Hello everyone!
Its crazy how fast the weeks go by sometimes. I feel like you might be getting tired of hearing from me honestly, since it feels like I sent an email yesterday haha.
This week provided for some very interesting reflections. I have been talking alot about the Meridian Temple Open House that is coming in about 6 weeks!! Which is very exciting, but I have begun to see a very interesting effect in the treasure valley of Idaho. We know the scripture in 2 Nephi that says that there is a opposition in all things. Well once again we see this doctrinal truth coming to pass. It seems that we are recieving more brutal opposition in our areas, and more missionaries are going through some struggles that is really setting them back a step or two. Even the wards in general that I have served in for the past 4 months seem be struggling much more than the wards I served in one yearago. Why might this be? Well I think it is no doubt that a Temple Open House opens doors for those not of our faith to feel the spirit in a way that is so easy to invite others to come to. The Adversary cant stand this. Any opportunity to feel the spirit for anyone is a loss in his book. So what has he done? He is making a more concentrated attack on those that will be doing the inviting and sharing of the Temple Open house, because if he can get us to not invite just one person. He succeeded.
My thought comes from one verse in 3 Nephi 11:24
"And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying:"
I was sitting thinking about one phrase in this verse which was, "calling them by name."
I was thinking to myself why do we even have names? Why do we make sure to say the names of people during Ordinances like baptism. God could carry out His work here on the earth in such a way that none of us had names. But yet, names are important. With our understanding of the Pre-mortal life we understand that we had our attributes, personalities, and individuality before we ever came here. And numerous times God will call out to his children by NAME. Having a name is part of the Plan of Salvation! We were sent here to go through our individual trials and tribulations so each of us could make it back and grow to our greatest capacity and potential. The Adversary's plan was one that it didn't matter who we were He would get us all back no matter what. It would matter if I was different from the person next to me because he was solving the problem in a cookie cutter fashion. I testify that our Savior, Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father live! And because they live we can return to be with them again. And They know us by name. They love us soo much they wanted each of us to gain the experience and growth that comes from being here. I just really love this! I hope everyone has a great week and lives after the manner of happiness!
Keep Smiling
Love, Elder Gerrard
Keep Smiling
Love, Elder Gerrard
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| Elder Gerrard finding a road that leads home! |
