a mission conference, a temple trip & a baptism.

This week has been c-r-a-z-y. We have had a lot going on and a lot of
time to learn by the Spirit too!

On Wednesday, we had a mission conference. Elder Gifford Nielsen (a
member of the seventy -- he spoke in October general conference) and
his wife came and addressed us. It was a FANTASTIC meeting! One of the
things that stuck out to me the most was the experience he shared in
assigning future missionaries their mission call. Again, I knew that I
was called to THIS specific mission by The Lord. He also said that
missionaries are called TO mission presidents. I know that is 100%
true. President and Sister Calderwood are amazing examples. I am so
grateful to learn from them and to be constantly reminded of the love
and patience that exists between them. They truly care for each other
and it is evident every time you are around them. Elder Nielsen also
told us that missions prepare us for the future -- to be wives,
mothers, husbands and fathers. It is amazing all that I feel I have
learned being here and yet I feel like there is so much more to learn
in the time I have left! Elder Nielsen asked us .. "Are you part of
the problem or the solution?" Think about that when you have conflict.
Are we helping or hurting the situation?

Saturday, we had the opportunity to go on another temple trip! Two
weeks in a row! What a blessing. We went this week with the Relief
Society. One of the sisters hadn't been in 3 or so years and we have
been meeting with her, helping her prepare. We went to the 8 am
session and I was able to again see members from my former two areas.
Always a tender mercy :)

Aaaand...on Sunday, Elizabeth was baptized!! It was so wonderful :))
She really has a light about her now and is truly happier and has more
peace. It was exciting to be able to see her make that covenant with
Heavenly Father and to see the support from the ward members. She has
come so far and used to be a very sad, depressed person. I know the
gospel can bring us JOY. Now we get to prepare her to go to the temple
too :))

So, speaking of joy ... that was the topic the other morning in my
personal studies. I happened upon the definition in the guide to the
scriptures that says: "a condition of great happiness coming from
righteous living. The purpose of mortal life is for all people to have
joy. A full joy will come only through Jesus Christ." It also said to
look up "obedience, obey" which means joy is directly linked with
obedience. I was reading the scriptures listed too and there was one
in D&C 101:36 that says in the world we will not have a fullness of
joy, but in [Christ] we will. I know that is true. Worldly things bind
us down and bring us sadness or fleeting happiness. But joy does come
through making and keeping covenants and living the gospel of Jesus
Christ. Joy comes in serving others. Joy comes in being grateful for
the tender mercies from Heavenly Father.

I think that is all I have to report this week! I hope all is well in
your neck of the woods :)

Love,
Sister Peacock

PICTURES!
Our RS temple trip ... yeah, it was a small group :)