but the Lord trieth the hearts

Proverbs 17:3   

The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.

Dear Family and Friends,

It's been a good week. And a week of learning! Heavenly Father is so loving and kind and patient and I have been learning, that what he wants for us, is to change our hearts. Everything we have is from God and the only thing we can give Him is our heart/will. That is probably why the scriptures say we should serve Him with all our HEART, might, mind and strength. President Ezra Taft Benson said:

“The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from

 the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of the people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. … Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human 

behavior, but Christ can change human nature”

I love this quote, and this quote reminded me of a cute little story from this week. Remember our little buddy Luis who we have been helping come back to church? He has made lots of changes in his life! It all started with the little things like praying and reading the scriptures. But this week he surprised us by cutting his hair!!! 

Look at how happy he is! Last night we went to a devotional with him and we asked what he learned. He said "I learned that when yall leave, I need to keep growing my faith and get myself to go to church." He is considering serving a mission! 

This week I also got the special permission to see my family!!!!

Something else I am learning is the Heavenly Father knows the desires of our hearts! He let me be close enough at this point in my mission to be able to see my Aunt and Cousins.

There is a lot of good in missions. But sometimes missions are hard. Sometimes they are really hard. Before my mission I thought it would be hard because of the schedule or language or weird food. But really, the most difficult part is how the Lord tries our hearts. And I am so grateful that He does. He has changed my heart. And I love being in His service. 

I know He lives. I know He loves us. I believe this is His church. 

-Hermana Ries