- Study the Book of Mormon daily and gain a testimony of it
- Go out with the missionaries
- Study Preach My Gospel
Probably the first and biggest thing that I wish that I had done was read the Book of Mormon daily! I read it, but not consistently. I had a testimony of it, but it could have been so much stronger!
I have learned on my mission that no other amount of gospel study can replace studying the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth and it is a direct and powerful way to invite the Spirit into our lives. If we want to gain a testimony of any Gopsel principle, we need to read the Book of Mormon. If we want to stay converted to the Gospel, we need to read the Book of Mormon. It's kind of my go-to answer for pretty much every problem. READ THE BOOK OF MORMON!!!
The next is go out with the missionaries! This can definitely seem scary.
What if you say the wrong thing? What if you can't say anything at all?
Don't worry about it!! We are all promised that we will be given the words to say exactly when we need it. Have faith in that promise! I have seen it fulfilled so many times. I can't even count all of the times on my mission when I have opened my mouth to talk and words came out that weren't mine at all.
I can't even say how important members are to the work. There is no point in missionaries being there if the members aren't going to participate. We as missionaries are here to help the members to do their missionary work, not the other way around.
The third thing that I wish that I had done was study Preach My Gospel. I think it was Elder Holland who said that Preach My Gospel was planned on one side of the veil and assembled on the other. (Something like that. Even if he didn't, it's still a cool thought and I wouldn't doubt it!)
It is SUCH an inspired manual. For anyone preparing to go on a mission, make it a habit to study! Especially the first three lessons that are in chapter 3.
I definitely recommend all of these for all members, not just ones preparing for a mission!!
"The decision to serve a mission will shape the spiritual destiny of the missionary, his or her spouse, and their posterity forgenerations to come. A desire to serve is a natural outcome of one’s conversion, worthiness, and preparation" Elder Russell M. Nelson
Lucy~ Awesome thoughts!! Thank you! We love you tons! ~Aunt Becky :)
ReplyDeleteThings I wish I would have done this past year or so: written to you more! (Or at all!) I admire you and your determination to serve the Lord and be a good example. I love knowing that there are great role models I can point out to my girls. You will never regret having served a mission - not once! I talk about mine and what i learned and gained from it so often, I think the young women are probably sick of it! :) Remember what you just wrote up there about the Book of Mormon. Studying the scriptures, participating in church classes, and even having gospel conversations is so different without the nametag - you'll definitely be able to testify of the special gift and help missionaries get while serving. The key is to keep doing exactly what you just testified of - keep feeding your soul, even when "real" life comes barreling down on you again! I'm so proud of the amazing young woman you are!! See you soon :)
ReplyDeleteStephanie Pollock
Lucy:
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing these down. I am going to use them in our FHE about missionaries and missions.
Tiffany and I attended Mission Prep a couple weeks ago (All the laurels and priests are supposed to attend weekly in our stake.) There was a returned missionary who spoke at it and who said almost exactly what you are saying about going out with the missionaries. That it seems intimidating, but it is really easy to do, and a great way to get some mission experience.
I am helping Uncle Matt's kids with their Book of Mormon challenge this week. We are reading 2 chapters a night. It is really cool how you think they are not listening and then they ask a question about what you're reading, or mention something about it the next day. (At church the speaker quoted a scripture in Alma, and Mandy turned to me and said "we read that this week, huh Aunt Jenny" SOOO COOOL. :)
I am looking forward to doing a better job with reading the scriptures as a family at my own house. Thanks for your inspiration, and your dedication to the gospel.
Love you & can't wait to chat with you in person.