This was a slower week for us lesson wise, but we accomplished a LOT of planning and goal setting so that was awesome for us! Although our teaching pool right now is small we are seeing miracles among our members. When I got here we visited a less-active member who wasn't reading her scriptures very often and who hadn't been coming to church. Now she's an active member who's constantly reaching out to other ward members to help strengthen them and include them. She's talking about our beliefs to her family and friends, and she's working towards her Patriarchal Blessing and going to the Temple. This has been truly incredible to me. She is the only member in a family of atheists and she's not only retaining her faith and standards but also expounding upon them. I love this Branch and I love the members with all my heart!
I sincerely hope each and everyone of you was able to watch some, if not all of, General Conference. This picture I think adequately describes how conference goes for me.
How amazing to be able to receive guidance, support, and counsel from the living Prophet and Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ twice a year at the least. I loved the promise of Elder Eyring to start out the Saturday morning session of conference. "There will be an opportunity for our hearts to be softened in the next few days." I loved that promise.
We all have aspects of life in which we need our hearts softened so that we can become better disciples. Listen with the Spirit and make those necessary changes and we will be happier and more at peace. The greatest leader was also the greatest follower (Elder Owen). In life we are all leaders and all followers. We set examples for everyone around us and as members of the Church we carry with us at all times the name of Christ. We follow the counsel of the Prophet and the Apostles, and we follow inspired guidance from our parents and friends. We are always following the good example of others to become better ourselves. "When thou art converted, help thy brethren." See yourself in the Temple. It is a realistic goal. Work towards the blessings awaiting us in the Sacred Temple. No matter our difficulties and struggles, there is no broken soul that Heavenly Father can't mend. He will come to you, but He won't heal us against our will. Seek for His healing touch.
Finally, I'd like to mention a bit from Elder Holland's closing remarks. His message really struck me and was really an answer to a few of my prayers and questions. Don't give up! The Gospel, the scriptures, the messages from the Prophets and Apostles are meant to give us hope. Satan takes those and makes us feel the truths are unrealistic and unobtainable. We get credit for trying even if we don't succeed.The Lord blesses those who want to improve, and try to improve. When we stumble on the road of life, call out to the Lord for help. He will help us get back up, and continue on. The first and great commandment is to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, but the first great truth is that God loves us with all His heart, mind and soul. May God bless us tomorrow to remember how we felt this weekend during conference.
I love you all! Stay safe, stay faithful, and continue on!
Love,
Elder DiReda
Pictures:
1. Chocolaterie
2-4. Crazy faces with Salomé
5/6. Conference
