them that love, by making small sacrifices for them. Hopefully in the process their love for me will grow, too :)<br />
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Third, I've learned how to overcome weaknesses. It's a hard thing to do, especially because it means admitting you have weaknesses in the first place. But it's always worth it. One of the scriptures that has come to mean the most to me during my mission is found in The Book of Mormon, in the book of Ether chapter 12 verse 27: "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble, and my grace is sufficient for all men who do humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." I know this promise is true because I've seen it. I started my mission with so many flaws and imperfections, but I've overcome so many of them through faith and reliance on the Savior.<br />
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Lastly and most importantly, I've truly come to <i>know</i> that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the true gospel. Only through the path that Jesus Christ has shown us can we become like our Father in Heaven. I now know, without a single doubt and with all of my heart, that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. He is the only way back to the Father, and He has shown us that way. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true Church of Jesus Christ.<br />
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My mission has literally changed my life, and I know that I will continue to see the blessings of my mission from this moment on.<br />
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Sister Hurd, Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, signing out.<br />
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PS: Check out my new blog,<a href="http://awriterscache.blogspot.com/"> A Writer's Cache</a>!Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-43658598279483136432015-01-03T14:06:00.001-07:002015-01-03T14:06:39.410-07:00Weak Becomes Strong"If men come unto me [Christ], I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men who humble themselves before me, because if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them" (Ether 12:27)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tbzgjkUybmg/VKhZWl5PfBI/AAAAAAAAALk/VpG1AMQmzLI/s1600/follow%2BChrist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tbzgjkUybmg/VKhZWl5PfBI/AAAAAAAAALk/VpG1AMQmzLI/s1600/follow%2BChrist.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a>Change. It's such an interesting word, isn't it? Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad. But it's always good in the end. I, at least, have never passed through a time of change and found that, eventually, I haven't been better for it. Sure, it was hard at first, but perseverance resulted <br />
in a slightly more polished me. I'm still working, of course, because I'll never be perfect in this life as a human being. But I can still improve. Here's an experience on how I did it, so each of you can know at least some basic steps you can follow to make your own improvements, especially in this New Year with all your resolutions. I don't pretend to have all the answers, because I certainly don't. I only hope someone can benefit from me sharing this experience.<br />
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At the beginning of my mission, there were a lot of things I realized I would have to change. And I've recognized even more need for change and improvement as time has passed. One of the biggest things I eventually realized I would have to change was my selfishness. It wasn't obvious to me, and maybe not to anyone else, either, because it didn't make me arrogant or overly rude. But it was keeping me from progressing and being my best self. And my companion knew it. She wasn't afraid to be blunt with me. She told me one day, straight up, with all the love she had for me, that I needed to change. That I thought too much about myself and not enough about others and it needed to change. It was hard to accept. I admit I wanted to deny it at first. But then, reflecting, I realized she was right.<br />
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That was step one, recognizing and accepting the need for change. Step two was deciding I would do something about it. I refused to sit back and let that weakness hang over me, holding me back. I almost immediately decided I wanted to be better, I wanted to make the necessary change. I wanted to be able to put others first. So, I set the goal. It wasn't a general goal, either. It was very specific. I set the goal that I would think of others' needs before my own, even in the little things like adjusting the air conditioner in the car. And that I would think before I spoke so I wouldn't offend anyone by saying something I thought was funny but that could hurt someone else.<br />
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The third and most important step (I think) is that I got down on my knees and pleaded with my Heavenly Father for help, because I knew I couldn't do it alone. And it wasn't just a, "help me please?" Instead, it was a real plea: "I'm not strong enough alone; I need your help. Please help me not to be selfish, to think of others first." Being specific is the key. Even though Heavenly Father knows our needs, He waits for us to ask exactly what we need before He gives it to us so He knows we will appreciate it. And asking for specific help in this goal, nearly every time I prayed, helped me to remember what I was working towards and also who it was that would help me.<br />
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Lastly, I worked. I worked hard. And I worked consistently. The change didn't happen overnight. In fact it took weeks before I started to see any improvement, and even now, three months later, I'm still not sure I've really made much progress, even though others have seen a change in me. I still slip up occasionally and I still need my Father's help to stay on the path.But I'm still working, and one day I will have overcome my weakness.<br />
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In summary, the four steps to change are 1) Recognize and <i>accept</i> the need for it, either yourself or someone else pointing it out to you; 2) Have the desire to change and decide to act on that desire; 3) PRAY! Plead for Heavenly help, because you can't do it alone, however awesome you may be; and 4) Work. You won't accomplish anything by just sitting around and waiting for it to happen. And then keep working. And don't <i>ever</i> give up. If you stay constant and rely on Heavenly Father, I promise that "weak things will become strong unto [you]."Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-42666904083274280412014-12-27T13:36:00.000-07:002014-12-27T13:36:35.617-07:00To Infinity...And Beyond!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0V9EHpxT5JI/UtWiD3-2eII/AAAAAAAAAEY/poZMG3SMwJY/s1600/perfect+place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0V9EHpxT5JI/UtWiD3-2eII/AAAAAAAAAEY/poZMG3SMwJY/s320/perfect+place.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">"The perfect place to start is exactly where you are now."</td></tr>
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Christmas is over and the new year is nearly upon us. The question is, what will you make of 2015?<br />
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Every year we leave the past behind us while keeping treasured memories and continue onward. Every year we have the chance to be better. Or, we can be content to stay where we are. I don't know about you, but I want to be constantly improving. That means staying stationary is not an option. And as ever-changing beings, it shouldn't be an option for you, either. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that if you aren't stepping forward, you're sliding backward (think of a treadmill).<br />
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So, what will you do to move forward? The best way to start is with a vision. Where do you want to be on December 31, 2015? Then, ask yourself, "What do I need to do during the year to reach that?" It's all in goal-setting. It sounds so cliche, but I've learned that it works. I've heard somewhere that "a goal not written down is only a wish." Fleeting and forgotten in just a few days. So write down your new year's resolutions! And keep them in a place where you will see them often so you will remember to work on them.<br />
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The key to all of this, though, isn't in our own effort (though that certainly is an important factor). The key is trusting in our Savior, whose birth we have just celebrated. Only through Him can we make permanent changes in our lives for the better. I've seen it happen in my life this last year. And so, I have a firm witness that <i>change is possible</i>. You don't have to stay where you are. Trust in Him and let Him fill the holes in your abilities (because none of us are perfect). And as you work hard and consistently, the change will come. Slowly at first, because these things don't just happen overnight. But it will come. And you can reach new heights. You can reach infinity, and beyond. <i>Anything</i> is possible with the help of our Savior.<br />
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So, I invite you all to act. Set a goal of personal improvement. Make a plan for how you will accomplish it. Ask your Father in Heaven for His help in achieving this goal. Then, work hard and trust Him. Don't ever give up. I know He will help you. But you have to take the first step.Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-17338211153724234562014-12-23T16:32:00.002-07:002014-12-23T16:32:34.114-07:00His Image<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uPr3jrdP4XQ/VJn7XFUZnfI/AAAAAAAAAK8/govld79x7UI/s1600/Christ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uPr3jrdP4XQ/VJn7XFUZnfI/AAAAAAAAAK8/govld79x7UI/s1600/Christ.jpg" height="297" width="320" /></a>"Have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received His image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" (Alma 5:14)<br />
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When you look in a mirror, who do you see? A boy or girl, a man or woman. Perhaps you resemble your father or mother more. Or perhaps you look like a sibling or grandparent. Or maybe you look past the physical to what's inside. Maybe you see more of your weaknesses than your strengths. Or maybe you see your strong points. But the big question is, is what you see in the mirror a reflection of who you really are? Who do you want to see when you look in the mirror?<br />
