The Book of Mormon- A Gracious Gift

My goodness! Another transfer is here! I have a new companion, Sister Butler from North Carolina! We are serving in the Beehive House (Brigham Young's house.) I was there in my third transfer and always dreamed of going back. I might have mentioned this in previous posts, but what fascinates me about Brigham Young is that it took him two years to gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon and to be converted to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  He took his time to truly understand his love for the Book of Mormon. But once he did, he boldly shared his testimony to all, hence his nickname "Lion of the Lord."  

Thanksgiving will be next week and what a wonderful time it is to really reflect on what we have been given this past year.  There are many wonderful things to be grateful for, but then there is that phrase "take for granted" that occurs and life's precious priorities are sometimes forgotten.  One of those is daily study from the Book of Mormon.  Most of us have wonderful experiences from the reading the Book of Mormon, but sometimes we forget those and "take for granted" it's blessings. 

I would like to share an experience we had this last week that emphasizes the importance of the Book of Mormon for all. Last Wednesday we met Kelly (name changed for privacy purposes)outside the Assembly Hall. She was in town for business and it was her first visit to Temple Square. While we were giving her a tour of the Assembly Hall, we got the impression to take her to the Interactive Book of Mormon display. This display simply explains the why and the how to read the Book of Mormon. I personally had only used this once, but we knew the spirit needed us to bring her there. As we discussed her feelings about it, she said it was different than what she "had expected". We asked in what way. Her response was that she expected it to be strict, but it was gentle. We asked if this was something she would want in her life and she said yes! We now have an appointment with her!

The Book of Mormon is such a gracious gift! It is free, but provides for our spiritual and temporal needs! Brothers and sisters of the church, please read the a Book of Mormon everyday!  Entering the waters of baptism is not the finish. Attending the temple is not enough to gain eternal salvation. Please, please read the Book of Mormon! I invite each and every member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to create a simple goal that will help continue their progression in the Book of Mormon. If you already read your scriptures daily, help someone else!  In today's world we cannot allow these spiritual habits to weaken. I am inviting you to do this because I need it as well. I will be doing it with you. Please feel free to email me if you would like to follow up on me.

I know by reading, pondering and applying the principles of the Book of Mormon in your lives, it will comfort you. The prophets have spoken to my heart and have answered my questions. I have great faith I will see my Savior again! I say these things in name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love,

Sister Mikeila Aquino

My new companion, Sister Butler

Faith is a real thing and it works!

In The Book of Mormon, in Helaman 36:3 it says,  And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.

The square has been pretty dead transitioning from the summer to fall season.  There haven't been a ton of tours, but we have been able to meet a lot of wonderful members! 

Tuesday we met a couple, both members, up at the Christus. We invited them to watch God's Plan and they accepted. We learned they were from Utah and they loved their children. Throughout the presentation Sister Chansriramee and I had no clue what we should invite them to do. We went blank. But, faith is a real thing and it works! At the end we asked what they liked about the video. He said he liked that the family got along.  But, he knows not all relationships work out that way. We asked if there was a specific person that came to his mind. He said there was more than one, but that he wasn't sure if the desire to have a better relationship with that person existed at the moment.  So, we shared a scripture that I had read that morning during   personal study (Alma 32:41.) 

 But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.

We invited each of them to pray, read the Family Proclamation and ask Heavenly Father to point out what they needed to work on to have the desire to have a relationship with that person again, and then to write their goals on the back of the Family Proclamation.  What a wonderful feeling it was to feel the presence of the Spirit as it bore witness to their hearts of Heavenly Father's love for them!

Today we had a similar experience with another couple who were also members of the church.  We met them outside of the Assembly Hall and asked if we could show them God's Plan.  They said yes.  We learned they were in town for a funeral.  They had three children and one of them had passed on.  We learned about their adorable family story. They had known each other since elementary school.  They were such a sweet couple.  Before we started we had invited them to think of one thing they wanted to change about themselves as individuals so that their family could be strengthened.  We started the presentation and again Sister Chasriramee and I didn't know what message they needed and what we would invite them to do.  When the last video was finished, we asked what they liked about it.  The husband suddenly opened up and shared his sincere feelings about overcoming hardships and his gratitude for the Gospel.  The wife, as well, shared her testimony of how they have used the Atonement of Jesus Christ in their marriage and in dealing with the loss of loved ones.  We know that the Spirit was present.  As we listened to this wonderful couple and the Spirit, once again, we were able to bear testimony and extend the commitment Heavenly Father had prepared for them. 

Trust that Heavenly Father will answer your prayers.  This life is the time to prepare to meet Him again, not necessarily receive every answer we long for.  Preparing means we place our faith first and act on it.  Then because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can find joy in eternal life!  I know I will see my grandma again because the Savior was resurrected and overcame death.  This is a blessing promised to each of us, as we center our lives on Jesus Christ.  I know this to be true.  There is no doubt of this in my heart.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Love,

Sister Mikeila Aquino

 

SNOW!!!!!!

 

"Fit for the Kingdom" 5K mission run

 

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Treats!

 

Zone Activity-sewing skirts