I know this must be getting a little repetitive, but I once again had a great week! This last Thursday I was privileged to attend a Christmas devotional with the mission president and his wife, as well as four other zones here in the northern part of the mission. It was awesome! President and Sister Rahlf had a wonderful presentation prepared for us and I learned so much about the Christmas story that I didn't know before. For example, the fact that Christ's manger was probably in actuality made out of stone, not wood like is often depicted!
President and Sister Rahlf's message once again humbled me as I was reminded of the very humble life that Christ chose to live. Christ could have chose to be born into a very wealthy family if he had desired so. However, Christ chose to be born to Joseph and Mary, both teenagers who lacked many worldly possessions, but possessed righteousness nonetheless. One thing I didn't recognize before the Christmas devotional was that the only thing Christ owned before he was crucified were the very clothes on His back. Yet, He lived the most important and extraordinary life that the world has and ever will see.
This last week, I finished reading the book of Matthew in the New Testament. I absolutely love reading from the Bible as well as the Book of Mormon, and can't believe I didn't read the scriptures more before I left! One thing I think I have failed to mention before is that I have changed the way in which I study the scriptures. Before, I would just read through the scriptures like I would read through any other book. I realized however, that this method very much lacks the type of study and thought that we are supposed to invest while doing so. So, I decided to buy a cheap Book of Mormon before I left the MTC, and I started reading differently. I now write any truths or revelations that I receive as I read in the book itself. My Book of Mormon is so full of writing all over the place, it's crazy. It has taken me much longer to read in this manner, but I have learned so much more as I have done so it isn't funny.
I have some more funny stories to tell you all! Last week, as I was walking by a home, an old woman said "hi Joe", or something to that effect, so I decided I would take the opportunity to "contact" her. Well, I introduced myself like normal, but then she started singing Christmas songs and dancing. This went on for quite a few minutes. My companion and I looked at each other not knowing what to do, so out of politeness, we stayed put. Finally, when the dancing and singing ended, she grabbed my hand and examined my palm prints and told me that I would soon find a beautiful American woman and that I would marry her, so that was interesting. I guess I have something to look forward to after the mission! Haha...Just as we were walking away from her, laughing like crazy, another interesting individual approached me. He said he knew we were Mormon missionaries, and wanted to know where his Christmas package was. I told him sorry, that I had no Christmas gift to give him, but that we would be happy to share a Christmas message with him. He said he wasn't interested, but that he was told we were going to give him a package. With nothing to give him, my companion and I just told him to take care, and we hurriedly walked away. Needless to say, we had a lot of laughs that day!
On Saturday, Elder Vicente and I attended a baptismal service for some sister missionaries in an adjacent area. To make the story short, one of the baptizers didn't show up, so I was put on the spot to do so. I baptized two people on Saturday, and even though I didn't know them, it was still an awesome experience nonetheless. It is cool to think that the authority the Lord has entrusted me with gives me the ability to help individuals receive eternal blessings as a result.
Have a great week!
Love,
Elder Pulley
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