I Feel My Savior's Love

 Transfer number 3 has arrived!  It is crazy that I am done with training!  Studies do not seem long enough now days now that companionship studies is only an hour.  I have a new companion!  She and I have the same ethnicity.  Can you guess which country she is from?  JAPAN.  Her name is sister Chayama!  She is really sweet, humble, loving and has a great heart.  This will also be her last transfer, which means I am "killing" another companion (Mission lingo for I am her last companion).  We are serving in the Beehive House.  The Beehive House is the home of the second prophet of the LDS church, Bringham Young.  I am starting to develop a great appreciation for the role Bringham Young played in the work of the restored gospel. 

My new companion, Sister Chayama, from Japan

This transfer we are on early schedule which means we wake up at 6:15am and go to bed at 10:15pm.  So last Thursday I completely forgot to set my alarm to 6:15 and woke up at 6:30!  I have never woken up that late before out on the mission except when I woke up sick one morning.  I was really disappointed, but knew that it was an honest mistake and would not make it again.  Well guess what happened Friday morning?  I woke up late again!  I was really upset with myself for the whole day.  I could not believe that I had been disobedient to the schedule!  

During our TC time we called one of our investigators who has been having a hard time finding time to read the Book of Mormon.  We asked her what she hopes to get when we call her.  She shared with us that growing up she would attend Sunday school for her church all the time, but when she started working she lost the habit of going and regrets it.  She said she knows she has not been doing the things she needs to get done and wishes she never allowed to work and life to get in the way.  We explained the beauty of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we can constantly start over and develop a Christ like lifestyle.  From this conversation I learned something very important.  I realized that when I shared my testimony of the Atonement with our investigator, I had not followed it myself that day.  For the past two days I had held the burden of not forgiving myself for waking up late.  I was teaching this principle and yet I was not following it myself.  Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways to convert us all.

Later on Friday we gave a Japanese tour.  It was my very first language tour!  It was a really neat experience.  It was a group of four men.  We first took them to the Tabernacle and shared many of our basic beliefs with them.  Sister Chayama translated most of what was said, but I could still feel the Spirit even though I didn't understand everything.  All four of them had knowledge of the general Christian background which was interesting.  They asked a lot of questions, which was great!  We invited them to read the Book of Mormon.  One of them requested a copy.  So we walked over to the the North Visitor Center and gave him a copy.  A minute later another man asked for a copy.  Then a couple minutes later another one asked.  We also gave them  mormon.org cards that had Sister Chayama's number in case they ever wanted to learn more.  I guess in Japan if someone gives you their business card, it is a sign of respect to give your business card in return because the first man who requested the Book of Mormon gave us his card.  They asked to take a picture with us and they all held up their copies of the Book of Mormon.  How cool is that!  By the end of the conversation three of the four men left with a copy of the Book of Mormon.  I really enjoyed this experience.

This past Sunday I has the opportunity to be part of a musical number for the Bountiful Heights Utah Ward.  President Harmon, first counselor of the mission presidency, asked Sister Davis to put together a musical number for his friend's ward.  Sister Davis asked me and three other sisters in the mission to sing with her for this ward.  I had so much fun attending a family ward!  I miss being around little kids all the time.  We sang an arrangement o f"I Feel my Savior's Love".  We had the chance to sing in both our sacrament meeting and the family ward. The ward members brought their non member friends to church.  Afterwards their was a "linger-longer" and as missionaries we had the opportunity to meet the members and friends that attended.   Both times we sang I felt the Spirit so strongly.  I am grateful I had this experience to bear testimony through singing.

In the Beehive House today we took a member family through and in Bringham Young's office there is a painting of the Salt Lake Temple.  We asked the family when they look at the picture of the temple in their home what they think of and the oldest daughter (who looked around 13 years old maybe) said, it is a reminder to her of how their family started.  At that moment my heart was filled with the Spirit and my testimony was strengthened.  I love my mission.  I am blessed to have such a sacred calling as a missionary.  I know there are many reasons I was called to Temple Square at this specific time.  I am grateful for my home ward that have been a support to me.  I love my family so much.  Everyday I cherish the love that my family has given me as I look at the temple.  What that girl said in the Beehive House was a reminder to me of how much more I need to appreciate the commitment my parents made to one another and with our Heavenly Father in the temple.  Because of that commitment I have received numerous blessing and miracles throughout my life.  I know that the temple is the house of God.  I know that I there is a life after death.  I know that my Savior loves me because I feel it every single day.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Love,

Sister Aquino

Last transfer's roomates...from India, Japan, Denmark, Norwary and USA

Smiley Grandpa Ron

Wow!  Another week has come and gone!  Next Wednesday I will be in my third transfer and done with the 12 week training.  Crazy!  I am absolutely loving my mission!  I can never say that enough.

