One out of ten, 10/10

This week was pretty rough in terms of how many appointments were cancelled. Out of the ten lessons we had scheduled with non-members, only one of them actually happened. Luckily, that one lesson was pretty awesome. The lesson was with a man named Zay, who we've been trying to contact in a while. He and his wife have two little boys and we finally met them all for the first time at our ward Halloween Party. Later that week we had our first lesson with him. A lot of the lesson was discussing his background and where he is at spiritually right now. It's amazing to see the growth that people can make. As he told us his story and we discussed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I was reminded of this quote by Elder Richard G. Scott,

"Challenges help us become more like our Father in Heaven, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes it possible to endure those challenges."

We all make mistakes and go through difficult times, but through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all things are possible, including forgiveness, overcoming our mistakes and trials, and learning from them. Zay has seen this in his life, and has truly been blessed with the knowledge that we can change. As Elder Brad Wilcox said,

"God loves us as we are, but He also loves us too much to leave us this way. Growing up unto the Lord is what mortality is all about. Change is what Christ’s Atonement is all about. Not only can Christ resurrect, cleanse, console, and heal us, but through it all, He can transform us to become more like Him."

I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to teach of Christ. As I teach of Him, I have felt the Holy Spirit testify to me of how much the Savior knows and loves each and every one of us. Our stake president recently asked that the members of our stake begin to pray to feel the love God has for them. I too extend that invitation to everyone, and more especially those who do not feel they should, or that they are worthy of it. I promise each of you that God loves you, and if you sincerely ask to feel His love for you, it will change you.

This email is not turning out the way I expected it to at all, but I hope you all may benefit from it. My final thoughts are about scripture study. Recently, I have been reading the words of Isaiah, both in the Old Testament and where they are quoted in the Book of Mormon. In the past, I often gained little by reading them because they are not even close to surface level scriptures, and I didn't take the time to study them out, ponder, and pray. This time around I have taken much more care, and in trying to learn more I stumbled across this quote,

"Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote:

'If, as many suppose, Isaiah ranks with the most difficult of the prophets to understand, his words are also among the most important for us to know and ponder. …

'… His prophetic words can and should shine brightly in the heart of every member of the Church.'."

This quote especially stood out to me because earlier this week, someone said, "I feel like Bruce R. McConkie knows everything.", and the next day, I read a quote from him describing the importance of Isaiah. I'm sure his diligent efforts in studying Isaiah has lead to his great knowledge of the gospel. I encourage everyone, whether reading Isaiah or not, to study, ponder, and pray about the scriptures more diligently. You will be blessed with an increased understanding and spiritual protection as you do.

Once again way longer than I intended.

Love you all!

Elder Wardle