It Is Better to Look Up!

Abbi is always looking for the good in every situation and this letter is proof positive.  Only she could turn a story about throwing up in someone's bushes into a good experience.  She talked a little bit about a talk from last Conference about how it is better to look up.  He says that when we look to God, we will not feel overwhelmed by the burdens of life.  Focusing on the things that God has in store for us brings personal peace.  But this peace can only come through the Savior.  If we are focusing on the negative in our immediate surrounding, we might miss the blessings that come from living the way that Heavenly Father wants us to.  Abbi says, "I am grateful this week for being born in the covenant and ALL the blessing that come from that alone.., and that my family is faithful to those covenants."  These inherent blessings come from doing the things we need to on a daily basis so that when trials do come, we can hold fast to those truths that bring us comfort and joy.

 

Sharna

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Highlights from this week:

"I am learning that good things come from 'bad situations'."

"There are so  many strong members of the church who truly give of all their times, talents, and abilities to this gospel and I know the Lord is blessing them in many many ways!"

Hello and good morning from the Philippines! 
So I have been thinking a lot this week about a talk given in Conference by Carl B. Cook.  He was in the elevator feeling and looking down when Pres. Monson came in.

"The door opened and someone entered, but I didn’t look up. As the door closed, I heard someone ask, “What are you looking at down there?” I recognized that voice—it was President Thomas S. Monson.
I quickly looked up and responded, “Oh, nothing.”
But he had seen my subdued countenance and my heavy briefcase. He smiled and lovingly suggested, while pointing heavenward, “It is better to look up!” As we traveled down one more level, he cheerfully explained that he was on his way to the temple. When he bid me farewell, his parting glance spoke again to my heart, “Now, remember, it is better to look up.”

And it truly is better; plus the sun and the stars in the sky are way prettier than the dirt on the ground. 

I'm learning from my trainer each day as we help each other to be exactly obedient to the mission rules, and times and everything. I am learning that good things come from "bad situations". Just like the story I shared with you last week: after I threw up in the investigators yard, her neighbor came out.. a less active member!! She has come to church twice in a row now and as we have visited with her, she talks of maybe going on a mission!!! Well my time is cut short again because of computer malfunctions so I love you all and I hope that you are all doing well. I am so so so grateful for you thoughts and prayers for me each day... as the people and members here have become my family, I love them so much and I look up to them. There are so  many strong members of the church who truly give of all their times, talents, and abilities to this gospel and I know the Lord is blessing them in many many ways!

ps.. I love you all I miss you and I want you to know that I am doing well despite the negativeness of my last letter I am starting to see the sunshine through the clouds. 

The Lord is pleased with my work and truly wants me to do the best that I can do so that is what I will try and do.. I am grateful this week for being born in the covenant and ALL the blessing that come from that alone.., and that my family is faithful to those covenants.  I see many members here who, through trials and tribulations stop wearing the garment of protection and start to live again, a worldly life and they fall off the path.  It is so sad to me to see their children grow up without a knowledge; but then it gives us the opportunity to teach the children because they have soft hearts and are innocent unlike their parents. It reminds me much of in the Book of Mormon with the first batch of Nephites and Lamanites. But I know they will all come back to the fold because they still know it's true.. 

I know it is true and I will forever be indebted to my God who has poured blessing upon me every hour of every day of my life. I will serve him with all my might mind and strength until I die. My hope is that You will too. I am so inspired by all of your thoughts and prayers and letters to me, so thank you ALL for being great examples to me. I love you all so so much and I love you and i miss you.. have a great week!  

Love,
Sister Rossberg