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The biggest thing to remember is that the physical features, whether you're skinny or plump, pretty or handsome or unremarkable, doesn't matter at all. It's what's on the inside that matters most. And what's on the inside shows through. It doesn't reflect in the features or body size, but rather the perception others have of you. If you see the positive in yourself, then others see that positive attitude on the outside. And, of course, the opposite is true. So, considering all this, what do you <i>want </i>to see? And how do you make that happen?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyhkhAKbg5M/VJn7XpmE6iI/AAAAAAAAALA/wVIywMjXPHU/s1600/let%2Blight%2Bshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyhkhAKbg5M/VJn7XpmE6iI/AAAAAAAAALA/wVIywMjXPHU/s1600/let%2Blight%2Bshine.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>The key is change what's on the inside. If you want to see in yourself someone who just seems to glow with happiness, then you must turn inward to turn on the lamp. The way to do that is to remember who you really are. You're not just one person in a million, easily overlooked and unimportant. You are a child of God, the child of a Heavenly King. And once you realize that, you can start working to reflect that divine nature on the outside.<br />
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The way to reflect that is through coming unto Christ. He is the only way to truly change in order to reflect His light. And that is how we come to be born of God and receive the "mighty change" of heart. And upon receiving that light, it will shine through you and when you look in the mirror, you will see a true follower of Christ. And others will see it as well and want to know Him because they know you.<br />
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Change is possible. Starting right now, especially at the end of another year, you can change. All it takes is a desire, the willingness to work, and trust in the Savior. Then you will be able to answer the question above with a confident, "Yes!" So go change, then change the world!<br />
Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-12896217328417573832014-12-13T15:19:00.000-07:002014-12-13T15:19:25.396-07:00The First Gift<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SrUIyBYv4Y/VIy6-JKNr3I/AAAAAAAAAKk/kxrIrVAVoyM/s1600/spirit%2Bof%2Bchrist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SrUIyBYv4Y/VIy6-JKNr3I/AAAAAAAAAKk/kxrIrVAVoyM/s1600/spirit%2Bof%2Bchrist.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>It's Christmastime! A time for gift-giving, song-singing, tree-decorating, family-gathering, cookie-making. There are a lot of fun traditions and activities that go along with this festive time of year. But, how often do we stop and think about the reason <i>behind</i> all the festivities? What does Christmas really represent? It's hard to remember the <i>why</i> behind this time of year behind all the hustle and bustle of the season. But the <i>why</i> is the most important.<br />
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At Christmastime, we don't just celebrate family and presents. We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. His birth wasn't like that of any other child. This birth was prophesied by countless ancient prophets for centuries before it happened. It was to be the birth of the Son of God, the prophesied Savior of the world. Christ speaks in his own words of his purpose for coming to the earth, standing before Pilate and the jeering crowd, having suffered for our sins and about to be delivered up to the crucifiers: "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world" (John 18:37). The apostle John also testifies of the true meaning of Christmas: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).<br />
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This Christmas season, we celebrate the birth of our Savior and Redeemer and remember the gifts <i>He </i>gave us. Christ gave us the hope of eternal life, an opportunity for forgiveness, a chance for peace amidst trial and affliction. And the Father gave us His Only Begotten Son. So Jesus Christ was the first gift of Christmas, the reason for the season. So, during this Christmas season, remember the very first gift, given out of pure and unconditional love that <i>we</i> might "not perish, but have everlasting life."<br />
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<a href="http://www.mormon.org/christmas">http://www.mormon.org/christmas</a><br />
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Merry Christmas! And don't forget to #sharethegift and allow others to experience the joy that comes with the true meaning of Christmas.<br />
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<br />Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-76194577348592333522014-11-20T13:46:00.001-07:002014-11-20T13:46:15.696-07:00Transfers Again: An Experiment, Part 2As this transfer draws to a close, I decided a follow-up was needed. I've been working on the goals mentioned in the previous post, and here is my progress report. With each goal I've set I've seen personal improvement, and I know it is only through my faith and my reliance on the Savior that I have been able to become better in each area.<br />
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First, charity, the pure love of Christ. It has been my focus for a long time and as such I've been consistently working on it. I came into this area having heard many good things about it, so I was already hopeful. Also I made the determination before I even got here to love the members of the branch as well as the individuals and families we work with as quickly and as sincerely as possible. And I'm amazed at how that mindset has impacted my experience here. From the very start, I already loved each person I met, and that love has only grown as I've learned their names and who they are, and most importantly as I've served them and worked with them. I also love more sincerely the missionaries I've worked with my entire mission. I can testify that a positive mindset and an honest effort can and will result in miracles, like those I've seen here.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HgMKnyhpycQ/VG5RwSGAFJI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/141gvqECCTU/s1600/vision%2Bventure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HgMKnyhpycQ/VG5RwSGAFJI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/141gvqECCTU/s1600/vision%2Bventure.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>Second, diligence--working hard and taking advantage of every moment. I can honestly say that I've worked harder in the last several weeks than I have my entire mission. We always had a goal, a destination, in mind, and a plan to reach it. We never stopped nor did we waste a single moment. I personally could be better at initiating the work, if I'm honest with myself, but I didn't mind being pulled along; in fact I thoroughly enjoyed it. I only hope I can keep it up, and make things happen because <i>I'm</i> working hard, not just because my companion is leading me along. A result of our diligence is that those families with whom we have been working are progressing more in the gospel, and they have a growing desire to be faithful to it. Of course, none of that is due to my efforts or those of my companion. None of the miracles I've seen I can attribute to anyone but God. He is the worker of miracles; we are just the instruments.<br />
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Lastly, following the guidance of the Spirit. I admit I didn't focus on this one as much as I should have, but I've already made a commitment to do better. I have noticed that with extra preparation, the Spirit was more likely to be present, and I feel as though I have become a better and more effective teacher. The successful lessons we have had are completely the result of the Spirit guiding me and my companion and testifying to the individual of the truthfulness of our words. I have an experience to share about one experience where we followed the Spirit.<br />
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One night we both had the feeling that we should visit a sister in our ward who hasn't been to church in some time and has been having some struggles. We'd never previously talked very openly with her about spiritual matters, but we did let her know of our love for her through service. When we arrived at her house, it was late but she was awake, which was unusual. We talked a little about the trivial things, then she opened up and confided in us her struggles. She said she feels that she has to do everything by herself and must take care of everyone else, and she felt as if no one knew her inner struggle. We listened with love, both of us wondering and praying to know what we could possibly say to help her. Then my companion began to testify of the love of the Savior, how perfectly he knows each one of us individually, and how much he longs to reach out to help us. Right in line with my own thoughts. I added my testimony to hers. I could feel as I spoke and testified that my words were being guided by
something beyond myself. I couldn't have spoken so simply yet so
powerfully if it weren't for the Spirit. The Spirit was palpable and it was clear she could feel it. She was crying and we could all feel the Savior's love for her. <br />
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There are still two weeks left of this transfer (I just don't know when I'll next have a chance to post because it's going to be busy). I intend to keep working on these goals and continue improving. And I know for a surety that as long as I remember to rely on my Savior, instead of trying to do everything myself, I will be able to accomplish my goals. And each one of us can do the same, as long as we rely on Him.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">"When you have already done everything possible, let God do the impossible." </span></div>
Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-10814244865253844242014-11-06T13:57:00.001-07:002014-11-06T13:57:03.700-07:00Month of Gratitude, and BeyondHappy November! We all know what that means--Thanksgiving! Lots of good food, family, fun. But how often do we forget the reason behind it? Thanksgiving started as a celebration and a gesture of gratitude from the Pilgrims to the Indians for helping them survive a difficult winter. Now most of us have more than enough to celebrate. Perhaps a lot of you have a tradition of listing things on Thanksgiving that you are grateful for. But what about the rest of the year?<br />
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This month of November, I want to invite each of you to think of something you're grateful for every single day of the month, not just on Thanksgiving. And perhaps write it down somewhere. Maybe start a gratitude journal. The act of doing so will help you realize that there is a lot to be grateful for every single day, and it doesn't have to wait until that one Thursday each year, surrounded by food, to be expressed. As you develop an attitude of gratitude for everything you have, even the little things, you will be happier. I promise. And I'll do it, too.<br />
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Good luck! Happy Gratitude Month!<br />
