Wednesday, November 5, 2014

It's Chilly

Last week was just great for appointments. We had seven lessons with investigators lined up. Six out of the seven we had team ups ready and prepared to come out with us. Six out of the seven were cancelled the day of and one out of the seven was cancelled the day before... Needless to say, we tried to keep the faith. All seven were scheduled for the first four days of the week as well, and we thought "What an awesome way to start the week!" Then they all cancelled. Thankfully we were not too discouraged. I had read Monday morning in Preach My Gospel about not getting discouraged so that we can feel the Spirit, which at the time didn't seem applicable, then the next three days happened and I realized that the Lord was prepping me. But that's perfect, I was slightly forewarned, without knowing it, and Sister Winegar and I just kept working.

We did have a miracle though. WE HAD AN INVESTIGATOR AT CHURCH!!! It's been a while now. On Wednesday we were supposed to have a lesson with this guy named Gabe whose friend, Mallory, is a member. She invited him over for a "bon fire" lesson and asked us if we could come over and teach him. When we got there they informed us that he couldn't make it, his mom had just called right before we got there and said he wouldn't be able to go. Thankfully, his parents didn't mind him coming to church yesterday and we were able to teach him a lesson yesterday during third hour. We're having him and Mallory do the assignment together and then next Sunday we'll do another lesson. Also, next Sunday is primary program. I'm stoked! FYI, his parents are completely fine with him meeting with us and such, just so long as they don't have to attend church and stuff. 

Thursday we did a practice lesson with a family who felt like they have friends they should share the gospel with. Apparently they had this family over for dinner and the wife said that she noticed something different with the members' family. The way they interacted with each other was more loving and seemed right. Thus, we told them to set up an FHE and dinner, so next Monday we're having an FHE with the members' and their friends and we're going to share a message and stuff. Also, we have another FHE planned tonight with another family whose friend they invited. Thankfully all those are happening!!! So that's good. 

Friday we also had a lesson and it was forever long! This man we had tracted into invited us to come over the next day. We went over and this man basically told why what we believe in isn't true. It's sad because this man does not believe that praying and feeling the Holy Ghost is a valid way to come to know truth. He believes that it's all just feeling. That one must go based off of facts. He was very well versed in the Bible, but also quite bias. He only payed attention to specific parts and completely seemed to disregard all of the scriptures that mention the role of the Holy Ghost and ask God for faith and such. As a result I studied receiving revelation and learning by the Spirit the next day and my testimony was strengthened. I know that Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and that through him, Jesus Christ restored His church onto the earth. The only way I know this is through the same way that I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. From the Bible we know that the Spirit testifies of Jesus Christ. Thus, it is only through the Spirit that we can learn God's wisdom. 1 Cor. 2 perfectly describes my feelings on this subject. I know that there are different accounts of the First Vision. Because of the opportunity I've had to serve in the South, I believe that we become more aware of the anti information that is out there. Thankfully, I rely heavily on the facts that God can give me, rather than the shifting philosophies of men, that are ever-changing. It was an interesting experience and one that has made me thankful to serve where there is so much opposition against the church. It helps me realize just a smidgen of what the Lord endured when He was on the earth. It helps me check and make sure that I truly do believe in these things. I think people expect us to believe in it because we're brought up in it, if that is the case, then everyone would live a half-hearted lie. With the trials that come from being a disciple of Christ, it is not worth it to only rely on the testimonies of those before you, in order to create a rock solid foundation, one must seek truth for herself. That is what I've done. I do not rely on others' testimonies. This is my testimony. 

Anyway, sorry for the bold rant. But it's true. That's how I feel. 

Love you all,
Sister Smith

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