I don't even know where to begin today, with the exception of my work out, my day began at about 3:00 PM today! Last Saturday at the Relief Society broadcast I felt the impression to talk to the Sisters and see when I could go out with them, and based on my schedule I picked today... and what an inspired miracle that was! It is truly amazing to get to work with the spirit that the Sisters bring into my life, and those they teach. It never ceases to amaze me at how wonderful these sisters are and how God works. He truly knows best for us, and sends us to people prepared by God.
So one story that continues to stick in my mind is when we "harvesting". This means knocking on doors, and blessing the investigator, and blessing the home with peace. After knocking on over 8 doors we finally were welcomed in by a sweet guy named Chris, who had 3 sweet children. We were able to bless his home and his family. He seemed very eager to learn more and it was so touching to help him figure out that the "feeling" he had was the Spirit. Such an awesome experience. As we walked down the stairs we ran into a sweeeeeeeettttt lady watching her children. Her name was Tina, and she is why I needed to go out today. Me going today wasn't me, it was HIM. It was truly inspired.As we talked to her we learned early on that she felt uncomfortable praying in front of everyone.. including us. Most people who know me know that I feel the same way, I feel as if praying in front of others makes me feel vulnerable, as if my guard is down and that I will be judged. I tend to say the "typical" prayer in front of others.. short, sweet, and to the point. As Tina spoke up she mentioned she was "drawn to me and wanted to hear from me." As I shared with her my anxiety of praying in front of others she was touched, and tears came to her eyes. The spirit was telling me I was there for a reason. Typically, the sisters are the ones who offer to pray for them, and since she refused to pray, I assumed one of them would pray like all the rest of the people we had met today. Sister Dunford then asked me to say the prayer... I was shocked! I became scared and so nervous I began to shake.
The power of prayer is a true blessing. I immediately said a prayer in my heart for my tongue to be loosed, my heart and my mind open and the spirit to be present as I poured out my heart to this woman I had never met. As I said my prayer tears came to my eyes and to hers ( I wasn't looking, it was after the prayer) and the spirit present was soooo strong. In those moments I forgot I wasn't a missionary, I forgot that we were standing outside in a complex full of loud screaming kids, and most importantly I forgot about my fear. I poured out my heart and my soul, and I bore my testimony of the truths I've come to know through prayer, through this prayer. I never wanted the prayer to end, the feeling present, that spirit was more than I can begin to describe. In that moment I wanted and still want nothing more than to be out in the field. I want to teach and preach. I want to share it with everyone. And I CAN NOT wait to be able to devote 18 months of my life to this work! As it turns out, Tina accepted the invitation to watch conference tomorrow. Her spirit, and intentions were beautiful. She had such an amazing spirit to her, and her testimony was a testimony to me. She kept saying how I was shy, yet my words were powerful, and she couldn't help but draw near to me. When we had to say good-bye and go to another appointment I turned to the sisters. They looked at me and told me it was a miracle that I was there, and the power of prayer, they said the spirit there was SO strong and they were impressed.
These sisters are truly sent from God to be in this area. The love for these people emanates from them and it is a blessing to see the love they have for others, so inspiring. Before we stepped out of the car, no matter what for we took turns saying prayers. It is amazing to see how prayer can bless our lives in just seconds. If i learned anything today it would be the power and importance of prayer. As the sisters say, "If you pray for specific reasons and asking specific questions, the Lord will answer you with specific answers." These Sisters are spectacular. They are guided by the Spirit and sent from God to this area for a reason. It has opened my eyes and made me realize that no matter where I am sent, It will be sent from God. Utah, or Europe, it doesn't matter, I will be where the Lord needs me and speak to those prepared by Him. I feel as if I am the luckiest girl alive to be able to have these experiences and to be blessed with the Spirit. I couldn't have asked for a better Friday night. I have lived in this area for most of my life. Never in my life have I realized how wonderful the people I live so closely to really are. I have an even greater appreciation for the missionaries, and for the people they come in contact with. The love they have for these people amazes me and I began to feel this love just by being near them. I LOVE this work, and this gospel. I am SO blessed to live in an area with these people, and am grateful for their testimonies and their love and respect for our church. After inviting so many to partake in our special services this weekend, I myself have become excited more than ever to hear the words of our prophets! If anyone is intrested in this I personally invite you to visit www.lds.org or mormon.org I love my life, and those put in it. I feel blessed and loved. I know my Heavenly Father loves me, and that I am a daughter of God. I know with no doubt in my mind that we can speak to the Lord, and he will answer our prayers. What a blessing!
P.S. The title is some advice given to me by the Sisters.. OPEN your mouth, they told me. Don't fear what they will say because if you are speaking with the Spirit, they will feel it. Best. Advice. Ever.
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