Sister Eliza Groneman: Another Week Bites The Dust

Hey!!

Another week down and more to go! I am so grateful to know that this work doesn't stop even after I get home. What a blessing it is to serve the Lord.

This past week Sister W**t and I have been trying to be creative and think of new ways to find [people] through our own efforts. It is something that we don't think about often as we are always trying to work with members, but because of different events that have occurred, this is what President Nakken has asked us to do in this area.

Finding mostly by our own efforts has been a challenge for us, but as we have tried to do what we can, we have seen Heavenly Father helping us so much and letting us know we are never alone. We have been able to meet people who are interested in learning and who are searching for something (we know that "something" is the gospel!). Day after day we have thanked Him for His help because we would not be able to do it without Him!

This week we have truly relied on our Savior and His Atonement as well. We have felt the strength that comes through Him as we have asked for His help. I feel that I have come to understand Him and His Atonement a little better. Life isn't meant to be easy, even though sometimes we think it should be. We should never expect it to be easy when it was never easy for Him. How grateful I am for my Savior. Because of Him, and with Him, all things are possible.

A couple great things!

- The last 2 weeks we have had people who may be interested in learning come to church after we invited them! They just randomly walk in and they have been miracles! We are hopefully going to start teaching them!

- a LA [less active] that we have been working with came to church for the first time in a long time. He has tried a few times before, but he was finally able to overcome the anxiety he feels as he tries to leave [home]. We are so proud of him and the progress he has made. He even said the closing prayer at the lesson last week!

Ooh ok let me share something from my studies! I was reading 3Nephi 3. This is the chapter where Lachoneus, the Nephite leader, receives a letter from the Gadianton leader, Giddianhi. Giddianhi tells Lachoneus to join them or they will kill him and his people. What I want to share is what Lachoneus does after he writes back saying he won't join them. I found 7 things that he did when he knew the enemy was going to attack and we can apply them in our lives-

1. Pray to Heavenly Father for help

(Vs 12)

2. Prepare yourself and help others to do the same

(vs 13-14)

3. Repent and make sure you are aligned with God

(vs 15, 25)

4. Follow your leader; Follow the prophet (vs 16, 19)

5. Don't put yourself in enemy territory; don't go looking for trouble

(vs 21)

6. Surround yourself with support. Gather together with allies

(vs 22, 25)

7. Have love

(vs 26)

Every day we know that the enemy can attack and it is so important to be ready when he does. I love Lachoneus' example and as we apply these steps in our lives, we will have the strength to overcome the enemy and keep on the right path. Man, don't you just love what we can learn from The Book of Mormon!!

Well I hope everyone has a great week this week and a great holiday!! I am so grateful to live in this country and to have the freedoms that we have. Happy early Independence Day!

xoxo, Sister G