ringpops on noses and whispers in kitchens

I finished the book of mormon yesterday. I find so much peace and joy in the scriptures.

I have decided to try the old testament next. I feel a bit like an investigator reading it. there are a lot of weird names I can’t say out loud. there are stories that are confusing and I ask, why would god have them do that? Some people learning about the church ask why god commanding nephi to kill laban. It doesn't seem loving, it doesn’t seem right. but god has a plan. and he is just and merciful. It was important that nephi's posterity had the scriptures. so much that he would not let laban frustrate Hid work.

        I ask the same question ("why") about Rebecca and jacob deceiving issac. They pretend he is  Esau to get the blessing from Issac. Esau is mad and I'd think rightfully so. I DONT know the answer but I DO know god had a plan. That Jacob, ISRAEL was supposed to be the one to inherit the Abrahamic blessings. I am sure Rebecca was prompted by god to do what she did. It is a shame that that is not all recorded in the bible. that is one reason why I love the book of mormon. Mormon is so good at abridging the events and pin pointing external principles, with phases such as, "and thus we see..."  My heart joys in the scriptures.

we went to visit the webb family last week. the mom and 2 teenagers are active, but the dad and older daughter are not. we went to have a lesson with them, strengthen them and ask for referrals. only the active family members were there. the lesson was going great (we were going through the restoration) and then Lauren the older inactive daughter came home. she sat with us and told her concerns and answered some of her questions. the others we told her simply were rooted in the question "is the book of mormon true" we told her how she can read and pray to know that it is the truth and everything else will come. I started to testify about the book of mormon, she tried to interrupt to tell another concern, but the spirit told me to keep going so I said, "one moment, let me finish" and I testifies and she was stunned. I had answered her concern without her even saying it. She was very responsive and wants to know for herself. we gave her siblings and mother the opportunity to testify of these truths and what they do when they have gospel questions. Then right before we were going to share our last scripture brother webb arrived home!!!

 he was in the study next to the room we were in, I asked him if he would read a scripture for us, telling him it was the last one. he walked over, put on his glasses and read mosiah 4:9 "Believe in god; believe that he is, and that he created all things both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth: believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which The Lord can comprehend" As the words sprang out of his mouth I looked around. his wife was sitting smiling through her eyes. there was silence. you could have heard a pin drop. I sat pondering and wondering if Dallin the  14 year old son had ever heard his dad read from the scriptures. This was a sacred moment. It was no baptism, it was not a temple ordinance, but it was sacred. I felt honored to be there and have been a catalyst or tool in gods hand to bring it about. We bore testimony, ended and brother webb started to walk away. "Who would you like to say the prayer brother webb, his is your household." we asked. "Um, why don't you sister snow," He said as he walked back into the room. We knelled and prayed. I will never forget the thanks and gratitude I felt from that family. I wish and hope I could do those things every day. I want to bring that light, the gospel to others and strengthen those that already have it. 

A similar experience at a dinner appointment happened later this week as well. the less active son was with his parents at dinner and we talked about scriptures study and gave his parents the opportunity to testify about the book of mormon to their son. he did not accept our invitation to look up a topic in the topical guide and read 3 of the scriptures. BUT his mother was so grateful and touched that they had that opportunity. "we don't get to talk about those sorts of things otherwise, " the dad said. 

Fast and testimony meeting was great. There were EIGHT boys (from the ages 8-13) who bore their testimony. It was amazing. the youth are so strong. One 11 year old went up and he could have been giving a campaign speech he was so confident. he talked about how excited he was to get the priesthood and to go into the temple, "we went to the ground last week and the temple is so beautiful, and the landscaping......is fabulous. " the congregation laughed, "no I’m serious." he said. Contrast with a boy who stuttered, but nevertheless shared his feelings about the gospel.

We are teaching a mother and her son. we had a great lesson with the mom (tammy) we committed her to baptism. she said WHEN she comes to know the church is true she will be baptized December 7th. she is searching and willing to learn. they were planning on coming to church but in the last minute texted us and said they couldn't come. we have a lesson with them this Thursday and we will recommit them to come. I am confident that anyone who exercises their faith and comes to church WILL feel the spirit strongly at our services and come to know of the truthfulness of this gospel.