February 1-7, 2021

 This week was good. Nothing really happened.  Paul and I were working and did well with our goals. This Sunday I led the discussion over the Christensen zoom and the talk I chose was Spiritually Defining Memories by Elder Anderson.  

This invitation to lead the discussion came at a great time because this week I was pondering on how to make my scripture study more fulfilling. I often daydream while I am reading and I felt I wasn't getting what I needed from my study. I thought to study by going through the topical guide and reading the scriptures referenced but that felt like I spent most of my time flipping pages. I then thought I should pretend I'm going to teach a lesson every Sunday so I can feel more purpose in my study. Then Friday came and my dad asked me to lead the discussion and I was grateful for the opportunity to share with you what I've studied.

I picked the topic of peace and when I searched for peace on the gospel app this talk from Elder Anderson came up. As I read each story he told, I felt the Spirit and wanted to use it for the discussion. It was a testimony to me, reading these experiences of others, that God knows each of us and his love is in the details of our lives whether it is as simple as looking for glasses or as profound as knowing the Book of Mormon is true.

Every time I feel the Spirit or recognize God's hand in my life, I am so grateful to feel that love. I know I am not always what i should be but I feel His forgiveness for my shortcomings in these moments.
Elder Anderson quotes President Nelson in his talk repeating the prophets invitation to ponder how we Hear Him. In the discussion on Sunday we talked about how some hear words, some see images, and some feel impressions that are not linked to sight or hearing. And I think we often feel it in different ways, depending on our circumstances.

Paul and I discussed this week how we often think of feeling the Spirit only about religious things and how that limits us when it comes to struggles we might have at work, school, or in other parts of our lives. Elder Anderson shares how President Nelson received guidance during a surgery he had not previously performed and my sister-in-law, Whitney, shared about an experience her dad had at work. God cares so much about every aspect of our lives and is able to help us with any challenge.

The challenge I extended at the end of the discussion was that each day this week, we should discuss with a partner or write in a journal how we Heard Him that day. As we actively acknowledge and take note of the Spirit in our lives, we will feel it more and recognize it more readily. I am grateful for the invitation to share and for all of you for loving and supporting Paul and me.  

We love you!