So here I am in the Great Ohio a place I never
thought I'd end up but a place that will become home to me. I am in Hayden
Run, which is right next to Dublin, but technically I'm located in
Columbus. I am in a struggling area that needs miracles, but I feel
blessed to be here. It may be hard, and it has already been hard, but I am
called here for a reason. There are people I need to meet that the Lord has
already prepared. For this blog I wanted to list 10 things I have already
learned as a missionary.
1) One of the most important things I have
learned while being here is that there are angels on both sides to bear me
up. I have felt the presence of my family and loved one's. I know I do
not walk this road alone. I have also felt the presence of those who have
passed on. I have felt the love and support of Grandpa and Uncle Greg. It is
the most comforting feeling in the world.
2) Waking up is hard. End of story. we all know I
am no morning person, but I have found when I am obedient and wake up on time,
workout with intensity, and pray for the Lord to strengthen me, the day goes so
much better. Also mom I love you so much but no more sending sweets. Send
letters of love I think I'm already gaining weight...and then it means I
have to workout even harder in the morning, which at 6:30 is rather difficult.
3) Nobody said it was easy. I have without a
doubt struggled already here. I have had days where I wonder what in the world
I am doing. Sometimes I let my mind get the best of me and think, "man a
year and a half is a long time." For those of you who are like me. Stop
that! I have felt power in knowing I was called of God and knowing he so
tenderly placed me here. The “My Commission” statement reads, "I am called
of God. My authority is above that of the kings of the earth. By revelation I
have been selected as the personal representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. He
is my master and has chosen me, (Lauren Jane Mathis) to represent Him. To stand
in His place." How grateful I am for this opportunity.
4) Getting mail is the best thing in the whole
wide world.
5) A whole lot of doors don't open or close
immediately when you say you're a missionary. That's okay because eventually
after many streets and many doors you will find that one that opens and it will
make it all worth it. If nothing else a mission teaches you humility and
patience, which I surely needed and still need.
6) Your attitude determines everything. You can
be down because you're in a "hard area" or you can use that as
motivation to fuel your fire. You have to believe and have tremendous faith in
our Father in Heaven that things will happen. I am nothing without Him but I am
everything with Him.
7) Members are crucial. The "finding"
part of a missionary is challenging since many people don't answer their doors
these days. You members are vital. We cannot do it without you, so do not be
afraid to open your mouths! If you are having the missionaries over for dinner,
invite a friend or neighbors. Invite them to activities and church. The number
one reason people do not go to church is because they were never invited. So
help a sista out and invite, invite, invite! Listen to the "Missionary
Next Door" tons of ideas there.
8)Be bold! Doubt not fear not! We have the best
thing in the world; so do not be afraid to share it with others. Make others
want what you have!
9) Prayer is so real. Prayers are always
answered. Maybe not immediately with the answer we want, but the answer we
need. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are so real, and their love is real.
They are on my right hand and on my left hand. It is impossible to do
missionary work without them.
10) When you are getting along with your
companion any day can be a good day. If there is a problem look at yourself
first because more often then not you are probably the reason. I am lucky to
have such an amazing companion who is so Christlike.
I love you guys! I hope you all have a great
week!
Sincerely,
Sister Mathis
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