"Live Joyfully. Live Happily. Live Enthusiastically.."

The cute twins we meet at the Christus!

Special meal for Sister Rodriguez last district meeting (she has the pink ribbon on her shirt).

Hello everyone! Happy Thursday!

This week was really busy because we've had many different things going on. For example, having the first-transfer sisters take us on a tour to do a sort of "pass-off" tour. It's basically just to make sure they're teaching in balance, sharing the history of Temple Square linked with the Restoration, and interacting with the guests. It's really fun because we pretend we're guests, members or nonmembers, and take on a character with specific needs. One time I pretended I had the concern that religion is just a bunch of rules; another time I pretended to be a less-active bringing my nonmember friend (Sister O'Reilly) for a tour. Even though these are "pretend tours" the Spirit can be felt strongly. We have some awesome sisters who really know how to teach and testify! I have learned so much from them.

Earlier this morning I took a phone call on the teaching center from a guy who is atheist. He said he wanted to know what causes people to join certain religions, but I think his whole purpose in calling was to make a point on how he thinks organized religion and having a belief in God is nonsense. I shared with him about the restoration and how he can know for himself that God is there, but he wasn't very sincere in learning. Even though he was saying it's ridiculous to believe these things, my testimony has never been stronger. Though we don't see God physically, we can see him spiritually in the blessings and feelings of joy and peace in our lives. He has us walk by faith during our time on earth. We do this without a perfect knowledge of everything, but we know enough. I have felt the Spirit confirm to me the truth of what I teach everyday. It made me sad that this man hasn't found his spiritual eyes yet to see and feel of the wonderful blessings that God has given us, but I hope he will someday!

A couple of days ago we met a young family by the Christus. I noticed two little babies sitting in a stroller, perhaps 5-6 months old. They were so cute I had to go talk with them--well more like their parents. I spoke with the mom and found out that she is a convert to the church and she has received a lot of opposition from her family. She said there have been times when she's wondered why she's had to endure all of the trials she's had, but then she realizes how much God has blessed her in different aspects of life. She said when she got married she prayed to have a boy, and she did. Later she prayed to have twins, a little boy and a girl, and she did. She said the Lord has answered the desires of her heart in different ways, so she knows the Lord is mindful of her and is blessing her. I invited her to keep on praying for ways she can help her family be softened to the gospel and promised that she will find help!

We are planning to go shopping and eat at a Brazilian restaurant later today. It's Sister O'Reilly's last p-day so we are making it special! I'm going to miss her so much.

Happy Birthday to Julie! 17 years old? That doesn't seem right! Everyone is growing up so fast! Ah!!

The Church is true! Here are some wise words from President Ezra Taft Benson to leave you with: "Be cheerful in all that you do. Live joyfully. Live happily. Live enthusiastically, knowing that God does not dwell in gloom and melancholy, but in light and love."

HAVE AN AWESOME WEEK! 

xoxox,

Sister Butler

Funny thought for the week:

One thing my companion is REALLY good at is scaring the jeepers out of me. If I could count how many times she's startled me....!! I am now in the habit to peak my head into the hallway and then into my bedroom before entering anywhere. Haha! I got her good once though by hiding in the closet. 1 point for me, 15 for my companion.