How many days until Christmas?

As a missionary we actually do listen to quite a bit of music. It's
all gospel and Christ centered of course but we do listen to music.
All the good stuff always ends up being Christmas stuff and it always
makes me want Christmas to be here sooner. Actually the most popular
music on the mission is The Lower Lights, so props to you Cherie Call.
I have become quite familiar with their music.

Every morning before companionship study our apartment gets together
and sings some hymns and has a prayer. The most fun ones to sing are
the Christmas ones which only adds to the longing for Christmas. Far,
far away on Judea's plane is one of my new favorites. Glory to God in
the highest!

On Monday we had p-day, of course, and we decided to go to the Alamo.
It's only like 10 minutes away from where our apartment is. It was
very neat. I can now say I have been to the Alamo. We then had a
lesson with Michael and his fiancé. They are getting married soon and
Michael wants to be baptized. Kinda cool how we got in contact with
them. So we send a scripture text every morning and we accidentally
sent the scripture to the wrong group. Well the lady who contacted us
was in this group and she ended up calling us and setting up an
appointment. Pretty cool! Then we went and met with Derek. He's an 11
year old that wants to be baptized too.

Tuesday, I can't remember what happened so probably not much. I think
we met with Glenda and Christella. Not much progress, but they are
trying.

Wednesday we had district meeting. In our district at the moment we
have us, 1st ward, the other elders on our apartment, mission creak,
and the woodlake sisters. Only 6 missionaries, which is normal.
Anyways, we thought it would be a good idea to have a musical number
thrown in there. We sang a round, a shepherds carol. It was awful. But
fun nonetheless. We then went to a great burger place and had yummy
burgers. Then we had a breakthrough! Every Wednesday and Sunday we
meet with the Lomas family. Aaron has recently gotten a calling as Cub
Scout leader dude so he's gone on Wednesdays now so it was just us and
sis lomas. Well let me back up. Last Sunday when we met with them sis
Lomas said she felt like she was ready to be baptized. Hallelujah! We
have been meeting with her for two days a week since I first started
my mission, in March. Hear baptism is planned for Sep. 26th and it is
so exciting. But when it was just us and her she really opened up and
told us her feelings about church, what she's been praying for, how's
she gotten an answer, what she wants to do, how excited she is to go
to the temple, etc. it was awesome! Now whenever we go over and teach
she is so much more open and relaxed. It's also been so cool to see
her progress. When I first started teaching her she was very shy and
didn't participate much. Everything seemed to be a burden to her. Now
she smiles, laughs, plays with her kids, talks to us openly and to
people at church. She says she hasn't felt this positive about life
ever. She has seen a total change in perspective about life. And when
we used to go over and teach there was always a good feeling in the
home, but last not when we went in it was incredible warmth and just
filled with the spirit. They seem so much closer as a family, so much
more united and happier. So in a year they can go through the temple
and receive the wonderful blessings of the temple. So exciting! Glad I
had the privilege to be apart of their journey. D&C 18:15 talks about
bringing souls unto Christ. It says if you bring once soul into Christ
how great shall be your joy with them in the kingdoms of my father.
The people we help come unto Christ we better like, because we will be
with them for eternity in the kingdom of God. Great verse!

Thursday was weekly planning but me and Elder West have become good friends.

Friday was a slower day. We proselyted and looked for people who would
listen to the message of the restoration. I finally like to proselyte.
It's fun and it feels good to share the gospel. The better you become
at sharing the gospel effectively the happier you are and that comes
from knowledge of how to do it. Preach my gospel is such a good tool
to use and to study, love that book. We then had a lesson with a less
active guy and called it a day.

Saturday was a similar day. Not much to report on.

Sunday was great, like all Sunday's. We had the privilege of going to
ward council this week which is always so fun. Our bishop has really
seen the importance lately of helping the people we bring into the
church stay into the church. It's awesome! We now have his full
support and trust. Things are on the uphill climb for the 1st ward. We
have a great bishop. Good stuff was discussed there. I really think I
came to this area not only to help investigators or non members but
also members too. I have definitely been called to the San Antonio
mission by inspiration! Sister lomas even stayed for all 3 hours and
loved relief society. Great day! We then went over and taught Jalissa
and destiny. They are in a tough spot and I hope they will act on the
message we share. Jesus Christ is there for everyone and to help with
all things. We then went over to the lomas house and had a good lesson
on following Christ and doing what's right. I then had the privilege
to give bro. Lomas sr a blessing. I take the priesthood for granted.
They don't! They see what a blessing it is to have the Melchizedek
priesthood, and they are starting to help me see it too.

Something that I run into a lot here in Texas is people are very
content with what they have. Most people don't have a desire to
change. I read Alma 36 this morning because it talks about what a
belief in Christ can do for us. In Alma 36:3 it says Christ will
support us in our troubles, and our trials, and our afflictions, and
we shall be lifted up at the last day. That is what a belief in Christ
can do for us. It leads to eternal life and complete support in this
life. We also learn in v. 20 that as we turn to Christ our souls are
filled wi joy and light. That is the only way to have that light
within us! It's His light, how do we have His light? Follow Him. It's
a good message. Glad I have the privilege to share it.

I also love in Alma 36:2 how it talks about bondage. I love when the
scriptures talk about bondage. Such good symbolism, only Christ can
free us from the bondage of death and sin and all trials both temporal
and spiritual. His yoke truly is easy and His burden is light.

D&C 76:22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of
him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he
lives!

Amen!

I love you all, thanks for taking the time to write and send emails.
It's always uplifting!
Have a great week

Sincerely,
Elder Christensen
Do Good Stuff