Sunday, October 19, 2014

Conference October 13, 2014

This has been a great week! Probably one of the best parts of the this week is that 이준영 (Jun-Young Lee) is progressing really well. He is scheduled to be baptized this upcoming weekend and it looks like everything will work out really well. He's really taken it seriously and realizes that this decision will really affect the rest of his life as he seeks to be a better person and follow Christ. Yesterday we had a lesson with him and we've pretty much finished teaching all the lessons, so we were just reviewing conference and the last preparations for his baptism. Up until that point, he had always expressed a desire to be baptized, but still didn't quite feel confident that he would be ready by next weekend. But as we talked about what he's learned, how he's felt, and his desires for the future, he began to gain a little more confidence. Toward the end of the lesson, we reviewed that baptismal interview questions one more time. He looked at the questions for a little bit, was quiet for a few seconds, and then simply said, "I am a prepared person." We all broke into smiles and assured him that he was definitely right. We always ask to find those who are "prepared," but this is the first time I've seen anyone give themselves that same label. It was a great lesson and he is just a miracle. And to think that it would have been soo easy not to stop and talk to him on the street! God really is guiding our efforts and expects us to act. When we do so He can bless us with far more than our personal efforts can ever afford.

I also LOVED conference! I'm so grateful for living prophets on the earth today! I confess that most of my life, although I have really enjoyed conference, I've had a little bit of a hard time staying completely alert and attentive the whole time for conference, but this time I was surprised by the miracle that it was so easy to be completely awake and attentive. It was almost as though there was a little extra sense of urgency and hastening. We truly each have an essential role in the work of salvation. One of my favorite talks was "Is it I?" from President Uchtdorf in the Priesthood session. It's so easy to try to shrug off responsibility onto other people or things when life gets rough. But when we decided to look inward and always seek to improve ourselves first before blaming others, we have can do so much more good and so much more fully fulfill our divine potential! I love, respect, and sustain those beloved men and women who give so much in the service of us all!!

I am also so grateful for all of you who also give so much to all those around you! I always feel privileged to be one small part of each one of your circles of loving influence. I love you all and hope you have a splendid week!

-Love, Elder Tolman

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