When I was a toddler up until my senior year in high school, I would sit on the couch alongside my dad, and ask him thee dumbest questions about the game that was on. Questions like, "So why does he get in trouble when he's in that key thing" or "That guy is so tall. How tall do you think he is?" Even questions like, "Do you think that big one in the middle likes frosted flakes" Just the most random observations. Sometimes, he'd ignore my questions (some didn't deserve to be answered). But 99% of the time, when I asked myself the question again, I'd answer it on my own.

For a while, I never understood the game of basketball. All the little rules and technical things of the game. But I remember watching the Lakers play so vividly and being in awe of this one guy. He was so talented and I wanted to be like him in MY own way. You know the Mamba Mentality as much as I do. Perseverance. What a cool thing to have. To never stop working especially when you don't have to be. Which is a beautiful correspondent to life. We don't have to try. We don't have to go the extra mile. We don't have to be nice to strangers. But are we? When no one's watching are we kind and loving? Would we be the good samaritan? Of course, we'd like to think we are. But are you? Is your life in a place where you can put others first? Put God first? Mine wasn't. Everything was about me. And it took a toll on me. Perseverance was not in my vocabulary. That's too hard.

You see, working hard is hard. That's why it's called hard work. But I've been able to slightly grasp what it's like to persevere. And no wonder why he excelled greatly and basked in his accomplishments. It feels good to succeed! 

So my invitation this week is to simply ask, what's your Mamba Mentality? What keeps you going when you're at the verge of giving up? 

This life is so beautiful. Sometimes bad things happen and that's okay. As long as we are doing our best and trying hard each day to be good, to do good, to go out of our way to serve someone. Be kind and remember that sometimes life turns upside down but as long as we get back up and keep trying, it'll all be okay.

I LOVE YOU ALL. please please please hug your loved ones and ask questions!!!!!!! You never know the answers you could find within yourself :-)

Love, Sister Lockhart <3

Ps. He will accept the gospel. I'll take away his agency if I have to :')

HELLLLLLLOOOOOOOO EVERYBODYYY!!! I am soooo happiiiii right now. I literally just can't even cope with the fact that I'm IN AUSTRALIA sharing the good word of God with His children!!! How cool!!!!!

I have had so many days here, five months yesterday in fact... and I know that's not very long compared to other well-seasoned missionaries BUT my experiences have been life-changing. And I don't say that with a grain of salt. I mean, literally life-changing. I feel as though I've had a glimpse of the love Heavenly Father has for each and every single person and it's overwhelming to think about. Truly.

As girls, we cry a lot...like a lot. And I, particularly, cry a ton. Especially as a missionary because it's really, really hard. Quite honestly the hardest thing I've ever done. On the contrary, it's the most rewarding. And I'm so flippin happy all the time. Especially these last seven days. To say I've experienced miracles seems like a bit of an understatement because I just broke down in tears last night, following an appointment with a friend of ours. The reason I cried is not because they were put on date, not because it went terribly. But just simply because it went good. That's it. The spirit was there in abundance which was just what I needed.

I've learned over the years that I'm the type of person that needs reassurance. I learn the hard way and I'm stubborn. Therefore, when I don't have someone telling me, "you're doing okay" like every five seconds than I think that I'm the oppo of okay and that no one cares blah blah. But of course, someone does care and always has. Give you a clue, I've already said His name twice... YES indeed... God, our Father in Heaven! So as I've reflected on this week I recognized that I felt the man Himself poking me, nudging me and at times throwing stuff at my face saying, "YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH." But I was too caught up to hear Him. To say, you know what I am a good missionary. 

So why do we not think we're good enough? Why can't we just believe what others tell us? Is it because we want attention? We want to be heard, seen, recognized as a person? Well of course we do. Everyone needs that reassurance. Otherwise, how would we know we're doing okay? So then I go.. "I'm not the only one who needs reassurance" and THEN I put two and two together and said "THAT'S WHY IM HERE" it was like an Aha of Aha moments for me. How did I not already know that I'm here to help people? Here to let them know God loves them and cares for them? I did, but when I focus in on myself and my circumstances, I tend to lose the true focus....the children of God. 

I know this isn't anything you haven't heard before. But for me, it was a blessing. I cried so much because I felt the love my Heavenly Father has for me and I was able to have the reassurance that I do need, that I doing good helping give others the reassurance that they're not alone. God's listening, their cries, and sorrows are not to be lived alone. And to me, that is a miracle. Looking outside the natural man is SO hard let me tell yah. But I was able to do it this week and I'm so proud of myself. Which is weird because I don't get proud of myself. Which is lame because we totally should be happy for our accomplishments. So this is me, PROUD OF MYSELF. 

