week 58

We started our new year off well here in San Pablo. We had a couple of really great lessons and taught important principles such as the law of chastity, tithing, baptism, etc. Many people say or think that the commandments we have are restrictions on our freedom, but I know that they are there to bless our lives. The reason for obedience is to make us happy, and so that we can receive blessings! 

The principle of sacrifice applies. If we want to receive things, we have to give up other things. To buy, we pay money. The best part is, that with God, the sacrifices we make are so small compared to the things received. We are asked to pay a tenth of our income, and then he gives us everything else we need! We are asked to live the law of chastity, and we can have an eternal family! We are asked to be baptized and endure to the end, and we can enjoy celestial glory forever and eternal life! 

These are all what you could call large things, or maybe even "difficult" commandments. But the same principle applies to the small things like daily prayer and scripture study. True and willing obedience brings great blessings. And even when we mess up, we can change! Thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be clean of our past and push forward, determined to be a better person.

I know that obedience is a blessing. I know that Christ loves and knows us.

I hope 2019 is a wonderful year for all of you and full of personal progress and growth!

Lots of love,

Elder Brighton

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