Opportunity to Change

Hello Family,

Well first off, thanks so much for the Halloween package! :)  So yummy.  And way more sweet than the chocolate here! That kit kat almost sent me into a coma! haha jk

So this week has been good.  It has felt more like...well Christmas! :) Because the temperature went from 89- 80.  I don't know if that is really what it was but it feels cooler and its so nice!  Also this Sunday is Fiesta--where the whole town (Cavite) will be partying.  SO the street are now all decorated with sparkly streamer things. :)  And Sunday everyone will prepare party food and then eat. We've already been invited by a lot of people to stop by so we may be really full and tired from running around all day and eating.  We will see. haha!

Halloween was good. Mostly uneventful because most people here did not trick or treat but we ran into a preschool group doing trick or treating and their costumes looked great!  Mostly witches and vampires and things done from home with makeup and paint.

Okay-- I am outta time.  More info and answers to questions next time.

So spiritual thought this week comes from a talk by Lawrence E Cambridge. The fourth missionary is the name of the talk and it is aimed for just missionaries but has a lot of good stuff for life.  One thing I really liked was his addressing that fact that we are always changing and can always change. In it he says, "To believe that weaknesses and deficiencies in your character are unchangeable is to reject the central truth of the Plan of Salvation." I love this line.  It brings to mind "born this way" and tells us that that is not an excuse for our actions. We may very well be born with certain characteristics.  As mortal children of God here on earth we know that we have inborn weaknesses and tendancies.  But the natural man is and always will be an enemy to God and thus.. "The purpose and central blessing of this life is change. It is to be changed to become more like Christ.  It is to realize our full divine potential."  This whole life is about us changing to be less "natural" and more like Christ.  It is not an easy process but because of Jesus Christ it is possible. (Ether 12:27) And worth it.  SO if you are struggling with a weaknesses or many... don't get discouraged... we ALL are.  But take your problems to God (Ether 12:27) and He will help you overcome them and become the disciple of Christ the son or daughter of God you are meant to become.  It is a life long journey but I'm so grateful that we have this opportunity to change!  Have a great week!

Love

Sister Hamm