New Insights Every Day

The miracles just keep on rolling in! Last Sunday, January 23, we were able to baptize some of our investigators, Hannah and Macy Dosher. There were so many people there. We had to open the next curtain in the gym (that's where the baptismal font is. . .). We even had another one of our investigators there, Tyge Barker.We've taught him about 3 times since we met him a little over a week ago and we put him on date for the 30th of January (today!!!). It's amazing! We were able to confirm his desire to be baptized last saturday and he said that when he prayed he felt like it was the right thing to do and that he knew he should! It was awesome. So, we got to see him baptized this month! And then this time next year we will be able to see get sealed to him family for time and all eternity in the temple! I am so excited to be able to say that! That's the whole reason he's getting baptized; isn't that crazy?! When he said that he wasn't even a member yet and yet he was already wanting to take part in the blessings of having an active life in the gospel.

So, it's been pretty busy lately and the only thing that helps me get out of bed in the morning is that the mission president said in the last transfer meeting that "Zion is built at the edge of exhaustion." That's been my hope, that as I work really hard to find and teach the best lessons I can, I will begin to see Zion being built. Another thing I love that I read somewhere is that without faith, The Lord can do nothing with or for you. That has been something that I have had to keep in mind as I go to see members and share messages with them is that there is a bigger plan for us, but without faith, we can have no part in it. This ward I am serving in is really great, but as we have been sharing with them our goals as missionaries and the baptisms they have helped us with, they have shown a lack of faith. I feel like that can change though with a few good messages on faith building.

I read in this months ensign the story of the Home Teachers that made a difference and there were several about part-member families and less-actives that had been reactivated and/or baptized because of the efforts of good, faithful Home Teachers and I had a revelation that that is its very purpose and that having faith is essential, especially in those seemingly hopeless cases. That, over time, is how The Lord softens their hearts. I am so grateful for and have developed a great testimony that th epriesthood is the biggest difference in The Lord's church and those other churches built around it.
I also just recently FINALLY came to the realization of what my true purpose is. I was given a promise in my patriarchal blessing that I would be able to bear testimony of the truths of the gospel and it will touch the hearts of others. I have to know these things are true though. And so, I've begun my quest for more knowledge. I hope to be able to understand the gospel better in my quest for knowledge of these truths. Anyway, those are my big insights into the gospel for now, wish me luck for the weeks to come! :)

Love you all! Talk to you later!

-Sister Emily McRae