Anthony's letter to Camille. It was very appropriate this week as you will see in Camille's letter she is experiencing true sorrow for the people. I truly feel for her. She's happy in the work but so sad for the people.
Can you believe it! Mom and I have been married for 24 years!!! I can honestly tell you it has been the best 24 years of my life!
I know that you don't have a lot of time to read lengthy emails so I will send just a note of encouragement! Elder Bowman asked me if I had ever faced discouragement in my mission or in life. I thought I would share with you what I sent to him...
I have thought a great deal about your question regarding whether or not I get discouraged and how do I stay motivated. Well the short answer is yes I did get discouraged at times on my mission, and sometimes I get discouraged now. So what did I do on my mission to stay motivated? What do I do now? The reality is I look to what motivates me.
On my Mission: I love the scriptures 2 Nephi 4; D&C 112; D&C 68; John 16. These chapters specifically talk about the trials and tribulations and how to overcome them and why we should be of good cheer. Your grandpa Bowman would always say the following. It is not what happens in this life that matters it is how you let it affect you that counts. When your heart is full of Charity the pure love of Christ, you are susceptible to the whisperings of the Spirit. Satan will do all that he can to try and discourage you. His plan is to plant seeds of doubt because he knows that where fear and doubt exist faith cannot.
I love the scripture in 2 Nephi 4 in particular. This chapter is also known as Nephi's psalm. Just think of how he starts. in verses 15 through 17. I love the scriptures, Oh wretched man that I am. Clearly Nephi is feeling the effects of the death of Lehi, feeling the weight of the hatred of his brothers Laman and Lemuel. I sure that he was battling anger, disappointment, grief and and overall sense of discouragement with how his family was reacting. He then starts to remember the source of his comfort in verses 19-23.
Nephi then talks about how his faith in the Lord grows through prayer verse 24 and 25. He remembers the tender mercies of the Lord and asks himself why should he be discouraged in verses 26 and 27. The ending is fantastic verses 28 through 35, particularly verses 33 and 34. Allow the Lord to encircle you in the arms of His love, trust in Him and he will be your support.
Now -- I feel the same way as Nephi sometimes when he says, Oh wretched man that I am. I feel bad that I get upset with the kids, that I feel frustration at work and that I am assailed on all sides by the adversary. So what to I do now? I read my scriptures and I try to apply them in my life. I love the following scriptures. D&D 88:72-74; Mosiah 2:17; Alma 32:16; D&C 112:10, D&C 5:24; D&C 104:80. What do these teach us? How can we become instruments in the hands of the Lord? We truly find happiness when we are forgetting ourselves and serving others.
I now want to talk about the difference between Godly sorrow and discouragement. Matthew 23:37 the Lord laments Jerusalem and how they would not answer his call. He was not discouraged but sorrowed for their refusal to listen and repent. To feel this same godly sorrow is OK, look at Alma 8:8-18. He was weighed down by the wickedness of the people however he took great courage when he was asked again to go back to the city.
Remember, what is the goal? "You are called to represent Jesus Christ in helping people become clean from their sins. You do this by inviting them to come unto Jesus Christ and become converted to His restored gospel. To come to the Savior they must have faith in Him unto repentance— making the necessary changes to bring their life into agreement with His teachings. You can help people develop such faith by teaching them the restored gospel by the Spirit and inviting them to commit to live according to its teachings." Preach my Gospel; My Purpose page 2
Why? Moroni 7:40-41 this is the ultimate prize. This is what the Savior's whole mission was for. Moses 1:39 points to what your mission is. You are the instrument by which our Heavenly Father spreads His word and work to accomplish His work and glory. Alma said it best in this scripture. Alma 29:9-10.
BE NOT DISCOURAGED, BUT HAVE FAITH IN CHRIST, BE HIS INSTRUMENT AND FIND JOY THERE IN!!!
I love you my dear daughter. You are such a wonderful inspiration to me and to our family and the ward! People are constantly asking how you are doing. We are all praying for you. Be faithful, when you feel Godly sorrow, cast your burdens on the Lord and find joy in His service.
Be well, be safe, be faithful, be full of joy! Love Dad.
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Dad,
I cannot tell you how much this email means to me! I know that Father's Day is just around the corner, but I don't know the exact date. Thank you for being so wonderful and knowing exactly what I needed to hear! Your willingness to follow the spirit and uphold your priesthood duties is something to be eternally grateful for! I thank you for being a great example to all of us kids and teaching us to love life...both is struggles and in joys, but most of all to turn to the scriptures and the Lord..because we always need both HIM and them the most. I see so many people here without strong foundations...and I realize that my heart just breaks for them, and how truly blessed I am to have parents who were worthily sealed in the gospel. I am ETERNALLY grateful for this!! I dont know if Mom told you about what I said when i called home, but before I left the MTC they were serving breakfast burritos...I decided to get one and all was well, and as soon as I sat down to eat it I started crying...It reminded me of you and all our fun breakfast mornings! I love you dad and thank you for everything!!
Love,
Your daughter Camille :)
Dad,
I cannot tell you how much this email means to me! I know that Father's Day is just around the corner, but I don't know the exact date. Thank you for being so wonderful and knowing exactly what I needed to hear! Your willingness to follow the spirit and uphold your priesthood duties is something to be eternally grateful for! I thank you for being a great example to all of us kids and teaching us to love life...both is struggles and in joys, but most of all to turn to the scriptures and the Lord..because we always need both HIM and them the most. I see so many people here without strong foundations...and I realize that my heart just breaks for them, and how truly blessed I am to have parents who were worthily sealed in the gospel. I am ETERNALLY grateful for this!! I dont know if Mom told you about what I said when i called home, but before I left the MTC they were serving breakfast burritos...I decided to get one and all was well, and as soon as I sat down to eat it I started crying...It reminded me of you and all our fun breakfast mornings! I love you dad and thank you for everything!!
Love,
Your daughter Camille :)
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