Hey what's up everyone!
This week was honestly super crazy. Everyday was just a hassle to figure out how to manage our time. We just had transfers about a week and a half ago now and I got moved to a YSA word in La Jolla. And YSA missionary work is quite busy. We've had a lot of lessons, phone call and in person, a TON of finding time, and a lot of random things pop up, just to make it fun😂 we have been working hard though and God has magnified our efforts for sure! I can testify to you all that faith actually does work. A little bit of faith goes a long way with God.
I love this area here in San Diego. I'm in La Jolla and it's just beautiful. We live right by the San Diego temple which is a huge plus. I don't have many stories or anything too crazy that happened specifically. I was able to give 2 blessings and witness for myself the real power of God working on His children that I was able to provide a blessing for. It was great to feel God's love for those people.
I don't have a ton of time and not a lot to say but I found a cool story in the Old Testament that I found relatable to me at the moment. A little background, the last couple of days have been a little hard feeling good enough. My companion is absolutely amazing and it can be easy to feel like I need to be like him and be as cool, as good looking, as good at talking to people, and whatever else that he is. Everyone loves him so easily and it's been tough to feel like I can match his level of being a great missionary. But then I was told about this scripture in 1 Samuel 16:7-13. In this story, Samuel the prophet was called upon to go out and choose a king to anoint. But the Lord tells him to not look on his "countenance" (what he looks like) but rather look at whats on his heart. So Samuel goes out and looks over the 3 eldest sons of the king to choose who it will be. Each of the brothers don't match what Samuel feels to be right. He asks if there's anyone else around and they tell him about their youngest brother, who's taking care of the sheep. He was a Shepherd boy and maybe not the best looking, but he was "goodly to look to." He was a good man and had a good heart. So he was chosen and anointed king.
I'm not sure who needs to hear that but I know God looks on what's in our hearts rather than what's on the outside. You are all special sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father and we can all be chosen as kings and queens one day if we just do our best to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be as "goodly" and charitable as you can. I'm grateful for the love of God and the talents and skills He has given me up to this point in my life. You guys are all the best! Keep being amazing and remember your worth!
Elder Howes 🤟