For the Love of the Lord

President David O. McKay taught that "...the privilege to work is a gift;
> the power to work is a blessing; and the love of work is success."
> Howdy my dearest Family and Friends,
> First of all daddy, I am so sorry you were sick!! It's probably because
> you go at 160% plus some at all times and although your young at heart,
> your body is going to start rebelling and demanding more rest. The
> scriptures say that it is not requisite that a man run faster than he has
> strength (Mosiah 4:27) So listen to your doctor and maybe slow down just a
> little bit.
> So there was a young man, who gave his farewell this Sunday and it made
> me reflect on my own and the things that I have learned since that point.
> And I got a touch emotional, thinking about what the Lord has and continues
> to do with me, I have learned SO MUCH. And I love these people SO MUCH. I
> would not trade what I have experienced thus far or the next 6 months for
> anything in the entire world. He talked about his interview with his stake
> president, who questioned him as to why he wanted to serve a mission. He
> said, cause... for my family, for the people. cause its true etc. And
> President Foot challenged him that by the end of his mission to be there
> because of his love for the Lord. And as I reflected on that, with such
> pure intentions, nothing can reach you. With the Savior as the your rock and
> your reason even the hardest of times are nothing. I just finished Jesus
> the Christ and I believe it has left me in even greater awe and wonder, with
> even greater gratitude for the plan of salvation. And the perfection of the
> Savior. Every question he asked, every action he took was out of love and
> devotion to His Father, and His perfect love for each one of us. I feel
> like I have been able to see glimpses of the love He has for each one of His
> children, of the love He has for me. I know this is His work and the days
> are never long enough when your in the service of that most perfect being.
> No effort can recompense His life and infinite and eternal sacrifice, but I
> continue to strive to give Him my all and as I have, I have physically and
> spiritually felt of His strength in every aspect of my life. There are not
> words in the English or Spanish language that can describe the protection I
> feel and the determination I have been given. I love this work.
> This week may be the busiest yet of my mission. Things have picked up
> because we have appointments with all the people that asked us to come back
> after the holiday. Four people we've been teaching are getting baptized.
> Wednesday Brandy and Jasmine Ryan, (mother and daughter) will be baptized by
> Kevin Ryan, who grew up in the church but has been less active for most of
> his adult years. We all fasted together yesterday and it is incredible to
> see the excitement and the unity there family has felt. Both Brandy and
> Jasmine absolutely know that these things are true and have felt the
> blessings from living a life centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ and
> having a determination to keep the commandments. (the greater event will be
> the sealing of the family in one year!) Then Saturday morning DeShawn who
> is a 9 year-old little boy who has just been adopted along with 3 of his
> younger siblings by the incredible wheeler family. DeShawn grew up in the
> most difficult of circumstances being taken away by CPS at a very young age
> and has been the protector of his younger siblings. He would have his 3
> year old sister sleep in his bed, to protect her from what was going on in
> the orphanage. He lights up when he feels the spirit and is really excited
> to have the gift to be with him at all times. ( there is SO MUCH we take
> for granted when born into good situations). Finally on Saturday night, Nina
> Dawson has been away in Germany for 3 weeks (which is FOREVER in missionary
> time) and came back positive that she wanted to be baptized. She was the
> happiness that comes from living the gospel and is happily trading it in for
> the enticements of the world. She will be baptized by her dear father,
> Tracy who has now been a member for 6 weeks.
> Watching the Dawson family learn and grow has been so exciting. They
> are on fire. And they just cannot learn fast enough. They have helped us
> teach Nina. And invited other friends over to meet us and given away copies
> of the book of mormon. Even their son David has been warming up a little
> bit with the help of his girlfriend. We think it'll be a package deal.
> Carmen doesn't want to go to the temple with out him, so please pray for
> David's heart to continue to soften.
> When we aren't at baptisms the rest of our time will be spent in
> appointments with new investigators. I know all will go well. And I love
> this work because I love the Lord. And one more person who makes the sacred
> covenant of baptism, one more person that can fully feel of His joy!
> Have an incredible week because you love the Lord!! He's happy when your
> happy!
>
> Love
> Your Sister Rooney