quarantine

Another week gone in Raleigh North Carolina! Time has seemed to slow down a little bit with us being trapped in the apartment, we haven't been able to get out of here much at all.

We did go for a bike ride the other day and got on some Trail. We thought it would loop back to where we started. After pedaling through the woods for a long time the trail ended and we were in a different city, luckily the other Elders came and picked us up.

We did find a new guy to teach this week over the phone. We taught Carl the restoration and we are supposed to call him again tonight.

Wake county came out with a statement that it is unlawful to be gathered in any size private or public! Kind of a bummer we can't even baptize anymore here in Raleigh. Hopefully this all passes soon.

On the bright side tho I have had a lot of time to study! I've been reading Jesus the Christ and memorizing a lot of scripture. I have also probably dropped 10 lbs last couple weeks because we have had plenty of time to workout. I've been running a couple miles every day and lifting some weights.

This week I read about Enos in the Book of Mormon. This has always been one of my favorite chapters.

3 Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart.

4 And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.

Enos just wants to feel the Joy of the Gospel that his father has talked about and he cries out to the Lord in Faith. His prayer is answered and he is forgiven of his sins. He then spends the rest of his life sharing it with others.

26 And I saw that I must soon go down to my grave, having been wrought upon by the power of God that I must preach and prophesy unto this people, and declare the word according to the truth which is in Christ. And I have declared it in all my days, and have rejoiced in it above that of the world.

27 And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen.

Enos has rejoiced in the Gospel "above that of the world". I know that there is peace and Joy in following Jesus Christ and living his Gospel. True Joy comes from Obedience to his commandments. I know that when we follow Jesus Christ and keep his commandments we can feel Joy no matter the circumstances that we are faced with.

Hold fast just as Enos did. Don't forget that the Lord loves you, and do the small and simple things that he has asked, and surely you will have Joy "above that of the world"! 

Love Yall

Elder Forrest