"Strongest steal is forged in the hottest fires"

So first off I love the theme of "the strongest steal is forged in the hottest fires". It reminds me of an analogy I use for down and out missionaries. It's the process of refining silver. When you refine Silver you heat it in those "hottest fires" and then you bring it out and beat and bend and hammer the impurities out of it. The climax of the example is used in a story of a boy asking his father, who is a silversmith, "how he knows when it's done?" The response is: "That's easy son, I know it's done when I can see my reflection in it." We are constantly being refined and shaped, and molded, until the Savior can look at us and see his reflection. Once we are able to personify and develop the Christ-like attributes spoken of in PMG Ch. 6 then we know we are acceptable before God. I love that imagery.

 

So this week wasn't the most successful key indicator wise, but we definitely saw miracles! The Donelsons, a part-member family that we are teaching and that has a baptism date for Sept 6th is finally reading and praying as a couple every night! They have received a witness of the truth and have spoken often of the absence of depression and temptation this week. They have also told us they are seeing the great support all around them! We had a chance to sit down with Bishop Gillespie and counsel about them. He is very supportive and loves them to death. He had a meeting with them this past Wednesday and taught more on repentance because Shane, the member husband, hasn't used his priesthood in 3 years due to "things." When we had this meeting with Bishop he told us that we can proceed forward with the baptism as scheduled. So a young man who has been out of activity is so repentant and humble that in just 3 weeks of preparation he has been cleared by the bishop to baptize his wife!!!! It is amazing!

 

So another miracle we saw was we have been asked to be witnesses to a sealing of a recent convert family! We get to go to the Temple again!!!!!! This Saturday.

 

The low point is transfers is coming up next Wednesday, and I've been here for 7 and 1/2 months. It is highly possible that I leave :( Sad day!

 

Hey if you haven't sent those letters to Sister Dupape, there is no more need. Thanks though.

 

Well I love you all so much! I hope all is well.

 

Not a Second Wasted,

Elder Ryan Burnham

 

P.S. Did y'all feel the earthquake. Bro. Gates called me up and was all worried about y'all, he was going to call and see how you were. I assured him y'all were ok and far enough away that no damage would be done. Presidents home is standing but nothing inside of it is. He used it to teach all on how material substance is nothing compared to the security the Gospel brings. It was great. I love that man! He is so inspired!