March 20, 2013 (2)

The coolest thing I learned this past week is that I ALWAYS need to be turned outward. This Sunday for "movie" time we listened to Elder Bednar's talk on the character of Christ. Christ ALWAYS turned outward and was focused on others and never on himself. Even as he hung on the cross and suffered the Atonement, he was blessing the lives of others and taking care of them. I got kind of sick this past week and turned inward. I realize now that sickness is no excuse. I need to be focused on others at ALL times!!! It was a very big lesson for me to learn, and it was worth being miserable for a few days in order to learn it. One good thing about being sick is that I appreciate being well SOOO much more!!! For about 3 nights I barely slept, so Monday when I woke up and had slept the ENTIRE night without sleeping I was so EXCITED!!! I am so grateful for sleep! I got a blessing on Saturday that said as I exercise my faith in Christ my health would improve. I had been contemplating that exact phrase, "exercising faith" and what it really means. Faith is a principle of action according to the bible dictionary, so what does it really mean to exercise faith? Maybe I am just thinking too much into it, but I think it is a really cool phrase. This morning during personal study, I was reading in 4 Nephi during the amazing 200 years of peace. Basically it said that if you have the love of God in your heart then there will not be contention. So in a companionship, both parties need to have the love of God in their hearts and they will not fight, but grow together. I will be praying for Chad and Vanessa's baby boy. What is his name? Is Vanessa doing ok? I will be praying for her too. I know that the power of prayer is extremely powerful and faith truly can move mountains. I love all of you!!! Remember that you took upon you the name of Christ! That should change your actions completely if you really think about it. I am just beginning to realize what being baptized and taking upon me the name of Christ (and as a missionary) really means. My companions and I taught district meeting on Sunday about baptism and it was sooo fun!!! I LOVE teaching ESPECIALLY my favorito subject, el evangelio (gospel) de JesuCristo!!!! Are y'all having family home evening and scripture study? That is something we can do better. I am learning how important exact obedience is. Obedience is where we get our power.