Called to serve!

Holy Cow I cannot believe it but it's been just over one year since I entered the missionary training center in Provo Utah starting my 18 month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It has been a roller coaster of amazing moments and rough ones too. I can honestly say that a mission is the hardest thing I have ever done but it is the greatest thing I have ever done.

Today I want to share about missionary work and why we do it. There are roughly about 80,000 of us young volunteer missionaries all over the world proclaiming the restoration of the gospel and serving their fellow man. We go out for 18 months to 2 years leaving family, friends, jobs, school, dating etc behind. We live out of suitcases and go where ever in the world the Lord calls us. We spend countless hours knocking on doors, riding bikes, walking in all weather conditions, talking to everyone, eating weird food or no food, getting Books thrown at our heads (hehe) etc... and It's all a very small sacrifice for everything that God gives us. We go and do our best to proclaim the word of God to all that will receive His word!

The question I want to address today is why? Why is missionary work so important to us in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints? Some say it's because we want money, others say it's because are forced to do this and have no choice but I have to say those reasons just aren't the true...We follow and center around Jesus Christ and his teachings. Missionary work is one of his greatest teachings, in fact he talks about missionary work quite a bit... For example It's very interesting that at the end of all four gospels in the bible Christ gives some kind of reference to missionary work. It must be somewhat important if that is the last thing he shares with his apostles before he departs...

Matthew 28: 19-20

19 ¶Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Luke 24

 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

 48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

John 21

 15 ¶So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Pretty cool stuff if I do say so myself... Sounds pretty important to me! We are all called to preach the gospel to share what we know to be true. That is how our faith and testimony grow and how we align our will with our Heavenly Father. I have talked to countless missionaries who have shared their love for the gospel and their love for God and his son Jesus Chris and their desire for all to hear. They have come to know Christ and his sacrifice he made on our behalf and they feel that need to help others access that gift and sacrifice. It was because of him that we get to work to come home again. We feel a duty to him and he asks that as we have become converted and then share.

Back in June 2012 when I first really thought about a mission and weather or not I should go I thought of the truths I had and the testimony that I had built. I thought of the hard times I had experienced and the lessons I had learned and most of all I thought of that Atonement, that sacrifice Christ made for me. I thought of the joy I found in the restored gospel I thought of the times I wanted to give up and not go on anymore and how the Lord and his gospel had always been there to lift me up. I thought of my dear friend who had been baptized when we were young and the other friends who had chosen to enter the waters of baptism and taste of the fruit of Salvation. I saw their joy and felt the peace of watching those I love follow the example of our dear Savior. As I thought of these many things I felt a burning desire for EVERYONE to feel what I feel, I desired ALL to have a taste of this fruit of Salvation. The decision was sealed one Sunday morning when I was reading in the Book of Mormon in Mosiah 28:3

 3 Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble.

BAM!!!

That scripture summed up why I needed to go, it was that last little push to take that leap into the darkness. I have that desire to go and share with all my brothers and sisters. Though it may be hard it is worth everything we experience. As I have reflected on the past year I can't help but feel an overwhelming joy and gratitude to the Lord for the changes he has helped me make. I have learned so much and I have met so many wonderful people who have changed my life forever. There is so much truth to the statement that those who loose their life in the service of God find it. I am so so grateful for this chance to serve and continue to serve the rest of my life and give everything to God and to the service of my fellow man. God lives and he is aware of all of his children. He desires for us to follow his son Jesus Christ and to come home. I am here because I want to come home with all of you ALL my brothers and sisters (no matter where they may be Virginia or Brasil or anywhere)! I desire you to feel joy that comes through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ!

We do missionary work because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ asks us to. Where much is given much is required. It is one of the fundamental parts of the church in the time of Christ and now in our day as well! It is also our duty to share what Heavenly Father has so mercifully given. So next time you see those Mormon missionaries with their black tags talk to them and allow them to share with you what has changed their lives, help them to fulfill their duty and yours as well. You might be surprised by what you hear and you just might like it. Only one way to find out! I know that these things are true I know Jesus Christ lives and that he has restored his church on the earth once again. I know that he suffered and atoned for everything we have ever experienced. I know Heavenly Father has a perfect plan that will help us to come home! I will stand and testify if these things always! I love this gospel and I love all of you!!

Have a magical day!!

If you have any questions send me a message on my facebook Sister-Michayla Egbert or check out mormon.org

JUMP ON IT!!!

Do you ever have those times when you "hit the wall" and you want to quit? When you physically feel like you just can't take another step?