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<br />Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-2112236082562897342014-10-21T12:55:00.000-07:002014-10-21T12:55:57.791-07:00Transfers Again: An Experiment<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPObo7r4ujU/VEa3ivV5VQI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/6tfi3aE2X2A/s1600/be%2Bkind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPObo7r4ujU/VEa3ivV5VQI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/6tfi3aE2X2A/s1600/be%2Bkind.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OZuFmAKS2o4/VEa3jMBGRGI/AAAAAAAAAJY/X-FvtVPv2_c/s1600/whrere%2Byou%2Bgo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>The time for transfers has come again. And I have high hopes for it. So, I'll be working on various things I've learned over my mission and applying them all at once, and we'll see where it goes!<br />
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The first thing I'll be applying is what I've learned about charity. I intend to keep up with it. As you've seen in previous posts, charity is the pure love of Christ. It involves feeling sincere love and concern for others, even those you don't know, and showing <br />
that love through service, through truly listening to others, through kind words. The list could go on. This transfer, I'm being moved into a new area with a companion I haven't really worked with before, so I'll be surrounded by strangers in the ward at first. And so it is a perfect opportunity to really put to the test what I've learned these last two months and see if I've truly learned it or if it's only words.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LIbjokQ7QNQ/VEa4D1A-YII/AAAAAAAAAJg/Liy2DVvj_r4/s1600/go%2Bon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LIbjokQ7QNQ/VEa4D1A-YII/AAAAAAAAAJg/Liy2DVvj_r4/s1600/go%2Bon.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Second I will be working effectively and consistently--diligently. For me diligence means giving it your all and being consistent and driven by a strong motivation to do your best. And so that's what I intend to do. My current companion has taught me a lot about using every spare moment and not letting a second go to waste. So I plan to do just that. I'm going to study a bit more about what diligence really means, and then apply as I learn.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPObo7r4ujU/VEa3ivV5VQI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/6tfi3aE2X2A/s1600/be%2Bkind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Third will be the value of listening to the Spirit. I've had a number of experiences where I <i>knew</i> the Lord was speaking through me as His representative, and I want to make that a more regular occurrence because the message I carry is always more powerful when carried by the Spirit into the hearts of the people. As a missionary I'm not here to <i>convince</i> people that this gospel is true, but to help them learn for themselves, through that Spirit, what path the Lord wants for them. And that can only happen if I am that instrument through which the Lord can touch their hearts.<br />
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These will be my three main focuses this transfer, over the next six weeks. The most important thing I've learned, though, is that without help from God, I can do nothing. So this next transfer I will be relying a lot on my Heavenly Father and my Savior to help me overcome my weaknesses and help me become strong. Tomorrow I go into the unknown, but with the Savior by my side. Wish me luck!Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-85563536513155119822014-10-16T14:46:00.000-07:002014-10-16T14:46:28.570-07:00Being Charitable Brings Blessings<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_r6l25qYBU/VEA58atXs6I/AAAAAAAAAJA/hTwz90OEdFw/s1600/love%2Bone%2Banother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_r6l25qYBU/VEA58atXs6I/AAAAAAAAAJA/hTwz90OEdFw/s1600/love%2Bone%2Banother.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>The last few months, I've been working on developing charity. And I've seen changes. I've seen blessings. And not only in my life, but in the lives of others.<br />
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As I've worked to develop charity, I've found my love for the people I work with grow, little by little. Before, it was sometimes difficult for me to pay attention when other people talked for a long period of time. I also often found myself wanting to give my two cents, not considering that what the other was saying might be important to know. It was also sometimes difficult to get along with people because we had different ways of doing things and, I'm rather chagrined to admit it, I wanted things to go my way. But as I've concentrated on being "long-suffering" and "patient," and
really listening to the other person rather than just wanting to say
what I had to say, I've come to know each person better. I feel like I
have a greater understanding of their needs and how<i> </i>help <i>them</i> understand, so they get what <i>they</i> need and what <i>they're</i> looking for. And my relationships have improved a lot since I first set this goal for myself.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe_QjNhpFko/VEA4zAP2Q8I/AAAAAAAAAIs/LOQF2KKF_Ho/s1600/love.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe_QjNhpFko/VEA4zAP2Q8I/AAAAAAAAAIs/LOQF2KKF_Ho/s1600/love.png" height="167" width="200" /></a>But that's not the only change I've noticed. As I focus more on them rather than on myself, the Spirit speaks to me more easily and I can be inspired to say what the investigator needs to hear. The other day we taught a lesson with an investigator and a member, and we were teaching a longer lesson and only had an hour to get through it. And I felt myself getting impatient because I wanted to get through the lesson and move on. But I realized before long that I was being selfish and I <i>wasn't</i> feeling charity for either of those people. So I made a conscious decision to listen and try to love them both.<br />
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Almost instantly I noticed a difference. The story the investigator was telling was an important one from his youth that made it easier to understand why he was the way he was, and the member was teaching well, just not in the way I would have taught it. And it didn't matter if I wasn't the one doing the majority of the teaching, because true doctrine was being taught and the Spirit was there. By the end of the lesson, the investigator had understood the doctrine well and was excited to keep learning, and the member had made a valuable contribution. And I know that lesson would not have turned out as well had I not made the effort to have charity for each person in the room.<br />
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Truly the quest for charity is worth it. I've seen not only with this particular investigator, but with all of them. My love has grown and my desire to serve and help them has increased. And even with strangers on the street, I have more desire to serve them and help them come to the knowledge of their Savior. And this is only after a few weeks. I'm going to keep working on developing this divine attribute so I can experience and then share the pure love that Jesus Christ has for each and every person on the planet. I know that with His help it is not only possible, but probable.<br />
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I invite each of you to make an effort to be more kind to those around you. Show your love and consideration for them, even in the little things, and I promise you will have a happier, more positive outlook on life, even when things are difficult.<br />
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<br />Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-49525593101009350082014-10-11T15:03:00.001-07:002014-10-11T15:03:27.235-07:00How Do I Develop Charity?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rkAqYfGW8LA/VDmn6yZg_TI/AAAAAAAAAIM/OFRcSJgXBNE/s1600/follow%2Bchrist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rkAqYfGW8LA/VDmn6yZg_TI/AAAAAAAAAIM/OFRcSJgXBNE/s1600/follow%2Bchrist.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a><br />
As mentioned in my last post, charity is the pure love of Christ, the perfect way he loved others. And we have been commanded to develop it: "the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing" (2 Nephi 26:30). That's a rather difficult mandate, isn't it? But it's not impossible.<br />
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To start, it helps to understand a little more about what charity is and how it is showed. A good place to start is by studying Moroni 7 in the Book of Mormon or 1 Corinthians 13 in the New Testament. Moroni defines it this way: "And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."<br />
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Now I'm going to substitute in some antonyms to reflect better what charity <i>is</i> rather than what is is <i>not</i>, along with a translation to modern English<i>: </i>"And charity suffers long, and is kind, and [tolerant], is [humble], [selfless], [patient], [virtuous], and...rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFB2QZtcGvs/VDmn68QbQPI/AAAAAAAAAIU/yhPBjGKnhr0/s1600/god%2Bloves%2Byou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>That seems a little easier, right? It will still require effort, but at least you know now what it means to not be "puffed up." The next step is not to try to develop it all at once--that would be too overwhelming. So you start by picking one and working on it until you've gotten pretty good at it, then start on a new one. The root of it all is something very simple--service. As you start to focus on helping others, you will find that almost without noticing those other attributes will develop as well. The reason for that is because your love for them will grow.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFsN5pS8ZSk/VDmn7N1iqoI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/B0m5_13OalY/s1600/parecer%2Ba%2BCristo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFsN5pS8ZSk/VDmn7N1iqoI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/B0m5_13OalY/s1600/parecer%2Ba%2BCristo.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"We can all come to be like the Savior as we serve God's children."</td></tr>
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The best thing about developing charity is that we aren't alone in the process. Our Savior Jesus Christ is there to help us and strengthen us and allow us to go beyond our normal capacities and reach new heights. The most amazing thing about the gospel is that it always comes back to Christ and his Atonement, or his suffering and sacrifice for each one of us. As we pray for strength, little by little we will be able to develop those attributes of charity that will bring great blessings into our lives.<br />
