Grateful for special witnesses

(I can't believe I didn't post this last week! I was out of town and just .... forgot.)

April 4, 2016

I've been procrastinating writing this email. There are so many wonderful things I could say about general conference this weekend. We were richly nourished by the pleasing word of God.

I say this both to express how much I loved hearing from our Father in heaven through the mouths of His chosen servants, and to apologize for the probably short email that will follow.

Some of my favorite things from general conference (probably not exact quotes):

See Saul-like individuals with their Paul-like potential
God looketh not upon the color of the jersey, nor the political party -- this was hilarious as well as a good lesson for us all
The Savior knows how it feels to be a refugee. He was one.
The Lord does not make it easy, but He does make it possible
Why does Satan tell people they can't improve or progress? Because HE can't improve. He can't progress. But we can. And the best thing about the gospel is that we get credit for trying.
We can escape the consequences of both sin and stupidity, through Christ's infinite Atonement
Opposition provides alternative choices on which to exercise our agency. Therefore, those who seek to destroy the Father's plan actually facilitate it.
Unlike Alice in Wonderland, we know where we want to go. And the direction we choose to take does matter.
Answer His call. "Come home."

And so many more things...conference was amazing. I have such a testimony of living prophets and apostles. I love Thomas S Monson and know that He is called of God, as was Brother Joseph. I am grateful for the special witnesses of Jesus Christ who serve the world so diligently.

I had some breakthroughs in my studies this week and was once again impressed with the wonderful reality that I will never know everything there is to know about Heavenly Father's plan for His children. But the more I do know, the more it ALL MAKES SENSE. The gospel is so cool. That's been my big takeaway from this week. Eternal truth is just the coolest thing.

One of our investigator families, the R___s, have been waiting on some legal marriagey stuff to be baptized (long story) but things are finally figured out and they're considering being baptized this month. Their kids are getting excited for the day to come, since they had been waiting for their own baptisms too.

We have another investigator who's been pondering on baptism. She was referred to us by the Elders after the R___s referred her to them. We had a lesson with her along with Sister G, a member who's been becoming really good friends with her. We were having the lesson on commandments, and she was bringing up questions pertaining to prophets which was perfect with General Conference coming up. We invited her to attend to see what answers she could find for the questions she was having. She then told us about she's been really pondering on whether to join or not, with finding a place to build a foundation for her kids as they live in a world that could pull them in all sorts of directions (she was tearing up a bit on this). She also told us that she had talked to her husband about baptism (which she had refused to do before). He said it's her choice to make. So now she's working on the decision with Heavenly Father (prayers would be appreciated). We promised her that she would find answers to her questions at conference.
She ended up being able to come to the chapel for the Sunday morning session, which was the session that President Monson was speaking in. Leaning over and telling her that he was the prophet just felt really good. I was grateful to know for myself that he really is.

And he is directed by the Lord Jesus Christ, who stands at the head of this church.

Um other things....we hadn't been able to run because Sister Johnston is asthmatic and it was too cold for her lungs but with it getting a little warmer she decided she wanted to try running and I was just delighted! So that's been another great things about the last few days. I missed running.

The Elders got a new car. We're pretty jealous.

I love you all! Souvenez-vous qui vous êtes,
Sister Lonas

P.S. ended up being longer with the help of Sister Johnston