Beauty for Ashes

Transfer calls came in!

 

Elder Chase Lonas will be dying in Olympia 2nd Ward (staying) and my final companion will be Elder B  (whose friend from back home is Sister Flake, who is serving in Fukuoka Japan and is companions with Sister Heather Lane, who is my friend from back home! Crazy world haha)

 

I don't know a lot about him, but I've met him a handful of times before.  I know he's a pretty good singer, he was trained by Elder Thornton (so I'll probably like him) and.... well that's pretty much it actually.  But most people who have served around him have liked him, so I'm hoping for the best. 

 

But Saturday night I was praying about my transfer call, and I think I was murmuring a little bit (oops)  but the Lord was quick to chasten me (probably because he loves me, Hel 15:3)  Haha, I'll spare you the details, but I realize now that the Lord gave me EXACTLY the companion that I need.  I don't know yet in what ways this is true, but I asked that my companion would

 

A) be someone with whom I can be friends

B) be hardworking and obedient, and help me finish strong

C) be someone with whom I can teach well

D) be someone that can help me take Olympia 2nd ward in the right direction.

 

And I know that all 4 aspects I've asked for will be possible if I do my part. 

 

It is my testimony that the Lord absolutely does NOT need my talents and skills as a missionary.  We as mortals do so very little.  We tend to bring afflictions upon ourselves through our own misuse of agency.  We can try our best to perform our best, but despite the fact our efforts are necessary, they are not sufficient.  In every case it is the Lord who will consecrate our afflictions and our performances for our gain.

 (2 ne 2:2, 2 ne 32:9)

 

It is my goal to live optimistically for this next transfer, as a result and byproduct of HOPE.  People can look at the world around them and get from it whatever they choose.  Our perceptions and experiences are subjective and relative.  Therefore, they are a less accurate reflection of what is around us physically, and a more accurate reflection of what is within us spiritually.  No matter what our experiences are, what we do, or who we are, we are in and of ourselves, lacking.  Life would be hollow and meaningless, and completely destitute without Hope.  But that is the miracle of the gospel, that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can receive "beauty for ashes".   (Isa 61:3.  I think.  that might not be the right reference, but it's around there)

 

Love,

Elder Lonas