As he has been studying the scriptures these are some things that have stood out to him:
Lehi says to his sons in 2 Nephi, Awake and arise from the dust. That scripture really stuck out to me and I am impressed by how many times he tells his sons to awake or arise.As I've been going through my scriptures I've started actively studying and marking. It has made all the difference. As I have been striving to be active in improving myself instead of waiting for God to do it for me I have found that I have been yoked with Christ and that he has been carrying me. His Grace is sufficient.Mission conference with Elder Ballard was interesting, He talked a lot about the power of a smile and how the major converting factor to the investigator is the missionary. That was strange to hear, we know that it is the spirit that converts, but Elder Ballard said that the overwhelming factor as said by investigators and recent converts was the missionary. Being who you are is really important and as you stay true to yourself you can allow people to feel the spirit.During our stake conference Elder Bednar came to speak. He is such a powerful speaker! He taught about how we should be striving to be the action not acted upon. We should ask God for the ability to do, not for Him to just do everything for us. He also said that when he served in Germany he had an American Area and said that it was the Celestial Kingdom so I give that a big stimme dazu.
We just had a baptism this weekend and it was an amazing time. D. is such a spiritual powerhouse and he has made so many improvements in just three months. It was so awesome to be able to participate in his confirmation and to just feel the spirit so strongly. Afterwards, I saw him sitting with his family and they were all so happy and I just can't wait for them to become an Eternal Family. The gospel truly does bless families and I've been able to witness it firsthand.
Love Y'all
Elder Brande
