"How do you protect your faith?"

July 6-July 12
The other sisters that live with us, Sister Stott and Sister McDaniel were asked to speak at church this past Sunday. One of the topics they were given was "How do you protect your faith?" I thought it was a very inspiring question. While she was brainstorming for her talk, Sister Stott asked me how I protect my faith. I had never really pondered about this question before and when I gave my response I knew it was the spirit helping me recognize how I have strengthened my faith. I said:

1) Prayer - Earlier in the week I remember praying that Sister Sinamban and I would have more opportunities to give service. Friday we went to visit a young boy to teach a lesson, but instead his mother answered the door. When sister Sinamaban and I were on exchanges the previous week she had offered to help this mother clean her apartment because it was going to be sprayed, but we never got a chance to go back. Friday she needed help reorganizing everything. A Ward member was with us and we were all more than happy to help clean! The spirit I felt as we cleaned was very calming and heart warming. I promise that as you pray to Heavenly Father to help you strengthen your faith He will provide a way.

2)Reading the scriptures -Friday evening we visited the Camarena family. They have two beautiful daughters whom we love so much! We had not planned on a specific spiritual thought to share with them, but the spirit guided us through the scriptures. We shared Matthew 5:14-16 and encouraged this family to be an example of Christ to their family and friends.  The mother then expressed she wanted to strengthen her scripture reading.  What a wonderful spirit the scriptures bring!

3)Priesthood blessings- The priesthood is a blessing I hold very sacred in my life because it is the way God performs miracles and answers prayers.  The priesthood is real, I know this to be true.  For just the few weeks I have been here in Arizona I have been comforted both physically and spiritually through the priesthood.  The feeling(s) are hard to describe, but I can assure you that it is a feeling all will want in their life. If you are curious about the priesthood or what feelings I have had, stop the mormon missionaries with the black nametags or ask your mormon friends!

4)Temple- The temple is the House of the Lord.  The temple is where I go to make covenants, or higher promises, with God.  My understanding for my purpose here in this earth is strengthened as I am in the temple. By going to the temple my relationship with God has grown.  And because my relationship with God has grown, my faith is strengthened.  I promise everyone, that as you strive to learn about the temple and desire to enter, you will have a greater and stronger relationship with your family, God and your Savior, Jesus Christ.

"Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.

Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved." It is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that we can protect our faith.  Heavenly Father has given us many wonderful sources to strengthen our faith and to return to live with Him again some day.  I hope to see Him again with my family!  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Mesa Temple

Camarena Family