Half way through January!?!?

I had an incredible experience this week that has just strengthened my testimony of Heavenly Father's love for us. Do you remember Joseph Smith's experience when he went into the grove of trees to pray? I'm sure you do.... but do you remember what happened right BEFORE his vision of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

When Joseph Smith was about to pray, he was attacked by Satan. His experience is explained in Joseph Smith History, that he knelt down to pray and suddenly an unseen force of evil overtook him and he felt like he was doomed to destruction. While he was struggling and about to abandon himself to destruction, he made the decision to call out to God. As soon as he did so, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ came down, immediately pushing away the darkness that Joseph had been experiencing. 

I notice two major lessons from this experience:

1) When we are on the right track doing what we are supposed to be doing and being a cause for good in the world, Satan will do all that he can to stop us. He will send darkness and hard struggles our way, in hopes that we will give in to despair and give up the good that we are doing.

2) Heavenly Father is always on our side and as soon as we reach out to Him, He will rescue us from the despair that Satan brings. Peace is always the feeling that accompanies our reaching out to Heavenly Father. 

I had my own experience this week that could relate. We had a rough week, with experiences that lead to me to feel like I should just abandon myself to destruction and pain. But as we turned to Heavenly Father and asked for His help, we were sent incredible miracles. For one, a 12 year old boy referred himself to get the missionary discussions, and we were able to teach him. He is incredible and is just looking for truth. We were also able to teach another amazing teenager with my first name! :D She is also just looking to improve her relationship with God and Jesus Christ. It's amazing how much joy and peace has come as we've been able to share the gospel with these two and other people that are so ready to hear it. 

God is real and He is on your side. Just call out to Him, let Him know that you have faith in Him and He'll be right there at your side. And like I've requested many times, could you go to the temple this week? Go soak in the beauty and the peace that the House of the Lord offers. It will give you a lot of direction!

I love you all and I pray for your happiness and safety. Stay close to the Lord and Jesus Christ!

Love, Sister Amber Ricks