August 27, 2011

Hola,

We are teaching a great family right now and they are experiencing wonderful changes in their lives that have come from living the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we began teaching them, Alexandra, the mom, told us that she believed us, she believed the things that we were teaching, until we said that God loved us. Well, she believed that too, but she told us that she hadn't felt God's love for her. She didn't understand what that was. After beginning to read the Book of Mormon, and praying, and then obeying the Lord's commandments, she had her own spiritual experience. She felt God's love for her. There are still things that they need to change, just like all of us, but seeing those changes and their progress makes us happy, and I know that Heavenly Father feels happy when we choose to obey Him and experience the love that He has for us.

I have learned so much this week! The Lord always gives us opportunities to grow and progress. I am grateful for Him. Elder Stoner has helped me a lot during my time here. He and I talk a lot and we help and encourage each other to change and become better. He gave a talk in church last week and he pointed out that there are times when we are struggling, and we can't figure things out on our own, but we know we need help. We need to seek that help from the Lord. Then he said, "Sometimes we don't even know what we need, but He does!" It's true! As we continue in prayer and study of the scriptures we will feel the guidance of the Spirit. As we obey the promptings of the Spirit we will receive more promptings and more guidance. Heavenly Father doesn't want us to walk blindly through this life. The Savior marked the path and led the way. I love the feeling He gives us when we do what is right. Through the His atonement we can change, we can be free, and we can have peace. I know that He lives and loves us. I love each of you!

Love,
Elder Fagersten