Jan. 20, 2014

Dear Family! 

     This week, I saw many small and significant miracles. Here is one example. On Sunday, we had the opportunity to serve a woman who came to English class this past week. She is moving to America in the next few weeks and needed some help moving things in her apartment. After helping her, we asked if we could share a message about Jesus Christ. As we spoke, she told us she was Christian and shared many of the challenges her family members were currently facing. As we taught about the power of prayer, she began to cry. The spirit was so strong as we testified that her prayers in behalf of her family would be heard and answered. As she said her own prayer, in a quiet and desperate voice, it was so apparent that she truly felt she was talking to God and sharing everything in her heart. I will never forget the feeling in her apartment as she prayed. 

      This week, I was reminded of Captain Moroni in the Book of Mormon. I love reading the list of his characteristics because it always inspires me to want to be better. As I read through the verses I have read many times, one particular phrase stood out to me. I had always read over "a man of perfect understanding" many times, mentally assuming I knew exactly what it meant. However, this particular reading made me pause and think about what "perfect understanding" actually was. I jumped to the reference at the bottom of the page that led me to the Topical Guide: Understanding. I read through all the similar definitions and looked up many of the scriptures. I particularly liked a few verses. Proverbs 15:14 says that "the heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge", while Alma 17:2 describes the sons of Mosiah as having a "sound understanding" because they had searched the scriptures diligently. Thus, understanding is linked to our perspective. If we "understand" the value of the scriptures, we will want to search them.... If we understand what God expects of us, we have the perspective necessary to do anything and everything He asks. I love Luke 24:45 where the text describes Christ "(opening) their understanding". I know there are many things I don't understand and I don't always have the right perspective to be the best tool for the Lord. However, I'm grateful for the knowledge that, with prayer and work, we can all better understand the Lord and develop a more "perfect understanding". I love one line from Elder Bednar's most recent talk on the windows of heaven. In talking about spiritual discernment, he states "As we are spiritually attentive and observant, we will be blessed with eyes that see more clearly, ears that hear more consistently, and hearts that understand more fully the significance and subtlety of His ways, His thoughts and His blessings in our lives". I hope Heavenly Father will never stop helping me understand more so I can have the right perspective and be a more effective servant in His work. 

     I - as always - love Sister Chu! One thing I love about Sister Chu is her joy in the gospel. Every week, I think about how Chu JieMei is an example of someone who understands just how happy and joyful the gospel can make every individual. Others see that in her. She is a beautiful example of a happy, diligent, obedient member of God's church... and it is a powerful influence in our lessons and contacts. I also love being in a co-senior companionship. I'm learning a lot of things that I wouldn't learn in a trainee-trainer companionship or a senior-junior companionship. We're working hard and having so much fun! 

     This week will be busy! We're flying to Hualien on Wed. for training - the East Coast is supposed to be stunning. Should be exciting. 

Love you always! 

Sister Barden 

Alisa - I LOVE you! Remember how wonderful you are. Thinking about you too :)