Week 38

I'm grateful for connections and the ability to learn and be strengthened even in this isolating circumstance. It continues for me in my mission because almost every one is in the high risk category. We're still in the RED zone and are supposed to stay isolated from the world and each other. And keep wearing the lovely masks - thanks to Caryn for providing some cute ones for me.

I'm grateful for Sundays because it provides a little broader connection for me. I'm looking forward to the family Zoom call later on, and I just enjoyed a Sunday School which is led by our Training Zone leader Elder Parker.

  

I loved the chapters from Come Follow Me study this week - Mosiah 18-24 - where we wrapped up the stories of the people of King Limhi and the story of Alma and the people at the waters of Mormon. We talked about some similarities to our time now with the various burdens we're feeling. He referenced the scripture in Ether which reminds us that the blessings come "after the trial of our faith." Who knows when that will be, but the Lord. A sister pointed out Mosiah 21:16 - "And it came to pass that they began to prosper by degrees. . ." I guess that's what we're all doing to some extent right now, especially as we are gradually able to do more and get out more, even though we still need to be careful. I love the reminder about when the burdens of Alma's people were eased. They were not taken away, but they were made light so that they couldn't feel them. The Lord strengthened them so that they could bear their burdens with ease, and they submitted "cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." This is in Mosiah 24:13-15. And we're reminded "and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions." I know we have been blessed and "visited" by the protection of Alyssa and Chad this week. We all know that they had angels with them and we can all be witnesses of that blessing.

Thank you for your examples to me. I know you all have challenges you're working through, and I know that you're living your lives righteously so that you'll be blessed, and your burdens will be made light. We all can acknowledge the blessings coming to us because we certainly are "prospering by degrees."

PS - Some may not have seen - I got the red car I've wanted for 35 years. 🥰