Hey everyone!
Sorry I don't have a lot of time to write this week,
we have a very busy P-Day ahead of us so I will write quick so sorry if
the letter is a little short!
The week was a little slow
simply because Final Exams are here for all the students, so we are
trying not to bother them to much so they can finish the semester
strong. Christmas is also playing a little factor in that, but we still
had some solid lessons this week. I love this area and I love this
mission, it's the best!
I had a very cool spiritual experience
I want to share with you all. I think it will benefit all of you if you
apply it into your life.
Yesterday we were at our first
sacrament meeting, we usually attend 4 every Sunday because that's how
many wards we cover in our stake. The first ward we go to is called the
Westminster Ward because it covers the area around Westminster College
which is in the Sugarhouse area. It's fun to play basketball with the
members that play college ball for them. Anyways, we were sitting there
listening to the Sacrament prayers and observing the bread being passed
around. Usually, during the sacrament I try to focus my attention on
Christ's Atonement and how I can improve that week. This time, I focused
my attention completely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I imagined
Christ's body laying on the sacrament table, just like it symbolically
represents, and for a second it was like I saw Christ actually laying
there and rising from the dead. It was just for a split second, but then
I realized something. By taking the sacrament every week worthily, we
receive the Holy Ghost as promised in the Sacrament prayers which
therefore prepares us to Endure to the End, which brings eternal life.
Christ's Atonement and the sacrament are so linked that we can even
relate us taking the sacrament weekly to us preparing ourselves for the
resurrection and eventually living with God and Jesus Christ forever in
the Celestial Kingdom. Now the sacrament has much more meaning to me
than it ever did before. I also read an article in this month's Ensign,
on page 48, entitled, "The Last Sacrament Cup."
This story also
enlightened me this morning as I reflected on my experience I had
yesterday. This week was tough numbers wise, but honestly God blessed me
so much to finish the week. I know that he lives, and loves each and
every one of us. I had an experience this week that confirmed that truth
for me. I was having a tough week, but God answered my prayers for help
and strength through a spiritual experience that changed my
perspective. I now realize that things being easy or tough is a matter
of perspective. I thought I had a tough week, but after my recent
experiences I now look back at my week and see all of the miracles God
gave me. I'm so grateful for this gospel and the opportunity I have had
to serve this mission. Experiences like this have constantly given me
the opportunity to change, and I'm so grateful for that.
I
hope you all are enjoying the start to this beautiful Christmas season. I
am so grateful for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I
love him so much and I hope I can continually feel his love throughout
this week. I know he will give me opportunities to do so, I just need to
have the correct perspective and be optimistic.
Elder Gowdy and I at Temple Square
Happy Birthday Mom and Dad!!! Haha you are old, but think of it this way. This upcoming March, I'm going to be 20.... 😷 talk about old... Freak haha. I can't believe how fast time is going by, it's crazy.
Sounds like you had a good week, I'm grateful for that. I saw Erika McMahon at temple square yesterday and she took a picture with me and sent it to her Mom. Her Mom told her that dad gave a very powerful testimony yesterday at church which is great to hear. Remember the bearing of a testimony is what strengthens it the most.Has Grandpa and Grandma still been attending church? Please let them know how grateful I am for their examples for me, they've always been great examples to me as leaders and as honest people. They are always so full of love and that means so much to me.
I love the Lord! Have a great week!
Love you
Elder Strate
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