Sister Burton Takes on Anaheim!: Week 68: It's almost Fall y'all!

Here I am again! Life here in OHYSA is still grand! The weather here is starting to get a little chilly in the evenings, which means Fall is coming!! The season change doesn't really make a huge difference here in So Cal, but it's nice to have that little reminder that Fall is approaching!

We had a lesson with Cassity this past week! We planned to teach her one thing, but when we got there, the Spirit directed otherwise! With school and her internship, she has been struggling to find the balance of it all, with church in the mix now! It's amazing how SHE has even noticed a difference of how she acts when she's consistently reading from The Book of Mormon, opposed to when she isn't. The adversary just seems to keep whispering sweet nothings in her ear, but she's a tough cookie ;)

We also went on exchanges on Saturday! I got to be with Hermana Romney, another sister in training, and we had such an awesome day! We surprisingly ran into a lot of English speakers throughout the day, so I was actually able to communicate! I just love getting to hear the gospel shared in different languages and IT'S TRUE IN EACH ONE!
There was one interaction we had that day that was divinely inspired. We were knocking doors on this street and after a few doors, we felt that we weren't supposed to be there. So we walked to the next street and started knocking. A few doors into it, this guy (Frank) answered and we asked him what he thought the purpose of life was. He said, "That's funny, cause me and my buddy are talking about that right now!" Frank went on to say that within the past 2 weeks, he lost his job, his car, etc and had been really struggling to feel loved and noticed by God. He said he usually turns to substances at times like these, but he has been trying to withstand. He wanted to hear our "positive message." We were able to testify of the Plan of Salvation and the power of the Book of Mormon! It was such an uplifting and Spirit-filled moment! He said he would love to meet with missionaries! FRANK! That was my highlight of the day!

Have I ever mentioned how much I love the YSA ward!? Honestly, one of the best places ever! I love getting to meet these people who are searching and trying to find solid answers to life's greatest questions. We spent much of the week finding, but didn't find anyone new for us to teach! But we have been inviting and diligently searching for the "elect." We have some promising appointments and finding opportunities this week, so we're eager to see what the Lord has in store!

The other day in my Book of Mormon study, I was reading about judgment. And just yesterday in Sunday School, we talked about how we will be judged. I came across a quote from Elder Oaks and he said something that has truly changed my perception of how that day will be. He said, instead of talking about a long list of things we did/didn't do while on this Earth, the Savior will judge us depending on who we've BECOME. I LOVE that! At the end of the day(or at the end of our mortal experience), the most important thing to ask ourselves is "Who have I become?" With that perspective, life has a lot more hope and the Savior sounds more merciful than we might sometimes think.
In the context of my mission, I've also asked that question. And BOY, have I loved noting the changes that I've seen in myself. I still have a ways to go, but I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father has been able to help me change while teaching and helping others to do the same.

LOVE YOU ALL! Have a most splendid week! Keep smiling! There is good in everyday! We can wake up with the hope and confidence that we have a loving Heavenly Father and a merciful Savior.

Sister Burton
2500 N. Bristol St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706