I know God lives. I know this gospel that I'm here teaching is real and can bless + help any person who wants it, regardless of circumstance, past choices/regrets, etc. I love each of you with every fiber of my being. If you EVER need anything, a compliment, some love, cheering up, ASK ME. I'd be more than happy to send something because ALL of us deserve to have Aha moments where we can say, "Dang I AM worth it, I AM okay, and I AM loved."

Have a blessed week like I know you will. I love you HEAPS AND HEAPS. And READ THE BOOK OF MORMON. THAT BOOK HAS POOOWWWAAA.

Sister Lockhart <33

ps. The subject is our rapper names... video coming soon...

 

G'day and I want to formally apologize for last weeks letter... I realized like this morning that I'm the worst because I was literally complaining the whole time and I'm not about dat life. I wish I would have handled it differently but you know what, that is OKAY. Because you live and you learn right. That's what I did. And now we've got a fresh new week. 

Transfers happened and I've never talked about them because this is my fourth transfer in the same area and I heckin LOVE IT. Darwin is the shiz and makes me so happppppiiiiii. The people here are heckin awesome and all the members on Sunday (when we told them my comp was leaving) gave me hugs and made me feel loved too. Cause usually the one leaving gets all the attention which is SO RUUUUDE but not in the northern territory ;-)

Anyways so my new comp....her name is Sister Dil and she's from New Zeland and she's so petite. She's like a little fireball. It's so awesome. We've seen miracles already and it's WEDNESDAY MY DUDEzzzzz and so I'm heckin excited. 

There's heaps of things that happen as missionaries. Bad, good, terrible, heavenly. But I LIVE for moments that make you cry. Because when you cry, you make yourself vulnerable and when you're vulnerable, you learn (if you let yourself). And I learned something this week. From an eight year old. That I need to STOP being such a baby and appreciate life the way it comes and goes. Although my trials are my trials and Heavenly Father knows my capacity... ITS NOT ABOUT ME. And I was totally making it about me. So buckle up buttercups and turn on your listening ears... miracle moment comin RIGHT UP.

....we were door knocking in Bayview (rich as neighborhood) and we were hopeful to get five Quality Gospel Conversations with the time we had (we got three). BUT in the last conversation, time stopped and I saw something absolutely beautiful. 

This lady came outside and her daughter (the eight year old) came and unlocked the gate. They talked with us for a while and she complimented us on our willingness to be walking around in 100 degree humidifying weather. We had an incredible conversation about families and the importance of having a good, strong foundation. She shared things with us I'll keep to myself, BUT she did say that her Mom recently passed away from cancer. And it really took a toll on her two kids. Then, as that sentence came out of her mouth, the little eight year old ran inside and came quietly back outside a few minutes later with a heart shaped picture frame. In the frame was her and her grandmother (who had just passed) at the same moment my comps (trio for a moment) were sharing about Family Home Evening and why we do it...this little girl looks at the picture, looks up at the sky for about seven seconds, closes her eyes, looks back at the framed picture, then proceeds to look IN between my companions, and smiles. Then she walks away. 

For WHATEVER reason this beautiful little girl made me realize that my hardships, aren't all that hard. Sometimes we got through the crappiest of the crap in life and want to give up. We pretend that life is completely and utterly AWFUL and that nothing can ever get better. That's okay. We're not expected to be perfect. But I knew right then that that little girl was special and if she saw an angel or not, I don't know. But I do know that I felt something greater than the spirit and it was so inspiring.

I was reminded of something my second dad, Craig mills said which has stuck with me ever since. Rouugghllyy he said, "You've already been through 100% of your bad days. So what's stopping you from getting through this one?" SO TRUE and SO TRUE!!! 

I love this gospel with my whole heart and God is REAL. The heavens open to those who open themselves to change and acceptance. I can't believe I'm here but I promise that I'm loving every second. Even when I'm sad and crying and experiencing disappointment.. my Savior (or an eight year old) is always there to calm my seas. Mark 4: 36-41 <3

THE GOSPEL IS TRUE AND GOD LOVES YOU.

Pray for help this week as you struggle and recognize it's OKAY to NOT be okay. 

