Match Their Level

Family and Friends,

67 at church in our house... people were sitting outside.

"Yours to keep"

Wow. Just a little note. So my mission language is Hiligaynon or Ilonggo it is sometimes called. The main language of the Philippines is Tagalog.. so TV, billboards, etc are in Tagalog. But no... i dont speak it, and i understand it minimally. But guess what... we watched conference in Tagalog! Hahahah! So awesome. It really was a testimony to me that the Spirit is what teaches us. Yeah... i could understand the main ideas, but the Spirit is what taught me. Some things I noticed (side note- i only watched the Sunday Morning session... we are busy!!)... the huge emphasis on prophets. Wow... i think every talk i heard mentioned prophets and our obedience to their words. Do we have the sufficient faith to follow their commands? I loved how Russel M Nelson talked about how the sustaining of our church officers is so much more than a raising of the right hand. After the raising of the hand, we must pray and work to follow up on it! It takes effort. It requires sacrifice. Can you do it?

"Oh sinner...come home"

I realized during conference and just throughout this week that we dont need profound mind-blowing revelations from our leaders... we just need the constant, simple, loving reminders! They talk about the same simple principles over and over and over because thats what we as members struggle with... the simple things! I really do testify that the simple things are so important... scripture study... prayer... church,etc.

I love the way the Spirit works... its purifying... its a slow process.. but its amazing.... More holiness give me (hymn #131) just about explains it. We all need that moment of peace... that break from the grind... the voice of the Lord. Do we recall the experience of Joseph Smith in the grove..? Thick darkness.... doomed to destruction... overcome by the adversry... then what? He called upon God, and what is the first thing he heard? His name. When you find yourselves in moments of despair.. sit, be silent. I promise if you search for it, you will hear the Lord calling your name as well. Its personal. Its real. Its true. 

This very moment... as i write this letter in a computer shop in the Philippines... i am feeling the Spirit. Why? I am not exactly sure.. but i know the Lord is taking care of all of you. He is merciful. I know this thing called life is a battle, but its oh so rewarding if we do what the Lord wants of us. 

I love you all. Stick to your good works.

Palangga,

Elder Stagg