True Change

Dearest family and friends,

Thank you for the news, the happy, the sad, the unexpected. I am delighted to know I have a new little cousin named CALVIN! Oh Kate and Brett, my sweetest delighted words of Congratulations. I can't wait to cuddle that new little baby! And my sweet friend Cami Fox for her wedding announcement! And good luck with the new job, Papa San!

I want to start today with my study on Humility if you'll permit me. Preach My Gospel, Christlike Attributes, under Humility.

Paragraph #1--It lists some important elements of humility here.
1-Submit to God's will
2-Give the Honor to God
3-Gratitute
4-Acknowledge that I need God's Help
5-Trust in God
6-Acknowlege God, His power, & Mercy
7-Confidence to do God's Will
8-Trust God's Servants
9-Obedience
10-Hard Work
11-Serve Selflessly.

Paragraph #2
Elements of a Prideful Person:
1- Greater trust in oneself than in God & His servants
2-Put the things of the world above the things of God
3--Prideful people presume they are better than other people.
4--Give themselves the glory.

It's so important to remember that pride  was the downfall of Satan. All of the elements above listed under pride were exactly what got him kicked out of Heaven. On the other hand, let's look at the elements of humility. Who was our perfect example in demonstrating these attributes? The SAVIOR.

Some thoughts I have sketched in the margin of my PMG-
-Insecurities can be pride too (because we trust too much in ourselves and too little in God and the Atonement of Christ)
-Humility is knowing your relationship with God
-If you're filled with love, your scars and wounds heal up.
-Humility is a choice--not an absence of Pride. A conscious effort to recognize God's hand and his gifts to us.
-Evaluate your intentions.

One of my best examples in life of Humility is my Brother, Tyler. Tyler, you are a hard worker. you have worked hard in our home since the time you were little, helping Dad clean out the Garage, mow the lawn, help frame the basement, etc. You often spent whole Saturdays at Dad's side, laboring alongside him. Your interest for how things work even led you to a choice experience to operate Brother Larson's tractor-claw-machine (don't make fun because I can't remember what it's called) to help dig a hole for the trampoline in the Gummow's yard. Not to mention your hard work on your films. but through all of this I don't ever remember you bragging about any of your work to anybody, even though your work is incredible! You are a humble, hard worker. You are obedient to what Mom / Dad ask and do your best to follow their instructions when they give you an assignment. You SERVE SELFLESLY. I have seen you befriend so many young men in our ward when they were knew, and you brought with you many of your other friends to help them and become their buddies as well. you are a humble server. This attribute will help you and bless you throughout your life, but especially in the mission field. You will be an edifying, humble rock to your companions and the investigators and members you meet.

Scriptrures on Humility: Mosiah 4:1. Humility leads us to pray.
Mosiah 4:12  What blessings do we receive from Humility?
Alma 5:27  Humility, as we read here, is kind of a BIG DEAL. Why? What do we lose when we are prideful?
Alma 26:12  Give the Credit to Father.
Matthew 26:39  Christ's ultimate act of Humility was the Atonement.
2 Tim 3:1-5  pAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO VS. 2. These verses describe those who are prideful.
1 Nephi 15:7-11  We have to be humble in order to gain a testimony.


It has been an awesome week, to say the least. Soledad and her sons Giovanni and Stefano told us on Monday when we invited them to baptism that 1 March was way too far away, and that Sole wanted to be baptized on February 22nd because its her birthday and if she waits till March 1st, she's afraid there won't be room for her in the font for her tummy so huge and swollen with twins. She's due in early may but I wouldn't be surprised if they're a little premature because they're twins, like Ty and Jordan were born early. She is such a doll, with three young sons of 11, 9, and 4. It was quite the adventure to teach all of them all of the rest of the mission lessons this week, but they are so willing and so desirous to be baptized. Stefano and Giovanni were so well behaved and listened so well. They are half way through 1 Nephi in their own personal reading, and I am so delighted to know them and see their progress. I love them so much, they had their interviews this past Saturday and they will indeed be baptized February 22nd. Sole dropped Coffee without a problem and agreed to keep the law of tithing even though she's a struggling Single Mom. I just wish you could meet these people, they are such examples of faith. And it tickles me pink to teach a family, at last, in my mission!

Gabriel also has progressed by leaps and bounds and will also be getting baptized this Saturday teh 22nd. He's been kind of abandoned by his mother and his Dad died several years back. He has had a rough life and one of the members brought him into their home, that's how we found him--a reference from this family. He is a character to say the least, punk all around, but I love him with a sisterly love. His life will be so blessed in the gospel, he has dropped all addictive habits all together, and even sings the hymns on Sunday at church. He's developed a crush on a recent convert of 27, and when we invited her to a lesson, he all but fainted when he saw that we had invited her.

I am elated with joy to see these people growing and changing, and this Saturday these 4 will be entering the waters of Baptism. OH! It's a joy that comes from seeing our brothers and Sisters come to know the savior and the true changes that come from knowing him and becoming like him.

Humberto is still progressing but he didn't come to his baptismal interview. He was working and has been putting work before coming to church now, he has taken up several jobs on Sundays so that he can collect money to buy a house so that he can live with his young daughters again. They're in a bad situation living with the Mother and he wants so much for them to live with him. We just want him to See that when he puts God first, everything--including finances--will fall into place. It always works that way. When we pay our tithing, when we go to church, when we give our lives to God--He helps us obtain our righteous desires. We're still working with him and praying our hearts out to know what we can offer to help him progress.

All for now, Amor del centro sincero de mi corazoncito, saludos brillantes como las estrellas, y amor hasta la luna y un abrazo como el sol. love you forever,
Mikayla Reneela
Hermana Boren