Happy October! This is one of my favorite months of the year! As many of you know, I was transferred a couple of weeks ago. My new area is North Augusta, South Carolina. I am enjoying it so far, and getting to know lots of new people. I will miss many friends from Baxley, and hope to keep in touch in the future. One exciting thing about North Augusta is they are building a Chipotle and a Chick-fil-A! I hope they are open for business before I leave! Haha I am excited to be here and to continue to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This past weekend was wonderful because of General Conference! All of the talks were great! One of my favorites was by Bonnie L Oscarson, The Needs Before Us. She gave a wonderful talk on how to serve others. She spoke of the recent devastation around the world and how we mourn and want to help those affected by tragedies. It is so important that we try to help during these major disasters It is also just as important that we look around us and help those closest to us....our family, friends, neighbors, and communities. The Savior said "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it" (Luke 9:24) President Monson spoke about this scripture and explained that "unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish - and in effect save their lives" We need to love and serve others.... near and far. Jesus taught the multitudes, but he also taught people individually....one on one. He did this because of the pure love He has for each one of us...individually. We need to strive to have that same love for those around us. John 13:34-35 says " A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another"
I was heartbroken to hear about the shootings in Las Vegas. My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones. No one can truly understand what makes someone perform such cruel vicious acts. As a 19 year old, there isn't much that I can say that would be beneficial. What I do know is that the brightness of hope will ALWAYS win. No matter what political view you have, or what religious view you have, the light of Jesus Christ is stronger than any darkness we face in this life. I am reminded of the hymn Lead Kindly, Light. The Savior can lead us out of darkness ALWAYS.
Have a great week! Love you all!
