Something I've Learned

I haven't really shared my thoughts on my Savior, Jesus Christ, and my Heavenly Father on my blog yet. But I think it's about time to change that! Over the year I have been serving them in the mission field, my perspective has changed dramatically. I have actually started to comprehend things as they truly are. I have gained strong, personal testimony of the divinity and mission of Christ and of the love, care, and mercy my Father in Heaven has for me. 

What scripture better exemplifies this love of both Savior and Father than John 3:16 which states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Heavenly Father, OUR Heavenly Father, sent His Son who willingly "...[suffered] pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind...that he may know according to the flesh how to succor to his people according to their infirmities," so that if we would only look to them, we would not fail (Alma 7:11-12).

That is love to me. They have given so much for us. And why? It's because they love us. All of us. I used to not know this. I knew about my Savior and I knew about my spiritual Father, but I didn't know them. I followed the things I had been taught because, truly, I did know that they were the right thing to do! But, I didn't understand WHY they were! I felt good when I went to church, when I served others, and when I drew closer to my family. That was my God and my Savior showing me their love. I felt better when I asked for forgiveness and when I changed bad habits. That was them showing their love. I felt these things, and could see goodness coming from the Gospel of Christ, but I didn't quite connect all the dots. Something was still missing, and I knew it! They were doing their part, and I was putting in the right actions, but my desire wasn't quite there yet. My desire to know them and to know without doubt that this was everything I was here on Earth to do! The whole plan was just a little to big for me at the time. I was still looking for what was in it for me?

I think I'm starting to get the whole picture now. Sloooowly but surely!! They love me, and now I feel I recognize their love and their gently influence in my life! As I serve as a full-time missionary, I have started to realize the WHY; why in the world I go to church every Sunday, and serve others, and ask for forgiveness, and read the scriptures, and knock on hundreds of doors, and give up two years of my life; why families are so important and how important it is to look outward and give everything of myself. It's because They love me I love Them too. My life as a disciple of Jesus Christ should be one giant showing of love. I think it's all starting to make a little bit more sense. I'm here in this life to learn how to love. To gain knowledge and understanding, start an eternal family, and give everything of myself because I love you and God loves you and our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, loves you. By doing so, I will finallly feel all the joy my deity want me to. We are all one big family! And what's supposed to be at the center of a family? The answer is love.

 Sometimes it just takes me a little while to get it, but don't worry, once I get it, it's here to stay!

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might livethrough him.

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another."

~1 John 4:7-11~

Gratitude

I am blessed.

I have an awesome family (if you know me you know it's true)! I was raised by two loving parents in a home filled with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have two brothers who are my best friends. I am in North Carolina, a place I've learned to love, helping others become filled with the love of Christ. I've lived in lots of places and met lots of people and realized that there are amazing people everywhere and that all the Earth is full of natural beauty created by a loving Heavenly Father. I have made mistakes that have helped me grow. I've also literally grown and can always reach the top shelf, so that's a plus. I'm happy and healthy. I've got clothes and food and a smile on my face. I don't think I could ask for a better life, actually!

But, I still struggle. I have times where I fail...fall short, miss the mark, come up shy. Where I'm not courageous enough, smart enough, or fast enough. Where things I can't control go wrong and life hurts a little bit. Sometimes, I get lost and confused because I feel like I'm so close to the prize but I can't find it anywhere. But, in every single last one of these moments, I ALWAYS have things I can be grateful for. THAT never changes.

"...gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us.

It surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair.

It blooms just as beautifully in the icy landscape of winter

as it does in the pleasant warmth of summer."

~President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I know that if we will look for the blessings in our life and hold them in our minds always, that we can whether any storm. Our Heavenly Father's loving influence can always be seen in our lives; we just have to take a second to look for it. If you do, I promise that you will live a happier life. Your joy will not be in a drought, but will be a beautiful lake.

"Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully 

do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be 

revealed."

~D&C 123:17

SORRY!!

Ok, FIRST I feel I need to apologize for not posting anything in such a long time!! What's wrong with me?? My bad, my bad...I'll do better in the future, I promise! It's been a crazy last few weeks though, not going to lie!

