God's plan for me

My life is a gift; my life has a plan.
My life has a purpose; in heaven it began.
My choice was to come to this lovely home on earth
And seek for God's light to direct me from birth.
I will follow God's plan for me,
Holding fast to his word and his love.
I will work, I will pray;
I will always walk in his way.
Then I will be happy on earth
And in my home above

(Children's Songbook, "I Will Follow God's Plan")

Today I am sad. My boyfriend's visa was denied. It's discouraging.

I was afraid that spending forever with him might mean spending the rest of my life in Brazil. Every time something like this happens, my fear grows. There's nothing wrong with Brazil, it's a fine place. I just struggle. Cold showers. dirty floors. Dirty legs. Itchy all over from mosquito bites, bacterial rashes, or fungal infections. The heat. Daily sunburns and caking on of sunscreen. Sweat. Ache. Headaches. Lack of salad. I know there are a lot of people you have it worse than me, but things here are aggravating me and knocking me off my rocker. I just get so homesick sometimes.

But what if it is God's plan for me? What if he wants me to be here and I am not patient enough to hear him trying to comfort me. If he came right out and said, "Erin, I want to live in Brazil from now on. You are going to struggle, but I need you to be there." what would I say. What would I do.

I guess I will work. I will pray. Then I will be happy on earth? Following God's plan will definitely make me home about, but how can I be patient and be happy now while doing what God wants, even if it means doing what I don't want.

1) Service

A scripture from my last post keeps popping in my head the last few days. James 1:27 reads "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted form the world"

"As we look heavenward, we inevitably learn of our responsibility to reach outward. To find real happiness, we must seek it in a focus outside ourselves. No one has learned the meaning of living until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellow man. Service to others is akin to duty, the fulfillment of which brings true joy." Thomas S. Monson "The Joy of Service"

2) Missionary Work

Missionary work is a good way to get back in tune with the spirit and our purpose here on earth. No matter where we are we should be working to help others be saved through the atonement of Jesus Christ. We should remember the love he has for each one of us and share that with those around us.

I am focusing on these two things this week so that I can remember where I came from and why I am here. It doesn't matter where I am I can serve those around me and lift them up. I can be happy even while I am devoured by mosquitos. I know that as I focus on these two things I will find greater light and peace.

If you are feeling sad about where you are in life. Try serving and preaching. Give it an honest effort and I know it will have a positive effect on your life.

With love,
Erin