Hey guys!!
What an
incredible week It has been!! It's hard to believe that my first transfer as a
missionary is coming to a close. I have learned more about my testimony and
relationship with my savior in these past six weeks than ever before. Sister
Mason Is leaving :( but I am staying in Ventura! She was seriously an answer to
my prayers. I could not have been with a sweeter person! Plus.. we had a blast
together and had some of the most awkward, funny experiences. (You don't know
awkward until you knock on random peoples doors sharing the gospel) haha. Oh, I
forgot to mention Sister Mason sleep talks and teaches the lessons in her
sleep. It is tooo good haha, but I am definitely excited to see what this next
transfer brings!
This week,
Sister Mason and I sang at a baptism. The singing was rough, but the baptism
was amazing! Tony was able to attend and it made him super excited for his
baptism coming up. We had an incredible lesson with him on Monday night… we
taught him the gospel of Jesus Christ with brother and sister Wood! Having
lessons in the member’s home brings the spirit even more. Brother Wood was able
to give Tony a priesthood blessing so that He would have the strength to quit
smoking this week. It was so powerful and that next day he had only smoked ONE
cigarette. We also met with him on Thursday night with Sister Belisle! Sister
Belisle has been in his exact situation.. her testimony and advice to him was
absolutely perfect. We try to understand his situation best we can, but when
someone knows exactly how you're feeling, they can better relate. We talked a
bit about the power of the atonement and sister belisle expressed that,
"If she could do it, he could too." Tony is doing AWESOME! He just
has to resist the temptation to smoke and drink his coffee. He desires to give
it up and he said that Monday would be the day that he quits completely.
This week we
went and visited Linda! Usually when we visit with her, she doesn't share much
interest in the church because she is pretty devoted to her catholic faith. But
this time when we met with her, she was asking a lot of questions about our
services. She asked if we have music and we said, "OF COURSE!" We
were able to then sing for her. She's
really struggling with overcoming her knee surgery, and she expressed to us the
peace she feels when we come and are able to visit with her. At the end of our
visit she offered to pray, she prayed
that she may be able to heal quickly, so she could attend church! Every time we
go over she says, "YOU MORMONS SHOW UP EVERY TIME I'M IN A CRISIS! I think
God is telling me something here."
We also met
with Danni! She is still doing awesome!! We gave her a Children's Book of
Mormon and she loved it! She's getting really excited about her baptism coming
up on May 3rd!
Conference
weekend was SO great. I don't think I can just pick one talk that was my
favorite, they were all so good. I especially noticed a pattern in Saturday's
sessions of the importance of being a true disciple of Jesus Christ…about the
importance of defending our faith and not hiding it. Sometimes that can be
tough. Especially out here, I've really had to learn to defend my faith and
what I believe, BUT with compassion and courtesy. I loved Russell M. Nelson's
talk about being truly Tied to God.. and "Increasing your faith,
Proclaiming your faith, and letting your faith show." I loved Lawerence E.
Corbridge's talk about the restoration. "There will ALWAYS be opposition
to the truth." Ah, I needed to hear that one! I also loved what Richard G.
Scott emphasized…Sometimes the only way we can influence someone is just by
showing them love, that's how we can be a significant influence in someone's
life. Just by simply loving them, THEN they will feel God's love through you.
President Thomas S. Monson is so inspired, I loved how simple, yet powerful his
message was. Loving one another and expressing kindness can change the world
and change hearts. (I had a lot of favorites haha) What a blessing it is to know that we have a
prophet on the earth today that receives revelation for our benefit. The Lord
truly loves each of his children and wants the best for us. He wants us to
enjoy all the blessings this gospel has to offer and he's blessed us with that
guidance. I love this gospel.. I love this work. I am so grateful that I have
the opportunity to see miracles each day, but you can too! You don't need a
name tag to share the gospel or show your faith. I LOVE YOU ALL.
Sister James
Sister James
No comments:
Post a Comment