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The next post will be about the blessings that come as we strive to develop charity, and I will also report on blessings I have personally received as I strive to develop this Christlike attribute. So stay tuned!Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-9077630925485533232014-10-06T14:20:00.002-07:002014-10-07T13:54:15.539-07:00What is Charity?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p_JQ3lKqfuM/VDRSD3kQ2JI/AAAAAAAAAH8/V2gTCB1mGHA/s1600/charity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p_JQ3lKqfuM/VDRSD3kQ2JI/AAAAAAAAAH8/V2gTCB1mGHA/s1600/charity.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>No, not the charity where you donate all your old, unwanted, and broken things to the poor so you can get rid of it (and I have done that). I'm talking about charity, the love of Christ. What is it? A prophet from the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, defines it this way:<br />
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"And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." (Moroni 7:45)<br />
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Those are just a few aspects of charity, but it still doesn't really explain it, does it? It's true. There's a lot more to charity than just the outward expressions of it. The most basic explanation is also given by the Book of Mormon prophet Moroni: "charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever" (Moroni 7:47). In short, charity encompasses the type of love that Christ possesses, and that he showed to everyone while he was on the earth, culminated in his great atoning sacrifice for us, as well as the love he continues to extend to all of us who are imperfect, broken, conceited, sorrowful, lost, prideful, unsure, and everything in between. It is a perfect love that never ends.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ChmKU2JaTyA/VDRQXzNgMkI/AAAAAAAAAHw/iTNlYQqRHgI/s1600/let%2Blove%2Bguide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ChmKU2JaTyA/VDRQXzNgMkI/AAAAAAAAAHw/iTNlYQqRHgI/s1600/let%2Blove%2Bguide.jpg" height="200" width="154" /></a>Even more than that, though, it is more than just showing love for those around you, more than little acts of service and kind words. Properly interpreted, it is the love we <i>feel</i> for those around us which then <i>motivates</i> those little acts. We cannot in this life attain to the perfect love that Christ showed, but we can start. It might not be easy--in fact, I <i>promise</i> that it will not be easy--but it <i>is</i> possible and it <i>will</i> be worth it.<br />
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How do we develop charity? A possible solution will be given in my next post, so stay tuned!Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-7680687503309380552014-10-01T15:23:00.002-07:002014-10-01T15:23:49.675-07:00A New Beginning: Follow-Up<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8eksCIGmg8/VCx-10hmt_I/AAAAAAAAAHg/Rt2d0cxGq10/s1600/little%2Bbetter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8eksCIGmg8/VCx-10hmt_I/AAAAAAAAAHg/Rt2d0cxGq10/s1600/little%2Bbetter.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Okay, so I know it's been more than six months since the last post about this, and I've had three different companions since then, but here is my follow-up (the best I can remember).<br />
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The first week was a bit rough. I didn't know the area, I didn't know my companion, I didn't know the people. Basically, I had no idea what I'd been thrust into. Plus, my new companion was Mexican, and so her culture and simply her manner was very different than I was used to. I assumed as senior companion that I had to be the one in charge of everything and I was the one to teach, not be taught. And I thought my way was better, because I had more experience in the mission field than she did (though only by six weeks). And so we clashed several times, especially over planning. And it took a while to resolve those differences.<br />
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Finally, we went on exchanges. That means one companionship of sisters, known as sister training leaders, exchanges companions with another companionship in order to help each sister learn from watching the way others work and teach. So my companion went with another missionary named Sister Luna and I went with another named Sister Ricks (who, coincidentally, happens to be my current companion). I went to her area, and learned a ton from her. But the thing that stuck with me the most was what she said about senior companions--that titles like that don't matter at all, because we are all equal and learning together. All we need to be concerned about is the work and the people. I thought about that a lot, and decided to apply it.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9eiacoDvG0I/VCx9u9ChQvI/AAAAAAAAAHU/MhWvVS2HWy4/s1600/God%2Bbrings%2Byou%2Bthru%2Bit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9eiacoDvG0I/VCx9u9ChQvI/AAAAAAAAAHU/MhWvVS2HWy4/s1600/God%2Bbrings%2Byou%2Bthru%2Bit.jpg" height="200" width="175" /></a>I stopped worrying about being senior companion and started worrying about simply being a better missionary and a good example. During this time I spent quite a few nights on my knees, asking sincerely for help from on high. I studied hard about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which is the instrument of change. I tried to improve my teaching skills. I applied the things I learned--that the Spirit told me what I needed to improve on. I worked for the people, trying to have sincere love and concern for them and really trying to do what was best for <i>them</i>. I set goals to improve and made plans to do it. As I studied and worked, I strengthened my testimony. And as my understanding of the gospel increased, I found myself changing. Little by little, and it was hard, but it was happening, slowly but surely.<br />
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I was with this companion for just about three months, or two 6-week periods, and I grew the most I ever have on my mission to this date in such a short amount of time. I feel so blessed for that challenging time in my mission, because I have come out the better and learned to be good friends with someone who at first seemed completely different from me. It was completely worth it, and I'm so glad I still have time on my mission to become better every day.Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-24506872673795075132014-10-01T14:37:00.000-07:002014-10-01T14:37:24.428-07:00A Different Perspective<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxX7TxmCe0Q/VCxxjlGJOgI/AAAAAAAAAHE/KAYZc5yGW20/s1600/inside%2Bworld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxX7TxmCe0Q/VCxxjlGJOgI/AAAAAAAAAHE/KAYZc5yGW20/s1600/inside%2Bworld.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a>Have you ever looked outside and felt that the weather reflects your mood? I have. It's really an interesting thing, how our mindset seems to reflect on the world around us. And it's completely true. We see the world differently depending on how we're feeling any particular day. People seem ruder or nicer depending on whether we are discouraged or happy. But that's only our perception. The people don't change; only the way we see them does.<br />
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It seems odd, but I know from personal experience that it's true. So, if the world seems to be against you, it means you're not feeling too good about yourself or you're focusing too much on what's wrong with your life. I'm sure most of you would like that to change. So, you change your outlook. Because "the world we look out upon only reflects the world we nurture within."<br />
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Now the big question is, how can you do that? It seems hard, especially if you may not realize it's a problem at first. You can start by realizing that whatever negative emotion you're feeling is only temporary and doesn't have to last forever. It's only a passing moment. To counter it, you can then try looking for the things that are going right. Count your blessings instead of what you lack or what keeps going wrong. And after doing that, there's one thing that is a cure-all for any kind of blues. At first it may seem contradictory, and for sure it is contrary to human nature, but I've learned through experience that it works! That cure-all is simply this: unselfishness. Service. And at the root of it all is charity.<br />
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I'm currently working on developing charity for those around me, and so the next few posts you see will be explanations of charity and experiences I've had. So keep an eye out for upcoming posts!Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-37305726382092787212014-09-25T16:06:00.000-07:002014-10-01T14:38:33.055-07:00Endings Don't Exist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The decision to serve a mission has literally been the very best I've
ever made. I may not be a greenie (a brand-new missionary) anymore, but
I remember what it was like. A whole new beginning, a whole other
world. Confusion, insecurity, new people, new rules, new everything! It
was like starting my life over from the beginning, just because of all
the changes I was experiencing. I did a lot of learning in my first six
months as a missionary, just like a child does the most learning in the
first few years of his life. Everything was brand-new and admittedly
scary, because I had no idea what I was doing and what I was expected to
do seemed impossible. But I took everything in stride, though not
without difficulty, and I learned. I let myself have a new beginning, a
chance to start my life over. And all that is thanks to the Atonement of
Jesus Christ.<br />
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Thanks to the sacrifice that our Savior Jesus Christ made for us, we can <i>all</i>
have new beginnings. We don't have to live with all our past mistakes
and imperfections. Believe me, I had many. I still have many, and for
that I am so grateful that because of Him, I can erase those
imperfections and weaknesses and have them become strengths for me. And
you can, too. All that is required is a sincere desire to change, a
belief--even just a "desire to believe," and a heartfelt prayer to our
Father in heaven. And if you make room in our hearts for your Savior to
come and do his work within you, you can begin to see the new beginnings
in your life, just like I have in mine. It's not easy, but it's
possible. I know it's possible, because I have seen it work in my own
life.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Levfpn9A_ms/VCSfE8QZEpI/AAAAAAAAAGo/etUKE_Idwa8/s1600/bebetter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Levfpn9A_ms/VCSfE8QZEpI/AAAAAAAAAGo/etUKE_Idwa8/s1600/bebetter.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>The best thing about new beginnings like this is that you can have one <i>every single day</i>.
