Letter from 9-16-13

Waddup from the great state of Maine. Happy moment of the week: standing at a busy intersection in downtown Sanford, ME in a torrential downpour and thunderstorm, smiling and laughing while all of the traffic passes by and gives us the weirdest look for being so happy about being so drenched.

One thing I've noticed since I've been out is that from the outside, our religion seems like it just has a bunch of rules that we have to follow. But from my "inside" perspective, and it is so clear why we have been given the commandments we've been given. God loves us so much, and he wants to help us return to live with Him, and the commandments he's given us help us be happier in this life and make the choices that will point us towards eternal life. Every commandment comes with amazing blessings that we can't even comprehend.

Paying tithing is such a little thing, but we are promised so many blessings that we won't have room enough to receive them. The Word of Wisdom (Doctrine and Covenants Section 89) simply asks us to avoid some substances like alcohol that can harm our bodies, but promises that we will receive health in our navel, wisdom and knowledge, and that we will run and not be weary and walk and not faint. I think I can avoid alcohol if it means I'll be able to run and not be weary! But really, the more we study the gospel of Jesus Christ and WHY God has commanded us to do the things we do, we realize that it is out of love for us and His desire to see us progress, not a way to tie us down or hold us back from having fun or living like the rest of the world.

If we can return to our loving Heavenly Father's arms and hear him say the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant", ANY cost is worth it. ANY sacrifice is insignificant compared to the eternal blessings He is just waiting to grant us. When Joseph Smith was in Liberty Jail, probably the darkest and lowest time of his life, God said to him, "My son, peace be unto they soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions will be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." Say what? My afflictions are but a small moment? If I endure it well then I'll be exalted? Done. The peace that comes from the Savior is far greater than any peace we can gain from this world. John 14:27.

Let's not just endure our trials but endure them well.

-Sister Welling