Nov. 15, 2010

Dear Mom and Family

The Lord's hand definitely was evident this past week. It was the four day leadership training in which for four days President Brown teaches us, we role play, then after the training we go out to work in Helsinki. One central theme that stuck out from the training was how everything we do in the gospel, we do to received more of the Lord's spirit. President Brown outlined the main parts of the gospel which helps us qualify more of the Lord's spirit.

1. Atonement
2. Prayer
3. Book of Mormon
4. Church Attendance (especially sacrament meeting)
5. Word of Wisdom
6. Law of Tithing
7. Law of Chastity

When we are more obedient to any one of theses then the Lord will bless us more with the Spirit. For example, when we apply the atonement more in our lives by improving, developing Christlike attributes, and forgiving others then we will have greater guidance from the Spirit which leads to eternal life. Another example and a little more simpler, if I am to eat more healthier and exercise then I will feel better and the Spirit can then be with me more. Sacrament meeting- I prepare myself for this most important meeting that the Church has more us which if approached with the right reverent mindset, the Lord will bless us even more of the Spirit.

These past couple of months, Heavenly Father has been helping me improve in this areas and I have felt the Spirit become my companion even more. We can always increase the measure of the Holy Ghost within us. Always. That is one of my favorite things about the gospel. We can always improve. Also this is something that has helped me. If our deepest desire is to have the Spirit more with us so we can bless more people, the Lord is more willing to bless and aid in this tough but simple life commandment-keep the commandments and the Lord will shed His spirit more upon us. Interesting that that principle is repeated twice every Sunday in a special simple prayer which we call the sacrament.

These were my thoughts and feelings this past week when President Brown was teaching and helping us see the real picture of life- Life is a part of the gospel not the other way around.

Also this week, I. was baptized and the branch just loved her so well. This branch is doing very well at this time in embracing recent- converts. Also this next Saturday is K.'s baptism. Please pray that he will be protected from all evil which will attempt to prevent this miraculous ordinance from happening.

I did have a birthday dinner yesterday with the Senior missionaries in Oulu in which a delicious chocolate cake was made. I am still smiling because it was that good:) Also this Tuesday we have a dinner appointment with another family. Plus a family Hyvärinen from Kouvola, my first city, sent chocolate for my birthday. I miss that precious family.
Time has come to an end and hope that the Spirit helps deliver this email the way it should be...to the heart.

Love
Elder Austin Hamner