Easter Livin'

Hi.

Okay so this week has been the weirdest but most fun week EVER!! So I'm not sure if the secret got out.. but, I've been working in the mission office and living at the mission home, helping out because the help up and quit! It's been such a fun week! We were delivering furniture to missionary apartments so I got to go see Maxine in Oak Ridge! And I also got to go back to Chattanooga! It's been a wonderful week. But seriously. I was totally dreading having to live in the mission home because I didn't want to leave my area and my people that Sister Johnson and I have been teaching; but, it has just been such a dream spending time with the Griffins! Izzy, Olivia and Hannah are like the little sisters I never had. President and Sister Griffin have treated me as on of their own. I love them.

This morning I was studying and thinking about what I will say when I bear my testimony at transfers. There's so many experiences that I've had and I honestly just don't even know how to sum it up briefly. Only God truly knows intimately the things I've experienced. But there is a scripture that can convey the feelings that I feel as I look back and think of my time doing the Lord's work.

Alma 36:21-

Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.

As Alma the Younger describes his repentance-- or change he's experienced I think of the change I've seen inside myself. The spirit at times has told me things that were hard to hear but when I obeyed and changed there was nothing exquisite and sweet as my joy. I've seen this joy as I've invited others to come unto Christ and change.

My time as a missionary has set the stage for the rest of my life. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and my Redeemer. He knows me so well. He knows how to teach me to my understanding. I know The Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that means so much more than it being a book that was written by God through His prophets. It means it's a book that can change hearts; it changed my heart!!

I love you all so dearly. I am sad to be leaving Tennessee, I wish this time in my life could go on for forever, but I know there are great things in store in my future life-- especially spending time with you all.

Sister Merrell

The Spirit is Just so GREAT!

Hey! 

So much has been going on here in Knox 1st... So many miracles!!

We found a part member family who's records weren't in our ward a few weeks ago. We had been trying so had to have a spiritual lesson with them, but they seemed to always find a distraction. This week we went over with the Restoration DVD and the determination to feel the spirit in their home. Felicia called the boys in and they were all glued to the tv. At the first vision part the spirit was so strong and after the movie was over, Austin (12 years old) told us that he loved the movie. They said they wanted to be baptized! It's going to be a long road for them because their are a lot of concerns but it was so amazing to help them recognize the spirit and to come to know that it's possible to feel in their home.

We had an Easter egg hunt at the church for a primary activity. We had visited a less-active member and there was a ton of people that lived with her. We invited them and their kids and they came! As they were leaving I had the opportunity to give Floyd, the family friend, a Plan of Salvation pamphlet. I was testifying of revelation that prophets receive for us to day and I felt the spirit strongly. It was cool to have the opportunity to share truth with him in the church, it was a sure place to feel the spirit.

My favorite miracle this week has to do with Christina. We had a team up for a different lesson and the appointment fell through. We asked our team up if she would feel comfortable going to the projects and she said yes! We took her to drop off a pamphlet for Christina to study before our next lesson with her. We were able to invite her to church and the member said she was willing to drive her! Christina came to church!!! I was so happy! And she had a wonderful experience!! She said that she felt so comfortable and wished she had known about the church sooner in life!

Oh last thing we did service at UT stadium and swept the bleachers! It was pretty fun and we got to meet some cool people! 

Sorry I have to rush this! My computer is about to kick me off!

Love y'all!!!

Sister Merrell