July 22nd, 2019 Letter #89

We had milanesa (breaded chicken), rice, beans, tortillas, soup as an appetizer, agua de jamaica, and cupcakes for desert. The zone conference was good, we talked a lot about obedience. 

I don't know how to word the story all that well. It'd be better in person. I suppose you'll have to wait :p. 

I do have a copy of my patriarchal blessing with me and I read it somewhat regularly. I thought about reading my setting apart blessing recently, but forgot to do it when I got home. 

One little miracle about this week is that yesterday after church Isabel's niece, Fanny, accepted the invitation to be baptized and although we had originally said that it would be for the 4th of August she said that she'd prefer it this weekend so I believe she'll get baptized on Sunday. Her son is also considering it although he doesn't feel ready yet (he has less understanding and has gone to church less so it's understandable).  

Something that I'm working on is trying to balance not running faster than I have strength with being diligent in all things. The trio is good, but it's kind of hard at the same time because we have to be exemplary as leaders and when one of the three doesn't wake up, get ready, etc. on time then nobody leaves the house on time. If one keeps talking about topics that aren't related to the gospel it's hard to start a lesson. If one person doesn't have the desire to contact then the whole companionship loses the spirit, and on goes the list. So it's a bit frustrating. That being said, there are a lot of pros as well. If there is an argument there is always a peacemaker, we almost always have ideas flowing, it's easier to remember to do things when there are 3 people trying to remember, etc. 

One phrase that stuck out to me this week comes from Preach my Gospel. It says something like this: "Our goals reflect the desires of our hearts." I would think that that applies in many senses. But we should remember that that can mean that if we're in a church meeting and we start thinking more about the nap after church than the lesson being taught then our goal changes from learning about the Savior's gospel to sleeping.  If we're playing soccer and we start worrying more about sitting down after the game than moving the ball up the field then our goal is now taking a rest and our goal to win the game takes second place at best. So it's important to control our thoughts/desires because they truly change our goals/end results.

Love you!

Elder Finlinson

Elder Finlinson, Elder Andino and Elder Merrill