Elder Jaron Rose: 12-3-2018 ~ Almost Christmas

#tejas

This week we were able to get a lot done. Since I have been here in this area we found a new lady that we have ben teaching. Her name is Kele. The first week I was here a member told us that she had a friend that was interested in learning more about what we believe, so we had a meeting with Kele and the Ellis family in their home. Ever since that Kele has been on fire. She is reading the Book of Mormon, coming to church, and already giving up coffee. Everytime we have met with her she has been so accepting of everything and lives the spirit that she feels when she comes to church. Her husband is actually a member already. His name is Amos Moses Smith by the way (isn't that wild)? But he was baptized when he was 14, was active for about 5 years and just slowly fell away. But he is all in now and wanting to get back. The lessons that we had last night he was helping us teach Kele on the things that he did remember. We are excited and are expecting good things to come soon with Kele and her family!!

This week there was a huge Christmas parade in Downtown Abilene. We heard there was over 60,000 people there and I believe it..... There were Tons. But for the parade we worked with all the youth in our ward and the other missionaries here in Abilene. We asked members for the past couple weeks donate us some candy canes. So we bought lots and lots of candy canes, tied some Light the World pass along cards on there, and us, the the other missionaries, and all the youth in our ward went out before the parade started and were handing out all the candy canes. It was awesome and a great activity to go and be out with the youth.

This week we also had the opportunity to do a little bit of service on Saturday. Our ward did a big service project where we went to Downtown Abilene and picked up as much trash as we possibly could. And unfortunately we saw lots of those Light the World cards😅 but it was fun to be out with the ward helping clean up Abilene.

Last night we were also able to go to the Eastman's (a member In my wards home) and eat dinner with them, play a couple games, and then watch the Christmas devotional. I loved being able to hear from our Prophet last night. He gave an awesome talk on centering our desires that we have towards our Savior and becoming like him. I know that as we align our desires and thoughts towards the Savior that we feel more peace and happiness. As we act as the Savior did, including forgiving those that have offended you, we will feel our testimony of our Savior strengthen and be able to feel of our Father in Heavens love for us. I invite you all as Christmas season come closer to think of this gs you can improve on to be more like your Savior. Whether it being more patient, humble, or simply forgiving others. I promise you will be happy and know that Our Savior happy for you also.

Love y'all and have a great week.