LETTER 69: The one where Tessa is saved from the rain

12/8

We had a great week! Filled with lots of rain and all day meetings, which conveniently coincided so that we didn't have to be out working in the rain (: that was a tender mercy.

At church yesterday, we had our brand new investigator get up and bear his testimony! That was pretty neat (: He also tried to hug me in front of aaallll the members. That's always awkward for both parties involved. I just stand there, "We can't hug! We can't hug!!!" haha good stuff. 

I hope you all got to catch the first presidency Christmas devotional last night! It was lovely. If you missed it, I'm sure it's available online...somewhere...

One thing at Zone Conference that stood out to me is the key characteristics of Satan and Christ.
Satan=rebellion.

Christ=complete submission. Always doing the will of the Father. 

That's really what it comes down to. 

As we strive to come unto Christ, we must look for even the smallest hints of rebellion in us and give it up! That will continue our progression. 

Another thing I've been learning is how to deal with doubts, questioning, or uncertainties that arise. I think it's completely normal to have questions. No one is an anomaly for having them--it's part of the conversion process. What matters is how we react to being on shaky ground. The adversary tries to do anything he can to get us to stop living the gospel. Stop reading the scriptures, attending church, praying, etc. He'll try to convince us that we are not being true to ourselves or that we're ingenuine or blindly following by doing these things when we're uncertain.

BUT

In our search for sincerity and truth, we can not abandon acting in faith.    (that was an ah-hah revelation moment for me in church yesterday)

We must agree to be patient and to wait upon the Lord. So if every prayer doesn't seem to be answered, don't give up. And if ever desire isn't immediately filled, don't slacken faith. Conversion requires constant struggle and effort and great self-discipline, relying continually on the merits of him who is mighty to save. We must hold to what we know and pay attention to the right voices! Pay attention to the small, quiet whisperings of the Spirit. God is there. He is real. He will teach us truth. Going to church, praying, and reading scriptures is a blessed resource for getting answers. We can never abandon these simple practices, or else we lose our safety and promise of help. 

Things are going oh so well. Living it up! Cherishing each moment! Sharing the gospel with everyone!!

xoxo
Sister Bishop

Institute Christmas party!

With our friends at "Heart to Heart." We made snowman earrings with Nancy (: