Re: Dear Elders and Sisters

Note from Mom:  This is in response to an email I sent to not just Taylor and Briana, but to many of our children's friends who are currently serving missions.  Part of my words: 

I’m glad you’ve chosen to serve the Lord for this season of your lives.  I hope you will continue to do work to remain converted to Jesus each day.  And I hope that for today, you are the missionary your mom thinks you are!

Here is Taylor's response:

Just a quick thought: I can already see the difference between the missionaries that are just in it for the ride and the missionaries who are in it until the end. Endure. Read. Study. Pray. Live. Love. Learn. Because while we change every day based on our actions, two facts don't: God, our Father loves each of us; Jesus is the Christ.

Say it once, say it twice, testify of it a million times a day. Believe it. Have faith in it. Let it change you and move you to become someone better than you have ever been--constantly changing, constantly becoming better, constantly giving up your life, only to have it given back. If you will give Him everything He will give it back. Endure to the end. Alma 26:27 He will give you success.

Serving a mission doesn't mean anything unless you continue to live the gospel 100% when you are home. "Have ye experienced that great change in your heart?" (Alma 5 vs.... 16?)  "Are you truly converted? Because if you are, you give Him everything. If not, your mission is a waste of your time, and the Lord's time."    --MTC devotional Elder Jeffery R. Holland (best talk I've ever heard)

Anyway, I love you.