The hand of the Lord

So many cool experiences this week! I prayed every morning that I would be able to see and recognize the hand of the Lord during my day. It worked every day that I asked. You need to try this. I promise it will bless your life. As you pray in thanks, you will grow closer to Heavenly Father and recognize blessings and tender mercies. You won’t be happy until you are grateful! 

“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” - Russell M. Nelson

“The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life.” - Joseph F. Smith

A few special moments from this week:

My sister and her husband have been trying to sell their car. Someone came to test drive it and I prayed that they would want to buy it, and surely enough, they ended up buying it. I know the Lord answers prayers. 

After we finished our session on Tuesday night, the service missionaries were walking out of the temple and when a nice old man found out that we were going to Wendy’s, he said “dinner’s on me” and tried to hand one of us $200. We did not accept it, but were all amazed by his generosity.



On our zoom call, my pathway companion told me that in his morning prayer, he felt the spirit tell him that I needed to share my story with the students in Africa. I shared my story completely on the spot during our gathering. The lead student was deeply touched. This week happened to be especially hard on her. Her house flooded and she lost stuff that was important to her. As I shared my story, she started to cry and told me that it reminded her of Jesus. She was blessed by my story and I was blessed by hers. She continued to cry and thanked me for sharing. I’m so grateful that the spirit prompted Elder Hurst to have me tell my story. 

Me and my mom were able attend a baptism and it was so special. It is my buddy James’s (serving in Norway) little sister. Her and her mom sang teach me to walk in the light and the spirit was so strong. I cried through the whole song and the whole baptism. I was able to help confirm her, and her mom told me that it was like I was standing in for James. “Standing” lol. I know that baptism is necessary and real. The gift of the holy ghost is crucial and such an amazing blessing. The priesthood is on the earth and the ordinances of baptism and confirmation are performed through the priesthood authority God gives his children. 

I was touched this week by the story of Peter. His experience with repentance demonstrates the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in providing hope and forgiveness. It teaches us that no matter how bad our mistakes may be, we can change and rebuild our relationship with Christ. His atonement is Infinite. 

“Now, if there be any within the sound of my voice today who by word or act have denied the faith, I pray that you may draw comfort and resolution from the example of Peter who, though he had walked daily with Jesus, in an hour of extremity denied both the Lord and the testimony which he carried in his own heart. But he rose above this, and became a mighty defender and a powerful advocate. So too, there is a way for you to turn about, and add your strength and faith to the strength and faith of others in building the kingdom of God.

My beloved brethren and sisters who may also have drifted, the Church needs you, and you need the Church. You will find many ears that will listen with understanding. There will be many hands to help you find your way back. There will be hearts to warm your own. There will be tears, not of bitterness but of rejoicing.” - Elder Gordon B. Hinckley “And Peter Went Out and Wept Bitterly”

(Had so much fun with the extra family we got to see this week)