EMAIL... Week 43

Hola All!

Another week has flown by with some wonderful experiences. We had Multi-Zone Conference this week, which is always inspiring! Sister Poncio reminded us about President Hinckley's parents teaching him that every day is a good day! If we wake up in the morning and say to ourselves, "Today is a great day!", and then spend the day doing all that we can to make it one, it will be one! Attitude is so important in our lives! We meet with people who think that the commandments are too restrictive, rather than viewing them as instructions and protections for how to have happy lives, both here on earth and for eternity. They think Church is too long, rather than appreciating the opportunity to partake of the Sacrament, learn more of the doctrine, feel the spirit, and have our testimonies strengthened. They feel like they are too busy to serve, rather than seeing service as an opportunity to help others, to grow personally, to learn how to see outside of ourselves, and to follow the example of our Savior. We were also warned by President Poncio that Satan is working hard on members, less actives, investigators, and the people of the world, feeding us all lies to distract us from the truths we have access to and the potentials we all have. Satan knows the truth, but he has no chance for the blessings of eternal life, and he doesn't want any of us to have them either. President Poncio also showed us a video of President Holland reminding us of what Jesus has said, "I need disciples and I need them forever. I need someone to teach my sheep and my lambs. I need people to follow me. I need people to love me, and if they do, to feed my sheep and to do it forever!" So powerful! What a wonderful mission each of us has, to have faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, to repent, to be baptized as He was, to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, to serve and teach others the things we are so blessed to know and have, and to endure well until the end. Great rewards require great sacrifices! What are we willing to sacrifice for Jesus Christ, for His mission and purpose on the earth, and to have eternal life with Him, our Heavenly Father, and our families forever? I strive each day to improve, to learn to hear and respond to the spirit, and to not fall short of the blessings which await the faithful and obedient. This is the challenge for all of us! We are so blessed at this time in our lives to be able to share this message of hope and joy with others! It is amazing and humbling to watch people change their lives, little by little, and to see the joy they receive and the change in their countenances. The Gospel is true and is such a blessing! Make sure you are taking advantage of it and of every opportunity you have to share it!

We love you all! Thank you for your goodness, your examples, your prayers, and for your love!

Love,

Elder and Sister Koelliker