Goooooaaal!

How is this week already over? So insane!

Every week, my companion and I teach about the commandments to our friends who are progressing toward baptism. The commandments are our God-given instructions to live a happy life and have the spirit of God with us always. We teach about a standard of health that prevents us from consuming certain substances that can harm our bodies, a commandment that keeps us emotionally and spiritually safe/pure, and a way to build the kingdom of God on the earth through our tithes and fast offerings.

Some of our friends love this new change of life by living the commandments, and some... not so much.

Two weeks ago, a member of our congregation was on her way to church in a taxi and overheard a man sitting upfront telling his life story to the driver. He said he has Parkinson's disease, his wife left him, and he feels so lonely/helpless.

This Sister offered to come by and help him. He agreed, and she invited us to go by a few days later. When we arrived at the house, it seemed as if he had been waiting for us.

The man explained he had been praying all this time that angels would be sent into his life and share the message God had for him. We shared about the Restoration of the church, and WOW, the spirit was so strong and testified of the truth.

We are now working towards his baptism in July and teaching him about the commandments. I have never seen anyone so prepared and willing to drop anything/everything to align his life with God's will. Pedro (our friend) is not only willing but THRILLED to learn more about God's instructions and inspiration so that he can come closer to God.

Mosiah 2:41 Consider the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things... and if they hold out to the end, they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.

Pedro knows that by applying the commandments of God into his life, he will bring him the peace and joy he is searching for. As disciples of Christ, we know the source of true happiness, but it only comes as we carefully/happily apply His teachings in our lives.

Sister Becky Craven, a leader of The Church of Jesus Christ, said, "There is a careful way and a casual way to do everything, including living the gospel. As we consider our commitment to the Savior, are we careful or casual?"

I reflected a lot on this question this week of being careful or casual in striving to keep the commandments of God in my life and living the covenants (promises) I have made at baptism and in the temple.

The spirit has blessed me to see my strengths and weaknesses in the way I am living, and I know that by carefully applying and loving the commandments of God, like Pedro, I will continue to grow closer to my Heavenly Father and show my gratitude and devotion to Him.

John 14:15 If you love me, keep my commandments.

Highs:

Carlos wants to be baptized!!!!!! #electinthemicro

Making French toast for my comp to celebrate her bday

Mosiah 16

Benjamin gave a Book of Mormon to his friend

Lunch with my favorite Peruvian family

Intercambios with Hermana Black

Climbing the side of a mountain with my district

Companionship study

French fries en San Jose de Maipo

Showed up to the ward soccer activity ready to participate and realized that I was the only girl among 20 Chileans that actually took fútbol Sabados seriously #scoredagoalsomehow

I don't remember the rest of my week, but it went well

Lows:

I am so behind in my journal

Time is flying

LOVE THE COMMANDMENTS.

Hermana Pickett