Week 2 in the MTC - 9/3/19

Hello friends and family! 

First, thank you so much for all the emails it means so much to hear from you all! I am so sorry for not getting back to everyone time just flies on P days but please keep sending messages and I promise I'll get back to them as soon as I can!

Well, officially one week from right now I'll be in Arizona, crazy! But I can't wait. Even in these short weeks, I have had such an increase in the desire to go and share the message of the restored gospel. I just want everyone to hear it and know how much it can bless their lives! Sister Wright and I have had so much fun teaching our assigned people here and have learned vital principles in how to teach. We work so well together I'm so sad we only have a few days left together! 

This week in my personal study I was reading through a few general conference talks and after a few clicks found myself reading a message from the Ensign by Elder Ballard titled, "Now is the Time". I was so intrigued by it and while it talks about member missionary work it also addresses points on being bold and how important it is to share our testimonies. Here are a few quotes, 

"Today we must ask ourselves: Are we ready and willing to go through thick and thin for the cause in which we are engaged? Do we reflect on our countenances the joy of living the gospel of Christ as true disciples should? If we do not understand and willingly teach others of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Prophet Joseph Smith, who will? We cannot place the burden of taking the gospel to all people solely on the backs of the full-time missionaries. Families will not be fortified nor will individual testimonies be strengthened, convert baptisms will not be increased, neither will the less active be welcomed back until we as members of the Church arise individually and collectively, with dedication and action, to help build the kingdom of God."

I was pondering what it meant to be a missionary and set apart representative of Jesus Christ and how that will change my life. While I was thinking I realized that yes, the MTC has taught me so many teaching skills, ways to ask questions, and helped with my confidence, the message I am sharing and testimony I have has not changed. I have always known these things. And then I realized that yes I am set apart as a missionary, but as a member of the church I am already a qualified representative of Jesus Christ and by that should always find moments to share the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone. I know this gospel is true and am so honored to share this message with the people of Arizona. I know that as we have the courage and rely on the spirit anyone can invite others to come unto Christ. I pray that each one of you and everyone finds the strength to share our testimonies whenever and wherever we can. 

I love you all so much! Have an amazing week!!

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Hi family!! 

This last week was so amazing. Spiritually i have grown so so much. It first started on Wednesday. We were teaching the restoration to Anna and it came to the part of the first vision. I memorized it so it was my part to do. I've grown up hearing this story so it didn't seem anything out of the ordinary or weird to say, but when I started to recite, word for word, what the first vision says, I was completely overcome with the spirit. Family I cannot even describe this experience in words. Every fiber of my body was, I don't know how to describe it,  but almost filled with power. As I looked at Anna, I was almost overcome with emotion but was able to get all the words out. She was locked in and I could tell was filled with the spirit. If I had any doubt of the reality of the first vision, it is completely dispelled. I KNOW Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ. He is the prophet who restored this church. In D&C 135:3 it says that Joseph Smith has done more for the salvation of men in this world save Jesus Christ only. I know that is so true. 

I love you all so much. I invite each of you to study the D&C scripture and pray to God to know of the truthfulness of the work of Joseph Smith. Strengthen your testimony of the restoration. Read the Book of Mormon and strengthen your testimony of it, because if you know and believe the Book of Mormon is true, then Joseph Smith really did see God and Jesus Christ, he really did restore the church, and Jesus Christ really did suffer for us. It is the most powerful tool in conversion for a reason. 

I love you and miss you all!

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Mom!

I know we just talked but I just love reading your emails! 

I am so happy that you're having all these amazing experiences. I find that when you devote yourself to studying the gospel and show faith to God that you believe in the scriptures He will bless and enrich your life. 

One experience I had this week that i thought was super cool was when as a class we were studying about the Atonement of Jesus Christ in D&C 45:3-5. In this Jesus Christ is pleading our cause to God. I was reminded of the experience I had after we had given that Devo to the men in prison with the Storms. I remember that night after it happened finding myself on my knees praying to God begging Him to forgive those men. I then wondered, will I be worthy when the time comes for Jesus Christ to plead my cause? Will I live my life in such a way that when it is my turn to approach the judgement seat, I will be worthy to be saved by my perfect brother Jesus Christ? I committed then and there that I will strive every to live up to that blessing I know I do not deserve. I invite you to read this scripture and study out how the Atonement is applicable in your life and your relationship with Jesus Christ. 

I love you so so much!

PS this story is specific for you but you're welcome to share it with Dad. I would like to keep it personal. :)