Pictured Perfectly

Good Morning!

Here's my favorite part of the week: The first day of the new transfer Elder Dickey opens the front door and lo and behold, there sits a Christmas gift! In fact, it's more than a gift; someone has started a 'Secret Santa' with us! It was amazing for the first two days, and then we got more sweet treats, and then a little more, and now we don't know what to do because we're running out of counter space! 

In all reality, I'm super excited for a surprise every evening. But I have no clue how I'm supposed to consume all this sugar because Elder Dickey already said he sure won't. But I did hook him on Danish butter cookies, so there's progress. 

I enjoy working with Elder Dickey, I continue to be impressed by the scriptures and personal experiences he will share in lessons. I've come to find that every one of my companions has a unique story, which makes them a special child of God. I've been blessed to love all my companions, so I'm sure I'll learn a lot from Elder Dickey. 

As far as the work goes, we successfully held Desmond's baptism! We had everything prepared, though I felt like there was always something else that needed to be done. I was confused why I felt like I hadn't crossed all my t's or dotted all the i's, until the problem surfaced: we didn't know where the baptismal clothing was! We only started 5 minutes late though, it took the Stake President showing us the door (that we definitely had the key to) and then everything ran smoothly. Desmond reminds me a lot of my brother, Clark. I'm proud to have worked with someone who can help me think a bit about home (in a good way). 

 

Kolton is in high school, and we've been working with him for 3 or so weeks now. This Friday we set a baptismal date with him for January 13th! He has an honest desire to be baptized and make this covenant with God. He just has to survive a 2 1/2 week Christmas vacation! Also, as part of our efforts this Sunday, we had 8 of our friends at church! I love seeing our friends come closer to Christ. 

That being said, when almost all your friends are trying to be baptized or are coming to church, that doesn't leave you with a lot of other people to work with. We dropped one friend who can't meet with us before she moves to Nevada, and then Colorado City was snatched away from us in a Stake boundary change, so we referred two of our friends to the other Elders. Our teaching pool just got very lopsided. 

The Lord works miracles, however! In our efforts on Sunday, with a week of low-success regarding our finding efforts, we were led to 4 potential new friends! This was what I needed. I've been aware that we haven't found too many really solid friends recently, but now things are working out! I'll share more details about them next week.

With all that is going on in preparation for Christmas, I return my thoughts to my Savior, Jesus Christ. In my personal study this morning I ran into a couple verses that stood out to me on the importance of Christ's Atonement. I've read them probably a dozen times, but this is the first time I've given them real thought. 

Mosiah 4:6-7

6  I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, I mean the life of the mortal body-

7  I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation, through the atonement which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all mankind, which ever were since the fall of Adam, or who are, or who ever shall be, even unto the end of the world. 

When we have an understanding of God and His great mercy towards us, provided through His Beloved Son, that brings us hope. Hope to return Home, hope to move forward, and hope for a better world. Salvation, peace, hope, and joy, are available to all those who believe in God, repent, and make and keep covenants. I know this because I've experienced those blessings in my life, and in the lives of others. 

Desmond is one example in a long line of friends who've chosen the Savior over the world. But that line wouldn't be possible if I never heeded the promptings of the Spirit and chose to follow the Savior. That decision happened first when I was born, and again when I turned 8. It happened every day I chose to attend church and read my scriptures, learn in the temple, and the first moments where my testimony began to grow. It occurred two years ago, in the little town of Fairview Utah, and again in Tyler, Texas. And it's a choice I've made, and strive to maintain, every day of my missionary service. 

Though you're never quite sure where you need to be, trust that God knows the path for you and will help you walk down that road, pictured so perfectly from up above. I'm thrilled for this transfer and eager to dig into the work moving through the Christmas season and into the New Year!

- Elder Williams

Mailing Address:

881 South River Road

St. George, Utah, 84790

Pictures:

1. Sunrise!

2. Cliffs of Colorado City.

3. The Secret Santa letter.

4. Day 2!

5. Christmas in the desert part 1.

6. Christmas in the desert part 2.

7. Desmond at his baptism!

8. Secret Photos.