Sister Cinci-Mattie: SNOW DAY!

My sweet family of mine.

What a fantastic spirit filled week! 2 big happenings.

#1. Elder Wilford W. Anderson of the 2nd Quorum of the 70 came for a mission tour! My favorite part was by far the Leadership Meeting beforehand. We met in the Relief Society room and feasted upon the spirit. Elder Anderson is a very meek man. Taught us how to be leaders. Expounded scripture from D&C 121-- really yummy. He told us that with the rapid growth of the church we will be needed to lead and build God's kingdom. I've been told this many times but the spirit rushed into my heart and I knew it was true. My mission is my MTC for life. I need to squeeze out as much preparation and experience that I can because I have a feeling I will need it... and the church and my children as well. Talked a lot about persuasion. (vs 41 I believe) How persuasion is a sharing of information. If two parties have the same information they will reach the same conclusion. When we lead/teach our family/gator/missionary we must ask them to share their view and we share ours until we reach a conclusion. No force. No commands. or bribery. Elder Anderson said his father rarely told him yes or no. He taught by asking questions. Will you be able to attend church? Will you be able to fulfill you priesthood responsibilities? .... If I were you, I would not. But you choose. We cannot parent out of fear or pride and FORCE. Nothing will be learned. We must teach true doctrine. God is not as concerned about our conduct than our hearts. If we change heart they will change their own conduct. It take much control (meekness) and long suffering to lead this way. IF we choose to lead God's way Power will come into us from God. In the world Power comes from within-- but control is fleeting. If we lead God's way people will flock to us to be counseled and changed. The power of God is attractive. I am glad I still have 9 months left to practice better leading cause.... this is pretty challenging. :)

#2. Frieda was baptized!! My goodness. What a precious experience. Everything went well- She fought a bit when the were outing her under water... kinda scary but with two Priesthood brethren they got her under. She made the comment that night "I fought cha didn't I? (chuckle chuckle)" So my worries of emotional scarring were comforted. I has been amazing to witness the miracles leading up to Frieda's baptism. With dementia and early onset alzheimers it made things a little challenging. Bruce her husband was quite concerned with her remembering all the answers for the baptismal interview. Elder Lemmon said it was the most powerful interview he has ever held. She remembered. Her awareness has increased tremendously as the spirit has entered into her more and more. Increasing her ability to remember and speak. All things are possible with the Lord.

I am so grateful for the challenges I am facing. Our trials may be consecrated for our good if we allow them to change us. During these last weeks holiday season has come upon us.... and dang! It sure is snuggly, movie, book, cookie time with the fam damily. But the Lord has blessed me. I feel like I am home. I am in the Lord's rest. It is hard to explain but the more I draw near to Christ, the more the spirit is present and the more I FEEL warm. and safe. Every night as I am giddly jumping into bed so excited to rest, I feel accepted of the Lord. My work was enough, my effort is sanctified. There is no better feeling (even eating Culver's flavor of the day Custard) May we all discard what is distracting us from Locking our hearts on Christ. For he promises "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." He pleads "Come unto me... for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." He loves you. As our faith in Him increases we will want to change. Our hope (energy, excitement) will increase. I promise you this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.