Feb. 15, 2016

Querida familia,

Nobody at church this week. Failed gameday, but there's hope for next week!
I have been learning a lot in these past few weeks, but most importantly is that we must always do our best to teach in the way of the Lord. He is so patient in the way he teaches, and sometimes it's hard to be so patient with everyone when you just want them to accept the gospel and be happy right in that moment. People take time to change. Sometimes it's the temptation to try to force them to change for the better, but that disrupts God's plan. We learn little by little, here a little and there a little. Not everything all at once.

I learned that lesson from Elder Madsen this week. As I stood back in a lesson and watched the way he taught patiently, the spirit inspired me to think on the way the Lord teaches me. I took a long time in my life to change and be converted. In fact, I'm still continuing in that process. Not one time has the Lord ever used harsh words or tried to force me to change. He just stands there warmly with arms wide open and reaching, waiting for me to take my shaking, faithful, sometimes fearful steps toward Him. So that's what I'm going to try to do as I teach. Stop being frustrated when the people don't see clearly, and just love them for those courageous steps they are taking at their own pace.

I'm very grateful for prayer as well. I'm starting to learn the difference between prayer and sincere prayer. I say prayers many times a day and have throughout my whole life, but I have not always understood a faithful prayer. I'm still learning how to have real prayers, but I can recount two experiences this week when I got specific counsel and instruction from the Lord that I needed for the work. As I was praying, I followed the counsel of some leaders and paused to give the Lord time to talk to me. When I did, it was silent and still at first, but two thoughts came to my mind.

The first being that in order to serve and love my companion more, I needed to start listening more intently to him when he talks. The second that I wasn't doing well my part in the mission meetings we were having and that I needed to start participating more. I wrote those things down when the came to my mind, and as I have tried to apply them, both have benefited me greatly and I know that they are both specific and personal counsel from the Lord. From this and other experiences, I realize that a prayer of faith usually comes with some instruction and guidance on how to improve. We just have to listen for it. The Lord will never force knowledge on us, but he is always willing to give to the sincere seeker.

I am very grateful to have the Lord as my guide and teacher. Despite all my doubts, fears, worries, and stresses, he is always there smiling and encouraging me to keep walking forward. I love Him and I know He lives. Nothing would work if that fact were not true. Through Him we have life and through Him, everything is possible.

Love you all and hope you have a great week! Thanks for the picture of Hillary Brandon, and great work Cristian! She looks like a keeper to me!

Con mucho amor,
El Elder Jenson