Get on the Boat

Sister Brink and I at the General Woman's Broadcast! Oh, how I loved it and I love my companion! 

I write this e-mail with such a full heart of gratitude of peace, of love, of joy for all the many blessings that I have seen in my life this past week.  During my time as a full-time missionary, I have said "see you soon" to both my Grandpa and my Great Uncle.  They have passed from this life, but because of the comfort I have felt during this time, I have come to know the reality of God's Plan of Salvation, and that, "their in a better place" isn't just a phrase of comfort, but a phrase of divine truth that is familiar to each and every one of us.

"Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection--Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all mean, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life." (Alma 41:11, The Book of Mormon, pg. 308)

When I think about being taken home, I think about how in our world today, we rely on different things to take us home.  I've been in cars that have taken me home.  I remember the long drive from Sammamish, WA to our new home in Bend, OR back when I was ten years old--that wasn't a trip I was too excited then to make, but one that has blessed and changed my life forever.  I've been in planes that have taken me home.  Whether it was after an adventurous family trip around the world, a study abroad, or an extended time at BYU, they have taken me home, soaring through the clouds, back to the arms of those I love. 

Finally, there have been boats that have taken me home-and I think much of these vehicles of transportation the most as my Great Uncle and Grandpa were both avid fishermen.  They enjoyed the outdoors, and I can recount years and years of stories from my Dad from their many different fishing trips all across the country.

I think of how often the Savior has taught us from boats.  How happy it makes me when I think of Him and His Apostles on the boat in the middle of the crashing waves.  His disciples feared, and wondered how in the world He could rest while they tossed about in the ocean.  The Savior's response has taught me great lessons from the ship He then stood on, "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." (Mark 4:39).

I think of the Jaredites who were commanded by the Lord to built boats and barges, to travel across the great waters, who were given stones to shine forth in the darkness as they crossed.  These barges they were commanded to build were to be "tight like unto the ark of Noah." (Ether 6:7, The Book of Mormon, pg. 497).

When I think of Noah, oh goodness, I must admit I would sometimes get a bit frustrated.  I think of our brothers and sisters back then and want to say, "Get on the boat! Just get on the boat to be safe--the consequences of not getting on the boat can be much more difficult, then the consequences of just taking a step of faith." We spoke to one woman today, Ingrid from England, Trinidad and Texas, who has often felt the same about the people who refused to listen to the prophet of God who urged and inspired all he could to get on the boat!

As we spoke with Ingrid today about the prophets of old and their invitations to all to get on the boat, we were touched by the Spirit of the Lord to think of our own personal boats He is offering us every day of our lives.  More specifically, with General Conference coming up this weekend when we are blessed to hear from the Prophet of God and His chosen Apostles, given the Priesthood authority to act in His name, do we think that He will let us know what personal boats we should get on? I hope we each answer "yes!" to that question.

For some of us our personal boats may be having more time with our family, studying the scriptures, attending the temple, reaching out to our neighbors, loving those who hurt us, forgiveness--but whatever they may be, trust that they will bring us home.

Being a full-time missionary at Temple Square during General Conference is truly a remarkable, overwhelming and beautiful blessing, and I am so excited! I can testify and promise that the Spirit will touch and penetrate each of our hearts as we listen to the words of those speaking, and ask God which boats He would have us get on, and know that God will never command us to do something that won't bring us home.

"If any man will do his will , he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:17, lets get on the boat!)

I love each of you and pray for you daily! In remembrance of Papa Jim and Uncle Dick :)

Sincerely,
Sister Briggs

SHOUTOUTS: Ivy & Courtney, Andrew Briggs, Alyssa Lamprecht, Casey & Bryan, Mom & Dad, Julia, Casey, Uncle Jack & Aunt Carol, Grandmother, Marnie & Jeremy, Grandma Jeanie & Grandfather, Robert Donakey, The Donakey Family, Clarissa and her family