We're on our own journey!

Hello everyone. 

Quick email this week as I don't really remember much of what's happened, it's been a blur, I just have some experiences to share and then a spiritual thought that really stood out to me this week. So in the choir this week we sang Joseph Smith's First Prayer! An amazing experience and one I won't forget, I am increasingly grateful for Joseph Smith and the man that he was, and it also amazes me to know that God and Jesus Christ appeared to him in our day, God hasn't abandoned us, he hasn't forsaken us, the windows of heaven are still open, miracles happen all around us each and every single day and I know gods hand is there in every little detail of our lives. 

Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf and his wife gave the devotional on Tuesday as well! It was crazy! For those who don't know who he is, hes an apostle of the lord. He's one of my heroes and we were so blessed to hear him speak, and to listen to his inspired council.

 The thought that really stood out to me this week came from Elder Uchtdorf's conference talk back in October, where he spoke about our adventure called life. Our branch president mentioned how we're on our own journey, and it made me think of the day I left on my journey and I remembered my mum and my dad, the tears that were shed and how hard it was for them to see their little boy go. And this got me thinking of our Heavenly Father, the day He sent His only begotten, to suffer, bleed and die for us on the cross. I think of the tears He must have shed as He heard his son cry out from the cross, 'father, why hast thou forsaken me.' While I am constantly reminded of the love that my Saviour has for me, this week I was reminded of just how much our Heavenly Father loves us. He loves us so much that He sent his own son to atone for us that we might be able to return back home to His presence. I know He loves us and knows us, I know He rejoices in our triumphs, and I know He matches every tear that we cry.

Speak soon,

Starszy Ashworth x 

www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2019-11-07/provo-mtc-elder-uchtdorf-missionary-prison-inmate-166289