There is someone we're teaching right now that struggles with making good decisions. In lessons he has such desires to go out and change his life and do good, then we hear that he struggles with keeping that motivation during the week. "In all things we should remember that being 'valiant in the testimony of Jesus' is the great dividing test between thecelestial and terrestrial kingdoms." WHOA. This hit me hard. In Quentin L. Cook's talk in Priesthood session of conference, he talked about the need to make wise choices and to rid ourselves of all rationalizations. I started studying this talk so I could glean some inspiration for our lesson with this investigator tonight, but in turn, I learned much for myself! (this is a common occurrence)
In D&C 76, the kingdoms of glory are outlined. I get so happy when I read this chapter because it says that pretty much we will all be able to live in a kingdom of glory! Heavenly Father really is a loving father! But, what is super interesting is what Elder cook stated. In verse 79 it says that those who are "valiant in their testimony of Jesus" will live with Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. In relation to this investigator, he's got to stand up to hard things, he's got to push through trials. In relation to me, I think I realized that those who rationalize, will not live in the presence of the maker. If we rationalize the commandments, we are pretty much stating that we think we know better than God and we can bend the rules for our "special circumstance." We, as humans, naturally rationalize most everything. I truly believe that while we're here on earth figuring things out, we are just figuring out how to be dependent on a higher being. We are making choices, but we are aligning ourselves with the will of God. Now when you find the magic formula that makes us easily entreated and humble to every command, let me know! But until then, it's all a process. I know that if we follow the spirit, we will never be comfortable with rationalizing. We must choose wisely because the choices we make here determine our destiny!
Sam is so beautiful!
Peter infectious smile and Jimmy (baptizing him with a broken foot). Taking one for the team!
ALL BAPTIZED IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS.
Watch out ISU, they are all now called as ward missionaries and are comin' attcha!
President,
This was a packed week. I learned many things that I need to improve upon as a missionary and leader. The mission goals we came away from Mission Leadership Council with are going to help me achieve these. I love how the spirit teaches each individual missionary, even if it is a large group. I received revelation for specific investigators in the various meetings this week.
Our zone training was very thought provoking and inspirational. As Sister Shumate and I coordinated the meeting with Elder Powers and Haws, we decided to go out of the box. When representing the new mission goals, we wanted them to buy in. Elder Powers and Haws have recognized that many missionaries in our zone struggle recognizing the importance of specific numbers for goals. To help solve the problem, we wrote a 2 on the board and had two of our recent converts, Marissa and Nessa go and write their names next to the number. They then bore testimony of the difference the gospel has made in their lives. They talked about how they are not just a number, they are people, children of Heavenly Father, and they are now changed because we treated them as exactly that. Though they are YSA, they also bore testimony of how the gospel has not just effected them, but their families too.
The experience of hearing two people I've taught bare testimony of the love they have for the gospel warmed my soul. Instilled within me came a realization of the importance of my calling. I've always known that I am out here in Eastern Idaho inviting others to come unto Christ, but in this meeting, the sense of pride for my calling came full force. I am so proud of the tag that I wear. I know that I represent Jesus Christ.
Peter and Sam's baptisms this weekend were momentous. I find it funny how each baptism is so different, even if it is structured the exact same. No one could slap the smile off of Peter's face. He was beaming from ear to ear 99.9% of his baptism, I'm pretty sure even as he was immersed under the water. Sam's baptism felt like one big happy family event. The whole ward came to support. And guess who took part in the program? 3 recent converts! Marisa said the opening prayer, Nessa gave a talk on baptism, and Dean baptized her!
I know that the gospel is infectious and spreads like wildfire! I've loved the example of member missionary work these wards have shown me. They just inspire me to do better!
Our sisters are doing great! We're strengthening from the root, each companionship. Sister Brimley and Sheppard had a little scare with their car crash, but they are doing well and have taken it like champs. We're striving to be the first group to hit the Standard of Excellence!
Sister Fredrick
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