In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity,
It's true. In the middle of our garden of opposition, is the tree of eternal life; however, should we prematurely partake of its fruit, we wouldn't be able to bear its greatness. That's why we must spend our time in the thorns. Have you ever considered that? Eating a rotten apple really helps you to appreciate the grandeur of a fresh golden delicious. It's true-- there must needs be opposition in all things. Thankfully, we worship a God who has infinite wisdom, and though we may not be able to comprehend the things which he doth comprehend-- we comprehend enough. We understand that he loves us, that he guards us from our eternal trees for a reason, and that he has a plan for us. And that's enough. That knowledge will get you through the thorns and the rotten apples-- that one day, your eternal and golden fruit may be delicious to the taste; because you were willing to spend time in the garden to more fully appreciate its flavor. Grab some thorns and endure your way through those apples-- cause its time for another edition of our journeys here in the blessed mortality of Clinton in the CLINTON EDITION: CHAPTER ELEVEN.
I love it here in Clinton. And if you couldn't tell from our previous editions', one of my greatest reasons for being at home here-- is the mighty change of heart Clinton has wrought in me. I'm sure you all have those people or places or situations that change you. Those, "turning points' in your life that pave the way for progression. Those answered prayers and earthly angels God sends your way can be the very catalysts for your conversion! I'm sure we've all felt this way, yes?
Well, my catalyst is Clinton.
God knows us individually. He knows our needs, our struggles, our weaknesses, our strengths; and in his infinite wisdom, he caters his plans for us to accommodate our exaltation. There are no accidents in the Father's plan. No one you have met, nor any situation you have encountered is mere coincidence. On the outside you may feel like no one understands... but our God [looketh] on the heart and I testify that more than anyone or anything, he understands. And because he understands, he knows who and what we need to achieve our potential. We are partners in exaltation, my friends, learning our way to heaven. Do you not think that an all-knowing Heavenly Father wouldn't help us make it back to our heavenly home?
Those around you are part of your purpose. This is a gospel of fellowship, or connections, or friendship, and family. In the words of a more secular source, "we're all in this together." Salvation is an individual matter but exaltation is a family matter-- and that makes us all one eternal bandwagon on our way up to the exalted mansions prepared for us. Be grateful for those around you-- they're there for a reason. Appreciate them. Compliment them. And endure to that day when we're all resurrected and can truly express to one another how we really feel about each other. That'll be a good day.
We experienced this joy of this bond and this plan this week, with one of our dear friends here in Clinton. We don't really realize how much light we have until we spend time with someone in darkness. I couldn't help but mourn with this elect soul when he asked those inspired questions...
"Where is my mom?"
"How will I know I'll be in heaven?"
"Is there... a happy place for those who sin?"
Goodness, where would we be without the Plan of Salvation? Lost. Confused. Scared. The truths of the gracious plan of redemption help to clarify who we really are-- and allow our fears to be replaced with the conviction of our faith and hope in brighter, more celestial days! Ooh, how tender his response as we answered his questions through the Book of Mormon:
Something feels so familiar about what you say... almost like I've heard it before and spent my whole life waiting to hear it again.
If that doesn't make you wanna slap your knees and call your grandma-- we were hooting and hollering for Jesus (in the most reverent way of course.) So it is with the beautiful reality of our purpose in this life and our plans for the life to come! I love being a missionary-- sharing these restored truths is a gift that just keeps on giving.
And not only that but being divinely lead to a couple in need puts the cherry on top of our Sabbath sundae! This less active family that the ward has been reaching out to for over two months has been nearly M.I.A between vacation visits and business trips. Sadly, they haven't felt the love of the ward-- because they haven't been here to feel it! We as missionaries have also been trying to reach out and minister, but all of our efforts have come back without an open door. THAT IS, UNTIL THE ADRENALINE OF MIRACLES THIS WEEK. Follow the prompting, EVERY time. I promise you won't regret it. Even if it doesn't make sense-- actually-- ESPECIALLY when it doesn't make sense... follow it! We were out and about trying potentials and knocking doors when we felt distinctly lead to knock on their door. Zero to 100 real quick, we zoomed or way over-- only to be left unanswered... yet again. But... let this be a rule of thumb with following promptings: if at first, you don't succeed, try again! And that is exactly what we did the following day, we tried again. Like Alma entering into the land of Ammonihah, we found another way to enter into the hearts of these beloved members; their dog. If you think humans can recognize the familiar spirit of the elect, wait until an Australian shepherd locks eyes with those single to the glory of God. This dog was wigging out-- like, the pre-workout of the spirit was coursing in his veins and enabled him to let forth the most courageous roar in our direction. Being the dog people that we are, we pursued the pep of this pup-- and found ourselves introduced to the very members who had evaded us all these months past! And not only did our equivalent love for shepherds of the Australian kind break the ice-- but we were able to testify of the good shepherd, the redeeming kind, and ignite a fire in their hearts to come back to church.
I know God put us in that exact place at that exact time for that exact reason. He loves his specifics-- and likewise, I know he has put all of you where you are, with who you're with, doing what you're doing... for an exact reason. I invite you to seek out the purpose for what you're doing, to strive to magnify it, and to align your circumstances with the Father's plan. Maybe you too will be lead to a "dog-gone" miracle. 😉
Well y'all, this week was mostly just filled with the inspiration of the Spirit. We were lead and guided to what we were needed to do-- and there's not much better you can ask for than that! I love it here-- I love the people, I love the work, I love my mission, and I love the Lord!
Something rather magical happens when we let go and let God... we end up loving everything about who we're becoming. It's quite the phenomenon really... And I can testify that when we prioritize the Father's plan when we endure through the thistle, and when we follow the high pitched promptings of the spirit-- we will be where we need to be and to what we need to do with the people we need to do it with. Remember, there are no accidents in the Gospel. So get out there, and find your purpose! Magnify your calling! And I can only pray that you'll feel as blessed as we do to be here in our own garden of opposition: Clinton!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK Y'ALL! ELDER BOYD LOVES YOU!!
From an opposition gardener himself,
Gardener (Elder) Boyd
This Week's Pics:
Call Home for Father's Day
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