Come What May and Love It

Helloooo again y'all!!:) Happy MAY!!! Its so crazy, I will be officially be out 15 months this week but still feel as if I have only been gone for 5 months! I truly do love my mission, I feel like it's where I have and will ever grow the most!

I was reading a talk by Joseph Wirthlin this week and it really touched me and it helped me to apply it into my life right now. These last couple of transfers have been kind of harder for me. We find so many amazing people that we think are golden and they are... For about two weeks and then everything just kinda crashes and burns! I know it's all part of God's plan but sometimes it's just really discouraging and often times feels like its all your fault ya know? But this talk hit some points that I have been using these weeks and they have really helped! 

1. Learn to Laugh! I think 90% of my mission has been nothing but laughter. I LOVE to have fun and I have found the fun in all forms of missionary work. God even said it himself, Men are that they may have JOY! 

On exchanges with Sister Beck we decided to have a little fun and went to a Bible study with a local Pastor! It was so fun and had awesome music and people! They get to the solo part and they call ME to do a solo!! I legit died in my seat... But ya know I did it anyways and massacred that song but we both couldn't help but laugh about it and realize that the scariest/worst moments ever can also be some of my most favorite parts of the mission.

2.Seek for the eternal! I am really into thinking about the eternal perspective lately. These experience are meant to stretch us, to make us better then we were the day before. It makes me grateful for the challenges I face and realize that there is a greater purpose for that small moment of defeat and despair. 

3.Understand principle of compensation! I have really come to see that the good always out weighs the bad! I look back and I remember nothing but the good experiences and know that my Heavenly Father was with me in those moments and was carrying me through it. Joy truly does come after sorrow and every tear shed today will eventually turn to tears of joy and gratitude!

4.Put our trust in Him! These times have taught me nothing but trust. Trust in God, in his timing. I have had to realize that everything is on God's timetable and that gives me the hope to know that I know God will prepare their hearts for His children here and that no effort I put in will ever be wasted. Someday, somehow the gospel will enter into these people's hearts again one day. All that matters to God is you do your best and then leave the rest to Him. 

I know that no matter how hard you fall in life, that our Savior Jesus Christ is there for you. He knows you, loves you, and is there for you every step of the way being your number one fan, cheering you on until the very end. I know it without a doubt and I see it not only in my life but in the lives of those I serve. No matter what life or my mission has for me I know the best way is come what may and love it!

Hope y'all have the best week!! Sending all my love and prayers your ways!! xoxoxoxo

Love Sister Steve:)

In case you forgot and feel like you need missionary blessings:

15302 Stones Throw Cr. #1702

Hammond, LA 70401

Here is to the lady who has made my mission that much greater.. I love Sister Hansen!! 

Exchanges with Sista Beck.. With good ol Pastor Dickson!!

Exchanges with the Amite Sisters

Sister Beck... My lil Sis and one of my bestest friends! She is a life saver!!

Nothing better than middle of the week random pictures!!  Thank you to the Sant family.