I have fought a good fight....

Well folks!.. This is a bit of an awkward time for me. I never thought Id get to this point on my mission. I have a lot of bittersweet feelings as I think about what is to come this upcoming week. I don't think its truly hit, because there is still plenty of time before I finish this sacred errand to witness miracles. But I have a lot of mixed emotions, that really only returned missionaries may understand how it feels. I remember seeing Dave get off the plane from his mission and observing him, how he seemed a little different. He seemed quieter and maybe shocked to realize where he was and what was really happening. Now I understand why he acted that way.

 

 Something President Ashton said near the beginning of my mission that it should be our goal, that we allow our missions to go through us, instead of us going through our missions. That has always stuck with me, because that is something I desired. I truly desired my mission to go through me and help me be who the Lord wanted me to be instead of just going through the motions and not allowing the Lord to purify my heart. I can humbly say, that my mission has gone through me. I was thinking of Ammon this morning and how after he and the sons of Mosiah brought thousands of souls unto repentance, he was filled with joy and happiness, so much that he fell to the earth. But I read a verse that hits close to home that I want to share. 

Alma 26:12 "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land [of Texas] for which we will praise his name forever."

 This has been the Lords work. Its been amazing to witness miracles in His behalf just by following the promptings of the spirit. This has been the time where I have been tried and tested, broken and mended and shaped into a true disciple of Christ. I love our Savior and our Father in Heaven. I've come to know how much they love us individually. Those times that I have felt it the most has been in the temple, seeing his beloved sons and daughters enter the waters of baptism, and feeling his love for them. Experiencing the feelings of sorrow and grief for those that don't accept the gospel, or fall away when I can see their potential and the Love Father has for them. Feelings that love helps me want to do better, and to do the things that are pleasing to the Lord. 

This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that He lives. I know without a doubt that Joseph Smith, saw God and Jesus Christ in the grove of trees and was called to bring back the Saviors gospel. I know that because of the spirit that has bore witness to me, that it is true, but also because what it has done for me in my life personally. "By their fruits, ye shall know them" I know the fruit of the Book of Mormon is sweet. It has brought me closer to my Savior and a fuller understanding of His plan for me. That book is the most correct book on the earth. I wish I wouldn't have taken it for granted most of my life. I know that the Atonement is REAL. I've witnessed that personally. The Atonement transforms us. It helps our weaknesses turn  into our strengths. I love all of you and thank you for your love, support and prayers for me and those I've worked with on this journey. 

God Bless Texas! 

Till we meet again ;)

With love, 

Sister Pace 

5 Truths I've Learned the Past Year and a Half...

1. That God Lives.

  The past 18 months, as I have been called and set apart as a representative of Jesus Christ, I have been able to come to know my Savior and my Father even more. I've witnessed too many miracles to deny that they live, and that this is the gospel that Christ established while He was on the earth.

2. I know who I am.

 I know that I, Sister Pace, am a daughter of the most high God. I know that I have been refined, and shaped into what Heavenly Father wants me to be over the past 18 months. I've had my weaknesses stamped on my forehead all throughout my mission and it's been enough for me to learn how to rely on the Grace of God to bring those weaknesses into strengths. I look forward to continue to build upon the person I have become as I go throughout my life.

3. I know that I am nothing without Charity.

  I have learned what real Charity is. It is the pure love of Christ. I have loved every single individual that I have come in contact with in the Texas Houston South Mission. Without that love, I could not have found their needs and concerns to help them build their faith in Jesus Christ. I needed to learn to let go of my own wants, desires, hobbies, which has allowed me to gain true love and charity for these people and see how the gospel can bless their lives. I learned how to keep my "eye single to the glory of God.'' He loves all of His children, and if we see them with the potential that He sees them, then they will change, and they will have their hearts softened.

4. We can be agents who act.

  The best way we can grow is by being agents and act, instead of being acted upon. We will always be in circumstances that we may not like, but God has given us the wonderful gift of agency and help from the Savior to act and make the best of our circumstances. With our agency, we can find the most success in all we do. We can truly find joy in the journey! 

5. Everything is bigger in Texas!

  I've really grown to love this place. The people here are truly amazing! The things I've recognized most is that these people's hearts are sure big in Texas. Even though there is a lot of diverse religions, there is a lot of wonderful Christian people. They'll always lend a hand to help someone, not afraid to pray in their front yard, and you can get them talkin' for hours! I've been truly blessed to be sent to the best mission in the world...TEXAS HOUSTON SOUTH MISSION! God bless Texas!

Merry Christmas Everyone and Happy New Year!!

Sister Pace

Christmas in Texas!!---Day spent in Galveston enjoying the nice 70 degree weather

I "mustache" you a question---- Would you like a book of mormon??

We got to ride the ferry across the bay!