Arms Forever Extended

This week I studied Mercy- and at first it was really hard to find a lot of things about it that I could study- without only studying the atonement. But by studying mercy, I decided to study the atonement for the next week- but that is next week's email!

Here are some talks I really loved:

- Mercy- the divine gift (Monson 1995)

- Blessed are the Merciful (Hinckley 1990)

- Trust again (Gong 2021)

- Where justice, love, and mercy meet (Holland 2015)

Mercy is the compassionate treatment if a person greater that what is deserved. This immediately reminded me of the song "I stand all amazed."

"I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified 

That for me A SINNER he suffered he bled and died"

We are all sinners, so each and every one of us are the receivers of a gift that we don't deserve. We could never repay him. But, to quote president Hinckley, "it is part of the endowment each of us receives ad a son or daughter of God and partaker of a divine birthright."

This is a little off topic, but recently, when I see the words son or daughter, I think about my parents- and the love and sacrifice that they have or have done for me. I know that I will always be welcomed into their arms- and that is how our loving Heavenly parents are too. That is why we have mercy.

I know that you all know this story from the talk by Elder Holland, but I'm going to share it anyway. Two brothers decided to scale a canyon wall- but when they got to the top, there was a lip that made it impossible for them to continue their climb and ascend the last couple feet to the top. The older brother found a way to boost his younger brother to safety, but knew he couldn't do the same. After some thought, he decided that he would just have to jump, in the hope that he would make it. After saying a final prayer... he jumped. His arms reached over the lip, but to his despair, his hands only felt loose dirt and rocks. He knew his life was over. "But then suddenly, like a lightning strike in a summer storm, two hands shot out from somewhere above the edge of the cliff, grabbing my wrists with a strength and determination that belied their size ... When I did, he grabbed me, held me, and refused to let me fall."

I love this story. In my past studies of Isaiah, I noticed one thing, a particular phrase was repeated four times. But since the Book of Mormon is the keystone haha I'll quote the same from 2 Nephi 19, 20 (19:12, 17, 21; 20:4)- "for all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still." Christ's arms of mercy are forever extended. I beg you all to accept them and let them help you in your life. I promise you that you will feel so much joy, comfort, love, and relief in your life. Accept his mercy. 

My favorite scripture from this week was Romans 12:21. "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." I invite you all to be the light that shines in the darkness in this increasingly crazy world. The small, joyful things can brighten a day- so let's overcome the world with good!

Last P-day, I had the amazing opportunity to make tortillas with a member! They were authentic Salvadoran tortillas- and I can't wait to make them when I get home! It was actually kinda hard- when you make them the Salvadoran way you shape them only with your hands- and it's kinda tricky. 

I was having some pain, so we went to one of the bishopric member's houses from another ward and he adjusted my back- that was an experience! But all is well now:)

We did exchanges again this week, I led thr area with another English sister- it was super fun- this was one of the first ones that haven't been as stressful- even though I was the only one who knew Spanish in the companionship- the spirit was really with me during this exchange!

We had a lesson with a new person this week- he asked us if we drank coffee... which we don't- but he wanted to bring us something haha- my companion wanted apple juice. So he bought us some apple juice, donuts, and twinkeys haha. He doesn't really like sweet things due to his culture back home- so he was struggling to drink the apple juice- and didn't touch the other two. It was super funny! 

Church this last Sunday was crazy! We had 5 people come, which is our new best by far! But it was even more stressful because they asked me to lead the music last minute- which in an English ward would've been easy. But I don't know the hymns in Spanish- can't recognize them till after I hear the tune, and there was no pianist. So I was trying to lead them accapella to a song I didn't know haha- it was really bad the first verse, but after that I figured out what the song was!

Ohh also I got proposed to again! Through text! We can't teach him anymore:(

Also I love you all soo much! And I hope you know that you know there is always someone that loves you- and if for some reason you don't think it's me... jk... Christ loves you so much! He knows what you are going through and is there with his hand outstretched to help you! 

My question for the week is: What does it mean to you to build upon the Rock of Christ?