Hey everyone! Everything is going good here! I am now serving in Lake Forest with a new missionary named Elder Jensen. Before he came out to the mission he actually got Covid and had to quarantine, so for the first two weeks of this transfer I lived as a hermit with a couple different sets of Elders! Other then that not too much had happened. We did head down to Vista again for a girl we taught' s baptism and just last Saturday our friend Anne who is from the Philippines was baptized. I have been thinking a lot about Nephi's rallying cry found in 2 Nephi 4:27-28
27 And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?
28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.
This soliloquy is so motivating to me. Even Nephi felt dragged down sometimes! But what a marvelous change in perspective! Don't allow the things others do or anything that happens because of Satan's influence make you angry! Alma 26:27
27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.
I would only add on to this not to just bear with it, but take control of your circumstances and be a force to act, not only to be acted upon (2 Nephi 2) there is an amazing talk that continues to expound on this very topic entitled, "Be 100 Percent Responsible" by Lynn G. Robbins.
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/lynn-g-robbins/be-100-percent-responsible/
I would invite each of you to read it and find 1 way to apply its message to your life. As you do so the promise from Alma 26:27 will be fulfilled in your life and you will find success, even among Lamanites, even among any opposition! Success in life, success in skiing, success in school, whatever it may be, your experience, knowledge, and joy will be heightened.
Love you all! Hope everything is going great! Make sure to shred some pow for me this ski season 🤙
Pictures
Anne's baptism!
Elder Jensen and I
Love, Elder Tanner Lawrence