 

  Well I know I do, in fact we all do. That is my learning the past week. All about walls and conquering the walls of life. Last week we had a sister missionary conference and they talked about this very topic. At the conference one speaker shared about a talk given by an apostle Elder Wirthlin called "running your marathon."

 

In the talk he talks about running marathons and how everyone eventually "hits the wall" where they just don't want to go on anymore. He talks about a young friend who was running a marathon and "hit the wall" but a friend with whom he was running wouldn't allow him to quit. Telling him everyone hits that wall at some point and giving him the courage he needed to keep going.

 

This all made me think of my recent studies in the Book of Mormon in

the book of Helaman13-16 when Samuel (a missionary in the Book of Mormon) goes to preach to the people but they will not receive him, they throw him out of the city (slam their doors in his face). And he "hits that wall" and decides to go head home. But his work is not done, the race isn't won. As he goes to his way he hears the voice of The Lord (a friend who is running with him) telling him to return and preach again. Instead of letting the wall stop him he jumps on that wall! Literally! And preaches to the people, many hear him and become converted and find that happier way of life, but many still don't like what he has to say so much, so they attempt to kill him by throwing things at him and trying to shoot him down but nothing the people throw at him can hit him! He preaches and tells what The Lord told him to say.

 

 

I love this quote from Elder Wirthlin's talk which talks about how The Lord will not leave us and he will never give us walls too big for us to jump on:

 

"However, be sure you understand that God will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability to resist. (See 1 Cor. 10:13.) He does not give you challenges that you cannot surmount. He will not ask more than you can do, but may ask right up to your limits so you can prove yourselves. The Lord will never forsake or abandon anyone. You may abandon him, but he will not abandon you. You never need to feel that you are alone."

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1989/10/running-your-marathon?lang=eng

 

 

So friends what can we apply to ourselves for our day?

 Well when we "hit the wall" which will happen at some point, and probably multiple times, we can either give up and take a seat at the wall, or we can do as our friend Samuel and JUMP ON IT!

 

So when you hit that wall don't let it stop you, instead

JUMP ON IT!!!

"Death cannot conquer the hero again...."

 

 

On this day 170 years ago the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother were killed at Carthage Jail, they gave everything to the restoration of the gospel and with their sacrifice is sealed a testimony of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Today I want to share my testimony of Joseph Smith and how I believe that he truly was a prophet called by God to restore Jesus Christ' church on the earth! I remember when I first felt for myself that he truly was a prophet called by God.  It was in December of 2005. My youth group at church was putting on a presentation about his life and I was just finished reading the challenge to read the Book of Mormon. I had read alone and with my family but it was the first time I had really thought about asking of it's truth and first time I had really read through the whole thing mostly alone.

 

I remember in the presentation we all portrayed different characters from the story of Joseph's life. I portrayed a great grandmother who was mother to my great grandfather who witnessed the death of Joseph Smith. I remember very clearly during the practices and the actual event the sprit I felt as we sang and remembered this servant of God. I prayed to know if he was truly a prophet and I received my answer in a very wonderful real way.

 

I received a testimony of Joseph Smith and his mission to teach and testify of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for all he did and gave to the restoration of the Gospel. I decided to share my grandpa's experience of what he witnessed and saw. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. I know the Book of Mormon was translated by him though the Power of God which was given to him. I know we saw God the Father and Jesus Christ and I am so incredibly grateful for the knowledge I have and the incredible joy it gives me in my life! I invite all to read the Book of Mormon and to ask for themselves if the Book is true and if Joseph Smith really was a prophet!

 Witness to Martyrdom of Prophet Joseph Smith -- Twelve year old Henry Martin Harmon was a resident of Carthage, Illinois on the fateful day of June 27, 1844. Two years earlier his father, Alpheus, froze to death while returning to Nauvoo from a mission for the Church, leaving a widow Hulda, and nine small children. The family had lived in Carthage since his mother's marriage to Loren Bassett, a non-member.

Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum had been in the Carthage Jail for several days and rumors were rampant that the Smiths would never be allowed to leave the jail alive. Mobs were reported organizing to attack the jail. Perhaps it was to watch for mobs that Henry stationed himself in the cupola of the courthouse. From there he saw the anti-Mormon mob make its appearance from the west.

Leaving the courthouse, he arrived at the jail at about the same time the mobsters did. Their faces were painted black and most of them wore the uniform of the militia from the neighboring town of Warsaw.

Henry reported, "I saw the mob rush upon the guards who were stationed at the jail, when the guards fired on them, a scuffle ensued. Some of the mob went into the jail and I heard reports of the guns fired inside. Joseph Smith came to the window, and then went back, and in a few moments appeared again, and leaped from the window, when the mob fired upon him and he fell dead. The fifer of the Warsaw company came running into the jail yard as Joseph fell dead, and brandishing his fife over Joseph, triumphantly exclaimed, 'You were the ruination of my father. I will have revenge', and struck him several times on the head with his pewter fife, then fled with the company toward Warsaw".

