Dec 25, 2013

Merry Christmas!

We had so many miracles this Christmas week. This weekend, one of our investigator's was baptized and confirmed by her husband. Unbelievably sweet. She was so full of light and happiness. After her baptism, we asked her how she felt and she responded " I feel so much love! I've never felt so much love before". I'm so excited for her to continue discovering the gospel and the joy it brings to her life.

Lu JieMei and I had another miracle while contacting on Sunday night. We'd had a lot of contacting time but had not met with much success. With fifteen minutes of time remaining before we needed to get on our bikes to head home, we decided to say another prayer to ask Heavenly Father to guide our contacting. After an earnest prayer, we headed up to the second floor of the train station. Many people were waiting on some nearby benches but Lu JieMei and I had a special feeling to sit next to a woman at the far end of the waiting area. As we began talking to her, she told us that she was a devout Christian and that her recent workload had left her feeling exhausted. We were able to have a lesson with her and testify of the Book of Mormon before giving her the book as she ran for her train. "You coming to talk to me feels like God telling me He's watching over me" she told us with a smile. As Lu JieMei and I walked away from the lesson, we saw we only had one minute remaining before our scheduled departure time. The Lord is so aware of all His children!
         This week, I've been pondering the patterns the Lord has given us to better understand how we can grow and become like Him. The scriptures are full of patterns that clearly describe what God would have us do and the promises He will give us if we follow Him. One of these patterns is found in D&C 123:17. This scripture counsels us to "cheerfully do all things" that lie in our power and then "we may stand still, with the utmost assurance to see the salvation of God and His arm to be revealed".  I know this pattern is true. All God asks of us is our "best" - all things that lie in our power. This includes obedience, it includes diligence and having faith in the truth that God will help us do everything that is His will. I have a testimony that, regardless of where or when we serve, our best efforts bring God's miracles.

I love my companion so much! I know I talk about her every week, but she is simply amazing! Lu Jiemei will be a blessing to every companion who has the opportunity to serve with her. Her faith is strong and her heart is full of love. Her conversion story and missionary service have strengthened my testimony and given me renewed inspiration to find more "Lu Jiemei"s who are searching for the gospel. Every day with her has been a joy and I cannot wait to see all the good she will continue to do in her mission and beyond. I'm grateful God gave me the chance to learn from her.

Love you all!
Sister Barden