Mission work continues

Those were some awesome scriptures! It was funny that you shared what you learned about prayer with me, because last week we had Zone Conference and we learned about prayer! We talked a lot of how we can secure those blessings for ourselves and what we can do when we go to pray. For example I have always struggled with prayers at night and mornings because I fall asleep or I'm super tired. Sis Kunz gave us some instruction on how we should approach prayer. With a humble attitude, pondering before hand what you want to speak with Heavenly Father about, and then physically praying in a position that enables you to be alert. If you lean against something, you're going to fall asleep.

 It's amazing to think how many of our prayers remained unanswered because we asked in contrary to his will. It amazes me. When I pray now I strive to listen very closely to the Spirit to know what to ask.

I liked this quote that you shared. Miracles do not produce faith, but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ, in other words faith comes by righteousness , although miracles often confirm ones faith. "
 I want to add an insight I received from a general authority that came and visited us a few months ago. He said Faith is nothing more or less than personal righteousness. :)

Our Faith increases as we are more obedient and being more obedient is being righteous (keeping the commandments).  I can't begin to imagine the memories of us being with our Heavenly Father before. I wonder how we felt when He told us that we would not be able to see Him always and hear His voice as we did personally then. But He must have told us of prayer and how we would be able to speak with Him all the time if we wished.

 Truly great quote mom"as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God ( namely God is our Father and we are his children ) then at once prayer becomes  natural and instinctive on our part."
 What an  incredible blessing we have, one on one time we have with our Heavenly Father in prayer. I value it and I wish I had more time to plead with my Heavenly Father. I love how I feel when I pray. I know He is there and listening.

 This week was awesome! Elder Meza and I worked super hard!! We have one baptism this week! Bro. X finally decided to be baptized this week! It's awesome! I taught him when I first came to Grand Island and he said,"I know it's true and I'm ready to be baptized." YEAH!!! :D He is sooooo ready! :D

 Also we set another young man. I'm going to call him Swah-vay. Because he is so cool! :) We had an extremely powerful lesson with him about Jesus Christ and his life and ministry. We testified of His reality and we invited him to be baptized. His immediate response was I like the Christian Church better, it's more fun. Elder Meza and I felt the Spirit tell us not to say a word.

We paused for what felt like ten minutes which was really 30 seconds lol when he said, what do I need to do to be baptized? We explained that very well. He smokes a lot and I said to him, "You will be free of your addiction of smoking by your baptismal date." We promised him as representatives of Jesus Christ that he would be free from his addiction and that he would be prepared to be baptized. After the lesson he walked us out to our truck and said, I'm really excited for the end of march. What you both said to me. It filled me inside. I'm going to do it! I told him the marvelous promise that comes from baptism by the proper priesthood authority. A remission of sins. He was comforted and became even more excited. He came to church yesterday and told me, "I'm cutting back on my smoking by this time I would have smoken 5 cigarettes and I have only smoken one today!" I smiled and said "Good Job and Keep it up!" The best smell in church is tobacco! :) That's because there are people there striving to change and be better! :) I'm super excited! A baptism this week! and more to come!! :)

 I love this work!!! :) I love the Gospel! I love being a missionary! I know I represent Jesus Christ. I know He is my Savior. It's a powerful and humbling statement. I know God lives and loves us. I love the lessons I learn everyday from just a sentence of a verse. They impact me. I love them, they fill me. I know that Scriptures will give us the strength we need to stand taller. We access that strength as we apply what we read from those words.