October 8, 2012

What a great opportunity we had this weekend to hear from the prophets, apostles, and other church leaders! Nobody could have watched that conference and not gain a testimony of the reality and truthfulness of the restored gospel. I especially loved how the whole conference was seemingly focused on simple gospel principles; Faith, Repentance, Endurance, Gospel preparation, following spiritual promptings, sharing the gospel. It is a great time now to look back and check ourselves on the gospel principles. Are we going through the motions? Are we distracted by the church activities and caught up in our callings that we have forgotten the real purpose for the church- The atonement of Jesus Christ. This morning in my personal study I was reading in Alma Chapter 25, and in verse 16 it mentions how the law of Moses was not what saved god's children during it's time, but the law of Moses helped produce the faith sufficient for salvation. We may not follow the Law of Moses today, but an underlying theme of that verse still applies. It is not the activities, our callings, or even the church itself that produces salvation, but as we fellowship with the fellow saints, as we give of our time and talents in callings, and as we go to church and renew our covenants that we obtain the faith sufficient to be saved. I thought President Packer's comment was very insightful "Those who have not sinned do not need the atonement." well, who has not sinned? Is there anyone other than Christ? We all need the atonement, and it is through keeping the commandments and church activity that we learn how to have the faith to apply the atonement in our lives. Our savior is mighty and his grace is sufficient. 

After this general conference is a good time to look at ourselves and think of how we can better ourselves in the basics. How can we better build our foundation on the savior and strengthen our faith in him. 
This week has been one that I have truly enjoyed. On Thursday evening, we ate dinner with the Rodgers family. Sister Rodgers son has been somewhat less than active in the church lately, and he is dating a nonmember Charlotte. They both came to church last week, and we invited ourselves to dinner to meet with them. (You can only get away with that as a missionary, ha-ha). At the end of dinner we invited charlotte to take the lessons and she accepted. We are so excited to start teaching her.

Yesterday Brother Davis called us to ask us about our meal calendar. After solidifying a day to feed us at the end of the month, he asked us to pray for their family that they will be able to have someone in their home for us to teach on that day. That is amazing faith, and I know the lord will bless him for his faith and desire to share the gospel.

Life has just been a blast, and I am loving being a missionary, and I am excited for all the 18 year olds (and 19 year olds) that now have the opportunity to go a little younger. It is inspired for sure, and to be honest, I am not sure why it wasn't done sooner; it makes so much more sense! The missionary force in the world is going to receive great growth! 

I love y'all, 
Elder Layton