Dear Family and Friends,
Yes, it's cold in Arizona! Transfer week is is week, and it looks like I will be up here in Flagstaff through Christmas. Woo! Sometimes I wonder if they forgot about me up here... But that's ok, I love the ward and the work! Don't worry mom, I will be sure to get a jacket. The one a member gave me literally reaches my knees. I look like a dwarf.
Well we had an awesome week with the temple dedication and cultural celebration. Were you able to watch any of it online? There were a TON of youth and we were there pretty much all day. President Monson and a Uchtdorf were there as well as Elder Oaks, but we hardly saw them. President Monson is a happy guy and said some pretty funny things on both occasions. One the things that hit me the most as he dedicated the Phoenix Arizona temple was the insight that we are all temples of God. How dedicated are we to Him? A "re-dedication" and consecration of ourselves to our Savior perhaps is necessary on a regular basis. As I reflect on my efforts to be a consecrated missionary I am reminded that there is still so much more of myself that I can give and dedicate to Him. On that note, here's two of my favorite scriptures!
"25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Matthew 16:25-26
"15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve....but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Joshua 24:15
The rest of our week was awesome too, other than the many appointments falling through. We should have some families committed to specific baptismal dates before the end of the month. The Begay Family was baptized on Friday and was able to come to the Dedication! We are starting their new member lessons because they just moved into our ward. We are also receiving tons of referrals lately, because we are asking for them! One neat story was after we shared a video with a Less Active sister, we asked who she knew who would benefit from seeing that video as well. She mentioned her daughter, so we found her on Facebook and sent the video to her. Sure enough her daughter was going through a rough time and she said the video turned her whole day around. Later we had several experiences right in a row with being in the right place at the right time to help certain people and find new people to teach! I love being the Lord's hands in working small but sure miracles to bring his children closer to him. I've seen it happen over and over again!
Well I think that sums up this week. I'm grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's sole purpose is to cleanse us from our mistakes, guilt, and pain and allow us to enjoy the Holy Ghost with us always. I know it's true. I'm grateful for the ability to repent daily and trust that God will be with me as I do my best.
I love you all! Stay warm and awesome!
Elder Collin Christensen
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