Hollow Shells

February 06, 2023

Good Morning!

We picked up a Spanish friend, just to pass her off to the Spanish Elders! That happened Monday night, it was an interesting way to end the day. However, I went on exchanges with Elder Kingrey! He's a fantastic Elder, while I was with him I refocused on the work and how I can continue being a little better. It was a good day, and though I spent it in another area I learned a lot. However, I did get one piece of revelation for Beaver! It's that we need to spend more time in Milford. The town is forty minutes away, so originally we haven't been going out there much, but since then we've decided to spend two evenings a week, from 3pm to 9pm, in Milford.

I would say we're already experiencing miracles from this decision. We've contacted a few people who are willing to have us back, and found a couple people off-records! We have a pick up lesson with one family this Wednesday. I'm looking forward to it! Honestly, we've spent most of this week sifting through our teaching pool. It's gone from 20 to 12, and I would say 7 of those 12 are close to baptism (within 6 weeks or so). We're praying we can set some solid baptismal dates this week!

Speaking of that, one of our friends, Anna, is preparing for baptism on the 25th! She's getting married on the 18th, it's been an interesting situation to help someone get married before baptized, but it'll all work out! She's fantastic, converted to the gospel, and ready to make a covenant with God. I'm proud of her.

One funny thing is the high number of people I've run into this week who really don't like the church. The worst part is, these people try to bash us, and tell us we're wrong. I got into two bashes this past week, and they really don't leave your Spirit feeling that good. I wish people would recognize us as fellow Christians, rather than judge us by their own worldly philosophies.

But that's okay! It's provided me an opportunity to further strengthen my own testimony. Elder Jorgensen shared some thoughts with me on people who have hollow testimonies. How their lives are spent going through the motions, without actually internalizing divine truth and changing themselves. They expect to be better by changing their behavior, rather than changing their nature through Christ.

I'll admit, that idea kind of worries me. I've had times in my own life where I was simply acting the way I should because it was expected, rather than from a true internalization of the gospel. However, in an effort to enhance my studies, I've decided to ask myself more questions to help me understand the "why" behind the verses, or the word choice, or the action of the people. Even after only a couple days, my studies are growing a bit better. Here's a pattern I put together.

Questions inspire learning, learning inspires action, and action results in a change of heart. Here's an example.

Joseph Smith had a question. "Which church is true?" He sought learning by study in the scriptures, in his mind, and through attending various churches where he lived. This prompted increased learning, until he read a verse of scripture:

James 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

The Spirit of the Lord struck Joseph, prompting him to act. So Joseph sought his answer, in vocal prayer, in a secluded, sacred grove of trees. Because of his willingness to act on the promptings he'd received, the world was changed. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to the young prophet and proclaimed that there was no church on the Earth with the fullness of truth, yet such a church would be restored through Joseph Smith, in due time.

This revelation, and personal manifestation of God the Father and Jesus Christ changed the world. But if Joseph didn't seek and knock, nothing would have been opened. We'd still be in a spiritual darkness today.

Here's a quote from a living Apostle today!

"when we intentionally and truly dedicate ourselves to look unto Him and learn from His perfect example, we come to know Him better. We grow in enthusiasm and desire to incorporate into our lives the ultimate standard of how we should live, the example we should set, and the commandments we should follow." - Elder Soares; April 2022

I know the Church of Jesus Christ was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. I'm striving to dedicate myself to the Lord and know Him better. I'm striving to live a full life in the gospel, rather than spend my time wavering inside a hollow shell. The Church is true. There's simply nothing else to it. If you aren't too sure yourself, ask God in sincerity. It worked for Joseph Smith and myself. I know it'll work for you.

Keep working hard! Life is crazy but that simply means you need a strong spiritual foundation just like the rest of us. Never give up.

- Elder Williams

Mailing Address:

1265 North 100 West

PO Box 2259

Beaver, UT 84713

Pictures:

1. Howard Bradshaw at a lesson with Jamie. We helped her move this week, she's also doing very well.

2. Scott at a lesson with Patrick. Patrick doesn't want to progress right now. That's okay, the Spirit will help him.

3. Shadrach at a lesson with the Boone family! They're on track for success, all three kids came to Stake Conference!

4. Sunset over Milford!

5. A really sweet icicle thing.