You don't have to wait until "you feel ready" or until someone says
it's okay. You can start now. And start again tomorrow. And the next
day. That's what Christ offers--a new start every time you mess up. And
with a bit of patience and continued belief--faith--"weak things [will]
become strong unto [you]." I may not be a greenie anymore, but I
still begin anew every day. The things I have learned and the people
I've met have all changed me for the better. But most of all, the reason
I can begin anew every day is because of my Savior. And you can, too!<br />
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Find out what else is possible <a data-mce-href="http://www.lds.org/youth/video/because-of-him?lang=eng" href="http://www.lds.org/youth/video/because-of-him?lang=eng">#BecauseofHim</a>!Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-64883131909405131992014-02-11T15:34:00.002-07:002014-10-01T14:43:19.611-07:00Transfers: A New Beginning<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8Pxv2braQY/UvqlEMu-D1I/AAAAAAAAAF0/fsiX54AUjJU/s1600/bring+to.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8Pxv2braQY/UvqlEMu-D1I/AAAAAAAAAF0/fsiX54AUjJU/s1600/bring+to.jpg" height="200" width="175" /></a>Every 6 weeks, we missionaries have something called transfers. It means you either move to a completely new area to work among a different group of God's children, or you stay in the same place and try to be better than you were before. There's also the chance you get put with a completely new person you may become best friends with or take the entire next 6 weeks learning to tolerate them. All told, transfers are a time of new beginnings. And it's up to you to make the best of it.<br />
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This time around, I'm the one moving, to a new area I've never been in before and with a companion I only just barely met three days ago by something I no longer believe is a coincidence. Also, I change my status from junior companion to senior companion, which means I'll be the one in charge...something that could be good or very, very bad. Hopefully it will be the first one.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mqxh5Y_2hBU/UvqlEAdQV6I/AAAAAAAAAFw/BNkebK6rzaY/s1600/abilties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mqxh5Y_2hBU/UvqlEAdQV6I/AAAAAAAAAFw/BNkebK6rzaY/s1600/abilties.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>As transfers approach I've been thinking what things I will change and how I will become an even better missionary over the course of the next six weeks. Especially since I'll be senior companion, I will have to be an example and someone she can look up to and learn from. I've set a few goals, but the most important is learn to rely even more fully on my Savior. Because I'm not sure how well I can do this alone. But I know with His help, so long as I trust in Him, I can do anything.<br />
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Follow-up Pending :)
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Tender Mercy: I had my last lesson with an investigator in this area last night, and I was given the privilege to see him receive his answer to whether the things we were teaching were true. It was such a tender moment, and I know that, not just because he needed an answer, but because my Heavenly Father knew I was worried about him, especially after he brought up his doubt about the need to be baptized a second time (he was baptized as a child in the Catholic Church). So, my Heavenly Father gave me the privilege to see this man realize the love of his Heavenly Father and the truth of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-48437834598466212842014-01-14T13:53:00.000-07:002014-01-14T13:53:41.353-07:00"Look Not Behind Thee"<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0V9EHpxT5JI/UtWiD3-2eII/AAAAAAAAAEY/poZMG3SMwJY/s1600/perfect+place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0V9EHpxT5JI/UtWiD3-2eII/AAAAAAAAAEY/poZMG3SMwJY/s320/perfect+place.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The perfect place to start is exactly where you are now."</td></tr>
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Happy New Year everyone! I hope your Christmas went well and you've made a good head start on some of those New Year's Resolutions!<br />
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This new year gives us a chance to reflect on what happened last year and make goals for how we want to improve this year. But just because we reflect on the past doesn't mean we dwell on it. If you had a crappy year, don't focus on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what went right and how you can make this year even better!<br />
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Whether you have a good year, however, depends entirely on YOU. Everything depends on <i>your</i> attitude and choices.<i> You </i>chose whether you're going to be happy or not, whether you're successful or not, whether you're going to be better or stay the same. You can't sit back and wait for happiness to fall into your lap just because you expect it. You have to make some effort first. Just a little bit every day will help you in the long run.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-orxMANJhmEY/UtWiD0A-94I/AAAAAAAAAEc/gxmJBicGA8I/s1600/one+day+at+a+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-orxMANJhmEY/UtWiD0A-94I/AAAAAAAAAEc/gxmJBicGA8I/s200/one+day+at+a+time.jpg" width="200" /></a>This new year I have a new companion and lots of great advice about how I can make this next 6 weeks, and this year, the very best of my life. I'm following my own advice. I'm not going to let the things that held me back before my mission or even during my first two transfers continue to impede my growth. I'm starting this year with a fresh and strong determination to make this next six weeks, and this entire year, better than ever.<br />
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I'm not only going to be trying to teach more effectively, but I will do my best to completely overcome my character flaws--or at least turn them over to the Lord so he can make up for what I can't. Don't get me wrong--I don't plan to be perfect, nor can I be because I am mortal. Because I'm mortal, I can't reach perfection in this life. But I can be perfect at trying. I want to be perfect and using the Atonement in my life to improve every day. I want to be perfect at being a little better every day. And I know that is possible with the help of my Heavenly Father and my Savior.<br />
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In the last two weeks since New Year's, I've begun already my journey toward perfect trying. And what a change I've already seen! Before January 1, I was too afraid to go out of my comfort zone and talk to everyone we saw on the streets. I didn't have the confidence in my ability to get people initially interested in the gospel. But my new companion has been pushing me and leading me by example, and I've been doing what she asks me to to step outside my box, and we have seen so many miracles! I'd have to do an entirely separate post to describe them all! And I still have so much room for improvement!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QR9iV1IiBi0/UtWiDltE5PI/AAAAAAAAAEU/kaR_rBhuGjY/s1600/become.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QR9iV1IiBi0/UtWiDltE5PI/AAAAAAAAAEU/kaR_rBhuGjY/s320/become.jpg" width="210" /></a>I know that the success and the changes I've seen in myself aren't the result of my own abilities. There is no way I could have changes so quickly without the help of Divinity. I have seen these changes because I have prayed for my Heavenly Father to strengthen me and give me the confidence to do His work, and I am willing to surrender my will and my comfort zone in order to be an instrument in His hands to bring His children back to Him. And I know also that <i>anyone</i> can have these experiences and see these changes in their lives. All you have to do is pray for strength from Heavenly Father and Christ will grant it if you are sincere.<br />
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So, I invite you all to do this simple thing: Set a goal to improve yourself (or really any goal), make a plan to accomplish it, and then ask your Father in Heaven for His help in achieving this goal. I know He will help you. But you have to take the first step.<br />
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Tender Mercy: Where do I start? I've seen so many since my last post, most of them in the last 10 days. But in short, every time my companion and I have been having a hard time with our investigators, with appointments falling through and people deciding not to listen to us, Heavenly Father has given us just one person who kept their appointment or led us to just one person ready to hear the gospel, and blessed us with spiritual experience after spiritual experience. And each one I know is my Heavenly Father telling me, and my companion, that He is proud of us and He appreciates our efforts, so He gives us little successes.<br />
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Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-14768970399328270702013-12-18T16:21:00.002-07:002013-12-18T16:21:25.662-07:00I Am A Child of God"Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device" (Acts 17:29)<br />
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"I am a child of God / and He has sent me here" ("I Am A Child of God", Children's Songbook p.2)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TPq8N1quYoc/UrIqyBXlcDI/AAAAAAAAADw/eEcE_jZCmwg/s1600/hija.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TPq8N1quYoc/UrIqyBXlcDI/AAAAAAAAADw/eEcE_jZCmwg/s200/hija.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I understood who I was: a daughter of God"</td></tr>
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Guess what? You are the son or daughter of Divinity! God is your Father and Heaven, the Father of your spirit. And because we are all sons and daughters of God, we are also all brothers and sisters.<br />
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Everyone loves their brothers and sisters (even if the drive you crazy sometimes). The same should be true of everyone you meet, because they are your brothers and sisters as well. It is important that we recognize that. When we do, we begin to see people the way He sees them, and He is no respecter of persons--in other words, He doesn't love one person more than another. All are equal before Him, equal and unique.<br />
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Because we are all equal in God's eyes, we also ought to be equal in each other's eyes--that is, don't esteem anyone higher or lower than yourself. Don't judge them for appearance or behavior. Everyone has trials they are going through, and we never know the full story. How would you feel, if you were going through a really tough time and it affected your attitude? Or you were badly injured and it left a permanent, visible scar? How would you feel if because of this outward appearance, people were prejudiced against you, or assumed you were just unfriendly and aloof, and so nobody wanted to be your friend? Or nobody supported you during this trial?<br />
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I am sure that you would feel pretty awful. Lonely, unlikable, inferior even. Well, guess what? When you judge others based on outward appearance or behavior, you are causing them to feel those things. And instead of helping them through this hard time, you ignored them, or even gossiped about them. Stop and think for a minute--would you do that to your brother or sister? If this person were part of your family, would you judge them and treat them this way? I imagine most of you would answer, "Of course not! They're my brother/sister, and I love them!" But you know what? That stranger you just cataloged as a druggie and unlovable is also your brother or sister.<br />
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This last week I had an experience that made me realize just how important it is for us to recognize others as our spiritual brothers and sisters, and loving them as such. And just how much that simple thing--trying to see others as their Heavenly Father sees them--can change the way you view everything else.<br />
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On Wednesday, my companion and I had a really good lesson with an investigator.. But what made it so amazing for me was, halfway through, his mom, who was sitting in on our lesson, decided to sing us a song. This may not sound like a big deal, but let me tell you about her. She's had a stroke, and so she can't hear at all, and she can't talk very well (as a result, she can't sing either). The stroke also left the left side of her face kind of sunken and saggy, and her eye is red and dull--though the other side of her face is completely normal. Manuel told us that the neighborhood kids who saw her were afraid and called her a witch and other mean things. She may not have heard it, but that didn't make it right.<br />
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When she decided to sing, at first I was a little skeptical and was sure it would sound like screeching. Honestly, it kind of did, and I couldn't understand anything she said. But she was so enthusiastic about it that I couldn't help smiling. I also found myself watching the other side of her face, where it looks normal. Her eye was sparkling and bright and she was smiling. And I suddenly realized that it didn't matter what her physical condition was right now. She was still a beloved daughter of God, one of His choice daughters. And in the resurrection, she would be restored to the beauty I saw on the right side of her face.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2svNqSST30/UrIs6l8xDaI/AAAAAAAAAD8/TXPlem5XEws/s1600/think+the+best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2svNqSST30/UrIs6l8xDaI/AAAAAAAAAD8/TXPlem5XEws/s200/think+the+best.jpg" width="200" /></a>Suddenly I felt a surge of love for her that I knew came from God. I recognized her as my sister in spirit. And since then, I can only see her bright, sparkling eye and her big smile every time she sees my companion and I. In short, now I only see her as a beautiful and loved daughter of Heavenly Father. I<br />
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As a result of this experience, I try to see everyone else the same way. It takes a little effort sometimes, mostly because I didn't have a so-called miraculous glimpse through God's eyes at them the same as I did this older woman. But I know that as I pray for help and make an effort to do it, I will begin to have the same love for everyone else as I do for this woman.<br />
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Tender Mercy: I think the above experience counts :) But I also got Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Godiva chocolate from the members we ate dinner with on Tuesday, for no reason other than they love us. This just happens to be my ultimate favorite combination of flavors :DCynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-16404182917299413162013-12-12T15:16:00.000-07:002014-12-30T14:34:36.871-07:00Power of Music"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads" (D&C 25:12).<br />
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Music is so powerful. It can make us happy or sad, excited, angry, or content all with just a few notes. I'm sure you've noticed this, too, how music can change your mood. Because of its power, though, it is even more important to be extra careful what type of music we listen to, because it can affect our lives for good...or for evil. Because once we memorize a song, the lyrics can pop back into our heads at any moment, and if those lyrics or the rhythm are not conducive to the Spirit, we cannot focus on what is most important.<br />
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Music happens to be a huge part of my life. I love to sing and I love to listen to music. Before my mission I don't think I went a day without listening to it. I noticed the difference in the songs I listened to. Some of them made me really happy, others helped me concentrate on homework and others were simply distractions. Each song brought a different spirit.<br />
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That is why, as missionaries, we are only allowed to listen to songs that bring the Spirit and direct our minds toward Christ and toward our purpose. Other songs are simply distractions. That doesn't mean we can only listen to hymns, but I can't listen to some of my favorite Lifehouse songs. To illustrate the way different types of music can affect you, here are two experiences I've had recently.<br />
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First, as a missionary we are allowed to use Facebook and blogs (like this one :) ) as well as other social media to help others come unto Christ. For this, we need access to the internet. The lobby of my apartment complex offers free wi-fi and computers are available for the residents, and so that is where my companion and I go when we want to do our online proselyting (aka Facebook and blogs). Music always plays through the speakers there. It's the same type of music I listened to before my mission. None of it is inappropriate, per se, nor is it loud either in volume or rhythm, but when that music is playing, it is harder for me to concentrate on what I'm doing. Once, a song came on that I liked, but I couldn't concentrate at all while it played because of the rhythm and volume, so we had to ask the manager to turn it down or off so we could do our work. When an inappropriate song comes on, I feel the Spirit disappear instantly. And usually it takes effort to bring it back.<br />
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In contrast, for our mission Christmas activity 2013, we were privileged to hear Freddy Ashby and Clyde Bawden perform some Christmas songs and hymns for us. Not only was amazing talent showed from both of them, but the spirit they brought while singing about the birth of Christ and of His Atonement gave me goosebumps, and I wished I could have heard more than the hour they performed. The Spirit was so strong and reaffirmed my testimony of my Savior, and also reminded me what my purpose as a missionary is: to help others come to know Christ and feel joy in His Atonement just as I do. The music moved me to ponder even more deeply on my knowledge of the Gospel and on my Savior, and the reason for the Christmas season.<br />
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The contrast between these two experiences is as stark as black and white. With the first, the Spirit just wasn't there. With the second, the music, the lyrics especially, reinforced my testimony. I left that performance with a greater desire to serve and to improve myself.<br />
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I encourage you all to be selective of the type of music you listen to, because it really can change who you are. I hope you will go through your playlists and reevaluate the type of music you listen to. This doesn't mean you have to change your entire playlist to hymns, because a lot of songs out there are amazing. Just be careful, because what enters your mind cannot be erased. So fill your mind with good things.<br />
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Check out this article from the September 2013 <i>New Era: </i><a href="https://www.lds.org/new-era/2013/09/the-influence-of-music?lang=eng&query=the+influence+of+music">https://www.lds.org/new-era/2013/09/the-influence-of-music?lang=eng&query=the+influence+of+music</a><br />
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Tender Mercy 12/13/13: Just a short one this time. On Monday, while my companion and I were working at the Christmas lights at the Mesa temple, two volunteer hosts working alongside us brought us some hot chocolate. We were very glad of it because it was <i>freezing</i> that night.Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-56728877223198029282013-12-07T13:30:00.000-07:002014-12-09T16:50:35.715-07:00Love and Light<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Nxkoxj8UQg/UqOEN57A00I/AAAAAAAAACs/inulQKypWwI/s1600/love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Nxkoxj8UQg/UqOEN57A00I/AAAAAAAAACs/inulQKypWwI/s200/love.jpg" height="191" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you realize just how vast and unimaginable our Father's love is for us? Probably not. But it is true: our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He has provided us every possible resource to help us return to Him again. And He always gives us signs of His love, no matter how big...or how small.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our Heavenly Father loved us enough that He was willing to sacrifice His Only Begotten Son to suffer and die for us that we might have even a chance to return to Him. And our Savior had that same incomprehensible love for us--<i>individually!</i>--to be willing to suffer unimaginable pain on our behalf to make it possible for us to repent and be relieved of the burdens that accompany this mortal experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Christmas season is a chance for us to try and return some of that great love our Father in Heaven gives us. While we will never be able to give Him half of what He has given us, we can show our appreciation and love for Him through service to others, even in the smallest ways. We can also demonstrate our love by recognizing the true meaning of Christmas and the symbols we associate with this season.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6FLACBaRTs/UqOENRACdRI/AAAAAAAAACw/ucSS8av_f1k/s1600/light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6FLACBaRTs/UqOENRACdRI/AAAAAAAAACw/ucSS8av_f1k/s320/light.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the biggest symbols we see at Christmastime is light. Nearly everyone decorates their house and Christmas tree with beautiful multicolored lights, but why? To most people it is simply a decoration. But there's more to it than that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is what the lights we use during this time should symbolize in our minds--our Savior. He is the Light of the World, and through Him each of us can experience in a very personal way that great love our Savior and our Father in Heaven have for us. We acknowledge this love by remembering the reason for the season--our Savior and His Atonement--and take some time to draw nearer to Him and to our Father in Heaven.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you in or near Mesa, AZ or Salt Lake City, UT, take an evening to come to the lights at the temples, and feel of the wonderful spirit that comes when you combine the beauty of those strings of bright, colored lights and the proximity of a temple of the Lord. For those not near either of those places or are unable to attend, take a minute to look at your beautiful Christmas tree or go to another community display of Christmas lights or nativities, and remember why you are celebrating this time of year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take a minute to remember your Savior. And take a minute to remember His love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tender Mercy (12/07/13):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just a little thing this time. My companion and I went for a walk in the park next to our apartment complex just at dawn for our exercise time last week. It was chilly, but refreshing. And I got to wear my hoodie:) As we rounded the far side of the park to start heading home, we found ourselves facing east, and the sunrise was absolutely beautiful. It was pink and gold and orange, and the clouds were lit magnificently by the rising sun. After seeing something as magnificent as that, how can anyone doubt the existence of a loving Heavenly Father?</span>Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-30916420438802040402013-11-27T16:49:00.001-07:002013-12-07T13:33:42.993-07:00Act of Thanksgiving"And in nothing doth man offend God...save those who confess not His hand in all things" (D&C 59:21).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5k_Cmyzd7TY/UpZ8_xY7ozI/AAAAAAAAAB4/tdeSgRIQ_Tk/s1600/gratitude+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5k_Cmyzd7TY/UpZ8_xY7ozI/AAAAAAAAAB4/tdeSgRIQ_Tk/s200/gratitude+2.jpg" width="200" /></a>In the spirit of Thanksgiving tomorrow, I decided to say a few words about gratitude. We have so many things to be thankful for that I wonder if we even realize just how blessed we are. We have countless blessings, and this time of year is the time when we recognize them. But there are 364 other days in the year. What do we do with them?<br />
