2016/07/24--Go forward, not backward

This week Jimmy was on vacation, so we weren't able to meet him. Tim, though, we've met nearly every day and taught him some commandments and read in the Book of Mormon with him. He is keeping every commitment, which is so awesome! Right now we are helping him to get a testimony that Heavenly Father is there and that the Book of Mormon is true. Though he keeps the commitments, a change of heart is crucial in true repentance. This past week, I've thought every day about the importance of where we place our hearts. A significant part of our purpose is what we choose to prize, what really means the most to us. What our hearts are set upon will be the thing that grants us a reward. If we prize power and riches, then we will have all the reward through eternity that the power and riches obtained in this life can buy - which is nothing. If we set our hearts upon God, we will have all the blessings and rewards that He wants to give us - that is infinite. We need only choose, but not just with our minds, but with all our heart. 

This past week was a little disappointing because many of the great potential investigators we've met haven't wanted to meet, as well as our other investigators and the less actives we are working with. As I've kept trying to give every day all that I have, I've been so thankful for the Lord's help in keeping my mind set toward the future, to the things I want to accomplish, rather than toward all the many ways I've fallen short in the past. In D&C 128 we read, "Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad." I used to think dwelling on shortcomings was good to keep me humble, but I've found greater humility as I actively seek to overcome them each day, trusting in the Lord and witnessing all that He will do for us. Faith and hope overcome sorrow and frustration when we always keep in mind goals, objective, and dreams, especially over long periods of time. 

Have a great week everybody!

Ran into my former companion at the temple.  He's home now.

Just the street near the church in Nokbeon