Sadly, my trainer, Sister Palmer will be going home next week!  She has been a great influence in my life.  She has helped me to become a more obedient and effective missionary.  I will miss her dearly and I know many others here in the mission will miss her as well.  I know Heavenly Father needs her to go and help others in their lives now.  Whatever she does and wherever she goes I know she will be wonderful!

Friday I had the opportunity to attend my first Tagalog meeting.  International sisters here in this mission have meetings where they help each other out on improving ways to take tours and contact people.  This is one of the rare times they can speak in their native language as well.  As most of you know, the only language I speak is English, but since I am Filipino, I was invited.  During part of the meeting each sister went around and shared why they decided to serve a mission.  There was only one other sister in the room that did not speak in Tagalog, but she could understand the language.  But, not being able to understand definitely did NOT ruin the experience for me.  Although I could not understand a single word these sisters were saying, I could clearly feel the Spirit of their testimonies.  I knew that each of them had a testimony of the Savior and a strong conviction in their decision to serve a mission.  It was such a wonderful feeling that is almost indescribable.  It was an experience I will never forget. 

Sister Palmer and I have been struggling pretty much both of the transfers that I have been here with finding solid new investigators.  Unfortunately we have had to drop a ton of our contacts in our area book.  We have been praying really hard, asking for help, but everything is in the Lord's time.  Typically the people that come on to chat with us are either argumentative or are not interested in staying in contact with us to learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Saturday was different.  We chatted with so many people who had sincere questions and by the end of the day we had two new investigators!  Sister Palmer and I immediately got on our knees after both chats and expressed our gratitude to our Heavenly Father.  I am thankful to Him for giving us our trials because it was all worth it!  Even if it does not work out with both of these new investigators, I am grateful we had the experience to have joy in finding them.  Heavenly Father blessed us with the determination and lifted our Spirits.

On Sunday as we were walking past the temple we saw this older man walking the opposite direction with a huge smile on his face.  I decided to wave and smile at him.  He stopped to talk with us.  He asked us where we were from, what we did before our missions, and what we were going to study when we got back.  He was just a super friendly old gentleman.  The whole time he had this warm big smile on his face.  As we said our good byes I asked what his name was and he said "Grandpa Ron."  Afterwards, Sister Palmer and I called him "Smiley Grandpa Ron."  My invitation to you this week is to smile at as many people as you can, wherever you go.  I promise you it will make their day!

I love my Savior.  What a blessing it has been for me to meet the people I have met.  Although I am done with my official training, I know the Lord has much more in store for me to learn.  I am excited for what this next transfer will bring into my life.  I know that the prophets in the Book of Mormon did have personal testimonies of the Savior.  I believe in the Holy Ghost.  God places certain people in our lives to take care of us.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Love Sister Aquino

Believe in Him. Follow Him. Love Him

This week went by really fast!  The transfer is almost done!  I can't believe it!

Now that the Christmas lights are off and Christmas has past, Temple Square has really slowed down.  Very few people come to visit, but we still always find people to talk to.  

I am sure most of you have seen the movie or at least heard of it, "Meet the Mormons".  The movie is playing here at Temple Square in the North Visitor Center and at the Legacy Theater in the Joseph Smith Memorial building.  The movie really portrays us "Mormons" correctly.  We are normal people who make our beliefs a part of our everyday lives.  

I really enjoyed the testimonies that other sisters shared this past Sunday at church.  One of them shared that she had seen this picture (below) of Jesus Christ visiting the ancient Americas several times in her life, but for the first time she had paid close attention to the nail prints in Jesus Christ's hands.  When she noticed this detail, she felt the Spirit so strong.  She expressed how grateful she was for the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  At least times she repeatedly said "You are precious".

