Hola a todos! I hope you each have been able to have a wonderful general conference weekend. Isn't there such a sweet spirit that the prophetic servants of the Lord bring through their words? I certainly have been spiritually uplifted and enlightened during the course of this weekend. It's incredible that the spirit can help millions of listeners receive a direct message to them from heaven through the words of one man or woman. I certainly was subject to this great wonder as I felt the words of these inspired men speak directly to my heart. I know that the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is divinely directed and inspired. Including this weekend, it has been manifest to me on multiple occasions the validity of these individuals. God be thanked for the gift of living prophets who guide us today.
A temple in Winchester!!!! Hearing that announcement was one of the most special moments of my entire mission. For those who do not know, my mission does not have a temple located within the mission boundaries. Temple visits to DC are limited and permitted only upon approval from the area 70 and attendance of recent converts. On top of that, I previously served in Winchester before arriving in Hagerstown, MD. So you can imagine my excitement to hear that a) Our mission would finally be getting a temple, and b) it will be in one of my previous areas!
So it's been a little while! Since the last time we've talked I've gotten a new companion who happens to be my original MTC companion, Elder Parker. He's a dedicated, devoted servant of the Lord and I know we will accomplish great things together. Our Spanish branch here is on the verge of becoming a ward and we are working the hardest I've ever worked on my mission to accomplish it. I've never had so much energy nor dedication to do the work like I do now and I thank the Lord for every ounce of strength He gives me. And I thank each of you for the relentless support that you have offered me during these last 15 months.
I wish to share a brief spiritual thought that was shown to me by a member. Turning to Alma 32 in the Book of Mormon, we learn a lot about faith. Alma the prophet teaches us a profound analogy regarding a seed and the conversion of it into a tree. At the end of the chapter, Alma proceeds to give us a mini formula for success in growing the tree. The tree could be our families, jobs, physique, church callings, or personal spiritual development. The three words mentioned multiple times are faith, diligence, and patience. 1, we have to have faith. A vision. We have to know where we are, and then know where we want to be and then believe it's possible. 2, we have to be diligent. We can't give it a half-effort. 3, we need to be patient. When we are patient, we understand that the fruit thereof will come in the timing of the Lord, but it will come. Verse 41 also states "Looking forward to the fruit thereof..." We have to be focused on where we want to go. We must not spare a glance to the left or the right or we might lose our way. Arriving will be determined by our focus on what it is we are trying to achieve. I invite each of you to create goals. Especially spiritual ones. Apply the teachings of Alma and I promise you that you will begin to see the fruits of your labors.
No comments:
Post a Comment