Light The World

First off, I want you all to check out "Light The World" if you haven't already. If you have, go ahead and watch it again. >> #LIGHTtheWORLD this Christmas season. Serve others like Jesus did “In 25 Ways. Over 25 Days.” Prepare yourselves and your family for the day of service on Thursday, Dec. 1st and many days to follow! Find a way to serve your neighbor, serve a friend, and serve the world like Christ did when he was here. I know that by doing so, we can all make a huge difference. WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. Just as Christ is the light of the world, we can bring the light of the gospel into our own homes and in the lives of others. All we need to do is share it. Whatever it might be, ponder on ways you can be of service to your community or those around you. I testify that when we serve others, we are serving our Heavenly Father! We will make a difference.

  

I also testify that the Lord has so much in store for us; he loves us and wants us to be happy. "The tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Ne 1:20). I'd like to relate this to an experience we had just a few days ago. On Saturday, we knocked on a door...looking for a name by the name of Ismael, whom we have never met before. As usual, one of the kids answered the door and said that his dad was too busy. We handed the kid a mormon.orgcard and told him to have a nice day. As we were about to walk away, Ismael (the father) came to the door and said, "No! Come on inside!" Sister Fogg and I looked at each other with confusion. In our minds we are thinking, "What?! Did he just say we can come in?" Not knowing what to do next, we followed the welcoming father into his home. Izzy, the son who answered the door, called all his younger siblings to come downstairs. We introduced ourselves to the family and got to know Ismael and his four children- Izzy(17), Allen(14), Ruby(12), & Maria(9).

To begin, I felt prompted to ask the Morales family what is most important to them. Allen immediately answered, "FAMILY!" At the moment, we were able to testify of a loving Heavenly Father who has given us a plan by which we can be with our families forever. Through this plan, our families are blessed and are united together. I mentioned how much I miss my own family, but that the gospel of Jesus Christ is just as important to me. We testified of the blessing our families have received from following the restored gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ. I know that there was a need for a restoration! I know that Christ has again established his true church on the earth today. I know that through him, and by him, and of him, we can live with our families for time and all eternity; we can live with our Father in Heaven again someday. This is Plan of Happiness. 

Together, we shared Joseph Smith's first prayer and testified of the power of prayer. The room was filled with complete peace and I even felt goosebumps all up my arms. We all got on our knees and I demonstrated what it is like to pray (he mentioned that they don't pray as a family). Afterwards, we asked Ismael to say a prayer but he was very hesitant. He said that he was too shy and would say a prayer next time. **oooh so there will be a next time? "What about you Izzy?" I asked. And to our surprise, Izzy immediately began his prayer. He thanked Heavenly Father for his wonderful family and prayed that they would continue to be happy and blessed. His simple prayer to our Heavenly Father filled me with joy and love. I know that God heard Izzy's prayer and He loves the Morales family. Even though we just met them, I felt a miraculous amount of love for each of them. I know that our prayers are heard.

We also had the privilige of teaching "Naudia" a persian woman who walked into church one day and said, "I'm looking for a Christian church!" I know that the Lord has prepared people to receive the gospel and sometimes, He even sends them right to us! We were able to give her a church tour and testify of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Although we didn't teach her much, and she didn't understand very well, I felt prompted to invite to be baptized. The spirit filled each of our hearts and there was a moment of silence. The words that came out of her mouth next gave me chills and a feeling of joy. Naudia responded with a smile on her face, "Yes!" There were many other miracles that we saw that day and that we continue to see every day. I'm grateful that we can teach the Morales family. They have been living in that home for twelve years and had never seen or held a Book of Mormon before. I'm so grateful that we listened to the spirit and found this family who needs the gospel. I'm grateful that we could share the message of family and love with them and give them a book that can and will change their lives. Please keep the Morales family in prayers. 

Listen to the Holy Ghost! He will guide you to those who are in need of your spirit, your service, and your testimony. The spirit will show you where you need to go and what you need to say. Don't be afraid to listen to or follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. If the spirit tells you to serve someone, tell someone "thank you," or show love to someone who needs it, do not hesitate. Follow the Savior in everything that you do. "And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do" (2 Ne 31:12).

I LOVE YOU ALL. 

happy holidays. Christmas in California << a tumbleweed snowman