Friday, June 16, 2017

June 5, 2017

Dear family,

This week really wasn't that interesting in general but it was a good one nonetheless! We were able to meet with a couple people that we haven't been able to get a hold of for a bit. That was good. Jeje is finally making progress on the Word of Wisdom so she's getting pretty close to being ready for baptism. Now to help her realize that! Jorge is making slow progress it seems. Neither of them were able to make it to church unfortunately. Jeje had a migraine and Jorge apparently has four Sundays of work then four off. That means he won't be able to reach his baptism date. I wish life would be easier on investigators somehow! Anyway, all we can do about those kinds of things is pray I suppose.

I did get the package this week and it is very appreciated! I got a kick out of all the Canadian stuff, especially the shirt. I'll wear it proudly when I get a good opportunity.

This week in my Jesus Christ Topical Guide study I really enjoyed Hebrews 4:14-16

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

I believe these verses were grouped with a few other references about Christ's condescension, how He descended below all things so He could be our advocate and succor us. The first verse to me is a call to hold fast to our testimonies and proclaim them without shame. The second verse describes why we should do so, being that we have a savior that was truly "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" and "was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin." He understands us completely and knows exactly how to help us overcome every trial of our life because he already did! How, of course, we don't understand but I believe every word of it. The last verse is an invitation to use Christ's Atonement so that one day we can "come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy," or approach God without fear or guilt. That reminds me of a statement a member in the ward made a couple weeks ago. He said, "Grace is getting what we don't deserve. Mercy is not getting what we do deserve." Anyway, that last statement, "and find grace to help in time of need," was interesting to me as well. The way it is phrased tells me that we should both seek grace for ourselves when we need it and seek grace so that we can help others when they need it.

Hope you got something from that! Love y'all!

Love,
Elder O'Brien (the younger)

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