Joy IN the Journey

September 16, 2013

Hello to all!

 

I wish that every time i blinked, it wouldn't be Monday. P-days come way too often and they're probably my least favorite day. Not because i don't love talking to everyone and all... but missionary bubbles are awesome. Hahah welll, this week has been so crazy nuts. My brain can't even think about all that has happened, but it's been a very blessed and humbling week, and a week where i finally feel like for me, i am moving forward, instead of just pushing everyone else forward. It's lovely.

 

This weekend was conference for us, and i am proud to say i have finally attended my first adult session. Woweeeee! President and Sister Stoker both spoke sat. and Sunday and gosh. This work is hastening. He said the tracting, is now counterproductive. Mind blown. But it doesn't really effect me, for i have never seen the logic in it. Members is where the most success is shown, and fortunate for me i have the best members in the mission! My hearts going to be so sad when i have to leave my augustars. We had a picnic after the conference with about 6 families and guess what mom. SISTER DAWBIN MADE YOUR FAMOUS COCONUT BREAD. Basically the whole state of Maine is now obsessed with it. I know this is weird, but it's just little tender mercies like that that make me so grateful for life.

 

Our conference was all about joy in the journey... and "be of good cheer. the future is as bright as your faith!" it really got me thinking, how bright is my future? Another way of looking at happiness, is the human way of thinking "ok ive got to work work work... and then as soon as 5:00 comes i can be happy!" our reward of happiness doesn't come AFTER we endure, but WHILE we endure. We shouldn't grumble through the race only to find triumph after we have completed a hard thing, but we should truly find bounteous amounts of joy IN the journey, for there is promised joy in all things if we but find it. Needless to say, it gave me an extra push to have a smile at ALL times, and when i'm not smiling, stop and say a prayer of gratitude.

 

I am grateful for this knowledge. I am grateful that i know that i have a Father who DOES want me happy NOW. and No, he does not just want a fake "in my brain im so stressed out and tired and worried but im just going to put a smile on and pretend im happy so others dont worry". He wants us happy. HAPPY people! Truly sincerely happy. Happiness doesn't just come one we are exalted. Happiness comes now. It can be ours, and we are entitled to it if we just seek it! So everyone, be happy this week. And when you're not, find things to be grateful for, and focus on that. Focus on the ten things that went right that day, instead of the one thing that didn't. Choose now to be happy, not later.

 

I love you all. Colton, i love you most this week because you're about to be the newest Cloward missionary soo you get extra lovin from your big sis! I pray for ALL of you, not a single one of you is excluded.

 

Love,

Sister Cloward

Shout out to Elder POTHIER!!! it was a weird day hearing my name get called by my little bro's friend. He is being trained by probably my most favoritest elder in my zone who also is going to brazil one day!

 

Courtney and Hunter at our picnic!

 

The houston clan. they have my heart with their southern sassiness and wicked mustaches.