We´ve been keeping ourselves really busy and we have had some great experiences this week. I did get a package this week and a great little Christmas tree from Mom. Thanks so much for your love and thoughts. Martha, I will be at this same address:
Ave Dr Renato Araujo 369-3ºfte 3700-244 São João da Madeira
at least until two days before Christmas, and in the event that I am transfered at that time, the sisters will make sure that I get the pictures. I´m so excited to see all of my beautiful girlies and my handsome lad. Also, I still do want them, thanks a million! Anyone else who wants to send me pictures would never be turned away to be sure. If they are sent in the mail I can keep them in my album of love as it is difficult to find somewhere to print photos off the internet, but either place, it is wonderful to see pictures of my family/friends...
So, on to the happenings of the week that flew by...We had a great Christmas conference on Tuesday and were greatly fed. We got to see the First Presidency Christmas Fireside which was amazing and shows you that we really have a prophet on the earth today who guides and directs the church and is not swayed by anything man can do. I always love hearing the prophet speak because I can feel the truth of his words. It is watching scriptures be written. Then we had a great chillie lunch and then listened to the words of President and Sister Green. It was absolutely amazing. They talked about being prepared, about making room for the essential things, choosing the best and not just the good. There are 2 daily, 2 weekly, and 2 monthly things as well as 1 every 2 years. The 2 daily things are to pray and read our scriptures. Whenever anyone is really miserable (which misery comes from sin) the things they have faulted are these two. They are not just helpful, but neccessary for our day-to-day functioning. The 2 weekly essentials are to partake worthily of the sacrament and have family home evening (on Monday if at all possible). It is good to be with our family on other days as well, but Monday has been set apart and unless we really cannot get out of another commitment (such as mandatory work, ect) we should meet on Monday. The monthly essentials are to pay a full and honest tithe and to go to the temple (even more often if possible) He said that even here in Portugal with the temple 8 hours away it is not only possible to go once a month, but must happen. The every two year essential is obviously to renew our temple recommend, and to always be worthy during this time. Doing these things first, we will then have room for many other good things, maybe we will have to give up some at certain points of our lives, but we can have the peace and rest now in this life that is talked about in Moroni 7:3.
Antonio,one of the investigators marked for baptism is really finding his testimony. He has been talking with the sisters for over a year now I think and all of that time, really was only convinced that this was the right way, now he is having trials and being humbled by them. With these trials he can no longer just be convinced, he has to tap into the power of the atoning sacrifice of Christ to be able to stand. It is amazing to me how the Lord works to help His children truly come unto Him. There comes a point when one has to choose. President Greene also talked about the Atonement and how we really need to make sure we are helping our investigators gain that help and comfort that is only available through Jesus Christ. In the end, all that we teach is secondary to the all important gift that we received from Christ. This is why we´re here in Portugal to help these beautiful people come unto Christ and through His atoning blood be sanctified, purified, and perfected. This is what life is all about.
The Book of Mormon is true!! Congratulations Dad on your successful completion! We have been extending this same challenge to just about everyone we work with. One less-active we are working with Kázakõ is discovering for herself the joy and peace in that book. She has to read 5 chapters a day to finish, but is finding more faith, fewer doubts and a greater desire to keep the commandments--which in turn is bringing greater happiness that she felt before. It doesn´t mean that she is free of problems, and of doubts, but she is closer now, and there is an inner peace that is irreplacable. I love that book and the more I read it, the more it has application to me and the more I love it. It was written for us to help us in our day to grow closer to Christ...to utilize His atonement. The gospel is so simple!!
Hope everyone is feeling the Christmas spirit. We put up the little tree that must have been left from the sisters last year. It´s pretty--and makes us think of Charlie Brown. I feel very lucky that for Christmas this year, my gift to people will be salvation and eternal life through the gospel of Jesus Christ. It´s a great feeling. Love you all and thanks for your love and support!
ellen
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