Elder Burch π: "I wonder which song they're gonna play when we go..."

Monday, October 17, 2016

Good day to everyone,

This week, a lot happened. I'll see what I can do about breaking it down for you.

Alright, first, Bertie was baptized on Saturday! What a lovely experience it was. Elder Andrews was telling me how often times, things go poorly the day of or the day before the baptism, the adversary trying to mess with the plans because he doesn't want more people to come to Christ, you know? I actually saw that with the person that we interviewed for baptism a while back, and all the crazy that went on there. Anyway, it seemed like Satan was weak that day. Having someone forget a dry change of underwear? Really? Is that the best you can do, man? Weak. Weak! She was baptized the following day, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. I'm super excited that we had the privilege of teaching Bertie, and we look forward to continuing to visit her for the new member lessons! We should have pictures of us with her before too long, so I'll send those out when I can.

The baptism was a big- huge- part of the week, but a few other things have been on my mind. On Friday, we attended the funeral of the dad of an inactive member that we visit Fridays. I'd never actually met his dad, but he's an awesome guy, and we wanted to be there to support him. Many of his children, siblings, and friends got up to share thoughts and memories, and it was all quite enjoyable to listen to. There was a distinct difference, though between those of faith and those not. Some of the people shared memories and expressed thoughts on his life, and the life to come was often alluded to. One of his daughters even talked about the entirety of the Plan of Salvation in a way that made me take notes. It was simple, direct, and powerful, and she expressed that she was sure that because of Jesus Christ and temples, that we'll be able to see our families in the eternities. And so, while still a mournful event, it seemed that the promise of "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted" was true. (Matthew 5:6) Others were much more sorrowful, and lots of tears were shed. I guess what I'm saying is that I'm grateful for the plan of our Savior and Redeemer that saves us from death and from hell. He truly is the miracle that makes the dead come alive, and helps us to overcome sin and live more awesome lives.

Along those lines, we received a call right before the baptism from another less active member, who was in tears and told us that she had just lost a grandson. We visited her after the baptism, and talked to her about what had happened, and how things were progressing from there. We talked about the kid, only 18, and what he was like. It was solemn, but there was an air of peace. We had the opportunity to share with her verses from the Book of Mormon. In Alma, chapter 40, he discusses the life after death. He says:

"Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life. And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow." (Alma 40:11-12)

He goes on to speak of the resurrection:

"The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame. ... And then shall the righteous shine forth in the kingdom of God." (Alma 40: 23, 25)

Needless to say, this has caused me to reflect on my own life and find things that I want to do better so that I will have made the best of this mortal state I've been blessed to have. I'm grateful for the knowledge of our God and His plan for us that gives us strength over sin and the grave. I hope that I, and all of us, can live every day to the fullest and look for ways to improve. Always remember "men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25)

Keep rocking and rolling.

-Elder Burch π

"... I hope it's something quiet and minor and peaceful and slow."