"HOW YOU DOIN' TODAY?"

FAMILY...it has truly been an exceptional week!

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so so very grateful for the love He has for me. I am grateful to know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. The Book of Mormon is physical evidence that he is. I know that only through our Savior, Jesus Christ, can we return to live with God. 

Holly! - Last Monday evening we stopped by the home of a potential investigator. The mother answered the door after a long day of work and was just arriving home. She let us right in and asked question after question. Every question she asked highlighted a doctrinal truth of the restoration! She loves history so as we shared about the Book of Mormon and the Bible being companions she was in absolute "AWE." We asked to return on a day or two later and she seemed to have quite the busy schedule. However, when we were walking to the door she said on her own, "I am not busy next Monday, you are welcome to come back then." She has two you young boys who will be outstanding future priesthood holders! 

Castro Family! One evening we pulled into HEB (the local grocery store) to use their restroom. We were divinely guided even as we pulled into our parking spot….. a family pulled into the parking spot across from us. Sister Dimatera looks up and says, "They are Filipino!" We step out of the car and walk towards them as my companion says, "Kababayan!!!" They invited us to come share some of our basic beliefs with them the following evening. We brought a brother who was previously of the Catholic faith. He shared an outstanding and powerful testimony of the prophet, Joseph Smith and of the Book of Mormon. We will be seeing them tomorrow evening again! 

Martha! As we were walking into our apartment complex we saw an old woman taking her trash to the dumpster. She was Hispanic, however, since Spanish and Tagolog are so similar my companion was able to speak with her and understand a great majority of what she was saying. Incredibly enough, the Elders serving in the Spanish branch pulled up a few moments later and were able to fully understand her concerns. Just moments earlier the elders mentioned that a member had mentioned one of their friends who they wanted them to speak with but they didn’t know where she lived. It was Martha! 

Gloria! She is an outstanding woman who knows a lot of information about her family. We invited her to attend the family history center and she came this past Saturday. Sister Giles, an outstanding woman, came and helped Gloria as long as she needed. I was expecting a half hour, but she stayed with her much, much longer. Gloria was so happy and so pleased. At the end she asked, "Do you get points, or bonuses for helping me today?" Her interested was piqued as to why people would volunteer so much time to help someone they just met with something so special to them. What a powerful tool family history work is in allowing others to feel God's love. 

Have an exceptional week each one of you! Love always, Sister Davis

"GOD IS MINDFUL OF EVERY PEOPLE" Alma 26:37

Mother! Father! Jordan! Cristy! Adri! Tyler! and Tuck! 

I love each one of you. Thank you for all you have done for me. I will be forever grateful for you. Thank goodness for the eternities we will spend together. 

The past couple weeks have been overflowing with joy, repentance, excitement, progression, change and so much more. 

Elder Hamula of the seventy came to visit our mission! He was just recently called to the seventy earlier this year. It was just an honor to sit at the feet of a seventy and hear his words from our Heavenly Father. We had a couple of opportunities to ask questions. One of the most powerful lessons I am still allowing to sink in is that every question can be answered by our Heavenly Father, and does not have to come from the mouth of a companion, church leader, mission president or apostle. It can come directly from our Heavenly Father to you. We can ask, we can desire, we can listen and we can act. A lesson I will be learning every day...how to be an ‘agent’. 

My wonderful new companion, Sister Dimatera, is an outstanding example of this. She strives and stretches to reach the next level. She has a powerful knowledge that God loves her and trusts her in this calling. I am so grateful to be her companion. I feel I never want to leave her side and can never learn enough from her.  She is from Rizal, Phillippines and was serving on Temple Square. She has an opportunity to serve 3 months in an "outbound" mission and she was called to serve in the wonderful TSAM! 

Trunk or Treat was an outstanding evening! There were so many family and friends visiting! It was wonderful for them to be inside our church building and meet so many members of the church. WOW How incredible! 

This week was full of meeting families who are less-active who we had no idea about. Just about every day we would either knock on a door, or approach someone on the street, or receive a referral from a random neighbor and they would be a member of the church! It is amazing to see that we "know not but what they will return and repent." 

Sister Peterson attended church once again! She is so amazing and feels that this is good but is not sure how to identify it. She is still shaky about meeting with us , but we try to swing by the home and work through Brother Peterson quite a bit! 

This past week Sister Barrick was prompted to stop by a family who attended both a baptism and the primary program but were not interested in learning more. I (fearing man) was a bit shaky about it, but after a bit we stopped by and it was just what was needed. She was so sweet and warm and welcoming. She mentioned in passing to her daughter, 'we will have to attend church sometime again with Staci." A wonderful family that will be sealed for time and all eternity! 

