Week 58 - Last General Conference Weekend of the Mission

 "The mission doesn't change you, the Gospel does. The mission gives you an opportunity to live the gospel full-time."

Hi!

I'm pretty bummed, I forgot to bring my General Conference notes to the library... There was so much beautiful and powerful direction and counsel given over the last two weekends. I loved Elder Ballard's talk yesterday. I'll have to go over my notes and send highlights next week. If you didn't get a chance to watch, or if you're looking for some peace in this crazy world, please take some time to listen to the words of our living prophets, seers and revelators.

I heard about the craziness in Las Vegas.. I'm sure many of you felt the same sorrow and anger I experienced. Miraculously, just hours before that we had the opportunity to receive direction and council from Living Prophets of God, much of which taught us how to be spiritually and temporally prepared for the tragic events of these last days, which were prophesied of long before now.

As I thought of the stark contrast between the peace I felt during Conference and the anger I felt upon learning of that tragedy, the spirit reminded me that only the Atonement of Jesus Christ can take away anger and fear that threatens to disrupt our eternal progression. 

Rather than post of our anger and sadness on social media, let us testify of the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. With boldness, honesty and love share the gift we have with those who "know not where to find it." (Doctrine and Covenants 123:12)

If you can't yet feel, with conviction, the reality of that power, search it out. Pray for it, and seek after it. Study the scriptures to understand the beautiful doctrine that has been given to us in this life for these very moments. 

I know and testify along with the leaders of the Lord's church on earth, that "the Book of Mormon exposes the tactics of the adversary." And that "Our faith prepares us to be in the presence of God."

Before you go thinking "Woop, there she goes again getting all 'missionary mode' on us..." I just want you to know that I am still very much myself. I'm fully aware of what the "real world" is like outside of the mission. I remember what it's like to go out with my friends, laugh until I can't breath, and listen to music other than the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

I'm serving on a collage campus after all. I don't think I've ever felt more "in the world" than I have these past few months. The advantage I have right now is that I'm set apart from the world as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, and as such have been given the opportunity to live closer to the spirit than I ever have. I don't have distractions like social media, news, and the competition of the world. My mind has never been clearer.

So when I tell you that these things are true, I'm fully aware of how "out dated, bizarre" and "unpopular" they may seem in the worlds eyes. However, eternal truths are just that. True, eternally. They do not change based on opinion and societies of the world. They existed LONG before this earth did. As did you. 

If you want to feel peace, understand yourself, and see things as they really are, then start studyi 

ng the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Implement His teachings into your life, and see for yourself if wisdom and understanding beyond this world doesn't start to come. In the Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi chapter 24 Jesus Christ is teaching some of his doctrine to a group of people here in ancient America. He says to them "Prove me now herewith.. if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it." 

Do not short change yourself in the knowledge, experience and blessings you are on earth to receive, because you were too distracted, stubborn or scared to seek after them.

I gained a testimony of fasting and prayer this week. Sister Begay and I planned to fast for a day in preparation for General Conference. We said a prayer to start our fast just before we left the house on Thursday for an appointment with our investigator, Cole. We had already planned to invite Cole to be baptized, which we did. As the lesson went on I felt prompted to ask if he'd like to show his faith by preparing to be baptized on the 14th of October. He looked surprised and smiled as he asked if he could do it that soon. When we told him that it was according to his faith and desire to follow Christ's example, you could visibly see his countenance change, he was so happy! It just so happens that his friend, a recent convert herself, who introduced him to the gospel will be here visiting that weekend! The timing is perfect. He has been coming to church, and the YSA activities. He came and watched a session of conference at President Sally's house yesterday, where he said he felt like he received direction for himself. Wow, it's just been so awesome.

Things are going so well here in the Tuscaloosa YSA. We're coordinating Wheeler's baptism with the Sister missionaries in Arazona. That will take place on Oct 21st.

Sister Begay and I set a goal at the beginning of the transfer to have two baptisms this transfer, and we're so happy to see that goal realized! We feel that because we set the goal, and because we had prayed and began our fast, we were able to have the spirit with us more fully. I have felt that increase of the spirit this whole week.

The pictures I sent this week are kind of random... We had a Zone conference, which was really great. There were masses of people in town for the Ole Miss vs. Bama game... contacting during all the tailgating is one of my favorite things 😂 prime people-watching. Saw of painted portrait of Jose, Jalapeno on a Stick in a delicious taco joint we ate at this week. Made me miss home a bit.. haha!

I love you!

Teirs