 |
| Met this awesome tatay out on his front porch jamming out on an old Bob Marley guitar- he was really good. |
This last week I've spent much study time on the topics of comparing, avoiding pride, and charity. At times we feel that the opposite of pride is humility, but from what I've noticed all too often the world has somewhat of a false concept on what humility really is. I was reading the other day in 2 Timothy 3, where Paul discusses the various temptations and qualities that will be seen in the last days (now)- about people being puffed up and prideful, always thinking of themselves. Then, if we read in 1 Corinthians 13, comparable to Moroni 7:45, we see that almost the exact opposite of these prideful qualities is defined by charity- it is "kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked..."- what I was thinking about, is the way to avoid pride, or comparisons, or self-defeat and self-hatred, is almost paradoxical- it is to stop thinking about ourselves and instead devote all our thoughts and efforts to helping and loving others. Do not seek our own gain, and in a process, we don't understand unless it is experienced we find greater joy than we ever could actively seeking it for ourselves. I am so grateful for the gift of charity and this opportunity to serve here every day. I hope you all yourselves find the opportunity to reach out and serve others this week and find that same joy. I love you all, and will see you soon!
Love,
Elder Griffitts
 |
| Our first counselor in the branch, Brother Tabulog, and his wife- they are always so helpful to the work here! |
Week 62 (October 7, 2019)
Hello all my dear family and friends, I am so grateful to be able to write you today. Sorry, no pictures for this week- forgot my camera- but we have had some great times. My new companion is Elder Morley, he's from Sandy, Utah and has been out about a year now, came into the MTC just as I was leaving. We are having a blast, really looking forward to this next cycle. With all my heart, I just want to share with you all how grateful I am for the Plan of our Heavenly Father, and how it brings us hope through all trials and afflictions of life. Because of His Plan, because Jesus Christ came to earth to pay the price of justice, to overcome sin and death, we can hope forever for eternal life to come in God's presence with our families, dwelling in a forever state of joy and peace. Because of His Plan, we know that death is only a tiny part, it has no sting, but is simply a step in our eternal progression, and we have this incredible yet short period of probation here on earth to learn and repent and follow the Savior, that one day we may stand in His presence with confidence and unimaginable gratitude and joy. I pray for all of you to gain this hope, and just want to leave you with the incredible message of Alma 34- Amulek's discourse on the Atonement of Christ and our hope from it- I invite you all to study those inspired words from the Book of Mormon. I love you all so much, sorry I don't have time to write, and I will see you all soon!
Love,
Elder Griffitts
