LONGUEUIL August 8, 2016

August 8, 2016

Hello everyone and happy August. Does anyone else feel like it was just last August? How has this year flown by? My goodness....

We've had some wonderful experiences this week. Robert is preparing to receive the Aaronic priesthood this week. He was absolutely beaming when they had him stand up to announce... just radiating. He really is amazing. Such a powerful example of faith. He showed us pictures from when he was in the newspaper for being arrested and going to prison. He's got tattoos on his arms and smoked from the time he was 12 years old. yet at 73 he is so deeply converted. He's so sincere.. every lesson with him I'm absolutely AMAZED by his faith and example. Every prayer brings him to prayers as he begins with "Bonjour, pere Celeste.". Every time, he feels that warmth in his chest. He's amazing.

Fabien came to church yesterday and LOVED it. We taught about the apostasy and restoration on Saturday, and invited him to pray. He said he didn't need to because it just made sense and he already believed our message was from God. We encouraged him to pray and receive that spiritual witness any way ;) We invited him again to read the book of mormon, and he apologized that he wouldn't be able to read the whole thing this week, maybe just a 10th of the book. My goodness he's amazing... he also asked about tithing, and wondered if he needed to pay the following day. He asked about smoking and drinking, and said "well, I just stopped 3 days ago, so that won't be a problem". Holy miracles. all from talking to someone just before he crossed the street and we got out of our car. There is so much power, and so many miracles that come as we really put the Lord's demands and promises to the test. He's commanded us missionaries to talk to everyone, and there is such great power in doing so :) So many wonderful people who the Lord prepares and places in our path. So please pray for Fabien and that all will go wel for him :) Now we just need to get our wonderful members involved in teaching him too :) Pray that he'll be prepared for his date on September 24 :) :) :) :) Can I just say I love missioanry work?

I also want to talk about hte Book of Mormon. I love this book. My love for it has grown so much on my mission, and especially the last few weeks. We're really striving to study it more personally and in our companionship. We're talking together about the things we learn, and sharing the Book of Mormon with EVERYONE we meet. It really is amazing. I feel Heavenly Father and our Savior's love so strongly when I read. I really do know that this book is true and inspired of God. No man could make these things up. No bad man could make up so many profoundly simple truths that lead to so much joy. It just doesn't make sense. I KNOW that these things are true, and they really do bring me such great joy. I love the Book of Mormon. I'm so grateful for the restoration of the Lord's gospel. I'm so grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ, for his love, grace, and mercy. For his perfect understanding of each and every one of us. I know he knows us personally and he's here to support and sustain us. He loves you all :)

I love you all and wish you a week full of miracles and blessings. Look for hte tender mercies the Lord sends your way. Look for his hand in every moment of your life. 

Take the time to appreciate the wonderful things he's given you. Family. Friends. The beautiful world around us. The beautiful summer sunshine. And make the most of these things! (a great time to help dad in the back yard ;). Do things as a family. Cherish those relationships. Go to the temple often. Study your scriptures. Pray together and on your own, keep a prayer in your heart. These things really do bring a fullness of joy :)

Love you lots and wish you the best.

love,

Sister Shelley :)