Solid Ground on a Higher Plane

Hey y'all!

I hope y'all have had a happy week. 

We had a Mission tour with Elder & Sister Christensen and Elder & Sister Gerard, two of members of the 70 and their wives. We had a wonderful opportunity to hear each of their testimonies & enjoy the spiritual feast from the words they shared with us. I was struck with an overwhelming feeling of peace from the Spirit they brought with them. I admire each of them because they spoke from their heart to us. The compassion they expressed toward each other & our comments edified us & allowed the Holy Ghost to teach me. Another testimony builder to me of the importance of charity & unity. 

This morning we had a pretty cool experience. We were walking into Wal-Mart & I noticed this man staring at us. I felt slightly awkward, but Sister Stacey didn't seem to notice. As we got closer he turned the other way, but he kept looking back. He finally turned toward us so I smiled to acknowledge him. He squinted and walked toward us and it looked like he was trying to read my nametag. He said, "Are y'all Mormons?" I told him we are Latter-Day Saints. He then asked us if we have a book with us that he could have. Uh absolutely! He is from up North, but he shared with us that is boss is from Utah and some of the other men he works with. He told us they were talking about The Book of Mormon and he really wants to read it. It was amazing! Maybe it was just me, but I felt like he was talking really loud. I couldn't help but smile though, God always has such great timing & I was hoping his tone sprinkled that desire on someone else. 

His desire contributed to my appreciation to member missionary work, I'm so grateful for people who live the gospel and exemplify our Savior in their actions and boldy testify to their friends. I have a list of people to thank for being that example of love to me.

On Sunday, a recruit approached me and asked if she could talk to me. She asked me if I remembered her and our conversation last Sunday. She told me throughout the crucible, a rigorous course every marine must complete before graduating, our conversation replayed over and over in her head. We talked about the importance of praying with real intent. She told me that is what got her through, and she learned the difference it makes when she prays from the bottom of her heart. I felt pretty bad because I forgot we spoke, but I was very grateful she shared that with me. I fail to realize the impact each effort can have because I really don't always recognize the fruit of my service haha. But she was sweet & her gratitude toward me lifted my spirit!

This week someone we were teaching moved..... but we woke up to a text from  her saying she knows the Book of Mormon is true and wants to be baptized as well. We are so stoked for her!

God works everything out, key to our success is many things, one of which is trust. Learning who & how to do that is part of the journey. I'm grateful we have a God who is consistent, He always provides for those who turn to Him!

Mormon 9:8-11

"Behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not understand them.

For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing?

And now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not a God of miracles.

But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are."

Have a wonderful week y'all!

Sister Morrill

Still Stacey's Mom

Hey y'all!

I hope your week was full of love & light. Our week was far less destructive than last week!

We had transfers this week & Sister Stacey is stuck with me for at least 6 more weeks!!! She seriously rocks. I am so blessed every single day by her example of humility & obedience. 

On Sunday after Sacrament meeting on Parris Island, we have a short break for the recruits to go to their next class, fill their tanks, & use the head(bathroom). Sister Stacey & I were in the hallway when a girl approached us about several questions she had. We invited her to listen to our message, and she gladly accepted. We went into a room and shared the Restoration with her. When we shared the First Vision she said, "Wow I have never heard that before!" She read out of the Book of Mormon and I noticed her eyes reread the verse and it was very clear to me she was touched by the Spirit. We invited her to share some of her thoughts with us, and she said she felt a chill after reading. We told her that was the Holy Ghost, and the Spirits role is to testify of Jesus Christ & truth. She is so excited to read in the Book of Mormon. She had a beautiful light about her.

Sister Stacey & I biked over 21 miles yesterday to see a woman we are teaching(over 21 because I am directionally challenged & working on it). She is amazing, when we got there she shared with us that instead of going to musical night she felt she should stay home and meet with us. She seemed to be struggling, so we sat down & hoped our message would help her. We began sharing God's plan for each of us, and she asked us what makes Jesus Christ the only Begotten Son? I believed there was more behind her question, so I silently considered what lead her to ask. I asked her if she ever feels like heavenly Father has forsaken her. She opened up to us, and the Spirit was so strong. We shared what Christ experienced in the garden of Gethsemene and testified of Gods love and His gospel. My heart was so full, she is so wonderful.

