faith and obedience

This has been a busy week. On Tuesday one of our zone leaders and our district leader followed us around. Then on Thursday the traveling sisters came on exchanges with us. We learned a lot, so it was well worth our time.

With the elders we gained 3 new investigators! One of them is really solid. His name is TJ. He is the boyfriend of a member who has been less active for several years, but her family is starting to come back. It is amazing to see how the examples of this member family have touched TJ's heart and lead him to desire to learn how he can have what they have. Our lessons are equally important for both TJ and the member it seems. She has needed the help and boost to her testimony (the spirit) that the lessons bring, for she has had a lot of past trials to overcome. TJ accepted baptism before I even finished asking the question. He is so ready!

This week Sis. Kloepfel and I have been trying to figure out how we can do better, and we decided we need to work on being more obedient in the little things. There's a saying that we heard in the MTC: "Obedience brings blessings. Exact obedience brings miracles." We haven't been necessarily disobedient or rebellious. We've just slacked a little in a couple of areas, but as we have strived to be more exactly obedient I can tell the difference. I can feel the Spirit a little stronger, and I have a little more motivation to do the work. When we do as the Lord commands, He promises He will bless us.

Today I studied solely on the Atonement. Nothing else that I've studied has strengthened my testimony more than studying that great sacrifice. When we put everything in perspective of the Atonement, it all means so much more: missionary work, baptism, our everyday actions... everything that brings hope in our lives stems from this single act of love. The effect this act has on eternity is so wonderful that it is incomprehensible! I thank my Heavenly Father for sending His Son and allowing him to suffer for us so that we can return home. This is a message that every child of God needs, and we have the calling to share it. 

I hope you all have a good week full of wonderful things! Love you all!

Love,

Sister Cottam