Blessed - Oct. 15, 2018

The subject line aptly describes this week. 

Have you ever loved something so much that it literally consumes you, to the point that it hurts? Have you ever prayed for something, worked your tail off for it, and feel like it was all in vain? 

That is how I've come to feel about teaching the Gospel. I honestly can say that I love it so much that it hurts. I love teaching lessons. I love to testify of Christ every single day. I especially love watching people change and feel Christ's atonement in their lives, and knowing that I played a small role in that. 

But for the last five months I've seen very little of that. Scheduled lessons were rare. Ones that followed through, even rarer. My testimony was seldom acknowledged, and usually reviled against. And despite my efforts and my prayers for so long, no one seemed to accept Christ and let Him change them. 

Against that backdrop, this week has been a perfect miracle. We had so many beautiful experiences and opportunities to teach the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I truly can testify that the message we share is true. I've felt the Spirit teaching me that again this week, as I've taught the Gospel by that same Spirit. 

To culminate, Elder Hebbert and I were able to be a part of a baptism in Lenox! I don't know if any of you remember Tony, but Elder Hebbert and I were able to find him (with some help from Elder Fuller, s/o) and teach him several times before I left. Since then, the atonement has changed him. He has embraced the Gospel, and was able to make his first covenant. It was surreal to witness. 

Brothers and Sisters, I can testify that righteousness will be answered with blessings on our heads, and that heartfelt prayers are never vain or unanswered. God cares about you! He desires your happiness, and when we wait for His timing, we will see His hand in our lives. 

We also had plenty of fun this week. Don't you worry. Hopefully we got some good pictures of our shenanigans. We'll see what I've got. Remember, if you're not feeling joyful in the Gospel, you need to fix something. 

I love you all! Godspeed! 


Squad+AP's
Photoshoot with E. Cox
Squad sweaters with E. Shelp. #gohawks #beboldweargold






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