Anyways, let's start off with some updates on some of the best investigators in the entire world. Josh...oh Josh, how you test me, in a good way though! Josh has got to be one of the most Bible savvy people I have ever encountered. His knowledge of every single pivotal moment is basically flawless! So, you can imagine, he asks some really good, thought-provoking questions that have lead me to a much more thorough investigation of the Bible. It has been a growing experience.
The good thing is that he isn't asking them to argue or "bash", but to be thorough. He wants to make sure he knows our churches stance on many of the parables, and such, so that he can have a deeper knowledge of the teachings of our church and the teachings of Jesus Christ. He is soooo great! Has a baptismal date and knows it's true! Just gotta keep him laser-focused these next couple months.
He also came to basketball with us last night! Which was AwEsOmE! I have two favorite quotes of his that made my night. The first was, "Well, I'm not really a basketball player, so......it's good exercise right??" Haha, he was just fine, by the way. The second wasn't really something he said with his mouth, more with his eyes. I had a pretty good put back (surprised myself actually) and his look said "what in the world!? How is this lanky dude doing this!?". It felt good...real good.
We have had a couple lessons with one of our younger investigators, Peter. Peter is incredible, really. He has read all the way into Alma, all by himself. He has accepted a baptismal date, and continues to want to do all that he can to come closer to Jesus Christ. It is really humbling to see the actual power of the Atonement in him as he works and changes and sets himself in line with the gospel standards so that he can receive a divine witness of the truthfulness of the message the Book of Mormon shares. I'm am ecstatic to see his future progress! I'll keep y'all updated!
I think I'd like to share one quick thought with y'all about something I've studied, pondered, and been able to define with greater clarity for myself these last few weeks if that's alright?.....actually....ha.....you don't really have a choice ;-P
Anyways, HOPE. Hope has taken on a bit of a new meaning. I think we many times think of hope as something unsure or wavering. For example, I hope for a pony for Christmas!!! YAAAAAYYY!!!!! Ooooooor....I really hope Mom doesn't notice I broke that fancy candle stand thing again (true story). And this use of the word definitely isn't incorrect. Language has evolved so significantly since the time of the scriptures conception that the scriptural meaning of "Hope" can be lost on us - I know it was for me.
In the language of the gospel, however, the word hope, is sure, unwavering, and active. Moroni taught in Ether 12:4 that "Whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God". Hope is not these fragile wishings, but something sure and promised by our Savior, Jesus Christ. I have hope that through the power of the Atonement I can become a more Christ-like person and live with my Father in Heaven again. I have hope that because the sealing power has been restored on earth, I will live with my family eternally. I have hope that when I pray, I will receive an answer. And all of these things I have hope for because of my faith in Jesus Christ.
In many ways, hope is our motivator. When I'm discouraged and my faith is withering, hope in God's promises can uphold me. When I'm annoyed or tempted to speak ill of others, hope can push me to continue to be charitable, even when I might think a person might merit it. Faith, hope, and charity work together, totally dependent on one another to help create harmony. They build upon each other and help the other continue. But, hope is the conqueror of despair, the victor over heartach, and catalyst to a stronger resolve to continue in the face of hardship.
Have hope! The grass is greener on the other side.
also...here are some pics....don't judge me too hard.
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