This last week was actually a little less busy and was really fun! Among other things, I had the opportunity to go on exchanges both on Wednesday and Friday with zone leaders, and it was awesome! I think one of the best privileges of having the position that I do is that I am able able to interact with and learn from so many fellow missionaries! It is truly extraordinary how much we can learn from one another as we associate in our respective fields.
Last week, we were blessed to find more new investigators, and the investigators we are working with are progressing wonderfully! We will be having quite a few baptisms in the coming weeks for which I am very grateful.
As I search my memory for something I can share with you, nothing too remarkable comes to mind other than a wonderful Elders' Quorum lesson that I was a part of yesterday. It so turned out that yesterday's lesson was about being optimistic even in unfortunate circumstances. As we discussed how it is we can be happy even amidst great trial, it was a wonderful experience to hear all of the wonderful insights of those around me who have had many struggles in life, but are still happy nonetheless.
One of the most amazing things about Filipinos is although their life is very hard, it is very rare to find one who isn't smiling. It has been hard for me to imagine living like most individuals do here, getting by day to day by working hard, long hours in the fields or construction but I have learned much as I have observed their behavior. It really isn't as important as what trials we are facing as much as it is the perspective we have while enduring it.
At the mention of this subject my mind is drawn to Joseph Smith, who endured much in his short life of 39 years.One of the hardest seasons of the Prophet Joseph Smith's life was when he was a prisoner in Liberty jail, for a crime for which he had not committed. While he endured extremely uncomfortable conditions within that jail, and received negative news as to the welfare of his fellow saints, he asked a question perhaps many of us have posed within ourselves that being: "O God, where art thou?", wanting to know where the Lord could be as he faced such unfortunate circumstances. The Lord however, responded to Joseph Smith with a revelation that has come to be one of my favorites as I have gone about my mission.The Lord said; "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment" (D&C 121:7) and reminded him that "all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (122:8).
As I have pondered over those two sections in the Doctrine and Covenants, it has occurred to me that most the time in our lives, we look at burdens and trials as an obstacle in our path when we don't realize that it is really just an opportunity to take a step higher and progress, which is why we are here on earth. Truly, although trials are not always fun, they are the building blocks of our progression and ultimately help us fulfill our purpose while in this life. It is as we become grateful for all aspects in our lives, both the easy and the not so easy, that we attain true happiness in this life and into the next.
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Love,
Elder Pulley
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I am very happy to see my son elder madronio reunited again with you elder pulley... my son really admire your dedication and your kindness...god bless always.
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