Monday, April 8, 2013

General Conference

April 8, 2013

My dearest family, 

How are you this week?  I hope that everyone is doing great!  I'm doing good, feeling extremely uplifted for the chance that we had to hear our Prophet speak!  I think sometimes we take for granted the fact that we have a living prophet.  I really loved all the messages.  I feel blessed to be able to participate in one of the most exciting times in missionary work.  We really have seen how the Lord is hurrying his work.  It is amazing to see so many new missionaries so prepared and excited to serve the Lord.  I wish that I had known what they know, when I had entered the mission field.  I really feel grateful for the great spirit that I felt during the conference.  I feel as if many of the messages were perfect for me!  The future will be fine if we put our faith in the Lord and do our part!  

Obedience is extremely important.  We know that the Lord blesses us depending on our obedience.  I also loved Pres. Monson's talk about that God's commandments are to bless and protect us.  I really have a strong testimony of that.  I also know that God is obligated to give us blessings when we keep the commandments!  President Rodriguez says that God doesn't stay away with any of the blessings that we deserve, and I know that to be true!  I really hope that we can all be obedient in the small and  large things, so that the Lord will bless us.  

I have been pondering Perfection recently.  It has always seemed like such an intimidating word, but I have learned to realize that it is an achievable goal.  It might not be achievable in this life, but it will be in the next.  What do we have to do?  Push with all our heart might mind and strength in this life!  I really know that every day we can become more like our Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ.  I really hope that I can reflect his light in my countenance.  I really know that that is the true definition of success in this life.  I really hope that with whatever challenge we have, we can remember that our Heavenly Father knows our situation, and that He will bless us with everything that we need when we ask, and live worthy to receive the blessings!  I know with all my heart that this is true!  

This week, unfortunately, we didn't get to spend a whole lot of time in our area.  On Thursday, we came back to Santo Domingo to attend Zone Council, where all the Zone Leaders meet with Presidente and us and the Capital Assistants.  It was a really fun experience, and we got to teach a few fun things. 
On Friday, we went to Barahona in the morning, and then we had the emergency with Sister Gamez, and we converted our Hilux into the ambulance once more to come to Santo Domingo.  Saturday we spent all day running from place to place doing ultrasounds, x-rays, and all sorts of exams, but in the end everything was okay!  We also got to play a little basketball with President Rodriguez. 
I love you all very much!

Elder Reeder