Monday, November 10, 2014

Cookie Droppin' : -) November 10, 2014

Hello everyone! 
This week was so awesome! It strengthened my testimony of hard work! At the beginning of the week, Sister Nelson was sick, so we weren't able to get a lot of work done. We didn't know if we were going to hit our goals for the week, so we were really worried. Also, we did a lot of exchanges this week, so that added to the stress. But we worked as hard as we possibly could and as we counted up our numbers last night, we found out that we not only met our goals, but we exceeded them! It was such a testimony to me that if we work hard, the Lord will bless us in our righteous efforts and desires. Good things are happening here in Palo Alto! The work is hastening! I know I say that in every letter, but it's so true. 
To all you members of the church: missionaries cannot preach the Gospel to the whole world by themselves. We absolutely need your help. The work is hastening so don't get left behind! Please do all you can to share the gospel with someone because the truth is, everyone needs it! Don't be afraid! The Lord wants you to succeed in preaching the gospel! I love it.
Everything has been going well. Last night was the outgoing fireside (the fireside for all missionaries going home to bear their testimonies.). It was a very emotional evening! I watched my trainer and a few other of my companions bear their final testimonies as missionaries. It was really sad to see them go! ):
Sister Ferrin, Sister Bassett, and Sister Boyd are going home this week!
It's getting really cold here in Palo Alto, but I'm loving all the clouds and rain. 
Last p-day we went to Stanford! We had so much fun walking around campus and seeing everything. It's beautiful! 
I've been thinking today about Christ's example of obedience. Christ was exactly obedient to the will of the Father. Exactly obedient. If Christ was just moderately obedient, would we feel like He loved us? The answer is probably not. He obeyed exactly the commandments and will of the Father because He loves the Father and He loves us. As missionaries, it is so important to be exactly obedient. It's how we show our love for the Lord and for those we serve. Being exactly obedient does not mean being perfect. It means trying your best every day to continually improve your level of obedience and repenting daily of mistakes you make. I have absolutely loved living this principle on my mission. It has helped me to understand better the Savior's atonement and the fulness of joy that comes from faithfully keeping the commandments! He loves us so much!
I love you all!
Ofa Atu!
Sister Julie Catherine Harris 


P.S.  Regarding the subject line of this email, we have started something new in our ward mission!
Our Ward Mission Leader proposed a new plan of action of how we're going to help build up the work in the ward. 
Cookie Droppin'.
Every week, Sister Nelson and I make several batches of cookies and bring them to various less-actives, actives, and nonmembers in the area. I am amazed and blown away by how many doors have been opened to us in this way! 
It's amazing how showing love for someone in such a simple way can make such a difference. It has strengthened my testimony that everyone needs and wants to feel loved. It's wonderful to reach out to those in need and everyone else!
Make someone some cookies this week!
Sister Harris

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