Resolve

My dearest family,

I love you so much! I am so grateful for you.

Time is going quickly. This morning I read the talk by President Uchtdorf from the last General Conference. In it he spoke about the greatest regrets people had as they neared the end of their lives. I changed the following thought to fit my circumstance. 'Being so close to that final day of [your mission] often gives clarity to thought and provides insight and perspective.' As I look back at my mission, I am filled with all kinds of emotions. I sometimes think of things I would change, but I also I think of miraculous moments! I think of the great privilege it has been and how quickly it has gone by. I rejoice to know that I still have a little over a month of precious time here in France.

I know that the only way we can feel relief from guilt and shame, and the pain that comes from sin is through repentance. We talk a lot about this as missionaries. The other day I was on the tram, and a lovely French woman with a big smile explained, in response to our proposed invitation to learn more about the Savior, that she didn't need to adhere to a religion to be a good person, and talked a bit about the admirable things she does. This might remind you of other tram experiences I may have related. I congratulated her for her goodness. Then, I testified about the need of a Savior. Even though we all do good things we also make lots of mistakes, and we need repent. The ONLY way we can do that is by living Christ's gospel. Heavenly Father is happy when we do good things, but we have the potential to be so much more. Being a Christian is not just about becoming a good person, its about becoming perfect. He's the only one who did that in mortality, and we are certainly can't do it without Him. I know that what President Uchtdorf said is true, "It is my testimony that many of the deepest regrets of tomorrow can be prevented by following the Savior today. If we have sinned or made mistakes—if we have made choices that we now regret—there is the precious gift of Christ’s Atonement, through which we can be forgiven. We cannot go back in time and change the past, but we can repent. The Savior can wipe away our tears of regret and remove the burden of our sins. His Atonement allows us to leave the past behind and move forward with clean hands, a pure heart,and a determination to do better and especially to become better."

Its been a month or so sincewe set our new years resolutions. Lets all revisit them this week, and revise them if need be, and then lets resolve to do them! If there is something I know it is that this life is for us to have joy. I have seen a lot of people experience real joy by embracing the gospel of Jesus Christ during my mission. One of them is Carmelle. She fills with light and love when she shares her testimony. The promises she will make this week will allow her to maintain this joy forever if she keeps them. Isn't that great? Lets all pray that she may be able to overcome any obstacles that come her way this week and that her baptism may be a day of peace. :)

I do love the Lord and His gospel. I am thankful to be here and I am thankful for you!

Love Soeur Waldron