Over the past month, Ethan and I have been volunteering to translate for the MTC devotional in Thai. Each week has been a testimony builder and super sweet to listen to the Apostles. At certain times of the year when graduation, CES and other activities start to wind down, members of the 12 make their way to Provo to speak to the missionaries.
We have been lucky to translate for Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Elder Neil A Anderson and Elder D. Todd Christofferson. Each spoke about a different topic, but they essentially had one message:
Center on Christ
On April 13th Elder Anderson taught about the Doctrine of Christ. I especially loved his talk because it reminded me of when I met him in person a year ago in Thailand. His talk was about letting others know who Christ is and how we can do it.
The not-so-secret key?
The Book of Mormon!
His closing remarks, "Learn to love the Doctrine of Christ. Pattern you life after it."
The following week was Elder D. Todd Christofferson and he spoke about a very simple but straight forward topic: Trust.
He says, "We know God loves us but does and can He trust us?"
Some food for thought.
The not-so-secret key?
The Book of Mormon!
His closing remarks, "Learn to love the Doctrine of Christ. Pattern you life after it."
The following week was Elder D. Todd Christofferson and he spoke about a very simple but straight forward topic: Trust.
He says, "We know God loves us but does and can He trust us?"
Some food for thought.
Lastly, Elder Jeffery R. Holland talked about the missionary purpose. There was a lot of interesting things that I learned about:
(1) Apostles- they have such funny personalities
(2) why there is a missionary purpose and
(3) how to apply what we learn on missions to the rest of our lives.
(1) E. Holland is super passionate about missionary work. It's neat to see a different side of the Apostles; they are serious but also humorous.
While drilling the missionaries to embrace the purpose he 'treatened' that if they don't he will "come hunt you down and stick my knee in your throat. I will scratch your windows late at night and let the air our of your bikes. His point? Love [your] purpose. Love it so so much.
(2) The people invited, can't learn to love it unless those delivering it don't love it themselves.
(3) Trust me I could go on and on about all the lessons I learned during this devotional but i'll try to sum it up. Our missions/ college is suppose to be a preparation ground. During part of his talk he talked about preparation and it occurred to me and reminded me of a quote form President Monson.
"When the time for performance comes, the time for preparation has passed."
The take away from this all is that whatever stage of your life, move forward with purpose and don't give up on your dreams. In moments of preparation (or 5 hours of Organic Chemistry homework) don't give up. It'll all connect to the big picture in the end.
Since being home from the mission, life has been so crazy and fast paced that sometimes it seems that all I can do is put one foot in front of the other. One day at a time. After Tuesday, I feel so confident about the future Ethan and I have in terms of our school, careers and our future family.
With an eternal perspective, I can confidently say that I have faith that all will be well and God is on our side!
(He always was)
always - Traci
"When the time for performance comes, the time for preparation has passed."
The take away from this all is that whatever stage of your life, move forward with purpose and don't give up on your dreams. In moments of preparation (or 5 hours of Organic Chemistry homework) don't give up. It'll all connect to the big picture in the end.
Since being home from the mission, life has been so crazy and fast paced that sometimes it seems that all I can do is put one foot in front of the other. One day at a time. After Tuesday, I feel so confident about the future Ethan and I have in terms of our school, careers and our future family.
With an eternal perspective, I can confidently say that I have faith that all will be well and God is on our side!
(He always was)
always - Traci
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