My Heart is in Texas: The gospel brings more Smiles!

The Spirit softens hearts

On saturday we had stopped by earlier in the day to check on a less active lady we had never met before but she wasn't home. Then on our way back from dinner we passed by her house and I noticed that there was a light on inside. So I told Hermana Hoj to stop and we knocked on the door again.

A lady came from around the side and introduced herself. We did some small chatting and then she told us that she usually doesn't answer but she saw us smiling on her doorstep and couldn't ignore us. She invited us in and we got to talking and getting to know her. Some time went by and I didn't know if we should just get to know her or bring up the gospel but Heavenly Father showed us a tender mercy and the conversation soon turned into a spiritual topic.

She then opened up to us in how she doesn't feel comfortable coming to church and we talked about Repentance and Forgiveness; how Heavenly Father grants forgiveness for anything that we may have done in the past and how the Atonement helps to move us forward. She was so sweet and told us that she usually doesn't open up to people. She was like, "My brother would be really jealous right now at the conversation we are having." And then she stopped and said, "You know what? I just love you two." I was on the verge of tears and the spirit was SO strong! In the short amount of time that we had been talking to her, I had grown a deep love for her as well! We now call her Mama Lesa. I'm really excited to keep visiting and working with her on coming to church. #miracles

Bees

So for some reason the bees just love us here... I'm still trying to decide if they are little workers from Satan or blessings from Heavenly Father. I don't know? Not sure what to think about that. But everywhere we go... bee. We talk to someone... bee. But we haven't gotten any stings yet so thank goodness!

Investigator Updates

Gabby has been taught all the lessons and is praying about baptism. She is 16 and has some concerns about being the only member in her family. She loves the scriptures and reads every night but doesn't feel like she is ready. She wants to make sure that she doesn't give up and that this is something that she for sure wants to do. She is so sweet and I know that she is ready! Please pray for her!

Matt is getting baptized this upcoming week and he told us that his parents decided to come, not because they support him but because they love him. He is going through a lot of opposition with them and it doesn't even phase him. Every time he goes home his dad has an outline of anti-mormon stuff that he gives to him and Matt just ignores all of it. He uses the spiritual experiences he has as what he calls a "cushion" to lean back on. He is just so strong!

He is always so happy and he himself notices the change that he has made. He loves being around the members and loves coming to Institute and to the activities. He says that he watches Mormon Messages or listens to the scriptures walking on his way to class. He said, "I'm sure people just think I'm so weird... like who is this guy that is just smiling all the time." His favorite Mormon Message is The Hope of God's Light. It is SO good. If you haven't watched it, here is the link: http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=3701964025001

I'm so thankful for his wonderful example. The gospel changes us and it should continue to change us. As we receive more light into our lives, our smiles become bigger and we become happier!

The church is true!

Love,

Hermana Loo