The power of the Scriptures

Hello!

This week I have felt my study skills improving dramatically and it has been so neat!  I feel that my study time is finally being used to its fullest.  I am understanding more and more each day how I learn by the Spirit and how to invite the Spirit to be my study buddy!  :) He is for sure the best study buddy you can ask for!  :) Totally.  I was reading in 1 Nephi 5 and thinking about what a patient man Lehi is.  Lehi and Sariah's sons have gone back to Jerusalem to get the plates.  A dangerous assignment.  It's been a while that they have been gone and Sariah, within reason, is a worried mother.  She doesn't know if her sons are alive or if they have perished.  I imagine it was a difficult time for her.  As well as Lehi.  As Sarah's emotions get the best of her, she starts to complain against her husband.  Lehi, being the man he is, listens, and then responds so patiently and lovingly.  He accepts that he is "visionary man".  He agrees with her.  And then he goes on to testify and promise to her that God is real and He is in charge.  He comforts her, in what is probably a very big time of trial for him as well.  I learned a lot from his example!  So much charity.

As for the work, it is going well.  Our convert, Zack is progressing so much.  I absolutely love, hands down my favorite part of missionary work, seeing people progress in the Gospel.  It does take time.  It is a process.  But it is a miraculous process that changes people's hearts and their behavior and their character.  It's incredible!  The progress can be slow and it can be very small steps, but it all adds up to something wonderful and inspiring! 

We had a new sister move into our ward about a month ago and we had dinner with her this last Friday.  She said that she has been homeless for the past year and she has custody of 4 grand kids, that were homeless with her.  She lives in the most modest circumstances you can imagine and is so very grateful to just have a roof over her head and a place to call home.  On Sunday, she came to church and I was so impressed to see her dressed so nicely.  I knew she did it for God. Even though she doesn't have much, she still dresses in her absolute best for Sundaymeetings.  A gentle reminder of the many ways we show God we love Him and are grateful for all He does for each of us.

A sister from Wyoming, Mary, came to Houston a week ago with her fiancee, Tom.  Mary and Tom have both come out of bad divorces and never thought they would fall in love again. They met 8 months ago, in the Dollar Tree.  Mary said the past 8 months have been the best 8 months of her life. The most wonderful!  Perfect.  3 months ago they found out that Tom had stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  And on December 19th, he proposed.  A week later, they were in Houston, and 3 days later, Tom passed away.  I got to spend some time with Mary this past week and what a wonderful experience to hear her inspiring story.  How important each moment of life is.  We never know where life will take us.  But as I talked with Mary, a lady of wonderful faith, who I love so dearly, more than words can express, I was inspired by her peace.  He calmness.  She believes in God, she knows He has a plan. 

I want y'all to know that I love y'all!  The prayers, they work.  Thank you!  I couldn't make it without them!  Thank you so much! 

With Love, 
Sister Kunzler