Eternal Covenants, Callie & Sandra

Dear family and friends

So update on the Rodeo and why I couldn't write much last week. It was awesome. We just got a little taste of most of it, cause we couldn't stay too long and one of our group got a flat tire on the way there, but we got to walk around and experience it! Livestock, funnel cake and a bunch of other fried stuff, we didn't ride any rides but there was a giant carnival set up, pig races... it was very Texas. Our Bishop texted us while we were there and somehow he found out we were there and had us and the family we went with come to some of the events they were going to (they were much more organized and planned) so we got some good memories from it.

There were some really powerful moments this week teaching and contacting. What a privilege to be an instrument in the service of the Lord, no matter how I am used. We had a really powerful lesson with a recent convert who's struggling a little and it was amazing to testify so boldly to her of the reality of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to help her in every part of her life and of the very real blessings that come as we are consistent in the little things and as we make God our first priority. Scripture study and prayer are so important. That's what keeps us grounded and nourished and growing. Consistency in testimony is what brings true conversion.

We also were walking around a neighborhood talking to people and saw these 2 older ladies on a bench, a mother and daughter. The mother had just had open heart surgery last week and had walked out of the house for a minute. We just got to talk with them of Jesus Christ. They had such great faith and it was wonderful to talk with them. The daughter invited us to pray before we left and as I gave the prayer the words were not my own. The Lord spoke through me and I could feel of His love and care for these people. He feels the same love for each of us. I was so grateful to have the Lord use me for something as simple as a conversation and a prayer with these people. The things we do have more impact than we know.

A couple of the other highlights of the week were getting to attend the temple sealing of a convert I taught and who was baptized 10 months ago. That's right. She got special permission to get endowed and sealed before she was a member for a full year and I got to be there for it! I missed the endowment because of a sudden change in time, but I was there for the sealing and what a joyous occasion. The Spirit was there so strongly to testify of the eternal nature of the promises being made that day. What a happy, happy day. 

We also had the baptism of Callie this weekend and that was also an amazing day. Baptism as well is an eternal covenant. We make promises with God that will bless us through our life. Callie was found because a young women's leader saw she was turning 12 soon and could come to girls camp and knocked on her door and the Lord had prepared her family to come back to church. They are an amazing family and both sets of grandparents came for the baptism. One of the sweetest moments was hearing their sincere thanks and how much they had been praying for this. The Lord truly answers our prayers. He hears us and will answer in His own time. I am so grateful to have been a part of that.

I've also been thinking a lot about the significance of being filled as it talks about it in the scriptures. It often mentions people being filled with the Spirit, or glory, light, joy, love... if we are filled with goodness there is no room for the bad. It's important to be filling our lives and ourselves with goodness. Some cool references on fill/full. Alma 34:27 "..Let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually." Matt 5:6 "blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." Alma 26:11 "...my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God." Just a few of the many. Food for thought.

I love y'all! Hope you have a wonderful week!

love,

Sister Andreason