Hey everyone. I feel like I should talk about the atonement of our Savior. I just ask that each of you consider your relationship with Him and how He can help you overcome anything that you're feeling or going through right now.
Christ has a lot of different names. Here are some that I can think of: Lord, Savior, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, Redeemer, Advocate, Brother, and Friend. Jesus Christ literally is all of those things and so much more. He knows us. He loves us. He wants the best for us and wants to help us. When we've done what we can, He makes up the rest. He truly is everything. Christ is our Rock and our Salvation. He is the beginning and the end. The way, the truth, and the life. Only in and through Him can we be saved.
One of my favorite scriptures is John 3:16-17 which says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." Beautiful huh? Our Heavenly Father loves us so much and wants us to be with Him again. I can't imagine how it would be to give up your son but I do know that it takes so much love that we can't even imagine. Why did He do that? Because He loves us.
Our Heavenly Father knew that life would be hard, even overwhelming at times and that we would need help. So, He gave up his son. I love 2nd Nephi 2:24. This chapter is all about the Plan of Salvation and particularly the Fall of Adam and Eve. In the world, people look down on Adam and Eve. They blame their problems on them and think that everything bad in the world is because of them. Well, that is not true. God has a plan and we are so lucky to be a part of it. Verse 24 says, "But behold, ALL THINGS have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things." The next verses go on to say, "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, they they might have joy. And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall..." I love it! Our Heavenly Father knows ALL THINGS. He knows the good things, the bad, the happy, the sad. Everything! How comforting!
Christ came to the earth for each one of us. I truly believe that the atonement is an individual thing, sure it all took place at the same time but it is very individual. Christ suffered for us individually. He suffered for you and He suffered for me. In Alma 7:11-12 we learn that Christ suffered for everything - not just our sins. It says, "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." Christ knows it all. He knows each of our pains, our sicknesses, our problems and He will lift us all up to help us to overcome everything.
Remember when Peter was walking on water and started to sink? All he had to do was cry out to the Lord and IMMEDIATELY He was there pulling him out of the water. When we are drowning, we can trust that He will immediately pull us out of anything when we call out to Him. I love in the Bible when Christ tells those who are mocking him that the whole need no physician. He came for the sick, for the meek, and lowly of heart. I love Christ.
This week was pretty good. I truly love being a missionary. I can't believe that I only have a month left but I sure am going to give it all that I've got. This week Devon should be getting baptized. We're really excited about that. Rycca is continuing to progress and is doing really good. We were kind of worried about Candy because we hadn't seen or heard from her since Monday. Well, this morning I was just studying in Ether and the phone rang. It was Candy! She informed me that she and her boyfriend broke up! Obviously she was a bit upset and crying but through the tears she was able to say, "even though we broke up, I don't want to stop this. I really want to continue with this." Amazing! What a tender mercy! The Lord really does look out for His people. He wont give us more than we can handle and He gives us tender mercies in the perfect timing to help us going. It's amazing.
Another note worthy thing that happened this week is that a lady told me that I was going strait to hell. Honestly it was pretty funny. She was a referral. So we went by to meet her and she told us that our works are condemning us and that we are saved by grace. We brought up the fact that we are saved by grace after all that we can do. She was adamant that that was against the "doctrine of Paul." I thought that it was so funny and said something to the affect of, "well, I guess it's a good thing then that we believe in the doctrine of Christ." Don't worry, I said it very tactfully. It was just so interesting because she mentioned that sometimes she feels like doing nice things for people but then quickly realizes that that would be wrong and she needs to stay in her house, away from good works. I'm so thankful for the truth. Pretty much the conversation ended with her crying and saying, "please understand... you're going to Hell and I know that you don't even believe in Hell but that is where you're going. I'm praying for you." Basically, I ended it by thanking her for her concern and we went on our way. Pretty funny.
Yesterday was the 90 Stake, Stake Conference in AZ. It was really neat. Sister Thompson talked about how the Book of Mormon gives us strength. Elder Cook talked about living in the world and not of it. President Monson talked about reaching down and lifting up those that are in need. This is something that we all need to do. We all need each other. Please help each other. Bishop H. David Burtain spoke about being grateful so I want to end this email with what I am thankful for.
I am thankful for my Savior, my family, temples, covenants, the scriptures, the opportunity to serve a mission, technology, love, life, BYU football, the Gospel, warm weather, mountains, friends, the sacrament, church, callings, a prophet, inspiration, the Holy Ghost, a loving/all-knowing Heavenly Father, prayer, patriarchal blessings, kindness, repentance, the atonement, investigators, people to talk to, and so much more. I know that each day we can all find something to be grateful for. The Lord is on our side and we can not fail when he is our captain. Have a great week. Stand a little taller and be a little better. The Gospel is definitely true and because of it we can overcome EVERYTHING! I love you all so much! Have a great week!
Love, Sister Anderson
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