Hi everyone! This week has been one of even more blessings and lessons to be learned. I am amazed that even when I think I am learning so much, there is always something new to be experienced, something new to teach me. I love that about this life. We really are here to learn and grow, one step at a time, together! I am so grateful for the support and help I have been
blessed with by having all of you in my life, and I am amazed by your examples
and faith. Thank you for helping me learn to see the tender mercies and become
who I am today. I pray that each one of you will be blessed and will receive
the ability to overcome all trials and challenges you will face.
At times it can seem like everything is going along without
anything special happening, or even that there isn't any good around us, but
the truth is there are "gems" in the road where we walk. This week I have
been really blessed to be able to see these gems. On Wednesday in particular,
we saw lots of them! First of all, in our area the people here are very
comfortable with the life they have and are very relaxed. It is really evident
as one of the greetings they say is "Total Tranquil." This can make
it really hard to find people who are truly interested in learning or changing
their lives, but I have seen that the Lord really is preparing "gems"
who are ready to hear and learn. As we walk along the road, we have to look for
them, but they are there! So that said, on Wednesday Elder Letelier and I were
able to have 3 lessons and find 7 new interested people! That is something
truly remarkable for our area, and I know it was a blessing from heaven and an
answer to prayers and fasting. Of course, not every day can be like this, in
fact the rest of the week was pretty normal with not being able to find many
people to speak with, but I know there are always these gems to find if we just
look.
So if those who are being prepared to hear the message of
the gospel are the "gems", you might be wondering, who are the
diamonds? The members! Those who have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ and
have been refined by his atonement! I was able to see this week how important
these diamonds are in finding and helping turn gems into diamonds. On Friday I
was able to have my first lesson with members present and I was so grateful
for this experience! It taught me the importance and value of having these
diamonds to testify and develop relationships with those who are learning the
message of Jesus Christ. We were teaching a sister named Julia, who lost her
son about a year ago, and has been really struggling to overcome the pain and
sadness of this event. We were able to bring a member who has lost a family
member, and it was amazing because at the beginning Julia was reserved and not
talking much, but then the dear member stood up and just hugged and held Julia
for a moment. Julia cried, and the sister simply loved and comforted her. After
this, Julia opened up and it was such a sweet experience for me! I know when we
use the diamonds, it helps them even more, helps the gems, and helps us.
The beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that we are all working together to
help each other in this refining process. That´s why we´re here! To be refined
and to help others do the same.
Quote of the week: We tread a path covered with diamonds,
but we can scarcely distinguish them from ordinary pebbles -Elder Uchtdorf
Scripture of the week:Ether 12:27
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