Week 14

July 24, 2018

AHHHHHH TIME IS FLYING!!

I am on week 12 of 12 weeks of being trained.

My trainer...”dad”...Elder Burgess is amazing and has been making my experience out here fantastic. I've learned so much this past 2 transfers that will help push me through the next 21 months strong.

There was a talk given at church this Sunday that was phenomenal! A brother in the ward talked about how our faith in The Savior, Jesus Christ needs to be invested & not sprung about in times of need. It was eye opening and powerful.

It's been a busy fun week. I say it's a busy week every week hoping that it slows down.... but it doesn't:) hahaha that's the mission field, busy hectic days especially on preparation day.

So I'll make this quick.

Woah woah woah before I start.... I love you… yes you. Yep you...the one reading this right now. I love you so much.

Ponder these 3 questions as you read on:

1- What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ?

2- What can you do or have you done to strengthen that faith?

3- Do you trust the Lord as much as he trusts you? If not, what are you going to do to change that?

For me having faith in Jesus Christ is not just believing that he exists. It's not just believing that he is the Son of God and that he died for me, but it is COMPLETELY KNOWING that Jesus Christ is with me right now, yesterday & tomorrow. It is KNOWING that he is reaching his hand out to me ALWAYS & I have the choice to accept it.  Jesus Christ is not just the Son of God. He is not just our Savior. Jesus Christ is our literal brother. He is our brother that is the PERFECT EXAMPLE of how we can return to live with him and Heavenly Father after this life. He cares about us. He doesn't pick and choose whom he cares about and wants to help. He picks all of us...It is up to us to accept his help.

Ways I strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ is CPR

CHURCH.

PRAY.

READ.

Church reminds me of the importance of our savior Jesus Christ. By partaking of the Sacrament each week, I am reminded of that cleansing feeling I had when I came up from the waters of baptism 11 years ago. I am reminded that my Father in Heaven loves me and has provided a (not easy, but simple) plan to return to him. I am fellowshipped by hundreds of people each week that show me love, care, and appreciation. They offer support and guidance, as does our brother Jesus Christ.

Praying brings me so close to God. Soooooo close. I didn't realize how routine my short vague prayers were until I came on a mission. I pray each morning and night for everything individually that I am thankful for. I ask for specific blessings. As I recognize what I am thankful for each and every day, I am more aware of tender mercies throughout my day. I've learned that praying LITERALLY is me having a conversation with my loving Heavnely Father. He wants to hear us. He cares. So pray with real intent and a true desire to learn from Him.

Reading the scriptures provides clear answers to everything. As I pray and seek for guidance and ask the Lord questions...I find my answers through reading the Book of Mormon. As I read, I receive feelings of comfort and peace from the Holy Ghost. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have offered us SOOOO much. It is all found and taught in the Book of Mormon. So why aren't we reading it as often as we should?!?!? 

I know the Book of Mormon is true.

I know it is the word of God.

I testify to people each and every day of the importance of the Book because I have seen how it has affected my life.

If we are saying we have faith in Jesus Christ if we are praying to Heavenly Father, but we are not reading....

THEN WHAT ARE WE EXPECTING??? 

Reading the Book of Mormon is such a huge role in our conversion. 

I promise you. I can absolutely promise you peace and comfort if you will read the Book of Mormon and pray with real intent to know of its truthfulness.

I love you and God loves you even more

Have an amazing week!!!

Keep growing and looking for miracles, I promise the Lord will send them your way just keep looking.

- Elder Shua Newbold