The Best of Things

May 16, 2023

Good Morning!

Before reading the quote below, take a second and place your name in the space below:

"_____, whose singular praise it is, to have done the best things in the worst times, and to have hoped them in the most calamitous.

"Those are lines I would use to praise the prophets and the faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ down through the years."

- Elder Holland Oct/1994

These words from a living Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ stand out to me. What does it mean to do the best things, even in the worst times? What does that say about our faith? How will that example inspire others? How does reading your name adjust your perspective of yourself?

I have three amazing friends who made covenants with their Father in Heaven this Saturday. These three friends have their own unique story. And each one demonstrates precisely what it means "to have done the best things" even "in the worst times."

Cali is a wonderful friend of ours. She already knew the gospel to be true when we first met her. Her conversion was, and is, strong. She knows she is where she needs to be.

To avoid being too personal, her family isn't the strongest supporter. They don't disapprove by any means, and she has many people close to her who she relies on. Cali is a force for good in this world. But she has chosen, because of her own, personal, testimony-building experiences to continually hold fast to what she knows to be true. To repent and correct her course, before the serious deviations begin. I am proud of her decision to be baptized and her commitment to press forward afterwards.

Kreelynn is fantastic! I love working with her and I have loved the opportunity to participate in her baptism and conversion process. Her father began by holding fast on not allowing the baptism to happen. However, we invited him to come to a lesson with Kreelynn. His heart was softened and he has since allowed her to make the huge decision to be baptized. Kreelynn is a wonderful example of patience in a hard time as she has been waiting for the better part of a year for her dad's consent.

Delphine is a wonderful woman who has moved to Utah from France! It has taken a few sets of missionaries for her to finally take the leap to be baptized. She wanted to be baptized in 2030, in Lake Powell, with classic French songs playing and the Spirit descending as a dove.

Instead she was baptized in a font, decorated with fake plants, two weeks after we met with her and I dare say the Spirit was much more profound. She sacrificed many dreams she'd had for her baptism, but she did this because she knew a covenant with God surpassed the setting and atmosphere. It is best made in the presence of her friends and ward family who love her, and care for her well being. After seeing the joy in Delphine's face, I know her hope for a powerful, personal spiritual experience was realized that day.

Brothers & Sisters, knowing who you are changes what you do. My three friends know they are daughters of a Heavenly Father. This has fueled their desire to make a covenant with Him. This brought them humbly into the waters of baptism as they strive to better follow the example of their Savior Jesus Christ.

It is a strong representation of your faith when you keep your baptismal covenant. So it is with Cali, Kreelynn, and Delphine. I have confidence they will strive to keep this covenant throughout their life. I have the same hope for my life, the lives of my friends and family, and all those who have made covenants with Him.

I pray that the examples I've shared today will motivate you to further keep your own covenants with God. Remember how critical it is to do the best of things, even in the worst of times. Always have hope.

I went on two exchanges this week, with Elder Tremelling and Elder Cole respectively. I learned a lot from them and I'm grateful for their unique talents and gifts they bring to the mission, their area, and for the time they've taken to share those talents with me. More of our friends are progressing, and I have full confidence that the work of the Lord is moving forward, and will not stop until Christ Himself shall say that it is done.

I pray we will do everything in our power to be a part of this magnificent cause.

- Elder Williams

Mailing Address:

881 South River Road

St. George, Utah 84790

Pictures:

1. Something big in Washington went up in flames.

2. The St. George Temple at night!

3. Exchanges with Elder Tremelling.

4. If you look closely, you can see both temples in St. George!

5. Exchanges with Elder Cole.

6. Bryce is preparing for baptism!