Sister Ripplinger's Letter, Force for God, June 11, 2013

My dear friends and family, The Lord knows our hearts. That continually is impressed in me and I'm just beginning to understand. He knows what we are capable of and He knows what we need. He sends tender mercies to us and gives us opportunities to become stronger. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to be a missionary in Nauvoo. My testimony is growing deeper and deeper and I know that Nauvoo is an important part of my eternal progression. It is amazing how people can influence us and they may never know. This week, a big group of young people that had just graduated from high school came from Utah. There were four young men walking around in their white shirts and ties that looked just like beaming missionaries. President Call and I were talking with them and just being in their presence made me so full of joy and hope. These 18 year old young men were just radiating excitement and the joy of the Gospel. They had just graduated from high school and all four of them had their mission calls. One of them just really stood out to me. He was confident, happy, and full of light. There aren't a lot of people in the world that radiate light like that, but he did. He was a powerful example to me and reminded me to keep my vision high and to expect myself to arise and be a light and a force for good. I was thinking this week about what it is that fills us with that "light". What is it that makes someone radiate and glow with the Spirit? I think that the more we feel the Spirit, the more we radiate light. The more pure we are, the more we radiate light. How do we be purified? I think one of the most important ways to become purified is to humble ourselves and recognize that we can be better and then BECOME better. We continually repent and seek to apply the Atonement. We let Christ into our lives and we give up who we used to be, we give up our mistakes and our past. We have hope for a better future and we are willing to do anything that God asks of us. We read and ponder the scriptures frequently, pray in a way that He can communicate with us, and attend the temple regularly. When we feel the Spirit, we can be purified. We just need to feel the Spirit in our lives. Someone that can radiate that light is a powerful force for God. BYU's Folk Dance Team has been in Nauvoo and they are also a powerful force for God. They are all young people that are living a standard of excellence. They use their talents to bless others and they are incredible. We went to a fireside they did for the missionaries and community and it was amazing. It's just good to see so many strong college age students standing in front of you, testifying of the Savior and of joy. I sure do love Brigham Young University. :) So many wonderful things happen throughout the week. This week has included a lot of personal revelation. I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store. Right now is the dead sprint through the finish of my mission and it's Pageant time. We are already making plans for the month of July and Pageant cast arrives soon. I'm SOOOOOO excited for the Spirit that they bring and the miracles that lie ahead. My family will be able to experience the miracle of Nauvoo soon and again, I recognize the tender mercies of the Lord. I continue to LOVE Sister Newell. She is a good, hard worker and she's fun. That's just a perfect combination for me. We are setting ambitious goals through the Spirit and we are able to reach them with the direction of the Lord. He has so many people prepared for the Gospel. I'm soooooo grateful that I get this time with Sister Newell. This is the work of Salvation!!!! Love, Sister Heather Ripplinger