I love you all heaps and never forget God and Jesus Christ love you even more. 

Have a beautiful week <33 

LOVE

Sister Lockhart :-)))

Ps. RIP to the Darwin Zone ... :-( ON TO THE NEXT

Pps. My subject line is my new comps favorite line hehe.

Hello and I am okay!!!! The fires are not close enough to us to be a danger at the moment. But thank you to everyone who sent love and concern. I appreciate it heaps:-)

It's crazy how crazy the world is getting. And interesting to note that people are turning to God in their time of need. In this time of need for rain. Then in a week when the fires stop, they'll stop praying and go back to blaming, not believing or shunning those who do pray every day. It's really sad. But I think I've cracked the code for that. It reminds me of the email I sent for Christmas...I think I sent it. About recognizing Jesus Christ??? Maybe I didn't whoops but maybe I did I don't remember aaggghahaaaa. BUT if not, I really think people just don't know what Jesus Christ did for them. Dying, suffering. Because if you knew that, you'd tell yourself to cut it out right? 

Interestingly enough, sometimes people still don't care. Even when we pour our hearts out. We still get doors slammed, people that swear ar us or people that circle us with their cars trying to be intimidating. Really quite weird the lengths people go to seem superior to God. Who by the way, is and always will be the mighty God, superior to all. So it's kinda hysterical. But still pulls the heartstrings that people would go to some lengths just to piss us off. But, who are they really trying to aggravate? Who knows. But because you all know the secret sauce (accepting Jesus Christ) you won't drive circles around missionaries who are trying to share their small testimonies right???

Along with those crazy interactions with humans this week, I had an interesting interaction with my Heavenly Father this week. I was feeling SO down and SO sad because no one wanted to talk to us and we had a Baptism date drop. We were so confused and Satan just dug his nails into my skin. So rude. One of the missionaries here, Elder Kirby offered us blessings of comfort. Now I'm one to say, "I'm fine, I can do it" I hate asking for help because I much rather shake it off and try again. Unfortunately, I lost that battle, but it was really good. Because I was able to realize that I can be sad and not okay and still be strong. In our weakest times, we become a beacon to the Lord. During my Priesthood blessing, I asked the question in my head "How do I know this is from God?" And not three seconds later, the same line that appears in my Patriarchal blessing I received two and a half years earlier, was said. And I knew, right then that Elder Kirby, was called of God. And that the Priesthood truly has been restored to the earth and can bless our lives IF we let it.

I encourage all those who are around the priesthood to ask for a blessing. And those who have the priesthood, be aware of those around you and seek guidance for who might need one. Elder Kirby didn't know the internal struggles I was having OR that someone tried to spit on us that day but he gave me comfort and the answers that I needed to continue on it faith.

It's really crazy to me that being a missionary builds and tests your faith to the max. Being a missionary is the epitome of "You live and you learn" but it's all so worth it at the end of the day.

I love you all and promise that when you turn to God he will answer your prayers. Even if you don't want to admit you need help or comfort...it's okay! Because it's just sitting there, waiting to be given to you. Just ask. It's hard I know. But it will be a BLESSING ;-)

We got rained on a lot this week so the prayers are working but don't stop them. Aussie needs that extra help right now. 

Stay safe and hug a coworker. Seems weird but it's fun hahahaha.

I LOVE YOU HEAPS AND THE GOSPEL IS TRUE

Sister Lockhart

Also I ATE THIS FISH AND IT WAS DELICIOUS. If you know the subject line we can be friends hehehe

Heeelllloooooooo I know it's not 2020 juuuust yet for you all but it is for me and I'm SO EXCITED FOR THIS NEW YEAR!!!!!!!! 

I just want to say something short and sweet today and leave you with an invitation because that's what missionaries do ;-)

I was pondering upon 2019 thinking how the HECK am I in flippin Australia right now sweating BUCKETS???? Crazy to think that just over a year ago I decided to leave school and what I felt was safe and right for me at the time, to prepare to serve the Lord for 18 months. It's absolutely crazy to me that I was where I was. Making the choices I was making. Steering so far off the path I thought I couldn't find it again. But 2019 has truly taught me that there are second chances. And third chances and 9121010192 chances! All the credit for that is due to Jesus Christ and His Atoning sacrifice for us. Because I was able to be forgiven for all my sins and cleansed from the darkness that surrounded my choices in life, I'm able to now, be in the light, sharing that light with God's children. How miraculous:-)

So my invitation is this... take 30 minutes (I know, so long) to first think about 2019. What are some things you wish you did? Some people you wish you helped? Things you wish happened? Choices you wish you made or didn't make? And turn those into goals. For example. If you wish you could have shared a Book of Mormon with your friend, make steps to do it next time the opportunity arises. I promise it will bless you in the long run! THEN! Read these scriptures. Along with them are "Questions of the soul." Look at the questions, ponder them and read the answer. Then you can even pray to receive an answer in the BOM for other questions you might have. 

