St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. I forgot to wear green - but no one´s noticed. Actually no one is wearing green. 

The most exciting happenings of the week are as follows:

1) We had the opportunity to go to the temple this past week; we only go every six months. On Thursday our zone attended. It was SO incredible. I have been thinking about it since we were there. I won’t say much but I will say that I love that sometimes we choose to take the hard path even though we know it will be hard but it is what we need to do. 

It's a Tradition to go to Wendy's After the Temple

2) Brownies in a mug! I have been introduced to this wonderful creation and my life has been changed for the better. It is super convenient because it the serving size for one person and doesn't require an oven - just a microwave. The recipe is as follows:

4T flour, 3.5Tsugar, 2T cocoa powder, 2T oil, 2T water, 1/4t vanilla. mix in a ceramic mug and bake in microwave for 60 seconds. YUMM

3) We had stake conference. It was so edifying. The area president Elder Anderson spoke; such a gifted speaker. He spoke about missionary work. He shared a bible story from Judges 7 about Gideon's army. Gideon had 22,000 men but the Lord tells him that was too many. Gideon says to his army that if there is anyone fearful or afraid they leave the army. 10,000 stayed. This was still too many. Gideon then does a strange test to see who drinks water properly and who drinks like a dog. After this test, 300 remained. Gideon's army was reduced from 22,000 to 300. President Anderson said the Lord does not need many; but he needs the faithful. 

He also asked the congregation who was born in the church. A few people raised their hands - mostly missionaries and youth. He then asked who were converts. Almost everyone in the congregation raised their hand. 

This little survey was interesting because this past week I was told twice that I don’t understand the challenges of keeping the church's standards because I was born in the church. One time it came from a progressing investigator and the other time from a recent convert who is also less active. I have thought about this. To an extent, I agree that it is easier for me to maintain my standards because I have always had the gospel. I am grateful for all the converts in the congregation that raised their hands - being first generation members. For their faith, their children will receive the blessing of being raised in the gospel light. I am grateful for my ancestors who were willing to leave their homes and often times their families to embrace the gospel. Because of their courage, I was born and raised in the church. 

4) Thank you for the package! I love receiving packages; especially when they have chocolate inside. The Cadbury eggs were delicious, the note book was adorable and I loved the notes from the young women. 

Happy birthday Katelyn and tomorrow. . . . Happy 50th to Jeffrey Reed!!!!! I hope it’s a good one. I will be thinking of you. Goodbye to Sarah, she will be a wonderful missionary. 

xoxo

Hermana Meg

"A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in."

"We are what we repeatedly do"

                      - Aristotle