Small and simple

Saludo, all the way from the rainy, rainy East Coast. 

Spanish word of the day: Panda (gang) 

Got some sad news this week, our good friend Alberto decided he doesn't want to take the discussions anymore. He said that he can't get over the idea of tithing. 

Some good news is that we finalized three baptismal dates. July 11th, 19th, and the 25th. Unfortunately, we can't actually attend the baptisms so we need all the help we can from the members. 

I want to talk a little about conversion today. 

I really love the story of Alma the younger. He was a rebellious and proud individual that spent his early days with the Sons of Mosiah trying to destroy the church. But, by the grace of God and an answer to the prayers of his family and friends, he was struck down by an angel. 

We can read something very interesting about his conversion in Alma 5:46. Even after seen an angel, not being able to speak or move for a few days, feeling the feelings of a damned soul, he says something else converted him. 

Maybe you guessed it? The Holy Spirit! Through humble prayer and fasting, Alma received his conversion. So what can we learn? 

We don't need to see angels, or see manna fall from the sky, or watch the red sea part, or anything of that magnitude to be converted. Time and time again we read, it's by the small and simple things that great things are brought to pass. The whole reason the people of Israel fell into unbelief was because they relied on the things that they saw, instead of the enticing of the spirit. 

The spirits eyes can see and remember things much better than any physical sense we have. 

I especially love how Joseph Smith said "I knew that God knew it that I knew it". Yes, he saw God the Father and the Son with his eyes, but more importantly he was shown many marvelous things through. 

So, if you are waiting to have some life changing event, you're going to be waiting for a very long time. It's in the small quiet miracles and mercies where we truly come to know our Savior. 

Love you all and hope that you are safe and healthy! 

con mucho amor,
Elder Rasmussen

Photos: 

Little drawing I've been working on