WEEK 44: Three Baptisms, Two Sisters Running, And A Patridge In A Pear Tree

Uhh, hey!

I am going to begin this email by saying two things:

1) I am blown away by the love and friendship you all show to me! Thank you for all the advice, prayers, emails, and love you send my way. It means the world and makes such a big difference.

2) Y'all are not going to BELIEVE what happened this week!!! We have been absolutely showered with miracles this week, and it has been incredible. Buckle up!

Let's rewind a bit, I'm taking you back to last Monday. Sister Eastman and I were in our car driving back to our area to get back to work after a wonderful Preparation day, full of talking to family, frantically writing emails, napping, and swimming in laundry. While driving, we get a text from our dear Sister Brewster. Her two granddaughters, Riley and Taisley, have been living with the Brewsters for years and have faithfully attended every church meeting and youth activity since they were kids, despite not being baptized members. The reason behind that is that they could not get parental permission to be baptized from their dad. He hasn't budged for literally years. Anyway, we're driving to the church and Sister Brewster's text comes through, asking us, "How soon can they get baptized? Their dad just said yes."

WHAT.

Suddenly and miraculously, his heart had been softened and he gave his consent for them to be baptized! It almost didn't feel real, but it absolutely was! Within minutes we had their baptism interviews scheduled for Tuesday (which they both passed!) and the building reserved for Sunday evening. The girls were baptized and confirmed Sunday night! It was incredible to see their ward family come to support them, and their dad came too, which was sweet to see. The room was stuffed full of ward members and friends, coming to celebrate this day that was years in the making. Many prayers of gratitude have been said this week. This was an unseen miracle that was placed right into our hands, we did nothing to help this happen, it was all completely the Lord's doing. It was just awesome.

William also had his baptism interview on Tuesday with President Denis, and he was approved for baptism! So, he was baptized on Saturday and confirmed a member of the Church on Sunday. He was beaming all weekend long! It was such a joy to see his baptism take place and to see the ward welcome him with so much love and celebration.

We had Zone Conference on Thursday, which was top-tier, as it always is! We spent a lot of it talking about humility and obedience, and the other half was all about how to work more effectively with the members to find people to teach! I accompanied Sister Long on the piano in a musical number while Sister Seibold played the violin, and it was so fun! I also recieved a priesthood blessing from President Rodarte, just seeking more guidance and comfort with some of the things that have been going on recently. It was definitely a sacred experience, and I'm so grateful for the priesthood power that has been restored to the earth! It truly is the way that God can bless His children. Zone Conference was also special, as I was able to see all of my remaining companions in the mission!

It was a great week. So many miracles, large and small, were given to us, and it's been amazing to feel God at work. His hand has been undeniably visible to me this week, and it's been a much-needed reminder that we don't do this work alone. God is constantly moving pieces around and preparing hearts to recieve His gospel. He makes all things possible.

1 Nephi 3:7 is quoted a lot, but it's a classic for a reason:

"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."

To me, this verse just shows God's mercy. He doesn't command impossible tasks. He asks us to trust His plan, to trust that He knows better than we do, and to move forward. The results of our faith and action isn't left up to fate--it is literally in the hands of God. He makes "all things work together for good to them that love God" (Romans 8:28). When we do what He asks, He is bound by His word and the promised blessings will come.

I add my testimony to Nephi's, that the Lord truly does provide a way for His commandments to be fulfilled! Miracles have not ceased. God is a God of miracles, and he is in every detail of our lives. This week, I invite you to do something to bring exact obedience into your life. Put yout faith to the test, and let it grow. Be like Nephi! Trust God's plan and take action, even when you don't know how it's going to work out. Demonstrate your faith by taking a step forward. God will place ground in front of you and will lead you to miraculous places!!

Love,

Sister Malmstrom

231 W Horion Ridge Pkwy #2226 Henderson, NV 89012

P.S. Sister Eastman and I have changed up our exercise routine and have taken to running. Hence, the email title. We are not good at it, but we've already met a 4 month old puppy from running our laps outside, so it's already very much worth it.

Pictures

- Froyo with the Petty family!

- Right after hearing about the Griffen girls!

- Becoming runners and track stars.

- Railroad Pass Zone selfie!

- Picture with all of my companions who are still in the mission!!!

- Pop after Zone Conference.

- Picture with Sister Coon from our exchange last week!

- William's baptism!

- Riley and Taisley's baptism!