Count It All Joy

A week of personal revalation!

My heart leaps when I think of where I was at a year ago this week, to where I am now! I had just returned home unexpectedly from Australia. I was confused, and I was sad, but I honestly would not have wanted it any other way. My faith and trust in Jesus Christ is stronger because of it. I have a great understanding and love for prayer, and I know that His plans will always be better than my plans. I'm thankful He sent me home and brought me here to Toronto! I'm choosing to count this all joy because in Alma 31:38 we know that all afflictions, and I'll add confusion, and sadness can be "swallowed up in the joy of Christ!" 

Suddenly this week we got news from President Ford that all of Ontario would be going into the grey zone again. Before I could see light in this, I'll have to admit... I was SAD. When President and Sister Ensign explained the new rules for the next 4 weeks (the last weeks of my time here) the Covid fatigue felt insurmountable. I'm ashamed to say that I lacked faith. I thought I was a faithful person! Where did my faith go??? Then Sister Ensign talked about GRIT. She said, "This is grit Elders and Sisters. We were foreordained for this. When you become a victim, you lose." In that moment I knew God was giving me another opportunity to exercise my faith in Him. I had the sweet spirit confirm to my heart that I was foreordained to me a missionary in the last 4 weeks of April 2021. I found the courage and I'm again choosing to count this all joy. 

Fortitude: strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage. 

Just like President Nelson said in his faith filled talk this general conference, "your growing faith will move the mountains of misery in your life. He is never closer to you then when you are climbing a mountain with FAITH." 

So, my invitation to all of you is to climb your mountain with FAITH. Just like Elder Uchtdorf said, "God is among us," and I can promise as a representative of Jesus Christ that He is right there with you. 

Love you heaps and have a beautiful week!  

Enjoy the crack up April fools’ tricks. (Toothpaste in the wagon wheel and ketchup on the hand; my companions are the best!!!