This week was filled with many trials as well as many
blessings. I suppose you can't have a perfect week every week. But we
know that in order to enjoy the good things, we must have the bad
things, so we can understand the difference. The scriptures teach us
there must be opposition in all things (2 Nephi 2:11). There have been many great things that happened this week. The Lord was just trying to test us a little more.
So this week Elder Maloy and I have had 4 flat
tires between the two of us. Just from running over thorns, or other
things. It has been so crazy. I had one two days in a row. So it has
been a little frustrating fixing those. But the work of the Lord will
progress. So we didn't let that slow us down. We have also
had a lot of people that we were teaching decided they didn't want to
meet with us anymore, so it was sad seeing these people you love so much
go the other direction. Especially when you know how much this gospel
can bless their lives. We have prayed for them more than ever this week.
Sorry for the depressing first part of the email.
I just wanted to let you all know what has happened in our week. Now
for the amazing things that happened. This week. So for the second week
in a row Emily and Charles came to church! We were so excited to see
them again. They have really committed themselves. They
want to get married soon and are meeting with our Bishop sometime this
week. They are both making so much progress. Our lessons with them are
always getting better. They read and pray together as a family almost
everyday. Every time we meet with them they always talk about how much
of a difference in makes in their day when they read the Book of Mormon
together. They say there is less contention, less confusion, more peace
together as a family and things just always seem to work out better.
They are truly receiving the blessing promised from reading and praying
everyday.
We were able to find several new people this
week. Towards the beginning of the week were were struggling. It felt
like no one wanted to talk to us and no one was interested. Eventually
the Lord blessed us by putting people in our path who were prepared. The
Lord is always preparing his children to hear his word. We just have to
find those he has prepared.
I am growing to love this area more than I ever
though I would. It feels like home. I love the people so much and I feel
like I could never leave them. I have built so many strong
relationships. Sometimes I have to stop myself from staying too long
somewhere, because I could stay and talk to some of these people all
day. Literally. But I enjoy every second I have with them.
I know we have a loving Heavenly Father who wants
us to grow and learn new things so we can become better people. That is
why he gives us tests, and trials. He knows that is the only way we can
grow. Just as a muscle needs opposition to break it down and then
rebuild stronger, so do each of us need that daily opposition in life so
we can grow and become stronger. I am grateful for the flat tires. I am
grateful for the 105 degree days we ride our bikes in. I am grateful
for the rude people we meet. Because It makes it infinitely more
enjoyable when we see a family take those steps towards their salvation
by entering the waters of baptism. I love this Gospel. I know it's true
more and more everyday. I love our Father in Heaven who so lovingly
gives us trials so that we may grow. He has a plan for each of us and it
does not include any of us staying stagnant. He wants progression.
Elder Hallmark
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