From Mar. 26, 2012: Traditional Marriages are Sealed; Awake!; Stanley is Baptized; 18 Months

Monday Elder Cooley and I had some wonderful gospel conversations based on how we can oust the devil's advocate of the truthfulness of the gospel from our mind. I realized this goal is a lifelong pursuit and one of the reasons for that is to try our faith. I figured that continuing my commitment to read the Book of Mormon everyday for the rest of my life is one of the key factors for reaching this goal. Later at night we taught the Dogbey family. Not everyone is struggling to make ends meet here, but I do feel that this family is one of those. I can't really explain their situation for those who are reading, but I do know that they need to stay active in the church because it will open up countless doors that would be bolted shut otherwise. We also found out that this family of six will be able to go to the temple to be sealed. Until recently the church only recognized the civil marriage and not the traditional for the temple. The policy has just been changed where the traditionally married people can also go as well. Because of the former policy the Dogbeys are able to be sealed because they had been lacking the needed 50GH for a civil marriage. 
  Tuesday we taught some lessons with a member named Eric Toffa. His family had been active long time members, but when he left for four years to boarding school the family went inactive leaving him alone attending the church. I pray they will come back because of his influence. I just realized that he may have gone inactive if he had not been  at schooling as it sounded like a ward member offended the family.  
  Wednesday I read 2 Nephi 8 and I underlined the several verses that had the words "Awake, awake!" with its accompanying phrase in each verse which seemed to me like a progressing action that I took it to call me to arise and shine forth almost like a battle call. Through the week I had been feeling the spirit and it's a nice feeling being at ease with myself and my work not getting burdened. 
  Thursday we had our weekly missionary and ward meeting and we were talking about the various ways we are able to improve missionary work here in the ward. There are plans for a fireside and a recent convert temple trip and I'm excited to see where this goes. I figure  won't be around in the area much longer and while I may not see all of the blessings of this I want to believe that I had contributed to the growth of the ward and helped prepare it for the success it is going to have.
   Saturday was the baptism of Stanley Kaydick which I felt went on well, as well as Stanley being touched by the spirit during his baptism and confirmation on Sunday. I also hit my 18th month today as well.