I hope everyone had a great week! I can't believe that it is snowing so much in North Carolina. The Panthers went to the Super Bowl last winter, and this winter it snowed 9 inches, well that's just interesting, haha. Anyways, I hope you all are enjoying this winter season and a little time off of school and work, because I know everything is shut down for sure!
This week was pretty good. We are still seeing some effects of the New Year. There still were a lot of people that didn't come to church this past week. We had about half of the normal attendance. We had fast and testimony meeting this past week because it was moved from the week before. As everyone was sharing their testimonies, I was sitting and listening and pondering on the things that were said and I started to think a lot about testimony and conversion.
My favorite thing I have ever heard in respect to the difference between conversion and testimony is a talk that was given by Elder Bednar. He said "A testimony is when you know the gospel is true, and conversion is when you are true to the gospel." I love that quote and I remember it often as I distinguish the two. Conversion is driven by our obedience and absolute willingness to do the will of the Lord and being true to Gospel principles, and by our consistency in doing the small things like reading, praying, and attending church on Sundays. I love what it says in Alma 5, talking about a mighty change of heart that leads to lasting conversion.
14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
15 Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?
33 Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.
34 Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely.
I love this scripture, because it shows that conversion requires lasting change, that results from sincere repentance and obedience to the Lord's commandments and His Gospel.
As we try our hardest to be better everyday, repenting of our mistakes, and truly trying to change, we will experience this mighty change of heart. We will experience lasting conversion, which will be our biggest treasure in this life, and help us to stay motivated to keep improving!
I love you all, Have a great week!!
Elder Yeoman
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| Eating Burgers on P-day with the office elders |
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