So this week was good and been a lot of the same stuff for almost 9 months in Rio. Teaching, walking and serving people every day. Its incredible how we do the same routine everyday but every day is different. We meet new families every day and teach them. This week, we talked with over 200 new people in the street or at their homes. I've learned a lot about making goals and putting forth the extra effort. I've learned that doing "the bare minimum" never leads to anything except "an alright day". I heard another missionary say recently that the miracles and true results will never come until you do everything you can... and then a little bit more. I've seen this happen a lot. For sure, these past 11 months have been the least lazy months of my life. Learning to use your time wisely and work effectively are life skills that each and every one of us should learn and apply to our daily lives. Its been a good week but I know that this next week will only be better.

The Spiritual message of the week comes from another talk that I read this week that I studied and wrote some personal thoughts on the matter. I learned about the importance of prayer in times of trials and difficulties. Prayer is more than just a commandment or formality that we do just because we think we should. Prayer is a privelege that we have to converse with our loving Heavenly Father. Prayer, with real intentions and a desire to know the will of the Lord, can be the door and pathway to have a life guided by God through His holy spirit. Prayer brings peace, comfort, and a true knowledge that God exists and that He loves us. Prayer that is insinsitive and that lacks faith, with words spoken quickly just to "go through the motions", is disrespectful and useless. The personal thoughts and feelings that we share with God in prayer need to be words that are truly "written upon our hearts".

Well I really hope everyone is enjoying the Spring break with snow! Its been cooler this week in the mid to high 80s! Well I love you guys and hope to hear from you soon.

Elder Jared Knotts