Sister Dimatera is a professional at speaking with everyone no matter what! (She reminds me of you, mother.) We stopped to use the restroom at the local grocery store and Sister Dimatera became instant friends with those in the restroom. We stopped to have a quick dinner at a gas station and we spoke with two different individuals who continued to ask questions. The power of opening our mouths, preaching by the way and talking with everyone no matter what! This was re-enforced to us by the visit we received from Elder and Sister Hamula. How grateful I am for all that I am able to learn on an hourly basis. 

I am so grateful to serve. I am grateful for the blessings that continue to pour down on every child of God every day. I am grateful to know that the church of Jesus Christ has been restored. Love each one of you always and forever, Sister Davis

New companion-S. Dimatera

MLC with Elder Hamula!

"HAVE YE EXPERIENCED A MIGHTY CHANGE IN YOUR HEARTS?"

Dearist Family!!! 

The minutes, the hours, the days, the weeks just keep getting better! I love being a soldier in God's Army! 

The Leon Springs Ward is by far the greatest place to be at this time. A few weeks ago we met Brian walking with his daughter. We shared with him the Book of Mormon and he accepted it, mentioning his wife was a strong Catholic and was not going to change, but he would read it. The Dinning family, in the ward, lives just down the road and so we stopped to share with them the experience! They were stoked to hear and so willing to help. They made an extra effort to say “Hi” to them on the street. A couple weeks later we stopped by to drop off a Trunk or Treat invitation. The wife answered the door and was very kind and gentle and receiving. So we gave the Dinning family an update of what had occurred. Sister Dinning has been praying for the family lately and asking us a lot about them. Saturday evening she was ready and pumped to go introduce herself to them official, but felt steered another direction. So Sunday evening she was prompted to go and went. She met Brian, as the wife and kids were out for the night. Sister Dinning mentioned that she had heard from us about giving Brian a Book of Mormon and his wife a Trunk or Treat invite, and she followed up on both invitations! (Elder Ballard would be proud!) As a neighbor and a friend Sister Dinning  was able to answer many of his questions about the church in general. She testified of the restoration, of temples, of prophets and so much more. She related to us that it felt normal and it was real and just friendly. She extended a more specific invite to read 3 Nephi 11 and placed a bookmark in place. WOW …. outstanding! This work could not have gone forward without her power and excitement to help. I am so grateful for the strong testimonies of the members here. Their hearts are pure! 

The primary president in our ward, Sister Jenkins and her family are on fire as well. Having three girls and a crazy home, somehow she is still able to find time to help us. Multiple times she has come out with us to drop off invitations to families we have met in the area. She gladly introduces herself and asks about the kids that might attend the same school as hers. WOW I am just in awe of their help and so grateful. It has made a world of difference. 

Janet is an investigator whom we have been working with quite a bit lately. She has asked that members not come to her lessons because she feels it is a burden on their families and takes so much time away from their family time. Sister Cobabe, from the ward, has befriended her over time and the other night we asked Janet if Sister Cobabe could come to a lesson. Janet immediately agreed and said, "Oh I love her, of course she can." Miracles came immediately after. That evening Janet's countenance changed. She listened intently to this member who had befriended her. She then told Sister Cobabe her deepest concerns and why she would not be baptized yet. This all happened after we headed home for the night. The great power these members in the Leon Springs Ward. 

One last member, Sister Metcalf. Just recently she shared with us her change in sharing the gospel. A few months ago she would tell you that she tried as much as possible NOT to bring up the church with her friends and was a bit timid to pray for missionary experiences for many reasons. (Fear of not being able to answer questions, taking up more time in her schedule, explaining answers to questions etc. and so forth). She said she finally realized that she must get over her selfish fears and understand the bigger picture. She began praying for missionary opportunities. She began seeing a bigger picture in the work. That it did not require more time, but rather it became part of her nature, attitude and conversations; that she did not have to answer every question; that the Lord would guide and direct her in every way. I wish I could copy and post her thoughts and words here but I am just paraphrasing. "Have ye experienced a might change in your hearts?" 

I could go on and on with the week, but you are free to read my journal entries for this week after I die because I have recorded them there. I thank you again for the love and joy you each have brought to my life. Sister Barrick thought I was a bit crazy this week when I set a goal to only do things in life that either 1) Build God's Kingdom 2) Help my Family. She said "Ill follow up with that in a few years and see." Truly, I love this work with all my heart. I am sincerely grateful to know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, the priesthood has been restored, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the Lords kingdom. 

