Bonjour tout le monde! It was a really great week. I have so many different things that I want to share. I'm already learning so much this transfer. One thing I feel impressed to talk about is something I've learned this time around while training my companion. I think since it was still so early on in my mission the first time I trained, that I didn't really recognize this concept. But now that I'm considered one of the "seasoned" missionaries (still feel like a bleu though) I've come to understand how allowing trials allows growth. There are certain things that are no longer quite so difficult for me--like speaking French, talking to strangers, teaching the lessons of the gospel, etc. But these are some of the most difficult challenges for a new missionary. So, naturally, when I see my companion struggling for a word or searching for an idea, I want to intervene right away and help her, because I love her. And when I do that, it brings her instant relief because she doesn't have to struggle. But then I think about who my companion is, and I know she is someone who studies hard, has the spirit with her, and is therefore completely capable. So I stop myself from coming to the rescue instantly, and I let her work at it alone. And then something awesome happens! It's uncomfortable at first. It may be even a little painful or scary. But eventually, she manages to succeed in whatever it was she was working to do. This is so much like our Heavenly Father and the way in which he allows us to grow and progress. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Even when we think we're incapable of accomplishing something, He knows we can succeed. He knows it will require letting us struggle at it without His instant-intervening. It's not easy for Him to watch us struggle, but He knows it will be worth it in the end. Because He loves us so much, He wants to give us the opportunity to really stretch ourselves. It's in these moments where we're really required to trust that through God, all things are possible. So we try our best and do all we can do, and eventually, we succeed. It may have been a rocky road to get there, but over time, we do arrive. That is how true growth occurs, and we realize what we're made of--we're made of God. Our President said to us, "Your greatest accomplishments will follow on the heels of failure." I know that this is true. In those moments where you're praying and asking for help and you feel like nothing or no one is coming to your aide, thank your Heavenly Father. He is giving you an opportunity to really grow and progress. It's funny, in the moments where we think God has abandoned us, it's when He is really the most involved. But we must surely never abandon Him. I've thought a lot about that concept in terms of what it took to get me on a mission. I went through a lot of struggles until I was able to accept the Lord's call for me to serve. And how grateful I am that He let me go through all of those challenges and didn't come to my rescue right away. I got to come closer to Him...close enough to accept His will for me. His will was for me to be here, and I'm so grateful this is the path He guided me to. This has been the best decision of my life. Did I mention the Lord knows us so much better than we know ourselves? Trust Him. I hope you all have a wonderful week! Love, Soeur Shields P.S. General Conference is in 19 days!! I hope you're preparing! I invite you to start reading the First Presidency's and Quorum of the 12 Apostle's messages from the last session. Also, start writing down your questions that you want more insight on in these next upcoming sessions! P.S.S. #gocougsx2
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November 2015
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