Today was a wonderful day! I was really looking forward to church and I was not disappointed. The talks by the Rasmussen's were beautiful, focusing on how we can receive personal revelation and confirmation through the spirit. After sacrament meeting, the primary was in the chapel and we went through our primary program. Several times, the spirit was very strong, and the presidency felt the children singing with all their hearts. I hope that happens again on Sunday with the whole congregation!
In the afternoon, Kelly received her patriarchal blessing, which was a wonderful experience. I can't share it, of course, because it isn't mine to share. Suffice to say that it was an experience I'll never forget!
Later that evening, I attended the missionary farewell for two missionaries who served our ward and our family well while they were here in Fresno... Elder Tuaitano and Elder Casper. The first half of the farewell testimony meeting is from individuals invited by the missionaries, and the second half is composed of testimonies of the missionaries. Because I knew very few people who were speaking, I simply wrote down thoughts that jumped out at me as I felt the spirit.
From the invitees: Jesus Christ is our loving Savior. The Book of Mormon is a true and living testimony of Jesus Christ. Because of the gospel, we are no longer alone, no longer lost, and if we look to the temple, we can be closer to God and closer to our family. Trust in him with all your heart. Remember that making mistakes is not the end...it's the beginning. (I particularly loved that comment! Repentance and putting our Faith in Christ means that we can start over, anytime, anywhere.)
From all the missionaries: Being a missionary changes lives. If a missionary has impacted your life, thank Heavenly Father more than the missionaries, because they are acting in his behalf, imperfectly but with the Spirit. This church is the only way home. Love for the gospel is deeper than any other thing in our souls, and it should be. The Lord prepares his missionaries...he also prepares people for his missionaries to teach.
Elder Tuaitano: Heavenly Father puts people where they are because of the people in their lives, and we are meant to be in each other's lives. (Wasn't I just talking about this not long ago with someone dear to my heart?) Change is possible and the atonement is real!
Elder Casper: You can draw closer to the Lord than you know. The gospel changes people. The Spirit is what converts people, not missionaries. The only real regret I (elder C) have is that I can't stay longer. Christ leads the church.
President Gelwix spoke as well, and drew our attention to D&C 138:56 and Alma 53: 20-21. Missionaries are personal representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ. He tells his missionaries to live each day with no regrets and it's true for each of us...work your hardest, love your best, come home dog tired each day. He gave one word descriptions of each of the missionaries. For Elder T. he said his word was driven...he never met anyone who worked harder toward his goals. For Elder C. the word he used was humble, that he was always touched by Elder Casper's humility and love for others. He issued a challenge to pray, "Lord, who have YOU already prepared that I should invite?" and then once we know who the Lord would invite, that we should then pray, "To what should I invite them?"
I'm so thankful for such a wonderful day!
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