October 8, 2019

Hello everyone! Wow, this week was a spirit filled one!! I remember when I was a kid and conference seemed to drag on for 5 years and I just wanted it to end... now it goes by in like 3.7 seconds and I never want it to end!! Everything that was said was exactly what I needed. I dont know how the Lord can do that with billions of people in the world, but somehow he caters to the one. It doesn't make sense but it works. I felt that a big theme was trusting in God. I have felt myself doubting a lot lately. Not the gospel or the Lord, but myself. I realized strongly this weekend that my efforts are enough and they are acceptable to the Lord. We always say that the Lord doesn't expect us to be perfect. I think that over the years my mind accepted that but my heart never did, because not measuring up has always hit me really hard. But I have been realizing over these last few months (and it was solidified at conference) that the stakes are never too high. He has set all this up so perfectly so that I can make a billion mistakes and still ALWAYS be good enough. When we look at this life with a correct and eternal perspective, we can see that it's more than okay to make mistakes! In fact, it's good! We should relish in the fact that we will never be mortal again so now is the time to be imperfect. After we get to the next life, the stakes will get a lot higher because then we will be expected to be more perfect, but not now! We are like children in so many ways. I look back sometimes at my defiance and little tantrums and it's almost funny. Heavenly Father is just as kind and patient (and probably amused) as a loving father with his toddler. Even more so! I am grateful that he loves us all so uncondituonally. Simply for being his. I know that he knows us and our hardships and he has given us the Savior to be a mediator and a friend for us. All of the power of Christ is ours if we accept it through faith, repentance and baptism. The way is so clear and so easy if we let it be. We were able to get two people we have been working with to come and watch a session with us. Their names are Carol and Joe and they are the sweetest people under the sun! They really really loved the messages! I think it was really a big step for them. Now maybe they'll have a desire to be taught and not just visit Haha🤣 they are such lovely people. I am so grateful to know them. Thank you all for your prayers and love! I hope all is well and you feel the love of Christ every day! Love, Sister Bates