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I think oftentimes we take for granted the little things we have, like cars, electricity, warm clothing, food. The things we use every day. But there are people out there who don't have those things. Communities everywhere do canned food drives to collect food for those who don't have the means to have a big Thanksgiving dinner like most of you will enjoy tomorrow. We are <i>extremely</i> blessed, and oftentimes we don't even realize it. So we need to give thanks now and tell our Heavenly Father just how grateful we are just for the privilege of being alive, because for all we know, everything we have could be gone tomorrow.<br />
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Another aspect of gratitude is being grateful for <i>everything </i>we have, and all our experiences. The good...and the bad. Because when we look back at those trials we have, we find that we grew stronger. We wouldn't have had that chance without those hard times, and so that's something else we need to remember as well. In the scripture I quoted above, it says "confess...His hand in <i>all</i> things" (emphasis added). "All" includes trials as well as those moments we cherish.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vXo7XTSoQ1g/UpZ8_uCMmHI/AAAAAAAAAB0/RZEGFrOGNYA/s1600/gratitude+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vXo7XTSoQ1g/UpZ8_uCMmHI/AAAAAAAAAB0/RZEGFrOGNYA/s200/gratitude+1.jpg" width="155" /></a>I know that as you remember <i>all</i> your blessings, the big and the small, this Thanksgiving and always, you will find so much more joy in life. You will learn to really appreciate everything with an eternal perspective, knowing that everything will benefit you in the long run, if you just recognize and acknowledge it.<br />
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Tender Mercy:<br />
My companion and I were able to contact and teach a potential investigator yesterday that we haven't been able to contact for nearly two weeks, and the lesson was amazing! The Spirit was strong, and we set a return date! Plus we were re-invited to their Thanksgiving Dinner :)<br />
Or, we could count the 90-minute nap I got on P-Day this week.<br />
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Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-50450597117503920602013-11-26T14:30:00.000-07:002013-11-26T14:32:38.976-07:00Tender Mercies"But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he has chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Nephi 1:22)<br />
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When we are going through a hard time--and even if we're not--there is always evidence of our Heavenly Father's love for us, and proof that He knows us perfectly. he shows us his love through what a book of Mormon prophet called "tender mercies." These can be little things, like a smile or a message from a friend you haven't talked to in a while, or it could be a miracle of something working out that you didn't think ever would.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OyB_NlUvOrg/UpUOwbwc_oI/AAAAAAAAABc/2Rck6Y70TtA/s1600/tender+mercies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OyB_NlUvOrg/UpUOwbwc_oI/AAAAAAAAABc/2Rck6Y70TtA/s320/tender+mercies.jpg" width="227" /></a>These little things in life show us that God is mindful of us, personally. He knows who we are, and He knows "how to succor his people" (Alma 7:12). That is because we are His children, and He wants us to know of His love for us.<br />
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I have had the privilege of seeing many of these tender mercies throughout the short term of my missionary service thus far. And from now on, at the beginning of each post, I will describe a tender mercy I've experienced since the last post. Here's my first one:<br />
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It's been a long, difficult week and we've been having trouble with one investigator who is super sincere, but hasn't yet committed to doing everything she needs to yet. So I was feeling kind of down, and though I didn't realize it until later, perhaps a little homesick because, while the weather here in Arizona has been beautiful, I wanted it to feel like winter--or at least, the winters I'm used to back home in Texas. And then it rained! Super hard, and all day long.<br />
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Most people would probably think this would make things worse, but not for me. I've always loved the rain, and back in Texas it's always cloudy and wet in the wintertime. So the rain really helped lift my spirits and excite me about the work again, because now, not only do I get to experience what I never thought I would in Arizona--a thunderstorm--I also felt just a little more at home. And I know my Heavenly Father made it that way so I could have the optimism to go on.<br />
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The same day it rained (Friday), we had an appointment with that troublemaker of an investigator to see how the fast we challenged her to the day before worked. And it did! She was super excited and even more determined to come to church. She even agreed to let us come by in the morning to make sure she came. So I got a double-dose of my Heavenly Father's love for me this last Friday. And I know that there were probably countless other ways He helped me out that day, and every day.<br />
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With this new thing I'll be doing, by telling you all about the tender mercies I experience each week, I hope I will come to recognize even more my Heavenly Father's hand in my life, and I challenge each one of you to do the same. I promise that you will find more happiness and contentment in your life, no matter what trials you may be going through.<br />
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Check out this video by Elder Bednar about tender mercies!<br />
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<br />Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-1775111526911027192013-11-20T15:07:00.003-07:002015-01-02T13:01:33.181-07:00Splits and ChangeMissionary work is a lot like life. It's hard work. You are pushed out of your comfort zone over and over again. It forces you to confront your weaknesses and faults. Then you either let yourself be changed for the better, or pass through whatever trial like it never happened, and you haven't gained anything from it. Obviously the better choice is to yield to our Heavenly Father's will and allow ourselves to be shaped into the person we were meant to be.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSTzY1lhVnM/Uo0xh2FVFrI/AAAAAAAAAAs/0UrVWJPbsBk/s1600/troubled+waters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSTzY1lhVnM/Uo0xh2FVFrI/AAAAAAAAAAs/0UrVWJPbsBk/s320/troubled+waters.jpg" height="320" width="219" /></a>Life is all about change. Humans are not stagnant beings. The times that change us most are always the times that are the hardest to get through. Trials are hard, they are usually painful. It can be hard sometimes to look beyond the moment we're in right now. But there are always great blessings, a downward slope, if you will, on the other side of the mountain. We just have to trust our Heavenly Father all the way up the hard climb. We just have to endure with faith, striving to remember that "[our] adversities and [our] afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if [we] endure it well, God shall exalt [us] on high" (D&C 121:7-8).<br />
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God doesn't give us trials to punish us, but to refine us and help us become the person He intended us to be. If we trust that our Heavenly Father will give us the strength to get through, those trials we are faced with will always change us for the better, the way God intends. We will be able to look back and realize that we never would have gotten where we are without that trial.<br />
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As a missionary I have embarked on a journey of change. And it's hard. But I'm glad for the challenges I have, because part of the reason I chose to serve a mission was to strengthen myself and smooth out the rough edges of my character. So I willingly accept the challenges I have, because I want to change and be refined, and become the person my Heavenly Father wants me to be.<br />
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Last night I faced one of the biggest challenges I've had so far on my mission. My companion and I went on splits, which means we each went with a sister from our ward and separated to knock on doors, trying to find people to teach. I had to stand on my own, without my companion to support me or cover me if I froze up. I'd never done that before, and I almost never initiate conversation with people I've never met before, let alone try to invite people to learn about the Gospel. But that is exactly what I had to do. I had to be the leader, the one who knew what I was doing because the sister I was with had no idea either.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ2-akho1w8/Uo0xh652tNI/AAAAAAAAAAw/B2-9lW6oUb8/s1600/trust+in+the+lord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ2-akho1w8/Uo0xh652tNI/AAAAAAAAAAw/B2-9lW6oUb8/s200/trust+in+the+lord.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>I was scared. But I knew that with my Heavenly Father's help I could do it, and even have success. So I took a deep breath, braced myself and tried to decide what to say, completely expecting to be speaking Spanish and probably mess up a few times. And my Heavenly Father knew it. So He made sure I got the side of the street entirely inhabited by true-blue...Americans. <i>Everyone</i> spoke English. And the first person I talked to was already a member. A little tender mercy, for sure.<br />
