A note from Josh's mom: Yesterday we got to Skype with Josh for 1/2 an hour for Mother's Day. It was so awesome to see great joy radiating from his face. And so fun to hear him struggle with English. He told us it was weird to be speaking in English, and there were many words he couldn't remember. He said Spanish is easy for him now, but that no one mistakes him for a native yet! :) Josh didn't write anything specifically for the blog this week, like he usually does, so I am going to share some things from our brief emails back and forth. He was having trouble with his internet connection.
Josh's mom shared something she studied this morning from Elder Timothy J Dyches of the Seventy at October 2013 Conference:
As we draw near to Him, we realize that mortality is meant to be difficult and that "opposition in all things" (2 Nephi 2:11) is not a flaw in the plan of salvation. Opposition, rather, is the indispensable element of mortality and strengthens our will and refines our choices. The vicissitudes of life help us fashion an eternal relationship with God—and engrave His image upon our countenance as we yield our hearts to Him (see Alma 5:19).
"This do in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19) is what our Savior asked when He instituted what we call the sacrament. This ordinance with bread and water renews sacred covenants we have made with God and invites the power of the Atonement into our lives. We are healed by abandoning the habits and lifestyles that harden hearts and stiffen necks. When we lay down "the weapons of [our] rebellion" (Alma 23:7), we become "agents unto [ourselves]" (D&C 58:28), no longer blinded by the sophistry of Satan or deafened by the discordant noise of the secular world.
Josh's mom shared something she studied this morning from Elder Timothy J Dyches of the Seventy at October 2013 Conference:
As we draw near to Him, we realize that mortality is meant to be difficult and that "opposition in all things" (2 Nephi 2:11) is not a flaw in the plan of salvation. Opposition, rather, is the indispensable element of mortality and strengthens our will and refines our choices. The vicissitudes of life help us fashion an eternal relationship with God—and engrave His image upon our countenance as we yield our hearts to Him (see Alma 5:19).
"This do in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19) is what our Savior asked when He instituted what we call the sacrament. This ordinance with bread and water renews sacred covenants we have made with God and invites the power of the Atonement into our lives. We are healed by abandoning the habits and lifestyles that harden hearts and stiffen necks. When we lay down "the weapons of [our] rebellion" (Alma 23:7), we become "agents unto [ourselves]" (D&C 58:28), no longer blinded by the sophistry of Satan or deafened by the discordant noise of the secular world.
Josh's reply:
I do especially like your second highlighted quote, I find that to be one of the hardest things for me. To just change all the little things that are hardly noticible, and yet harden my heart. I think almost everyone has little habits that we ought to abandon in our lives. Even as a missionary! It´s so hard to be 100 percent obedient in everything. And yet that is what the Savior asks us to do, to be perfect. That´s where trials and repentence come in, so that we can gain the strength to overcome those flaws in our lives. haha maybe i just need a lot more hard trials in my life. But, if we are seeking to be humble, and asking the Lord through prayer for how we can change, the Spirit will always direct us in what we need to change. The key is learning to do that every single day. That´s where i´ve been a bit lazy. I just seem to forget!! I wish my memory was perfect sometimes and I could just remember all my personal revelations and promises with the Savior. The Book of mormon says remember so many times. It´s just everywhere. I´m going to read the BoM one day and count how often it´s used. Remember, is soooooo important!
Mom described her "miracle of the hip", and Josh replied:
I´ve seen healing miracles happen in my mission as well :) Faith really is a grand power!
Mom asked if it was hard to see us all yesterday for Mother's Day. Josh replied:
Nahh it wasn´t hard. I was just happy :) It was way awesome to see [Papa and Grandma and Coltin], it was a total suprise!!
Josh also expressed his delight that Dalan and Stormi, Bobby and Kelli, and Mike and Kymmy are all expecting right now! He is so excited to meet all the new additions when he gets back.
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