2017.3.27 Captain's Log: Stardate--2017.March.27

This week was tough. Sister Stettler and I had to drop a lot of investigators. To "Drop" someone means that because they are not keeping commitments ans are not progressing, we missionaries need to move on and focus our time and efforts on those who will keep commitments and who will progress. It hurt my heart, as I've really come to love and care about everyone we a re teaching. But the Lord's work needs to move forward. I have great faith that the Lord will lead Sister Stettler and I to families who will enter the waters of baptism. The Lord is preparing His people. Our job is to find them :)

You know how every once in a while you get an epiphany? Like a lightbulb goes off in your head? Well, a UV Ray Ultra Lite just went off in mine during companion study on Friday. Sister Stettler and I were reading some scriptures on adversity, and why God allows pain and suffering to occur, and suddenly my brain went a million miles an hour and I finally understood it!! Most of you know--I'm a reader. I go through books like no one's business. I spent Christmas break reading all the books I got for Christmas. Yeah, I like to read. Well, my brain finally got it. What makes stories so entertaining? Why do we enjoy books and movies so much? Why are we fascinated about the cool experiences other people have? Because of adversity! What's the point of a fairytale if there is not dragon or evil stepmother? What good is the rescue if there is not tower? There would be not a single happily ever after if there was no adversity. Adversity--trouble; affliction; tribulation; infirmities; opposition; tried, trial; persecution. When we think of Moses we think of the hardship the people had to bear, and the trial of crossing the Red Sea. Remember Job? Why is his story so remarkable? Because he lost everything and still praised God. We season our lives the oppositions we face. What good id the protagonist if there is no antagonist?  

One of my favorite things in the world is character development. The refiner's fire that all must face if they are to become what the author has truly meant for them. Princes and princesses would not cherish eachother as much is their love had not been at the mercy of the evil sorceress or had to face fire breathing dragons. Christ suffered so we could live with God again. We suffer so to entice us to action of the Atonement. A ring only has value if the blacksmith breaks his back in order craft such a home for such a precious gem. We may be beaten and glowing red-hot in the furnace, but inly the best bands of metal are crowned with the rarest gemstone. Eternal life is our diamond. Who are you? A cheap mood ring that often pendulums from one attitude to the other? Or are you sterling, becoming what the Master has always had in store for you?

Just food for thought! Love you all so much! Can't wait for GENERAL CONFERENCE!! #TakingNotes