I loved talking to you all.
Fun thought. We woke up early to open presents. We sat down, ready to open all my 'oreos' and I said, let's sing a Christmas song. You see, we've been waiting till Christmas to sing 'I heard the Bells on Christmas Day'. (We sing 2 hymns a day...we'll hit #100 pretty soon) After we sang the song we just looked at each other, knowing we had to say a prayer. I am grateful for that habit that I've developed, to pray every time I sing. I've also developed the habit that every time I wake up I say a prayer...naps included. What I realized is the reason I've developed these habits is not to say "Hey, I pray a lot!" but rather, it is God providing you with more times to think of him. This is what was called 'holy habits and righteous routines'.
Last night we met with an investigator that we've been meeting with for a long time...or more accurately, sparsely over long periods of time. Our lessons are usually the same. Read the Scriptures. Pray. Why don't you? Oh you don't have time. Well pray for time, read for time. Sometimes it feels like a big circle that they never get out of. But, I'm grateful for the spirit who thinks out of the box who whispered to me, "coffee". So I said, "Kreshnik (that's his name), if you want (your problem to be solved), you have to be obedient, not just by reading and praying, but by stopping drinking coffee." This is when it hit him. The Gospel is not a hobby it is a way of life. If in any moment it feels like someone is not progressing, the best thing to do is to really get them to sacrifice. Sacrifice Brings forth the Blessings of Heaven, says W.W.Phelps, one who rejected the prophet but later came back a much humbler man. In my case last night, I kinda had to say, "Hey! Here is something you CAN do right now!" I knew the spirit was in my commitment when he responded, "Can you pray for me?" So, I invite you all to pray for him, that he can overcome this simple vice, and develop the faith to keep the rest of the commandments.
I am grateful for the opportunity to talk to you and to write to you. Often, it becomes easy to go through the days quickly, recognizing what God has done, but then forgetting because there really is a pressing need ahead. However, when I am able to sit down and truly tell you what I've learned, I AM strengthened. I learned just as much from you in the past 40 min as you did from me. Thank you for letting me bear my testimony. Now go and share yours. That which one selfishly keeps he loses, while that which one freely gives he gains (?) said president Monson.
Abby, Eliza, Jay, Emma, Alina, Anna, Page, Sydney, Sarah, Noah, ????? Wilde, and ????? Bangerter, I love you all. I'm glad I now have a more concrete picture to base you off of as I pray for you!
I love you! Gezuar Krishlindje! (Last night we just gave out cards upon cards that talked about He is The Gift, and every time I said, "Gezuar!" I became happier....as a result I may have said it too many times! And by the end of the night I was VERY happy, and cardless! Wish EVERYONE a merry Christmas! It'll make you smile too!)
I could write more, but we are going over to the senior couples for a dinner! But not as good as your rolls mom!
Love Elder Bangerter of Vlore!
P.S. Is there a family calendar that I can get!?
P.P.S.
1. Kristi's Baptism this Morning! (about 60 people were in attendance! That's what happens when you have 7 baptisms...don't include the numbers please in the forwarded letters mom, thanks!)
2. Albano (who we taught and baptized) directing the Christmas Party Program!
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