March 23rd 2013- Elder Bednar

On March 23rd 2013, Elder Bednar came to our mission and we were able to have an All Mission Conference.

There is so much that he said that carried the spirit to our hearts. As long as our hearts and minds were opened, we learned so much from this meeting.

I don't know where to begin or what to say about this meeting or how to convey everything I learned.

One topic that was prominent in the conference was agency and being agents unto ourselves as well as allowing others to be agents unto themselves.

If you want to get an idea of what he told us about this topic, check out his "Seek Learning by Faith" or "Ask in Faith" talks.

I loved realizing that I don't have to react in certain ways, I can choose how I want to react and learn. I can act in faith. I can work towards goals that I want. I don't have to sit around waiting for something good or bad to happen to me and then decide how I want to react. I can take things into situations and plan and prepare so that I can learn more. I can pray with real intent-real intent to act upon my answer, no matter what it is. I can choose to have faith in God and in His timing. I can own the doctrine, not just know it.
I can ask the Lord "will you show me who I really am?" and then be willing to ask as well "what can I do to improve?" and then be willing to do what He directs. I can learn to preach the gospel instead of giving talks. I don't have to be in control as long as I am under His control- I can choose to be spiritually self-reliant. I can act in faith, knowing that He will fill my mouth. As I ask questions, not only in my own study but to others as well, I can help them become agents unto themselves too. No one really wants to be talked at or have things shoved in their faces, but as they are taught truth and are asked questions they can have light bulb moments, they are guided to the truth and then they will own the truth and the solutions to their questions more fully. guided discovery is a great thing. As we step back and ask the question "what do they [or I] need?" and wait, then the Lord is able to teach us so much easier. Silence is often when the Spirit will speak to us. And it takes patience and effort to really teach and learn in this way, but as we do, wow. The changes that come are great.

Another thing I wanted to touch on from this conference was this concept. I don't know if I am quoting Elder Bednar quite right, but this is what I wrote in my journal that day: (someone asks about returning home)

"When the day comes when you ask 'what is wrong with me?' remember the answer is that there is nothing wrong with you. You were just an effective missionary. Your focus is changing a little more inward, and it's awkward. It will be a hard transition, but you can do it."

There is nothing wrong with being an effective missionary. The transition will be hard, but we can do it. I believe this is true with all transitions in life, just remember, that nothing is wrong with you. Nothing is ever wrong with you. As a friend once said : "you are not broken...there may be things to learn about yourself, there's always changes to make..." You are not broken. God doesn't make mistakes. You can be refined sure, but remember that you are loved. As I was writing this blog post, I happened upon this quote online and I thought it would be a good way to close. Just strive every day to do your best and you will be fine. Remember my post from last week? Yupp. Just keep on trying. You got this. I don't know who I'm writing to, but there you go. Keep pressing forward. The night will end and there will be a beautiful sunrise.