Monday, July 4, 2016

General Conference

So glad the family trip to CO and UT was a blast! Cool that you were able to take family names to the new temple in Provo. That's awesome. Temple work is great.

It was so good to hear from the living day prophet and apostles whom we could sustain as prophets, seers and revelators. It was spiritually uplifting as well to hear from the other leaders and general authorities of the church. I'm so grateful for their counsel. I know it comes from the Lord.

One talk that particularly caught my attention was that of Elder Gary E. Stevenson. He's the one who talked about lost car keys. He taught of the absolute necessity of car keys to properly operate a car, and then compared this analogy to the necessity of priesthood keys. For centuries, spiritually speaking the car doors were locked and the keys nowhere to be find. We no longer have to wonder where they are. This is Christ`s church. The priesthood keys were restored on this earth through the prophet Joseph Smith by heavenly prophets and apostles of old. It made me think about all the blessings that I have received through the restored priesthood keys in my life. It also got me thinking about, what does it mean to me that God has entrusted His children with these sacred keys?

Of course it was just one talk of many that caught my attention. I'm excited to be able to continue reading and listening to the conference talks. I know the Lord will pour out His spirit to those who do, who continually search and study modern day revelation for His church. I invite all to continue reading the talks given at this General Conference session in April of 2016 and even those given before. The Lord will bless you with understanding and spiritual guidance.

Neat miracle this week. My companion and I went to the small aldea in our area, where a few days earlier, my companion had spotted one of his converts from last year drunk on the side of the road. We talked to him and later that night prayed for him. But as we were walking through the streets of San Lorenzo that day, we felt to visit a member family. After sharing a short message we asked if there was anyone who was in need. They told us of a family close by. We went in that very moment. As we talked with them we came to realize it was the family of my companions convert that we had found drunk just days before. It was a miracle. They were so receptive to our messages of love and hope and very interested to learn more.

In my personal study, I was reading in the Book of Mormon of Ammon and his brethren and their mission among the Lamanites. It was interesting to me to see the terror of Lamoni's father and his willingness to give up so much to gain eternal life.
                 ¨What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be castoff at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake MY KINGDOM, that I may receive this great joy¨ (Alma 22:15).

What are we willing to give up to really know Christ? to receive eternal life? to have priesthood power?
I love the scriptures. I know that the Lord loves all of his children and his arms are extended towards all who repent sincerely.

Hope everyone has a great week! Nos vemos

Paz y amor

Elder Hicken

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