Happy New Years Everyone!!!

Happy New Years everyone!!!

Wow, I can't believe it's 2017 already. When I wrote the date in my journal I just kind of stared at it for a bit. The kids that were freshman in high school when I was a senior are graduating this year... that's crazy! Makes feel old.

But we had the absolute BEST end to a year that you could ever imagine!! My girl Kaili from the Tongan Stake got baptized and she asked me to sing at her baptism!! It was absolutely amazing, the Spirit there was undeniable, and I'm so insanely proud of Kaili for making the decision to follow Jesus Christ by being baptized and covenanting to always remember him, keep his commandment, and take his name upon herself by doing the things he did. Kaili is one of those people where when she sees something good and true, she will go after it. And once she knows what she need to do she will stick with it because, she knows! Like a moth to a flame. When I saw Kaili at the musical fireside in December she told me she wanted to serve a full time mission a year after she was baptized. She is still holding true to that and I know that with the support of her family, friends and most of all Jesus Christ, there is nothing that can hold this girl back from doing anything she sets her heart and mind to and obtaining all the blessings Heavenly Father has in store for her. Kaili is a role model to me, and I have prayed to be able to teach someone like her. I'm so honored she asked me to sing at her baptism and that I got the opportunity to be one of her missionaries. She is like a sister to me now and I can't wait to witness her going through the temple to receive her endowments in 1 year!

I can't possibly think of a better New Years resolution than the one Kaili made, committing to become more like the Master Jesus Christ by being baptized and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. We all make commitments in the new year to ourselves and others that we will eat healthier, exercise more, be nicer to our families, etc. and we ask our friends and families to help hold us accountable and give us encouragement. But what about making a commitment to God to follow His Son? How many of us commit to going to church in the new year? Or reading the scriptures and praying everyday? Let's all of us make a New Years resolution to God of what we will do to take better care of ourselves SPIRITUALLY this year. Let's all make the commitment to do something that will increase our faith in Jesus Christ this year, to learn more of him.

Especially if that means learning from the missionaries and making the commitment to be baptized! Let God hold you accountable to your New Years resolution of following His Son by entering into a covenant with Him. And the best part is, He will give you the Gift of the Holy Ghost to be your motivator, guide, and support! God loves us all so much that He will do everything in His power to help us become the people we were born to become. I know that as we seek His counsel and follow it in this new year, we will make the year of 2017 the best year ever. 

We will see miracles in ourselves and those around us.

I can honestly say that 2016 has been the best year of my life because I have spent it completely immersed in learning about Jesus Christ and learning to love people the way he did, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I still have sooo much I want to learn and improve on in this new year and I'm excited for all the wonderful opportunities that lie ahead!

I love you all SO SO much!! I hope you had a great New Years and everyone stayed safe. I miss you all like crazy!

Love,

Sister Abby Martinez