Happy Fall Y’all

As we welcome a season of change, I’ve found myself reflecting on the concept of change. It’s been yet another eye opening week where I am constantly humbled by the change in others and in myself. At the beginning of the week I studied one of President Monson’s talk (http://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/11/see-others-as-they-may-become).  His central message seemed to be this week’s theme…“We need to bear in mind that people can change. They can put behind them bad habits. They can repent from transgressions. And they can serve the Lord diligently.” And also including into that, we can change, we can put behind our bad habits, we can repent from transgressions and we can serve the Lord diligently.

At the beginning of my mission I wrote a list (a very long list) of all of my weaknesses, bad habits, selfish tendencies, insecurities, fears, etc. I wrote this list so I could hand them all over to the Lord. I wanted these short 18 months to shape my nature into something more pleasing to God, forever. So, I shamelessly made a list.

Almost 9 months later, that list was read a few days ago to a struggling new sister out in the field. She felt defeated, inadequate, homesick and weak. As she complimented me and put herself down, I felt prompted to shamelessly read her my list of weaknesses I recorded when I was in her exact position.  As I read down the lengthy list, I joined her in tears. Almost every compliment she had just spewed at me was on that very list of weaknesses. I was overwhelmed with the realization of my personal progression out here. I confidently assured her that as we give our “whole souls as an offering” to the Savior and let His almighty mercy change us, we can become something extraordinary. We all can. Each one of us has equal opportunity to utilize the atonement, to overcome bad habits, to be forgiven and to reach our potential.

I echo Paul’s declaration to the Philippians that we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us! Let’s not pray away our problems, but pray for our problems! Our weaknesses are not permanent; believe Christ. Give it all to Him who knows best. Let the Creator of this universe create someone remarkable out of you!

Listening to our dear prophet and apostles this weekend was so uplifting and inspiring. Their messages were the very messages from the Savior.  I’m thrilled for the future! It’s a bright and happy one when you’re on the Lord’s team!

Love y’all so much.

Sister Miyahara!