Joyful Burden Of Discipleship W71

Solid week! 

Had the best lesson with Ethan! We talked about the Priesthood and Temples, and he has such a fire. He's getting the priesthood soon and his recommend! Can't wait to go with him. After our lesson, he pulled us aside and said, "hey sisters, do y'all wanna go to Cheesecake Factory with us?" So we got to spend our night with his family at Cheesecake Factory. It was definitely a highlight and Ethan has been a dream to teach. 

We had exchanges with Berea and I got to be with a brand-new sister named Sister Stewart! We spent most of our time in Downtown Lexington and we taught our friend Jerrie Moon! She accepted the Word of Wisdom. Me and Sister Steward were able to really open up to each other and it was exactly what I needed! I feel like the past 2 weeks have been a 24/7 comp study with whoever I'm with! I'm learning so much!!!

We got to attend Stake Conference and the stake president got released so now after 9 years they have a new one. It was fun to see the process and these members have just taught me so much. They are so willing to help and make everyone feel so welcome. My mission president came and got to meet all of our friends; it was such a happy day!

We had a ward Christmas party and 4 families we are teaching showed up! And 2 of the families were the first people there. I can't believe how awesome our friends are! For the party, I learned how to make a balloon arch. That's one of the many life skills I've learned on my mission! 

We had mission leadership council. There was a big focus on the "Joyful burden of discipleship." It really resonated with me! Mostly because of my setting apart blessing. In it, it says, "I bless you with the burden of leadership, but you will be prepared to lead and be a good leader. At times leadership can feel lonely, but you are never alone." At first, I felt like the word burden was such a negative thing; and although leadership has been hard on my mission, it is a joyful burden because I don't do it alone! My Savior carries it, as long as I let Him. The same is true with each of our "Joyful burdens of discipleship." More is required of us because of our faith in Him, but it can be a Joyful burden because of the covenants we've made! That's my thought for this week. 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/04/the-joyful-burden-of-discipleship?lang=eng