Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi guys!
Wow! Can't believe that it is already the holidays! I
love that special feeling in the air every year around this time. I enjoy the
time that I have to reflect on what I am grateful for.
This week has been extremely fun, yet very busy! I have
been trying to keep up! HaHa! We were able to have 20 lessons with our less
actives and investigators!!! I love teaching people about the gospel! Also I
was very happy that we reached our goals! :) It just goes to show that if we
plan and set goals and ask the Lord to help us, he will help us see things
through! When we call upon the Lord in prayer, he will guide us in our lives
and help us reach our goals. It is crazy how my testimony of prayer and scripture
study have been strengthened since I have been out. I have found that by doing
the basics: prayer, scripture study, going to church, and serving others, we
are able to find joy, peace, happiness, and enjoy the presence of the Spirit in
our lives.
I love serving the people in Estacada. It is such a
humbling experience. Not a lot of the people here have a lot, some come from
broken families, some have overcome obstacles that I could never have dreamed
of overcoming, and a lot of people don't have the support and love that comes
from a family. I can't help but to love them! They are my brothers and sisters
and we are all part of one big family. I love sharing the gospel with them
specifically the strength and joy that comes from our Savior, Jesus Christ. I
may not know how I can help them, but he does! He knows us! He has suffered for
us! He loves us each and every one of us. As we rely on the promptings of the
Spirit, we will know what to say, do, and will be guided in our lives.
I am so
grateful for the gift of the Spirit and its influence in my life. The Spirit
talks to us and as we listen intently without fear, we can do the will of our
Heavenly Father. Fear is the absence of Faith. We all can triumph over our
fears and insecurities as we rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He can
strengthen us . . . . . he has strengthen me!
I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and for my
brother Jesus Christ. I am grateful for this opportunity I have to be on a
mission and give the Lord my heart. "I, Nephi, (Elder Shaw), having been
born of goodly parents..." I am so blessed to have the parents, family,
and friends that I have! I can feel your love every day! You all keep me going!
I am so grateful for your examples and love that you have given me. I am so grateful
for a mother who sacrifices her time, efforts, and will for her children and
for the Lord. Her testimony has saved me in my life! She is one of my rocks
that I lean on in my life! I am so grateful for a father who worthily holds the
priesthood and has taught me the importance of serving others. Every time there
is an opportunity to cut the grass, boy do I take it! ;)
I miss my sisters so
very much! They have influenced my life in so many ways, and I have confidence
that they will be great instruments in the Lords hands. They have always been
such a great example to me! I am so grateful for the many blessings that come
from the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This scripture sums up my feelings perfectly: "Now
my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they
may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all
the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give
thanks unto my God forever. Amen." (See Alma 26:37)
I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have that the
Lord is mindful of his children. There are never coincidences. The people that
we met and talk with are put in our path for a reason, and that reason is to
share the gospel with them. In the bible dictionary the word
"gospel," means "good news!" Let us share the glad tidings
of joy this holiday season!
Love you all! You all are AMAZING!!!!
Lots of Love,
Elder Shaw
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