May 26, 2014

This week was extra special - Elder Jeffery R. Holland, his wife, and Elder Hallstrom came to do a 3 hour mission conference. I sat in the second row directly in line with him. Spitting distance.
This experience was the STRONGEST I have felt the spirit my entire mission....maybe my entire life.

We had seen him a week before at a stake conference but it didn't even begin to compare. The mission was very very spiritually prepared. I was able to receive so many impressions of things I would like to change and work on.

Through out him speaking, E. Hallstrom, and S. Holland one of the main messages that I got out of it was change - what we are willing to change, what we can change, and how it becomes possible to change.

We are God's investigators. He wants what we want for the people - to pray more meaningfully, to study more diligently than we have before, to repent and give up bad habits, to be on a constant spiritual diet. Thats what we require of those we teach and that's what God requires and expects of us too. "Look into your soul. What do you need to change? Who do i need to forgive and what do i need to forgive? In the mean time, enjoy the blessings God has so freely given to you."

He talked about discipleship...what it means to be a disciple...where we have to walk, and think, and go in order to truly follow the Savior. He also called us apostolic. He said dont get too excited, I hold the actual apostolic keys, but as being set apart as a representative of Jesus Christ, its the next closest thing you can get. At this point i'm about to turn into King Lamoni and faint on the spot because the spirit is so thick I can hardly breathe. He made us mentally promise that we would never leave the gospel. Then the E. Holland in your face that we all know and love started coming out. He said there are a few things that ruffles his feathers, but one thing that he will never be able to understand is return missionaries who leave the church. He said, i just havent understood it yet and i dont know if i ever will. We have sheep to find!! "Please don't tell me we have to worry about the shepherds. We have enough to do with gathering the sheep as it is. THIS is Real Life. Captial R, Capital L. THERE IS NO BETTER LIFE."

There really is no better life.

He left the most powerful apostolic blessing with promises of miracles to be unfolded in this mission. He said that out of all the mission presidents he's seen - President and Sister Packard are different. 'They just dont come better'. Not surprised to see him on the big stand shortly. We sang the Spirit of God as the closing song. My favorite hymn and the one i've had the most powerful experiences with. This topped them all. We stood up to sing the song and as my eyes panned across the men that we standing right in front of me - President Haight, Christensen, Packard, Elder Holland, and Hallstrom - I felt like I was singing in front of true judges in Israel. I have never had such a celestial feeling. The only words that came to mind was 'Ive made it....oh my goodness i'm there." Following the closing prayer we stood as elder holland left the room and everyone was frozen. no one even blinked or turned their head. We all stood there for literally over 10 minutes (which is a long time not to move a single portion of your body). Quiet tears rolled down my face and I had to remind myself to keep intaking oxygen. It was one of the most sacred experiences i've had.
It was a testimony to me that we really can all make it. There are no words that can explain it. Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally - he loves us where we're at and yet knows what we can become and invites us to make those changes. Step into the REAL real life. Experience what life can feel like. Accept the invitation. It really doesn't get better.

I feel truly blessed. Life really doesnt come better. The people im surrounded by don't come better. "Come to the edge. Let him push you....and FLY."

Love you all - thank you for your support and prayers.

Sister Bell

Keepin it real...because it is real - E. Holland statement approved.