From: Ryan Jay Allred
Sent: Monday, August 30, 2010 12:09 PM
To: Allred, Kevin
Subject: "He who is a master of himself is a true man." -Sister Moss
Hello dear family and friends,
Alright! I hope you enjoy the picture that is attached because we sure enjoyed taking it. We got to go to the Fair on the free day and talk to people and we had some neat experiences including talking to Flo. Pretty much nothing else happens in Gridley during the week of the fair and yet it is probably the smallest fair I have ever been to. But the people are friendly and there is a positive spirit as the whole town gets together to party. It was a lot of fun.
Well I have felt very strongly throughout this past week the need to share with you all the testimony that I ponder frequently as a missionary. It seems that not a week goes by that we are not challenged in some way or another about either our belief in God or in the Book of Mormon and I have noticed a distinct difference in the feelings that I have as those conversations take place. This past week as we met with a man in front of Safeway who had obviously studied anti-Mormon literature I had the wonderful opportunity to feel the Spirit's voice confirm to me the feelings I have already experienced in the past. It taught me again that spiritual things are to be discerned by the spirit and that no mater how logical man's ideas may seem, they are of no worth to us if they contradict the will of the Lord. I felt the sweet feelings witnessing to me again that Heavenly Father does in reality continue to love us in this day as much as he did in biblical times. I felt my love for the Book of Mormon and the testimonies within it increase, and I received the assurance that the current course of action that I am taking is where Heavenly Father wants me to be.
I hope you all have felt the power of the priesthood recently in your lives and if you have not I challenge to seek it soon. When we use the priesthood we literally use the power of God to bless our lives and those around us. I love the feeling of being touched by the Spirit and it comes to me most often as I am fulfilling my priesthood duties in one way or another. Recently I have felt it's influence direct even the thoughts that I have had in pronouncing a blessing upon those with physical needs. It is a wonderful thing and we can be assured that our Father is willing to bless us with it. I know that the priesthood can heal both physical and spiritual wounds and that it can comfort each of us. Last Friday we had the chance to watch a movie in which Joseph Smith takes part in using the priesthood to heal many of the saints as they were forced from city to city in the early days of the church. As we watched he was able to use their faith in order to command that they be healed instantly. This was not something new because the Savior himself had done the same thing 2000 thousand years ago and as we study in Mormon chapter 9 it is something that will continue for as long as we have faith. I am a witness of this also and I pray that each of you will experience it's blessings especially through the Sacrament each week.
Our week was a lot slower because of the fair (we had 14 lessons cancel on us) but we still have a lot going for us this week. We found ourselves laughing histerically so many times this week, sometimes there is nothing else to do. I appreciate your prayers because sometimes that is all I have to lift me and it sure blesses those we teach as well. The ward is also doing an excellent job of supporting us but they could also use your prayers this week. You may have heard of the Bishop that was shot yesterday in church in California. His parents and siblings are in our ward and your faith can do a lot for that family. Isn't the Gospel just soo amazing! Pure religion is taking care of those in need and that is exactly what we each covenant at baptism and that is what helps us feel the pure love of the Saviour in our life.
Keep it up all of you! I am reminded often of the blessings I have from Scott and Jason who are great examples and Kristie, Jennifer, Sheresa, and Sarah who love and support me. This is really what we are trying to give to others by inviting them to be baptized so that they also can have these blessings. It is a good life. Thank you all!! I love you and hope that you have a great week.
Love ya!
Elder Ryan J Allred
--
HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!!!
NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.
Posts
