This week we watched "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" with Austin, and it was so powerful! SO POWERFUL!! We haven't been able to meet with him since then because he's had a really really trying week. It's crazy to watch Satan give his best effort to tear one down, when that person is trying so hard to be good! It's quite frustrating... But those trials are what refine us. I just have to remember that.
We've been working with a less active for a while that is finally softening! He isn't "less active" on paper, because he attends church every week, but he is less active in the gospel. He's not living it. Therefore, no matter how often he goes to church, it's not going to do much for him. He resents leadership and would rather die than conform to anything. I guess you could say he likes to be and is proud of being a "free spirit." So we went over the baptismal interview questions with him, even though he was baptized seven years ago, and brought him back to the basics. Lately that's been a theme for me. "Refinement is in the basics." It's when we return to studying the scriptures and praying everyday and attending church weekly and the temple regularly that we are able to best cope with whatever life throws at us. And we won't only be given the power to cope, but to overcome. This less active is YSA age, but attends the Guelph ward, and yesterday was ward conference for the Guelph ward. He texted us after church yesterday and told us about the incredible spiritual experience that he had! The spirit confirmed to him that returning to the basics is what will ultimately bring him the peace and joy that he is yearning for. He's realizing that he must conform to God's will to be truly happy. It's a lesson we all have to learn. And we can learn that lesson the easy way: doing God's will (humbling ourself) or the hard way: fighting against God in our heart (then God will compel us to be humble). One way or another we're going to be humbled. That's something I've definitely learned as a missionary :) And I'll probably continue to learn that same principle as I go through life.
Zone Conference is coming up this week and I am SO EXCITED! We'll be going to London on Thursday to attend the conference. In preparation, President Scott has asked us to study each member of the Godhead and organize our learning into their unique roles and characteristics. He has also asked that we study the Apostasy and Restoration in greater depth. I've never really thought about studying the Apostasy in great depth, but man. I have a testimony of the Apostasy! It happened. And we're living in a world affected by it and the only thing that can overcome it is the truth. That truth was Restored. Now we have to help individuals restore the truth in themselves. The truth they knew in the Pre Earth life. I look forward to reading "The Great Apostasy" by James E. Talmage someday because I love chapter 40 in "Jesus the Christ." He throws down! I'm excited to see the discussions and insights that will be brought up at Zone Conference on Thursday.
I have such a testimony of the gospel. I feel that testimony deepening and refining and my conversion continuing to take root as well. I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven who knows me perfectly and loves me enough to let me overcome hard things with His divine help. I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I know He lives.
Love and Prayers, Sister Felix
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