Charity: the Building Block of a Christ Centered Life

Hmmmmm.....what should the title of this email be? I know!
Charity: the Building Block of a Christ Centered Life

What do you think? Is that true? Well, I know it's true. This week, Sister Guymon and I have been focusing a lot on the Attributes of Christ. Stake President Richards talked about them during his talk in Stake Conference on the 19th, and he has also asked all of the missionaries to do followup visits with members about it. And as we have opened the discussion multiple times this week, it has been cool to see how Charity truly is the Building Block of a Christ Centered Life. Because, if one is developing Charity, he is developing all of the Attributes of Christ simultaneously. When one is full of the Pure Love of Christ (Moroni 7:47), he has a stronger desire to Obey the commandments given to us by our Father in Heaven. When one is full of Charity, it is easier for him to be Patient with his friends and family. As one develops the Christlike Attribute of Charity, he is more willing to Humble himself and submit himself to the Lord's Will. I am so excited and so grateful that Heavenly Father is continuing to teach me what more I can do to become a better more diligent and dedicated disciple of Christ. And the biggest way we can all do that is by developing the Attributes of our Savior Jesus Christ. I know He lives and Loves me! I know that as I continue to submit myself to Heavenly Father's will and follow the Plan he has for me that I will find many opportunities to develop these Attributes of Christ in myself as I strive to become the Woman that Heavenly Father knows I can be.

And this week has definitely proven to me that this is true!

On Tuesday, we had the opportunity to meet with President Brown for interviews. That was exciting. Sometimes, I just don't know what to expect from the interview experience with him. But it was good. We talked about what more I can do to become an Active Disciple of Jesus Christ. And as I have continued to ponder and pray over that desire, Heavenly Father has reminded me that the best way to become a Disciple of Christ is to emulate Christ in all ways - to develop his Attributes.

We had some fun service opportunities on Tuesday too. we were able to volunteer at the Thrift Store as we sorted, hung, tagged and priced clothing to go out. We also did some volunteer work at the Library. We were helping set up for their annual book sale. I felt really buff as I lifted and moved paper boxes full of books and set them out on the tables. And because it was raining, I was working very quickly so the books wouldn't end up wet with the rain. (*flexes muscles* "Boom, Bam, Fire Power!" <--- name that movie)  

On Wednesday and Thursday, we got to go on exchanges with the STL's in Wellington. That was fun. I got to stay in my area and work with Sister Helsing while Sister Guymon went to Wellington to work with Sister Budge. We learned a lot during that exchange. And we were able to do a lot of really good work too. And the best part was that we drove to Fort Collins to exchange back. I LOVE FORT COLLINS SO MUCH!!!!! That city has my heart! But really, every city that I have ever served in has my heart so....It was good to be back even if just for an hour. Sister Guymon stopped at Culver's for lunch and then drove by the Temple on our way back to Longmont. I LOVE THE TEMPLE!!!!!

Friday, we had a really lovely visit with Sister Archibald. She is young and single. I really like her a lot. She works as a therapist for military veterans. AWESOME! Anyways, she invited us over to talk about giving a copy of the Book of Mormon to her friend in California. It was a super spiritual discussion. And I am SUPER excited to hear how it goes. I just know that the Book of Mormon carries the Spirit so well and that it really does testify of Jesus Christ.

Saturday, we had an extra early morning lesson with our investigator Chris. He is SO great! I admire him a lot. We talked about the Plan of Salvation using the Love Diagram. And it just was a really smooth lesson. He still needs to read and pray on his own, but he gave us permission to blow up his phone with text reminders, so that will be fun.

We also had a really good lesson/visit with Dee. I LOVE HER SO MUCH! Sister Guymon have been singing to her as part of our visits recently, so this week we sang "O My Father." It was really pretty, and I think Dee really liked it a lot! The Spirit speaks through song. I love it! And it is so true that Music really can connect to a person in any circumstance. "Savior Redeemer of My Soul" has recently changed meaning for me, and carried truth to my heart through the witness of the Spirit. I am so grateful for Music!!!

And the highlight of our Sabbath - other than partaking of the Sacrament which is always the best! - was our dinner appointment with the Warren Family. I don't think I have laughed so hard in a long time. One of the daughters had brought her boyfriend home to meet the family, and you could tell that he was super nervous because he wouldn't stop talking. I have never heard more mission stories in my life....and I'm a missionary! And their son is super funny too. He is an Art Teacher at one of the high school's here in Longmont. He and his wife are super cute! Anyways - last night was a blast! I can't wait to eat with them again. :D   

So yeah, that was our week in a nutshell. I have learned so much and am continuing to learn so much as I do my best to Serve the Lord with all my heart, might, mind and strength!

I love you all and wish you a wonderful and happy week filled with the joyous outpourings of the Spirit.

Love,

Sister Bryans