Learning :)

We've been teaching [a wonderful] family and they are doing awesome!  They have a baptism date for August 30th now, because we need a little more time to teach them, and they are leaving to go out of town this weekend.  But they are doing great!

Also, Sister Keyes and I are starting to work with the Jackson Branch, as well as the Madison ward.  So we are doing double duty now!  I'm so excited though!  We went to the Branch for the first time yesterday and I loved it!  The spirit there was special, and I could feel strongly that the gospel is for everyone - literally.  I loved it. :)

This last week I also went to my first service of another denomination.  It was a Wednesday night service, so much more low key and not as long, but it was for a Methodist church that one of our investigators currently attends (Mike).  It was a good experience!  The people were very nice and welcoming.  Some looked a little curious and surprised that we were there, but no one was rude in any way.  They also had a dinner before hand that we enjoyed!

During the actual service, I had a personal experience that I want to share.  As I sat there listening and observing, I tried to put myself in their shoes - as if I had grown up a Methodist.  I listened with an open heart to see what I could learn and feel.  I did feel comfortable and would even say that the spirit was there at times.  I also found myself pondering and asking questions in my head about things that were being said.  There were a few things that really made me wonder and question.  Then at one point the distinct impression came to me, "If you hadn't grown up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you would have searched for the truth."

It was such a comfort to me that really settled a deep-down question I had had for a while.  I'd wondered if I really would have searched for the full truth if I had grown up in another faith.  That answer came to me that night as I felt the spirit testify to me that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints not because I grew up in it, but because I know it's true.

I know that it is Jesus Christ's church because it has the full truth that answers all of the questions of the soul.  I also know that knowing the pattern of how to receive personal revelation, personal answers is so important.  That is how this entire church is run - by revelation from God.  That is why and how it can be His church.  The pattern of receiving revelation through prayer, scripture study, fasting, and acting, is used in every aspect of the church and should be used in every aspect of our lives.  That is how we will become one with our Savior and Heavenly Father.  That is how we will come to know them.  That is how we will "learn heaven."  Brad Wilcox once said, "We are not earning heaven, we are learning heaven."

I know that is true. I know that the way we will be comfortable living with our Father and Savior is to be comfortable living like them. :)

I hope you all are finding joy in your lives as you face it with your Savior at your side and spirit as your guide.  I know your Heavenly Father loves you!  I love you too!