Though Imperfect, My Joy is Full
Aloha family a me friends,
"Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness" (The Living Christ). Though sinless, He voluntarily chose to be the Savior of the world to redeem us from our fallen state. Though sinless, He offers us unconditional grace and mercy.
"Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness" (The Living Christ). Though sinless, He voluntarily chose to be the Savior of the world to redeem us from our fallen state. Though sinless, He offers us unconditional grace and mercy.
We are imperfect human beings. The reality of missionary work is really that we are flawed, inadequate 19-25 year olds trying to do the work of salvation. Alone, we truly are underqualified to bring souls unto repentance. But with the Savior, He makes up the difference.
Time and time again it has been testified to me of my imperfectness as a missionary and human. Last week was full of imperfect flaws in our days: running late to appointments, didnt do sufficient daily contact and had a little scare with a few people, decided to give some people "space" and they got upset that we didnt contact them, didnt give people "space" and they got upset we kept contacting them, lesson plans getting mixed up, oh the list goes on and on....and despite it all, I laugh and smile. I go forward with an "eye single to the glory of God", understanding that I am a mere instrument trying my best to do His will and that is all that He asks of me.
Time and time again it has been testified to me of the reality of Christ's Atonement. He lived, suffered, bled, died, and rose again...all for each one of us. It is His Atonement that takes a toll in people's lives. In no means is it the words or the personalities of missionaries that change people and convert them to the gospel. It truly is the spirit and Christ Himself, when people are converted to the Savior, hearts are changed, mended, and healed. Miracles are performed.
The reality of our Savior is that we are in this together with Him. He makes up the difference that we can not, it is simply impossible and beyond our capabilities. But with Him, our joy and love can be made whole. The relationship is simple. We do all that we can and the Savior does all that we can't.
"We must accept his offer of help by entering into a completely new covenant in which his efforts are added to our own andm ake up f or our deficiencies...He is willing to suffer unfairly and compensate jutice himself out of his own person in order to extend mercy to weaker beings like us. This willingness on his part to pay more than his fair share and to carry more than his fair load in order to grant mercy to others constitutes the grace of Christ." (Stephen E. Robinson, Believing Christ)
And because of Him every single day I know I can say (as I told to President Teuscher at my departing interview last week re: how I feel about my mission)...my joy is full.
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| Car Selfies. Nothin New |
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| Poke Bowl in NY |
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| Foggy driving days in Mt. Vernon ft. Sister Reed |
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| Exchanges with Sister Martin from Brooklyn STLs |
Randoms:
1) We've been having a lot of foggy days lately. Definitely doesnt feel like summer but does give it a nice New York eerie vibe haha
2) We did have a nice sunny day down in the Bronx. Yes, once more I drove down to Kingsbridge through Fordham at the peak of traffic at 3pm. No injuries to the car or humans. Safely got to interviews with President! It was actually a cool experience. I was able to have my very last interview with President Teuscher in the same exact room and building in the Bronx as my first interview with President Smith. Ah full circles arent they fun :)
3) Had exchanges with the Brooklyn STLs! Pulled up in Queens to pick them up and we were all (minus Sister Reed) matchy matchy in navy blue and white polka dots ! I went with Sister Martin and she was super cute!
4) Tuesday we got a text from a member saying she wanted to come out. It was literally perfect for the person that we need. Soo...@members if you ever feel the urge to go out with missionaries, just do it. Youll never regret it!
5) Erick is doing SO GOOD!! Honestly, I feel like there have been some minor speed bumps but for the most part he did this on his own. The ward is so excited for his baptism this upcoming Saturday!
6) Numbers are going up and up! This past week we woke up early and knocked on peoples doors Sunday morning and got 5 of our people to church. Found another 5 people throughout the week and have our solid 3 people progressing towards date. Things are going swell in New Roc.
7) Tried a New York Poke bowl last week. It was very healthy. Cucumbers, avocados, mangos, brown rice, and low sodium soy sauce. Almost there NY almost.
8) Happy Belated Fathers Day! Love you dad! Also happy anniversary to my parents :)
Me ke aloha pau ole,
Sister Ellis
Believe, Love, Do