probably one of the most trying weeks of my entire mission,
but also the week I feel like I've learned the most!
So I read some excerpts from the book Believing Christ and I learned SO much about the atonement.
Just because you have faith and believe in Christ, doesn't mean that you believe Christ.
And if that's the case, then it's like "someone sitting in a cold, dark house surrounded by unused lamps and heaters, someone who believes in electricity but who never throws the switch to turn on the power."
Nice imagery, huh?
So we have to believe what he says and that when we take him and his infinite and unlimited power and combine it with our finite and limited abilities, then we still get infinity!
We can become perfect through Him.
"What matters most is not how much we bring to the equation, but only that we can make the equation.
Anyone's best efforts, however great or small, plus the atonement of Christ will equal 100% of what is needed to enter God's kingdom."
We can't do it all on our own. President Hanks likes to say, "There's only one Savior, and you're not Him"
So we just have to let go. We have to humble ourselves and then just let Him take care of it. Because He can and will. He always keeps His promises.
Sister McDowell and I did something really BOLD this week.
We went around Decatur on Wednesday night and gave invitations to our activity to all of the other churches.
I thought it was actually quite fun.
Sister M was terrified.
And most of the people were just super not interested and were only nice to our faces.
BUT WE DID IT!
And now they know who we are and hopefully someday, one of them will be interested
On another adventure of handing out invitations...
I walked up to a lady in a home decor store. We talked for a minute and then I gave her an invitation and started telling her all about it. Well the funny thing about this conversation was, she didn't look at me once. I was literally just talking to the wall.
And that's when it hit me. This isn't the first time that someone wasn't completely disinterested.
In fact, it happens all.the.time.
And then I realized, that Decatur is a hard place.
And that all we do is just keep trying and trying and trying, but with no success.
And that sometimes the Lord has us go through these times to test us and see how we endure during the hard times. And that if we just stay faithful, He'll bless us, in his timing.
Brenda got baptized on Saturday and it was fantastic!
The spirit was so strong, and it was such a special day!
She's been waiting for a long time.
And the Bishop commented more than once how grateful he was that she finally made the decision even though we all knew what that decision was going to be months ago haha!
And there were so many missionaries and ward members there!
By far the most support I've seen at a convert baptism.
I just love her so much and only know there's good things ahead for her.
She's a go-getter, that's for sure!
She already asked the Bishop about getting her patriarchal blessing and asked us about going out teaching with us!
She is amazing.
And lastly, I'd like to share a short little thought:
the key to happiness
1. family
2. follow the prophet
3. keeping the commandments
4.the scriptures
5. the temple
6. work
as outlined in 2 Nephi 5
I'll let you find the verses :)
"and it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness"
--2 Nephi 5:27
Have an awesome week! All is well in BAMA.
con amor,
Hermana Blackner
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