Always, Always, Sister Davis 

"...YE ARE ETERNALLY INDEBTED TO YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER..."

Family! 

OH! The week sounds like it was quite fun! I am glad to hear you loved and enjoyed Meet the Mormons! What powerful stories! We each have our own and get to share it personally with those we meet. 

I love each one of you dearly. Thank you for everything you have taught me. I often tell stories of each of you to Sister Barrick and after every one she says, "I want to meet your family!" So, y’all are famous! 

I learned of humility this week! Once we think we are humble, we are prideful. A similar quote I heard recently...."Forget yourself. And when you find yourself, forget yourself again, because you're in the wrong place." I am sure Heavenly Father wants to teach us so much from Him, however, I have learned that if I don’t ask and yearn for it, He will not give. 

We stopped by a women’s this past week who we met a few months ago, but was hesitant to talk with us at the time. When we spoke with her on Sat evening she mentioned how her family has been trying different churches to fit with all of their different personalities. Her 10yr old son had been asking lately, "Mom, let’s just try one more church, can we try one more?" Wow! The power of a child of God!

Sandra (Brother Peterson's wife) attended church again this week! She has been studying the pamphlets and her Bible. She is taking notes so diligently and asking questions to Brother Peterson!!!

We were able to meet some other wonderful families this past week as well! It is so interesting how we can spend hours and hours on end within the same 10 acres of homes, and week after week we will meet a family that we have never seen before. “WOW! We have walked and driven past that home a countless number, but never once met the family that lives there”. It has taught me even more about the principle of FAITH. The miracles that occur do not depend on my ability, my luck, my chance to meet this family or that family, but rather is FULLY dependent on faith in my Savior, Jesus Christ! 

As I went on quite a few short exchanges this past week, it was powerful to see the differences in each of God's Children. How we learn differently, how we receive direction differently, how we listen differently, and how we act differently. In no way, would I be able to gain enough education to learn these different behaviors AND THEN learn how to work with each personality. Heavenly Father has given us the endless ability to work with others, to learn from them, to strengthen to them. 

I am eternally indebted to my Heavenly Father. Always, Sister Davis

COME SING TO THE LORD!

Dearest Family!!! 

What a joyful and powerful experience we each had yesterday! It is wonderful to know that even though we are all in different places, we can hear from living prophets and apostles. Oh the peace and excitement that is felt from the songs, the prayers, the testimonies and the eternal truths etched into our hearts! 

MEET THE MORMONS! It will be coming to San Antonio this weekend as well! It is quite the drive from our area, but we are still sooo excited! After watching this film, it caused me to think of how powerful media will be in sharing the gospel. How vital media is in hastening the work. We received a message this past week from our stake. "Now the request is to go to the movie and invite other to go with them. As we have heard more than once, including From Elder Holland in his introduction to the Meet the Mormon, the box-office performance of the movie during the first weekend is crucial to its continued showing. Given the highly competitive nature of the film industry, doing the best we can to fill the theater those two days is essential."

As we rode our bikes on the country roads this past week, we stopped to see a women waiting for her son's school bus. She seemed not too interested in the beginning, but as we began to walk away she asked a question. We began to share more of what we know to be true. We asked when we could return and she replied, "Well I'll be out here tomorrow around this same time." She read the entire pamphlet we gave to her and wanted to complete the additional study. She promised to read the Book of Mormon and asked when we are coming back. Many families are yearning for this, even though at first glance they (and us) may easily skip over our powerful message!

While walking one evening, we approached a mother sweeping her garage. After a few short sentences she expressed to us how she had lost a family member recently. We shared with her the promise that she can live with her family member after this life. She responded, "Really? You think I can live with them? Can that really happen?" With overwhelming joy we said YES, you can! 

"A convert (and investigators) need three things,( and one of those things) is a friend in the Church to whom you can constantly turn, who will walk beside you, who will answer your questions, who will understand your problems."  (President Hinckley, Oct 2006 Ensign). We saw a new light and perspective of this principle this past week. We met with Jan who has had challenges and obstacles during her journey of learning about the church. A friend of hers joined us in the lesson this past week, and having a best friend by her side, talking and discussing with her, allowed Jan to experience thoughts and feelings and powerful moments that sunk deep into her heart. We left her home after some time, but the friend stayed for an hour or so longer. The following evening Jan opened up even more. Something we have been praying for and pondering about for days was answered when her dear friend made a visit with us and it had such an impact. "...By very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls." Alma 36:7

 It has been a powerful week! We met with a less-active who expressed to us how she has felt punished by God. She did not want to have any more children after her first two boys, but a few months later she found herself pregnant with twin boys. As I expressed to her "Wow, your hands must be full, and I am sure your heart is overflowing with joy!" She responded by expressing her heart is far from joy. She knows there is a God, but then expressed very strongly that He does not love her. My heart aches to even type this. I cringed when I heard that. I have never cherished the first principle we teach to everyone more than now in my life. "God is our Loving Heavenly Father." 

