Dearest family,
This week has been an interesting one. We have really been focusing
on our efforts on families. Well, the other day we got to the area
where we had our next appointment and had a while to find. There was a
man and his two kids outside. We started talking to him and got to
talking about the restoration. We asked if we could come back and see
his family and he just wouldn't agree and was coming up with different
excuses. I could tell that what we were sharing with him was really
having an impression on him though so it was frustrating and a little
disheartening. Well, Sister Greenfield just quoted the first vision. We
testified and then the man said that he would pray and if he felt God
answering him that he would call us back. We haven't gotten a call back
yet, but we are praying and hoping that we will. It was just amazing to
me to see that the spirit had really come as we quoted Joseph smith and
testified and that it had slightly softened his heart. We also met this
girl, Jess, who is expecting. (We are going to teach her for the first
time tonight!).
We were talking to her about the plan of salvation. Her uncle came up
and seemed a little like he was telling us to go away. He was like she
can't stand hear and talk to you because she's expecting. But then I
could see something in him change and he started asking us if we had
been saying something about the purpose of life and starting asking us
all these questions. He then was really eager to meet with us as well
when we set up the time with his niece. Hopefully all goes well tonight.
Of course, the miracles don't come without some crazy moments as
well. We had this man, Dave (St. Mark)- I can't remember if I've told
you about him before. He's VERY interesting, but at an appointment this
week he finally agreed to be baptized and come to church!! Then he
texted us later and asked us what he would have to give up to be
baptized. We said we were going to teach him at the next lesson. So the
next lesson we teach him about the word of wisdom. He was not happy. He
started talking in this strange language (he claims to have the gift of
tongues) and then starts slamming his fists on the table (we were in a
cafe and I wonder what all the people around us were thinking). We tried
to very lovingly help him to realize that the Lord would help him and
that great blessings would come, but then he just started yelling and
getting upset. I was torn between laughing about it or crying. Then he
said even if God himself was sitting there telling him to give it up, he
would not do it. That made me so sad and made me want to cry. And it
showed to me how much God has offered to us in giving us agency. I just
wish people could understand what they are giving up through the choices
they make. In a lesson with Justin this week when we were talking about
temples and the different degrees of glory. They member with us, Sister
Rogers(she's amazing!), was talking about, just like you were saying in
your letter Linda, that we have to work hard to get the celestial
kingdom if we really want it, but that some people are happy to not
receive more. They don't want to put in the work and are happy to rest
and be lazy for all eternity, but others are willing to put in the work
so they can press us and continue to work and learn and create in the
next life. She also said how every decision we make points us towards a
degree of glory. It really made me ponder. Is every choice I make
pointing me towards the celestial kingdom? or do I sometimes make
terrestial choices? I guess it goes back to the idea of good, better,
best. I definitely want the best! And I hope that all I do
shows Heavenly Father that I'm willing to work for it and be
uncomfortable for it!
We had the opportunity to go to a Church of England service at St.Mark's church last night.
We have a couple potential investigators that had invited us and we
thought that it would be beneficial to go and see how they worship so we
could relate more. It was interesting. There were times you could feel
the spirit, but sister greenfield and I left just thinking "if only
these people could really understand that they could have so much more."
They worship the best they know how, but I just wish I could really
help them to see with eternal eyes all that Heavenly Father has prepared
for them and is willing to offer them (there is a really good talk
about this in this month's ensign.. or maybe June's. one of them. it's
by Spencer W. Kimball). I really hope that I don't ever choose to
live below my privileges! How blessed we are to know all that God has
prepared for us and all that we can acheive and have, now and in the
eternities!
I love this quote in Elder Packer's "Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple" book:
"Every foundation stone that is laid for a temple, and every temple
completed according to the order the Lord has revealed for his holy
Priesthood, lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the
power of God and Godliness, moves the heavens in mighty power in our
behalf, invokes and calls down upon us the blessings of the Eternal
Gods, and those who reside in their presence."
What a wonderful blessing the temple is! Enjoy a session for me
this week please; I really miss even just getting to walk the grounds,
but especially getting to enjoy of the wonderful spirit that is felt
when you go to the temple. How lucky are we that we live just minutes
away!
This work is a work of miracles. Yes, discouragement and
disappointments come, but I know that the Lord is with me every step of
the way and directing His work in His way.
I know I can still lose myself in the work more, but I know that
the Lord will help me to become the missionary that I can be and that he
needs me to be as I turn my heart over to Him.
Everyday I am so grateful for the testimony I do have; that I know
who I am and whose I am and the possibilities of what I can be in the
eternities.
I love you all and keep you in my prayers.
Cheerio,
Sister Davis
P.S. Sorry if this letter seems all over the place :)
This week Sister Greenfield and I decided to enjoy the warm
weather... it has been boiling this past week! I think I must have
brought some Vegas weather with me. Sometimes it's nice, but sometimes
it makes tracting VERY long and hot and sticky.
But anyway we decided to enjoy the weather and have a picnic in the park with some yummy fish and chips. SO GOOD! yummm.
Love you! xoxo
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