Small and Simple Things

Hey :)

Sister Patterson and I are doing very well--still working hard and doing our best, and yes, it is only possible through our Heavenly Father's help. I've seen even more this week how He plays a great influence in every aspect of this great work--in many ways which we cannot even see. We can only do our best to help each person each step of the way, but it all comes down to the Lord helping them. I hope I was able to clarify that last week, but I don't think I did. :/

Church yesterday--wow. Just wow. Sister Patterson and I sat down for Sacrament meeting, and sweet sugar! One by one--there came less actives we've been working hard with for a while to come, as it was their first time in a few years. We saw another investigator, as it was her first time there. Then there was Anne Marie once again. In walked another family we worked with for so long to come back and now seems active--with their daughter as she winked at us. Surely enough, there beside her was her friend who has been wanting to learn more for a while, who we will begin teaching this week. 

As Jose passed the sacrament to us, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with joy. As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I had the experience of feeling some pain as the Savior may have felt, but at this time, I received a greater, small taste of how it must be for Him to see others come into His fold. I'm still mesmerized at how our loving Heavenly Father fills in the gaps we cannot fill, as he takes care of each of His sons and daughters--all of us. I was reminded of how we can only see a small portion of His works and miracles that are outside of our limited view. 

Now, for Anne Marie, she's still a rockin' and rollin'. She invited us over to her place again for dinner for the lesson. She makes me feel like I'm in England for a tea party or nice meal--which thrills me since I've never been to England and you know how much I love England. Anywho...we keep telling her she doesn't have to feed us each lesson, but she has been more than happy to offer something in some way. She's very friendly and open, and I'm glad that we can help answer her questions each step of the way. We continued by teaching her the gospel of Jesus Christ, which went very well. She's still progressing and still wants to be baptized--we keep praying for her because of the struggles placed in her path that are preventing her desire from happening sooner than later.

There's many more lessons that took place this week, but I wouldn't want to bore you with everything. :) Sister Patterson and I are trying to work more as a team with the Elders to make sure everyone is covered.

When we don't get much mail, we give mail :)

 Even during these busy times, I'm wanting to try a little better at seeking small and simple things that the Lord would have us do. Someone Sister Patterson and I have become friends with is our mailman Danny, since we've seen how hard he works at his job through all seasons and snowstorms. He has a pure, special spirit and happily greets us when we see him. Before Christmas came, we gave him some of the fudge I made with a note, thanking him for all that he does and how he is making a difference in others' lives. As our friendship has grown in a simple way, he opened up to us a week ago, saying his mom passed recently and his Aunt wasn't doing well--how it's been a hard time for him and all he wanted at the time were prayers for his Aunt.

Danny had been on our minds, and Sister Patterson said it was time to invite him to learn more. She wrote out a beautiful letter. We revised it, then signed it, and stuck it in the mailbox the next morning.

That afternoon, we looked inside the mailbox, and saw a note quickly written on a label. Danny thanked us for the heartwarming letter, and mentioned his Aunt passed away the previous day. 

I don't know if much will come out of it, however, I know that the Lord knew we could help our mailman friend. Sister Patterson was sure in tune to the spirit's prompting to know that he needed that letter right at the time his Aunt passed away. I hope to be able to seek more "small and simple things," whether it be small actions to help out others or small tender mercies from the Lord, as they can enrich our lives, adding more meaning, depth, and joy. 

In Alma 37:6-7 it promises,

"By small and simple things are great things brought to pass...And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth the salvation of many souls."

There are many small and simple things we can do and acknowledge each day. I'm still working on it and am constantly learning from Sister Patterson. I know that the Lord's hand is there and fills in the gaps we cannot, as it's not possible without Him.

Well, there's not much more to say right now. We're going to head to Concord today to check out some sights (we may have to finish up more next week), so I will tell more next time. We're planning on visiting the "Little Women" home, a museum with Paul Revere's lantern, the place where the gunshot was "heard around the world", and more. I am greatly looking forward to it. :)

I will write more next week.

With love,

-Sister Roy

After a snowstorm that dumped 1 1/2 feet of snow