Letter #66: O that I were an Angel....

Hello Hello Family!

This week was great! We had Zone Conference Monday and Tuesday at the State Capitol. It was really neat to see that building and to tour all the rooms (they gave us a special tour where we even got to go inside the rooms!!) but I especially enjoyed the Spirit which was felt there.

the State Capitol

me being in the Head of the House of Representatives seat

with Sister Palmer

We prayed and planned so much to prepare for what should be said and then had all the Zone Leaders give a different section on how we find to teach, teach to baptize, and baptize to seal. It was great. I feel that the Lord really does guide this work and I have no doubt that he is mindful of all of our needs. I've felt that time and time again and it really has taught me much about how merciful he truly is. Actually, I'm giving a talk tomorrow about Mercy and how Heavenly Father shows us mercy when he forgives us and allows us to return and dwell in his presence again. It is the compassion to someone who often does not expect it and often feels they don't deserve it. He truly is so merciful unto us. I feel it's in the small little things of day-to-day that make a big difference above a big thing that shows his mercy. It's the small tender mercies of the Lord (1 Nephi 1:20, 1 Nephi 8:8:). I surely have felt the Lord's mercy on my mission as he makes up for my weaknesses and gives us faith and strength.

One such tender mercy was extended to our mission this week too I feel! haha It's more of a physical one, but Temple Square's schedule in the summer is pretty demanding and taxing, dare I say above other missions and assignments. The Sisters just work so so hard and long long hours, take 30 minute breaks and often miss their studies because there are so many people that they need to go teach! They sacrifice so much to take tour after tour, and consequently a lot of them were breaking down and getting sick or just plainly exhausted. President was concerned about how many were needing to see the doctor, so we were granted an all-day P-day! Where we could sleep in one day to catch up on some of the missed rest and be ready to work even harder for the rest of the busy summer months! So today was my all-day P-day and it was glorious! I slept in, studied all morning, prepared my talk, actually sat down and ate a good lunch with my companions, and came here to email. Man, it's been glorious and I'm excited now that I have even more energy and ability to give more than ever and at the end of every day have nothing left in me to give. It's a different kind of strenuous being in the office, but I still feel that I want to wear myself out with this work (D&C 123:13) and never ever become complacent. I think that's where true joy lays, when we can give all of ourselves to helping some one else, in whatever way the Lord needs us to (and he always needs us to be serving diligently in one way or another). I believe that's why Moms and Dads are so happy and filled with love! They give everything to their children! Surely that is what our Heavenly Father and Savior have done for us. Shouldn't we do the same?

Well, I am doing well and feel very blessed. I feel like the Lord has given me the best missions, the best companions, the best Presidents, the best assignments, the best experiences that any one could ever ask for. I received Septembers Ensign yesterday and as I flipped through it I saw that they were really encouraging every one to serve missions, especially couples! They had a picture of Brother and Sister Sackley in there from when they served in the Hong Kong area office! I thought that was pretty neat! I hope that if you're single, you'll take the time to pray about serving a mission. I hope that if you're married, that you'll take the time to pray about serving a mission and start planning and preparing for that now. I hope that this week and as the Temple is finished that you'll pray about how to be a better missionary now. If you need ideas, talk to the rest of the family!!! It's been so neat for me to see the missionary sides of each of you as you email me. Gran and Aunty Beryl with the people in the Hospital are sharing the Gospel. Dad is holding discussions with many of his clients. I've heard more stories and experiences about the Brother-in-laws missions that I hadn't before. Nana and Grandpa Dan are on fire sharing the gospel with everyone in New Hampshire and were recently called to be ward missionaries because of it! Ashley and Hayley are indexing and doing our family history, gather stories and such for us to treasure. Brittany and Alanna have shared experiences with me about talking to people and even given me their friends to call!! I've met friends of Brooklyn on the Square and at random times and I just know the influence she has on these people. Mom is constantly serving and loving us and strengthens our family. We each are serving and furthering the work of the Lord. Keep serving, and as you accept the various missions (full-time or not) that the Lord has prepared for you, you will be so richly blessed. And if you do decided to serve a mission, I know you'll never ever regret it! It's been the best thing in the world for me and has truly changed my life. 

Thank you all for your love and support. Keeping being the great people, missionaries, and family that you are! Love you so much!

Love, 

Sister Mullen

PS- I got to meet and have a special performance with Wanda West Palmer, who wrote several famous songs "O that I were an angel" and "Mary's Lullaby" that we sing every Christmas. Her son (Elder Palmer) is a senior couple in our mission and they were having this big honorary recital for her in the Tabernacle this week. The night before they sang and performed just for 8 or so of us at the Gillettes. It was amazing! I love how strongly we can feel the Spirit through music. She was a lovely lady and I just loved hearing all the little stories behind the songs that inspired her to write!