Week 80

Goodbye, Washington

As I've been pondering what I wanted to share in my last email, a story of Peter and the Apostles came to mind. This is after the time that Jesus Christ has Risen. (John 21:3-7)

3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord...

In this account, Peter chose to return to the activities that he had been engaged in before the Savior had called him to be an Apostle. He went fishing and caught nothing. This is because he had stopped doing the things that Christ had commanded him to do, being "Feed My Sheep." When we follow the Savior with full purpose of heart then He will lead us to that which will be most beneficial for us. When I return home from my mission I will not be the same person I was when I left. Part of the process of repentance in changing our hearts. My heart has been changed by the Lord and I know what my purpose is. While I may no longer be a full-time proselyting missionary, I am still a member of the Lord's church. I will continue to live in harmony with what I have learned and continue to strengthen my testimony of my Savior. This will not be the spiritual highlight of my life because I know that God has continually greater things in store for me. 

I'm forever grateful for the time that I have been able to labor in this part of the Lord's vineyard. I'm excited to see you all soon ♥

Sister Hammond ♥

1. my missionary friends will recognize this picture. This is Sister Hernandez, aka Sister Meyers from The District!!

2. Cinco de Mayo party ☼

3 & 4. selfies at the church because it is beautiful outside!

Week 79

Spring is here- and Homecoming details!

The sun is starting to make it's appearance and they rain is beginning to take a break. Washington in the spring time is absolutely breathtaking. Everything comes alive, there is green everywhere, and the flowers are so pretty. It reminds me of the hope that comes through Jesus Christ. Even when we go through the hard times in life and the "clouds" come and the "rain" never seems to stop, Jesus Christ is the hope that the rainy days will create something beautiful in our lives.

Ether 12:4 says

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

I love this scripture because it helps me to have an eternal perspective. God's plan is so much bigger than mine. His purpose is for me to learn to overcome the natural man and "become a saint" (Mosiah 3:19) through His Son Jesus Christ. When I build my foundation on Him I can make it through the "rainy days" and look forward to what He can help me to become. 

As I've been reading through the Book of Mormon these last couple of weeks it's really stood out to me the role that the Holy Ghost plays. Being the third member of the Godhead and a personage of Spirit, He can dwell with in each one of us and point us towards Christ. Living worthy of the gift of the Spirit is the ultimate task, because with Him we can have power to do all things. It's submitting our wills to God's that allows the Holy Spirit to give us guidance in our lives. This is one of the greatest things that I've learned as I've been serving here in Washington.

I can't believe that my time here is coming to a close. But I'm forever grateful for my loving Heavenly Father and the time that He allowed me to be here. Can't wait to see you all!

Sister Hammond ♥

OH! and for my Homecoming - it will be Sunday, May 21st I think it's at 9 am

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