May 10th Week 31- Serenity in Revelation  Layton Utah Week 21 (T3 - Trainer DL W/Gibson)

皆さん!

 So sorry for the late email! Today has been a little bit crazy with all of the things going on.

 I wish I had more to report to you all, but this week got blown up by so many things, it's not even funny. So.

 Monday we received our second rounds of Pfizer vaccines (except Elder Gibson who received his first) - and except for a sore arm, we were all fine!

 I woke up the next day, and it felt like I was walking amongst the living dead... It was kind of funny at the moment. Every single one of them were dazed out of their minds, and most were just barely awake. I felt bad, and I tried my best to help our where I could.

 ... And yet, it felt like something out of a weird dream, everyone else stumbling along while I'm just watching everything seem to walk in slow motion. It was kind of surreal, to be honest.

 But it's okay, because the next day that became me. So that was fun. Basically, we did the best we could. And we got a lot done! Well, we got a lot of seeds planted, at least.

 Thursday was Zone Conference! It was all about using questions in teaching. It was really good information, and though it wasn't anything particularly new, it was really good to be able to just review and talk about it! It was great. Also, did I mention I performed a musical number there? Because that happened. I played a piano arrangement of Lord, Is It I? from the musical Lamb of God. It was so much fun! Not my best performance... but I think that the Spirit was there.

 Then, us district leaders were informed that afternoon that the next day, we would be teaching all the other districts a principle of our choice. So that was... exciting. Luckily, it was only a ten minute lesson, so it wasn't too bad or too hard at all. It was good to get to know everyone in the zone and talk to everyone there!

 The rest of the week has been pretty quiet. We've seen miracle after miracle - running into people, learning new things, and finding new ways to help other people. I'm grateful for the Lord's hand in this work - we can feel Him consecrating our work as we try our best to do His will!

 And that's my testimony - that He will be with us every step of the way. Even when struggles and problems and issues come our way, we can always rise up and continue forwards. I've shared this scripture before, but I'd love to share it again - revelation given to Joseph Smith from within the dark confines of Liberty Jail - where there was no food save that which was smuggled in, hardly any water, no practice of hygiene, and all within a dark, cramped room.

 In the midst of this darkness, Joseph Smith cried out to the Lord - "O God, where art Thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth Thy hiding place?" (D&C 121:1).

 The reply? "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment. And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands." (D&C 121:7-9). I love that the Lord refers to Joseph as "my son" - there is such power that comes with that familial connection. Because it's true! Heavenly Father is truly our Father in Heaven - and if we pray, seeking with pure intent and with a genuine, innocent desire to learn and know for ourselves... the answer will come in a still, small voice.

 I'm not sure why this scripture came to me, but Alma 34:38 came to me:

"That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ... and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth, and that ye live in Thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."

 I know that this church is true. As we listen to the promptings of the Spirit with full purpose of heart, we can receive the answers we desire. If we have a pureness of heart, and real intent, the answers, the blessings, the miracles - they will all come.

 Take care for now, everyone! Love you all - you all are amazing!

 Elder Decker

デッカー長老