Hey y'all,
This week my report will be a little different. I just want to take a
minute and share my testimony with you all. I'm going to very simply share what
means the most to me and I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide my words in such
a way that you too will feel the spirit and I will be able touch at least
someone's heart.
Throughout this last week, I've had a lot of time to ponder. Due to some
unforeseen circumstances and some very tragic news - this past week has been
rough physically, but mostly emotionally. But with all that mentioned, it's been
a very spiritually moving week. I've never felt Heavenly Father's love so strong
before. I know that Heavenly Father loves me. He loves you. He knows my
circumstances, as well as He knows yours. He is a mighty God. He is a God of
miracles. He is a loving God. He loves us all more than we can even comprehend.
His love is perfect. Unconditional. Eternal.
He has a plan for all of us. Sometimes it's hard to accept His plan, but
that's where faith comes in. Faith in God includes faith in His timing. This
past week, my companion had to receive some very hard news about her family. The
way she handled it has been inspiring for me. Sister Park is one of the
strongest people that I have ever met. Her testimony and her love of God and of
Jesus Christ is unwavering.
In Mosiah 18 it talks about what we promise when we are baptized. Verses 8
and 9 say:
8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn;yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things,and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of
the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
Those words have been on repeat in my mind this entire week. I never fully
understood what it meant to "mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that
stand in need of comfort" until coming on the mission. As a missionary you have
the opportunity to be other people's support. Other people rely on you to help
them through their trials. And never before have I wanted to take burdens off
people's backs and put them on my own to relieve them from their challenges.
During a visit, if they confide in us with what they are struggling with and
when they shed tears, I find myself hurting because I wish there was more that I
could do for them. But all we can do is weep with them and assure them of God's
love for them.
This week I have gained an even deeper understanding of this scripture and
what exactly I promised when I was baptized at eight years old. As my companion
is going through this trial I have wanted nothing more than to take it off her
back and put it on my own. I know this isn't possible but I wish it was. You
know, on the mission they always talk about being united with your companion.
Being one with each other. You don't realize how united you are until the other
one is hurting and you're feeling what they are. I can't say that I know what
Sister Park has been going through and I can't say that I even understand. But I
do know that my heart has been aching for her and her family. I'm on the outside
looking in and even though I don't know exactly how bad this hurts, I hurt
really bad for them. I am literally mourning with those that mourn. I'm not sure
why this had to happen. And why this had to happen at this time. But I do know
that it happened and the Lord has a plan. He's looking out for us. Sister Park
and I were meant to be companions. The Lord chose me to be the one to be by her
side as she is going through this. And I feel so inadequate. I feel almost
unworthy to be the one to comfort His beloved daughter. Although, I can promise
you that as I have knelt down to the Lord and pleaded for His help and guidance,
He has given it to me. I have said things that I would not have even imagined
coming out of my own mouth. And I know they aren't from me. Those words have
come to me from the Spirit, from the Lord. I am the Lord's mouthpiece. I am the
Lord's instrument. And I am striving to fulfill the promises I made at baptism
and "comfort those that stand in need of comfort."
I want you all to know that I have a STRONG testimony that families are
forever. When sealed in the Holy Temple of God, families are for eternity. That
binding is eternal. And how amazing is it, that we have this knowledge. How
great is it that the fullness of the gospel has been restored and the sealing
power is back on the earth today. How incredible is that we have temples and we
can do the work for those who have passed on. How wonderful it is that those
that didn't have the chance to hear the gospel on the earth, have that
opportunity in the spirit world. This is why temple work is so important. This
is why temples are on the earth. Temples are here to bind families for time and
for all eternity. This is our ultimate goal. The temple should always be our
goal. It is my promise to you, that as long as your eyes are on the the temple,
you are never lost. I hope that we can all make the temple a priority in our
lives and not only seal our own families for time and all eternity but those
that didn't get the chance to here on earth.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's church on the
earth today. It contains the fullness of the gospel and the fullness of the
truth. I know with all my heart, mind, and soul that this IS the true church. I
have received witness of this time and time again. I know that Joseph Smith
restored the church and I know he saw what he saw. I know he was the first
prophet called of God in this dispensation. I know that it's through him that
God was able to bring back His church. I know that the Priesthood power is real.
I am so grateful that the Priesthood is on the earth again. I was able to
receive a blessing from the Mission President this past week and things were
mentioned that I hadn't told anyone else but God. Those were things that I had
only talked about with my Father in Heaven and yet, those concerns were
addressed in this blessing. My Heavenly Father was talking to me through a
worthy Priesthood holder. I cannot deny what I have felt in this church. I know
without a shadow of a doubt that it is through the Plan of Salvation that we
will feel peace and true joy. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. And I know
that He died for each and every one of us. He went through everything so that we
would understand perfectly. He wants to be there for us and He knows exactly
what we're going through because He's been there. We can always turn to Him and
He won't ever let us down. All we have to do is let Him in. And once we do, we
will realize that He will take the weight right off our backs. Just like how it
says in Mosiah 24:14-15. So even though I cannot take the weight off of Sister
Park's back or her families' backs, I know that the only one who can, is our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And that gives me comfort. I know that our Savior
Jesus Christ, will help them and comfort them and help them feel at peace. I
know this because He went through everything. Unlike me, He KNOWS exactly what
they are feeling. We all just have to trust Him. And I know that this is the
case with EVERYONE. No matter what you are going through, Jesus Christ is there
for you. Let Him in.
Mom, Dad, Jon, Sara, Matthew, and Ben. I want you ALL to know that I love
you more than anything else in this world. You all mean everything to me and I
hope you all know that and never forget it. I am so grateful that mama and pops
lived worthy lives and were able to be married for time and all eternity in the
Holy Temple of God. It is because of them, that we are an eternal family. I hope
that one day I, too, can enter into the temple and marry a worthy priesthood
holder for time and all eternity and raise a family on the strong foundation of
Jesus Christ and the gospel, just like the one I grew up in. I love you all so
much and I am sending HUGE loves and hugs to you all from North Carolina. Give
each other vicarious hugs for me. :) I can't express enough how much y'all mean
to me. So just know that there aren't even enough words for me to adequately
describe my love to all of you. <3 <3 <3
I have so much more to say...but unfortunately I don't have the time to say
it all. I hope that all made sense...I don't have to time to double check
it.
I hope you all had a great week and know that my prayers are with all of
you always.
You are Loved.
Take care. Be safe and choose the right.
Much Love,
Sister Amy Blumel
xoxoxo <3
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