Mission love

When I moved to Utah I brought a small selection from my library. These 2 journals were part of that. They're from my mission. <3

One is a testimony journal. The winter of 2013 I wrote a scripture verse at the top of every page and throughout the years I've slowly written my feelings about the scripture verse printed on that page. I'm not done yet, but it's wonderful being able to re-read my thoughts and feelings about each scripture!

The other was a birthday gift from an Hermana that I met at the beginning of my mission. She was about to go home & I only had 2 transfers left. Today I re-read what she wrote to me at the beginning of the journal and I sat and wept for a while. She spoke of love and kindness, the influence I was for good. She wrote of my Heavenly Father's love. It's something that I needed to be reminded of today <3

This journal has been a study journal for me. After I received it, I wrote a letter to myself. Talking about how it would be hard to return from a mission; I stated my desire to have daily scripture study. And so, at the top of every page I wrote an action I was to do, a scripture I was to read, a General Conference address to study, or a Mormon Message to watch. I wrote things that I wanted to learn about. It's been nearly 3 years since I received this journal. And I haven't gotten to many of the pages. BUT that's okay.

Sometimes things aren't meant to be done when we want them to be. Sometimes we're prompted to start something but then leave it be for quite some time. And when we find it again, sometimes years later, our joy is full and our desire renewed. 

I'm excited to start working on both of these journals again. And to reminisce about my mission <3

Love,

D. J. Lathrop