moments of inspiration

where to start...well, for starters code and I just celebrated our first wedding anniversary-YAY!.  To celebrate we went to Vegas and had lots of fun-but i'll save that for another post when I can include some pics. 

Before we left for Vegas last week I was asked to prepare a lesson for enrichment on member missionary work-I guess since I was just called as a ward missionary, and I'm fresh to the ward. (enrichment is a once a month meeting during the week when the women of our congregation get together and learn about different things: couponing, baking, food storage, crafts, etc) It was REALLY cool to prepare for that.  I really thought about how the words MISSIONARY WORK are so intimidating to members.  It seems super official, like there's only one way-the right way- to do it.  I wanted to really break down those distinctions we create in our mind.  Because we call it missionary work we think of the full-time missionaries-like it's their work, we're members so somehow the work is different for us etc, but the truth is the purpose of a missionary is to invite others to come unto Christ through a whole lot of things-one of which is enduring to the end, which is basically all we're doing as members-helping each other endure to the end.  Missionary work is not just about dunking people etc so I really tried to broaden everyone's vision of it.  I came up with a lil acronym (sp?) of different steps of missionary work:

A- awareness (being aware of and seeking missionary opportunities is half the battle-most of the time we're just not contiously thinking about it amid our hectic days)

S- Sincerely Share.  If topics come up in natural conversation that could easily relate to a simple gospel truth-share with them about that gospel truth and how it's helped you in your daily life-give specific and personal examples

K- keep inviting.  Not in a "I won't take no for an answer" kind of way, but don't let past rejections stop you from continually inviting others that cross your path.  If missionaries did that-we would be done after the first door in most cases ;)

And the main point that I wanted to stress was that often we think (at least I do) that we have to suddenly turn into some bubbly, smiley, outgoing super missionary to do this work.  WRONG.  BE YOURSELF! God needs all personality types to do this work so don't try to change who you are to do it.  First of all, the friend or person you're sharing with knows you and likes you already so don't change when you suddenly start talking about the gospel-they'll notice the shift and wonder why you're acting differently.  and two, it's crucial that you are comfortable when you are sharing about the gospel.  They will feel just as comfortable as you feel-and we don't want them to feel awkward or weird about the gospel just cause they're getting an awkward vibe from us.  So just relax and be yourself.  Sincerity is key and they will feel natural and comfortable as long as you do.

anywho...just some things I've been thinking about.  Today I was listening to this Motab (mormon tabernacle choir) song, and it was soooo gorgeous! It's called My Shepard Will Supply My Need and it's my all time favorite song- it almost made me cry.   I dunno....it's like if my soul were a song it would be this one.  The words are spot on with how I feel and the music is just breathe taking-i highly encourage you to go out and get it off of itunes or something if you don't have it. 

Here are the words:

My Shepherd will supply my need
Jehovah is His Name;
In pastures fresh He makes me feed,
Beside the living stream.
He brings my wandering spirit back
When I forsake His ways,
And leads me, for His mercy's sake,
In paths of truth and grace

When I walk through the shades of death,
Thy presence is my stay;
A word of Thy supporting breath
Drives all my fears away.
Thy hand, in sight of all my foes,
Doth still my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows,
Thine oil anoints my head.

The sure provisions of my God
Attend me all my days;
O may Thy house be my abode,
And all my work be praise!
There would I find a settled rest,
While others go and come;
No more a stranger, nor a guest,
But like a child at home.

I love the last two lines of the song...we may phrase it in different ways, but we all want to find peace and happiness in this life and the next to come, and I'm just so glad that my Heavenly Father helps me to find it through his son :)