July 16, 2018 "Construction Professionals" Madrid Spain Mission Week #51

Well folks sorry about the aprubt ending of last week's email. We ran a little tight on time. This week was quite a ride. Lots of stuff, kinda like every week. 

Tuesday this past week was nuts, we helped out Jose Luis (member), and his dad (inactive) do a bunch of stuff with the apartment that they are redoing. It was great. Then after studies that night we had a super awesome District meeting at 8 at night haha. 

Wednesday was great we had an awesome lesson with Jenny, then went to lunch at a nice place by the beach with the Nuclear Scientist/Nuclear lawyer couple before they head back to their house in Pittsburgh. Then that night we had an appointment with Paco to help him keeping working towards the temple.

Thursday we did weekly planning and then had plans to go to La Linea but got called back to the job site to  go clean up a little, go get supplies and then carry doors, Windows, other things up to the apartment. We had a huge window that we used ropes to lift up which was fun. 

Friday we went to the soup kitchen. Then in the afternoon we went to La Linea and met with some people there, Dolores is practically the same, hard to change when your that old. Elmer, a reference from 5 months ago that we are still in contact with is going on vacation with his sister who's a member and then coming back with her and we are throwing him a surprise bday party. Thanks to his wife were staying in the loop and she's a devout Catholic but loves us haha, she's gonna get bapped. Him too. 

Saturday morning we did a little shopping because today's holiday. Then we had an appointment with an old friend from English class and she's actually really interested in the Gospel. She's know the missionaries for more than 15 years, due to English classes, but is just now taking an interest. So we will see how that goes. Then we played some soccer and I tried not to kill anyone. 

Sunday was great, meetings awesome. Jenny brought the Grandma who she takes care off which was super cool. Classes were good, then we had an appointment with Patricia and Claudia then numbers stuff as District leader and studies with a little bit of contacting to finish the night off. 

We also did a TON of other stuff that I'm not gonna take the time to write, but sufficeth it to say, we see miracles daily. 

But the last two weeks I have been thinking a lot, and studying a lot, like normal haha and I just want to share a few thoughts;

Im not proud of who Ive been, or necessarily of who I am, but I am proud of who I'm becoming. I'm proud that I'm making the change, even though it's the hardest most demanding thing I've ever done. I accept the fact of the person I once was, and those sins, but I've came to peace with them and left them in the past. I have to remember the progress I have made in order to keep the vision for the person I want to be. It reminds me that second chances are real, and that God is waiting to help if I put forth my part. That through the merits of Jesus Christ I'm worthy, that there is nothing I can do to be worthy of my calling and the blessings that await me just that I do my part. He asks my best, and that's what I will give him. I know Jesus Christ is my savior because I have felt the pressing weight and pain that has came from my mistakes and errors, and then I have felt the immense gratefulness, humility, and happiness  that comes from the realization that he felt that too, he paid it, he overcame, and he's waiting for me to take advantage of that to learn and to fulfill the amazing plan of HAPPINESS that is waiting. There's nothing better or more important. You have already been SAVED BY GRACE, but what God the Father and Jesus Christ want is that we are CHANGED BY GRACE. They are so willing to help us to change, to progress, to become something more and have more that they put up with our constant mistakes, but lets make it more personal and say more specifically, your constant mistakes. They are willing to let us damage ourselves and damage others because that damage is swallowed up in the atonement of Jesus Christ, and we are left with none of it, just the blessings. They are willing to let us do whatever we want, destroy, damage, hurt, break, fall, damn, and they are willing to suffer the consequences for however much time it takes, for us, so that we can change and improve.  So, what are you waiting for? 

Personal study is important, if your not reading the scriptures prayerfully daily fetching do it. I cant tell you the difference it will make it your life. I know my Savior lives, I know God loves you. I love all of you, be humble, be obedient, read your scriptures, say your prayers, count your blessings, and please use the grace of Jesus Christ to better your life.