I'm not sure I'll be able to say this how I want you to understand it but I am going to try:
Sister O and I sat on the couch of 2 less-active women in our ward last night. We talked about the conversion of King Lamoni's father who would give away all his sins to know Jesus Christ. (Alma 22:15-18) We talked about how the price we pay to come closer to Jesus Christ is forsaking our sins - denying ourselves of ungodliness - burying our weapons of rebellion - putting away even those sins and transgressions that we think bring us comfort or pleasure in the moment - yielding to the enticing of the Holy Spirit - being changed such that we have no more desire to do evil. The Savior taught, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3). Giving up our sins is life eternal. We are given commandments in this life such that we can practice living heaven. Such that we can be comfortable dwelling in the presence of God. We choose by our actions where we want to be after we leave this frail existence. We talked about how if an individual has sinned or lived below their potential and is unrepentant, they will have no desire to be with God as Alma the Younger expressed, "Oh, thought I, that I could be banished and become extinct both soul and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the presence of my God, to be judged of my deeds." But how much we can learn from comparing this to Alma's attitude after he repents and is forgiven and made clean through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ: "Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God yea, and my soul did long to be there." We will not desire to be with God in the eternities if we have not practiced living as He does while here on Earth. Oh how the commandments are such a blessing! To be able to learn and grow inside of the safe and happy laws that a loving and all-knowing Heavenly Father has provided for His children.
These are not concepts that I unearthed myself, or that are new, or that have not been spoken of in Christ's church. But as I talked of them last night I just.. understood. Really understood.
I find that as I study basic, fundamental truths of the gospel and then go out and teach them to others that I am blessed with this incredibly clear understanding. The things I have learned about all my life are just.. They're just true. And it's so cool to get to share that because it's almost as if my spirit is like, "Well, duh. Of course that's true." The Holy Ghost blesses me to understand the laws of God logically and it is amazing the new depth of my convictions and how the words of the scriptures are sinking into my heart and becoming part of who I am. . It is so good to be a missionary.
This week we were sent a media referral IN PERRY. We get referrals from mormon.org usually 2-3 times a week but they are always from people who live 45-60 minutes away. So it's really hard to get out there. Because we have limited miles. And members have lives. But we got a referral in Perry this week and she wanted a Book of Mormon (How could you not?) and we got to see her for a quick minute on Sunday and we are going back on Wednesday. Good stuff.
A is doing well though still not on date for baptism. Her mom has started sitting in on lessons which is awesome. And they are starting to research their family history.
Also we had snails for dinner this week and they were 10/10.
Yours,
Sister Emma Gore
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