It's snowing a bunch here. I really like snow, but I think I prefer to
enjoy it from inside. But I'd take missionary work out in the snow any
day to be honest.
Christmas is so close! I can't believe it!
Elder Ballard told us when he was here in the mission that for every
hard moment we have, we should spend a moment in the garden tomb,
thinking about when Christ was resurrected and to remember that Christ
has overcome the world for us.
In the ensign this month Elder Christofferson invited us to spend some
time in the stable in Bethlehem, with the baby Jesus and think of that
holy sacred night when our Savior was born. That peace is so
beautiful. One day this week during lunch sister Anderson and I were
cutting out snowflakes to bring to people after a morning of running
around trying to get logistical things done and we had turned on some
Christmas music. Silent Night came on and I just couldn't help but
remember that the reason I am out here on the mission is to serve my
Savior Jesus Christ and love God. If we could just remember our
dedication to Them, our lives would be so blessed.
Luis was baptized this Saturday! It was amazing, the last few lessons
we had with him before his baptism were incredible because he was just
so happy. Once he had made the decision to be baptized he was so firm
in that decision. He had many questions, but relied on his commitment
to Jesus Christ and the answer he had received that this is the
correct church.
Sunday he received a calling, was confirmed a member of the Church,
and also was ordained to the aaronic priesthood. It was a very big day
and he was very surprised (we were too!) and a little overwhelmed, but
mostly so happy. He is excited to take part in the church and serve as
much as he can.
We went to the temple with Wilmer to do baptisms for the dead.
Afterwards we invited him to make time to go once a month to the
temple. He looked at us like we were nuts and told us that was not
nearly enough, that he wants to go as often as he can. There is so
much clarity and peace in the temple. I feel so blessed to be able to
enter. It was one of the most amazing moments of my life to see Wilmer
there, I am so happy for him, and so grateful that he has a testimony
of Jesus Christ and loves the temple. In Gospel Principles on Sunday
he was sitting with an investigator and answering his questions and
telling him how much he loved this gospel and that this investigator
needs to do everything he can to go to the temple with his family.
In general I feel so filled with gratitude. And this gratitude doesn't
depend on me or anything that I have a part in- I am just in awe of
missionary work- of Gods plan and purpose. That people are prepared
and touched by the spirit and changed by the hand of the Master.
Living the Gospel is to partake of the gift of the Atonement. It
brings purpose to life, safety to our families, forgiveness, hope,
unity, peace, and the promise of eternal life.
We found a new investigator this week, her name is Patricia. We
knocked on her door and immediately she opened the door and let us in.
She told us she had just had a scary experience and prayed for some
help. And then we showed up! We promised her that the gospel would
change her life, bring peace to her family, and bring them closer to
God. She was crying when she told us she believed us. We went back and
had a marvelous lesson in the Restoration of the Gospel with her and
her whole family!
I know we all have imperfections. That's part of the deal, we come to
earth and although we try our best to follow Jesus Christ, we live in
a fallen world and make mistakes. But those who accept Christs gift,
His invitation, we can be made clean. Forgiveness is the most amazing
thing to receive. It shows us that there really is a way for us to be
back Home with our Father in Heaven. When we trust our Savior and
depend on Him, although we aren't perfect, we will be clean. I am so
grateful for Gods plan of mercy. I was reading in Alma 42 this
morning- God must be just to be God, but He does not have to be
merciful to continue being God. Because of His perfect love for us He
has created the plan of mercy. I am so grateful to know of this plan
and feel of Christs love and power.
For aGod so bloved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life.
I love you all, have an amazing Christmas,
Sister Ogden