Wow, can't believe that it is Christmas again...
This week was brutally hot. I can't wait til you guys come here and witness it for yourselves haha...
But this week we had three baptisms. The first was Manuel, he was a family to complete. He is a good guy. In his 20s, he got electrocuted and got his arm blown off and a huge hole in his head and a couple other parts of his body, but he always has a smile on his face. Miracle that he is alive. Great dude.
(Marriage and baptism of Manuel.)
(This morning we went and did some service for Manuel, who we married and baptized this past week. We ripped up his shack and cleaned it out so they can re-build it. Be grateful for what you have!)
The next two baptisms were of Elizabeth and Julia. She is divorced and has two kids. They are all members now. Just working with the extended family now.
(Baptism of Elizabeth and Julia)
(Elders Copeland, Elison, and Passey)
Come What May and Love It, A General Conference Talk by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, October 2008
The way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.
Life has its peaks and shadows. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser and happier as a result. The Lord in His wisdom does not shield anyone from grief or sadness. The way we act to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life. If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of great growth, which in turn can lead toward times of great happiness.
Things to help us through times of testing and trial:
-Learn to laugh: The next time you're tempted to groan, try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable.
-Seek for the eternal: The second thing we can do is seek for the eternal. You may feel singled out when adversity enters your life. You shake your head and wonder, "Why me?" but the dial on the wheel of sorrow eventually points towards each of us. At one time or another, everyone must experience sorrow. No one is exempt. Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others. Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He understands our grief. We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others.
Remember the sublime words of the Savior to the prophet Joseph Smith when he suffered in the smothering darkness of Liberty Jail: "My son, peace be unto they soul, thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment. And then, if thou endure it well, God shalt exalt thee on high, thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." -Doctrine and Covenants 121:7-8. With that eternal perspective, Joseph Smith took comfort from these words, and so can we. Sometimes the very moments that seem to overcome us with suffering are those that will ultimately suffer us to overcome.
-The principle of compensation: The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundred fold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.
-Trust in the Father and the Son: The Lord Jesus Christ is our partner, helper, and advocate. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to be successful. If we do our part, He will step in. He who descended below all things will come to our aid. He will comfort and uphold us. He will strengthen us in our weakness and fortify us in our distress. He will make weak things become strong. THE SIMPLE SECRET IS THIS: PUT YOUR TRUST IN THE LORD! DO YOUR BEST, THEN LEAVE THE REST TO HIM! I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.
Come what may, and love it!
Feliz Navidad
Elder Copeland
...The pic is of Lake Managua
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