Week 31: "All these things shall give [me] experience"

Well I'm in a new area and I have no clue where anything is... The streets are all organized differently that my last area and it's a lot harder to navigate. But the ward is pretty awesome from what I've seen! The ward is split into two areas so there are four missionaries here, the other two are the zone leaders. There aren't a whole lot of members in our area, most of them live where the zone leaders are. 

But don't worry! I am happy :) No one can ever take my smile away from me! I'm still working hard and have really felt the support of the Lord this week! Sometimes I feel grateful for some difficulties because I really have felt an outpouring of his spirit.  We do get up early to go to the gym every morning! That's one thing that I wouldn't mind keeping after my new companion leaves. 

I don't really have a whole lot to write about other than that. It has kind of occupied my mind this whole week. But it really is a great learning opportunity and I'm just going to make the most of it. Sometimes that's all we can do. 

I really like that poem you sent me mom from Lyle. 

THE WEAVER

MY LIFE IS BUT A WEAVING, BETWEEN MY GOD AND ME.

I LET HIM CHOOSE THE COLORS — HE WORKETH STEADILY.

OFTIMES HE WORKETH SORROW AND I, WITHIN MY HEART,

FORGET HE SEES THE PATTERN WHILE I SEE ONLY PART.

THE DARK THREADS WERE AS NEEDFUL IN THE WEAVER’S SKILLFUL HAND,

AS THE THREADS OF GOLD AND SILVER IN THE PATTERN HE HAD PLANNED.

NOT TILL THE LOOM IS SILENT AND THE SHUTTLES CEASE TO FLY,

SHALL GOD UNROLL THE CANVAS AND EXPLAIN THE REASON WHY. 

    

It really is a beautiful way that the Lord helps us learn and grow in this life. Sometimes it may seem impossible in the moment, but with the knowledge of the Savior and his atoning sacrifice, we know that we can rise above it all. I have always love the example of Joseph Smith and how he alwas endured. As he suffered in damp and cold conditions in the ironically titled Liberty Jail. He supplicated to the father in humble prayer seeking his comfort. The Lords response is nothing less than humbling and inspiring. 

"7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?" 

We all will face trial and adversity in this life. But from Gods perspective it is but a small moment that will have it's eternal rewards. I can honestly say that this has been one of the most difficult weeks of my mission. But I also haven't felt the support of my Heavenly Father so much in my life before, and I am grateful for that experience to increase my faith and strengthen my testimony.  I know that the coming weeks aren't going to be any easier than this past one, but the truth is I'm excited for the things that I'm going to learn. I came into the mission knowing that I would have some difficult companions, I just continually pray that I will be able to have the Lords perspective in all these experiences that "all these things shall give (me) experience, and shall be for [my] good."

The Lord has a perfect plan for all of us, we just need to stick to it. In the end the Lord will unroll the canvas and it wouldn't be complete if we weren't given the opportunities that are only found in trails.  

I love you all so much! Thank you for your love and support! 

Love Elder Twede

My last district in my last area. They are all amazing!