First of all, I GOT MY FIRST BAPTISM!!! It was an absolutely amazing. It went perfectly. It was of our investigator Victor. Here's a picture of it. And, of course, I have to have one of these as well! Anyways, he asked me to baptize him and it was such a powerful, spirit-filled experience to be able to be a part of such a sacred, eternal ordinance.

I was really excited to see Victor make such a wonderful choice, as well! He had been prepared for this day for sure. An honest, kind, caring, passionate individual whose greatest desire was to find what it was that his Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, wanted him to do in this life. He definitely found it! And I know that the rest of his life is going to be so much more vibrant and full of love, peace, and joy because of it.

The next thing I need to talk about is the fact that I got a new companion! You probably got that from the fact that you definitely don't know the new kid in that last picture. Yea, I don't think I've mentioned that yet, but Elder Garn has left and now Elder Poast is here! It's definitely a lot different! I mean, I only have to look down a few inches at him now instead of a foot. It's really throwing me off. He's an awesome Elder. Likes to work hard. Likes to have fun. And likes to have fun while he works hard. That's really all I could ask for! He says that the mission has changed him so much and that he has grown immeasurably already, but, that he knows that if he does everything he's supposed to, so many amazing things will continue to happen.

I'm excited for our companionship. We both want to get out there and help our ward find those people who are ready for the message we carry!

Other than that, only a lot has been going on. I am continually learning. It's unbelievable just how much I still don't know. I am in constant awe as I further and and more fully realize the depth and reality of both my Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. There are a couple scriptures that have really struck me lately:
"...all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and it motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator."
~Alma 30:44
EVERYTHING shows to me that there DEFINITELY is a God! We met a man, probably in his mid-twenties, a few days ago who said that he thinks that if there is no god and everything happened by accident, THAT would be a much bigger miracle than if someone had created it. I have to disagree with him. If we are sent here to start our journey to become like our Heavenly Father, I think it is much more miraculous that we can become being with such unfathomable abilities as to create worlds and universes!

Jesus Christ is my Savior, Heavenly Father love me, and this gospel is most definitely true.

Love Y'all!

Prayer

Lately, Elder Garn and I have had a real focus on three very important things. But, before I get to them, I'll just share the story from a member in our ward that lead us to really focus on these things with EVERYONE we teach!

The member was telling us that while he was on his mission (somewhere in South America), he was talking with the Bishop of the ward he was in. The Bishop explained to him, "I've been a bishop for a while. I've seen a lot of people come into my office with trials, seeking for help, and, without exception, each one of these people has been struggling with one or more of three things that has made it difficult for the Spirit to have a strong influence in their lives." He then proceeded to NOT tell us what these were because he wanted us to figure them out. Ahhhhh! It was killer. Let's just say, after some really good persuasion on our part, he finally told us. He said that the "magic cure", so to speak, is prayer, scripture study, and church attendance.

My first thought, "Well, that doesn't make sense, that's so easy!" But the next thought that immediately hit me was, "Well of course it is...my Heavenly Father WANTS me to be back with Him...why would He make it hard." He's not going to make us climb Mt. Everest, swim the English Channel, score a 36 on the ACT, and memorize all canonized scripture in order to make it back to him. No, he wants us ALL there. Or at least as many as he can possibly get back. So, He's made it simple. But the three simple things are extremely powerful.

I really just want to talk about the first one, prayer.

Prayer

Prayer is essential. What better way is there to build a relationship with our Heavenly Father than to actually enunciate our feelings, thoughts, desires, questions, concerns, struggles, and gratitude to Him? When I want to get close to someone, to really know them, be a part of there life, and love them, I don't just stand back, conceptualize what it would be like to have a friendship with them, and then move on. That would just be crazy! If I did that with my family, well, I wouldn't really know them at all! Sad. Thought.

In order to get to know our God, we must talk to Him. This is one of the first steps in recognizing Him in our lives. Through prayer, I believe we can start to discover the myriad of ways by which He shows His love to us.

First and foremost, one of my faaaavorite things to do during my own prayers, is THANK my Heavenly Father!!! He does so much for me! It's really unbelievable. He's blessed me with two amazing parents, two brothers who are definitely my best friends, the opportunity to serve a mission, a healthy body, and even my attitude of gratitude! The list could go on, but I think you get it. And we are ALL blessed; many times, we just don't recognize it.

