To start off I wish to tell
of an experience I had not too long ago. The story of my first
California haircut. In the past I have been able to get haircuts from
other missionaries. When I got here in Huntington a month or so ago that
was not the case. I went to a small barber shop and sat down. The lady
asked my how I wanted it cut and I told her how I wanted it. She
proceeded to cut my hair. She was quick and it was over surprisingly fast.
This should have been my first red flag. She showed me my hair and it
looked nice. I felt that it was good and so I paid and left. Upon
further inspection I realized that the sides and back of my hair had
been cut just fine but I saw that she had only blended in the top of my
head. The top of my hair had not been cut at all. My bangs reached
almost to my nose and I didn't want to go back to have it cut again out
of fear of embarrassment. I had to do my best to get my hair in a good
enough of a side-swept motion so as to hide the unmissionary-like length
of my hair.
What on earth does that have to do with anything. It has very
little relevance to anything, I just figured that ya'll were extremely
interested.
This week was pretty good. We had much more
lessons than usual! We were challenged to invite someone to be baptized
this week and we did! She said no D: Just kidding she didn't really
answer it very directly. She said that if the Book of Mormon was true
then she would. So, in short she will probably be baptized soon because
the Book of Mormon is true! But seriously, the Book of Mormon can really
be an anchor for any situation. Do not be afraid to open it. No matter
what your situation. Maybe you need help with a problem, maybe you need a
voice of reason, maybe you're having a hard time with knowing if this
church is really true. Never be afraid to turn to the Book of Mormon. It
doesn't matter if you've read it a hundred times or if you've never
even opened it before of your own free will. It doesn't matter if you
grew up going to primary or if you've never stepped foot in a church
before. It doesn't matter if you go to church every week or if you
haven't gone to church for years. The Book of Mormon is not biased, it
does not judge. The only thing that can keep you back from receiving
answers from it is yourself. Read it and see if it does not speak to
your very soul. I know it speaks to mine so the principal is the same
for all of you.
To those of you who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints, cherish the precious truths that bless you daily. To
those who are not, try it for yourself and ask God if it's true. To
those who have fallen away or those who feel as though the church has
let them down, do not give up, remember that the Lord always welcomes
change with open arms. The people may not be perfect by you can sure bet
that the Lord is, and he's the one that runs this church.
I cannot express how much this gospel has blessed me. I know it
blesses us all. Thank you for all that you do; for all the love and
support. I cannot adequately express my love for each and every one of
you. Nonetheless I will continue to try my best. My heart and prayers
are with you all.
Much love,
Elder Sanderson
