Well, well, well

Family,

Well the weather is getting nippy. It was cold and rainy on Saturday and down to 43 degrees yesterday. I thought that wasn't supposed to happen? But this will still be the most mild winter of my life I'm guessing. So I can't complain.

First off I want to share something funny that happened at dinner this week (and pardon my Spanish). I had a question in mind, so I said to the member, "Estoy curioso." Without me really catching it, the member said, "No, esta bonita, Elder." They all started laughing, then filled me in on what had just happened, and we laughed even harder. It turns out I had said, "I'm cute" and her response was, "No, you're handsome, Elder." It was a fun way to learn a Spanish lesson.

This week I realized that I see a lot of the negative that happens around us, and not enough of the positive. One night this week I prayed that I would see the miracles that inevitably take place right before our eyes. Well the miracles came and the day was much more enjoyable. It made me realize that the negative is always there and it will never make you happy. But if you look for the positive you can feel God's hand in your life.

Last night I felt God's guiding hand. We had a lesson scheduled but the investigator wasn't home. So while we were walking back to the car I said, "Hey Elder let's knock on Vladimir's door." The thought was no different from other thoughts, and had no added urgency or distinction. But it turns out that Vladimir was home. Finally. We've been trying to meet with him ever since I arrived in Arizona. He's an inactive member and we had a wonderful opportunity to build some trust with him and teach a principle. He is committed to coming to the branch Christmas party this Friday.

All on a similar note, this week I studied the blessings that God has promised us if we live the commandments that we teach as missionaries in Chapter 4 of Preach My Gospel. There are scriptures for every single one, and several for each one. God really wants to bless us. It's like Christmas for Him year round. He wants to give His children the best presents He has in store, and they are more grand then the lists we write to Santa. All of the blessings of heaven are available through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I hope we will be worthy to receive those more fully in this holiday season. I love you all. Enjoy your week!

Elder Joshua Gathro