I was pondering on charity and thought about the amount of love that Jesus Christ has for each of us. That is something I sincerely hope to one day fully comprehend. One instance that strengthens my testimony of His love is the way Joseph Smith describes his experience of the first vision. He says that heavenly Father & Jesus Christ appeared to him and called him by name. So rather than immediately answering his question, they first addressed him by name to express their pure love and validation of him. It does make all the difference to each of us when someone knows us by name. 

I love our Savior so much y'all, I am grateful for this short time I have to testify of Him and His gospel. Change begins with a desire, and if you don't have even the smallest desire you can pray for one. 

Moroni 10:3-5

"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God."

I love y'all! Thanks for loving me :)

Have a happy week!

Sister Morrill

One Mans Trash Is Another Mans Obstacle

Hey y'all! 

This week we had a lot crazy things happen, but to be brief, my personal favorite included me biking into a large black trash can right next to a 3 way intersection! I was striped of my pride very quickly.

On a more uplifting note, we met a girl the Elders had referred us to who goes to school in New York. She came back home for a couple of things, but she didn't have anywhere to go and she felt she should ask her ex-boyfriends mom if she could stay with her while she is here. The Elders were delivering a Bible to her neighbor, who was not home, which led them to her instead. We went by to teach her and she was so radiant and full of questions! We went back to share the message of the Restoration, and she asked us if God ever makes mistakes. That was an interesting question that drove my studies this morning. If God is perfect, he can't make mistakes right?

I wonder how often we misunderstand the big picture when things do not work out the way we feel they should. Perhaps maybe the mistakes we make, helps shape and refine others? Maybe that is my optimistic way to view things, but we can't mess up God's perfect plan for each of us. I thought about when Jesus Christ was on the earth, He chose 12 Apostles and gave them His power and authority to carry out His gospel throughout the world. I think to be one of those 12 chosen men, they would have to be striving to be very meek. However, 1 of those men betrayed Christ, and even before Jesus was betrayed He knew that Judas had sold Him for money. In the end, Christ was slain and crucified and completed the Atonement fulfilling His whole purpose in coming to earth. 

 God has a greater plan for each of us & every single one of us is capable of becoming more than who we are today! I love y'all and hope each of you have wonderful experiences this week :)

 Remember, y'all are children of God!

Sister Morrill

Romans 8:6

" For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."

And We're Biking

Hey y'all!

This week was awesome! We ended up driving more than we anticipated, so now we are the bike Sisters haha. Thankfully the Elders let us borrow their bikes. But I am a firm believer that biking missionaries are more effective anyway, so I'm counting my blessings!

We had an amazing appointment yesterday that I want to share with y'all, but first I'll share a personal experience.

On Saturday night after a long day of driving (from Savannah to Macon to Beaufort), we got home just in time to get ready for bed haha. I had studied a little bit at 5:30 that morning, but I am not as spiritually strong without my personal study time. So I knelt down and asked heavenly Father to strengthen my testimony of Joseph Smith being called of God. I was reading in My Search for Happiness & it occurred to me what kept Joseph Smith searching for truth.

"A serious, thoughtful boy with a profound spiritual nature, he listened to the respective ministers and sorted out the truth as best he could. At first he was inclined to follow his father and Alvin into the Methodist church. But then he would hear the Presbyterian minister attack the Methodist, and his confidence in the Methodist with wavered. Then the Baptist minister would convince him that the Presbyterian minister was in error. And then a revivalist preacher would visit and persuade him that everyone-except himself- was wrong."

What occurred to me is that he was honestly searching for answers and people continued to tell him what isn't right. Truth doesn't have to be defended, it will defend itself & I believe they fueled Joseph's desire to know even more than when he began. After reading James 1:5, he realized he should turn to God and he did & decided to ask Him instead. I love that so much! Man's wisdom doesn't compare to He who's an all knowing being. Haha it was awesome! Specific questions get specific answers y'all!

