Well, I have no words. The last year and a half has been
full of hardship and trial but even more full of complete satisfaction and joy.
I have been stretched and molded. I have been an instrument in the Lord's
hands. "Nevertheless, after much tribulation, the Lord did hear my cries,
and did answer my prayers, and has made me an instrument in his hands in
bringing so many of you to a knowledge of his truth." Our mission scripture says it better
than I ever could: "Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of
God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they
might have everlasting life."
There is no doubt in my mind that I was called to the
Washington Everett Mission for a reason (and not just because Nordstrom was
founded here). I have met eternal friends here. I love the crazyyyyy
Washingtonians especially those in Burlington/ Sedro-Woolley, South Whidbey
Island, and Mukilteo/Everett. My heart is full.
I know God is our literal Heavenly Father. He has a
tangible body of flesh and bone just like- only perfected. I know he has a
personality. One of compassion, devotion, and love. I know he has a plan of
happiness for each of his children, and that he has given us agency to choose
for ourselves the path we want to walk down. I know we chose His plan in the
pre-mortal life when we lived with Him. We did that so we could come to earth,
created by Him, to gain a body and be put in situations where we could learn
His Gospel. He has given us family units so we can have support, encouragement,
and feel a glimpse of His, our Eternal Father's, love. If I could bear my
testimony in four words it would be, "The Gospel blesses families."
Because we are on Earth and we are imperfect we have trials, weaknesses, and
struggles but Heavenly Father pours blessings and blessings upon those
who do their best to follow the teaching of His Son, Jesus Christ. We
learn His teachings from prophets. I know we have a prophet on the Earth today,
Thomas S. Monson and that he is the only person who can receive revelation for
the entire church, exercise all Priesthood keys, and be the mouthpiece of God.
He teaches us the things we need to do here on Earth to return to the presence
of our Heavenly Father, which is: exercising Faith in Jesus Christ and His
Atonement, repentance, being baptized, partaking of the sacrament, receiving
the Gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. We can also learn these
fundamental principles and ordinances through ancient prophets who recorded
their accounts, otherwise known as scripture. I know that the scriptures are
truly the words of God and are intended to help us as we apply them to our
own lives individually. They testify of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Heavenly
Father knew we were going to make lots and lots of mistakes while we are here
and because he loves us he sent His Son, Jesus Christ to Earth to suffer,
bleed, and die for us. This was necessary so we could have our sins forgiven,
our burdens lifted, our broken hearts healed, and our weaknesses strengthened.
I know he truly carries us through trials and that our paths can be guided as
we turn to the Atonement for direction. I know Jesus Christ died for us and
broke the bands of death that would have bound us for eternity. I know he rose
from the tomb on the third day and because of that we can be resurrected too. I
know Christ was a perfect example, a perfect leader, and perfect in His
obedience to the Father. While He was here on Earth he also taught the people
(and us) about the commandments and saving ordinances of salvation. He
established His church, instituted the sacrament, and performed miracles. I
know he had the Priesthood authority- the authority to act in God's name. I
know Jesus Christ is my Savior, my Redeemer, and my friend. I know as we follow
in his footsteps we will be examples to others. Sometimes we sin or make
mistakes that separate us from God. If we don't repent and apply the Atonement
of our Savior we could eventually fall into individual apostasy. There have
also been times in history when entire nations forsake or abandon the Gospel of
Jesus Christ. But again, because Heavenly Father loves us, part of his plan was
to allow those who did not have a chance to learn or accept the gospel here on
Earth to learn after they pass on. I know that there is a spirit world. I know
those who have passed on before us, who have lived righteously and accepted the
Gospel are missionaries to those who did not have such an opportunity on Earth.
We are so blessed today to live in a world where missionary work can happen
here on Earth. It is only possible because of the Restoration of the Gospel. I
know Joseph Smith had a sincere heart and real intent as he knelt in the grove
on that sacred day to ask one question. I know he was able to receive an answer
about what church to "join" but more importantly, I know that he saw
God- a personage of flesh and bone and His Son, Jesus, the resurrected Christ.
I know that they are distinct and separate beings who know us by name and love
us. I know Joseph Smith was righteous prophet of God and that the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has been restored to the Earth today because
of this key experience. I also know that the Priesthood authority has been
restored to the Earth today. I know that with this authority we can perform
sacred and everlasting ordinances in the temple that eventually bind our
families for eternity. Along with these ordinances we are able to make promises
with our Heavenly Father. I know God always keeps his side of the promise
when we live faithfully and do our part. I know these ordinances and covenants
are central to inheriting the Celestial Kingdom of God, after we are judged for
our works here on Earth. I know that with the Priesthood authority, Joseph
Smith, was able to translate the Book of Mormon. I love the Book of Mormon
because I receive personal revelation as I study the word of God diligently. I
know the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. I know as we
read, ponder, and pray about it we can receive answers to our questions. God
does hear our prayers and he hears our anguished cries. I am so grateful for
the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know the church has been restored. I know God has
a perfect Plan of Happiness for each of His children. I know the Gospel blesses
families. I can say I know all of these things because I have prayed about them
with a sincere heart and with real intent. The Holy Spirit has touched my heart
and I cannot deny the answers I have received and the miracles I have been able
to experience.
I love you all and am forever in your debt for the love,
support, and prayers you have given me. I know that those acts of kindness do
not go unnoticed by our Heavenly Father. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
See you all wayyyy too soon. :)
SISTER RODDA
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