Consider Your Ways

Good Morning!

Last week was exciting! I got to do many things for the first time. This is the first time I visited the temple in the mission and the first mission tour I've had! Elder Pearson, our Area President, toured our mission and gave us lots of advice. I've enjoyed practicing the techniques and tips he gave our entire mission. After our last meeting with him, Elder Koyle and I visited the Cedar City Temple for the day and did proxy ordinances! The temple is such a special place, I felt the Spirit strongly while I was there. My testimony of, and desire to accomplish, temple work grows every time I attend. 

This week we finished a 40 day fast; not a fast from food, more a fast from the little habits we've developed that aren't the best. It's allowed me to reflect on my spiritual life and how I can be a little better every day. Some days are better than others, but the extra focus on progress was greatly appreciated. 

With Elder Pearson, we as a mission learned a lot! I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from him and recognize ways we can grow stronger together. He was very direct, and his entire motive was to take the mission to the next level. However, now that we have his instruction, we are in charge of furthering the mission. We have a vision now, and are responsible to carry this mission forward! 

One of the themes during our Zone Conference was "Constant and Never-Ending Improvement". With this idea in mind, I ran into a scripture I felt expedient to share:

Haggai 1:5
Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways. 

When we truly consider our ways and our shortcomings with a sincere desire to grow, we find so many ways to improve! The 40 day fast put me in the perfect mindset to take Elder Pearson's counsel and run with it. Now I can continue to be a better missionary, and not hit a peak and plateau. The mission is meant to be a constant uphill climb, one of improvement and progression. 

I'm having a wonderful time, life is busier than ever but it's all worth it in the service of God! I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving day, keep striving to be better than you were yesterday! 

- Elder Williams

Pictures:
1. Sky pt. 1
2. Sky pt. 2
3. Cedar City Temple!
4. Distant lands
5. Elder Koyle and I at the temple!
6. The Southern half of the USGM!


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