First, I want to say thank you for all the birthday wishes, cards, and packages. Thank you for the support in my struggles. Thank you for the support in my triumphs. I received and outpouring of love that I cannot repay. I am so grateful for the influence y'all have in my life. The reason I am where I am, doing what I'm doing, is because of everyone in my life. My heart is full with gratitude.
The highlights of the week include the following. Marysel accepted a baptismal date for June 2nd. I was really able to spend time with her kids a who are so funny. I attached some pictures below, sadly the only pictures of the week (sorry mom). There was a Cinco De Mayo party at the Church. There are a decent amount of Hispanics in the ward, either from Puerto Rico, Mexico, or Nicaragua to name a few. It had really good food and music. It really brought the ward together, and I have been impressed how tight everyone is.
I implore you all to make better efforts to know your ward family, if not your neighbors. We are all in this together. (E.g. How in the world have I lived my whole life and never met my next door neighbor?) Go out and meet someone new. Everyone is going through something hard and needs a friend. Also, don't just do it because I told you but do it because you want to. People are so beautiful when you know who they are and where they come from.
Moroni 7:45-47 "And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail— But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him."
Without charity, you are nothing. That is a powerful, true statement. Forget yourself and love your neighbor. Joy comes from serving others. Misery comes from selfishness.
As far as the rest of the week goes, it wasn't extremely eventful. Appointments fell through, people disappeared, and disappointment was felt. However, it's a new week. Just like with our personal spirituality, we will fall short, but we can use the atonement to restart. Its a brand new day. Never give up, keep going, and God will strengthen you.
I was reading in the Bible and came across this scripture: Joshua 1:9 "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
I really could beat the dead horse on how we should persevere, but I think that scripture pretty much covers it. God is with us constantly. Never think that all is lost. Life will get better. Watch and pray always.
I love you all.
Elder Poulsen
Nevaeh (10) and Somiya (5).
PS I don't look good in selfies.
A video they sent my mom.