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As it turned out, nearly everyone turned us away (One woman even called us a cult! Her tone and body language practically screamed "get away from me and my family!"). But I knew I'd tried my best, and after the first few doors I wasn't nervous anymore. In fact I started getting excited. And I even managed to find someone! He turned us away at first, though very politely, then, when me and the sister I was with were several houses farther down, he chased after us, apologized for turning us away, and said he really wanted to learn! I know that was my Heavenly Father telling me that I wasn't a completely failure, and that He was proud of my effort.<br />
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So, even though it was hard to step out of my comfort zone, I was able to overcome my fear, and even find excitement in the task. I was able to laugh at the various forms of rejection I got, and wasn't discouraged at all. And the next time, while I will still be nervous, I will find it easier to do, and, as my companion told me, by the end of my mission, I'll "be a pro at door approaches!" I know that everyone can have a similar experience. All we have to do is trust in God and allow Him to work through us and shape us into the person we are meant to be.<br />
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I got these pictures from the Facebook page Every Member a Missionary. There are a lot more great, inspiring sayings and quotes. Check it out! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Membermissionary">https://www.facebook.com/Membermissionary</a></div>
Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-7420097536147127342013-11-12T15:33:00.003-07:002013-12-07T13:38:13.775-07:00A Day in the LifeNow that you know why I decided to serve a mission, I suppose I ought to describe a little about what missionary life is like. So, here's my daily schedule:<br />
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6:30 a.m. The alarm goes off. I roll out of bed and onto my knees to say my morning prayer. I usually ask for the guidance of the Spirit to help me find and teach people. Then my companion and I work out for half an hour so we can be strong and able to do the Lord's work throughout the day.<br />
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7:00 a.m. My companion gets in the shower and I eat breakfast before getting ready for the day. My breakfast is usually either cold cereal or oatmeal with either toast or yogurt. Then I get dressed and ready for the day. Before I start my studies, I put on my name tag, because I am a representative of Jesus Christ for the duration of my mission, and it's important that I remember that as well as those who see me.<br />
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8:00 a.m. I begin my personal study. This is the time I get each day to focus only on myself and my own spiritual progress. I usually study the Standard Works, which includes the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants. I also study Preach My Gospel, our handbook to what and how to teach and be the best missionary I can be.<br />
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9:00 a.m. I begin study with my companion. We go over our plans for the day, discuss our investigators and the lessons we will teach, and create lesson plans for them. We practice teaching and study together. We also recite our purpose as missionaries so we can always remember the reason we are serving a mission: To invite others to come unto Christ.<br />
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10:00 a.m. Since I'm a new missionary, I need to be trained. Our training program lasts the first twelve weeks in the field, and so we call it 12 Weeks. It helps me become more familiar with missionary work and also helps me develop important teaching skills so that I can learn to stand on my own when I'm teaching and not lean on my companion or others.<br />
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11:00 a.m. Lunch! We take an hour for lunch each day, to eat and also for some additional study time because nobody takes a full hour to eat. I usually make something simple, like a sandwich or a freezer meal and some fruit, like an apple.<br />
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12:00 p.m. Language study. Since I'm teaching in Spanish, I have to <i>know</i> Spanish. So I take an hour each day to study the language--grammar, vocabulary, etc. I use this time to both study grammar concepts and translating. I don't have much time to write while I'm on my mission, but I still brought my notebooks and so I translate what I've already written to help me become more familiar with sentence structure and vocabulary.<br />
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1:00 p.m. Proselyting time. We teach investigators and members, find people to teach by referral contacting or street contacting. There are also occasionally meetings at this time that helps everyone in our mission improve. Also, since I am authorized to use internet resources to teach now, I try to take an hour with my companion using online resources ti find and teach as well as share uplifting and inspiring messages via Facebook.<br />
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5:00 p.m. Dinner. Our branch is small, so we switch off weeks eating with members of our branch and members of our sister ward that covers the same area but speaks English. So I get quite a variety of food. But our members insist on feeding us more than we can feasibly eat, so exercise each morning becomes more important to work off those extra calories from all those tortillas!<br />
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6:00 p.m. The is prime proselyting time. We contact a lot of people during this time, as well as have teaching appointments with our investigators to help them learn the gospel and progress toward baptism. We also visit members occasionally to strengthen their testimonies of the gospel.<br />
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9:00 p.m. We return to our apartment. We review our day to see what worked and what didn't, what we can improve on, etc. We set goals for the next day and evaluate our work that day to see if we met the goals set the previous night. We also plan for the next day.<br />
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10:30 p.m. Lights out.I try to be in bed before this time because missionary work is exhausting, and I need all the sleep I can get so I can put forth my best effort toward teaching the next day. But I always say a prayer before getting into bed, continuing to ask my Father in Heaven to help me improve and help me help others come unto Christ.<br />
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6:30 a..m. Wake up and do it again!<br />
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While being a missionary is hard, it is also very rewarding. I've already learned a lot and will continue to learn. I can feel the influence of the Spirit as I do the Lord's work, guiding me in the things I do and the words I say. I know that this is His work, not mine, and that's why I'm willing to expend so much effort in doing it. That is why I am willing to sacrifice 18 months of my life and follow such strict guidelines. Because I know that the work I am doing will bless the lives of so many people. I may not always see the fruits of my labors while I am serving a full-time mission, but I have still planted seeds that other missionaries can harvest in the future.Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423800346717005905.post-43158066800668993802013-11-05T13:58:00.001-07:002015-02-17T16:32:45.344-07:00Why I'm ServingHi everyone! I'm sure everyone here wants to know why anyone would want to give up a year and a half of their life to preach the Gospel to people who may not even listen, especially with all the rules missionaries have to follow. Well, I'm here to answer that question.<br />
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I was just like a lot of other girls. I had a life planned out for myself. I was going to school at Brigham Young University-Idaho, studying to be an author of young adult novels. I never really thought about going on a mission, because sisters couldn't go until they were twenty-one. And so I figured I would graduate college and then consider serving a mission.<br />
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Then came General Conference, where members of the Church listen to our prophets and apostles teach us. They also give us current revelation and counsel from God. This time, in October of 2012, our prophet, Thomas S. Monson, announced that the age requirements for missionaries had changed. Young men could now serve at age 18, whereas before they had to be 19. And sisters could now serve at 19, which was how old I was at the time. I realized I didn't have to wait. And I realized I had a big decision to make.<br />
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I listened intently to the rest of Conference, and then I started praying and fasting to know whether it was the right decision to go, because I wanted to. Everyone always talked about how amazing their missions were and how much they learned, and I wanted that for myself. I also began to have a growing desire to share the knowledge I have, and the joy I feel in this Gospel.<br />
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After a few weeks, I had received my answer. It wasn't a vision or anything remarkable. Rather, it was a quiet confirmation that either choice was acceptable to God, and my Heavenly Father trusted me enough to serve his children by serving a mission.<br />
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And so I started preparing. It was hard at first because I was at school, but as soon as I got back at Christmastime, I began the application process. I got all my paperwork in by June. Even though I started in January, it took so long because I procrastinated. I got my call to serve on July 18, 2013.<br />
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I was called to the Arizona Mesa mission, Spanish speaking. And my training would take place in the Missionary Training Center in Mexico City, Mexico! I would report on the 28th of August. I was so excited! I spent the next four weeks preparing, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, and then I was off. I said farewell to my family, school, and normal life for 18 months in order to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Hispanic people in Mesa, Arizona.<br />
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And that's where I am now. I have been out for three, almost four weeks now and it has been amazing.<br />
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Even though it's only been a short time, I have already grown so much. I have an even firmer testimony of the truth of the Book of Mormon and the reality of the Restoration by the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ on the earth today, and that we have the fullness of the Gospel on the earth today, the same as when Christ was on the earth.<br />
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I know that the Gospel and the Atonement of Christ can changes lives. It already has mine, and I am looking forward to even greater growth as I continue to serve and share the knowledge that I have.<br />
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So, here's to the Best 18 Months of my life!<br />
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To learn more about the Gospel and what I am teaching, visit <a href="http://mormon.org/">http://mormon.org/</a> :)<br />
Also, check out my Mormon.org Profile: <a href="http://mormon.org/me/957T" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://mormon.org/me/957T</a><br />
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Originally posted 11/5/13.Cynthia Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01247751193648865534noreply@blogger.com0