Family,
Thank you so much for sending me the pictures! Hehe I love them :) Looks like the outside renovations are coming along great! Nice work! I can't wait to use the new and improved firepit!
This weekend was amazing! First off, it rained a TON (that'll make me happy no matter WHAT!) and although we received a lot of flash floods we were safe and *tried to stay* dry!
But the most beautiful part of this drizzly and wet weekend were the baptisms that took place! Tuesday afternoon we met with My and said "Do you still want to be baptized? "Yes, of course I do!" .... "Well, will you bebaptized this weekend?" *without hesitation...* "SURE!"
My was baptized Friday the 13th! (thank goodness she's not superstitious or anything!) haha! The baptism went great and she had some great support from the ward. After her baptism we asked her how she felt; "Peaceful," she said. With all that is going on her life she definitely needed this day. She was in great need for peace and comfort and guidance. She is still looking for somewhere to live, but we told her that miracles happen when we follow God's plan for us and do what He has commanded us to do.
Isn't it funny how life works out that way? Even if we're in the middle of something so unimaginably crazy, the Lord will provide miracles and blessings when we ACT upon what we know we must do!
Via was also baptized this weekend. Hers was held on Saturday, and although her kids did not join her, I felt so much peace with how everything would work out. She's moving away and I just know that the missionaries and her new ward are so excited for her and her kids!! Via's brother is not a member, and he told Via that her choice to be baptized truly inspired him. He said that someday soon he will be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...!! HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!
I got to experience a very sacred and tender moment as Via stepped out of the font. I was waiting for her to give her a towel. Dripping wet she looked at me and said "Can I just stay in the water? I feel amazing.. I cannot believe it..." I wrapped the towel around her and gave her a hug. She began to cry tears of relief and gratitude. We stood there and hugged for a good long while. I told her to never forget how she felt at that moment.
I love the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ. Baptism would not be possible were it not for the Atonement of our older Brother Jesus Christ. All of our sins: gone. And we can have that same feeling and blessing as we partake of the Sacrament each week and renew the covenants we made at baptism. THAT is why coming to church is so important: the Sacrament! Each and every week we can become clean again if we partake the Sacrament with a worthy and willing heart.
I know that these two women have faced MANY trials in their lives; it was finally their turn to each be baptized and receive the blessings of the Gospel and the Atonement of Christ. Completely clean, each woman can now face her current trials with a stronger faith and a sense of renewed strength in the Lord.
I LOVE THIS GOSPEL!!!
There are certain challenges that I am dealing with now in my mission, and I can see the difference when I truly put my trust in the Lord versus the times when I want to "be independent" and fix things on my own. It's always something I've tried to work on my whole life; letting someone else help me with my problems or challenges. But first and foremost, the Lord is there for us. It's up to US to let Him help us. He's standing there with His arms out, just waiting.
I'm grateful for my life. I live such a blessed life. I don't say this to boast or brag, but to show gratitude. People like you in my life are a great part of these blessings.
I love you all so much, and I hope you can all find peace and joy and strength in the Atonement.
Hurrah for this work!
* * *
I LOVE YOU!
Love,
Sister Moore
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