I know if you always turn to the Lord with your problems, he will guide you through them.

Hello!

Man I can't believe how time flies. It seems like just yesterday that it was P-day. We have still been busy with service. We get calls all the time from people who saw our fliers or heard about us. It's awesome! We have gotten an investigator from it too. We shoveled some snow for her and helped her clean her house. She has three heart attacks so it is hard for her to do anything like that. She was so grateful for our help she asked if there was anything she could do for us. Elder Madsen and Elder Roper asked if they could teach her about the message they had. She said yes and they have taught her one lesson and are going back for another.

Me and Elder Stewart are trying to teach Spencer's friend. Spencer is a less active who has just recently come back to church. His friend said he would like to learn more about God but apparently he was high when he said that and is now not as interested. We are still trying to get in contact with him. We haven't given up.

We have been going around now trying to post our fliers on all of the mailboxes. The more people who know about us the better. It has been warmer and that has been awesome. Just the other day we were driving around with our windows down enjoying the warmth. The ward members are still super nice. The Kabearys have had us over for dinner at least four times since I have been here. They are so nice. The dad is the one giving us updates on football. He is a Broncos fan so he's pretty stoked. Last night after putting fliers on mailboxes, we went over to the Swihearts. They gave us hot chocolate and let us visit with them. We were able to share a message. They are super nice too. Bishop has been out of town for the past couple of weeks so we haven't talked with him in a while but he should be back this week. Hopefully we can go back over to his Cow Palace and help him out again. That was fun.

Well, I just want to share with you one message. We have been talking about God's plan for us lately. One thing that has stuck out to me is trials. We came down here to face challenges. We learn and grow from them. I like to think of it like taking a test. If we were given a math test, then given an answer sheet, we wouldn't learn anything from taking the test. But if we were given the same test and had to work out the problems for ourselves, then we would learn a lot. We would learn how to do certain problems certain ways that can make it easier for us. When we learn these things, we can face the next problem with more confidence and understanding. Chances are, it won't be nearly as hard. Life is the same way. When we are faced with a trial, we should get excited. We should think with better perspective. We should think, "Awesome! God wants me to be stronger and this is how he will help me grow." When we go into trials with that attitude and perspective, we will find that not only will it be easier, but we will come out of it with so much more understanding and knowledge than we had before. Trials are how we will be able to live with our Father again. I know if you always turn to the Lord with your problems, he will guide you through them. You are never alone. Don't forget it.

I love you all and pray for you always. Take care until next time.

With love,

Elder Anderson

Here's a link to an article that talks about what Jake and the other elders in High River are doing to help clean up from the flood this past summer:

http://www.highrivertimes.com/2014/01/15/local-church-lends-residents-a-helping-hand

Here's a link to a touching video about an inspiring woman who has grown closer to her Father in Heaven through tremendous trials:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHDvxPjsm8E