I PINKY PROMISE all the way from Aus that this will enhance your life. The Book of Mormon is the word of God compiled of teachings of Jesus Christ that will only add goodness to your life. Even if you're not a member, the Book of Mormon will only add to your life. That's all. It's beautiful. 

2 Nephi 2:11- "Why does God allow evil and suffering to occur?"

2 Nephi 9:23 "What does Jesus Christ expect of me?"

Mosiah 2:18 "How can my family be happier and more united?"

Mosiah 24:14 "How can I find peace and joy in my trials?

Alma 5:27 "Does God know me?"

Alma 22:8 "Is there a God"

Alma 34:32 "What is my purpose in life?"

Alma 40:21 "Will my loved ones live again after death?"

3 Nephi 13:33 "How can I strengthen the relationships with those around me?"

Moroni 10:5 "How does God answer my prayers?"

I have a testimony that the Book of Mormon and the things within its pages are true. And they can help anyone, from any walk of life, making whatever decisions they may be making, surrounded by whatever amounts of darkness..to feel the spirit and love of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. I love this gospel and feel privileged to be here sharing it. I love each of you and promise you can feel happiness even more by turning 2020 into a year of serving and uplifting others while at the same time, strengthening your testimony of Heavenly Father, His son, Jesus Christ and His beautiful gospel. 

Have a GREAT week and know that you are ALL in my prayers:-)))))

I love you heaps<3

Sister Lockhart

Christmas service projects and my FEET HAGAGAHHAHAH

Hello and Merry Christmas everyone!!!! I just want to say that I love you all and I'm so glad it's Christmas time. Well now it's gone but it's great isn't it? Family time is the best time. I for sure miss it.

This week wasn't too crazy but we got to spend a long day with all the missionaries in my zone. It was so fun. We played helicopter! And if you know that game you know that game. "Helicopter helicopter over my head, what time did you pee the bed" hahahaha. It was fun to season the missionaries here on TRUE mormon culture. 

I love Christmas!!! And as my companion and I went from house to house with different families I reflected on how grateful I am for MY family. People here are so different. Not good, not bad, just different. And it's hard. Twas indeed a culture shock but how grateful and I that I get to be here! It's truly amazing the blessings that come from being a missionary. I'm sorry this email sucks but I have to go help cater at a restaurant and then mingle with non members SO...enjoy my pictures and I hope you all can ask yourself..."What gift am I going to give to the Savior this year?" Ponder and reflect on this past year and I promise you'll be able to feel the spirit as you set a new, higher and holier goal to being the Sons and Daughters of God I know you each can be.

It's hard, but nothing worth doing comes easy.

I LOVE YOU ALL. MERRY CHRISTMAS

HEAPS OF LOVE!

Sister Lockhart :-)))

Ps. I hope you're all reading the Book of Mormon AND Saints! There will be a test next week ;)

Hello if you don't understand the subject click off..

jk heehee but for real this week my whole body has been draggin around in this HEAT. I'm dripping sweat off my neck and it's just so good. A drop of sweat actually got into my eye when we were biking and I about lost my grip. Bye bye Sister Lockhart but I was graceful about it :') You're welcome for the image.

I don't have time this week so I'm going to leave you with a chapter of scripture and tell you that this chapter, in particular, is one of my all-time favorites. 3 Nephi chapter 14. I'm not attaching it either, so each of you has to go look it up ;)

BUT it's amazing. Not only is it about Jesus Christ teaching the Nephites but he's teaching the SAME doctrine and the SAME principles he taught in Bible times when He was on the earth. Imagine that! Compare to Matthew 7. I love this chapter. And each time I read it, I feel even more of a push from behind to do better. To stop complaining and start doing. It's now or never. 

But okay it's so good I'll share two verses. If you promise to look up the rest...

