December 9, 2019

We were teaching a woman named Tiffany this week, and she is truly amazing! She went online and requested a Book of Mormon because she wanted to learn more. Just after meeting with her once she wanted to be baptized. The next time we met with her we explained some of the commandments God wants us to keep so we can be prepared to make and keep sacred promises with him called covenants such as baptism. As we were teaching her about the Word of Wisdom, she told us how she has noticed that she feels better when she doesn't partake of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea. So, she got up and put into a trash bag every single thing in her house related to those substances. She put her coffee maker, a cigarette making machine, all her tea, coffee, cigarettes, cigarette making materials, and everything else she had into a bag for us to throw away on our way out of her house. It was amazing! We were blown away by her commitment to live what she felt was right despite the opposition. She is a truly amazing woman, and I’m glad to have known her.

      We started doing some service at the capitol building. South Dakota has a very beautiful capitol building and every year they decorate it with about 100 Christmas trees, and it is SO beautiful! We get to be greeters there, and greet people as they enter the capitol and answer any questions they may have about this event. I love spreading the joy that Christ brings this holiday season. It says in John 12:36 " While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light." We are the "light of the world" and we are to "let our light shine, that they may see our good works, and glorify our father which is in heaven." Matt 5:16 I notice how as humans we tend to really like light. We like pretty trees that are all lit up, we like long sunshiny days. We gravitate towards the light because truly we are "the children of light" as we look to the light of the world which is the Savior Jesus Christ we are filled with true joy. As we share that light the joy in our souls expand, and spread. I have felt this and know it is real. The Savior Jesus Christ is truly there, and he loves us. He brings me joy that is more real than anything I've ever felt. I know that his love and his light is meant to be for everyone. I feel so honored that I have had this privilege to share that light for the past 18 months. And I cannot wait to keep sharing it for the rest of my days!

         Margaret and Lijah are going to be baptized this weekend, and I am so excited for them and their family! I'm so very grateful for this gospel. I'm grateful for the peace and joy it has brought me. I'm grateful for the love I’ve felt and the love I’ve been able to share with others. I am so very grateful for my Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ. He lives and he loves us. He is always reaching out to us in love all we have to do is take his hand and follow him. And his light will fill our lives. I am so grateful for this precious truth. I say these things in his name, Jesus Christ. Amen.