The past little bit has really been something. Yesterday we had a half Mission Zone Conference for the east side. An area authority namely Elder Ringwood came and spoke to us. He talked to us about sacrifice. It was wonderful. He also showed us this wonderful concept from the perspective of an investigator. He used the account of the woman at the well to teach so many wonderful principles. It has enhanced my understanding of ones personal progress in this process. From ones first encounter with the gospel in its fullest to the events that follow, and how we can, with this understanding, better go about teaching so that they will open their hearts.
I am finding more and more that the principles of success in missionary work revolves so much on others agency and more importantly how they use their agency. If we can get them to hop right on in, the process of receiving personal revelation for themselves, then the flood gates can begin to open, other wise we will just be getting the ones that just about from the get go get it, already there, are golden or other wise so in tune with the spirit it isn't even funny. Which isn't a bad thing just that there are so many others that aren't there and perhaps will never get there unless we go, find them and bring them to it.
I marvel at the thought as I think about the grand scheme of things or the plan of salvation. I think "what I have to do, is it really this complicated and this difficult?". The answer is yes and no. Sometimes I think we get so stinkin' close to the plan that it blurs our vision and totally overcomes us and we reply in an outburst of emotion "WHY!?" There is SOO much to take in". Back up a little bit. Let your vision refocus and you will see the big picture more clearly and REMEMBER it. God is not the author of confusion so no, it isn't that complicated.
As for this being difficult yes, but there is more to this. For one, many times we ourselves make it difficult. By our actions that we make in life, but even more and secondly it is the decisions that are made before the action... you know the ones in your mind and deep in your chest. When you are counting the cost as it were and you make the choice of not only what you are going to do but what you choose to stand for and you go through this little inventory of what I'm going to accept and do out of what the Lord gives me... yeah. That. If we pick and choose, it will just make things harder. We covenanted to keep all His commandments. Not a few. And if we expect to get His help we won't. If we almost keep all the commandments we almost get the blessings. Isn't it just so simple? I think that's awesome! Cutting us some slack, knowing it was gonna be hard enough as it was just to do the task.
Now it's [easier] said than done I know. So there will be times when the situation above isn't the case. This is where the Atonement comes in. Christ knew that our fullest potential here on earth would not be enough to cut it. But we know that's okay. He made it that way. I was writing in a fellow missionary's transfer journal who was feeling like he was a failure as a missionary. He wasn't and I was trying to help him see that. One thing I wrote was this. "Some days we are sent forth with the ability to give 10 points. If we give 8 we under performed. Right? And you know what? Somedays we will be sent forth only with the ability to give 10 points when the day requires 12 points and say you give that 10. Did you fail? No. Because you gave what you had.". And I would end on the note "and that's all the Lord asks of you" but that would be false. The Lord always wants us to pray to Him and when we ask Him for help and we have given our "10" then He will fill in the rest. Then we will make it out on top. Exhausted and depleted of all we had but thoroughly pleased at the accomplishment of the task that was impossible. But was done. How? Through Him. And on top of all that he will give you 12 points. Isn't it wonderful?
I am so thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for the profound impact it has had on my life. I know God lives and that His Son Jesus Christ lives to. They love me and care about me. The same goes for everyone else. I am honored to be a apart of this great work. His church is restored and there is a prophet on the earth today. We can develop our own personal relationship with our Heavenly Father. That is such a thrill! To get to know Him and feel His love for you. I know it has been for me. And I will ever rejoice He came for me. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
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I know I went on a tangent and sorry for the tone I get a little preachy sometimes I just get so... I guess zealous and just pumped up about it all. And I know that all you know this stuff but I guess I just had other people in mind as I wrote it too. Maybe like friends or whoever you might feel like sharing this with. I just want people to know the things I know and that I know that they are true! I know they are. I love you guys and thank you soooooo much everything you do! I am sooo glad that everyone had a good time at the reunion. Don't worry Sam and Krista we'll make it onto the next boat. Lol.
Today is Tuesday our P-day. The weather is good and so is the work. So much is going to change in the next little bit with missionary work. Thank you for your prayers. They are answered. I am being blessed because of your faith. I need all the help I can get. . . .
I love you guys and hope and that all is going well. I'll talk to you later and have a great day!
Love
Elder Berryhill
