TMM Testimony Matters

TMM Testimony Matters

Today we gave Sammy a ride to church. It was his first visit. He has been meeting with the Elders for a week or so. We chatted on the way, and when we got out of the car, he showed me that he had his Book of Mormon and the “Plan of Salvation” pamphlet. He told me that he had read the pamphlet and it “set off bells.” I said, “It does just ring true, doesn’t it?” He assured me that he knew it was true. So many people say that when they hear the Plan taught. It is though they are remembering truths they had just forgotten as they passed through the veil to start their mortal journey. 

Another younger Samuel came to institute class on Thursday. We were teaching “The Savior’s Profound Influence” and “Come, Follow Me.” At the end of the lesson Samuel bore testimony of having learned many things that he knew were true. He plans to join the Marines. He has committed to be baptized next Saturday. We love being focused on teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Today we attended two testimony meetings where we heard our seminary students and an institute student bear testimony. Cristina joined the Church exactly one year ago while she was at Texas A&M in College Station. We love her so much! She bore a beautiful testimony about following the Spirit and trusting in the Lord’s plan for her. She is beautiful inside and out.

We watched a husband and wife receive the gift of the Holy Ghost today. They were married by the bishop just before they were baptized on Friday, with their little children looking on.

So many of our students are brilliant, intellectually and spiritually! Several seminary students attend early college courses. They are devoted to the gospel. They want to do what is right. They are humble and teachable, willing to follow the prophet and the Lord. 

On Saturday we are going to McAllen to a special meeting with Elder Soares. We will take some of the Sisters with us. We have many opportunities for spiritual experiences. We love Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven. One thing I have been thinking about a lot this week (since General Conference, especially) is how brilliant the general authorities are—writers & thinkers, lawyers & judges, doctors & surgeons, teachers & professors, scientists & philosophers,  educated to high degrees with successful professional careers and experiences in the Church. And yet, with all their intellect, they get their testimonies the same way we do, through the Holy Ghost. They ask, they act in faith, they keep an eternal perspective, and they gain knowledge through searching divine sources like the scriptures. Pray. Serve. Love each other!

This is one of my favorite Laredo scenes. Across the street from the sisters’ apartments, right on the Rio Grande, under the palms, cows and horses graze. The birds follow them faithfully, picking up the crumbs and seeds that are left. There is a lesson in that. Thursday was 100 degrees in Laredo. Friday morning started early with temperatures in the 80s. By noon, however, it was 61. It made me happy! We were able to walk around the duck pond. The cold snap was refreshing.