Don't Ask Me To Bake
Aloha family a me friends!
Lehi states: "And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit". (1 Nephi 8:12)
Likewise this past weekend, I became desirous that my Bermuda family should partake of my dear Sister Dunne's delicious, man-slaying, mouth-watering chocolate chip cookies that are "desirable above all other" cookies.
Luckily, she had given me the ingredients necessary and the temperature and time so that I may make them myself. I mixed everything together. Put the correct amount of each ingredient but to my surprise and frustration, they were nothing as I had before. Good enough to give out but definitely NOT the chocolate chip cookies I had desired. These cookies did not reach the potential they could become.
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| if you're wondering what I did on my year mark |
What I lacked in my baking extravaganza is step by step instructions. Had I known which ingredients to mix together at the right time, the cookies would've turned out as I had expected. Likewise, the ingredients are like principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We know exactly what we need (i.e. praying, scriptures, church, faith, baptism, repentance). But God is a God of order. Things have to be done correctly and there is a time and place for every season in this universe. The step by step instructions in a recipe are the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ which includes the Book of Mormon, living prophets with modern revelation, and priesthood power.
When we try to throw all these principles together all kapakahi (defn: any kind way, messy), we will get something good and mediocre. Not bad but not amazing. But if we follow the instructions and utilize all the tools that have been restored on the earth today, we will reach our potential. If we are baptized by someone who has the priesthood, we receive that greater joy. If we follow the commandments to a T we will receive the promised joy and blessings that are greater than we can imagine. If we hearken unto Russell M. Nelson, we will be safe from things we can and cannot see.
Moral of the story. Get the right ingredients and follow the step by step instructions. And you'll receive blessings in this life and the life to come (and get the greatest mouth watering cookies ever ;)
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| Look at all this hail. Who would've thought it hailed here |
Randoms:
1) I have a strong testimony that prepared people are found through Facebook. Last week we went to a lady's home who found us through our ads on facebook. Apparently she met with missionaries 8 or so years ago and felt inclined to press on our ad and message us. We show up and she is the house cleaner for a billionaire from England. And wow she took us on a tour and wow. The biggest home and nicest home I have ever been in with tennis courts and a private beach. Wow. Think of Princess Diares...yup thats what it is like!
2) Had Zone Conference last week and got to talk to two of my previous companions via skype. It was a joyous moment :')
3) One year mark was celebrated with catching a baby chick and eating 2 red velvet cucpakes. What more could one want!
4) It hails in Bermuda!!! Hailed this past week! So cool.
5) Always remember: Attitude is a choice. Despite what the weather is on the inside or outside, we can always be happy :) We can always find reason to rejoice, be grateful, and smile!
Check ya later fam bam ;)
Me ke aloha,
Sister Ellis
Believe, Love, Do