January 21, 2019
 |
| Practicing Lessons |
 | ||
| Some of his Zone with the Idaho Flag |
I have been wearing my jacket. Sister Carvajal says she'll call you
if I don't, so I have to, haha. I got a package with a bunch of notes
from people in the ward back home, and it made me super happy. I
especially loved Benjamin Bowles note. It was great. Yes, the family
that hasn't been coming came. We stopped by their house 10 minutes
before church to make sure they were ready. It made us happy that they
were already ready when we got there. But we're doing this every week
from now on. Also, I was sad when I got the rubik's cube for Christmas
because the instructions were online, and neither Elder Nelson nor I
knew how to solve it. But I went on exchanges with Elder Darcey on
Tuesday who taught me how to solve it as we walked from door to door. It
took me about half and hour to figure it out. And now I solve it
non-stop because it's surprisingly satisfying. On a completely different
note, next week we might go to the Temple, which we are so ridiculously
excited for, but that means that I might not be able to email until
next Tuesday. Just make sure to let everyone know. Also, Ian told me he
was probably moving to Utah when I saw him a little before Christmas. It
was pretty sad, but it's okay cuz I'll still get to see him at college.
But I told him we would all miss him and his family.
I'm
really glad Max is doing better. I've been trying to help, but I'm not
sure how I can help. It's hard while I'm not there for him. That is a
fantastic quote, I love that. That's something that I never really
noticed too much until shortly before my mission. Trials are necessary.
Hardships are vital to our growth. What would we learn if life was easy?
How would we become more like God if we were given everything without
having to suffer for it? Sometimes as a missionary I wonder why it's not
easier. I love the way Elder Holland put it when he said, "I am
convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a
cheap thing! Salvation was never cheap! Why would we expect it to be
easy for us, when it was never, ever easy for Him?!? This is the living
Son of the living God saying, "Isn't there some other way?" If Jesus can
fall on His face in the night, bleeding from every pore crying,
"Father, Abba, Papa, take this cup from me!" Then little wonder that
salvation is not a cheap thing. Little wonder life isn't easy." That is
something I've really been able to see as I have learned more about the
Atonement. The Atonement is the greatest act of love there ever was or
ever will be. Imagine having to suffer everything that everyone has ever
had to suffer. Imagine having to feel the heartache of losing a child,
the pain of losing a limb, the trauma of war, and everything else there
is. Over and over and over again. I am so grateful that He loves me
enough to suffer for my stupidity. To feel the pain I feel because He
loves me enough to just give me the chance to be exalted. The Savior
didn't just suffer for those who would go to the Celestial Kingdom
because He knew those were the only ones who would appreciate and take
advantage of the Atonement. No. He suffered for everyone anyway. He
suffered for those who would deny Him. For those who would kill Him. He
even suffered for Judas. Who would betray Him. Because despite our many,
many faults, He loves us. With a perfect, unending love. I am so
grateful for Him. And for His sacrifice.
I
am glad that Max was able to get ordained, and I am glad for everyone
who was there. I know it must have been hard for dad not to participate
in the ordination. I am sorry for that. But I am so glad he was there to
support Max. I had a really cool spiritual experience Saturday night. I
have been struggling to know how I can help you guys at home.
Specifically Max. I went into the chapel Saturday night and said a
prayer of fasting. I fasted for around 20 hours for you guys, and that
life would get better for you. I said the prayer out loud in the dark,
at the front of the chapel. The Spirit was so strong. I felt it resonate
through me. It was amazing. We were supposed to visit specific people
that night, but I got a prompting that we should go tracting instead. So
we chose a place and just wandered around knocking doors with Books of
Mormon in our hands. We handed out 2 books, and found 3 people who may
be interested in learning more. It was a good experience. I am so
grateful for the Spirit. The promise in the last chapter of the Book of
Mormon says, "And by the power of the Holy Ghost you may know the truth
of all things." That is such an amazing truth. I know that the Spirit
reveals that which we don't know. It has helped me so much. Always
strive to have it with you, and it will help you! I love you all so
much!
-Elder Trezise
Comments
Post a Comment