Family,
Another week down, something like 60
left. I’m glad you liked the photos.
I’m better at smiling now, somewhat
unfortunately, I’ve forgotten how to make the mean "default" face I
used to make back home. Wearing a badge with Jesus's name on it means you
have to look happy or at least content all the time.
I’m doing well, this week better
than last, or the one before that, working on a few things. I’m getting
on pretty well with everyone in the branch, so that’s good as well.
Great to hear all of those wonderful
people were asking about me, I miss our Ward, it’s a great Ward. Tell everyone
I said hello and thanks for everything. How’s Mark Wilson? Or Bro
Johnson? Bro Karen? Those are some good guys I think about here and
there, the influence of a GOOD young men’s leader sticks with the young man his
whole life, that’s one thing I’ve learned and taken note of.
Like I said the time in Perth hasn’t
been a cake walk. I felt a little discouraged and decided that my faith wasn’t
really where it should be. I was talking to people hoping they would accept the
message but not having much faith that they would, and it was hampering the
spirits ability to do anything. I recognized this after praying about my
problem, and was led to a talk about Faith in Christ, which lifted my spirits
on the subject. I spent the last week evaluating my diligence and
dedication and recommisioned myself to the work, twice as obedient, twice as diligent
and prayed for faith. I’m doing much better, and I’m twice as happy. I haven’t
lacked in work or effort or obedience or anything, I’ve just tried to reevaluate
the reason and purpose for why I’m sacrificing and serving a mission.
Through a lot of prayer and studies, my faith and knowledge is increasing and I’m
definitely getting closer to the Savior.
I definitely have a testimony that you’re
happier as you work harder. Hard work and happiness are directly related.
I’m doing well, happy, working harder than ever because im more driven than
ever. I’m running on all cylinders, full steam ahead, I feel a greater
desire and enthusiasm for the work. It’s come as I’ve compared my desires
with the questions and comments made by former high judge Alma in chapter 5 of
his book, and reevaluating myself.
I’m focusing on studying the
Atonement, a fascinating subject. It seems to me because of the
importance and subjectual centrality of the topic of the Atonement of Jesus
Christ, the spirit is eager and therefore quick to manifest and testify of
truths concerning it. It’s a quick way to feel the spirit, reading about Christ
and trying to imagine him, physically doing the things he did, with a human
body, feeling all the pains that we feel. I think we forget, and I’m
guilty of forgetting, that the Savior was not immune to pain or fear.
LUKE 22 describes Jesus's fear and sorrow as he anticipated what he knew was
going to be very hard, and described it as the bitter cup. Amazing subject,
endless study opportunities.
In the bible, the word Atonement is
mentioned 1 time. In the Book of Mormon, 36. That’s why the spirit
testifies so intensely of the Book of Mormon, it’s a cover to cover testimony
of the Savior.
……. is learning, still
progressing. We invited her to be baptized, she said she wants to be
baptized, but wants to learn more and become more comfortable with the spirit,
for being so young, she is very mature and smart, and we agreed to help her to
read and learn the Gospel until she decides that she is ready for baptism.
Thanks for everything, I love you so
much. I hope the work at home is going well.
Sounds like a great book Mom, if you
think about it, in John 4:14, Jesus describes the importance of taking into our
minds only good things when he says, he who drinketh of the waters which I have
to offer him will never thirst, (I’m paraphrasing), but it’s what we
"drink of" that determines our thoughts and actions quite a lot, so
we need to ask ourselves, what are we drinking from, is the fountain of living
waters that Jesus spoke about? Is it too much TV, Xbox, or
facebook? It’s a good thought.
Have a great week, Love you. Your
son,
Elder Merrill
No comments:
Post a Comment