Annika in Independence, MO: The Daily Grind‏

Well, I don't really know what to tell y'all haha it's been a pretty uneventful week...ASIDE FROM ALL THE MIRACLES THAT RAIN DOWN UP ON US EVERY STINKING DAY. The only thing is there aren't any that are out of the ordinary so I have nothing to tell you about.

I guess I'll just hop up on my soapbox again and tell you about the power of members.

Come close and listen very carefully - MEMBERS ARE THE MOST POWERFUL RESOURCE IN MISSIONARY WORK ASIDE FROM THE BOOK OF MORMON AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD. In case you didn't know, you guys are kind of a big deal. We need you in teaching people. I know that I've already told you a lot about how important it is to help the missionaries find, and I feel no need to press that any further. I want to talk to you about member conduct.

People frequently recognize you as a member of the Church before you even tell them. They can tell in the way you talk, the way you act, the way you treat your friends and family, and the way that you treat strangers. Feeling a little pressured - don't worry. This gospel is designed to make bad men good and good men better - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is not a church for perfect people! We all make mistakes! We all screw up! But, brothers and sisters, let us be careful. In paying the price for our sins, Christ did not remove our personal responsibility.

It is too common for an investigator to be told by a faithful member that they should not come to church unless they are dressed appropriately. Many a Sunday school lesson has been centered on the terrible wickedness that we see rampant in the world around us, offending those who are affected by that same wickedness. We gossip and gripe about people whom we do not understand and who seem different or odd.

Brothers and sisters, you are no more obvious as a disciple of Jesus Christ than when you are within the walls of His chapels. Those buildings are dedicated as sanctuaries, houses of learning, a home for the Spirit, where we can go to come close to God and be instructed and edified.

My challenge to you is to take your Sundays seriously by doing one of three things.

First, look for people who you do not know. Meet them. Greet them as a friend would. Sit with them in Relief Society or Priesthood. Get to know them. If you talk to them and they seem uninterested, look at them as Christ would and you will see them as the Child of God they are.

Second, pay attention. I have never attended a church service on my mission where I did not feel the Spirit. The speakers were asked by the bishopric through inspiration, despite what they might think. The teachers, too, were called to lead a class - no matter how it may seem, they have prepared in some way or another, either by studying the manual themselves or through experiences that God has given them.

Finally, allow the sacrament to cleanse you. Read the sacrament prayers and look for the promised blessings. Remember your baptism day. Think of Christ's sacrifice.

I know that as you do these things, your testimony will grow, as will your love for God and for those around you. What an incredible opportunity we have to attend church every Sunday :) Let us help each other to feel of the Spirit there.

I love you all so much :) Keep the faith.

LOVE YOU

Sister Annika Rogers

Isaiah 49:16