I know God is indeed our Heavenly Father. I know He loves each one of us. I know He desires to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." Moses 1:39

I love each one of you. Thank you for your love in return. I hope you are enjoying the cool weather but staying warm still.                     Sincerely, Sister Davis

COME LISTEN TO A PROPHETS VOICE!

Dear Family! Oh it has been a wonderful week! Filled with so much Joy! 

You have heard of "Meet the Mormons" I am sure. It will be released in various locations Oct 10th!!!! We had the greatest opportunity to see it at a Zone conference this past week with President Slaughter. It was phenomenal! However that may just be a cheesy missionary opinion. But it truly was hilarious, touching and powerful! A member in our ward returned from a meeting regarding this movie. He mentioned that members of different faiths said after watching this movie that they would let missionaries in to listen if they came knocking on their door. TELL EVERYONE TO SEE IT!

John&Amber: A beautiful family! They are currently catholic. Brother Flynn, who converted from Catholicism, came with us to a lesson this past week. John asked very direct questions of Brother Flynn and why he left the catholic church, how he knew this was true etc. Brother Flynn explained clearly that after questioning and wondering, he felt this was where he needed to be. Brother Flynn's father was a devout catholic, Brother Flynn was an alter boy and took catechism classes. However, he knew this was Christ's church and that he must be a member of it. He encouraged John and Amber to continue learning and reading! So powerful! I just wanted to cheer, clap, scream and shout and say "Amen" after every sentence Brother Flynn said. John and Amber would have never had the same experience if it was only Sister Barrick and I testifying. Members are outstanding and so helpful!

We attended the baptism for three 8 yr olds on Saturday! The spirit was overpowering. Sherry and her daughter Ruby came! (friend of Aiden, one of the 8yr olds) All the primary children sang "I am a Child of God." Ruby was the only one up front with a hymnbook in hand, but she sang at the top of her lungs and with passion. At the end of the baptism she told her mother she was getting baptized into Aiden's church. As we spoke with Sherry afterwards, she had tears in her eyes. She mentioned that she is not ready to learn more at this time, but there was no doubt that the spirit pierced her heart. She even attended the primary program Sunday morning and loved it! She will remember these moments for eternity! 

The Primary Program was a success! They almost filled the entire gym with seats! There were about 15-20 members from different faiths who attended (teachers, classmates, neighbors, boyfriends, brothers, sisters, spouses etc) and even more family and friends visiting!  There are more kids in our ward than adults so you can imagine how packed the stand was. The sunbeams sang, ‘Follow the Prophet’. As they finished the chorus..."Follow the Prophet, Follow the Prophet, Follow the Prophet he knows the way." …. a young voice shouted out again, "He knows  the way." Everyone had a good laugh after that. The words these children spoke impacted individuals at just the right time, with just the right spirit. It is powerful to see how each one can hit the heart of one person out of so many in the congregation. 

Our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson does indeed know the way. We have the great blessing and honor to hear from the prophet of the whole earth this weekend. This past week we have been handing out invitations to listen to conference. As we have testified of a living prophet many people have given odd looks, shut the door rather quickly or asked questions. President Slaughter mentioned this in his email this past week. "He (the prophet) says what needs to be said. He does not fear man. He is more concerned about offending God than he is about offending man (D&C 3:7). He is called because the Lord trusts him to speak plainly, that all may be left without excuse." The truth will always be opposed. It just amazes me every time there is great opposition. I immediately think, "WOW this must be true, if there is that strong of a negative reaction to it." It gives me more fire and energy to find those millions of people who are waiting to hear and listen to this profound truth. I know there is a living prophet on this earth today. His name is President Thomas S. Monson. We get to hear from him this weekend and we can choose to listen carefully. How grateful I am to be living in this time. 

I love each one of you. Thank you, thank you for all you have done. I think of you often throughout the week. I pray for you often. I am so grateful for the lessons you have taught me that I use on an hourly basis. Thank you! Always, Sister Davis

Zone Conference

"...LITTLE CHILDREN DO HAVE WORDS GIVEN UNTO THEM MANY TIMES...WHICH CONFOUND THE WISE AND THE LEARNED..." Alma 32:23

MOTHER, FATHER, JORDAN, CRISTY, ADRI, TYLER, and TUCKER!!! 

