A busy week gone by, another one ahead.

It has been a brilliant week. We are continuing to stay busy and I know we have another busy week ahead of us. Sometimes I ask myself where the time has gone. The obvious answer is that it has gone blessing the lives of people around me.

 

One thing that I have noticed in particular is the beauty all around. The sky always seems gorgeous here. I do not know if it is because the often cloudy and gray weather makes the blue skies all the better or my eyes have just been opened, but I truly do appreciate all of the wonderful creations around us. Here are a few pictures to help you to know what I mean. The first is some horses. Sister Howell and I thought they were funny because we literally just went a few steps off the beaten path and there was a horse pasture. Plus it reminded me of Hamilton-Wenham.

The second is what you may consider a typical English house. There is always beauty around us--we just need to take the time to notice it. I am grateful for how this time in England has helped me to appreciate the good weather, God's creations, and the beauty that surrounds us. I hope each of you also appreciate the beauty that surrounds your life as well.

Next, I have been studying grace recently. Now grace is one of those topics that I think we often hear, but do not understand. In the Bible Dictionary, it defines grace as the divine means of help or strength given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ. Stephen Robinson wrote a book, Believing Christ, as well as gave a BYU devotional where he compares grace to buying a bicycle. He calls this story the bicycle parable. In the parable, he tells how his daughter wanted a bike. He told her to save up all her pennies and eventually she would have enough for a bike. She did exactly that and worked very hard. One day she came with all her pennies and wanted to buy a bike. Her dad realized that she did not have enough money, but said by the time she did have enough, she would want a car. As a result, he took her to the store and she found that perfect bike. Obviously, her sixty-one cents was not enough. The daughter was sad and disappointed that she did not have enough money. Hence, the dad said, "Give me all you have, a hug and a kiss, and I will make up the rest." Similarly, if we give the Savior all we can, then we can know that he will compensate the rest. Now this is grace. Interestingly enough, you can focus on two different aspects: working hard or making up the rest. Both are required, but depending on the person they may need to realize one part or the other. Some of us need a little encouragement to do better, while others need a bit of encouragement to rely on the Jesus Christ for their weaknesses. This message of grace can be tailored to meet the needs of the individual, and I am constantly noticing how the message of the gospel is also tailored to meet the needs of each and every person as well. I am grateful for my time to serve a mission and learn so many wonderful things.

 

Thank you for all that you do for me as well as others. Continue to bless the lives of those around you. Have a good day!

 

Love, Becca

 

 

Here is another Where's Waldo (or should I say Where's Wally because I am in England) picture. I should be pretty easy for you to find. Hope you enjoy it!