So yesterday we had plans to teach the woman we have been meeting with for several weeks. She really is so awesome, and we were able to have a recent convert meet us at the church. We had plans to discuss Family History and Temples, but we ended up discussing reformers and the Restoration. We watched the Restoration and she really opened up so much, probably because the member is so awesome. She related to Joseph because she had gone from church to church for a while looking for what felt right as well. She mentioned that the ultimate sign it was wrong was that each church she went to was attacking someone else and it turned her away. She made the comment that she has noticed we do not talk about other religions or people that way and she loves that. Oh it made my heart so happy :)

We came across a boy on Sunday night who was outside and as we were walking down the street he went inside. We knocked on his door and he asked us who we are, we told him we are representatives of Jesus Christ and he said "Oh! I thought y'all were the Mormons. They always come around here." Haha we told him that is still us, that is our nickname because we read out of the Book of Mormon. Then he asked us to tell us about what we believe and then he asked if it was okay if he sat down and I honestly have never had someone so interested at a door approach. He wanted a copy of the Book of Mormon and we have plans to see him again on Thursday!

Mosiah 2:41

"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual"

I apologize for sending a weekly last week, I love y'all & hope you have a happy week :)
Sister Morrill

Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

Hey y'all!

I hope y'all had a wonderful week :)

My week was definitely one of my favorites yet! Sister Stacey never seizes to amaze me, I feel so privileged to be her companion! Her drive to work hard, her love for God's children, and humility inspire me. This week we had the opportunity to teach the Gospel Principles class on Sunday and to exercise our faith in the Lord because nearly all of our appointments were rescheduled. 

Last week we focused on bettering our teaching skills. Funny enough, our district leader called us on Sunday and invited me to train the other missionaries on that subject during District Council. (Which really lifted my spirit because I LOVE to give trainings). Not to mention I love this chapter in Preach My Gospel. I don't exactly remember what I said, but thankfully our senior missionaries wrote about it in their weekly. 

"As usual, our District Council was another example of the spiritual blessings that so regularly come our way. Sister Morrill gave inspired instruction on how to begin teaching (and this can apply in ANY teaching situation) with these four points.

1. Pray for the Spirit and a spirit of understanding.
2. Without assuming anything, ask inspired and pertinent questions.
3. Carefully listen to the answers to those questions in order to discern by the Spirit where to go next in the lesson. Listen completely, with heart, eyes, ears, and undivided attention (Remember Ting)
4. Now, you are ready to teach the principle

She asked us to read Alma 22 to see how Aaron taught the father of King Lamoni. In doing so, I was reminded of the king’s question and response to Aaron’s teaching, when he said,

“Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.”"

But I want to brag about Sister Stacey and the incredible missionary she is. Last week she was feeling out of touch with the Spirit and struggling to understand what she could do. While we were in our companionship study, we were planning for the people we would be seeing and our Sunday school class. Sister Stacey loves to plan everything out and write it all down because she is awesome and organized. Unfortunately for her, she has a trainer who is a light planner. She pointed out that she doesn't feel like she can trust God enough to stand in-front of people without specific and detailed plans. It didn't occur to me to associate her planning with lack of trust. However, her comment resurfaced an experience I had well suppressed, and can now appreciate because it taught me to rely on God.

When I first decided to serve a mission, I had come home for a weekend and a return missionary in my ward had as well. She wanted to share her experience, but had to fly to Utah before Sunday. So she spoke one night to those who wanted to attend (many decided to come). To my surprise, I was invited to briefly (maybe 10 minutes) speak on what had led me to my decision and how the youth can begin to prepare to serve. That was the first time I had spoken in church and I was terrified, but I agreed and wrote out my entire talk and went over it probably 5 dozen times. I even dragged the youngest daughter of one of my favorite families into it by reciting it to her and asking for feedback. So after all of that work, I got to the church and right before I was about to speak, my former Bishop approached me and greeted me. He was curious what I was holding and when I told him it was my talk, he sort of just looked at me. With all of the love in the world, he then invited me not to use the paper but to speak straight from my heart. As you can imagine I wanted to run out the door. I considered his suggestion. After I mentally convinced myself to stay, prayed desperately for the strength and confidence I needed, I stood and spoke from my heart. It felt incredible, I was terrified, but there is no greater feeling than to put all your hope and trust in Jesus Christ. He will always provide for each and every one of us if we let Him. 