Another sister also shared her testimony of the Atonement.  Someone told her that even if we were the only person living on the Earth, God would still send Jesus Christ to atone for our sins.  That is how much God loves us as His Children. From these two testimonies these two questions popped into my head, "Do I recognize the small blessings of the Atonement and the Resurrection in the great picture of my life?"

Tuesday we had "square time" (meaning we contacted around Temple Square) and we were on our way towards the Reflection Pool.  As we were walking past the temple gates we saw a lady with a pink umbrella.  We smiled and said "hi" to her.  Suddenly she stopped and said,"There was a man in the temple who looked like he needed help.  I told Heavenly Father if someone talked to me I would go back to the temple and help that man."  As soon as she finished talking that is exactly what she did.  Sister Palmer and I were amazed!  What a great example she was to us of being exactly obedient to God.  I also learned that our daily planning is very much inspired.  Our daily planning (here on Temple Square) is a little bit different from other missions.  Because we are at a visitor center, we plan where on Temple Square we need to go.  Monday night we had planned for Tuesday to go contact at the Reflection Pool and now I know the reason for it.  The Lord works through us in subtle, but powerful ways to answer the prayers of others.

I invite each of you to think about how others have answered your prayers and how this week you can be an answer to someone else's prayer. 

I bare testimony that Jesus Christ did resurrect from the grave. One of my mom's favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon is found in Mosiah 16:8 But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.   I know that we all have the opportunity to live with Heavenly Father and our loved ones again because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I am grateful to my Savior for all of the love he has given me each and every day of my life.  I know that He loves all of you for who you are.  Believe in Him.  Follow Him.  Love Him.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Love Sister Aquino

"Wrong" Turn = Right Way

         Happy New Year everyone!  Wow I cannot believe 2015 is here!  I hope you all had fun celebrating with your friends and family and that you are looking forward to the new year.  Last night, on New years eve, Sister Palmer and I were assigned to the Christus.  For those of you who are not familiar with this, the Christus is a beautiful white statue of the resurrected Jesus Christ.  There is a two minute narration that is played.  After it is finished we bore our testimony and gave each group an invitation for the New Year.  One of the invites we gave was, "Christ holds so many attributes that each of us wants to develop.  Christ is perfect, but we are not so it is difficult to develop all of His attributes at once.  Since the New Year is upon us, we invite each of you to choose one Christ-like attribute that you want to work on for 2015.  Will you do that?"  I extend this exact invitation to all of you.  I have chosen to develop humility and will be working along side all of you.  I hope that you will take this challenge so that next year for 2016 you can strengthen a different Chirst-like attribute. 

         Saturday evening Sister Palmer and I found a little boy who was lost.  We were coming from the Priesthood Statues and were supposed to walk straight to the Handcart Monument, but for some reason we took a right towards the flagpole.  Suddenly my attention was drawn to a little boy standing all by himself by one of the planters.  We asked him where his parents were.  He made his way towards the lawn by the Tabernacle, but there was no one there.  We told him we were going to take him to watch a movie and I grabbed his hand.  While Sister Palmer called security, I got to know him.  He was in Kindergarten.  He liked the color green.  He liked basketball and Spiderman, etc.  We got him inside the South Visitor's Center and sat down with him on the couch.  There were some grandparents looking for their lost grandson.  They must have not seen the little boy when Sister Palmer first asked them if he was theirs because later on the mother came in and instantly grabbed and hugged her son.  As I watched this mother and her little boy hug, with tears streaming down her face, the spirit touched my heart.  I thought of how our Heavenly Father feels when we have lost our way in life, but then find our way back to Him.   I know that as we seek to have the spirit of Christ in our lives, we will be able to return to live with our Heavenly Father again.  I know it was no mistake that Sister Palmer and I took a "wrong turn."  Not only did we help a lost boy find his way back to his family, I was able to strengthen my personal testimony of the divine love of God.

