Hey everyone!
So this week has been very trying, but in the end was probably the most rewarding. All I can think about is General Conference and the wonderful blessing and opportunity it is to hear the words of the prophets. I've been coming to enjoy it more and more every year, but being a missionary during it is just that much better! Every talk it seemed I could somehow relate back to my purpose as a missionary, whether it be being a better teacher, leaning on the spirit more, or just improving myself so I can help my future investigators more. It was amazing!
My main talk I enjoyed and can think of right now is of course Pres. Monson’s when he opened conference with a short call to all missionaries. I'm so grateful to be on a mission and hope Hunter is preparing himself to go, and all my friends that are nearing or are at that age. It truly is the best experience of your life up to this point! I also really enjoyed Elder Jensen and Bednars' talks on the Holy Ghost. As a missionary and even when not on a mission, it is so vitally important that we always are listening to the quiet promptings of the spirit. He will direct our paths, if we are humble enough and in tune with the spirit. I've definitely seen that promise come to fruition as I try to teach the lessons and cater them to the needs of the investigator. As members of the church we have such an awesome promise to have it with us always, the Sacrament prayers just take on a whole new meaning when I thought about it that way. Another couple talks I felt were directed at me was Elder Holland and Pres. Monsons' on Gratitude. Elder Holland is such a strong speaker, when he spoke of his own dear parents' sacrifice for him while on his mission it really hit home when I think about all the things you all have done for me. I don't say it nearly enough, but thank you thank you thank you! I am always amazed at how much easier and blessed my life has been and is because I was in our family. How lucky am I?! I also loved Elder Oaks talk on our personal and priesthood communication with God. Not only did this give me a lot of food for thought for my own relationship with God, but that is also a key part for when we teach investigators, to get them to come unto Christ and to feel his love, and why we need to pray always that we may come off conqueror. Also I had an investigator ask about the need for organized religion if we can just have such a close relationship with God ourselves, I think that talk answered a lot of those questions. My other favorite talk (I know I'm missing tons) was by Elder Arnold as he asked each of us what we're doing with Christ's name, relating to George A. Smith's experience. That talk really came alive for me since I do wear Christ's name every single day, everywhere I go, his name Jesucristo in Espanol, is on my chest. Am I always acting in a way that he would want me to act, honoring him with my actions? I have a lot to work on, but since I get to spend all day every day just focusing on the gospel I’m a lot more able to do something about it since all my time and focus is centered there, so I better not mess up. I was sad I still haven't heard Sat. afternoon, and I couldn't take notes for Priesthood, but I guess I'll just get to watch or read them later and take even better notes then I would have. Plus I got to sing in Priesthood Session! That was definitely the highlight of my week. It was a struggle this last week since I was sick for like 2 weeks, and got pretty bad last Mon and Tues, but miraculously my prayers were answered and literally my sore throat went away the day before we had to perform. The Lord really is mindful of us. I still coughed a bit and was a little congested, but I was able to sing with all my usual ability, and that was one of the best experiences of my life. Being in the conference center, right where the Mormon tabernacle choir sits, staring at the General Authorities, apostles and prophets right in front of me, and knowing I was being watched be every priesthood holder in the church! The experience was amazing, just getting to have the opportunity to learn those songs, their lyrics, and the meaning behind them would have been good enough for me, but that truly was the experience of a lifetime I'll never forget. I hope we were able to share our spirit, our love for the gospel, to show our purpose to go forth to every nation, tongue and people, as messengers of the Lord, going forth to serve his children and share his message of joy and happiness. I loved it!!!
After Conference on Sunday we had a devotional (sitting in meetings for like 12 hours in just 2 days was spiritually exhausting), but it was awesome because Pres. Breinholt decided to make it a musical devotional focusing on the ability of music to always bring the spirit. That is so true! I'm so grateful to you mom for always forcing me to develop my musical ability and getting me to push myself to learn more. It has been one of my greatest blessings on my mission, and really in my life!
Also thanks for following up on all my numerous requests for things, I know you are all so busy, I appreciate all you do! Thanks Dad for sending that letter, it was such a blessing in disguise because I was talking with some Elders just in a random hallway about the letter from New York and a teacher came over and heard I was going to New York (because of your letter) and apparently he went there as well and then Elder Patchett (the other elder in my district going to NYC) and I spent the next hour just listening to him tell us what to expect--another highlight of my week. I can't wait to get out into the mission field to preach the gospel to people that need it! It's going to be such an amazing experience I know!
Well I have 5 minutes left and I'm not going to make it too close like before when part of my letter got cut off so I'll end it here. Thanks for all your letters everyone! I loved them, and I'm working on getting back to you all. I can't wait to hear back from you=) keep up the good work, keep being missionaries and spreading the gospel. I think it's so cool Lynette how you talk about the church with your friends and you are such a good missionary to them. Use preach my gospel, it will help a lot!
I love and miss all of you! Yo se que este iglesia esta verdad y tenemos los profetas en la tierra. Les Ama!
Elder Lewis
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