October 6, 2014

Hey everyone! I'm doing well. This week was crazy. We had meetings galore and lots of prayer, effort, and hours went into preparing and delivering them. I've been getting much better at recognizing how the Spirit "distills upon the soul as the dews from heaven." Elder Bednar describes it as a sunrise, gradually and slowly delivering light and revelation. What the Lord has been telling me recently about the work is that the most teaching, the best teaching, happens when we're not even there. It comes in the quiet moments when the investigators are following through on their commitments and receive witness from the Holy Ghost. Understanding that has changed my teaching a lot. I went into Conference looking for a big, life changing experience like I had last time, and was really confused when I didn't feel like I had it. But then the Lord told me "The most teaching, the best teaching, happens when you're not even there." He was reminding me that Conference will make a huge impact in my life IF I ponder the messages I got, review the teachings, and have those quiet moments. I'm looking forward to it.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

Elder Norton 

September 29, 2104

Hey everyone!

It's been a good week! The temperature is cooling off and it's PERFECT weather. So nice. Now I can see why people live in Vegas. It rained buckets the other night. We got soaked, but it was a blast. Huge blessings. 

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we believe that God continues to speak through prophets today. These men are righteous men of great faith and are given priesthood authority, the same that the Apostles in the Early Church had. Twice a year, we get the chance to hear from the Prophet and the Apostles in General Conference. And it's coming this weekend! I'm so excited!!!

Last General Conference in April, I was going through a tough time on my mission. I was feeling a lot of stress because of my work and I went to Conference looking for guidance, just like I would the scriptures. As the Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, gave his address, I felt my burden lifted. He spoke of charity and love. But as I listened to his words, the Holy Ghost gave me an answer to my problem. It fit perfectly. Immediately, I understood what I was to do. Because of this experience, I know for myself that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. He speaks the words of Christ and is the mouthpiece for God on the earth today. I love hearing his counsel. If you have the opportunity at all, please watch General Conference this weekend. It will be broadcasted online or on the TV, or in a local chapel. I promise that you can know for yourself that there is a prophet on earth today. It's part of the glorious message I get to share every day. How blessed we are to have living revelation today. And if you come with a question, and prayerfully consider the messages you hear, you will get an answer. It's happened to me. 

Love you all!
Elder Norton