Undivided Attention

Good Morning!

I have enjoyed these past few days, but continue to learn a lot. We had a Zone Gathering for Thanksgiving day so I spent some time with other missionaries and played chair soccer and socialized. It was a lot of fun, even if I didn't win at chair soccer. 

After the Zone Gathering I began an exchange with Elder Beaudette. He's an amazing missionary and very committed to the work. It was a great opportunity to learn from him and understand what I can do to improve. I won't go into details, but I felt like I was lacking a little as a missionary and needed to improve. I just wasn't sure how. There were two or three ways my prayers were answered that day, and each one was needed and appreciated. I love working with Elder Beaudette. 

In a testimony meeting yesterday one individual shared their experience with personal prayer. They said that when we kneel down in prayer to God, we have His undivided attention. I'm not sure how that works when so many of His children pray every night, but I have a testimony that God answers our prayers, often in subtle means. I know that He was listening to me when I needed His aid. I'm grateful He trusts me enough to use me in the work of gathering Israel. 

Fun note; as we ended the exchange I drove through La Verkin again! It was funny to look at some homes and realize I'd visited them before! That was interesting. It felt refreshing to revisit an old area and see it, even if it was dark outside.

Kanab has a light parade they do every year. We attended because someone said we should. It was very cold, but we coordinated with a couple members while there. I wasn't expecting much from the parade, until the Rudolph float. I won't go into details, but there may or may not have been a giant flamethrower on the back . . .

We are seeing momentum with our friends! They're continuing to progress. Kaylen is starting to plan her baptism, which we're excited about. She wanted to do it in January, but maybe it'll happen on December 30th. We'll find out on Thursday I hope!

In our lesson with Kaylen I shared my testimony on the commandments. We had discussed the Law of Chastity, Law of Tithing, and Word of Wisdom. She doesn't have any problems with them, but I chose to share my testimony on the blessings I've seen in my life as I've studied and lived these commandments. I truly have found more peace and confidence before God from living his laws. They've brought me more joy, and kept me focused on the Savior and His doctrine. 

I'm reminded of a ward mission leader I worked with in Cedar City, named Brother DeMille. He's a fantastic individual and taught me much about missionary work and little things I can do to improve. He emphasized in one meeting the importance of having a strong, personal testimony in each of the commandments we teach. I feel that I have finally achieved that to a stronger degree. I have been blessed when I follow God's commandments and strengthened by His Spirit as I strive to share that joy with those around me. 

Every day as a missionary brings new challenges, but the blessings that come make everything worth the effort! I pray I can continue to give God my undivided attention as I am diligent and continue to improve. 

- Elder Williams

Mailing Address:

881 South River Road

St. George, Utah, 84790

Pictures:

1. I love pictures of Jesus with sheep!

2. Exchanges with Elder Beaudette!

3. Western Kanab.

4. The Rudolph Float.