Monday, September 21, 2015

I Know That This Is The Work of The Lord


Elder McBride & Elder Paddock at the Winter Quarters Temple
This week has been absolutely amazing.  We started off the week with an exchange in Crete where I got to see a couple of people, like Dylan, Barbara, Eric, Vidal and a few others who we taught while I was there who I love so much.  It was so great to see them and teach them and talk with them!  They're definitely people and they made me promise to keep in touch.  
Pres Gardner and the missionaries at the Winter Quarters Temple on September 18

The next day was when things were put into perspective.  I got my "Super Trunks" or Flight Plans and a Letter from President telling me how he expects me to work hard and finish strong and he gave me a few of the questions he'll ask me in my departing interview next Tuesday before I head home.   It really just made me realize just how close the 30th is.... I'm so glad that the last Friday we had the blessing of going to the Temple.  Sitting in that Holy building and listening to the Spirit both helped me to realize that the mission is not the end.  That's there's a LOT of things that the Lord expects of me after the mission and that the work will continue to move forward.  I know the Lord has a plan for me after and I'm excited to be a part of it and help this work from a different point of view.

Due to the craziness of next week, I doubt that I'll have the chance to email.  I just want to finish off with a few of the things I've learned during these past 2 years and my testimony.

I know that God lives.  I know that He is our Heavenly Father and that He loves us so much more than we can understand.  I know that because our Heavenly Father lives and loves us so much that he's given us the tools we need in this life to be able to live full and happy lives and be able to return to live with him.  These tools are called the Gospel of Jesus Christ,or the teachings of Jesus Christ.  This teachings not only help us individually but as families.  I know that the home is the best place to teach the Gospel.  I know that families are ordained of God. I know that God wants us and our families to be happy and because of that, all throughout time he's given us Prophets- great men like Noah, Moses, Abraham and many others who were called of God, held His Authority (The Priesthood) and taught His will.  Time after time, these great Prophets were rejected and for a small time, God took away the Prophet from the Earth because the people weren't ready.  I also know that God always loves His children and when the time was right he called another prophet.  I know that because God so loved the world, He sent His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who came to the Earth to establish His Gospel, give us an example, and show us the way.  I know that Jesus Christ atoned for all of our sins and that He knows us personally and individually.  I know that because God loves us so much, He restored that exact same church and gospel and Priesthood Authority through the Prophet Joseph Smith.  I know that Joseph Smith was called of God.  I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true and living Church of Jesus Christ.   I know that the convincing evidence of this is in the Book of Mormon.  I know that it was translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith through the gift and power of God and that if this book is true,  Joseph Smith was a Prophet and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lord's true church established upon the Earth in preparation for the Second Coming. (See Introduction to the Book of Mormon).  I know that by reading and praying and asking our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ if the Book is true, we can receive an answer through the power of the Holy Ghost.  
I know that this work is true.  I know that my mission has been the greatest experience of my life and I will always look back on these two years with love and appreciation to my Father in Heaven for allowing me to be a part of this great work.  I know that this is the work of the Lord.   For any one who is pondering the idea of serving a mission,  I give my whole-hearted encouragement.   You'll never regret it.  The blessings, miracles, and growth that I've seen not only in my own life but in the lives of others has made every single day amazing.
To those of you who aren't members of the church, I invite you to learn more.  To read in the Book of Mormon and to pray about it and I know that God will answer your prayers. 
I love you all.  Thank you for your support and love. 
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I'll see you next week!

Lots of Love,
Elder Zachary Ashden Paddock
One last Nebraska sunset.

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