With that experience in mind, I invited Sister Stacey to do the same. She struggled with the idea and wasn't sure. On Sunday, while we were teaching Sister Stacey not only didn't use her notes, but she didn't even use the book that we teach out of! I was astounded, she put all of her trust in the Spirit that she would know what to say and when to say it! The Spirit was so strong in our class and I believe that everyone in that room had learned through the Spirit, because the Spirit is the ultimate teacher. 

Later that night, we felt impressed to see someone who was not home. We walked around for a bit and got back in the car. We drove for a minute and when we realized we did not have a destination we pulled over and prayed for God's direction. After all, this is His work :) Sister Stacey looked around and said "What about that one?". We got out where we pulled over and to our left & right we saw a "no trespassing" sign. So we tried the trailer next door. The man outside asked us to visit his wife inside, so we went and someone else had answered. His wife was busy, but we spoke with the woman at the door and she opened up a lot to us about her relationship with God. We left her with a copy of the Book of Mormon after sharing a scripture with her, and invited her to read it. She was so excited and she invited us back the following Sunday! 

Last night, Sister Stacey kept thinking about a woman she had entered into our area book. She had been taught by missionaries for over 9 years! She sounded incredible, so we headed over to see her. When we got there it felt as if she was a long lost friend. She invited us in and shared with us a little about her life. She has read up to Helaman 7 in the Book of Mormon, has the current Ensign and was well into an article, and she told us how she was just thinking about the LDS church on Sunday. She told us she used to attend all the time, and was wondering what would happen if she just showed up last week. Y'all she is so amazing. We invited her to our annual pool party on Saturday and she is super excited :)

Needless to say, miracles occur when we place our faith in God. There is quite a difference between having faith and having faith in Jesus Christ. If you have not experienced the difference, I invite you to ponder what that means to you and turn to God for a better understanding. 

I love y'all! I am grateful for our Father in Heaven who knows us perfectly. Have an awesome week!

Sister Morrill

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

We Are Family????

Hey y'all!

I hope y'all had an awesome week! Side note, I have discovered I am related to a good chunk of this ward. It is so funny, people keep addressing me like "hey cousin". This week felt like another crazy week of traveling. Yesterday a Sister drove us to Warner Robbins, which is about 7 hours round trip, and it was so awesome! She has such a beautiful testimony and so much love for the people around her.

So after our long drive together and an appointment we got home around 8. We have been so deprived of quality personal study. We got home and right after each of us prayed I noticed Sister Stacey was just staring at me. I asked her if she was okay and she said she had this feeling we need to go visit a woman we have been teaching. She had trouble with smoking, but we went through a 15 day program to help her overcome her addiction and as of yesterday she has been smoke free for 2 weeks! Anyways, I am not one to deny the Holy Ghost so Sister Stacey and I drove over to her house. When we got there, they were actually celebrating her success with her sister was there too! Her niece is also in town and staying for the summer, so we are excited because she was so excited to see us and said she will come to church!

I came across a scripture this week in 1 Nephi 5:3-4. The charity and patience Lehi had for his wife really struck me.

"And after this manner of language had my mother complained against my father.

And it had come to pass that my father spake unto her, saying: I know that I am a visionary man; for if I had not seen the things of God in a vision I should not have known the goodness of God, but had tarried at Jerusalem, and had perished with my brethren."

I love how understanding he was toward her. What a peaceful place the world could be if we all sought to understand why people feel or act a certain way rather than fall prey to anger toward another. We are in control of our actions and our feelings y'all!

