12/14/2015

It's been so cool recently because I know a lot about the scriptures. While I was in the ysa ward, I went to institute and realized how many connections I could make through the standard works and how clear it was to me. There have been a lot of times recently where someone will ask a question that isn't just the basics, and I've been able to explain how perfectly it fits into the basics! it has been so great and cool for me and has made me realize how much I actually know. and the best part is, I haven't even scratched the surface. There is so much there. An apostle said, I think it was Uchtdorf - the gospel is so simple a child can comprehend it, yet so complex, we can spend an eternity searching and studying it! I love that.

That's so cool you are helping out the missionaries back home! Does Brandon go out with them a lot? He should. Start him at like 1 or 2 times a month, and work him up. Even if they are knocking doors, have him go with them, and have him read handbook 2 and preach my gospel. I pray he gets called to a mission that is as obedient and guided by revelation as the Florida Tampa Mission. I see others missions and it doesn't make sense, I'm not saying we are any better, but we are held to a high standard of obedience, it's not easy but it's a life changing experience, the changes I'm making now are not 2 year changes they are eternal changes!

We got a call from a member this week and she said one of her Friend's daughters needed a blessing before she had open heart surgery, so they put us in contact, and we gave the blessing. I felt so good, this girl was 11 or 12 and had down syndrome and was just the happiest soul you will ever meet, but she wasn't excited about the surgery. In the blessing everything that was said was to stay positive and that she'd have the strength she needed. I always get nervous with blessings, because I clear my mind and just try to follow the spirit, I was worried I wouldn't be prompted to say she'd be ok, but everything was positive and happy and encouraging, after the blessing she was crying, she told her mom she wasn't scared anymore and felt good inside. The next day she had the surgery and it went very smoothly, she was making a speedy recovery and everything was looking good, the doctors said she could be discharged in a couple days! The member said that her friend was very appreciative and thankful. even though it wasn't teaching or baptizing, it's these experiences where I feel I am serving the most.

I get to go to the Temple on the 22nd!

As far as Christmas calls we are thinking around 12 here, so 9 there, but we will weekly plan this week, and let you know for surenext Monday.

-Elder Ellsworth