So, praying with the intent to show gratitude can actually help us think back on our day and see Heavenly Father's glorious hand in our lives. One thing I like to do is keep a little journal next to my bed, and every night, right before I pray, I write down all the blessings I saw in my life that day. It's an way for me to see that God's watching out for me and has helped me realize that Heavenly Father cares about every part of our lives. Not just the big things like my mission, my family's safety, and helping me resist any temptations, but also little things like being able to memorize people's names, enjoying the weather and relaxing during a game of golf, or being able to have a good nights rest. He is watching over all of us always!

Prayer is also a commandment! Did you know that? In 2 Nephi 32:9 it says,

     But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.

We learn a few important things here:

1. We need to pray
2. We pray to Heavenly Father in Christ's name
3. We should pray before all things we do in life!

Not only can praying help us come to the realization that we are blessed and loved, but, through prayer we can also ask for help. As stated in number three above and in the quote, we should pray before all things that we do! But...why?? Well, here's a big reason. Heavenly Father LOVES us and WANTS to help us!! In the Bible Dictionary it says, "The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them." My thinking is, "why not have the most knowledgeable, wise, powerful, loving being in the universe help me with whatever it is I'm doing?"

Let's think of it this way. You are in a math test (life on earth) and Albert Einstein (Heavenly Father) is standing next to you ready to give you any help you ask for. Would you ask?? I sure would! Heavenly Father Wants to help us in this test of life. Why not ask for His help?

Lastly, prayer can help us get answers! "...ask, and ye shall receive..." (3 Nephi 27:29), "And whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given you." (3 Nephi 18:20). That one is kinda straight forward, I'd say. He WILL answer. We just have to have the faith and right intent so as to recognize those answers.

There's a lot of info here. A lot that all of you probably already know and understand. And that's really all it is, just a bunch of information, unless we use it. I pray. I pray many many times each and EVERY day! And when I mean the things that I say; when I show my true gratitude and sincerely ask for help from my Heavenly Father, I can feel the wonderful peace and comfort that come with His unconditional love.

Hampstead, North Carolina

Alright, I haven't updated y'all on my general happenings in a while! Well, I am no longer stationed in the Chapel Hill, North Carolina area, for one! Now I'm in the Hampstead ward! It's on the coast and it is AmAzInG!! I live in this place called Sneads Ferry. It's basically the best.

My new companion is Elder Garn. There he is! Whatta stud. 

We have a TON of fun together! It's ridiculous! A few things have changed. First, I now have way more motivation to run and exercise than I did before. It's called an ocean sunrise. So beautiful! We get to run on the beach every morning and then lift waits at home or do lunges or stairs or whatever we deem necessary. But it definitely helps you stay motivated when you are running towards something that beautiful.

Not to mention, I get to be reminded of just how amazing God really is every single day. The power and beauty of the ocean are just one reminder of it. As the tide goes in and out, pulled by the gravity of the moon, and the Sun rises, filling the Earth day in and day out with light and warmth, I'm reminded of fact that this life HAD to have been created by a supreme being. It just doesn't make sense to me otherwise. The way everything works together so perfectly is a testimony to me that there IS a God. A loving Heavenly Father.


Hampstead is also close to one of the biggest military camps in the country, Camp Lejeune! Every once-in-a-while we can hear bombs going off, artillery being shot, or we can see a battleship roamin' around off the coast. This also means we have a lot of military families in our ward! I have really grown to realize just how much these families sacrifice. One woman in our ward has been married for 3 years and has two kids. Of those 3 years she has been married, her husband has been home for 3 months! Another father is about to leave in a few weeks to be deployed, across the world from his family, for 10 months. I can't even imagine that kind of sacrifice! I mean, I'm away for 2 years, but I'm not in danger, or putting myself in life-threatening situations. I definitely have a lot more appreciation for those that are a part of the military.

One of my most recent experiences was playing with some crabs! Yup, some nice, well, not so nice blue crab. They are feisty little guys and they can definitely give you a reaaal good bite if you aren't paying attention.  It was fun! We might help the people that own the business for some service here in the near future. I'm definitely going to get some real good eatin down here! That's for sure! Looking forward to some grilled shrimp this Friday and basically every other sea food you can imagine in the next few months...I've never been much of a seafood person at all.....we'll see how this goes.

