Week 74: Ups and Downs

Hello Family and Friends,

I hope you all have had a great week. If not, there is always next week! :) This week was pretty good for us. It's always nice when the sun is out shining and it is above 0 degrees. Because the weather has been super nice, we have been able to go running and attempt to get somewhat back in shape. We have been able to go for 3 runs, one of which was 8 miles. I can't wait for summer so we can go more often!

This week we experienced both the highs and the lows of missionary life. We had 2 lessons one day with Less active members. With the first one, we went in and had a great lesson, and the spirit was definitely there testifying of the truth, but the LA just couldnt get it through her head that she was off on some, well most of her doctrines. So that was super frustrating. But immediately after that lesson, we met with a less active guy who has been sick for a couple weeks. We had a great lesson where he was able to feel the spirit, and then we had the opportunity to give him a priesthood blessing which was a really cool experience. It was awesome having such a great turn around lesson. 

We also had our Mission Leadership Council this week where a guy from Salt Lake called in and talked with all of us for a bit about Facebook and how we could better use it. it was great having his input and really encouraged us all to do better and be more productive. My favorite part, was when President Manion talked about how it is not our job to prepare people. Our job is to find those who are already prepared and drop people who really arent ready and willing to progress. I am grateful for meetings that light a fire under our butts and make us want to work harder, because this work is one of the most important things we will do in this life.

Quote of the week comes from church yesterday. There is a somewhat challenged guy in our ward who for obvious reasons has a lot of girl problems. We were talking about the atonement and what it covers and he raised his hand and said" It even covers all of the issues that girls bring into our lives... so all of them." haha it was awesome!

Scripture of the week is Helaman 6:5. " 5 Yea, and many did preach with exceedingly great power and authority, unto the bringing down many of them into the depths of humility, to be the humble followers of God and the Lamb." This is talking about the Lamanites after their conversion. I think this is significant because it shows that it doesnt matter where we have been or what we have done, or the mistakes we have made, with proper repentance, everyone has the ability to change. After that change, we all have the ability to be given power and authority in preaching to those that have lost their way.

Keep it real, Don't get too freaky on St. Patricks day

Elder W.Chad Thompson