August 2, 2010

Hey ALL:

I am writing this in the car on our way to play frisbee golf with the elders. It is a less interactive sport, because before we were playing soccer, and I got taken out a couple of times, and I took out a couple of elders as well. It got a little out of hand.
This week I've been really trying to do my very best in recognizing the Spirit. After that
one experience I shared with you, I've been praying, studying, and doing my best to be able to recognize the promptings of the Spirit, and what I need to say and do in the very hour I need it.
Because lately we'll go to a door and my mind is just completely blank! I say a prayer every time and the Spirit feeds my mind with things to say.
Recently, on fast Sunday, I prayed and fasted for a few things, but the one I'll share with you is for me to have more charity and love. It was a neat experience as I prayed Sunday morning asking Heavenly Father what I should fast for---I felt one thing, and I asked is this who you want me to fast for?? I felt right about it. Then I asked is there anything or anyone else you want me to pray for/about? I did this process until I felt I had what He wanted me to fast for. It was a neat experience because it was my first time praying and asking who/what I should fast for! I don't know all but the Lord does, and He knows who needs help the most right now and what I need the most of right now. So, one of the things that impressed my mind I should fast for is for me to have charity and love.
In sacrament meeting in the ward @ 9 AM, since I go to two sacraments (the branch @ 1 PM), I was sitting and thinking as the sacrament was being passed...my mind wandered. For a moment, and then I got back to thinking of our Savior, the moment I did that ...my heart and my whole body came over with a warm feeling, and I felt the love God has for His children. I just felt the overwhelming feeling come into my heart. I felt the love that God has for His children. It was so powerful. It just consumed my whole heart and soul! God really does love us and know us! The only way I know and felt this to be true is by the power of the Holy Ghost. Feelings I felt were so strong that I cannot deny! I know Christ lives, I know He knows me and His children, my brothers and sisters! He is just so happy and He rejoices when we come back, when we repent and do the best we can. I saw what people sacrifice to be there, and I rejoiced and He rejoices. It was an amazing experience! I felt the Spirit consume my whole body and soul to bear witness of what I just felt with the ward. So, I got up in fast and testimony meeting and shared with them how much God loves them. Once I said the words, I started to cry(I'm not a crier) because the pure love of Christ filled my heart and soul. I saw all His children as He sees them!
He answered my plea and cry. I've been praying and wanting to have complete love and charity for all His children since I got here. But it has not been the easiest thing for me. He has put some interesting people in my pathway that has been very difficult to have the pure love of Christ. I fasted for charity and having the pure love of Christ (Moroni 7). He allowed the Holy Ghost to testify to me and had me feel just a portion of the perfect love He has for us. It's beyond my mortal comprehension the love He truly has for us.
It was a miraculous experience that words just can't do justice! The Lord blessed me and answered my fast and prayers. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I love my Savior Jesus Christ. He is the only one who is our Savior, Redeemer, the only Begotten Son of God. I love my God, my Heavenly Father and the wonderful gift of the power of the Holy Ghost.
Time is so limited to do anything. We both have an hour to get ready, so who takes a shower first has more time, and then we have an hour of personal study. I love personal study time. I want to be done getting ready exactly by 8 AM so I can study. At 9 AM, we have companion study.
Today (Aug. 3) I read the talks "Love and Law"(Elder Oaks) and Elder Hale's talk on "Seeking to know God, our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ." G.C. Nov. 2009.
I want to share with all of you what I loved about Elder Hale's talk. I love this talk because it relates to everyone, especially our investigators right now and potentials...He said "if you or someone you love is seeking purpose in life or a deeper conviction of God's presence in our lives, I offer as a friend and as an apostle, my witness. He lives!" "I testify that the way to know the truth about God is through the power of the Holy Ghost."
Remember who you are and who and what you stand for.

Sister Lauren Kimball