Our Father in Heaven

My Brothers and Sisters,

Honestly I don't have any idea how I can possibly describe the
goodness of our Heavenly Father and the tender mercies I have had the
honor of witnessing these last few years, but I do wish to express my
gratitude and share a few things that can help us come closer to our
Savior.

1. Daily scripture study; yes!! It's important!! Please don't
underestimate how essential this is to our growth  here.

2. Daily prayers; a constant communication with our Father is SO
important!! I can't even think how we can really come closer to our
Father in Heaven if we don't pray every day. Also I invite you to pray
out loud, it brings a very personal aspect to our prayers.

3. Temple attendance; unfortunately for circumstances of my mission I
have not been to the temple since the MTC. But I do know how important
it is to go if you have access to one. I truly believe as we strive to
be worthy to enter the temple and seek guidance when we do go, we will
truly understand what God wants for us.

What a time of rejoicing!! The Lord has done so much for us!! I know
God loves us and His love is perfect. I have come to realize how
merciful our Father in Heaven is. I plead that we all can trust Him
and have the faith to follow His perfect Son's example. God wants us
to do this because he knows how happy it will make us.

I know the Savior lives, I know that God is our LOVING Heavenly Father
and all He does is for our good.

Please, trust Him!!

Please, love Him!!

Please, follow him!!

Because He first trusted, loved and followed us...


Elder Owens

Miracles

My dear brothers and sisters,

I can't express the gratitude I feel for everything I have been given.
Really I thought it would be appropriate to list some of the things I
am thankful for, and I'm sure I am not the only one.

As I think of the plan of salvation and our preexistent life, my heart
fills with gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father who provided a
perfect plan for my never ending happiness. I am thankful for the
knowledge that we shouted for joy at the chance to be a part of this
plan, because even in my hardest trials I know that it is part of His
marvelous plan to bring me eternal life.

I am so blessed to have been sent to such a perfect family. My heart
sobs at the fact that I didn't appreciate them as much as I should
have but at the same time rejoices for the hand of the Lord in their
lives. He has truly worked miracles within our home and has helped me
understand Him better by giving me the amazing example of my parents.

I can't help but worship my Father in Heaven for the chance He gave me
to serve a mission. My stomach curls at the thought of my slowness to
follow His commandments and serve my fellow man. I thought coming on a
mission would fulfill some of my debt that I owe Him, but really I
have realized how much more I am indebted to him and my already
infinite debt keeps getting larger every day.

I honestly feel that I could write a book on how grateful I am for all
the many miracles I have seen and blessings I have received.

Josemi, an investigator the Lord put into our hands about a month ago
is going to be baptized the 22nd of this month. This young man has
changed more than any other person I have ever met. After more
persecution than I could ever withstand, Josemi  will make a lifelong
covenant with our Father in Heaven to represent our Savior Jesus
Christ.

Forever praise the Lord for his merciful hand!

Love,
Elder Owens