I have a firm belief in my Heavenly Father.  I know that it is through our Savior, Jesus Christ that we can live with our Heavenly Father again.  If you felt spiritually lost in 2014, make a change, now, in 2015 and live your life as the Savior did.  I promise you that as you strive to follow the will of God and obey His son's commandments, you will have a Happy New Year.  I am grateful for the Atonement.  I am thankful for all the blessings and trials I have been given.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love,
Sister Mikeila Aquino

The Book of Mormon IS the word of God

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  Christmas is my very favorite holiday.  It is one that is filled with laughter, joy, peace and love.  If you live in a place like Utah it also brings you snow.  :)  Can you believe the snow did not arrive until Christmas day?!  Crazy right? 

Saturday was my very first 24 hour exchange.  I was with Sister Leavitt and Sister Palmer was with our district leader, Sister Garcia.  Sister Leavitt is from Nevada.  She such a sweet and nice friend.  One thing she taught me was to always introduce the Book of Mormon to the people we talk with.  She said that three things she always says to introduce herself is 1) her name, 2) who she is representing and 3) the Book of Mormon.
While we were at TC desk (South VC), we met two college age guys who were visiting Utah because one of them was checking out one of the medical programs at one of the schools.  They didn't know much about "Mormons."  (For privacy purposes I will use different names to tell the story).  Joe is the one applying to schools and Bob is the other guy not applying.  One thing we shared with them was what the Book of Mormon was.  I decided to give Joe a copy of the Book of Mormon.  Bob, who seemed to have a funny sense of humor, asked if we had a kids version of the Book of Mormon because there is no way he could ever read something like that.  We showed him that here are actually pictures in the front.  I turned to the picture of Lehi and his family on the ship.  I was about to share the story when Bob pointed to one of the kids in the picture and said "Look at this kid!  He's so ripped!"  Then he started laughing.  Sister Leavitt and I couldn't help it, we laughed too.  haha.  We eventually were able to talk about the story.  Some other sisters gave them a tour.  They ended up both taking their own copy of the Book of Mormon.  I know that the Book of Mormon is the most correct book ever written.  No matter what your beliefs are, if you ever have a concern or need some uplifiting, read the Book of Mormon.  If ever in your life you feel lonely, read this book and it will give you the peace you are never alone.  If you want your own copy go onto mormon.org and ask the missionaries to have a copy delivered to your home.  The Book of Mormon is not just a book, it contains the words of God.  As you read it, I promise you you will feel of His personal love for you. 
Not very many people know this, but I am Filipino.  I was invited to the Filipino lunch on Saturday.  The food was delicious!  Before we ate, the other Filipino sisters sang some songs, all in Tagalog, of course. haha.  Other sisters walking past the room we were in had confused looks, because they didn't know I was Filipino and I wear an American flag on my tag.

Monday I got to go on a 24 hour exchange again!  This time it was with my awesome district leader Sister Garcia, from Spain.  We were in the TAB for our assignment and I met this man (I will call him Rob for privacy reasons as well).  Rob was not a member of the church and he had never been to Temple Square before.  He had been going through some rough things.  He was raised Catholic, but since then has just been a "non-practicing" Christian.  We talked for a while and I got to know more about his beliefs.  As we were talking, the thought came to my mind that he needed a Book of Mormon.  I waited for a while and kept talking.  He eventually said he wanted to have a look around the Tabernacle.  A few minutes later he asked me to take his picture.  I was ready to invite him to read The Book of Mormon.  Well, he kind of said "bye" and left too quickly.  By then our time was finished at the Tabernacle and as Sister Garcia and I were walking towards the North VC I told her about the experience and the impression I had.  Rob was actually by the North VC looking at the Nativity on the lawn.  We saw him make his way the opposite direction from us towards West Gate.  Sister Garcia told me that we needed to go after him and give him the Book of Mormon.  I was honestly surprised, but we went and found Rob near the Assembly Hall.  I had never really, I guess you could say, chased someone down before, but I knew Sister Garcia was right.  I told Rob I had the impression to give him a Book of Mormon.  I said he could read it when he felt ready, but I promised him the Book of Mormon would bring him peace, especially at this time in his life.  He accepted the copy.  I am very grateful to Sister Garcia for encouraging me to have faith in the promptings given to me by the Holy Ghost.  Sister Garcia taught me it is far more important to "fear God more than man." 

Monday evening I got to see the Guerreros! There is a whole long story of how they kind of surprised me, but I don't have time to share.  Basically they had their phones out taking pictutes of me talking with people.  They are so funny!  Love them!  It was fun to see Gabe and Lem and Shawna's new baby!  She is adorable!  I wish there was no rule saying that we can't hold babies :(  I understand the reasoning behind it though.

