WEEK 29: Learning Lessons

Howdy!

I don't have much to say this week, regarding our day-to-day activites. It was a regular-ish week. A few odd things happened, but we moved forward as missionaries do.

Instead of sharing storytimes as I am prone to do, I just wanted to focus on a couple spiritual lessons I have been taught recently.

I read through the talk 'Perfection Pending' by Russell M. Nelson this week, and I loved it! He went through the Greek translations of the word 'Perfect' found within the scriptures, and taught how the translation more often than not means 'complete', or 'reaching a distant end'. I loved that! The commandment from the Savior found in Matthew 5:48 and 3 Nephi 12:48 to "Be perfect" has always seemed overwhelming and impossible. But after reading this talk and learning more about the true meaning behind the words, my understanding has increased greatly! Jesus Christ isn't commanding us to be perfect in our flawed and mortal state--that truly is impossible. He is commanding us to strive for eventual, eternal perfection, through Him. He wants us to find the full, complete version of ourselves in Him. Matthew 16:24-25 says, "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." I'm beginning to see what it means to lose my life for Christ's sake--lose myself in this work, in my efforts to be fully converted. As I do so, a new life opens before me, full of fulfilled promises and eternal opportunities from God. 

I'm being taught a lot about patience and diligence right now. I'm having to be very patient in waiting to see certain things happen in my life and in my spiritual journey to Christ. I'm a bit stubborn and impatient, and I want to see the fruit of my efforts as soon as possible. And so, as he always does, the Lord is teaching me things that I don't want to learn. He's gently tutoring me. I know that this time in my life is fleeting--my mission is passing by so swiftly, and I will never have this chance again. I know that God can shape me into something better than I can ever imagine, but having that faith is hard. Having the strength to let go of my own will and desires is hard. Choosing to give all my energy and heart into this work when I'm tired or worried or homesick is hard. But everyday my vision expands just a little more, and I am always reminded that I'm part of something much bigger and greater than me. The Lord is teaching me to be diligent in all my efforts, give careful attention to detail, and give a steady and consistent and energetic effort to my work. He's also teaching me to be patient, to trust His will and His timing and the future He has for me.

Anyway. I don't know if that made sense, but those are things I've been learning and thinking about. I am desperately trying to be more in tune to the promptings of the Spirit, and it's slow progress, but I'm trying to remind myself that it's still progress (once again, learning patience over here...). But I know that God's got this! Let Him lead you. He can see far more than we ever can. He wants to mold you into something more beautiful and powerful than you can imagine. The hard part is figuring out how to sacrifice and consecrate your all to Him--all your heart, might, mind, and strength, your whole will, to Him. I'm still trying to figure out what that means, and how to do that. It's a bit puzzling to me, but I am trying to understand.

At the end of the day, I know that God lives. I know that He loves us. And I know that Jesus Christ is my personal Redeemer. He can and will heal, comfort, and forgive. I know that. I testify of that! 

I love you all!

Love, Sister Malmstrom

231 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy #2226

Henderson, NV 89012

Pictures!

- Got some Anti literature from someone we used to teach, so you can imagine how that lesson went... (If you want the actual word of God, lmk and I can get you that! Spoiler alert: it's called The Bible and the Book of Mormon hehe)

- #TacoTuesday but instead it's #ChadPizzaWednesday.

- We went bike mode this week!

- Brother Robinson used to work for Nike and was once commissioned to create a pair of Nike sneakers for a dancing elephant in a zoo in San Francisco. Yes, this is an elephant sneaker.

- We've had lots of rain this week, but the clouds always seem to lift just in time to offer a glorious desert sunset.

- Quick visit to the doctor for Sister Welch, we had fun in the waiting room.

- Getting ghosted by our amigos...

- District picture after district council!! This is an incredible district, and the spiritual momentum picking up within the Zone and the rest of the mission is incredible! Miracles are happening, the Lord is guiding His work!