This week has truly been a week of miracles! I absolutely love my sector and companion. We have found so many people who are progressing very well, accepting baptism dates, and coming to church. My companion and I have been working so well together and all of the members have continued to work with us daily, encircling our investigators with their love. We couldnt be doing so well without their help. We also recieved the printed copy of the conference talks this week, and I have absolutely loved being able to study them more in depth.
I have been learning a lot in my personal studies this week, and have truly come to realize how important it is to take the time for our spiritual well being every single day. I find such joy in reading The Book of Mormon. Something I have been doing is keeping track of the geneology during each of the books so I know exactly who is talking, where they are, and how they connect to other people in the Book of Mormon. So many things have clicked and started making more sense to me. It is truly amazing to me how the records have been passed down for hundreds of years and we have them now in our hands. I know with all my heart that the Book of Mormon is the word of god and most correct book out of any other in the Earth. I would challenge each of you to be certain that you are reading from its pages daily. I know there is a strength that comes from feasting upon the words of Christ. I have seen the blessings every day in my life.
I know that you have all already celebrated Thanksgiving, but I recieved a Thanksgiving package from my family just after it passed and thanks to my loving mother, I was able to read a talk by President Uchtdorf titled Grateful in any circumstances. This talk was truly an answer to my prayers and provided the very comfort and knowledge I needed. He shares the words of the prophet Joseph Smith when he was in the Libery Jail, Let us cheefully do all things that lie in our power... it is true that sometime I cant control what happens in life. I cant chage the things that hurt and the disapointments that may come, but President Uchtdorf goes on to say...Being grateful in time of distress does not mean that we are pleased with our cirumstances. It does mean that through the eyes of faith we look beyond our present day challenges... Through this faith I am more able to accept the will of God and look forward with hope for all the blessings that lie in store for me and my family. I do not know all the struggles that are to come in this life, but I can remain firm and find peace in the truths I do know...that our father hs given his children the great plan of happiness that through the Atonement of his son, Jesus Christ, we can live forever with our loved ones, that in the end, we will have florious, perfect, and immortal bodies, unburdened by sickness or disability. and that our tears of sadness and loss will be replaced wit han abundance of happiness and joy. The more we learn about the gospel of JEsus CHrist, the more we realize that endings here in mortality are not endings at all. They are merely interruptions temporary pauses that one day will seem small compared to the joy awaiting the faithful.
I find such comfort in the words of President Uchtodrf and know (there are no true endings only everlasting beginnings) Heavenly Father has so much in store for me and my family and with this knowledge I feel even more motivated to live my life the best I can to one day recieve the many blessings of eternity. I am filled with the spirit of gratitude and am so thankful for my Savior and the enabling power of his atonemnet. What a special time of year to celebrate and remember his birth. He truly is the greatest gift we have been given.
I love you all and want to thank you for your love and support. I feel so blessed and strengthened by your prayers and letters of encouragement. Have a wonderful week!
Con mucho amor,
Hermana Parkin