Christmas morning we woke up to snow!  Finally!  I was so excited! I, of course, got my camera out!  Sister Palmer and I had breakfast with out roommates, Siter Nakmatsu and Sister Atchu.  So fun!  After opening our gifts we went to another Filipino lunch/ song practice for the Christmas program.

Since I am part Filipino, I was asked to sing "What Child is This" with  the Filipino sisters in the program.  I wish I had more time to write about the beautiful and spiritual program that was put together.  At the end, President Poulsen began reciting "The Living Christ" and one by one sisters stood up reciting one paragraph at a time.I also got to call home which was so special.

I love you all!
Sister Mikeila Aquino

Christmas Morning

He Hears and Answers Every Prayer

This past week has gone by so fast!  I feel as though I just had P-day not too long ago!
 
Sunday I got the chance to announce!  Every Sunday after "Music and the Spoken Word" Temple Square sisters get to recite a little paragraph, in their native language, inviting people to take tours with them.  I, of course, only speak English, so recited it in English.  It actually started snowing on us while we announced.  As freeeeezing as I was, I had so much fun seeing the snow!  Unfortunately, once again, the snow melted away, later on, but it lasted long enough to be in my pictures and that is all I care about.

Monday we were treated with delicious soup for dinner!  Six families got together and made soup and desserts for our mission.  Some young women also made rice and corn bags for each of us!  I got a corn bag of course, because that is what my mom made for us growing up.  I love it!

Ahhh, there's nothing like a warm corn bag!

So we got a referral from another sister missionary and this man is from Liberia, where missionaries for the church cannot serve.  Tuesday we called him and he was very nice, but it was difficult to understand him because of the fuzzy phone connection.  In the middle of the conversation the phone disconnected so we tried calling again.  I said a silent prayer to Heavenly Father asking Him to help Sister Palmer and I be able to understand him.  I believe Heavenly Father blesses us with simple miracles everyday because when we continued the conversation we were able to understand him much better.  Some of you might think that your prayers are insignificant or unheard, but I testify to you that they are not.  God does hear every single one of us.  

Wednesday we had the wonderful opportunity to have Christmas dinner at a member's home, the Bowman family.  The Bowman's served in the Oakland California mission a few years ago and absolutely loved it!  They shared some wonderful experiences they had with us.   Sister Bowman made what she called, "a snowball".  It tasted like a chicken roll.  We had salad and broccoli with it.  For dessert we had strawberry ice cream (my favorite flavor!) with different cookies.  After dinner we sat in the living room and sang Christmas hymns while Sister Bowman played the piano and Sister Garcia played the violin.  The Bowmans have such a strong and special spirit in their home.  I felt like I was at home because my family always stands around my mom while she plays the piano and sing.  Sister Bowman gave each of us a miniature Christmas tree.  I cried with so much gratitude and humbled heart.  This will be my very first Christmas away from home, but Heavenly Father really does take care of His missionaries.

Christmas dinner with the Bowmans

Our very own Christmas trees

I have felt the love of my Savior so much this week!  Serving a mission has shown me my weaknesses, but it is through the Savior that I can make "weak things become strong".  I am learning to persevere through trials and hardships because I know that the Savior will always be there to uplift me as long as I obey Him.  I love my family.  The temple is where families can be united for eternity.  I pray and hope that all families will have that sacred opportunity one day.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

I love you all!  Have a Merry Christmas and share the love of Christ with all!

Love, Sister Mikeila Aquino

I Shared the Book of Mormon with a Panda

I cannot believe I am done with my first transfer here at Temple Square!  Crazy how fast time goes by!  I have learned so much from my companion, the other sisters, President and Sister Poulsen, various people I meet on the Square and so many more!  I really have been blessed to be here on Temple Square at this time.

