Monday, April 14, 2014

April 14

"O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.
Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God." - Mormon 9:27-28

After many, MANY prayers offered, Hermana Cabral and I are staying together another change, but we BOTH are leaving the area!!! We are really excited to see what the Lord has in store for us!

Our less-active, Jose, came to church all by himself yesterday. He stayed for ALL 3 hours, and supported the other missionaries in their baptism after church let out. He was so happy. I was so happy to see him happy! We had 8 of our less-active in church this week, out of the 11 we went to visit, and one of our investigators who is getting baptized next Saturday. Unfortunately we won't be here to see Norma be baptized. But she is our little "escogida", and she is going to be a great addition to the ward here in Chorrera.

I testify that God loves us and hears our prayers. I love you all. Happy Easter!

Happy Birthday, Cody Hoffmann!

April 7

Conference was flawless! The Spirit was so evident in every discourse! My testimony was strengthened. I love the Lord!

The Lord gave me a very special opportunity to follow counsel given Sunday morning in conference by "taking someone by the right hand" and lifting them up.
It was an inactive member that I am DETERMINED to help. Jose is only 34 years old but has thrown his life away to alcohol. In between sessions yesterday we went to Jose´s house, picked his hung-over body off the ground (taking him by the right hand and helping him stand), made him shower, and dressed him in a new church outfit we had picked out. I even tied the tie! He came to the LAST session. But he came. I will NOT give up hope on him.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's church. I have no doubt of that. His tender mercies are over all of us who choose to repent on His name, and press forward with hope, faith, and charity.

I love you all.

March 31

BIRTHDAY PDAY HAPPINESS!

This week absolutely whipped me into shape-- spiritually and physically speaking. We taught an outstanding number of lessons, we dedicated our time, hearts, and efforts to meeting everyone's needs, and we ENJOYED the fruits of our labors. The Lord has blessed us tenfold for our efforts. Dilligence, obedience, and faith is all it takes.

The Women's Conference was incredible! Mostly because they showed a video with the Kunas from the San Blas islands here in my mission. So cool. I loved the frase "nos necesitamos". We really do need each other, sisters! My companion, Hermana Cabral, is just such a prime example of that to me. I love her and her awesome attitude. This week the best advice she gave me was: "This mission is supposed to be hard. Accept things and move on!" She keeps me moving forward!

I finished reading the Book of Mormon for my 5th time on Wednesday. I testify with all I have that it still stands true. It was, is, and will always be another testament of Jesus Christ. It is the most true of any book on earth. I wish all of you could read it, and open your eyes to the fullness of the Gospel of Christ.

On Saturday I went to the sealing of Pachi and Itzel Ramos (a family I worked with in Chitre), and it was so incredible! They got baptized a year ago, and have been faithful ever since. They have worked hard to reach their goal of the temple, and it was an honor to see them kneeling across the alter!

Today we're going to eat lunch with a recent convert, then we're hopping over to Arraijan to visit TIO LAM!! I'm so excited to see him! My companion got me breakfast this morning, paid for my bus, and made me a sweet card!

I love you all. Isn't it weird that none of you knew 21 year old Bond?

March 24

This week went by so incredibly fast, huh? Actually, the weeks seem to be doing that now.
I am getting really excited for General Conference. 2 Kings 5:13. I believe Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet, and that our lives will be blessed according to our diligence in following the Lord's commands through his mouth.

I studied Jeremiah 18:1-6 this morning and was really impacted by this scripture. The Lord is so loving and forgiving. He, like the potter in this chapter, can mold us and shape us to be what He wants. However, sometimes we dont come out looking exactly how He thought we would. Instead of throwing us aside or replacing us, He patiently starts over again.

We heard some interesting talks on Easter yesterday. Hard to believe that that's coming up so soon. May we all strive to remember Christ everyday, not just on Easter Sunday. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an every day religion, not just a once-a-week one, or holiday one. We must determine to follow Christ in every step, and walk uprightly before Him.

I love you all!

March 17

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATIE PAINE!

Little miracles.
Happy faces.
Changing hearts.
Incredible experiences.
Trusting the Lord.

I love you all.