Growing Stronger in Meekness

My dear family,

This week went by super fast. I had a lot more lessons than I have had for the last few weeks and that was really good. Something that I have been thinking about recently is the topic of meekness. Elder Meldrum and I watched Elder Bednar's talk from this last general conference called "Meek and Lowly of Heart." Elder Bednar defines meekness by saying, "Meekness is a defining attribute of the Redeemer and is distinguished by righteous responsiveness, willing submissiveness, and strong self-restraint." Are we doing our best to become Meek? When we act do we do what the Savior would do? I believe that the more we follow Jesus Christ example we can become more like Jesus Christ. Becoming Meek is not impossible, Everyone is capable of being righteous in our actions, seeking guidance and recognizing how we can submit to our Heavenly Father's will.

Elder Meldrum, Elder Withers' brother, and Elder Stevenson

I know that as we study, ponder, and pray about how we can become better, God will give us guidance and help as to how we can do that. I know that as we seek to become meek we will become stronger and see more patience and love in our lives. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder Meldrum and Elder Stevenson at the Mount Timpanogos Temple

I invite you all to study the topic of meekness and practice what you learn on a daily basis. You can read Elder Bednar's talk here.

• This week was my first week back with Elder Meldrum so I got to meet a lot of new friends of the church. I also was able to hear how some of the people that we taught together about a year ago are doing. I was told that I would be with someone new, but when I found out that I would be back with Elder Meldrum I just felt this peace and joy.
• A new friend of the church that I met this week was Laura. Laura is from Texas and has been looking into the church for about a little over a year now. We read the Book of Mormon with her and it was really good. We read Alma 24 with her and Alma 56. Chapter 24 talks about The Anti-Nephi-Lehi's laying down their weapons of war because they don't want Jesus Christ to suffer anymore because of the things that they had previously done. Then Alma 56 talks about the 2000 stripling warriors and how because of the acts that had been made by their parent's they were able to have a good example as to how they should act. The stripling warriors were able to keep God in mind because of the words that their mothers had taught them. The scriptures exemplify this when it says in verse 47-48, "47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. 48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it."
• Elder Meldrum and I met Elder Withers little brother this week. It was super cool. He told us that he was prospective Elder Withers. He was at the MTC visiting with the Nyman's when we were coming back from lunch so we just saw him in the hallway that leads back to the Referral Center because that is where the Nyman's office is. I also was able to meet Elder Meldrum's little brother who is in the MTC training to go to Madagascar. He is super nice.
• We went to the Mount Timpanogos Temple today. It was super beautiful both inside and out. I had a really good experience as Sister Cockerill, Sister Oakley, Elder Withers, Elder Curtis, Elder Meldrum and I all were able to do Temple work.
• Elder Meldrum. Elder Withers, Elder Curtis, and I all went to Asado today for dinner and it was absolutely amazing. Not only was the food good, but I am grateful that I could spend that time with Elder Withers and Elder Curtis before they go home.

Referral Center friends outside the Mount Timpanogos Temple

I hope all of you have a good upcoming week.

Love,

Elder Stevenson