March 17, 2014

Hey family! How is everyone doing? I have to apologize for not writing letters lately. We have so little time...but, I am going to do better. It snowed AGAIN today, but I am hoping this is the last of it. Before today it was really starting to feel like Spring. Oh, and Happy St. Patrick's Day! It's been a good week. There have been some disappointments, but good things have happened too. Remember Alexis, the fifteen year old who wanted to get baptized? Well, she got kicked out of her house and now lives with her dad in New Jersey. No one is willing to give us the full story of what happened, but needless to say there were some problems going on that we were not aware of. It's really sad since she had a lot of potential, but hopefully we can find out her address so we can get her in touch with missionaries over there. Such a bummer, but all we can do is keep working and keep finding new people to teach! This morning I was studying this very subject, and I find comfort in just how much God is helping us out. There are people being prepared even without our influence-through their experiences, friends, and the Spirit. Our responsibility is just to find them. And along with that, we have been promised that as we go about doing our work that those people who are prepared will be placed in our path. When I think of it that way, it seems pretty simple...these people are placed right before us. All we have to do is OPEN OUR MOUTHS. So simple, and yet so intimidating for us. Still I know that as we open our mouths to those placed in our path that we will know what to say. That goes for missionaries and members alike :) We had another lesson with Shae and Ronnie, a young couple with two little kids, and they are starting to progress! Shae expressed that she would be willing to get baptized once she gets her "answer" and she also plans to come to church. They are a sweet family...the biggest obstacle at this point is the fact that they aren't married...we'll cross that bridge when it comes. By the way, Goldie and Meghan (less-actives) came to church again yesterday! They are well on their way to being reactivated and I am so excited for them. Goldie is experiencing some major opposition from her family, but she is staying strong. I have seen this with a few of our less-actives who are on the verge of coming back to activity. Satan is working so hard on them, especially through feelings of doubt and unworthiness. I am learning how important it is that we recognize the source of our negative thoughts. When we know that, we will be more prepared and willing to push them out of our minds. Things are going great with the ward! I feel more unified with the ward than ever. I am learning a lot from my companion in that respect. She is so good at gaining friendships right away. Good things are happening! I love you guys! Hope all is well. Love, Sister Denney