One day we woke up and it was snowing as we were running. By lunchtime it was sunny and windy (which makes it really hard to decide whether or not to wear a coat). The clouds started rolling in as we walked and tracted and during dinner it was pouring rain!
Other than the crazy weather, it's been a crazy week!
Much of it is due to preparing for Sariah's baptism on Saturday, as well as trying to work with those we have met recently met.
We've talked to a lot of really interesting people this past week. Conversations that are just peculiar stick out to me because there were some who, instead of opening the door, talked to us through their window, or talked to us through the closed door. It was odd, but made for some laughs and fun moments to remember.
We also had zone conference this past week and it was amazing! I had the opportunity to accompany my Sister Training Leaders on the piano while they sang the musical number, "Abide with Me, 'Tis Eventide" and it was really fun!
During zone conference we talked a lot about bringing the Spirit more into the Lords work- in lessons, everyday conversations with those on the streets, with members, planning and every moment in between!
I learned a lot about having gratitude and being more submissive to receive revelation, which is ALWAYS something I need to work on!
One of the main things I took away from zone conference was the need to slow down! I need to take my time when I teach and testify, so that I can allow the Spirit to have enough time to confirm in the hearts of those we teach of the truthfulness of our message. I also need to give the Spirit time to put into my heart the words I need to say! The Spirit really is the real teacher in any situation of the gospel, and I want to be better at yielding to the Spirit and its every promoting.
As I'm nearing the end of the Book of Mormon again, this week I've read a lot about the teachings straight from the mouth of Jesus Christ Himself. I'm so grateful for the chapters we have in the Book of Mormon where Christ visits the people in the Americas in His resurrected form, and He is able to teach them so much about how to be more obedient disciples of Jesus Christ.
One day, I was reading in 3 Nephi 27 where Christ reveals to His disciples that the church needs to be called by His name. It reminded me of the recent announcement of the Church that we will no longer be referring to ourselves as "LDS" or "Mormon".
The more I thought about it, the more grateful I was for the inspiration of the Prophet and Apostles in making this adjustment. The changes that have been made consequently truly are preparing us for the Second Coming! If we call ourselves "LDS" or "Mormon", we are literally taking the name of Jesus Christ out! We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and calling ourselves by that name is helping us to keep our covenants more abundantly. Part of our promise at baptism is to take the name of Jesus Christ upon us, and we do that by not referring to ourselves as "LDS" or "Mormon"!
My mind was blown during this scripture study, especially since the commandment to call the Church by His name is straight from the mouth of Jesus Christ. It not only made me more grateful for the Book of Mormon, but also for the Prophet and Apostles. They truly are men inspired of God and it strengthened my testimony of their role in helping us to be stronger covenant-keepers.
I am so thankful for the gospel and all the blessings that await us according to our faithfulness and obedience! This truly is the Church of Jesus Christ and I am so thankful to not only be apart of it, but to also have the opportunity to share my testimony of it every day.
I love this gospel and I am so thankful for each of you. Have a wonderful week!
All my love,
Sister McCown
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