Exactly 187 years ago from today in 1827, Joseph Smith obtained the gold plates, a record of God's dealings with ancient inhabitants of the America's and the fullness of the everlasting gospel! Many events followed, including persecution, ridicule and mocking….events that we cannot comprehend or understand. All this occurred so we could hold a witness of our Savior, Jesus Christ in our hands. AND more importantly so that others could come to know, understand and accept the fullness of the everlasting gospel!!! What a miraculous day! 

I am not sure if I mentioned but we received a new Ward Mission Leader, Brother Howell. WOW He truly has gone above and beyond. He is living the higher law and see's the Lords Vision. There are so many aspects to being a ward mission leader and I commend him for jumping right in! He has gone out of the way to help us. I would have never thought of all that he has offered to us in helping. He keeps me on my toes, that is for sure. 

In the Leon Springs Ward there are some well developed areas with gates, guards, security cameras and celebrities. We visited a family this past week in one of these areas. It was evening and as we drove through the neighborhood and there were many homes we drove past with the windows open and the lights on so you could see inside the home. (sounds creepy, but I believe it is just their culture) As I looked at one beautiful home, there was a father sitting at the dining room table reading the newspaper. Across the table was his son, who sat on the edge of his seat, a bit uncomfortable, looking down and a bit upset. I thought, “here is the most beautiful home, and a beautiful family and they don’t know about the most prized possession in the entire universe, the gospel of Jesus Christ.” How I wish I could have walked up their brightly lit path, to the big glass door and shared with them what I know. (I don’t think it would have worked so well with the guards and security cameras all around. lol) 

Many families here in Leon Springs are helping so many friends accept the gospel. 

Sister Metcalf: She came to a lesson with us, and the lesson fell through. Her friend lived right next door so she asked if we could stop by and she could introduce us to her friend. She was so helpful and was willing to stop by a few other families in the area with us to drop off invites to the primary program this upcoming Sunday!(hence, my subject line this week)

Obeng family: We dropped off the restoration dvd to this family a few weeks ago. The member who is friends with Mrs. Obeng said that she brought the restoration dvd to watch at soccer practice! WOW - the power of a just a simple authentic movie. 

Phelps: As we stopped by a family we have been trying to get in touch with, we saw the home across the street had their garage door open. The mother of the home answered and mentioned she was busy helping her daughter with homework and this wasn't a good time. Typically this excuse is given as a kind way to mention they are not interested. Thinking nothing of it we left her with a card so she could contact us at another time and drove to our next appt. On the way there we received a message from Sister Almager in the ward. "My friend just texted me and said you just knocked on her door. She mentioned she would have sat down and spoken with you if she were not helping her daughter with homework and fixing dinner." AHHHHHH OH MY GOONDESS! After she spoke with her friend a little more she found out that she has been searching for a church home and just hadn't found something yet. Sister Almager mentioned that this has been a long time childhood friend who she has spoken with quite a bit about the church. She is familiar with a lot that occurs (the people, the activities etc) All that was needed was an invitation! We will be seeing the family at the Alamger's son's baptism this Saturday! 

I love and cherish the Book of Mormon. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful to know of His church on this earth. 

Love you all so Very Much!  Sister Davis

P-Day nature walk

Our last district

"...FOR BEHOLD, HE KNOWS ALL THY THOUGHTS..." Alma 12:3

FAMILY!!!! 

What a beautiful and tremendous week it has been. A cold front has come. We got rained on a few times and the leaves are slowly starting to change. 

I was able to visit the Encino Park Ward this past week. They are just north of the San Antonio Temple. How neat it is to be all over San Antonio and every one of different faiths can point out this central edifice, THE TEMPLE! Look to the temple! As we walked around this neighborhood Sister Pectol pointed out a man we should go speak with watering his plants. As we approached him he looks at our tags with squinty eyes, walks towards us and holds out his hand to shake ours. He was so intrigued. As we began to share with him the restoration, he asked question after question. He has a wife and three kids and invited us to come back and share more with his family. Before we left, Sister Pectol shared with him a powerful testimony of sincere love for this man she had just met. We are all his children. 

The Book of Mormon chapter in Preach My Gospel has hit my heart this past week. I have heard many times that we can "Use the Book of Mormon to Respond to Objections," but have not quite understood this principle. I can't say that I fully understand it now, but I feel I have caught a glimpse of the vision. In a lesson yesterday there were many questions thrown at us. I felt confident about answering some, but others I had no idea how to answer. As we drove home that evening I thought of the phrase in Preach My Gospel, "Our main task is to declare the gospel and do it effectively. We are not obligated to answer every objection." If I truly understood this principle, then WHENEVER a question is asked I would respond with the Book of Mormon. How exciting this is to have a greater and deeper appreciation and love for the Book of Mormon!

