It has been a really great week--my faith has definitely increased, and the Lord is talking care of His vineyard. Miracles! :)
As I am sure many of you are aware, the First Presidency has been placing a lot of emphasis on the Sabbath Day. We have been receiving trainings in ward council, zone conference, and Sacrament Meeting. I have been thinking a lot about the Sabbath Day this week, and I felt the difference in how I was filled during Sacrament Meeting because of it. President Foster (stake president) came and spoke in our ward yesterday on the topic, as well. It was absolutely amazing to note the difference in reverence as the congregation exited the meeting yesterday! In order to increase our faith, be more protected from the world, and become more spiritually filled, we must hallow the Sabbath Day! I invite you all to prepare for the Sabbath Day, for the Sacrament, this week. How will you give the Sabbath back to the Lord? What sign do you want to give Him on the Sabbath? I know as you increase your faith, your understanding of the Sabbath will increase. I know as you become more consecrated on the Sabbath, your faith will increase.
We were able to set our investigator, Matt Marquez, with a baptismal date for July 11th! He has been progressing so well!!! He is the husband in a part-member family, and it has been a long process for him to be where he is now. He knows how to feel the spirit, and he has definitely noticed a difference in the happiness and peace he feels in his life as he has been experimenting on the word. He loves to study the material we leave him with, and he is just doing so well. :) We're super excited! I can't wait for the day he and his wife and family are sealed. :)
We have been receiving referrals from church headquarters quite frequently lately, and it has been such a blessing. We have gained two new investigators this week from it, in addition to another we found tracting. :) In fact...just received another referral! :) We truly can't do this work without YOU!!!!
For some reason, my life just keeps pointing back to Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life in 1 Nephi 8 and 11. Seriously like this whole transfer. Over and over. There is so much to learn from these chapters! I would remind you all to continually HOLD FAST to the iron rod. Hold fast to the words of the living prophets, as well as the words of ancient prophets. Study their words. Listen to how the spirit would teach you. Increase your faith by preparing for and keeping the Sabbath Day holy. I know that as we do hold fast, the adversary won't be able to overpower us to blindness.
Love,
Sister Budge