Let not your heart be troubled...

As a missionary we are told to write positive things back home, but there comes a point in everyone's mission (if they are progressing) that they are pushed to their limits. In fact this happens many times, at least for me. This week was one of those weeks. It was just plain hard! Don't get me wrong there were still so so so so so many miracles, because this is God's work and it will go forth no matter what. I have been studying Jesus the Christ and more about the atonement. I have been seeking for a deeper understanding of what he really went through and I have received an answer to that prayer. This week we were ridiculed and wrongfully blamed and yelled at and very much in the refiner's fire. For the first time in my life, I truly had to turn the other cheek and hand over my sorrow and hurt to the Savior. It wasn't easy. To give you just a sample Sister Whitney was riding down the road ahead of me and someone threw a bottle at her that smacked her in the chest. I was furious! We got door slam after door slam after door slam. My heart was broken again and again and again... I was pushed to my limits for sure. However, that is where we grow. When uncertainty comes, when trials consume us, that is when we can decide if we will quit or trust in God. I have come to my own conclusion that I must trust in Him! I can't handle all of the hardships that come with being a missionary on my own. I don't have to. He makes up the difference of all injustice we might face. I have literally felt Him heal me and help me to keep moving forward one step at a time. As I was praying and searching this week I came upon D&C 6.

29 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, if they reject my words, and this part of my gospel and ministry, blessed are ye, for you shall dwell with me in glory."

30 "And even if they do unto you even as they have done unto me, blessed are ye, for you shall dwell with me in glory."

31 "But if they reject not my words, which shall be established by the testimony which shall be given, blessed are they, and then shall ye have joy in the fruit of your labors."

33 "Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward."

34 "Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail."

I have come to understand this week more fully what the Savior went through for me. I have felt a small part of what he went through when He was rejected of men. I know that He lives. That through Him we can find lasting peace in our lives. When we trust in Him and in our Heavenly Father's plan for us we will become changed in our hearts. I can feel Him changing mine:)

On a brighter happier note, we got to chop wood this week! My favorite service of all time! Plus he let us use his electric chopper that just split the wood on its own! Nifty;) Also I learned how to can pears. Mormon all my life and I barely am learning how to can hahaha. I love you all and hope you have a great week! I hope you all strive to renew and strengthen your faith in Christ everyday! No matter what comes at us we can get through it with Him by our side!

Your Sister in Christ,

Sister Northrup