Why Serve a mission?

When I was 15 years old I listened to the mother of a close friend talk about serving a mission. For the first time I remember really wanting to serve a mission when I turned 21. I just had to hear hundreds of missionaries sing "Called to Serve" in the MTC! Time went on, and I prepared for the different eventualities of life. When the age sister missionaries could serve dropped to 19, I was super stoked! I was 19, almost 20! I could go early! Well, it turned out that wasn't the time for me. November of 2013, I felt strongly like I should reconsider the mission idea. I did, and the pieces of the puzzle fell into place :) This is all really nice, but it's not really the WHY, it's more of the HOW.

So WHY am I choosing to dedicate 18 months of my life away from my family, friends, school, and a closet full of clothes to talk to people in Missouri? Well, 33 years ago, 2 male missionaries started talking to my dear sweet Momma. The message they shared with her changed the course of her existence, and our family. I'm so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and the knowledge I have of who He is, and what His plan for His children is. I can't help feeling like if I choose not to share this message with others that I'll be ungrateful for the amazing gift that I've been given. I've also been blessed with some talents that I'd like to give back to the Lord. As much as I love my family and the other things listed above, I love my Heavenly Father and Savior more. They have called, so I'm answering.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Sweet letter to her daddy

DADDY!
Guess what? I love you so much! You are just such a great example to me! Perhaps I feel extra grateful for a Daddy because my companion's Father passed away 4 years ago, so she talks about her Dad in the past tense a lot. I'm grateful to still have a father on earth who can still give me blessings that way.

I appreciated the letter both you and Mom sent me. They were so holy! I know that's strange to say, but they were. I know you'll do great! I loved your letter because you're such a great example of humility to me. Humility is more than just thinking God is greater than you; it's knowing that He is the source of your strength, He is the one you should rely on, and He will help us!

I love what you're doing with the primary children and young women! I feel sad how misunderstood repentance is. It's not scary! It's hard, but it's a beautiful thing! The invitation to change, become clean, and come closer to Christ is a great thing! We shouldn't be afraid of it :)

Truly the advice to absorb the positive and observe the negative is so true! Apparently I told Jayden at the start of his mission, "Do your best. When you know better, do better." I need that advice in my life! It really does come line upon line, precept upon precept. Don't be afraid to stretch a little. I've had moments where Sister Barret has looked at me like, "Nope, I'm not going to let you take the easy way out. You can answer this, so try" and guess what? I've opened my mouth and the promise made in D&C that it would be filled came true! The Lord does require that we walk a little ways into the dark. It's scary at times, but it's also important! I learn more about the Lord's strength and His ability every time I do that. You can do it! I have complete faith in you! I pray for the family when I run every morning. I run for like 20 minutes. I pray especially hard for my Momma and Poppa who are trying to lead our family, and now our ward! Whom the Lord calls, He truly qualifies! Just keep going and doing your best. Don't compare yourself to other bishops. Be the Bishop Heavenly Father wants you to be :)

I love you! I hope this week goes better. Just keep on keepin on!
Lots of love and support,
Sister Janea Edgel, your little one
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