Absolute Truth.

Dear Family,

         There really never are words to explain what happens in a week. The Casey's were baptized this past Thursday and confirmed just yesterday. We found these bookmarks that said, "The Temple, I'm going there someday." I will never forget the grin on Greg's face before he went down into the water. He is just so HAPPY! He is someone who has always had God in his life. He has always lived a clean and moral lifestyle. So what is it that makes this all so different? So many people talk about the "programs" of the church or the "focus on the family." They admire these things and find good in every church. Which is absolutely true. There are lots of "good" things.

         But what does it mean for something to be "true?" What is "truth?" Truth is unchanging. Regardless of opinions, judgments, or belief. Regardless of whether you agree, disregard, overindulge or misinterpret... truth is the same. God is the source of all truth. As we talk with the many people we meet each day that question frequently plays on my mind. I can clearly see how if we can only help them to draw closer to their Savior, He will testify of truth to them. My heart aches at times for others to take that simple invitation to just pray to our Heavenly Father. Prayer is such a simple principle but I have seen in my own life how it is often difficult to live. I sometimes wonder if He would even want to hear from me. In fact... I have even felt silly or like I am "talking to myself." But it’s amazing how simple the truths of the gospel are. All starting with "faith." If we can just believe or desire to believe that He is listening. He will answer us with that sweet feeling of comfort. Greg said the other day that he is "happier than he has ever been before." (He says it with the cutest grin on his face) He understands there are challenges, but he feels solidity. He feels like he is grounded in something real.

         Any time we follow Jesus Christ we are blessed and we are happy. But because He loves us SO much... He has provided us with the truth. The reason why Greg is so much happier is because He now has the fullness of the gospel. I am so grateful to be able to read from the scriptures and receive answers to my prayers. Currently I am reading the Book of Mormon in 90 days. As I have done this I have felt Him strengthen my resolve to follow Him.

         This week has been great. I even got to go on exchanges with my favorite Sister Montgomery! It was a magical day and one of my favorite memories is meeting with a man named Roy. He said he had prayed that day and knew that "angels would come to him today." He is a very... philosophical man? He works with autistic children and the second he looked into my eyes he asked me, "what do you do for a living?" I started to answer and he said, "Wait don't tell me. Have you ever worked with autistic children before?" My jaw dropped to the ground. He kept looking at me in that misty-eyed way when we would talk and he would say, "The angels surround you." Every time I felt the spirit, he would always make reference to "angels." It’s funny how we can have the same feeling but others have different words for it. Things are going good! I hope all is well with you guys! I love you lots! Have a great week!

Love,

Sister Mitchell