Backup- January 23, 2011

       I wanted to share something cool with ya. we were teaching the guy that postponed his baptism, and he said that he didn't want to get into the church and then make a mistake, or do anything wrong, so guess what came to mind Luke 22:41-44 it was exactly what he needed to hear! so incredible. we went to teach nik parazoo, he is getting baptized this weekend, and we were going over his readings and stuff when we came to Alma 36:3 i had him change the wording from helaman to his name, and had him read it and what it meant...it was powerful. also at the end of the lesson i remembered something i had read that morning so i asked nik what differences he had noticed since he started going to church and meeting with us. he basically said he saw his son more, his family more, and he just all around felt more happy, so i had him turn to Alma 27:18 and explained that was what was going on with him in his life. Then i bore testimony that he was doing what was right that his heavenly father wanted him to do, and he would continue to feel this way if he kept doing the right things. And i told him he was making me happy too because i felt like we were learning and growing together. Such a powerful lesson!
     Finally i want to share an experience with you guys, there is a recent convert from another ward i see every once in a while because i go on exchanges and such, well we went there the other day and he wanted to read the Book of Mormon with us so we read out of 1 Nephi 7, and it is the point where Nephi prays for strength to break the chains by which he is bound, the spirit bore strong testimony to me that like Nephi i can break the chains which hold me down, they may not be literal chains but they are chains that are holding me back from the work. All i need to do is continue in the right way, praying for help and strength to overcome all the challenges that have been thrust at me lately, it was amazing! I sure do love this work, and there is nothing else i would rather be doing!
    Well i am sorry this email is kinda lame but i just wanted to say that things are going well, life is good, and the advice to stay happy humble and easy going is amazing advice, you guys have a fantastic week and know that my thoughts and prayers are with ya. i love you all dearly.
Elder Nelson