Humble Offerings

Good Morning!

It has been a good week here in Ephraim. We have dropped two of our friends, Gage and Kaydan, because they aren't very ready to progress quite yet. Another two, RayLynn and Macady, are fun to teach but aren't progressing either. We spent our last lesson focusing them on why we are here and how their Savior will change their life. 

One lesson I have learned is how critical it is to be humble. Elder Bagley and I were in a discussion about something small, and I realized that all I was doing was stating why we should do things "my way" rather than "his way." 

It's funny how the Spirit will prompt us. One minute you're hardening your heart, so to speak, and the next the Spirit comes in and pricks you with a still, small thought. When heeded, those thoughts change your attitude and perspective on the situation at hand. 

It has been a process of learning humility here in Ephraim. This is probably my hardest area. For example, we haven't found a new friend to teach in 3 weeks! I could sit still and complain at how atrocious that is (which I sometimes do anyways), or I could go out and work even harder. One option passes the blame to anyone or anything else. The other forces me to rise above the murmuring thoughts and retain my focus on the Savior. 

I have begun to draw on many missionary skills I've learned from my companions and friends. Some skills I've relied solely on my companions to provide. Now I'm striving to initiate those skills in my own missionary efforts. Improvement is a slow process sometimes, but it brings blessings! Even miracles. 

Ponder with me on the reality of miracles. 

Moroni 7:
35 And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased? 

36 Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved? 

37 Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain. 

I have faith that there are people to teach here in Ephraim. I desire to witness such a miracle, even one of finding three or more friends this week who are prepared for the gospel. This work is true, and as such is the greatest work on Earth! 

To quote the soundtrack to a movie I love; "There can be miracles, when you believe." I will spend this week seeking those miracles that are awaiting our efforts here. Because 'faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify [us] for the work.' 
(Doctrine & Covenants 4:5)

I'll describe how God has magnified our efforts next week. Until then! 

- Elder Williams

Pictures: 
1. Elder Zimmerman and I. We aren't on exchanges, but our companions were absent so we snapped a quick photo. 
2. Bee.
3. This is the progress of the Ephraim temple. I'm excited on how far it's come!
4. Deer. 
5. Shelley's baptism! I'm so proud of her and her decision, even if I couldn't be there. 
6. Kaydan, his friend Stanford, plus Elder Bagley & I! Also in the mountains. 








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