hasten your soul

oh my loves, i have never experienced SO much happiness in my entire life!!!!! Ellie and Jacob were baptized yesterday. President and Sister Burt came. it was the fullest baptism i have ever seen. and when i say full i mean, packed to the back of the chapel, and full of the greatest spirit i have ever felt. do you remember how i said last week, that i wanted a testimony of the priesthood? well, it was answered in so many ways this week. but to top it off, watching ellie and jacob use the power of the restored power yesterday made my heart feel like it was truly in heaven. i felt it. and i know everyone there felt it. the power of the priesthood authority is more than real. it is here on the earth, and i know, I KNOW, it was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. how lucky we are to use this great power and to have it forever.

 

president and sister burt wanted to meet ellie and jacob before their baptism just one on one so saturday night, we all met up and had the most amazing dicussions. (the only time i was home at 11 and it was okay ;) ) President asked Ellie how the adversary has hit her this week, and she said... well "he hasn't made me flinch with knowing this is true. but hes given me the biggest bills i have ever had that i have no idea how i am going to pay." little did we know, the next day at the baptism... preisdent burt handed her a 600$ check. in HIS name. ellie is so special. the relief society president already has a calling ready for her. she is going to do incredible things. Jacob, is the younger brother i never had. I feel so grateful to the Lord, for letting us cross paths on the street.

 

we walk the streets, truly searching for the 'Ellie and Jacobs'.. Jesus Christ walked the streets of Palestine searching as well. "and they went forth again to declare the word and they went forth withersoever they were led by the spirit of the Lord preaching the word of God in every synagogue; where they could be admitted" alma 21. "and the lord began to bless them insomuch they brought many to the knowledge of the truth and did convince many of their sins, and the traiditions of their fathers, which were not correct." i know with all that i am, that they are a reason i am on my mission. i feel so blessed. i feel so happy.

 

family, don't miss heaven for the world. look up, and always remember to hasten your soul. your disciplship is the most important thing you can carry with you. i cherish the day i took upon myself the name of Christ, for the remission of my sins. just like when people are on a remission from cancer, they have to get check ups often. WE need to get check ups on our spirits. repent, pray, read, do everything that gets you closer to heaven. "The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever." Alma 37:46 don't look back on this new year. start fresh, look up. look forward to your father in heaven. what does your disciplship mean to you?

 

this week is transfers.. although, every member of the ward told president burt i cant leave, im afraid i feel that i am. he kept asking me.. "how long have you been here sister ovard?" i kept telling him "just a month president!" but he didn't believe me. im so at peace knowing that whatever else comes my way, will be what i need at this time to learn and to grow. this time is so short, and i want everything and anything to make me who i need to be. we get the call tonight.. so you wont know for a week!!! but know that i will be happy, no matter what happens. even if i have to leave my little asian sister.. i know i'll be best friends with her forever.

 

this is where i want to be. get yourself the spirit of missionary work. the easy way to do that is just like i said earlier, "dont miss heaven for the world."   it can be simple if you make it. so make it, THE BEST YEAR!!! DON'T LOOK BACK!

& hey guess what? i'll see you this year!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!

 

hasta la vista, hermana ovard (lol im so biligual)