We have also had a ton of other great experiences! Like having a family home evening and cookout with two elderly women in our ward, building some awesome sand castles - yea, I made that turtle - and takin other pictures...#sunsoutshadeson

yea, I made that. 

S'mores @ Sister DuRant's

North Topsail Beach

Hampstead is AmAzInG!!!

Takin' a Step Back

In this world we all live in, we are busy and distracted by life: work, school, families, bills, and sports. I think the best way we can all do this is by remembering why we are here, who we really are, and the person who loves us more than anything.

Take a step back, look around you, and just take in the wonderful parts of life. They are given to us so that we might have joy!

Check this video out.

Called to Serve

Getting a mission call is a big thing! It really is. It's the place you are going to be living and serving for the next two years of your life! So, naturally, there is a lot of anticipation, nervousness, and imagining that happens when you start those papers. Once they're submitted, all that multiplies by 10! Are you going to go here or there? What if you go to Europe! South America! What if you have to learn a crazy language!? Those are definitely many of the topics of conversation.

My Cousin, Elder Taylor, in Brazil.

What really matters, though, is are you willing to serve with all your "hear, might, mind and strength"? I didn't get called to another country. I don't get to learn a new language. I don't get to experience an entire new culture. Was I a little disappointed? Yea, I was. But that was because I hadn't fully realized what my purpose was! If I had gone to another country I may have been able to baptize people and help them come unto Christ, but, would they have been the right people? Would they have been the spirits I had PROMISED to find, and testify of the Living Christ to?? No, they wouldn't have been. North Carolina is where God wants me to be. When that realization really hit me, I got REALLY excited. I was going to go find, teach, and baptize those precious souls!!! And now I'm doing it! I'm searching everyday; testifying left and right about Jesus Christ. Nothing makes me happier than being able to serve my Savior and my Heavenly Father by spreading the knowledge of their infinite, unconditional love.

So, while all my friends are off in Italy, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador,  Mexico, Germany, Hungary, and Denmark, I have the amazing pleasure of serving my beautiful brothers and sisters here in North Carolina. As we all, as missionaries and members, magnify our callings  wherever we are in the world, we are doing Christ's work; we are spreading love, joy, and peace to the lost sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father! How amazing is that!?

And what is the most important thing to remember? It's that God loves you. He loves you, is watching over you, and is thinking about you constantly! He is pouring you out blessings all the time.

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for god is love."

~ 1 John 4:7-8

The Good Shepherd

SNOOOOOOW!

SNOOOOOOOW! Finally. I have been waiting for Christmas since....well....Christmas, but it just didn't feel like coming until now. We got 6 inches, though! Not bad at all for North Carolina. It created a lot of concern and lead to all public schools being closed for over a week and both Duke and UNC for 2 days! Kinda crazy to us Westerners, but ok!

It was beautiful; everything covered in a gorgeous, flawless layer of pure white. I was on exchange, at the time, with another missionary (one of our Zone Leaders, not Elder Bodily), and we went outside right as we woke up to take some pictures.

I absolutely love the sound of the snow crunching underneath my feet and how it muffles the sound of everything. Everything seems to be at peace. It definitely reminds me of the many days, back in Sun Valley, Idaho, when I'd be up on the mountain skiing. You get to the top of the mountain and you get to look over the top of miles of snow covered landscape, then, you head down the hill just listening to sound of each cut that you make. Lots of those times are when I felt the strongest that there definitely is a God. Who else could create such a beautiful Earth?


The snow also plowed the way for Elder Bodily and I to follow Jesus Christ's footsteps and offer service to all those in need. We called our bishop right as we got home and asked what members of our congregation would need help shoveling their driveways so they could get out, and he gave us a big ole' list of people and a couple of shovels! Then, it was off to work!

We started at about 10 o'clock, and shoveled non-stop until 5:30 that night! We certainly got in our workout for the day...that's for sure...But it was worth it!

We were able to help 7 elderly couples from our ward and they showed us more love and appreciation than we deserved! We weren't looking for anything, in fact, one thing I've grown to love is doing something nice for absolutely nothing in return! There's a warmth in that kind of service that you just can't get doing anything else.

