Week 19: Homies Can Be Together Forever

Wow, it was quite the rollercoaster of a week. 

Here are some fun facts: 

- I ran into the bike rack on the car and bruised my arm. Ouchie. 

- I have officially confirmed that my companion eats his boogers (if anyone asks, I said nothing)

- A scorpion decided to just waddle its way into our apartment when we opened our door this morning and I did not approve. 

We had a lesson with Miguel on Tuesday and he said he's not ready to pray about a baptismal date. Sad... but it's okay! We told him we love him and we don't want to pressure him into anything. I'm sure he'll get there someday. It'll just take time.

We and the sister missionaries were the costume contest judges for the Culebra Creek Ward's trunk or treat on Saturday! It was pretty fun and a little stressful at the same time haha. Some of the kids looked so sad when they didn't win, but hey, it builds character right? Oh, and we invited Candace and her kids and they showed up!! 

Culebra Creek also had their primary program on Sunday. (The primary program is a once a year program where children from the congregation give little talks and sing) It was SOOO cute. It reminded me of when I was little, so all those nostalgic feelings came back and I got all teary eyed. I know, I'm a softy. 

We met this 19 year old named Sebastian the other week and he was really interested in reading the Book of Mormon but he just completely flipped one day and wanted to argue with us. He has so many absurd theories and is slightly crazy but we didn't want to give up on him. He's not open to reading the Book of Mormon anymore though, so there's not much we can do.

Soooo awhile back we met this young couple, John and Elizabeth, but then they moved to Mississippi for a few months. BUT now they're back and they came to church!! Elizabeth is actually a member but just hasn't been active for a long time and she really wants to come back. We're gonna have dinner and a lesson with them on Saturday so I'm really excited!! Yayayayayay!!

For my spiritual thought today I'm going to share my thoughts on the talk "Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ" by Elder Richard G. Scott. This is what I shared with my district about it:

First of all, I freaking loved this talk. I could've highlighted the whole thing if I wanted lol. Something he really focuses on in this talk is about the difference between weakness and rebellion. He taught, "The joyful news for anyone who desires to be rid of the consequences of past poor choices is that the Lord sees weaknesses differently than He does rebellion. Whereas the Lord warns that unrepented rebellion will bring punishment, when the Lord speaks of weaknesses, it is always with mercy." I LOVE this! Often times we are very hard on ourselves when we make mistakes. At least I know I am. It can be discouraging when we make the same mistake over and over, but God is patient with us as we strive to improve. Satan, on the other hand, uses our weaknesses against us to make us feel unworthy and unforgivable. Elder Scott stated, "Satan will try to use our memory of any previous guilt to lure us back into his influence." DON'T LET SATAN DO THIS TO YOU!! Don't let your guilt drag you down. Instead, let it cause you to rely on our Savior's Atonement. He is the only one who can help you find relief and strength. Satan will do everything in his power to use our vulnerabilities against us, so that is why it is SO important to build our foundation on Christ. One way we can do this is through service! Near the end of the talk, Elder Scott promises us that "as you lose your life in the service of Father in Heaven’s children, Satan’s temptations lose power in your life." What an amazing promise! I know that as we lose ourselves in the work and truly seek to serve God's children that we will be endowed with His power. So go out there, work hard, and show Satan who's boss!! Love y'all!

Elder Christensen

Pictures: 

1. Finding new ways to spread the word haha

2. Exchange with the Sonoma Ranch Elders! (no idea why Elder Gonzales is holding an iron)

3. Olive Garden!!

4. Some cool lights a guy was selling close to our apartment

5. Sonoma Ranch

6. Coming soon to a hymn book near you