But if not

Well recently I've been thinking a lot about a talk i remember reading for the first time in Russia. Called But if not. I've wanted to read it again and then the other day in companionship study sister Rosenlof said my mom sent me a really great talk and it was it! I was very excited. I wanted to share my favorite parts. This is after He told the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego and he said " They knew that they could trust God-even if things didn't turn out the way they hoped. They knew that faith is more than mental assnt, more than an acknowledgment that God lives. FAITH IS TOTAL TRUST IN HIM. Faith is believing that although we do not understand all things, He does. Faith is knowing that although our power is limited, His is not. Faith in Jesus Christ consists of complete reliance on Him." " We must understand that great challenges make great men. We don't seek tribulation, but if we respond in faith , the Lord strengthen us. The but if nots can become remarkable blessings." "He has the power, but it's our test" "Our God will deliver us from ridicul and persecution, but if not.. Our God will deliver us from sickness and diesease, but if not... He will deliver us from loneliness, depression, or fear, but if not.... Our God will deliver us from threats, accusations, and insecurity, but if not... He will deliver us from dearth or impairment of loved ones, but if not... WE WILL TRUST IN THE LORD" " We will have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that if we do all we can do, we will in His time and in His way, be deliverd and receive all that He has." Wow huh. Pretty cool.


Christmas was so different but it was great. We had breakfast at the senior couples house and they colored there two front teeth black and sang all i want for christmas is my two front teath. We then exchanged secret santa gifts and it was fun. I loved talking with you and I feel so blessed to have such an amazing family. I'm thankful for all the letters and packages sent.

We started to teach a guy from india and on from Iran this week. I love talking to people cause you never know where they'll be from! We got a referral a month ago and set up an appointment and then found out it was just out of our area. Her english name is blessings and she is from Africa and yesterday she was baptized and it was so neat to hear her bear her testimony afterwards. It strengthened mine. she's amazing. I called the family from India that sister simons and I taught in the beginning of my mission and it was wonderful to talk with them. They are moving to new jersey but He said as soon as they get settled they will find the nearest church because he said they've been missing those days. I just know they'll be baptized someday. Patrick from my old area was supposed to baptized but he has had major health issues. Hopefully he'll be better soon. My previous companion from New Zealands parents sent me a really cool necklace. It is made out of bone and they say they carve it to mean certain things. This symbols on mine are the spiral which is "New Life or befinning, growth, harmony, and peace" and the twist or crossover is " Bonding of friendship and joing of lives for eternity. It is really cool. They also taught me a Maori phrase "Kia Kaha" or "STay Stong" So Kia Kaha all you who I love!

I love serving in Downtown and i'm glad sister Rosenlof and I will be staying another transfer.. our whole zone practically is staying which is nice. We all got nerf guns for christmas and we spent today at the church playing with them.. they hurt a lot less than kill ball. I'm trying to think of other new stuff... hmm.. i'm not sure. I know how much i love you! It's getting really cold! love me!