I hope y'all feel & show others God's love throughout the week :)

Sister Morrill

Squeaky Clean

Hey y'all!

I'm sorry I didn't get my email out last week, and this one is going to be short!

It's been a crazy 2 weeks! On Saturday President Grayson called me to train again ((3rd times the charm)) (just kidding), so on Fridaywe drove to Savannah and stayed the night with the Sisters there. Saturday morning at 5:45 Sister Adams & I went to Macon for the trainer meeting. Sister McKay went home on Sunday and I stayed with the Hilton Head sisters until Monday and then they drove me to Savannah and I stayed with the sisters there and this morning I picked up my new companion and now we are headed back to Beaufort. If that confused you, then you have a glimpse of what my brain has been experiencing for the last 5 days! My new companions name is Sister Stacey and she is from Riverton, Utah! She wants to be a nurse and is super awesome! I am excited to see the Lord's miracles and serve with her :)

A quick story, on Sunday Sister McKay & I taught on Parris Island about the Restoration of the Priesthood authority. At the end we had a little bit of time while we were waiting for Elder Booren to play a video for them and I felt such a strong prompting to bear my testimony. I picked up the microphone & bore my testimony on prayer & it felt so good, honestly I am so grateful for every opportunity we are given to teach :)

I've been studying about the Priesthood Authority and I got to thinking, and I realized the Priesthood Authority is kind of like soap. If you've ever taken a shower without soap, you may understand, but a shower without soap is like baptism without the proper authority. The Priesthood Authority or "soap" enables the cleansing power of the Atonement & opens the gate to receive all of God's blessings. 

I like analogies, but I'll tell you something else.. a couple of weeks ago I was going to take a bath & I was super excited to finally use this duck bath bomb my mom sent me for Christmas. So I threw it in the bath tub and when I got in it smelled very sweet.. so I picked it up and realized it was actually just chocolate!! Don't be fooled, not everything is as it seems.. All I had to do to know, was ask someone who knew better.. in this case my mom. ;)

Doctrine & Covenants  8:8-9

"But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong"

I love y'all! Have a happy week :)

Sister Morrill

Sun Shiney

Hey y'all!

Another great week here in beautiful Beaufort :) serving in South Carolina has been an absolute treat! I love it here because the sun is always shining and it storms at least once a week. Its a little reminder to me that our challenges & trials are gaurenteed in this life but so is the Saviors light to get through them. Helps me appreciate the better days!

On Sunday I saw the Recruit I met about 2 weeks ago! She came up to me and told me she had a note for me but couldn't get it to the Elders before they left last week. I was surprised she remembered me haha, but I definitely remembered her! I went over to sit by her and after I sat down she apologized for missing church last week. She mentioned she had a really difficult week and regretted missing the opportunity to spiritually recharge. Then she actually thanked me and told me she felt me praying for her all week long (I prayed for her every single day!!) She said it was the strongest on Monday, she said she was walking around with gratitude for everything! Haha she's awesome.

After Sacrament on base we taught the Restoration to 2 recruits and a Private! It was incredible, the spirit radiated so strongly and each of them described how they felt after. One said, "it's pretty hard to find people who genuinely care, and I can feel that you care about us and what your sharing" and another said she felt really light. I know that is true, because I do care & everything good comes from God.

I really do love missionary work because I know there is hope for everyone, no matter who you are or what you've done! I was pondering last night about why I choose to keep the commandments. At first I recognized how much joy comes into my life as I live in accordance to God's plan and the reality of the promised companionship of the Holy Ghost. Then I thought about how I have also seen how much sorrow & bitterness comes from justification and disobedient choices. The scripture that came to mind was "no unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God" and the gospel has helped me understand that no unclean person will want to. Where we go after this life is not a punishment or reward, it's a direct consequence of the choices we make today.

I hope y'all are enjoying summer. Keep on shining even when a storms a brewin' ;) I promise you there is light even if you can't always see it,
Sister Morrill

Alma 42:27

"whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come; but in the last day it shall be restored unto him according to his deeds"