Peace, Not As The World Giveth

Visiting with Sister Deborah Harding at Kandis and Stephan Atrice reception in Bountiful

On Mon, Jul 15, 2013 at 10:05 AM, Carson Gautavai <carsongautavai@msn.com> wrote:

Mom's questions:
1. Are you in need of anything?
2. How are your investigators progressing, how is the finding?
3. Who can we add to our prayer list and/or continue to pray for this week?

Hello Elder Gautavai,

I hope this letter finds you in the best of spirits and ready to kick off another great week in the mission! Again, what a blessing it is to "get to" recommit and renew ourselves yesterday with the Sabbath and the Sacrament and now a new week. Hopefully you will experience even more growth in faith and testimony and become further converted to the gospel as you come unto Christ each day. Thanks for last week's letter. Although it was brief it spoke volumes as to your commitment and engagement in your call. You're absolutely correct, even p-day's are the Lord's time as you consider your full-time call/commission.

We are all doing well here in Bountiful.The Lord has blessed us with faith and tender mercies through his love and atonement. Because of the gift of the Holy Ghost we can feel the influence of the Spirit which gives us an assurance that His atonement is active in our lives. We all have our challenges in life, some small, some exquisite that push our faith. Challenges in this life are necessary and part of God's plan for us to improve and accomplish his purposes. However, just as true and certain is the help that is available to us through the plan of salvation and the atonement of Jesus Christ. As we exercise faith and trust in the Lord we will be blessed and strengthened to overcome. 

Over the weekend we attended the funeral of Mitch and Rachel (Toone) Waite's infant son who passed away from complications of an enlarged heart from birth. Lewie Waite was born on Memorial day and lived 45 days. Lewie' parents described the period as a roller-coaster of emotions for the Waite and Toone families as the doctors at Primary's Children hospital battled to help Lewie overcome his physical challenges. Hearing, Seeing and Feeling the peace that his parents have at this time as a result of turning their hearts and will to the Lord in this challenge, accessing the unmatched strength to carry on through the Atonement, recognizing that through the restoration of the gospel and priesthood keys our eternal possibilities as families made my faith and commitment stronger. The spirit bore witness to me of the great need we as members of the church have to proclaim the glad message of the restored gospel. We can be the vessels that the spirit can work through to bring the Savior's peace to others as we all experience mortalities challenges and troubled times.

I want to bear you my witness of the Savior. I know He lives, Jesus is REAL to me! I will strive to follow Him faithfully by seeking the daily companionship of the Holy Ghost and taking courage to act on the impressions and promptings received. The Atonement is for both sinner, and saint. I will strive to Abide in Him and not just seek that He the Savior Abide in me! Elder share the message, His message so succinctly described by Alma in ALMA 7:12. That's HOW, that's WHY we are involved in this great cause of salvation, this wonderful gathering of Israel, the work of the Lord! I so testify. The Book of Mormon answers ALL, ALL questions in life!! It brings the Savior's peace to a troubled world. It is the word of God. Living prophets will keep us on the path and guide us back home as we listen and obey. I am thankful there is one magnificent and pure gospel, but even more grateful that there are so many wonderful ways of living it!!! Our job is to find that way for us and build and expand upon it! A testimony while necessary and important in many instances is not sufficient to withstand the buffetings of the adversary. Hence, we must be converted to the Savior and His gospel to help us push through and increase our faith. I strive to be active in the gospel first, which will aid me to be active in the church, while each is distinct one from the other (gospel/church), make no mistake they are connected and important. Conversion is the key. Become Converted to Him, by Coming unto Him. Try His Works to DO! Hoorah for Israel!!

Love you more than you know. We Are One!!!

In Him,
Dad