Come Thou Fount (Font?)

I'm sorry I've been a major slacker and haven't been writing
consistently! We've just had a lot going on, which is actually a huge
blessing!

Life really is just incredible here in Broomall! The members are
fabulous and I'm totally in love with them all. We are teaching
fabulous people who have a genuine desire to come closer to Christ.
And I love my companion! Sometimes I think, "Uh oh, life is going too
well. Don't get too comfortable!" But I have certainly learned that
when Heavenly Father causes us to be uncomfortable, it really is to
help us to be even happier than we are now.

Here I am, having been serving a mission for over 16 months, and
finally I am starting to properly see and understand some things. Here
are a few of them:

-The temple needs to be EVERYONE'S goal. If I am working with someone
and I don't focus on the temple as a goal for them, I am doing them a
great disservice.
-Faith REALLY can bring about anything, as long as it is God's will.
-I have hardly even had a minute understanding on faith previously.
-God's timing is, in fact, determined by US! WE determine when God
will send us a blessing that we are seeking, by determining to be
ready to receive it or not. Basically, if I am not receiving an answer
to my prayers or the blessings I desire, I need to change my heart and
my ways until I am properly prepared and humble enough to receive it.
Then it will come, by my faith! Does that make sense?
-"Number" goals that indicate the work that we as missionaries do, are
not meant to be quotas and driven by looking good. In fact, they are
meant to teach us to exercise faith and recognize that this is God's
work, not ours.

That's all I can think of for now. It's just been a good few weeks of
finally seeing some things through different eyes. I'm so grateful for
being able to continue to learn! Things would be SOOO boring if we
were stuck with what we now know.

I know that Joseph Smith was called of God, received the Priesthood,
and restored the fullness of Christ's gospel on this earth. I know
that the Book of Mormon is better than any self-help books known to
man, and is truly the word of God. I know how to get back to Heavenly
Father, and I want everyone else to know it too!

I love you allllll!

Love, Sister Amber Ricks