Thursday evening, one of the local church stake Relief Societies, brought us cookies and made individual Christmas goodie bags for us sisters.  We sang "Called to Serve' (Temple Square version) to them and then sang "Silent Night" with them.  Everyone in the room had a smile on their face and I could just feel the love and happiness from the Spirit.  I am very grateful to those sisters that took the time to bring us these gifts, because it definitely brightened my day.
​
Saturday I took my very first hospitality tour!  A hospitality tour is when a large group reserves for a tour on Temple Square and more than one companionship takes them around Temple Square.  I was nervous at first because I have a really soft voice and the microphones we had weren't working, but then we found working ones.  I had a lot of fun.  I had the opportunity to share my testimony of the Temple.  The Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to build and it still stands to day.  Just like the foundation of the temple is solid, our faith in Jesus Christ must be also.  I love the scripture Heleman 5:12 of the Book of Mormon, which says, And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. 

Sunday evening I had the opportunity to go to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional!  The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a remarkable sight!  I loved all of the talks given.  I really enjoyed the one given by Richard J. Maynes.  He shared that because of the obedience of Mary and Joseph and Jesus, each of us have the opportunity to have eternal life.  Each of their role's leading up to the birth of the Savior was vital to our salvation.  Mary, Joseph and Jesus are remarkable people.  It is because of them I have the opportunity to be with my family for eternity!


​So you probably read the title and said "What?"  I don't blame you.  Monday I gave a Book of Mormon to a Panda!  I was at MAP desk (in the North VC) and a guy with a camera comes walking in with someone dressed up in a Panda costume.  They walked over to the Jerusalem model.  I looked at Sister Palmer with a confused face.  She started calling security.  The is nothing wrong with dressing up in a costume, but walking on a place like Temple Square, probably is not the best place to do something like that.  I decided to go over and talk with them.  On the Panda's head an chest is said "sockpanda.com".  I asked what the company was for.  The guy with the camera told me they were taking a cross country road trip giving socks to the homeless.  Not sure why this next statement he made was important, but he said they knew the mayor of Provo very well.  They then asked what there was to see around here on Temple Square.  I told them about the different buildings and various things to see in the visitor centers.  They left and walked up to the Christus, taking pictures of the panda.  Then security came in and politely asked them to leave.  I didn't know, but costumes are not allowed on Temple Square.  Temple Square is such a sacred and peaceful place, having someone dressed up in a costume could be distracting.  It was funny though and random.

Wednesday was transfer day!  Early in the morning, we drove a sister to the airport to go back home.  She was form Italy.  The whole day was so strange and I honestly did not like seeing sisters go.  I was really sad to have to say good bye to my district leader, Sister Yang and her companion, Sister Liao.  A lot of sisters also went outbound. :(  Goodbyes are so hard, but I will always remember that wonderful memories I had with these sisters.

My First Transfer District with our Zone Leades

Wednesday evening, we were stationed at EF( Eternal Families; South VC) desk.  Three guys came walking in and I said "hello".  I asked some questions about their evening and how they were enjoying temple Square.  They were enjoying it.  They were Young Men's leaders for their ward and they brought the youth to Temple Square.  After we talked a little I gave them a challenge.  I said "Jesus Christ is a gift to all of us and He has given us so much.  If you were at the birth of our Savior, what gift would you give to Him?"  I then asked them to give the same challenge to their youth and to the discuss their answers with them.  They accepted the challenge.  Well later on in the evening some youth went up to Sister Palmer and asked if she was from California, the Bay Area.  She said no.  I over heard and told them I was.  They came over to me and said "Either you have a question for us or we have a question to ask you, we aren't sure which one."  My response was "What?  I'm confused."  All three of them laughed.  They told me their bishop had talked with me earlier and I asked the a question.  My mind was still blank.  Then, finally I remembered I had talked with their leaders earlier. hahaha.  I was surprised, but happy the leaders had sent their youth my way.  So I asked them the same question and they all agreed to think about it.  Well, by now I am sure you have figured out that I am all about giving out challenges, so my challenge to for this week is to watch the He is the gift video and ask yourself "If I were present at the birth of Christ, my Savior, what gift would I give Him?" 

I believe in a perfect Savior.  I am grateful to Joseph and Mary for their sacrifice and obedience to God and bringing Christ to this earth to save us all.  I am grateful for all of the natural beauty that is all around me.  It is a wonderful reminder of how peaceful and simple the gospel of Jesus Christ is.  I will never be able to repay the sacrifices Christ made for me, but I can love and serve everyone around me, just like Christ did while He was here on the earth.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.