Gone to the Square: Faith: The First Principle of the Gospel

September 22nd, 2015

Hello family!

The weather is changing here! I am bracing myself for the winter. We walk everywhere, so I sure hope I don't freeze! Sister Gattud, coming from the Philippines where it's always warm, says last winter nearly killed her. Haha, and it was only a mild winter from what I hear. :)

Here is an update of my life lately. I've been running almost every morning (besides Thurs and Sun--Relief Society and Church) because we are training for a 5k in October. It's purpose is to get all the sisters in shape--"Fit for the Kingdom" is the theme. I used to really dislike running, but now I find that I'm loving it! There is something about getting up before the sun and watching it rise over the mountains that really awakens my spirit. I love it. Exercise really helps with stress as well. Just so you don't worry mom, every missionary experiences stress on the mission. :) Every time I run in the morning I think of how proud Julie would be! I want to run a half marathon with you when I get back!

View on an early morning run.

Yesterday I took the mission driving test to be a certified driver. I wasn't nervous at all until Elder Bradshaw (one of the full-time senior missionaries) said that I only get one chance to pass the test! Then I thought of how I had not driven in almost 9 weeks. Anyway, everything went very well. I even got a perfect score! Thanks must be made to my Driver's Ed teacher. Every time I made a mistake he would slam the dashboard, pushing me to make sure I did everything right. He also unfailing taught me to check my blind spot! I never thought I would be thankful for his way of teaching me, but I guess I am now. :)

I had my first contact with an anti this week. There really wasn't much to it because we talked (or he talked) for about 20 seconds. I'm shocked by how most of them claim to be Christians when they treat us so rudely. I was greeting people in the South Visitor's center entrance, and he was walking past me towards the exit. I asked how he was and he said, "I don't know, you haven't told me yet." I was really confused, because that made no sense. He learned that I grew up in the church and he said that I must be pretty sheltered. Before I could really respond he just walked out. The conversation wasn't going anywhere good, so i'm glad he left. It's great to have the spirit so close in these situations. The spirit really helps to direct me how to react.

My District

I would like to share a few things I'm learning about faith. Faith is so key in this gospel.

Everything rests on faith! We have faith in our prophets and apostles to lead and guide us. We have faith Heavenly Father is there and that He will direct us even when we can't see our way. We have faith in the redeeming and enabling power of the atonement. Faith is so huge to our purpose here on earth. If we had a perfect knowledge of Heavenly Father and his love for us, we wouldn't need to trust that he'd take care of us. It's part of the test here. Everyday I feel my faith grow when I read the scriptures, bear testimony, and see the difference the gospel has on other peoples lives. I still have so much to learn, but I have faith that the Lord will help me.

Heavenly Father loves us so much. His love isn't dependent upon if we are living His commandments perfectly, or always being a kind person, or always going to church as we should. His love is unconditional. He loves us because we are His sons and daughters. We are of noble birth and he sees our divine potential. Knowing that God loves me so perfectly makes me want to do my best to live the way He has laid out for us.

Well, I don't know what else to say. I'm learning a lot. I'm feeling of the wonderful privilege it is to be a part of The Lord's true church everyday.

Keep to the faith everyone!

Love you!

oxox,

Sister Butler