Email ochenta y cuatro

March 26, 2018
This week I happened to be reading in Jacob chapter 3. Shout out to Eyleen Kendall, who, ironically, just a week earlier, emailed me and said verses 1 and 2 stuck out to her. I thought a lot about this one:

1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.

2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.

What does it mean to be pure in heart?

Jesus said "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Our heart shows our true desires, what we really want. To be pure in heart means to desire the Kingdom of God, because we love God and want to do His will and make it back to Him. It means to not be guided by any alternative motive than this. We want the right thing, for the right reason.

In his April 2017 General Conference address, Elder Gary B. Sabin said: "As we continually repent and rely upon the Lord, we gain strength as we come full circle in possessing the humility and faith of a little child, enriched with the wisdom borne from a life of experience. Job proclaimed, “The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.” It was Tennyson who wrote, “My strength is as the strength of ten, because my heart is pure.” The Lord has counseled, “Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved.”"

I love the part at the end where it says "...feast upon his love; for ye may..." I love the imagery there. The love of God is a free gift. We as His children are entitled to that love. It is on the table. It has been served. It is our choice however if we want to partake of it or accept it.

President Monson said: "...your Heavenly Father loves you--each of you. That love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there."

This week was really good. We are working with Maria, Raúl's mother. This week she told us she doesn't believe in the Catholic traditions of having images of Saints or worshipping Mary, the mother of Jesus. So that was really cool. The more she reads the Book of Mormon, the more her heart opens to the message of the Restoration.

Kenny wasn't able to make it to church, so we are going to move his baptismal date back. We were able to give him a blessing this week to help him understand and remember what we teach, and also help him stop smoking.

Our investigator Roberto came to soccer night again on Saturday, and we had fun playing with him. Unfortunately, his wife doesn't feel comfortable with us coming inside the house yet.

This week we were able to find some cool new people to teach, including Carmela and Sonia. I get kinda sad thinking I will be leaving this place so soon.

I love this Gospel. I love my mission. I love all you. Have a wonderful week!

MOUNT NEBO