We were in such a rush to get to the library after shopping I left my planner in the car, so I'll just have to go by memory and hope that I get everything in! We had two baptisms this week; Larry, a 14 yr old boy, and Hannah, a 16 yr old girl. It's weird baptizing people I've only taught once or twice, but they were really good and Hannah's grandparents came and are interested in learning more about the church, so that's awesome! They'll only be in town for a short little while, but we can at least get them started.
Oh, I have to tell you about the other investigators we have right now. Ian's is such an interesting lesson - every time! He has this puppy (or furry ball of energy) called Princess that bounces around her cage as soon as we get there and has to stay on a leash the entire time else she WILL climb all over you! It's kind of hard to concentrate during the lesson when you have to keep her entertained else she'll bite you, chew on your shoe, or climb into your lap, but fortunately Sister Smith has a red laser in her flashlight that helps the puppy focus her energy elsewhere. Not only that, but in spite of everything Ian's been through, he's really intelligent, and the first time the elders came with us to team teach him, Elder Pierce commented "I feel like you're teaching us as much as we're teaching you, I've learned so much!" and I completely agreed! It seems our job is simply to ask an inspired question and he'll just talk himself through the lessons. His thought process is very logical, and he comes to the same conclusions that we're going for, so we just give him the gospel and he teaches us it seems.
Bob is an older guy that repeats himself a lot because of the drugs he's been on in the past, but he's so happy to be in remission an is proud of the fact that he's able to resist temptation with which we share his joy. He's such a character and loves to talk, so it takes a bit of effort to make sure whatever we teach him is simple enough we can get it in between long spouts of conversation, but he's come a long ways.
This past week I've learned a lot from my scriptures study, especially when it comes to the Atonement. I never fully understood how central the Atonement was until I came on my mission, and everything leads back to it. I was reading in 3 Nephi 9 where just before, Christ is crucified and many people die in the upheavals and natural disasters that occur. Then, in the next chapter the voice of Jesus Christ is heard saying:
"O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?
Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me." (verses 13-14)
At first glance the invitation seems like so broad, and repentance can seem so demanding and harsh until you look into it more and understand where it's coming from and what it truly means. Imagine someone you admire and look up to, who you don't want to disappoint. This is like Jesus Christ, who is our older brother, and who loves us more than we can love him back. He gave his life not just for everyone, but for you personally so he's felt everything you have; the good times and the bad times. He knows what it takes to succeed and have happiness, so he's with you at all times, waiting to help if you let him. Elder Pierce (one of the elders we share a ward with) described the Atonement during one of Ian's lessons this way; "it's not like the light at the end of the tunnel, but the light all around us". It's there to give us strength, as well as peace during times of trial. It's not just there to lift you up when you fall, but to run even harder when you're on your feet. And so my challenge is to look for ways you can better use the Atonement in your life, which can be as simple as recognizing something you need to change for the better, looking beyond your own problems far enough to recognize the needs of others and helping them, or giving up a small habit that is holding you back. From an all knowing, all loving God who is the essence of love and happiness, all He asks is that we give up what we think we want, for what we need. I love this gospel, and the power it's given me to be happy. I'm not perfectly happy all the time, and that's now what life means, but discovering how to be grateful in all circumstances. Because like I said last week, no matter what we do or don't have in life; everyone has power to access the Atonement.
Love you, and hope you had a great week!
Sister Dunster
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