Monday, October 3, 2016

Sometimes it's hard to make the right choices because we 're afraid of what others might think...but in the end none of that matters. We have to have the determination to choose the harder right rather than the easier wrong

October 3, 2016

Another great week with Elder Silva here in Canyon Country! It's so much fun being with this guy again. We were talking the other day about how we have had some of our most spiritual experiences/lessons ever with each other and also some of our funniest mission experiences together hahaha. It's been a great transfer so far and it's hard to believe, but it's already half way over. So weird...time is going faster and faster.

Well here's an update on a few things that happened this week...

We met with James and Shannon this week and things were super rocky when we first got there. Contention, arguing, and definitely not the Spirit. We listened to the situation and learned that James had had some major Word of Wisdom slip ups the last couple of days. Shannon was broken hearted and James was as well. But an amazing thing happened...As Elder Silva and I spoke to them boldly and lovingly we watched  the Spirit bind up their broken hearts, change their attitudes, recommit them to following Jesus Christ, and give them a new determination to try and overcome their trials harder then ever before. The Gospel is truly the only way to true and eternal happiness. I also learned another lesson from James that night. As I looked at him I saw one of the biggest, strongest guys (physically) I've ever seen looking weaker than ever before. Although he was strong physically he was weak spiritually...and that's why he couldn't succeed. We can seldom achieve our goals without Heavenly help..."in His strength we can do all things." We gave James and Shannon both blessings and everything had completely changed thanks to the guidance God has given to all of us through the Gospel. That whole family will be sealed some day...mark my words.

Jim is still doing great. He was able to meet with the bishop and a few other friends he has in the ward and got some council from them. When we got to his house for a lesson he told us he's decided to make some serious life changes to help him work towards baptism! He's on a more dedicated Scripture reading schedule and he's in this for the long haul. He said something super cool to us..."If I become a member of the church there will be a lot of people that will be mad at me...but that's ok because God will be proud of me and I'll be a step closer to him." Sometimes it's hard to make the right choices because we 're afraid of what others might think...but in the end none of that matters. We have to have the determination to choose the harder right rather than the easier wrong.

We were able to set another baptismal date this week with our investigator Israel! He's 16 and he's a huge soccer player so I talk soccer with him and share my limited FIFA knowledge haha. We retaught the restoration and  we were able to help him understand every principle. He was finishing our sentences before we could and it was just crazy to see how prepared he was. He wants his family and his future kids to be baptized and follow Christ as well. One thing that is really helping him find this desire is the book of mormon. He's been reading a lot and he's felt the Spirit speak to him.

Funny Story of The week:  Elder Martin popped both the tires on my road bike this week haha.


Well I hope you have an awesome week. Be safe!

Elder Jensen

Conference 

Wendy's