We were in another lesson earlier this week where it began with a bit of negativity. We quickly opened up and began reading with the family in the Book of Mormon. We shared with the father a background on the Book of Mormon. Immediately the focus and the spirit changed in the room. He felt a peace, an excitement to learn, and eagerness to know what was inside. 

There is POWER in the Book of Mormon. Oh how I wish I would have known this when I was in High School. Answering and responding to all those questions from friends day after day with the Book of Mormon. "You can come to know and understand why I don't drink coffee by reading the Book of Mormon."

I have also come to appreciate and respect fathers! How I am so grateful for them and the crucial role they play in our lives. We shared a brief scripture with a family last night. The father of the home shared with his children a critical principle that we had no intention of sharing. The spirit filled the room with great intensity! It allowed us to see and feel a greater measure of our Heavenly Father's love for us. How we must respect, appreciate and love our earthly father and our Heavenly Father. 

The work of the Lord is incredible! There is a great urgency in preparing for the Second Coming of the Messiah. I can feel it in my bones and it drives me every day! I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is his kingdom here on this earth. 

Sincerely, Sister Davis

I love this family!

We had the great opportunity and tremendous blessing to attend the Baldea's sealing!!!

"...FOR CHRIST WILL SHOW UNTO YOU, WITH POWER AND GREAT GLORY, THAT THEY ARE HIS WORDS..." 2 Nephi 33:11

FAMILY TIME! 

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORDAN!!!!! It is a grand a special day. The day to celebrate when you met mom and dad! When Grandma and Grandpa became Grandma and Grandpa! The day you began setting the example for generations of children to come! Thank you for always being the example to us all! 

I am happy to hear that the blue is still true! But something is more true than blue.

Mark: He wants to find the truth. He has searched long and hard. We had the opportunity this past week to share our firm knowledge of what we know to be absolutely true. We know something that some doctors, theologians, lawyers don't know. This is a favorite quote from President Henry B. Eyring.

"Well, the danger may be hard to see, but it is real, both for them and for us. For instance, at some moment in the world to come, everyone you will ever meet will know what you know now. They will know that the only way to live forever in association with our families and in the presence of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, was to choose to enter into the gate by baptism at the hands of those with authority from God. They will know that the only way families can be together forever is to accept and keep sacred covenants offered in the temples of God on this earth. And they will know that you knew. And they will remember whether you offered them what someone had offered you." 

Obeng Family: Three fantastic lessons this week!!! The kids, ages 8 and 9, were outstanding. They understood. They knew and felt something different. The mother expressed after, "I love the feeling I have felt tonight. I want to continue to have this in my family.”

Janet G: We saw a family down the street walk into their home before we could catch them. We decided to approach the home and knock on the door anyways. The mother answered and expressed her friend was a member of the church. She has shared quite a bit with her about the church, but never invited to do anything really. We invited Janet to see the building. She sent us a text the other day mentioning how the one thing she feels missing is family worship time. She wants and desires this for her family! How wonderful! 

"The Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance." Galations 5:22-23. 

Brother Peterson: This is the gentlemen I may have mentioned some weeks back. He went from slamming the door on the missionaries just a few months ago, to being ordained as a priest this past Sunday. As he arises from the chair he asks, "So what do I need to do to obtain the Melchizedek priesthood?" His countenance has completely changed and he has gone from being quick to anger to being gentle with every person. Alma teaches, "...he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God..." Alma 5:7. His wife (who is not of our faith) attended church and was able to witness the ordination! WOW What an incredible experience! 

We visited the Romney family this past week! The moment we entered their home they began discussing all those people they are working with and how they are branching out to share the gospel with those they may not even know at this time. Brother Romney mentioned how occasionally he has asked his friends if he could show them a cool app. He downloads the free Mormon Channel app onto their phone and shows them a video or two. And that was just one idea alone. How powerful the spirit can be in our lives to drive our desire to share the gospel in any possible way. 

I was asked to speak in a couple of weeks on "Standing Fast in the Face of Adversity." If any thoughts come to mind as you hear this, I would love to hear them. 

I love each one of you. Thank you again for your prayers day after day. Your love and desire to follow our Savior. Thank you. You are shining examples. I have always wondered and worried about the future. Who will I look to as an example? Who will allow me stretch? Who will push me a little farther? It has been right in front of me this whole time. My family! Thank you. I will always have each one of you to help me grow. 

