Keep Walking

Hello all!

So...I typed this once and it wouldn't send and then it erased. So
this is try number 2! Story of our week....we've had a lot of
appointments fall through, where people just weren't available and
whatnot. And we've had trouble getting in touch with some of our other
people as well. It's been a bit rough! Tracting in the rain for hours
every day is not easy. It's also been fun though- Sister Slattery and
I have had a lot of bonding time, and I got some really good pictures!

The highlight of the week was, of course, Bailey's baptism!! It was
wonderful- the Spirit was really strong. She was so ready to be
baptized! Her mom came, and hopefully she was able to feel the Spirit
at least a little bit. I'm excited to see her and Jordan prepare for
the temple!

Since this week wasn't super eventful, the focus is on the thought for
the week- from 2 Nephi 4. These verses actually go really well with
some of my other favorite scriptures, 2 Nephi 22:2 and Alma 26:27.

 16 Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart
pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.
17 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in
showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O
wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh;
my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.
18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins
which do so easily beset me.
19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins;
nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.
20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine
afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the
waters of the great deep.
21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.
22 He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake before me.
23 Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge
by visions in the night-time.
24 And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my
voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto
me.
25 And upon the wings of his Spirit hath my body been carried away
upon exceedingly high mountains. And mine eyes have beheld great
things, yea, even too great for man; therefore I was bidden that I
should not write them.
26 O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his
condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much
mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of
sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of
mine afflictions?
27 And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should
I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to
destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine
enemy?
28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and
give place no more for the enemy of my soul.
29 Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my
strength because of mine afflictions.
30 Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will
praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and
the rock of my salvation.

I love these verses! When we think of Nephi, we usually think of this
great spiritual giant, this totally righteous dude, this happy guy
with no problems. But Nephi had struggles! He struggled with his
brothers, he struggled through the wilderness, and here, he is kind of
breaking down a little. He is sad and a bit depressed because of his
sins and imperfections. Nephi was a good guy though! And he remembers
the Lord in his struggle and he awakes his soul to remember the
goodness of God and have joy. So this is what I try to remember when
missionary work has me down, or when I feel like there's more I could
be doing. Even Nephi struggled! So it's okay for me to struggle as
well. And for everyone- that's the point of the Atonement! So that we
all can repent and be clean again.

I love you all! Have an amazing week!
Sister Jacobs