Mother dearest.
You are an inspired
woman of faith. It is funny that you talked about late night habits and joy because
I have something to say about both of those before I get to far into this email...
We were just talking
this week about how I use to have the hardest time with curfew and waking up. I
shared the funny stories about sleeping in the car and sneaking in at night but
honestly the only reason I looked back and found them of any value is because
of the relationship we still have. Through it all I know you love me and I love
you too. All is well.
This morning I was
studying what I wanted to plan for District Meeting tomorrow. I am going to do
a Christmas centered meeting and use "He is the Gift" as a contacting idea to train. But I was reading through 1 Nephi 8 as well as 11 and making
the connection to the Christmas story. How the tree could represent Mary,
Christ the fruit, and the sweet taste joy. In that view it changed so much for
me. Christ is Joy. He is the embodied essence of Joy. Your comments on Joy will
make an appearance tomorrow in my meeting. "Men are that they might
have Joy", with a capital J. Thanks mom, I love you.
Things are well. How
could they not be.
Gaudencia was
confirmed yesterday by Hermano Lipe. It was great. He helped us teach her
throughout it all and is a great fellowshipper. We actually have a pupusa
dinner with him tonight :) Guadencia and her angelic sister, Columba, came to the
YSA baptism and stayed to watch the Christmas devotional with us. It is just
them against the world but man; the world doesn't stand a chance.
Insomnia still bites.
It's honestly such a drag. I have been talking around to see what other
missionaries do to help relax for bed. Stretching and music are next on the
test list. Last night I couldn't sleep so I just cleaned the house until I was
tired.
Lately to help with
sleep and stress I bought some art supplies for Christmas and have been
sketching as a release. I love it a lot. ALSO I love writing...and I think I am
pretty good at it. You're gonna love some of the stuff. I honestly write so much beautiful
things and it's just another way to give testimony to Christ. I love it. I am
tired but still finding the tender mercies, whether in the day or deep at night
:)
I interviewed a young
single adult for her baptism. It was so great. I feel love and trust knowing
that Christ chose me to represent him especially with deciding who can and
can't be baptized. That's a lot of pressure but with the Spirit it just becomes
enlightening. She will make a great addition to the YSA branch. The
Hermanas were gently powerful in how they taught and shared our special
message.
I had a great exchange
with Elder Ale. He is doing well and we shared a heart to heart as I
listened about some things going on at home. He is so focus and on point with
his training but still shouldering burdens. I felt impressed to train the next
morning on Faith and Repentance. We talked about how apart from rebellion and
ignorance there are some sins that stem from weakness. Sometimes it's hard not
to sin just because we are weak…weak in faith, in body, in love, whatever. The Lord created us imperfect and it is true that God has asked for perfection--But
God has received perfection!! And now perfection is asking us to have faith in
Him unto repentance. The plan is simply glorious.
Zone Conference was
great. As a companionship we had been preparing in study and conversation and
felt really on mark with what President shared about Faith and Repentance. It
was great to see old friends. I talked with Hermana Francis and Buxton. I miss
them dearly; they feel like sisters to me…such amazing Sister Training Leaders. My old Zone had nothing but sweet words to say. I got news of so many great
things happening back in Pacoima. It is great to be remembered. Elder Speth
also seemed content with his Zone leader call and area. I am lucky to
have been trained by him. Elder Spears is working in Mission Hills which was an
area in my last Zone. As the zone leader I was able to see how the area stood
number wise and success wise. It has never had a baptizim but is still a great place. Long
story short Elder Spears and Elder Correa said they found 19 new investigators
last week...That is mental! They are the perfect companionship. Together they
weigh more that’s 400 pounds...
I am super excited to
visit the temple this week as a mission. I wouldn't say I understand more of
the temple in a quantity aspect but instead on a quality level. Revelation
found in the temple is more cleanly received and a lot of the time I have some
great questions when I leave. Just more things to study on :) I am so excited
to Skype soon! I don't know when or where but I'll let you know.
I love you so much
Mom. We were talking the other day about how in the next life if we have
followed the gospel here, we will be born into the next life by the blood and body of Christ, essentially becoming his children. Or like King Benjamin said
"Spiritually begotten" children of Christ. I thought it was so weird
that I have the power to choose my father in the next life. Christ or by
another name. Satan solicits a tough bargain but in the end I will be called by
the name of Christ. That is my hearts truest desire because he is the truest my
heart has ever tasted. What I would do to be His begotten son. It made me think
of what I have fought, experienced and endured in the past life to have
the honor of being your son. I truly am born of goodly parents who love the
Lord. Merry Christmas Mother. I love you.
Elder Bagley
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