Henry returned home to tell his mother of the tragic scene he had witnessed. Years later, Henry Martin Harmon told his sorrowful story again, this time to a recorder in the Church Historian's office in Salt Lake City, where his testimony has been preserved.
 

 

 

CONFIDENCE!

 

 

 At the beginning of this year our mission presidents wife challenged us to pick a word to work on through out the year. My word I picked was Confidence. One thing I am working for is having confidence not only in myself but in the Lord. It's something I have always struggled with. Serving a mission is super good at telling you your weaknesses but also showing how you can make them into strengths. Ether 12:27 (in the Book of Mormon) explains really well: 

 27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. Ether 12:27

Well one of many weaknesses I have been working on is Confidence especially as I have been waiting for a visa to go to Brasil, trying to speak a new language and as I have gone out to share the gospel with my brothers and sisters. It is the most important thing in the world to me but I do allow fear and over thinking overpower at times. I am grateful for the rough times that have caused me to have an increase on confidence in myself and in my Heavenly Father. I wrote this little poem as I was thinking about how to build my confidence and I was thinking of who I am and the things that give me confidence. My mind went to my Savior and his Atonement. It also went to my Heavenly Father and my divine role as a daughter of God. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have and the peace I feel through knowing what I know. I am Grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who sent his beloved son Jesus Christ to Atone for my pains, sins, etc... It is through him I have CONFIDENCE Alright I will hush now.... Enjoy!
 
CONFIDENCE!
By Sister-Michayla Egbert

Have confidence they said as she jumped out the car

You are strong and in his hands, and you will go far....

But doubt settles in as she enters the room,

Surely she thought there is only doom

I am not smart,

I can't do this part

I can hardly speak,

I am so very weak

I am goofy and slow,

I just cannot know.....

Have confidence they said in a letter from Bailey

We are so proud of you and what you do daily....

But doubt is so strong and thick in her head

And then once again she is so full of dread....

I just cannot share

They think I don't care

I am all full sin

From my toes to my chin

I am a fraud and a fake

Not one will partake....

Have confidence one said in a letter from a friend

Surely they say you have strength to defend

I cannot she thought

I am dumb and distraught

I am nothing and lame

I am all to blame

I have failed those I love

And failed him above...

Then a voice comes inside and enters her mind

It causes the dark to be left behind...

Have confidence He said as he cried in that garden,

Don't you ever let those voices allow you to harden

I went below all for you to be free,

I felt every pain cause I saw you are key

I am the son of our Heavenly Father,

And you my dear are His precious daughter

Have confidence in me and the truth that I bring,

Come unto me and let your heart sing

Have confidence I say as I knock every door,

Because of my savior I can go soar

I am smart I am bright

I am so full of light

I have strength to go share,

Because I do care

Alone I am nothing,

With him I am something

Have confidence I say as I testify and cry

The Atonement is real I will give till I die..

Do you know your role?...

"Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing."

Abraham Lincoln

  

Well friends watch out I have been thinking again... Dangerous I know! I have been thinking a lot about character and knowing ourselves! As a missionary I go out and I talk to EVERYONE, we go and share about what we believe and about the Book of Mormon, baptism, restoration, priesthood, Jesus Christ etc... Basically you share the things that matter most!! Being a missionary is the hardest thing I have ever done but the most amazing thing I have ever done! As I have grown and learned I have had to come to really know myself and really know if I believe anything I am sharing! 

 I was thinking about the world and the desire we all have for joy and peace and little more happiness! I was thinking about how we all want these changes BUT we sometimes expect them to just happen or to change everyone else around us, because surely I don't need to do anything, everyone else needs to change, they are the ones making the mistakes. I have found myself caught in this thinking but it is indeed wrong. If there is anything I have learned in my short life it is that there is only one person that you can change and that is 

YOU!

If you know me at all you know how much I LOVE theatre. One of my favorite things in the world is being in a play or musical, it centers me and brings me a great sense of joy and accomplishment. Not only that but I love to play different characters, I think one of my favorite parts of the performance process is creating and building the character I am getting ready to portray. I have played in quite a few very different roles and I have created some fun characters, but the greatest and the hardest role to play has been me. Yup that's right playing Sister Egbert has been the hardest role I have ever come across, she is such a complex, strange, interesting character that has left me stumped in many circumstances. All the world is a stage my friends, we must work to find our own character. Character is extremely important it is who we are and so much bigger than just likes and dislikes, it is the deeper parts as well. It is so important for one to find their true character, for many of us we are most unfamiliar with ourselves... Just like I said before we can only change on person and that is ourselves... I invite you to grab a journal and take this little analysis and find out what parts of your character might need a little work!

