Tuesday, July 8, 2014

LETTER 46: The one where Tessa feels grateful

JUNE 30, 2014

Hello hello!

Another lovely week here in Studio City...and my last, sadly! That's right, I'm getting transferred tomorrow. I'm so surprised! I'm always wrong about transfer calls haha. I thought for sure I would stay and train but nope--I'm leaving, and I got called to be a Sister Training Leader again! Surprise! That's a shock. I guess I had to take a little break to train Sister Turley, and what a tremendous blessing that's been! God knows me and has a perfect plan for me--I take great comfort in that.

We have been knocking probably more than I ever have on my mission. Doors seem to shut quicker than normal, and there are fewer and fewer people who give us the time of day--let alone are interested in learning more. But I'm super grateful that God trusts me enough to test my faith. We keep working and doing everything we can to improve ourselves, and leave the rest to Him. This is His work and He is more invested in it than I could ever be. So I'm happy knowing that I'm doing my part.

A huge answer to my prayers this week has been gratitude. In His loving way, God has clearly shown me on multiple occasions that I need to focus my efforts on gratitude! It has truly changed everything, and I have such a testimony already of the blessings of a grateful heart. I read the talk from this last conference, "Grateful in Any Circumstances" by President Uchdorf--and wow, it is amazing. I encourage you all to read it again. Some favorite quotes:
·  It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding.
·  Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be
·  This type of gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us. It surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair. It blooms just as beautifully in the icy landscape of winter as it does in the pleasant warmth of summer.
·  When we are grateful to God in our circumstances, we can experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation. In grief, we can still lift up our hearts in praise. In pain, we can glory in Christ’s Atonement. In the cold of bitter sorrow, we can experience the closeness and warmth of heaven’s embrace.
In somewhat less eloquence, I wish to echo President Uchdorf. Gratitude makes life happier. A grateful heart helps us achieve our potential. It's a simple choice that makes the world of a difference. I'm working to develop this 'attitude of gratitude' in my own life, and the little steps of progression I've made have helped me more than I can express!

I love the Lord. I love this work. There's absolutely nothing I would rather be doing. Have a good week, I'll let you know next week where I end up!

xoxo
Sister Bishop

Just one of the crazy houses in the hills of Hollywood--intimidating to knock on haha


last day of Sister Turley's 12 week training program


Me and Aaron, our investigator, at FHE


Best district. (:



Mission temple trip! See the people by the door--puts it in perspective how huuuuge the temple is

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