This week has been powerful. I appreciate all the messages from you guys and want to let you know that I'm doing great, there is truly no earthly trial that can keep us from feeling happiness. One of my biggest takeaways from conference was how often President Nelson was quoted, "the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives." I testify that this is true, and since my focus is painstakingly clear, my joy is full :). I'm learning to just enjoy the process of the mission and being a disciple of Jesus Christ. I am struck by the stories of Christ's apostles, they were all so different (except the brothers and the fisherman, they were kind of similar) and all probably felt incredibly inadequate and unworthy. But most importantly they were disciples, they were willing to learn and willing to change! The first step to being a disciple of Jesus Christ should definitely be to learn about Him. Christ's disciples were before anything else his students. I think we often take Jesus's life for granted and overshadow it with his death and resurrection. The atonement was undoubtedly the most important thing Christ ever did, but in studying his life we learn so many brand new truths about the nature of God. He taught us that God is impossibly merciful and kind. One of Christ's most powerful qualities was his ability to instantly connect with people to cut to their souls so powerfully. This is because He knew them! He knows our thoughts and our hearts and he loves us. This speaks to our eternal worth, the person who knows the most about us on this earth is us and sometimes we don't feel love for ourselves. Remember that Christ knows you better than you know yourself, he knows all your sins and weaknesses and it doesn't change his view of you. He sees the end from the beginning, this mortal experience is such a small part of our eternal existence! He loves you, knowing the person you were the person you are and the person you'll become.
My companion and I had the opportunity to do service for Brother Van Tassel this week! He is such a cool guy! He owns a resort out here called Birch Forest Lodge, go look it up! It helped me see some of the incredible beauty of Minnesota. The lakes here are amazing. He is super business savvy and an amazing entrepreneur, I have missed talking about finances and economics so it was a tender mercy for me.
General conference this weekend was awesome. I am so grateful for a living prophet and all the messages that were shared. I have so many thoughts about conference but the only one I'll share with you is from Elder Christofferson.
Ours is not a religion of rationalization or perfectionism, it is one of redemption. Christ did not come for the sinless or the healthy he came to overcome our pains sorrows and afflictions.
Being a missionary is different than I thought it would be, but I know that God can teach me in whatever way he sees fit. I love being a missionary, I love being able to see a small portion of the Savior's love for his children. Study the scriptures, learn the gospel and choose to give your whole soul to him, so he can give you eternal life which is eternal happiness. Become a student of Jesus Christ and learn from the Master Teacher. He is my foundation, the only way to salvation and I can't wait for the rest of eternity with Him!
- Elder Dahl
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