So I have created a in depth way to find one's true character. I warn you that this is not an easy path (if you do it right). Many will never go down this path, it is painful and probably the hardest thing you'll do. To truly know ones own character you have to know the deepest darkest most painful things about yourself. You also have to truly see your own weakness and your dark side. So in theatre we would often do a character analysts to know our character, it was usually a basic questionnaire to help us build a face and background to the fictional character. Well I have created over the last years a Self Character Analysts to help one find their own true character... It has taken a lot of work and there is much more to come but here it is (feel free to add questions, It would take too long to add them all)...

Section 1:

These are basic questions, hopefully the easy to answer ones. These are all  things that make up you but they are more surface items. They are the  things that others know and make up the social outer you. All good things  and all good things to know when discovering one's true character.

What’s your name?

Where do you live?

How many members in your family?

Where did you grow up?

What’s your favorite food?

What’s your favorite color?

What’s your favorite animal? COWS!!!! ------------->

What is your favorite song?

What is your favorite movie?

What is your favorite book?

What is your personal style?

Are you happy with your appearance?

Who are your top closest friends?

Who was your childhood best friends?

Section 2:

These are questions that take us a little deeper into you. They are the questions of what makes up our outer inspirations. These are the questions  that help us see what and who has inspired and taught us what we know and believe.

What is your attitude towards others?

Who are your top three heroes?

What’s your favorite quote?

What is your favorite scripture?

What religion do you follow?

What do you think of your religion?

Do you have a mentor? Who?

If not what can you do to find an inspiring and good mentor?

What is a mentor to you?

Section 3:

Now we are getting a little deeper and this time darker, we are trying to discover the  deeper sides of your character that no one else really knows but you.  Many  don't want  to look this deep but it is necessary in finding ones self. These  are important questions that the world does not want us to ask. These are  the questions that helps us see and want to change our weaknesses and turn them to strengths, you cannot become strong until you have discovered your weaknesses and your "darker side".

What do you hate about yourself?

What can you do to change what you hate?

Do you want to change or stay the same?

What are your biggest weaknesses?

Why do you think those are weaknesses?

What can you do to change them?

What is your biggest failure?

How has it changed you?

What is the worst thing you have done?

What drove you to it?

What are your greatest fears?

Section 4:

This is when we get to your core. These  are most necessary to find ones self. You have to know your foundation and you have to discover how much you really love your foundation. We live in a  world where these questions are pushed away because they are less hip and a little more deep. Not only that we naturally want to lean on others for these questions. Let me tell you that you will not truly succeeded until you have  discovered your foundation! These are the questions that I ask myself everyday as I go out and share my testimony with the world. 

Who is your higher power?

Why is that your higher power?

What or who do you owe all of your success to?

What is your core book?

Why is that your core book?

What experiences have you had that define you?

Why is experience important to you?

Why do you believe in what you believe?

Why is what you believe true?

What are you willing to die for?

Why would you be willing to die for that?

What are you willing to live for?

Section 5:

Here is the big bang to finding you! This is where we fall in love with ourselves and realize how amazing we truly are! Sometime we really don't like our selves a whole lot. We are our own worst  enemy. These are the questions that tell us exactly who we are and what we live for. This is where we decide how deep our character goes. Just  remember it is okay to love ones self, it's always easier to find what we hate about ourselves but it's okay and it's healthy to find what we love. Now discover and your character, you are like none other! We believe that we are all children of God and he loves us. Jesus Christ commanded: 

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

 38 This is the first and great commandment.

 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

We are asked to love God and we believe that the way to do that is by loving others as ourselves. How can we truly love others and God if we don't first love ourselves? So here goes the last few questions! 

What do you love about yourself?

What are your talents?

How have you perfected those talents?

What are you passionate about? Why?

What is your mission?

If you don’t know what can you do to find your mission?

What is important about having a mission?

What is your personal manifesto?

Well friends I hope you have enjoyed your character analysis. I hope that you took the time to journal each question and add to the questions. This analysis will never end. The greatest thing about finding your character it is a journey through life. It not always easy but it is well worth the every hard time. You can not change the world for good until you know yourself and what you are capable of. I don't know about you but I am far from fully discovering my character but I will continue to search and enjoy the journey of finding me! Good luck to both of us!

Love you all! 

Sister Egbert