Mr. Positive is out and about

I love reading your guys' emails every week. It's good to hear that everything is going good over there.

On Tuesday we had interchanges. I love going on interchanges because you learn so much going with another missionary. Everybody has their own style and it's awesome to pick up on new stuff that works good for other missionaries. During interchanges we talked with this lady named Genesis. She told us she doesn't understand why she can't quit smoking. She's tried so many times but she just can't do it. We asked her if she believed in God and she said yes. We asked her if she believed God loved her perfectly and she said yes, again, really robotically. We asked her if she could love herself like God loves her. And she said no I can't because I can't quit smoking. After that we had a really good conversation. We talked about self love reflecting Gods love and we honor him when we feel the way he feels about us.  I truly do think if people understood how much God loved them, and they are patient with themselves and love themselves, they can overcome anything in their life. I can overcome all things.....through Christ.....who strengthens me.

We went to the temple this week with Pedro. It was a really good experience. The missionaries in that mission offer tours for investigators that explains why we have temples. The tour starts in a chapel and after we go through the gardens of the temple and after end with a video. The craziest thing, when we were walking by the temple I saw a soccer team from Utah. So I went over and talked to them and they were super cool. I guess their coach served in Santiago and they were here for a tournament. But anyways, the best part about the tour, is the video that they have at the end. They show this video of Jesus in the Americas. No words just music. It's a short clip, but shows him blessing and healing the people and hugging the children. I've seen the video a few times, and every time the spirit is so strong! The Santiago temple is small and simple but so dear to my heart.

On Sunday the teacher for gospel principles class was gone. As soon as I walked into the class they asked me if I could teach. That is such a typical story for missionaries getting thrown into situations like that. But of course I said yes, and the class went really well. The best part was Julio and his wife came. My heart almost exploded with joy.  Julio is the most amazing man I have ever met. We talked about the atonement and he said something that I really liked. He said we didn't come to earth to live a perfect life. But to get up each time that we fell. He said God does not judge us harshly on when we fall, but more on how we get up. I had tears in my eyes the whole time. And it's only possible through the atonement. He said I'm not perfect but I trust in my Savior and in his atonement.

I've thought a lot about the phrase ´´trust in God.´´ It's a phrase we say all of the time, but what does it really mean? In the bible topical guide it gives five other words similiar to trust. Assurance, believe, confidence, faith, and hope. I absolutely love the way that Nephi describes trust, in 2 Nephi chapter 4:

 18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.

 19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.  

Even though we aren't perfect we can still feel the same as Nephi does.

21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.

Filled me with love to the consuming of my flesh......those words are deeper and more powerful than we realize.  I hope this is the marker of my life.  Being consumed head to toe by his love for me and for my friends.

It's a nice cloudy day in Santiago today. It's nice to have a break from the heat. Were going to go play basketball in a little bit with other missionaries and some investigators. Today will be a good day. This week will be a good week. I'm trying to live a more positive life haha it's hard but it's so much better. Just start calling me MR. POSITIVE.  Have a wonderful week!