HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!!!
I am so grateful to have been born
in a time and place where I can enjoy freedom. I am able to follow my
Savior, who I love dearly, because others have bought the price of
freedom. I am so grateful for every solider who has fought in defense of
this country and what it stands for; I am grateful to
those who uphold personal freedoms; I am so grateful for those who
teach of the importance of having freedom and what is required to keep
that freedom.
The greatest liberator is our
Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. By living a perfect life, He was able
to pay the price of sins and death so that we may have freedom. We have
been given agency, the ability to choose, AND we have been given a way
out from our captivity because our Heavenly Father loves us so much. We
are held captive by our sins and we are only free when we accept Christ
and live His gospel as closely as possible. What better day to celebrate
Christ than on the day were we celebrate the freedom we enjoy?
Okay, on a little less spiritual note =) I need to make up for two weeks, so where to start.....Oh!
Not this past Sunday, but the one
before (June 26th) our mission had a musical fireside. To be frank, it
was a bit stressful because we only had 2 practices but it went very
well. The spirit was very strong as we testified of the Restoration
through music. I was part of a small women's group and we sang "Child's
Prayer" which was a duet between a mother and child. It was meant to
teach the audience about prayer and the reality that God listens to us. I
really enjoyed singing it because it is my favorite children's hymn and
the arrangement was pretty. My overall favorite piece though was the
men's choir number, "Praise To the Man". It was very simple but very
powerful as the strong, rich male voices joined together to share the
truthfulness of Joseph Smith, that he really was a prophet of God.
For those who know me, I feel the
Spirit the most through music. It was such a privilege to sing my
testimony because I really do know that God has once again called
prophets to the earth to preach and prophecy of Christ. I know that He
still loves us and so He provided a way for the church of His Son to
come back to the earth. I know that I am a member, and a missionary for,
Christ's one true church.
Earlier that week, on Tuesday, all
of the sisters in the mission met together for a sisters meeting. We had
lunch (salad with berries on top......a comment my mom said I made when
I was younger came to mind: "I am not a rabbit". Anyway, I survived :) )
and then heard from a special guest speaker, Elaine S. Dalton. For
those who don't know, she was the Young Women General President; that
means that she was over all of the young women in the church and had the
right and authority to revelation for them. It was interesting meeting
her because I was a young woman when she was the president.
I am going to share something that is difficult for me, so please bear with me.
I really struggled with young
womens, the program in this church. I knew, and know, why we have this
program but it was still a challenge for due to my weakness with other
females. I do not have fond memories of young womens, of this woman, or
that time in my life, so it was difficult for me to be in a meeting with
other females and with this woman. She is an amazing woman! I can tell
she is in tune with the Spirit and that she has dedicated her life to
being a disciple of Christ. But it was still hard. I learned more about
myself from this meeting and she did say two things that I liked, so it
was a worthwhile activity. I have found that most events that try you
helps you the most to grow and progress.
While that bit of the week was a
bit challenging, the rest of the week went as usual. We and the Elders
had some good times (pictures will be included) and the work continued
forward. One of the funnier stories is that Elder Ortiz, the driver in
the car, likes to see how close he can get to our car. It causes me a
bit of anxiety, but it's humorous now.
Okay, for this past week, we had
some adventures! As I've mentioned before, we volunteer at a place
called "Roads to Independence" where we do odd jobs that they need done.
On Thursday we were asked to sand a table in preparation for a picnic
that coming Saturday.
We were outside, it was super hot, and we were doing hard work! So, what
do we think to do? Pour jugs of water on our heads! I will include
videos for your enjoyment. :)
We then have weekly planning, which is when we plan for the upcoming week. We do this for four hours, 1-5pm,
so as to be prepared for the coming week. That's a lot of time trying
to stay focused on one topic, so occasionally we take breaks. During one
of these breaks, we discovered the speaking feature for Notes on iPads.
Again, I'll include a video for you to see what we found absolutely
hilarious. On another break, we watched Elder Juarez perform a
flexibility trick, which made me laugh really hard! I have been blessed
to serve with people who know how to not stress over everything and it
has really helped me heal this transfer. The Lord knew what we would
need and He provided that because He loves us.
Last funny story and then I'll
close with a spiritual moment. So, I love being around other
missionaries and so do they so we get together every p-day to play
volleyball. These past two p-days we have played out on a sand
volleyball court, which my companion and I and our Elders cleaned up for
service. We all enjoy being together and being out in the sun and
playing a fun sport. There are so many funny moments that I can't share
them all, I'm sorry. Just know that even though I used to hate this
sport, I love playing with my missionaries because we have a good
wholesome time. The best part is jeering at each other in Spanish,
especially when there are one or two English companionships. You know
you're Latino when you can understand that! I'll include pictures from
today so that you can enjoy with me :)
Now, the spiritual moment I had was
when I received a blessing on Thursday. To preface, I had never
received a blessing of comfort from someone other than my dad before my
mission. I always knew, and still know, that I could go to my dad and
that he'd help me and be able to give me a blessing. I had that trust
with him; out here in the mission, I can't go to him so I depend on the
Elders around me. It's hard for me! These are young men, most being
around 18-19 years old receiving revelation from the Lord for me; it can
get very personal and so you need to trust these priesthood holders.
Also, they need to be worthy of their priesthood.
This past transfer I have had need
for a blessing three times; that's more than the whole rest of my
mission! I can't ever remember needing a blessing so frequently! It hit
me on Thursday, after receiving another blessing, how fortunate I am. I
have two worthy priesthood holders who live only 2 minutes away from my
home. We work together all the time so I already had trust with them.
They have always been there when I have asked for help. What a blessing
it is to live in a time and place where we have the priesthood of God?
What a blessing it is that I can reach out for help at any point with
these two men? God knew I would need these blessings, this help, and so,
even though I couldn't have my daddy, He sent me my Elders.
I speak to all men of age 12 and
older. You are privileged to live in this day and age where you can hold
the priesthood, which is God's power! The priesthood is needed in every
ordinance of the gospel of Christ; as such, we need worthy priesthood
holders. For those who are not members of this church, I urge you and
pray for you that you may see the examples of righteous priesthood
holders around you and desire to have that same power. May you join the
ranks of Christ's army and wield this special and sacred power. For
those who are members but haven't been fully participating, I beg you to
repent and come back. Please, hear God's plea for you to come and fully
enjoy all the blessings He has in store for you, that you may bless
others as well. For those who are strong, active members in Christ's
church, thank you for your example and valor; I pray that you continue
strong in the faith.
To all women who read this: just
because we do not bear the priesthood doesn't mean we aren't involved
with it. We have a special role given to us by our Heavenly Father that
is different from males but equally important. How we treat our fathers,
brothers, husbands, leaders show to those around us how important the
priesthood is to us. How important is it to you and what are you doing
to show that? Take advantage of this great blessing around you! Ask for
blessings when you feel you need them; partake of the sacrament; make
and keep sacred covenants! Never forget your importance or impact on
others.
I love you all and I hope that you
have a great Fourth of July! Enjoy your family and be safe. Remember who
you are and that you are loved!
Love,
Hermana Lindh
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