Jesus Christ gave us two wonderful scriptures to demonstrate the need for service. The first, is the thirty-first verse of the twelfth chapter of Mark, which reads "...Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

The second verse is in the seventeenth verse of the second chapter of Mosiah, saying, "...when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." Both verses show us that service is something the Lord requires of us, but, when we find we are truly seeking to follow Him, it is not a burden at all, but something we do selflessly, as an expression of true love for Him.

With that, I am not only grateful for the opportunity I've had to give small acts of service, like I did shoveling, but I am also thankful for the wonderful opportunity to serve my Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, by being a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! It is an amazing blessing.

An Apostle of the Lord

What an amazing week this last week has been! Elder Bodily and I were privileged to be able to hear words from one of the Prophets, Seers, and Revelators on this earth, Elder D. Todd Christopherson; an Apostle of the Lord.

Our mission was able to get together this last Friday and listen and learn from the wise, and spirit-filled, words of Elder Christopherson. What a wonderful opportunity it was! Whenever I have imagined these men, these Apostles, I have always imagined them having been given something more than the rest of us humans have -an extra gene or chromosome or something!- but, being able to hear his words and be in his presence, I realized that he is a child of God, on earth for the same reasons as I am, and has been called to a High and Holy Calling. He wasn't given anything special; no special powers or automatic Faith and perfect knowledge. He had to gain it all, just like I am, to be where he is!

"In a way, that's the goal of our lives; to submit our will to his."

One of the most powerful things I was able to learn from him, or to be clearer, that he said and the Spirit bore witness to, was about the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The infinite power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye

ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized

in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the

reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand

spotless before me at the last day.

~3 Nephi 27:20

The Atonement of Jesus Christ does much more than forgive us of our sins. Through the Holy Ghost and the Power of the Atonement the stains on our souls are completely removed; as if nothing ever happened. Kinda Awesome in my opinion.

Use this Gift! Every single day! 

Happiness

Happiness. Probably the most desired feeling...the most desired possession, in existence, is many times one of the hardest to feel like you have gained. But, why? Why is it so hard to gain? Why is it so hard to hold on to? Why can we never seem to keep it once we feel we have it; once we feel we are finally happy? My thoughts, coming from personal study and some insightful discussions in recent church meetings, are that Satan, the Father of Deceit, has managed to warp the world's definition of this happiness that I am, as I'm sure all of you are, trying to securely lay hold of.

So, first, to make this post make any sense, the definition of happiness, true happiness, needs to be standardized and clarified. Today, in our busy, modern, hectic, demanding lives, I think all of us have seen having happiness as having "things"-at least at some point in our lives. I know that I have! I've wanted the newest phone or the funnest vacation or the highest grades, and the list can go on and on and on. I feel I can safely say that most of us have done that. Whether or not that definition still stands for us, it certainly is the general consensus of the world, aaaaaand, frankly, it's just not right! It isn't! I know because I've tried it before!

But many of us know that already. Happiness can't be found in these things because they aren't lasting. And, to be honest, nothing is guaranteed to make us feel the elated, blissful, "I'm going to explode" kinda happiness ALL of the time. There is another kind of happiness though. One that can be kept. And it's a little bit different than what we normally think of as happiness.

I'm going to say something kinda crazy here. We can by happy all the time. Take part of this definition of happiness from lds.org, for example, "As we seek to be happy, we should remember that the only way to real happiness is to live the gospel. We will find peaceful, eternal happiness as we strive to keep the commandments, pray for strength, repent of our sins, participate in wholesome activities, and give meaningful service.". "Hold on a minute!", is what I said to myself the first time I read that. If we are praying for strength, that means we are going through struggles. If we are needing to repent, that means we have sinned, felt sorrow, guilt, and maybe even shame? How can this be happiness?

One answer is that we are working towards earning eternal happiness! Eternal JOY! I can't wait for that day when I am with my Savior and Heavenly Father again!!! But I think there is a better answer.

