Elder Andrew Edholm - week 71

 This last week went really well! Someone that we are teaching expressed to us that she wanted to get baptized! Her name is Aracy and she is the sister of a member that also lives here in the Salt Lake Valley. She had been taught with the missionaries before, but seemed to really open up as we started teaching her a little less than 2 months ago. She has a very strong belief in the power of the Holy Spirit and how he speaks to us individually and protects us. She gave us the perfect example of what the Spirit does, she said that he is the bridge between us, and Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. I know that the Holy Spirit is in the major ways They speak to us and help us in this life. Aracy is going to be baptized this upcoming weekend on Saturday, the 28 of November. I think the only people that are more excited than she, is my companion and I!

News update: This week we will be able to have thanksgiving dinner with other missionaries! We'll eat with the other missionaries in our district, who are Elder Hendrickson and Olenslager, and Sister Tapia and Walton.

This week in my personal study I read some verses that really stuck out to me. They are found in 2 Nephi 4:17-21,23 and John 14:27.

        "17 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.

18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.

19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.

20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions...

        21 He hath filled me with his love...

        23 Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge..."

        "27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

After hearing the invitation by the prophet, Russell M. Nelson, I think these scriptures are very much applicable to my life. Even though I have received countless blessing from the Lord, I tend to focus on the the bad. I really love how Nephi changes his focus to the blessings he has received after verse 19. I also appreciate the comforting words of the Savior in the book of John. Sometimes I get down on myself 'because of my flesh', as how Nephi puts it, for just being human and imperfect. But as I focus on the good, the blessings, and on the redeemder, I can open myself to more of the peace that Christ is giving freely, and I can be assured that my heart will not be troubled or afraid.

I Hope you guys liked what I learned this week! Love you guys!

Elder Edholm