June 25, 2012

We were talking about the part of D&C that said when a man uses his priesthood in sin or for personal reasons, amen to his authority.  But, it also said something else that I have never noticed before in that scripture that I have read many times.  It said that 'the Spirit of the Lord is grieved when men don't remain worthy to use the priesthood.  (D&C 121:36-37).  That image of the Lord being grieved over his sons really touches my heart.  This might help working to bring people back into activity.  I wonder how many of us realize what we do that grieves the Lord.  He, of all people, knows us. He knows the people that we have the potential to become. He sees us in such a different light and I can't even imagine how hard it must be for Him to watch his children misuse the agency that He worked so hard to give them. It is sad to see how many people struggle out here. We were talking to an inactive tatay on Sunday night - that means father. I could tell the the gospel had once been an important part of his life. He asked the question though, "Why is it so hard to choose the right sometimes?".  I thought that was a legitimate question. Sometimes it is hard at first. But Jeffrey Holland gave a talk to mission presidents, in which he Said, "Salvation was never Easy". It wasn't easy for our Savior to suffer and Die for us, so sometimes when we are asked to do the will of the Father we might have to give up something, a little of our will. But because of What He did, we know that the blessing of Eternal life is possible for us; and for our families. There is a simple peace that only comes when we do what we are supposed to. I strive to choose the right, so that I am not one who grieves the Lord. I don't know that I always do everything, but I sure try. I am so blessed to be out here. Gosh, I'm so blessed!

I am able to understand bits and pieces. Some people talk so fast I wonder that anyone is able to understand them haha, but my companion seems to always know what's going on... maybe I'll get there one day! I know I will - it just takes patience. Patience is hard. I'm usually able to pick up when people are making fun of me haha. I do feel a bit like Elder Groberg in that movie Other Side of Heaven. It's hard - but We can do hard things :). 

This week was pretty crazy for me - it's always a spiritual roller coaster. We had exchanges with the ZLs this week so that they could interview our investigator Luminard. He's getting baptized on June 30th! :) I'm so stoked for him. He's 10 years old and has such a strong desire to do whats right. It's really quite impressive. This gospel is for everyone! and it's been cool to see what an understanding of the truth can do to people. It gives us all a greater amount of purpose and peace in this life.

Love,
Elder Blackham