Always, 

Sister Davis

Another picture from the Boerne Parade last week...this is our district

"...YE HAVE COME TO A KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLORY OF GOD…" Mosiah 4:11

FAMILY!

What a tremendous week filled with so much rejoicing! With the restoration of the gospel, what more do we need to rejoice!?!

Dominic: We stopped to grab a bite to eat at Taco Cabana. As we ordered the cooks asks, "Are you Missionaries?" We replied, “Why yes, of course.” A few minutes later we sat down with our food and he came over to us, saying, "Do you have a Book of Mormon on you by chance?" We said, “Why yes, of course!” And he continued, “My wife is Catholic, I was raised LDS. I remember all the good times as a child and all that the church did for me when I was young. I fell away shortly after my childhood. But I have been sharing with my wife all about the church lately. I thought it would be perfect to show her a Book of Mormon. She would love this. I really want to raise my kids LDS because I remember how wonderful it was to be raised in the church." We asked if we would like a visit from the missionaries to teach his whole family. He said YES!

Obeng: We stopped by to see a potential. We knocked on a door on the same street. An African father answers the door. He asked a few questions about accepting blacks into the church. We shared with him some scriptures in the Book of Mormon that speaks of this. He mentioned that his wife is friends with a "Mormon family" and the kids play soccer together. We invited him to have a lesson with this family that lived just around the corner, the Murry's. We will be seeing them this evening!

Shanari: A few weeks ago we stopped at a gas station for a pit stop. As we walked out a worker was putting ice into the ice chest freezer where you buy ice. We asked if we could share a card with her. We then invited her to hear our message. She said YES! We were able to meet with her just yesterday! (ironically enough in a Starbucks)  As we taught the restoration we felt it was nothing Sister Barrick or I said or did, but that the Spirit was so strong and pierced her heart. She accepted the invite to pray about Joseph Smith! She accepted the invite to come to church! She accepted to be baptized on September 27th! She will be attending the YSA ward because she is in her 20's but we couldn't be more excited for her!

A few months ago President Slaughter said we need be out in shops, stores, gas stations, events etc. As we talked with families this week we shared with them in Preach My Gospel all about the "Go About Doing Good" section, and about Charity and Love. How powerful it has been to seek out opportunities to serve, to have compassion and love for not just those inside the church and those we are already friends with but most importantly with those who are strangers, those who don't know about the gospel, those who don't have the great blessings we have.

I wish I could share more but we are short on time today! 

Much love for each one of you! I can tell school season has begun! Time is crazy. Best wishes with all the work!

Always,

Sister Davis

We were a part of the Boerne Parade! We got to hand out cards and candy and see hearts touched, kids enthralled and parents and others asking questions and being sincerely curious! We ARE a peculiar people! and people not only wonder, but really do want to know why we are different! That's the power of God and it changes lives!

"...I SHALL PROCEED TO DO A MARVELOUS WORK AMONG THEM..."

Mom, Dad, Jordan, Cristy, Adri, Tyler, and Tucker! 

I love each one of you so very much! Thank you for all your emails and letters! Thank you, thank you. 

School is beginning! Well, for some of you I guess, not all. But I wish the best to those who are beginning! 

I am also glad to hear that everyone has made it back home safely! However, I am a little sad to hear that the boat did not. And most likely will not return home anytime soon. All is well! 

It has been a powerful week! 

The Mota Family! We met them this past week and the wife invited us back. She is so enthused and excited to learn, however her husband is completely opposite. As the father, he of course wants to provide that protection for his home. Carmen (the wife) shared with us her view of what happened inside their home when we first came...She said, “As you walked up the driveway, my husband said, "They’re coming, don’t answer the door. Don’t answer it. But when you knocked, I felt drawn to the door. I heard my husband, but I knew I needed to answer the door. And I opened it, and there you were bright and smiling!" 

Brother Peterson! A few months ago the missionaries stopped by his home. He told them to leave "in a not so kind manner." (his words). He had been praying for help just before they came by, and as soon as he shut the door he had a feeling that that was his help and he had just turned it away. He immediately opened up the phone book, found the number for the church, called the mission office and referred himself to the office. He has changed completely. At first he didn't want to read the Book of Mormon, the next week he read. Then he didn't feel ready to attend church, but the next week he attended church. Then he didn't feel worthy to partake of the sacrament, but the next week he took the sacrament. He didn't feel ready to meet with the Bishop. Then the next week he met with the Bishop. Just yesterday he entered the chapel with his white shirt and tie, and passed the sacrament to the congregation! 

Janet Baguio! Her son, Dante, was baptized a couple years ago, she has been learning and attending church every week since. She has a few callings in the ward also! She has given so much and wants and desires to continue to give more. 

