Kimber mail 1-2-2017: "Good Luck For 2017 - YES PLEASE! 🍀"

   So here in PA there's a tradition to have pork and sauerkraut to bring luck for the new year. I have never had so much sauerkraut in my life! Hahaha it was okay...my tummy isn't the happiest of campers since but maybe it's just getting used to feeling lucky or something like that?? HA! 

   But- Happy New Year!!! Okay wow, I just can't believe it's 2017! I seriously was laying in bed new years eve telling sister roper that I don't want 2017 to be here yet because that means I'm really near the end. :( Oh man. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!! Don't get me wrong I've had my fair share of rough days and this last year has probably been the toughest year of my life thus far. BUT It's also been the greatest year. A whole year to be a full time missionary! To be able to help as many people as I could to feel of Christ's love, to change, to really come to know Him. I don't think I can ever fully put into words just how much I've learned and changed this year and how grateful I am for that. There have been several times this year when I wanted to just crumple to the ground, cry and give up; after the 100th 'no' or seeing someone use their agency to walk away from the truth they know in their heart. But every time without fail I have literally felt like I'm being lifted up, given a hug or given the strength to take one more step. I know there were so many unseen angels, prayers and most of all, I know Christ was there every step of the way. I was watching the 'Christ Appears on the Road to Emmaus' Bible video this week and I had a great realization:   In this video, Christ is walking with two men along their journey, he teaches them, he cries with them, he listens to them and they don't even realize who he is! One of them is his own uncle!! Glancing back I was able to see the big picture. I know that Christ has been there through the tough rejections and through the moments that make it all worth it. I truly have come to know Him. I know that he lives! He has become my greatest friend and has been by my side every step of the way. He listens and loves me even when I mess up and a, a knucklehead. He cries with me and fills my heart with his pure love when I need it most. I am forever grateful for this opportunity I have to be a fully time servant of the Lord and to walk with Christ daily. This week I just want to share how I was actually able to accomplish my goals for once and share my new goals with ya too! 

   This past year's goals- 

   So a couple goals I set for myself were to keep a testimony journal and to read through my scriptures more intently to get deeper understanding. Check and check!  

- My testimony journal: so I decided to keep a journal and at the end of every month write down my testimony of one principle or doctrine that i felt like I was able to strengthen or come to know more truth about that month.  It was awesome! Being able to look back and reflect on what I've learned and see that my testimony has grown a TON is something I hope to look back on and keep up for the years to come. 

- More on point scripture study: This year I learned so much from the scriptures! I didn't finish the old and new testament but I read through the majority of them and will be finishing them up soon. Wow there's some good gems in there! I feel like there were so many parables I forgot about and learning straight from the prophets of old was cool. Thank goodness for the institute manual!😜 I also just finished the Book of Mormon for the 2nd time. I learned so much there too! I think overall my testimony of prophets truly being called of God and my testimony of Christ has been strengthened more than ever. I know that the prophets in the scriptures were chosen to be witnesses to write what the Lord needs us to know today! There have been countless times I have seen people and myself find answers through the scriptures. They truly are the word of God. I know we have a living prophet today and that President Monson really is the Lord's mouth piece. I know that all of these records bring us closer to Christ as we learn of his Character and who he is. Yesterday in church one of the sisters that was speaking asked the question "is my scripture study a ritual or a relationship?" I loved that! This year I have truly worked to make my scripture study a time of learning and coming to know Jesus Christ. It has made all the difference. 

   New goals-

   This year I am pumped to be able to be home and see friends and family again but I am sad to not be a full time servant. I set some goals to help me finish strong and to continue to keep learning and growing with my transition out of the field:

-"Stay on the steep end of learning curve": PJ gave this awesome training months ago about how the Lord intends for us to keep learning and keep on the steep end of that curve. It's good to stretch and grow!! I know my studies won't be the same but I hope to keep up a good habit of studying daily:)

-Keep focused on temple: IM SO PUMPED TO HAVE A TEMPLE CLOSE AGAIN! I have really come to appreciate and realize the importance of the temple. I think before my mission I took it for granted as it was so close. But I really want to make it a habit to go to the temple often like at least once a week. I also can't wait to see my meridian temple. It's kinda cool that just as I was leaving it was starting to go up and now it's almost dedicated!! I CANT WAIT!! 

   Okay basically I need to cut myself off there or I could go on and on all day haha. But I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for me this year! Here's to a happy and blessed 2017!:) Also wish ropedaddy luck it's week 11😂👌🏾

Love Always, 

Sista McD 

Ponderize: "Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us" - Luke 24:32

Commitment: "be valiant in testimony!" ~ Elder Cook