Thoughts and stories, by Pal

I subscribe to Greg Trimble's blog, and it is always very inspirational!  This was written just yesterday, March 28th.  I want to be sure and give him the credit!   It is written especially for the missionaries who had to return early.  Please let any you know  about this inspirational article! BY  GREG TRIMBLE     FAITH A Letter To The Missionary  Force Of The World Dear Missionaries, There are a few things you absolutely must know. It doesn’t matter if you’re still in the field, riding on an airplane with a mask over your face, or already home. You need to know how special you are to this world, to your family, to your friends, and to the Savior. Maybe your mission was cut short, maybe you’re cooped up in a tiny apartment, maybe people are giving you the stink eye (even more than usual) just for showing your face in public. But no matter what, you need to know that you are a light to a world that is suf...

Church Changes Recommendation Process for Missionaries to Allow More to Serve, More Flexibility by Newsroom  | Nov. 16, 2018 From the Church Makes You Think Mormon Life The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced changes to the recommendation process for young missionary candidates. These expanded opportunities will allow more young people to serve as missionaries in various capacities that meet their personal needs or circumstances. A  letter  was sent to Church leaders on November 16 to share these changes. Beginning January 2, 2019, all young men and women in the United States and Canada — including those who may not be able to serve a proselyting mission due to health reasons — will use the same online recommendation process. They will complete recommendation forms, participate in interviews with their local Church leaders and undergo evaluations by medical professionals. Candidates will then receive ...

This is really a powerful story, which will help someone who has come home early from their mission.  It's sad when they feel shunned by people, and they are very hard on themselves. I know a young Navajo man who waited until he was 24 years old and felt he was finally ready to serve a mission.   But he returned home after 4 days in the MTC.   He came home last spring and he is got married recently, but still is having the same feelings expressed in this article.  I will be going to Las Vegas for several days to an accordion convention with my son and his wife, and then visiting my son in St. George, and my sister in LaVerkin, near St. George.  So I may not be posting an entry for close to 2 weeks.  I hope life is great for all of you! Early Returned Missionary Shares Brutally Honest Story, Powerful Message: Missionaries Who Return Early Are Not 2nd-Class Members by Kelly Martinez  | Sep. 01, 2017 Makes You Think Mormon L...

I posted this 2 years ago today, and it is appropriate now also.  Many missionaries leave for their missions in the summer, and are coming home now also.  I hope these ideas help. 479. How a Returned Missionary can Adjust to Being Home. Great advice! This is a great article for returned missionaries, with ideas on how to make the transition coming home from a mission, and utilize the skills and strengths you made while a missionary.  Also counsel on how to stay strong! How to Help Your  RM  to Adjust to Being Home by Clark and Kathleen Hinckley, Sunny Morton & LDS Living Staff  |  Mormon Life One moment a missionary is fully focused on the needs and concerns of investigators, new converts, and less-active members. They’ve worn a name tag and haven’t been without a companion for the last 18 or 24 months. Their life is so focused on inviting others to come unto Christ by helping them receive th...

This is a great article for returned missionaries, with ideas on how to make the transition coming home from a mission, and utilize the skills and strengths you made while a missionary.  Also counsel on how to stay strong! How to Help Your  RM  to Adjust to Being Home by Clark and Kathleen Hinckley, Sunny Morton & LDS Living Staff  |  Mormon Life One moment a missionary is fully focused on the needs and concerns of investigators, new converts, and less-active members. They’ve worn a name tag and haven’t been without a companion for the last 18 or 24 months. Their life is so focused on inviting others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel that they cannot imagine doing anything else. The next moment they are sitting in front of the stake president, taking off the tag that has become a symbol of who they are. In the blink of an eye, they are no longer a full-time missionary; they are now a returned m...