From: Christa Taylor <christa.taylor@myldsmail.net>
Date: Mon, Feb 3, 2014 at 12:45 PM
Subject: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
To: Lindy Taylor <lindyjtaylor@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Feb 3, 2014 at 12:45 PM
Subject: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
To: Lindy Taylor <lindyjtaylor@gmail.com>
It snowed in Georgia! Schools were closed Tuesday through Friday, though there was only snow and ice on Tuesday and Wednesday. It was only a few inches, but it came down fast. President Wolfert had us all stay in for the day before it hit, and we're sure grateful we did. In some areas, people were stuck in their cars for 24 hours on the freeways because they were so packed. In some places, kids had to stay at school overnight, 20 minute drives took several hours...it was pretty bad in some places, but it wasn't like that everywhere. We just stayed in on Tuesday, and worked by foot on Wednesday. That sure got us tuckered out. I'm so grateful for a car! :)
The day we stayed in, we played General Conference Bingo with M&M's, had soup and hot cocoa, did some planning and organizing, and got to bed a little early. The next day we weren't allowed to drive because of the icy roads, so we were on foot for the day. We tracked a nearby condominium subdivision, and Sister Mellott and I had a great deep conversation about doctrine while we walked.
We talked a lot about baptism, sealings, and the plan of salvation. The plan is so neat. Sometimes it seems awfully complicated and mysterious, but while there are still some unanswered specifics, when we pondered each topic, answers came to mind and it all came down to the simplicities of the plan of salvation. God loves us, we have the potential to become like Him, and He has prepared a perfect plan for all of us to become perfect and perfectly happy. It's as simple as that. All the details we don't understand yet will be made known in God's due time, and until then He has provided us with ALL the tools and resources we need to progress and start tasting that eternal happiness now, through conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. What an incredible plan!
I've been working on overcoming personal weaknesses, like pride and being self-critical, and this morning during personal study I learned something helpful. I remembered a quote in PMG that essentially says, "A study of doctrine will change behavior faster than a study of behavior will change behavior." It clicked for me; I realized I've been focusing on understanding my behavior to change behavior, rather than understanding the doctrine to change my behavior. This week I want to focus more on increasing my conversion to Christ through studying doctrine. I think this will help me be a more effective teacher and missionary, as well as help shift my behavior to be more humble and selfless. That will help me more than anything else I've been doing.
We have one investigator who is coming along quite well, Victor. We had a lesson with him on saturday, and he now has a baptismal date for February 22nd, with every appointment between now and then scheduled. He's come to church twice now and seems to be enjoying it. During our lesson he said he had trouble understanding the first chapter in the Book of Mormon, so we all opened to 1 Nephi 1. Turns out he'd read at least the first eighteen chapters! It is so exciting!
On saturday before our lesson, Sister Mellott and I were both very nervous. We prayed and I know God helped us, because we helped him understand what he's read, he accepted the invitation to baptism, and we have the next lesson arranged to happen in a member's home. I didn't feel like a master teacher, but I felt confident enough to teach the material and guide the lesson. I felt led, or at least supported, by the Spirit. I don't think God would help out this much if it wasn't His work!
Saturday to Sunday, we had exchanges with the Sister Training Leaders. Sister Grimnes from Logan, UT was my companion for the day. We went tracting in a lovely, woodsy area, which was dandy and pleasant...except for a big dog who tried to bite me and made Sister Grimnes slip and get her hand all muddy, and that dog was a jerk. I was not happy about that. But I guess God loves mean dogs too. And I wouldn't be a true missionary unless I had some mean dog story. Sister Grimnes and I had a good time getting to know one another, and she's quite conversational so I enjoyed the constant conversation while we walked. She has great love for the people and I hope I can develop that same love while I'm here.
I love John's Creek, Sister Mellott, and we're having great experiences. Favorite scripture this week-- Helaman 3:35. The righteous people, though persecuted, were comforted and filled with joy because they yielded their hearts to God and were humble. I know God will do the same for each of you as you pray and exercise faith. I'm learning that here in Georgia. If He'll help a little redhead knock doors in Georgia, I know He'll help you too.
Love!
Sister Taylor
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