"THIS IS HER PIG IF YALL NEEDTA PUT A STICKER ON IT." Me "Oh, sorry, uhh, I don't work here.. cute pig."

Somehow I missed posting this Blog post from DECEMBER 14, 2015.  Sorry!

CRAZY WEEK!

Elder Kopischke from the Quorum of the 70 came to instruct our mission :) He led a Zone Conference on Wednesday and our Mission Leadership Council meeting on Friday. He was so wonderful. He answered so many questions that had been on my mind for a while now. He motivated the whole mission to be better and gave us specific ways we can be. Even though he was speaking to hundreds of missionaries, I really felt that I caught the parts that were just for me. I definitely learned what I was ready to learn. He emphasized that Joseph Smith wouldn't have received such miraculous answers to his questions if he wasn't hungering, searching, and desiring the answers. This led into what he called the Faith Cycle, which would take too long for me to explain in an email. The Faith Cycle helped me to understand what I (and anyone I am teaching) need to go through to receive powerful answers to questions and great increases of faith. As I have said before, I struggle with my faith sometimes, and I went into Zone Conference searching for ways that I can strengthen it. I got my answers and I am applying this cycle in everything I do! I hope someday Elder Kopischke gives a conference talk on this, because the world would love it and when I try to explain it, it's far from the same. 

Basically, never tell yourself you don't have enough faith. We can't take the praise for miracles happening, so we shouldn't take the blame for them not! God's will will always be done. Even Jesus Christ, with perfect faith, didn't get the answer or miracle he asked for. Mat 26:36 says "And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." Continue to act on the faith that you have, that faith will increase, miracles and power will come in His time :) 

Anyways, Elder Kopischke was very uplifting and he taught similar things in our MLC, but applied more to help those we have influence on in our Zones. Twas great and I'm much more confident in my new calling! I went on my first exchange in Laurel, MS! Sister Rodriquez and I worked in their area and I loved it. Laurel is a very humble town that reminded me of Bossier. So I felt right at home, and we had many opportunities to share our message with people. It was a breath of fresh air! 

We've been teaching Russell twice a week! He didn't make it to church on Sunday, but we have been able to share the whole plan of Salvation with him and he understands it well. We are working on helping him to APPLY the things we discuss in his life. I think that's sometimes a struggle for all of us. Learning something is one thing, but receiving a testimony strong enough to live it is another. We want Russell to feel the peace that comes from knowing where our loved ones go after they pass away. The world is such a dark place without this knowledge. Our Heavenly Father loves us and doesn't want us to be lost and confused! Knowing that there is a place for all of God's children to go after death eases my heart. For me, knowledge brings peace. And we think Russell is the same way. Pray that he will connect what we teach to his life and be able to gain a testimony for himself!!

Sometimes missionary life becomes too stressful and Heavenly Father sends you a tender mercy in the form of puppies. On Tuesday we were knocking on some trailer doors, a man told us he wasn't interested, same old, same old, and as we were leaving, our ankles were attacked by five fluffy little puppies!!!!!!! We sat in his yard and played with them for a good minute before moving on. It was much needed and well appreciated :) 

God loves you and I love you! 

Have a blessed week, everyone!

Sister Bartsch