Sanderson
Family, 01/14/2013
This week
in the area of Rio Bravo we finally found what every missionary dreams of...a
Family! They were a referral from the Senior couple the Papas. The Verdin
family is so golden! It is a family of 5 but only 4 are baptismal age. We contacted them on Friday and had one of
the awesomest 1st lessons ever. They mentioned that a lot of out-side forces
were threatening their family. So we hit them up with Helaman 5:12 and then
transitioned that to 3rd Nephi 11:38-40 where the Savior invites all men to
build upon his rock through baptism. They eagerly accepted a baptismal date for
the 10th of February! They even came to church this Sunday and loved it so
much. In Gospel Principles we learned about the Plan of Salvation and they just
loved how that lesson makes life make sense. Wonderful family! Please keep them
in your prayers.
As
always, I love receiving your letters. Today I wanted to respond to yours
Stacie, I think we all may find it applicable. You asked me for some advice
about developing the habit of prayer and daily scripture study. These 2 things
are probably some of the most important things we could be doing but probably
the most undone thing by members of the Church. As I reflect upon the past few
years I can honestly say that many of my mistakes and problems have stemmed
from my neglect of developing these habits. Nothing is sweeter than knowing
your Father in Heaven is aware of you, and when you pray and read you are
opening a conduit to Him. Please do not make my same mistakes and continue on
without this wonderful gift from God. Develop this habit now.
When
teaching my investigators on how they can develop these habits, I give them a
simple 3 step formula. to develop a habit you must first have 1) Knowledge-
what exactly prayer and scripture study is, how to effectively pray and
scripture study..etc 2) Desire- your
desire to perform these habits will only be as intense as your desire. This
desire cannot be just to check it off our busy schedule because then it will
not profit us...you must do this because you want to 3) Repetition- consistently praying and
studying your scriptures. These 3 things
will help you develop the wonderful habit of fervent prayer and diligent
scripture study. So here is some homework for you Stacie. In 2 weeks time I
want you to write me a letter with 1)
Your knowledge of what prayer and scripture study is 2) Scriptures
talking about the blessings of scripture study (this will increase your desire)
and 3) a log of our scripture studies such as: topics, favorite stories..etc.
Ok? I promise that if you try to righteously develop these habits they will
come. In 2 weeks I'll send you a letter of my studies as well ok? Andale!
Why is
this important?
At the
waters of baptism we covenanted with our Heavenly Father that we would take
upon the name of Christ and stand as his representative. How could we possibly
hope to emulate the Savior if we do not know him? How could we possibly do the
will of our Heavenly Father if we never asked for his guidance? We must have a
firm and unshakable testimony and deep conversion that Jesus is the Christ if
we are to survive the spiritual battle in which we are all enlisted. We develop
these over time...through prayer and scripture study.
I love
conference address that Elder David A. Bednar gave this last October
Conference. I encourage us all to re-read it.
He too talks about the necessity of daily prayer and scripture study.
Elder Bednar interpreted the Parable of the Ten Virgins and how at the moment when
the bridegroom was near the 5 foolish virgins lacked the oil of conversion in
their lamps of testimony. They were in despair and resorted to having to ask
the 5 wise Virgins for oil. Of course they refused. Elder Bednar explains...
"Were
the five wise virgins selfish and unwilling to share, or were they indicating
correctly that the oil of conversion cannot be borrowed? Can the spiritual strength that results from
consistent obedience to the commandments be given to another person? Can the
knowledge obtained through diligent study and pondering of the scriptures be
conveyed to one who is in need? Can the peace the gospel brings to a faithful
Latter-day Saint be transferred to an individual experiencing adversity or
great challenge? The clear answer to each of these questions is no.
As the
wise virgins emphasized properly, each of us must “buy for ourselves.” These inspired women were not
describing a business transaction; rather, they were emphasizing our individual
responsibility to keep our lamp of testimony burning and to obtain an ample
supply of the oil of conversion. This precious oil is acquired one drop at a
time—“line upon line [and] precept
upon precept” (2 Nephi 28:30), patiently
and persistently. No shortcut is available; no last-minute flurry of
preparation is possible.
“Wherefore, be faithful,
praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that
you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom” (D&C 33:17) .Were the
five wise virgins selfish and unwilling to share, or were they indicating
correctly that the oil of conversion cannot be borrowed?
It is my
hope and testimony that we might all better the habit of humble prayer and
scripture study. May you all have a wonderful week! Thank you for all the
wonderful prayers in my behalf. I have seen miracles resulting from them.
con todo
mi amor
Elder
Craig Sanderson
Texas
McAllen Mission
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