Small and Simple Things

Hey guys! 

I have loved this week. I'm starting to feel very comfortable teaching and testifying from the heart instead of relying on the exact words Preach My Gospel has. This has improved the presence of the Spirit as I am able to share my personal experiences with those I'm teaching. 

Yesterday we taught an actor at the MTC and it went so well. My companion and I did a great job of connecting with the guy, and we taught to his needs and helped him feel Heavenly Father's love for him. We were scored pretty well, which was exciting. I'm realizing it's only one more week until I'll be in Spokane teaching real people instead of taking classes. I'm feeling so excited and ready. 

Something that has been hard for me is realizing that not everybody holds the same sacredness for the calling and many are not obeying the rules and are taking this experience very lightly. It's hard for me because I've been preparing so long for this and have been really trying to obey every rule because I know each one comes from God and that we will be blessed when we follow them even if we don't understand the reasons. What I've realized is that blessings are not conditioned on other's faithfulness but your own. My friend shared something with me. He said, "Don't let others dictate your relationship with God. Your circumstances will fail you, your friends will fail you, your family might even fail you. But God will never fail you, he can't. So don't give up on him and never let anyone take that relationship from you." 

Every night, the floor of our building gets together for a spiritual thought and a prayer. Yesterday, I was asked to give that thought, and I shared a little bit about small and simple things. I talked about how every good choice is an exercise of faith and that we are blessed every time with small and simple miracles, and over time marvelous works.

The small good things we choose each day are also acts of repentance because all repentance means is turning towards God and away from Satan. And these acts are what define our will and our character. These small acts don't only affect the personal change I will experience as a missionary but also affect who each of you will become on earth and eventually the character you will present before Jesus Christ and your Heavenly Father after this life. So I asked the missionaries what I am asking you all. Please don't become complacent or lazy in the most important effort in eternity-- your relationship with your Heavenly Father. Strive to not let Satan control even the smallest of choices in your life. As you do this, you will be blessed far beyond what you will see. But don't let it stop there. As you take this challenge, pray to see how you are being blessed, and I promise your eyes will be open to the manifestations of the Lord's love to you. 

I love hearing from you all and appreciate your prayers!

- Elder Dahl

Videos:

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