Clean Slate

Another week has flown by! Brother and Sister Tolentino were baptized on saturday and it was quite an experience! We'll just say we had technical difficulties for an hour or a few before we were able to start, but everything turned out okay :) The Spirit was so strong as they bore testimony. Even though I know there is much to do yet to strengthen them, I'd like to share how Heavenly Father answered Sister's prayer. 

When the missionaries first arrived at their home, she said, it was the start of some big changes in their home and family. She had told us that first meeting that when she wants to do something, she does it. When she doesn't, she doesn't. She didn't want to commit to much right away. 

As she tried the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, she prayed to Heavenly Father that if it was true, that He'd help her husband quit his vices. Time went by after his first commitment to live the Word of Wisdom and he had considerably lessened, but had not quit. This time she prayed and asked that if it was true, if he could quit in a week. Within a week's time, he had quit smoking altogether. 

I know that this was an answer to sincere and faithful prayer on his behalf, as well as the entire family. Much peace and comfort have come to them through their reception of the restored gospel. They are happier, better people. They are clean! And the journey has just begun.

Rezzie and Redelyn were able to attend :) We'll have to follow up on what they experienced.

I want to also tell you something that Sister Grant shared with us as we talked about how busy things are and how hard it is to prioritize things the right way, always wanting to do the best things and not waste the Lord's precious time. She was in a Q&A with Elder Bednar and her mom asked him, "How do you do it, Elder Bednar? How do you balance everything?" And he said simply, "You don't. Stop trying." He went on to say that sometimes you'll have a busy week and you won't make it to scouts. He shrugged and said something like, "Oh well. Try again next week." It's not that we need to balance everything in this perfect, aerobatic, tight-rope, tip-toe, gram-for-gram type of way. We just need to do what we can with what we've got. We follow the guidance we receive to put the most important things first and then say, "Well, maybe that could've gone better. So what? It turned out okay. I'll do better tomorrow." Good enough is good enough.

Dad, you are a delight! Let's celebrate with 3 cheers for the best daddy ever!!!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY FATHERS DAY! HIP-HIP-HOORAY! HIP-HIP HOORAY! HIP-HIP HOOOOORRAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!! 

Here's to you, Father! 

I love you, Dad! And I'm so glad your passport finally came! I'll pray for the finding of just what we need to get you here!

Mom, thank you for your shining example! What a blessing you are to those around you! You fill the world with light. Each of my wonderful family members does!

YOU'RE THE BEST AND I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's sing Bring the World His Truth! and read Alma 56:56! 

IT"S SO TRUE! IT'S SO TRUE! I love the Lord and His work or I wouldn't be here. It's the truest thing there is. 

Love, Sister Richardson