DAY 192 -- Goals Continue To Add, What We Need To Do

When Bonnie and I were sitting with our bishop on Sunday, he stated, "We need to get you two out of here."  He smiled and said that he would support our desire to serve a mission.  He is a new bishop and has not had anyone from his ward leave to serve a full time mission.  At least he has not had a senior couple leave to serve, and he assumes Bonnie and I will be the first.

He mentioned that there were others in the ward that were also looking to serve a mission, but he was very concerned about their knowledge of the gospel and their spiritual preparation.  Then he paid us a big compliment and said that he felt we were very prepared and would be great missionaries.

I respect my bishop and can understand his feelings.  I also know that there is much we can do in the last six months to prepare spiritually.  As we finish reading the Book of Mormon by December 31, Bonnie and I are going to read it once more by June and when we read it this time, we are going to discuss it between us. 

We have been reading it every six months for the last few years.  But this time we shall discuss it and see what we both learn as we read it.  I am hoping that doing this together will help prepare us for our mission.  There is always space to improve, deeper thoughts, and lessons to be learned to prepare to be the Lord's missionaries.

As we continue to plug along, there seems to be additional goals that we need to work on to be ready.  If I listed them, I would get depressed, for there are so many things, many of which I do not know about.   

Just a comment.  Today, I heard from a brother who deals in LDS books that since the Church is going to teach Book of Mormon in Gospel Doctrine next year, there might be a way for us to earn a bit of money for our mission by reprinting or e-booking my two Book of Mormon Insights, the two volumes.  So we have another window of Heaven opening.  Now let's see where it goes, whether it gets slammed in our face or it may help earn a bit more money for our mission. 

As I observe that number (192) slowly dropping, I can see and accept that it is getting closer. I am excited, yet fearful, for it is certainly coming and am I ready?