The Leon Springs Ward is outstanding. I feel like I am sprinting and still miles behind them. Proclaiming and sharing the gospel is so natural to so many families, mothers, fathers and their children. They have a firm and strong testimony in the restoration of the gospel. This is what allows them to so naturally and powerfully invite others to come unto Christ. 

We just found out our Ward Mission Leader, Brother Hill, will be moving. He has made an impact in my life within just a few weeks. I am so grateful for the great blessing of him sharing his testimony and knowledge with so many others. 

I love each one of you. Have a wonderful week! Sincerely, Sister Davis

Sisters Felix, Winn, Barrick and me
Sister Felix and Winn are the two sisters we live with...they serve in the Fair Oaks Ward

"...THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD CAME UPON THEM, AND THEY WERE FILLED WITH JOY...." Mosiah 4:3

Family! I love you so very much. I am so grateful that I have you by my side every step of the way. Thank you.

I would love to share with you some powerful experiences: 

(members) Clark Family! Tuesday evening we had dinner with their family. They shared with us about their neighbors and all the different families they have been sharing the gospel with. One particular family is the Mott Family. They have asked questions in the past and the Clark's were able to share and invite this family to different events. Just last night they sent us a text..."An opportunity came up to discuss the Book of Mormon and we bore testimony of it and offered them a copy of the book. We directed them to mormon.org/BookofMormon website and are waiting their response to see if they will accept a copy. I will follow up with them this week. Please keep praying for them and us. Let us know if you have any thoughts to help them out." Wow!...so awesome!

(members) Mefford Family! After we shared a brief message with their family this past week, they sent us a text ....."We invited the Wilsons to dinner tomorrow but they were busy. Other neighbors coming instead." And then this morning..."I gave a pamphlet to our friends across the street last night." 

Brother Hill (WML) asked that we visit the families whose children will be getting baptized soon! We shared something brief with the Almager family. They already have a list of family and friends they would like to invite to their baptism! 

These members are so great! We can't keep up with the Leon Springs Ward……..My goodness! The list of experiences goes on and on! 

We had a meeting in San Antonio this past week! It was spectacular….. I cherish and try to soak up every opportunity we have to hear from a servant of the Lord. How I love the leaders who serve us within the mission and within the wards and stakes in San Antonio. 

President Slaughter shared with us some wonderful words of wisdom. I would like to share with some of His thoughts. 

One of the great attributes of the faithful is "steadiness" (Alma 38:2; 39:1; Hel. 6:1). This divine attribute is mentioned in scripture, exclusively in the Book of Mormon. It consists of being unwavering in purpose and unfaltering in faith. One who is steady is spiritually stable and doctrinally sound. He (she) is not easily excited or upset; is not quickly offended; does not jump to conclusions. Steadiness is not to be mistaken for steadfastness; these are two different attributes.

Amazingly "steadiness" can refer to being "firmly fixed in one place" like a pillar, but it can also refer to being "constantly moving" like the earth in rotation. Such is the dichotomy of a disciple: he (she) is "firmly fixed" in purpose and yet "constantly moving" in faith. Those who have attained the divine attribute of steadiness are natural leaders. They are worthy of absolute trust from God (Hel. 10:4-5).

Those who strive to follow Christ, strive for the attribute of steadiness. Some become frustrated when they fall short. Be patient with yourselves! Time and patience, and even some growing pains, are a prerequisite to attaining any divine attribute. Allow me to list below a few pitfalls, which you may want to avoid and which may prevent your progress towards steadiness.

Pitfall 2. QUESTIONING GOD. Nothing leads to spiritual instability faster than the tendency to question God, or his servants. Imagine feeling the need to pull over on the side of the highway to question every road sign along the way; it would be a long drive, and you could not possibly enjoy the journey. By the same token, when you feel the need to question God at every turn in your life, you miss the point and slow your progress. Those who have attained the attribute of steadiness, have attained also the ability to enjoy the journey, to go with the flow, to find excitement in the unknown, to rely on the Lord and His wisdom.

Pitfall 3. EXCESSIVE WORRY. God does not walk the hallways of heaven worrying about His creations. He sees the big picture. He understands the plan–of course He does–it is His plan. He understands the Fall; He understand agency; He understands time and patience and faith. The nearer we get to God, the clearer become our views also. Worry is not a gift of the Spirit; in fact just the opposite. Worry robs faith. There are things we simply cannot control; let those things go. Faith and focus will displace all worry and vice versa.

Family I love you so much. Thank you again for all your love and your prayers. I love you. Sister Davis