新年快乐

A happy new year everyone! We've had a wonderful time celebrating the 1st day of 2019 eighteen hours ahead of my American friends. It was an eventful week to say the least. Time is really short, so I'll share a thought and throw on some pictures and call it a week.

I've been thinking a lot recently about the spirit in the work. There are days without lessons where you just want to get to work, and you can get out without really even thinking about the Lord. Yes, we're thinking about God. But I'm at the point where I can go and do missionary work on my own, but if that's what I'm doing, what's the point? If we're relying on our own abilities, we will reach as far as we can reach. Jacob, in the Book of Mormon, teaches about relying on God in the 9th chapter of 2nd Nephi:

28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. 

With the Lord, we go so much further. So much further. I want His spirit to always be with me, guiding me, teaching me. If my friends I'm meeting out here can feel the spirit, my job is done. And honestly, it doesn't just apply to missionaries - that's everyone. We need to seek His will and put it first. 

I love you all and wish you the best for the new year. Set some goals, write them down, and counsel with the Lord in all you do! Happy 2019!

Elder Blackhurst