22 Many will say to me in that day: Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them: I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Pretty powerful right? We can fake it til we make it all we want but when it comes to the last day where we meet our Savior again, it's not gonna to cut it if we pray for forgiveness as we're walking to greet him. I promise if you start, start by preparing: reading the Book of Mormon, making and keeping sacred covenants, being a good, disciple of Christ, and following the commandments of God, you will prosper greatly. But not if you try too late. START NOW! 

God loves you and I love you and this is the time to prepare to meet God!

Wahoo for another blessed week. I'm happy to be here and I'm so grateful for the Priesthood and I'm grateful I get to celebrate the birth of my Savior so much this time of year. Look out because come Monday we're going on a jumping crocodile cruise for our Christmas present. I. AM. SO. EXCITED.

Heaps of hugs to you all and try your best to read that passage of scripture and share it with someone. It's easy once you do it ;)

LOVEEEEE

Sista Lockhart <3

Piczzz

-A quote by the G.O.A.T

-Lots of my comp and I

-Our friend Paula, that was baptized, drew that pic of us. Yes, it's the Baptism picture. Yes, I cried too. So good.

-Me with a mic. Where I belong.

-The best popsicle EVER

Hello and happy Wednesday/Thursday!!! And MERRY CHRISTMAS :-)))) 

Today, in Coles while we were shopping for groceries and Christmas decorations, the song "Ice Ice Baby" was playing and it made me feel so WEIRD. I haven't heard that song in SOOOO long. But you best believe I was rapping it to my companion...even though she wasn't too impressed. But I was and so was the old lady next to us so it's fine.

I have yet another thing that will absolutely blow your mind. I promise. Like seriously above all else this will just knock your heckin socks off. This talk called (idk which title is the right one hahaha), "Why 1820" or "Points of the Great Apostasy" by Hyrum Smith. Cool name huh? ;)

Sister Carroll and I listened to and wrote down every date for a companionship study and it took us hours. So multiple companionship studies. Because we write and then stop it, then back up, write again, go on, stop it, etc. But, let me just tell you HOW COOL it is. If you ever want to know FACTS about the church, where it came from, and WHY it's the only TRUE church on the earth, read through it!!!!! Not to say other churches aren't great and that they don't love and cherish God because some do and that's amazing. But facts are facts. And truth is truth. 

I'm going to insert pictures of my notes. Although they're messy and probably don't make sense if some of you are lazy and don't want to listen to the talk you can just read those. But it's CRAZY!!!! 

The church absolutely couldn't have been established at any other time and survived. It barely survived the years it did. But not without persecution, murder, betrayal, war, famine, etc. But it still survived didn't it? And now we have the SAME presithood power that Jesus Christ had when HE was ON the EARTH. 

I know this email isn't too juicy and I didn't eat anymore fish eggs this week (thanks goodness) BUT!! I got to see Paula, our friend, be baptised with the SAME priesthood that Jesus Christ once had. How special and how amaaaazing. 

Please please if you haven't started, read the Book of Mormon. Just try it!!! The introduction literally says that we invite all men everywhere to read it and ponder if it be true and then to ask God in the name of Christ if it's true. And guess what??? If you do that, and truly want to know, and have a sincere desire, you will know the truth of it by the power of the Holy Ghost. 

Moroni 10:4-5

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

So simple and yet so powerful. So TRY IT! I dare you. And see what happens :) I promise if you have real intent that you WILL receive an answer that the Book of Mormon is true and that the Priesthood was taken from this earth when the last apostle died and brought back, by Angel's of God, through Joseph Smith. Why would I be here if that wasn't true? I promise you I wouldn't.

So PLZ read the Book of Mormon, pray everyday, read Saints, and Read the talk I told you about!!! Your knowledge and testimony WILL grow. 

As a missionary all we do is invite people to learn. Always always. Never do I want to take away anything anyone believes, just simply add upon it, and this time I've got facts for you ;)

I love each of you tons more than I could even say. I hope you each can feel God's love for you as well, as it's a perfect love. Always follow the example Jesus Christ set, that's perfect too. 

Do good and be good and do Light the World!! Spread happiness and service simply. It's so easy!!

Here's a copy of the service Calendar as well. 

MAN IM MAKING IT SO EASY FOR YOU GUYS HAHAH

love you all heaps :-)

Sister Lockhart

Ps. Naquered means tired not naked hahaha. Say it with an aussie accent hehe

PHOTOS

-Paula's Baptism

-Thanksgiving

-Notes from the talk!!! (They'll be out of order prolly so you'll have to do the math)