Sister Gochnour: Born As On Wings Of Eagles

Threesome - Sorry Sister Hardy closed her eyes

Hi everyone.

I sure love hearing from you.

It raining it's pouring, the old man is snoring...I think we are in the middle of a tropical storm!! We had a great week though!! We found three new people to teach!! A couple, Wayne and Michele are on date for baptism - July 18. And Arnold, he is an older man with a lot of questions about the Plan of Salvation. His wife and youngest son died three weeks apart both suddenly and that is still very hard on him. We continue to see great progress with all those that we are working with, especially the less actives. We are focusing on getting them to read the Book of Mormon because the reason that most people go less active or just stop progressing in heir spiritual growth IS THEY HAVE SIMPLY STOPPED READING THE BOOK OF MORMON. It is the key to continuing conversion and I feel that so many people forget that. Don't ever stop reading. And if you have stopped - start again today!! We have seen great changes in those who have committed to read every day. I love being in a trio because we just have more fun!!!! We crammed the third bed in our room last Monday so now there is basically just one HUGE bed and it's fun to stay up and have deep, awesome, conversation about life and the gospel. We are getting along well though we are all very different. It seems to work. And I get to drive the big red van - so you can't miss us around town!!

Today I want to leave you with something that has been on my mind lately. One of my favorite hymns is number 72 "Praise to the Lord, The Almighty" (I didn't know it before my mission but now it's my favorite

These are the words of the second verse:

"Praise to the Lord! Over all things he gloriously reigneth.

Borne as on eagle wings, safely his Saints he sustaineth.

Hast thou not seen, How all thou needest hath been

Granted in what he ordaineth?"

I would like you to think about the second line. What does it mean to be "borne as on eagle wings"? How do you think that would feel? The Lord will sustain His people. He will strengthen and uphold those who love Him. He will keep them safe from the temptations and evils of the world.

I read a powerful, life changing talk by Sheri Dew this week. It's called, "You were born to lead, you were born for glory." She ends the talk by explaining how we can access the sustaining power of God in our lives to help us fight the last and greatest battle against the adversary --

"My dear young friends, I repeat that these are the days in which a true leader wants to live. These are days when opportunities to change lives and even destinies are nearly endless. You are running the anchor leg of the relay because you were born to lead. You were born for glory.

In conclusion, in the words of Moroni, “I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written” (Ether 12:41) so that you experience for yourself the power in Jesus Christ to strengthen you, to sanctify you, and to help you run this leg of the relay. Don’t ever underestimate the power of Jesus Christ to help you. Isaiah said it this way:

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? . . .

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. . . .

. . . They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. [Isaiah 40:28–31]"

Again Isaiah talks about eagle wings

"..SEEK THIS JESUS.." It is when we put in the effort to develop a personal relationship with our Savior. Specifically through heart-felt prayer and taking the time to listen - that we access this sustaining power in our lives, divine guidance, hope. Strive to have this relationship with Him, it is so important.

I know that though the world would bring us down, Christ can lift us higher.

I know that though we all face moral appetite and weakness, Christ can make us strong.

I know that though we all face fear and regret, Christ can forgive and keep us safe.

I know that when we face heartache and loss, Christ will bear us up - as on eagle wings.

He won't let us faint. He won't let us fall.

I love you all. I hope you have a happy week - you deserve it!!!

Love, Sister GG