July 28

Last night Elders Connolly and Donohue and I met with Heather and her girls to continue to help them gain testimonies and more knowledge of the gospel -- which are their follow-up lessons after baptism.  It's truly amazing to me to see how prepared this family was for the gospel.  They radiate and are so happy.  Heather said there is more calm in their home, less fighting and when she wants to yell - instead she just speaks in a calm manner.  Last night Destini's dad was there and we were able to teach him about the restoration. We challenged him to read the Book of Mormon and to take the lessons. When the Elders got to the part of Joseph Smith - Destini asked if she could tell the story of Joseph Smith and I was amazed -- she was "spot on" -- told it correctly and with feeling.  In fact, they all wanted to join in.  Destini needs to prepare herself for a mission, she would be a fantastic sister missionary. I took time to compliment her and express that feeling. The Lord truly does know his children and he knew that they were ready for the gospel.  Heather says that she hasn't seen missionaries on her street for over four years and just when she knew that she absolutely needed a change in her life -- the missionaries came down the street - spoke to her father -- he said he wasn't interested -- they asked him if he knew anyone who might listen to them -- he told his granddaughter to go get her mother  (Heather) and from that moment on Heather's life was changed and lives of her daughters.  Their conversation has strengthened my conversion -- their testimonies is strengthening mine and I see the Lord's hands in this beautiful story.  I am so grateful that I get to be a part of it.

To receive the blessings promised from true conversion, make the changes that you know are needed in your life.  The Savior said:  "Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you? ... If ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life.    (-Richard G. Scott --- scripture is 3 Nephi 9:13)

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A massive heat wave passed through Omaha this week.  It was - well, we'll just say, it was sticky!!!!  For three days it was about 110 degrees, but with the heat index it felt like 120 degrees. The humidity was at least 80%.  When you went outside you felt like you had stepped into a sauna.  I was soooo grateful to be working in our air-conditioned mission office.