DECISIONS DETERMINE DESTINY

Dear Family and Friends,

IT RAINED!? That is a miracle! Miracles are EVERYWHERE! I know that is true, Heavenly Father's hand is in our lives everywhere! I have seen that out here in the field, and I have seen that back home too, and it is interesting that He will bless us in normal and natural ways, almost to the point that if we don't look for it specifically, we will never see it. It takes some effort to see His love and blessings, and I think that is for a reason, because those who love Him, will look for all He does for them and try to give back by service! Our choices we make really do show our love for God and our love for others :) Decisions determine destiny. 

That is a neat topic for the lesson! I have used that out here in the mission too, especially teaching people that we will be safe as we follow the prophets. That is such a comforting feeling. Safety comes from following the prophet and other Church leaders :) I know that is true, I have seen it in my life.

This week, Brother and Sister R were interviewed for baptism! They are going to move their baptism back a little bit, but their kids are being baptized on the 15th of this month! K T is being baptized on the 15th also and her interview is tonight. We are working hard to help the other people we are teaching stay committed to the dates they are planned for. They are doing great. D S is getting a little hesitant this last few times, and so we are going to set up an appointment with her soon and talk about it. Brother B quit his job, and now he is coming to Church! It was great to get to sit with him this sunday in Elders Quorum. He has been having a rough time with Church attendance, but now, is able to come. They are trying to be sealed together in the temple and will keep working toward that goal! Brother and Sister R and getting married this friday at 6:00! 

Many miracles are happening in this part of The Lord's vineyard and I know they will continue to happen as we put our faith into practice! We are going to go to the temple this wednesday and thank you for sending those names!!! I am so excited about the ones you sent me! I get to see them start from the beginning and go through to the end! 

We get down on ourselves a lot in life. That is something satan uses against us. He uses our greatest virtues to become our greatest vices, and in the process he makes us turn away from the things we love. Why do we as human being get down on ourselves? Sometimes it is because of unrealistic expectations. Sometimes it is because we need a coping method and don't want to face truth, and sometimes it is because we are distressed. I am so grateful for The Savior, Who makes Salvation possible! Elder Nelson says perfection will not be attained in this life. 

I am going to try to get permission from the Zone Leaders to teach J! We met an investigator named J this week! SHE IS PREPARED!  She committed to be baptized, and she also in a kneeling prayer at the end of the lesson said she felt like she had been missing something in her life and this might be it :) I know it is what EVERYONE is looking for! Everyone who seeks after Jesus Christ will find Him, His teachings, and His love here in this Church, because it is The Church of Jesus Christ. He loves us and I love you too! Hope you all have a great week! 

Love,

Elder Abner Apsley :)