SOLDIER ON

my dearest familia,

what an incredible week!!! i love hearing your insights of conference. i was picking up my feet every other word they said. i couldn't tell you when i was home i looked at conference as a revelatory experience but my thoughts have changed AND I AM GOING TO LIVE OFF THEIR WORDS!! my thoughts are centered on conference this week as i've pondered and thought about my own testimony and growth as a disciple. 

thank you for sharing your scriptures with me!! I KNEW i could count on mom getting you all on board!!! i was imagining her sending you all a group text right then and there saying she was looking forward to your scriptures.. and then i was imagining dad sending me something about how mom made sure he would do it every week!!!! it's almost like i haven't even forgotten about ya'll eh?!?! IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY!!!! and just so you know, Mormon is my main man right now. so Mormon 9:19 is the scripture i chose to "ponderize" and memorize :) so when my thoughts are down, or when i have room to think about myself, i can remember the miraculous God who is watching over everyone around me and how I am the one to help them!! let's do it fam, soldier on in righteousness! & do it because the Prophet and Apostles asked, not just our hilarious mother ;)

One of my favorite talks was Elder Uchtdorf. every word he said i was nodding my head so engaged because being a missionary, and seeing the way members try to share the gospel ISN'T simple!!! he brought it straight to the basics of not following our shadows! follow the TRUTH! don't make discipleship hard. step back, look at your life, and simplify your approach to discipleship. because "the gospel WILL work for you" it's so simple and if i have learned anything, it is that. it is, anyone can accept jesus christ in their life and he will love them. if we are worthy & willing to find Him, he will not be far from us!! i know Jesus christ. i have felt him and i have felt to sing the song of redeeming love. christ is simple and he will take you where you are to something greater!!

our week here in Nanaimo started off a bit crazy-- we had a sister go home for health reasons (very very sick couldn't even work) so now we have another sista with us!! its been one heck of a time- and we are already learning LOTS together!! i am so grateful for faith- it truly has brought me to be someone i've always wanted to be. I LOVE JESUS CHRIST. he is my foundation and my rock, in whom i will ALWAYS trust with my whole life!!!

i love you all!!!!!! have the best week!!!

sister ovard

-lessons at the top of a mountain are always extra ordinary!