Happiness, by the scriptures, is not just the moment that our brains recognize the chemical causing us to feel "happy", but it is a way of living. Many ancient cultures considered it exactly that! It was not one distinct feeling, but the culmination of the choices that we make. In a sense, happiness is not just a thing that we GET, but something that we DO. It is the joy of our SPIRITS, not our BODIES. To help this make a little more sense, here are words from Jesus Christ himself, said in a revelation to Joseph Smith,

"Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full. Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul." D&C 101:36-37






Much of what we experience on earth is with our bodies and our minds. Our spirits, however, are eternal, powerful beings! With a knowledge far greater than what we "know" because of the veil that has been placed over it. As we are put through trials, no matter how hard, as long as we work to continue to follow Jesus Christ our spirits are THRIVING! They are growing and strengthening! As we repent, we are following what Jesus Christ has asked of us and our spirits are becoming pure. Even as we make mistakes our spirits are maturing and developing, as long as it's followed by true repentance.

In 1 Peter 1:7 it says, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, thought it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." Our trials, hardships, and pains are precious because they allow us to change, mature, and develop greater testimonies and further conversions - both things that make our spirits happy.

So, everyone, I'd just like to propose that y'all try out this new look on happiness! "Happiness is a condition of the soul. [A] joyous state [that] comes as a result of righteous living" (True Happiness, Hoyos).

Happiness is not just a fleeting moment of blissful feeling, smiles, and laughter, but a way of life!! It is a choice. It is following Jesus Christ.

Be Happy. Live Righteously. Love Life. Hardships, trials, and mistakes included. Lasting happiness can be gained, enjoyed, and kept because of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, and his atoning sacrifice.

HOPE!!! It's what we all need!

Well, the work here in Chapel Thrill (Hill), North Carolina continues to be just plain amazing! The last week or so has been just great! Really good things are going to be happening! I can FEEL it!!!

Anyways, let's start off with some updates on some of the best investigators in the entire world. Josh...oh Josh, how you test me, in a good way though! Josh has got to be one of the most Bible savvy people I have ever encountered. His knowledge of every single pivotal moment is basically flawless! So, you can imagine, he asks some really good, thought-provoking questions that have lead me to a much more thorough investigation of the Bible. It has been a growing experience.

The good thing is that he isn't asking them to argue or "bash", but to be thorough. He wants to make sure he knows our churches stance on many of the parables, and such, so that he can have a deeper knowledge of the teachings of our church and the teachings of Jesus Christ. He is soooo great! Has a baptismal date and knows it's true! Just gotta keep him laser-focused these next couple months.

He also came to basketball with us last night! Which was AwEsOmE! I have two favorite quotes of his that made my night. The first was, "Well, I'm not really a basketball player, so......it's good exercise right??" Haha, he was just fine, by the way. The second wasn't really something he said with his mouth, more with his eyes.  I had a pretty good put back (surprised myself actually) and his look said "what in the world!? How is this lanky dude doing this!?". It felt good...real good.

We have had a couple lessons with one of our younger investigators, Peter. Peter is incredible, really. He has read all the way into Alma, all by himself. He has accepted a baptismal date, and continues to want to do all that he can to come closer to Jesus Christ. It is really humbling to see the actual power of the Atonement in him as he works and changes and sets himself in line with the gospel standards so that he can receive a divine witness of the truthfulness of the message the Book of Mormon shares. I'm am ecstatic to see his future progress! I'll keep y'all updated!

I think I'd like to share one quick thought with y'all about something I've studied, pondered, and been able to define with greater clarity for myself these last few weeks if that's alright?.....actually....ha.....you don't really have a choice ;-P

Anyways, HOPE. Hope has taken on a bit of a new meaning. I think we many times think of hope as something unsure or wavering. For example, I hope for a pony for Christmas!!! YAAAAAYYY!!!!! Ooooooor....I really hope Mom doesn't notice I broke that fancy candle stand thing again (true story). And this use of the word definitely isn't incorrect. Language has evolved so significantly since the time of the scriptures conception that the scriptural meaning of "Hope" can be lost on us - I know it was for me.

In the language of the gospel, however, the word hope, is sure, unwavering, and active. Moroni taught in Ether 12:4 that "Whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God". Hope is not these fragile wishings, but something sure and promised by our Savior, Jesus Christ. I have hope that through the power of the Atonement I can become a more Christ-like person and live with my Father in Heaven again. I have hope that because the sealing power has been restored on earth, I will live with my family eternally. I have hope that when I pray, I will receive an answer. And all of these things I have hope for because of my faith in Jesus Christ.

