January 4, 2021
This week was pretty crayzay. But also super awesome. Last Monday we met this dude named Efren. Turns out he has been prepared by the lord to receive the message of the Gospel. So we have been teaching him and he's been reading and praying and all sorts of exciting progress is being made and I'm super happy for him. So big thanks for all the prayers. On the flip side of things, a dear friend of ours, Collier, is sick in the hospital with Covid so plz pray for him.
This week has been super fun with a lot of time to study and read cause we couldn't proselyte on the first. I've been reading a lot lately in the book of Mosiah and the story of the Zeniffs people. And boy is there a lot of crud that goes down.
Kinda the same throughout the entire book of Mormon. War and peace and turmoil and hate and love and all sorts of back and forth. But I came to think, why did Zeniff and those people go back? They had made it out of the reach of their enemies and into the beautiful land of Zarahemla. Why did they waltz straight back into enemy territory where all this sadness and destruction fell upon them, where generation after generation was slain by the sword at the hand of their enemies where the prophets were burned and wickedness reigned strong? And honestly, I have no idea. But I think it is very relatable to the story of Lots wife. She'd made it out, but longed for the past and looked back at what she was leaving. Then she got pretty salty.
So I think the Lord was trying to teach us something. That there is a reason for all the change that He's brought forth in our lives. When He asks us to change, it's for the better. We should always remember the past and all we learned but should never reflect back, longing for a world we've left behind; wanting to have not repented and changed. We're here in this life to be molded and refined by life's fire and it's kinda super hard to avoid the flames so try not to resist them.
Great changes have been made this last year, and with the new year ahead I fear many will try to get rid of some of the wonderful changes that have been made by the world and live like its 2019. Miraculous things have happened! The family unit has grown tighter. Care and concern for others has increased. Selfless service abounds and time has been taken to love the Lord, pray and ponder about life. People have come to realize how important God is in their everyday lives and learned how to turn to Him more than just in moments of need.
These things we shouldn't do away with for they were divinely given. As the new year starts, think back on all the change that has been made and keep changing. Don't go looking for all the bumps that have been polished off but shine brightly and share the love of Christ.
My love goes out to all as this new year, full of pain sorrow peace, and joy beyond compare begins.
God speed,
Elder Bailey
