So another week has gone by and the end is in sight. I have a month of work left to do. Sister Walker plans on putting me to work this last month. I wonder which I am, a missionary or an ox? Either way, it should make an interesting month!
A less active calls me "begat girl" because I told her I made a family tree that covers the book of Genesis. That's where her scripture studies have been so whenever we visit she has a good number of questions for me about who "begat" who.
We had 2 lessons during some pretty good thunder storms. The first was early Tuesday afternoon with Martell. His sister wasn't home so we had to meet outside. We stood under our umbrellas as he said the opening prayer and as soon as we said "amen", the clouds opened up and a boom shook us. We took shelter in a near by shed and taught about Alma the Younger's conversion. By the time we finished, the rain had calmed down but we were cold. Then on Saturday, we were threatened by some dark clouds all day. Finally as we made our way to an evening appointment it started to sprinkle and just as we reached the porch, there was a great clap of thunder and lightning simultaneously. We were shouting to be heard and I couldn't hear half the conversation because I was on the edge of the porch. They didn't invite us inside but that's ok, it was a short lesson any ways. And in the 20 seconds from the porch to the car as we left, Sister Walker and I were drenched. It was funny as we kicked up the heat and the fan in our car to dry off and warm back up before our next appointment.
We were certainly kept on our feet this week.
Right after that last lesson I mentioned, we had a great opportunity to go to a member's house in Bossier for a lesson and dinner. When Justin and Ava came to church last week, the Betteridge's stepped up to fellowship them and asked if we would mind having a lesson in their home. It was amazing! Both of the Betteridge's have served missions, in fact that's where they met, on the mission in France. They have 2 kids who interacted with Justin and Ava's 1 year old daughter. The lesson after dinner was so filled with the Spirit. It was scratchy at first as each of us began to establish our bearings. And then we all clicked and the topic and need that Justin had clicked and the Spirit spoke so loud! The steps of the gospel are key to the success of each individual. My favorite step is "enduring to the end." I have learned that it is the step that most people forget, but it's what makes us keep changing, keep going and keep exercising the faith that starts the process over each day and every week. The Betteridge's helped Justin to accept to pray about a date for baptism. Their influence was the best thing for Justin, and hopefully a friendship will blossom.
First hand, I have been able to see the importance of us members in this work. This work is divine. It is not for the Ammon's of the mission field but the Amulek's just trying to manage a house and family in the midst of wicked people. As I have been reading in Alma I have counted the number of times Mormon in his abridgment used the word "astonish." Already I have counted 10 times, and I have quite a few chapters left to read. Each of these accounted have testified to the reaction of "non-members" to the power of God. Truly he is all powerful and we can know it. Just like King Lamoni, we can feel the immense joy that the gospel brings and like Ammon in Alma 26, we can cry loud and rejoice in praise to our God.
I love the scriptures. It's hurt so many times whenever in our return appointments, investigators, less actives, and members say they have not read. They justify they are doing good telling us the truth that they have not read but they forget that it would have been so much better if they had just given that little bit of time. I feel guilty for all those years I, myself, did not give to the Lord and his scriptures. But I look forward so much more to the years of "feasting" I get to do.
So, what have you filled up on lately?
Sadly, I have forsaken my camera this week, so there are no pictures that I can share. I was trying to take a selfie this morning of how long my hair is getting, almost to my collar bone, but none of them are worth sharing.
Mom, Dad, today is one month to the day that we will see each other again. Family, it'll only be a few days more, but it is sooner than ever before. I remember how amazed I was that I had been out a month in April last year, now I'm similarly amazed. I am grateful for what God has helped me to do. I'm grateful for who I have become. And I am grateful for the potential I am learning I have.
I love you all.
See you Soon.
Love,
Sister "Lucky" Stewart
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