Power In Resistance

High 5!

1. John came to church on Sunday and is on date to be baptized on March 5!

2. Our zone helped at the food bank again this week! It is so humbling to see the families that come through there. They are so receptive to Christ's help.

3. Our new investigator I mentioned last week, Elijah, is doing really well! He is understanding the gospel and is making huge changes! He wants us to come almost every day because of the spirit he feels when we are around. 

4. Our ward put on a Valentine's dinner this week and it was a hit for so many less active and part member families! 

5. We found 2 solid potentials this week who we got return appointments with! Pray for Emily and Richard!

Down Low, 2 Slow.

1. We officially had to pass our apartment manager, Darlene, off to the elders. She lives 1 street out of our area... :( Hoorah for Israel though!

2. So many people cancelled on us this week.

We had a really good lesson in Relief Society a couple weeks ago! It was based off chapter 3 in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Howard W. Hunter. He talks about adversity and how we all face challenges and trials during our mortal life, but that it's all part of God's plan and our eternal progression. 

In our trials, the Savior extends to each of us the invitation He extended to the man at the pool of Bathesda: "Wilt thou be made whole?" (John 5:6) Through Christ, I know we can. Although adversity causes resistance and opposition, it also propels us forward. Joseph Smith said, "Men have to suffer that they may come upon Mount Zion and be exalted above the heavens." 

Our difficulties in mortality can humble us, refine us, teach us, bless us, and be powerful instruments in the hands of God to make us better people, to make us more grateful, more loving, and more considerate of other people in their own times of hardship. In 2 Nephi 2, we learn that the opposition we face is for our gain. President Hunter explains that our difficult moments are intended to "bless the righteous and help those who are less righteous move toward repentance." When you look back on the trials you have faced, I hope you are able to see the lessons and growth that come from each one. 

This is the part of the chapter that struck me the most..."Where one door shuts, another opens [...]. We are not always wise enough nor experienced enough to judge adequately all of the possible entries and exits. The mansion that God prepares for each of His beloved children may have only certain hallways and banisters, special carpets and curtains that he would have us pass on our way to posses it." 

I can maintain a "perfect brightness of hope" (2 Nephi 31:20) when passing through trials, as I remember that the only perfect person who ever lived faced more adversity and trials than I ever will. It is a price we should all be willing to pay to become more acquainted with our brother, and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

God speed!

Love, Sister Bowen