October 19, 2015 El Fin

I really can't believe that it has come to an end. I can't imagine how life will be not being a missionary anymore, not having the priviledge to carry His name over my heart everywhere I go. But I can honestly say that my mission worked. There has never been anything else in my life, nor could there ever have been, that has changed me like serving my Savior has done.

My mission has changed my outlook on life. I now understand a little more the love that God has for us, and the importance of this life in His Eternal Plan. Because I now better understand where I was before this life and where I can go after, I feel like the road map to my life has been opened. I know what I need to do, and I won't let anything get between me and my goal.

I know that our Heavenly Father wants to guide us in this life. He loves us. And I know that, in these the latter-days, He has again called His servants, the prophets, to the Earth, The Lord has restored His church through the prophet Joseph Smith, and He continues to direct it through living prophets, seers, and revelators. I know that the Book of Mormon is His word, and that it has overwhelming power to change our hearts. 

I didn't always know that these things were true. I came to the mission with doubts in my mind. But I held on to the few answers that I had recieved, as the Lord gives us "line upon line, and precept upon precept." I learned to doubt my doubts before I doubt my faith. It wasn't easy; but I have, little by little, recieved the confirming experiences that have given me the strength to forget the doubts and recieve sure knowledge. I know that the Savior loves us, and that this is His restored church.

I have been able to grow close to my Lord, Jesus Christ. I love Him so much for what he has done for me. As I have served Him, I have felt His presence. He has been with me every step of the way. Sometimes I have been stubborn and stiffnecked; but even when I was forced into the depths of humility, He was there to comfort me and build me back up.

My mission has been a time for change, for conversion. I know now what I need to do, and how I need to do it. I have no more desire to break my Heavenly Father's commandments, because when I do, I am breaking His heart. He has molded me in these past two years, and I am ever grateful for the opportunity to be an instrument in His hands. I still have a long way to go. I am still far from perfect. But I know that He will continue to lead me and guide me and walk beside me. And I know that now there is no going back. I will give everything that I have to keep the guidance of the Spirit with me, so that I can become who the Lord needs me to be.

I know that my Redeemer lives, and I know now what that really means to me. I love you all with all my heart, and invite you and exhort you to give everything that you have to the Lord. Your burdens will be lightened. Your lives will find more meaning.

I will see you all soon!

Love,
Elder Toombs

October 12, 2015

All I know is that this week has been filled with miracles and blessings from my Heavenly Father. I know that he lives, and that he loves me. I know that this is his work. I know that the temple is the house of the Lord, and there is no other place closer to heaven than there. I went to the temple with the D family from La Mesa this week, and it was incredible to be able to sit in the Celestial Room with them. I know that God's eternal plan is perfect, and that it includes the eternal happiness of our families. I know that there is no other place where we can receive the saving ordinances that we need to be together forever. I know that the Lord abides in His holy houses, because I can feel Him stronger than ever when I am there. And I know that I will see the D family in the Celestial Kingdom of God. I'll write more next week, I promise :)

Love,

Elder Toombs

October 5, 2015 Agradecido

October 5, 2015

Agradecido (Thankful)

This week has been full of trials, but I know that as we give everything we have to the Father, He gives us the success that we need to help others to come unto Christ. We spent last week working in Tintal and Patio Bonito with the trio, and although it was difficult, we were able to have some incredible experiences. I am ever grateful for the Spirit and the words that he places in our minds and hearts. The Savior really knows each one of us, and knows what our investigators need to hear and to feel in order to have the desire to change and follow His example.

I know that the Lord has called Prophets and Apostles again, that this is the Restored Church of Jesus Christ. I have come to this knowledge through the many things I have seen, heard and felt in my mission, and the General Conference this weekend only confirmed it all to me. I received the answers to all of my questions, and more, in just the first few minutes of the conference. I know that Elders Rasband, Stevenson and Renlund have been given authority from God, and from no man, to lead and guide us in these the latter-days, and that they were touched and guided by the Spirit to share their testimonies with us. I am so grateful for the many mercies that I have been given, even being as imperfect as I am. I wish you all a fantastic week, and invite you as well to watch or read or listen to the General Conference again; I will be doing the same.

Love,

Elder Toombs