In many ways, hope is our motivator. When I'm discouraged and my faith is withering, hope in God's promises can uphold me. When I'm annoyed or tempted to speak ill of others, hope can push me to continue to be charitable, even when I might think a person might merit it. Faith, hope, and charity work together, totally dependent on one another to help create harmony. They build upon each other and help the other continue. But, hope is the conqueror of despair, the victor over heartach, and catalyst to a stronger resolve to continue in the face of hardship.

Have hope! The grass is greener on the other side.


also...here are some pics....don't judge me too hard.

 Classic shot...enjoy?

 Found this awesome outside classroom. Nature study...I think yes!!! Except for Elder Bodily...he just does what he wants.

I think I can...

Good Golly. My legs will be sooooore tomorrow!

Elder Bodily and I decided we were gonna do some WORK today! ....not that we don't do work on other days...but this day, especially. We left the apartment about 10 o'clock and proceeded to bike...till 2:30. Basically, we were trying to deliver a Book of Mormon to someone, successfully did that! Theeen we got lost. Like, really lost. Out in the forest basically. I'll include a couple pictures to illustrate my point.

Anyways, we managed to find our way back to where we were trying to go, and had a really wonderful experience! We were tracting out an apartment complex and had had 0 luck. It was starting to get a little discouraging, when we decided to knock one last door. Seems kinda cliche doesn't it? At least in the Mormon world of missionary work, it does. But I think that there is definitely a reason for that. In fact, the scriptures say there is! In D&C chapter 58 verse 4 it says, "For after much tribulation come the blessings."
Basically, after we have suffered our trial, if we have endured faithfully, THAT's when we will be blessed!

 Anyways, we knocked it. No answer. Knocked again. No answer. We left and were a good 30 or 40 feet away when we heard the door open! We whipped around and there stood Darlene. Of course, we didn't know that was her name yet, but we couldn't wait to talk to her! We rushed back and talked to her for a good 10 minutes. We were even able to share a scripture and say a prayer with her!

Now, I'll be honest, I don't know exactly what will come of this wonderful contact we were blessed with, but I know that there was a reason we needed to meet her; whether it was just to lift her up in a time of need, encourage her in her search for Christ, or begin to lead her through the steps of repentance to baptism, I'm not sure. But I have faith, and a desire, to do all I can for her. A faith that was further strengthened by a fulfillment of the promise that "AFTER much tribulation come the blessings".

I love being a missionary! I especially love all the tender mercies I'm able to witness each and every day.

This is Duke Forest!!

And this is us not knowing where we are at all.

So cold, so rainy, #dointhework

Elder Bodily and I havin' a good ole time

This Blog is About to get Real

Alright, everyone, this blog is about to actually become a blog. I think I'm gonna kind of use it to really just keep a running narration of my adventures and amazing, spirit-filled, missionary moments!!! 

So, to start, tomorrow is our SUUUUUPER IIIIINVITATION SUNNNNNNDAAAAAAAY (meant to be said in a Nacho Libre sounding wrestler's announcing voice)!!!! I think it is going to be really good! Basically, every single ward in our entire mission-probably close to like 45 or 50 wards-are going to be having all of their members try to invite someone to church that day! It is going to be sooooooo goooooood! We have been going around to all the members we possibly can inviting everyone to invite everyone to church! The speakers and all the lessons are going to be teaching topics and lessons that will help explain and show our basic beliefs about Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. Elder Bodily and I are hoping to have 6 of our investigators there tomorrow! FAITH!!!

Speaking of Elder Bodily, he's my new companion!!! He's from Springville, Utah. I'm training him, so in missionary slang, he's my boy, my son, my mission posterity. Being his trainer also means that I will be in Chapel Hill till at least the first week of April! So excited! There are so many people here I want to see baptized...soooo many.

The Beauty of the Atonement

The power of the Atonement is infinite. 
Anyone, anywhere, can be forgive because
of the Sacrifice of  Jesus Christ.
Take the gift he gave us, use it, open the windows, and let the sunshine in.