February 27, 1995
I've got to do some writing more often. I'd like to write each day. I don't have a lot of time left tonight, but I'll try to get a few things in--then write *weekly* daily. Dallin H. Oaks spoke in a devotiinal on the 21st--it was really good--about teaching with and communication with the Spirit-what I had fasted for at the beginning of the month. I've started to really recognize the hand of the Lord in my life--just like in my patriarchal blessing. I wrote a letter to Crista last week--I still don't really know why, but it was extremely terrifying. However, once I obeyed it, things started to go better. I started having the Spirit with me, my relationship with my companions got better, etc. For a while, I was having a hard time getting along with my companions--on the 23rd, Thursday, we couldn't finish a discussion. Later that day, I mailed it, and by Sunday, our relationship was probably better than it has ever been. Last night, at afireside, President Barney spoke on the Spirit, followed by a very spiritual Gospel Study Class-where I felt a little more of who I was before coming to Earth. Because of all these things, I have committed ^to myself^ to try to follow the Spirit in all things. Today, after I got my discussions *were* bound, Elder Thornton got some postcards to get his bound. While he was doing this, I was going through some of the foreign language materials. *I'm as sure* I was looking at different things, and I came to the Russian Section. I picked up a copy of the Book of Mormon, looked at the price, and suddenly I had a feeling, impression, that I should buy it. I don't know why--I guess I'm still not used to hearing and understanding spiritual impressions--but I hesitated. So did Nephi. However, within a minute I bought the book. I wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do, so I prayed a little later for a confirmation. Immediately, I remembered a story I'd heard my freshman year in high school about Peter Czerny and some calculators in a similar situation. I believe I was supposed to buy that book, and I did. One more quick evidence I've noticed of the Lord watching out for me--on *Thu* Friday, at a low point, I got a wonderful letter from my brother Chad, that had me laughing and crying. I know that the Lord is watching out for me in my calling as a missionary. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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