Letters from Sister Alston: Happy Mother's Day!!!

What a blessing it was to see and talk to my sweet family yesterday, it was so nice to hear their voices and see their beautiful faces. I am truly blessed with the most amazing family in the whole entire world! It was hard being away for yet another Mother's Day, but I just want everyone to know how much I love and appreciate my mom. She is the most amazing woman I have ever met, and I look up to her so much more than words could ever express. She is a perfect example of love, faith, charity, and just pure goodness...and SHE'S MY MOM!!! :)

This week has been a bit stressful, but we are blessed and always end up where we need to be. On Thursday, I had to leave my baby home (who went with another sister) while I went to training meetings in Davenport. Weirdest feeling ever, leaving your companion behind that you've been with 24/7 for the past 2 weeks....anyways...the meetings were great and helped me realize more of my purpose as a trainer. Luckily, my trainee is patient with me and understands that we are learning together...and that's truly what we are doing and I love it! I couldn't ask for a better companion! SHE'S AMAZING!!! ....and not to mention we have a lot of fun! :)

I was reminded this week of the importance of having a foundation built on the gospel. There are so many things that weigh us down and fight against us that if we aren't firm and steady in our beliefs and relationship with Christ, we will fall. The greatest gift we have ever received is the gift from God: His only Begotten Son...who came to this earth to take upon himself all our sins and afflictions and pains and sorrows...that we are able to overcome them. As we practice both the redeeming power and enabling power of the Atonement, we are able to "build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you because of the rock upon which ye are built..." There is a cross reference to Isaiah 28:16 that I related to this foundation. it says, "a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation." Our foundations don't start of sure...they are tried and tested...and as we overcome hardships and endure to the end, they become that sure foundation.

I'm sorry I didn't have much time today, but through the highs and the lows...all things are possible through our Savior Jesus Christ. I know He lives and loves each and every one of us...He knows our weaknesses and struggles, and WANTS to help us. I know Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God, that as we read we come closer to Him. I am so grateful I will be with my family for time and all eternity through the blessings of the temple. I know this church is the only true and restored church on the earth today.

I LOVE YOU!!!!

Love Always,

Sister Natalia Alston