Stripling Warriors

Hiya! 

This week was a talk to everyone and try to find new people to teach sort of week. J-- dropped us (not sure why) but A-- and her Partner went to church in Ipswich!! woohoo! so great. N--is moving into the Basildon ward so we will be handing her off to the Basildon missionaries. 

We went to London last p-day. We went to Oxford Street and saw all the Christmas lights, bought hot roasted nuts, saw a man roasting chestnuts on an open fire, went to the DISNEY store HAHA! and to a large toy store where we  played with all of the toys. haha it was a fun p-day. 

I LOVED the letters from Grandaddy to Daddy when he was in England! haha they were brilliant! 

I love you so so so much! 

The Lord is aware of each of us. He hears our prayers. 

I gave a talk in sacrament meeting this week and I shared this quote from Elder Bednar, it was powerful for me:
'The stripling warriors in the Book of Mormon (see Alma 53; 56–58) prayed earnestly that God would strengthen and deliver them out of the hands of their enemies. Interestingly, the answers to these prayers did not produce additional weapons or an increased number of troops. Instead, God granted these faithful warriors assurance that He would deliver them, peace to their souls, and great faith and hope for their deliverance in Him (see Alma 58:11). Thus, the sons of Helaman did take courage, were fixed with a determination to conquer, and did go forth with all of their might against the Lamanites (see Alma 58:12–13). Assurance, peace, faith, and hope initially might not seem like the blessings warriors in battle might want, but they were precisely the blessings these valiant young men needed to press forward and prevail physically and spiritually.
Sometimes we may ask God for success, and He gives us physical and mental stamina. We might plead for prosperity, and we receive enlarged perspective and increased patience, or we petition for growth and are blessed with the gift of grace. He may bestow upon us conviction and confidence as we strive to achieve worthy goals. And when we plead for relief from physical, mental, and spiritual difficulties, He may increase our resolve and resilience.'

The Lord hears and answers our prayers.

Not sure if you are experiencing the same thing, but this Christmas seems so much harder than last Christmas. And It has caught me a bit off guard because I am not one to really be homesick. I am pushing it aside, but it is something that keeps popping up in quiet moments when I feel alone.

I felt the spirit very strongly during the Sacrament this week. It was a promise of forgiveness and the chance to try again and again. I love you all!

SPEAK to you next on Christmas. :)

love, 

Sister Coleman

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire