For my very first post, I decided to post my Farewell talk. For those who might have missed it. :)

Buenos Dias Hermanos y Hermanas!

That means good morning in Spanish!

I was kindly asked to speak from a talk given last April General Conference from Elder Nelson’s talk titled, Catch the Wave.

The key points in his talk are about the greatness of the Restoration, us preparing NOW for our missions, and being a member missionary. The Restoration is frequently taught in the Book of Mormon.

Elder Nelson declares,

“The Book of Mormon is the centerpiece of the Restoration. It was written, preserved, and transmitted under the Lord’s direction. , Doctrine and Covenants 135:3 It was translated “by the gift and power of God.”  The book of Doctrine and Covenants contains many additional revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith. End quote.

The more we read and discover throughout the pages of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and The Holy Bible, the more we can understand the sacred workings of this gospel.

Elder Nelson goes on to say,

            The Restoration fulfills many biblical prophecies.”…Isaiah 2:2… “The {migration} of Mormon pioneers to the mountains of western America is a fulfilling saga of sacrifice and faith. Isaiah also foretold that God will do “a marvelous work and a wonder.” That is now being fulfilled by the sacred work of our growing army of missionaries…”

The number of missionaries has greatly increased! Even just in our stake! This past transfer of missionaries, 2 left and roughly 20 came. This next transfer, eight are leaving and about 22 are coming. The Lord is hastening his work. As we learn the gospel ourselves, we are preparing, building a testimony and the more we learn, the more excited we are about sharing. Catching that wave of wanting to share with our friends and neighbors is what we need to do as Latter Day Saints.

I remember once when I was a beehive in Young Women’s and I realized Adam and Eve were supposed to partake of the fruit from the tree of Knowledge of good and evil. I got so excited about understanding this crucial part of our history that I started sharing it with my friends from school. I didn’t know what was going through their heads but, all I cared about was getting that information out!

Then, going to the temple and doing baptisms for the dead, I recall wanting my close friends to be able to experience those feelings and understandings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Preparing for a mission is just that…

Building your testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel and then sharing what you know and have learned from your personal study and from participating in Sunday meetings and seminary/institute classes.

Elder Nelson pronounces, “More of you young men and women will catch this wave as you strive to be worthy of mission calls. You see this as a wave of truth and righteousness. You see your opportunity to be on the crest of that wave.

A couple of months ago I was called on a mission to Villahermosa Mexico. It borders the Gulf of Mexico and Guatemala. I remember before opening my call I told my mamma, I just really don’t want to go anywhere where I’d be hot and sweaty.

I had a friend that was called to Honduras and he was so excited! He said,” Alyssa, the Lord knows me so well. He knows I hate the cold and long sleeve shirts. I am so happy!”  I was thinking OH! That means he knows me! And I’ll probably serve in Canada or Russia!

When I read that I was going to Mexico, I thought, oh no! The Lord doesn’t know me!! What was He thinking?!

Then, the more I looked and thought about where I would be serving, and the people I would serve, I realized that it’s not supposed to be a vacation to fit my wants. The frizzy hair and the discomfort I may feel is a minor price I pay for helping another precious soul.

Elder Nelson speaks to teenagers specifically when he says, “embrace your new curriculum and teach one another the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Now is your time to prepare to teach others about the goodness of God.”

I think that the new curriculum is so cool! I remember sitting in class and having good lessons but, the best ones were ones that were interactive and others shared their thoughts and ideas.

By getting involved and sharing what you know in your Sunday meetings, you realize how much you do know about the Gospel and you are more comfortable sharing that wonderful gift with others---even before your mission!

Years ago, every young man over the age of 19 was encouraged to go on a mission.  Then the bar was raised.  A mission isn't for those who just simply have nothing more exciting to do. They want individuals who have a deep desire to go, who have prepared, who are going to go and do the Lord’s work with the right intent in their heart.

At BYU-I one of my mission prep teachers asked us if Satan wanted us to go on missions. And the answer is Yes. He wants us to go but, the catch is, he wants us to go unfaithfully. We need to be careful and work for healthy, strong testimonies. Through faithful scripture study, and loving earnest prayers, we can build up our testimonies. Which in turn, will help us be a light for others in bringing them close to our Father in Heaven.

Our ward is amazing with a great ward mission leader and missionaries. There are people called to serve and help the ward mission leader but, even though they do stupendous work, each ward member is needed to assist in this exciting work.

Elder Nelson thoughtfully says,

            “Our inquiring friends and neighbors not of our faith can also catch the wave. We encourage them to keep all that is good and true in their lives. And we invite them to receive more, especially the glorious truth that through God’s eternal plan, families can be together forever.”

This piece of the talk stood out to me. I have always loved the thought of forever families. Eternal love and families is so amazing! It’s glorious! Why wouldn't we want to share this knowledge with others?

Elder Nelson goes on to say,

“This wave of truth and righteousness is wondrous! It is not man-made! It comes from the Lord, who said, “I will hasten my work in its time.”7 

This wave is empowered by a divine announcement made 193 years ago. It consisted of only seven words: “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”8Uttered by Almighty God, that announcement introduced a young Joseph Smith to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Those seven words launched the Restoration of His gospel. Why? Because our living God is a loving God! He wants His children to know Him and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent!9 And He wants His children to gain immortality and eternal life!”

Brothers and sisters we need to be prepared to serve Him always. As we share with true intent and love with the Spirit as our guide, the truth will be manifest by the power of the Holy Ghost.

I KNOW I was called to Mexico for a glorious reason. I know that the precious people in Villahermosa are waiting for me to find them, and share the Gospel light. I can catch that wave to those that need me. And you can too. Through your daily scripture reading, your humble prayers, and your helpful service to others who need you in their lives.

-the Lord knows me

-through Him stronger

-Learn faster

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Savior, Amen.