March 8, 2010

Mom and Dad,

Thanks for the quotes I love those, I actually crave family council and family home evening- it is essential to our happiness!

"I spend half my time counting my blessings and the other half thanking the Lord for them and that leaves no time to feel sorry for myself." The Lord had poured out blessings on this area- we have seven people preparing to be baptized out here in the country- buenas noticias. I have truly felt the joy that comes from the promise of King Benjamin- that if we have used the Atonement in our life we should ALWAYS remember our own nothingness and the greatness of God THEN we will always rejoice...along with many other amazing, uncomprehendable blessings. "There are times in our lives when it seems easy to be grateful. We feel so blessed and cared for." President Mckay said " We find in teh bitter chill of adversity the real test of our gratitude; and that is true gratitude, which, triumphing over conditions merely physical and external, fidns its ground of thankfulness in God Himself. It is independent of circumstances. It goes beneath the surface fo live, whether sad of joyous, and founds itself upon God."

I have truly felt the comforting reassurance in hard times as I humble myself and work with faith. I used to think I had something to do with this work.. but as Alma testified to Helaman I know these things to be true as of no worthiness of myself. There is nothing I can do or have done to merit myself being here except for obedience to Heavenly Father's commandments and humility. I realized for myself that as I pray to do Heavenly Father's will even in the hardest of circumstances he will always send help. Just as Christ prayed for the sustaining help to do Heavenly Father's will in the Garden of Gethsemane.

We met a store owner the other day that has been working in the same store for 17 years- he doesn't know much about God and three years back he was robbed, beaten and lost everything so he had to start again. He has worked his whole life to make a living but is beginning to find out another realm of Joy. I'm truly proud to be a missionary of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I was talking to a man the other day who feels that we are amazing people and do amazing things but our doctrine is wrong. What?! you might as well say that is our Doctrine- to live as followers of Christ! But as much as we try and speak and tell it is not sufficient...a true seeker of truth has their heart open to the spirit. Heavenly Father has said that he reveals little by little and then will add more according to our faith. He counseled Nephi to not write more at one point as "to try the faith of my people" Sister Clifton and I have seen this in the work we have been counseled by the spirit to stop at points because their hearts are not open.

Time to go- I love to teach!

I hope you all are happy I'm so grateful for you and your support I'm glad to hear all is well. I miss those quotes too. Jeep still not fixed then?

****Dad you should incorporate Preach my Gospel into Family council and Family Home Evening it is perfect for teaching Gospel Principles I love it!