Goodness

I love the little things. Little moments and details help me see how near God is to us. This week I found joy in surprise attack hugs from the little children in our wards, in delicious gluten-free enchiladas, in hearing the voice of the Lord speak to me from the scriptures and through the priesthood, and seeing our investigators smile.

We walked into an investigator's home four days ago, and she stopped us and said: "now, I know we like to start with a prayer, but before we do anything, I want to let you guys know that I've decided to be baptized." And the rest is history. I couldn't stop smiling. She has come so far! From when her husband died, and told her he wished she could be with him forever, to going through severe depression and withdrawals, and finally choosing to meet with us and come to church every week: now her light is brilliant and growing each day!
I LOVE THE POWER OF THE ATONEMENT

Heavenly Father is always poignantly aware of us. As I have taken the time to notice how aware he truly is, my heart has been filled to overflowing and my burdens have been made light. It seems that every wonderful thing comes to me as I focus on bringing souls unto Christ. 

"And now, my brethren, how is it possible that ye can lay hold upon every good thing? And now I come to that faith of which I said I would speak; and I will tell you the way whereby ye may lay hold on every good thing. for behold, God knowing all things being from everlasting to everlasting behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing." -Moroni 7:20-22

His whole desire is for us to partake of the goodness of God. It is ours for the taking. 

Choose this day to more fully receive Christ's Atonement for you by prayerfully studying the doctrines of the Book of Mormon and applying them to your lives. There is tremendous power in that book. It clarifies and supports the holy  Bible and invites the Spirit to enlighten our minds as we humbly seek to know of its divine origins. It's just awesome. 

Love,

Sister B

Jesus Christ

I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. Sometimes I have to work on it. Sometimes a lot. It could be crazy to the world that a person on this Earth was the Son of God. That He raised people from the dead and healed incurable diseases. That He suffered the pains and afflictions- the weaknesses and foolishness of all mankind. That He loved us, truly loved each of us, even the meanest, most selfish, most bitter of all of us-- He chose to love and die for. I want to bear my testimony this week, because we read this morning a quote from President Monson: "Regarding one's testimony, remember, that which one willingly shares he keeps, while that which he selfishly keeps he loses. …" and I never want to lose my conviction that there definitely IS a Savior of this world, and His name is Jesus Christ. We also read this morning that "having a testimony of Jesus Christ means having a testimony of His Atonement." To me, the Atonement of Jesus Christ supports the strength that I feel from day to day in each living moment. Most importantly, it supports my faith to repent and become better continually. 

I tend to always remember everything, but the Atonement allows me to forgive and forget.

We are so blessed to know these things! If you look around you, the difference between those who know, and those who don't is starkly apparent. There is nothing more humbling to me than realizing how much I am blessed. How great our responsibility to share the gifts we have been given!

Be Steadfast and Immovable
Be Strong and of a Good Courage

Fear not, only be believing

Go forth with Faith!

"Look unto me in Every Thought; Doubt not, Fear not." - Jesus Christ

"Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him-- Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life." Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5

Christ is the rock you have to lean on in life. Lean on Him by praying, by writing His words on your heart, by feeding and clothing and visiting Him, and you may do all things which He requires of you, for He will prepare the way before you. I hope to know these things some day with a perfect knowledge, but for now, I testify from feelings in my heart and experiences in my life: I know that my Redeemer lives.

I'm feeling your prayers, and so deeply grateful! Love you all!

Sister B