Wow, what a great week! I hope I can remember everything that happened. It was still a pretty busy week with school, but things are starting to die down again. Thank goodness! It has been three weeks of sleep deprivation. I'm wiped out!
This week, I had some really strong experiences in feeling the Spirit. The first was when I had the opportunity to pay my tithing. For those who do not know, tithing is a donation to the church of 10% of all the money one earns. The church uses this money to build churches, publish scriptures, etc. As a missionary, I did not pay tithing because I was not making any money. So, in all honesty, it has been a challenge for me to remember to pay my tithing. This week, I finally payed my tithing, because I had forgotten to do so for the past several months. I will not go into the particulars, but it was significantly more money that I have ever paid. Enough so, that it was actually a challenge to pay it. For the first time in my life, part of me did not want to pay my tithing. I pay my tithing online and as I submitted the payment, I felt the Spirit wash over me stronger than I have ever felt when paying tithing. Although it was hard, I know I did the right thing.
Also, last Sunday, when taking the Sacrament I felt the Spirit so strongly. I always enjoy taking the Sacrament, and often feel peaceful or use it as time to reflect on Jesus Christ or to set goals for the week. But never, had I felt so peaceful and happy. I had the tingles all over, and that is not a common way for me to feel the Spirit. It was a special experience and now I am striving to feel it every Sunday when I take the Sacrament. I know the Sacrament cleanses us and helps us repent. The Sacrament renews all the covenants we have made with God, and gives us a fresh start. It is the most important part of my week, and I am so glad I can make it a part of my week.
Let me leave you all with a funny story. To provide background, me and my roommate are both Returned Missionaries from Spanish speaking missions. Whenever we mess up our English or cannot think of exactly the right word, we look at each other and say, "English is HARD!" Now, I work in the English Second Language Writing Center. Anyone who does not speak English as their first language, can come in and get help with papers they are writing. One day, I was helping a student with her paper. I corrected something in one of her sentences (I don't remember what). She did not understand my correction and explained why she thought it was right the way she had written it. I looked at it again, and realized that I was wrong. She was absolutely right! Without thinking, I just looked at her and said, "English is HARD!" The look on her face was priceless. As if she were saying, "I KNOW it is hard, but you shouldn't think it is hard. You should understand it." It probably wasn't the best thing to say while tutoring, but it was super funny.
I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. I love this Gospel. I love the Sacrament and the Atonement. I know, more than I know anything else, that God loves me and He loves each and every one of you. We are His children. He knows us and He remembers us. He will never forget us. He is always there for us, leading us along the path that He has designed to bring us to our full potential. This life is not easy, but with the Gospel of Christ, it is not only possible, it is worth it.
Con amor,
S. Olsen
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