My thoughts this last week have
centered on conversion. The mission/life is a refiner's fire that
purifies and cleans. The high heat of afflictions and adversity won't
consume me but rather will serve to burn off all the impurities and
weakness that I have. I found a scripture this morning that really
opened my eyes to how I should react to trials. In D&C 112:13, I
learned that the burning off of weaknesses and impurities isn't magic.
Trials humble us and help us realize that which we can get rid of,
what is weighing us down, and hindering our ability to draw closer to
our Heavenly Father. I read a talk the other day about how sometimes we
pray to get out of the trials we have in life. However, that would
ruin the whole purpose of the trials. The Lord knows that a little pain
now will serve for protection and avoidance of a lot more pain in the
future. The Lord will bless us with the help we need to overcome the
trial, receiving the experience and knowledge that will serve us in this
life and in the eternities.
Judging by what I just wrote you are all wondering
if I had a rough week!! HAHA, is was pretty trying but a wonderful
chance to burn off what is really not worth having and an opportunity to
become more like Christ!! We had a family of 5 that was going to get
baptized but they weren't going to be able to complete 100% of the
commandments and so we had to hold off the baptism. This week we
hope to help them make the necessary changes in order to be baptized
this coming week!!
We had a miracle on Monday in which a family opened
the door and told us that they knew we were coming. They even told us
that they knew we were representatives of Christ before opening the
door!! How cool is that!! Honestly, I was kind of like..."How does
that work?!" But, hey the Lord definitely prepared this family! They
came to church on Sunday on their own and are happily preparing
themselves for baptism this coming week!
I had the chance two times this last week to be in
Stake Presidency meetings with President and WOW was that a great
experience. There are many amazing examples to me in the Church and
President is such a spiritual powerhouse (I cannot think of a better way to
put it :) ). I really enjoyed learning more from him!! We also have a
Zone Leader Council this coming week and I am excited to learn more from
him and the other zone leaders.
We have 9 people this week preparing for baptism and
I have a lot of hope for SUPER success this week! I love you all lots
and lots and hope you have a SUPER week!! HAHA, by the way the word SUPER is a
word the really rich people say here!! HAHA, it made me laugh when I
learned that!!
LOVE,
Elder Janis
