Aug. 17 #blessed

Family!!! Hola! Let me tell you about my fantastic week! Turn with me to doctrine and covenants 58:1-6. We tried really hard to be faithful in tribulation because that glory was desired! We worked super hard to serve the auxiliaries and find people to teach. It was nuts! I've never been so happy for a new school year to start before. All the young single adults are coming back, and our little YSA branch isn't so sad anymore. There are also investigators returning back to town, including Mari, who we have already taught a few times. She knows so much about the gospel and loves coming to church and different activities! She knows the gospel is true, she just needs to take that leap of faith and accept baptism. :) Her family isn't supportive and that's really rough on her. Pray for Mari! We got to teach the Lantz family the restoration twice this week. The first time was just with Christine and sister Lantz. At the end of the lesson brother Lantz brings in his nephews Kenny and Chance. The first thing Kenny said was, "Hey ladies what's the word you've got for us. We want to know all about it." We went back the next day and taught them! This time Christine pretty much taught them! Music to our ears! She has such a solid understanding of the gospel. She's the best! During the middle of that lesson sister Lantz grandson walked in and said "sorry I'm late! I ran home from school as fast as I could." He was beaming as he showed us his super old and broken bible. He was ready to learn! We have been trying to work with a recent convert family that are super less active. They went to church twice after getting baptized and haven't been back in a year. They keep telling us they will come and never do because on Sunday's somehow one of them is always sick. Time to bring out the big guns. On Saturday the relief society helped kill them with kindness. We got out our buckets and scrubbed down the house. No more getting sick! Seeing them walk into church on Sunday was priceless!!! Here comes the glory part :) On Sunday we left ysa branch council early to wake up the semi active students. We went from house to house knocking up a storm. It was awesome. Every time they opened the door wrapped like a burrito and completely confused. We asked them to get dressed and meet us at church. Mama Barton and Reid at their finest. By the time we got back to the institute the chapel was a little more populated with sleepy students. HEAVEN! We left ysa early to get to 3rd ward choir practice. Right as practice was ending we saw Sister Lantz walk in.....followed by Christine, Kenny, chance, her less active daughters, and 4 of her nonmember grandsons. THE HEAVENS OPENED!! They filled an entire row! I've never felt so much joy. We were still practicing so we couldn't go talk to them but we watched as everyone went up and talked to them. Sister Lantz was glowing! Choir finally ended. As we walked to sit by them our 5 year old friend Simon grabbed my arm and handed me 2 HUGE cookies. Nailed it! The speakers happen to be the stake mission leader and recently returning member. They talked about letting the light of Christ shine within us. YES. TOO BEAUTIFUL. This is what I call glory. Christine has committed to being baptized on September 26th. I can't wait to watch her continue to grow. This woman is so prepared to be part of the restored gospel. She's been searching her whole life for truth. I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father led us to her. This week my testimony of obedience grew. Obedience brings blessings. It's that simple. If you want. Blessings then be obedient. God did make it complicated. I am so grateful to be serving with such an obedience companion. We have been able to see so many miracles in this "dead area" (no such thing). We love it here. I love everything about this quirky place. I feel so blessed to be here. Thank you so all ya'll do. I love you! -Sister Barton.