More Surprises

Hello again,

This week has been full of surprises. During my mission, especially this week I have realized that when we have areas that need strengthening God will let us know. He may not always tell us how to strengthen them, but He will tell us, and He will help us every step of the way. A lot of the time that Elder Stewart and I chat, people are not always the friendliest. So when you speak to them, you love them, but what they say does not always make me feel the best. I realized that this was something that needed to change so I started a forgiveness study. During my study I found this scripture, It is Alma 38:14 and it says:

14 Do not say: O God, I thank thee that we are better than our brethren; but rather say: O Lord, forgive my unworthiness, and remember my brethren in mercy — yea, acknowledge your unworthiness before God at all times.

This verse hit me hard as I read it, because It is kind of a guide as to how I should act.

Thursday night sunset

I know that as we love others, God will be more in our lives. I know that as we forgive, we are doing what Jesus Christ would have us do. With God all things are possible. There are no "What ifs" because if we have faith it will rule out fear. I know that because of the love of Jesus Christ, He really did Atone for the sins of each and every one of us. I know that God lives, that He is my father, and that Jesus Christ truly is my brother. It is heartwarming to know that not only do I have a family on Earth but also one in Heaven. I know the Book of Mormon is true, and that it does carry the fullness of the gospel. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Sunday 01/14/2018

We had our first lesson with Nick, who is a new investigator from Bulgaria. We only did introductions, but he has the most amazing story. He has seen God's hand a lot in his life. His heart is on the right side of his chest instead of the left, which has given him some health issues, but he can tell just how loving God is because of how many times he has been given strength in his trials.

Another view of the sunset

Monday 01/15/2018

We found somebody named Aisha today. Not only did we find her but we also taught a lesson with her. Aisha's lesson was super good. We talked about the Message of the restoration. Elder Stewart and I put a large emphasis on The Book of Mormon, which was good. We talked about her life and why she wanted to come closer to God. She told us that she had God in her life but wanted to come closer to Him by reading His word. That is why she came onto mormon.org. We ended by giving her a baptismal date for February 24th and invited her to read the introduction to The Book of Mormon.

Tuesday 01/16/2018

Elder Whitney L. Clayton came to the Tuesday night devotional. Some of the things that he said that I liked were, "If you don't know if an investigator is doing something, do it with them." He also said, "Be as helpful to your investigator as you can possibly be, don't just commit them to something and then wait."

First big snowstorm of winter

Wednesday 01/17/2018

We talked with Joaquin today and it went really well. He told us about a miracle he had. What he does to have money is he buys things and then sells them. So he met someone at the library to give him a wii. During that meeting the man asked "Hey Would you like a suit? I have this feeling that I don't usually have that I should give it to you." The man gave the suit to him for free! Which was really good because Joaquin has been trying to find something to wear to church.

Thursday 01/18/2018

Today was a pretty interesting day. We had a lesson with Keidi and it went super well. We talked all about service. I was taught something by the Holy Ghost during the lesson that I had not thought of before. I said, "An act of service is just showing love toward another person. It doesn't really matter how you do it, as long as you are showing love." So we invited her to do an act of love each day. We also said that we would do an act of love each day as well. I think it should be good.

Elder Stevenson and Elder North at the temple

When Elder Stewart and I got back from dinner we saw the sun setting in a nearby classroom so we watched it and it was just magnificent.

Friday 01/19/2018

Today was pretty good. We talked with a new investigator named Emma, and it went really well. She has a lot of questions, especially about the plan of Salvation. But we were able to answer them. So that was a big highlight.

Saturday 01/20/2018

Today It snowed the entire day. It has been so amazing and so fun to be in, even if it is a bit cold. However the snow definitely made my day. I am constantly amazed at the beauty that God has given to the world. It was especially beautiful when we were at the temple.

Provo temple in the snow

Thank you for all the letters. I love you all so much. I hope you have a great rest of your week.

Love,

Elder Stevenson