Semana 83

Elder Lutze, 

How was Finca 30 this week? We pray all is going well with your companion and your area. This past week was the usual crazy! Monday I worked just a few hours and then took Scott's mom (Valine) out for lunch to "Cravings" for her birthday. That evening Dad and I went out with the Hayes, Roetkers, and Hansens to the Market Street Grill. We enjoyed the company but not the food.

Tuesday was work and an activity with the YW on family history. Super fun BINGO game. Wednesday work and Tasha came over for a good chat. Thursday, Hannah and I attended a RS activity! We learned about how to focus on our thoughts to make them more positive. Friday we interviewed for the educator position to replace my co-educator Amanda who stepped down from the role. It was quite the ride, but I'm confident we found the right person. 

Saturday, Hannah and I went through her room and cleared it out. I'm sending everything that's hers with them when they move. We then went out in the afternoon to celebrate her birthday early since I will be gone to Europe and they will be moving shortly after to Texas. We had a great time buying clothes for her and the baby. We ate dinner at Chili's.

It's crazy Spring weather - snow, sleet, rain today. Super surreal to see the Argyle's at church today. They left for Ben's mission right after you left and they are already home!!!

I've been thinking a lot today about the holy week! Today is Palm Sunday! I have plans to make it a more holy week and ponder the Atonement of my Savior. Here are some of my thoughts today...

The Living Christ

I love these 3 phrases from the Living Christ. "None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived or will yet live upon the Earth. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son." I wanted to share with you my love for this document. I've wept many times in my car as I've memorized it. The Living Christ increased my gratitude for my Savior and my understanding of His love for me. For me personally, the opportunity to recite it in the Garden of Gethsemane is one I will never forget. 

The Sacrament

As you know, there were many Sundays that I was at work since I worked every other weekend. I really missed partaking of the Sacrament and my week was different. When they finally allowed us to partake at work, I was so grateful. I could see the difference in my life. Elder Bednar taught, “This do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19) is what our Savior asked when He instituted … the sacrament. This ordinance with bread and water renews sacred covenants we have made with God and invites the power of the Atonement into our lives. We are healed by abandoning the habits and lifestyles that harden hearts and stiffen necks. When we lay down “the weapons of [our] rebellion” (Alma 23:7), we become “agents unto [ourselves]” (D&C 58:28), no longer blinded by the sophistry of Satan or deafened by the discordant noise of the secular world. 

Remember  (The most important word in the scriptures)

• Remember the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the most important doctrine we can study. Helaman taught his sons the words of King Benjamin “… remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ …” Hel 5:9
• Remember our Covenants Elder Bednar taught, "…As we are yoked with Him through sacred covenants and receive the enabling power of His Atonement in our lives, we increasingly will seek to understand and live according to His will. We also will pray for the strength to learn from, change, or accept our circumstances rather than praying relentlessly for God to change our circumstances according to our will. We will become agents who act rather than objects that are acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:14). We will be blessed with spiritual traction." 
• Remember our weaknesses bring the blessings of knowing Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul taught, "… my strength (Christ’s strength) is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." THINK ABOUT THIS ONE!
• Remember to Receive and Rejoice in the Atonement We read in D&C 88:33 “For what doth it profit a man if a gift (the Atonement) is bestowed upon him, and he receives not the gift (the Atonement)? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift (Jesus Christ).” At the beginning of this Holy Week, I want you to know I know my Savior lives. I know Him. I love Him. I rejoice in Him, my Savior Jesus Christ!!!

I love you!

 Mom