February 1, 2016

The first day of February are you kidding me?! I feel like I blinked and January was gone… Its all part of life. I love it but at the same time hate it because I only get to be a full time missionary and serve the Lord with all I have for these 2 years. 

This week had its ups and downs like every week. Amanda and James are still set to be baptized this weekend but have been struggling with the Word of Wisdom. We made the mistake of telling them that they have to be clean one week before they are baptized. We had to push their date back and so they fell into their old ways for a couple days. We had a good lesson with them though and explained that if they slip up again then we can't come by anymore. They haven't slipped up again! They both came to church yesterday and are looking forward to getting baptized this weekend! We were able to give them priesthood blessings to overcome their addictions and the spirit was really strong and ever since they said it has been easier for them. The power of the priesthood is real! Keep them in your prayers!! 

Jamie, Caleb and Brycen have been progressing really well. Im not sure if I have said anything about them yet. Jamie was outside on her steps and we drove by and asked if we could pray with her and she accepted. We prayed and then taught the Book of Mormon to her since she knew a little about the church. We came back and she and her whole family had all sorts of questions for us and they had the desire to be baptized. We have to get Jamie and Caleb married which should be the middle of the month. Brycen (14) is the son of Jamie and has the desire as well. They will be baptized at the end of the month. We see them every night and they love the Gospel. They came to church as well yesterday. 

Steve unfortunately has been struggling a lot the past few days. We went by last night and he wrote us a note that said that he wants to take a break and read and meditate and see if this is really the right road to go down. We aren't too worried about Steve but keep him in your prayers as well!! I will let you know more when we get back in contact with him. 

This week has been a testimony builder for me. I have been just pondering about my life and how much the Gospel has helped me in my life. Satan wants to make it seem like the Gospel doesn't matter when really its the ONLY thing that will give us eternal joy and feel Gods love. We cannot feel Gods love by traveling down wrong roads. He will reach out to us still if we do because His love is unfailing. He will always be there for us. We are the ones that are not always there for Him. 

I love the Gospel and I love all of you!! 

Elder Gardner