So fam this week has been an interesting one. And so fatiguing. Not in the physical sense but in the mental sense. My trainee and I were just about to study for the day, when I asked him if he has ever read the Book of Mormon all the way through. He said No. Elder Linden's trainee has also never read the Book of Mormon all the way through. Now, as missionaries, our whole teaching and testifying... usually comes down to the Book of Mormon. If you know the BOM is true then you know that this church is true.. you know that Joseph smith was a prophet of god... yada yada yada. So it is imperetive, that you yourself can say that you have read the book all the way through, have prayed about it, and received the answer that it is true. You can receive a witness with out reading it all the way through. But as a missinoary that is a necessity. So, with permission, we are reading the book of mormon all the way through from Title page, to back cover. Its sevel hours reading at a time... and mix that in with conferece. Oh man, my head feels like jello. Im just gonna get a rugby ball today and just do something that doesnt require brain cells. Haha!
It has been exausting, but this week has also been spiritually powerful. Reading the Book of Mormon so often and Conference have filled me with the spirit to the spilling point. Conference is so amazing. The MTC, I was still making that transition to being a missionary. So this Conference was my first one as a MISSIONARY. You never have a better conference then when you are on your mission. Because you study to often, and teach so often, and talk about the doctrine... so often. You get a lot of questions. All of which I wrote down. All of which are answered. Some still require the study of the conference talks. But some, I got answered when I was watching the broadcast. There is nothing like writing some notes and then snapping your head up because an Apostle of the Lord just answered a question that you had. BEAUTIFUL! I have a whole list of things that are my Goals, Things to remember, and things to do with members from conference. I loved Elder Hales talk because it seemed to tell us of the importance of General Conferece. He told us how we can receive strength and protections, feel the spirits, and receive questions answered just by listening to General Conference. Not to mention the most important thing he said. I paraphrase. " Go home, prepare, and apply what you have learned in conference." We are being taught by the apostles, prophets, and teachers of the Lord. What are we doing with those teachings? Are we applying them into our lives and becoming better. Or are we leaving the teachings on the way side with our spiritual cup half full. Content with the little we got, or chose to take away. These teachings have been send to strengthen us! Every single talk has commitments for us to do, promises to principles we live, and reminders of convenants we are not living up to. All of these things which we should gladly look for. Strive to put into our lives and then go back and look for more.
Me and my companion already have a whole list of things to talk to members about that we heard in General Conference. Missionary work is not the Missionaries sole responsibility. Never was. But we need to be reminded of that. Hold a Family Missionary Council. Find people that you reach out to, Become their friends, and strengthen. Pray for missionary experiences, then look for them. When found, do not doubt the Lord! Go forth positively. He will give you the words to say. He will help you. D & C 84:88 "And whoso areceiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go bbefore your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my cSpirit shall be in your hearts, and mine dangelsround about you, to bear you up."
I can't wait to see how this conference is going to change me. Being a trainer has opened up my eyes as well. Its kind of like being a parent. You cook for them and clean until they learn how to. You show them how to wash their clothes, how to shop, etc. You even help them get dressed. I mean that you tell them what is appropiet to wear and what is not. But, most importantly. They watch your every step. You are their supreme example. YOU, instill in them the mission values that guide them for the rest of their 2 years. Thats a pretty sobering notion. I find my self double checking everything I do now. Is this music really mission worthy? Is this tie? Does my language match a representative of Jesus Christ? Am I working my hardest? I want my boy to have every advantage that he can. And in a way, its given me a good opportunity as well to look at myself. See what I have grown laps in. See what I can do to become better. Its been great! From conference I have taken the motto Be 100% humble ,to be 100% obedience, to have the spirit 100%.
Im sorry if this letter is kind of ranty. Im still not recovered from my really focuses week end. ;) Haha. But these are some things that have been on my soul and that give me joy to share with my family and friends. I love this Church family. I love the Doctrine of Christ. For in it we receive eternal happiness. I'm grateful for a family who is strong in the faith. For goodly parents who have taught me well. Im grateful for my Church leaders who have followed the spirit and have instructed me and made me stronger. This church isnt perfect. Its full of Imperfect people. But the awesome thing, is seeing this church turn those imperfect people, INTO perfect people. Or as close as we can get. Haha!
I love you guys all so much. Thank you for the prayers. Oh by the way my companions name is Elder Mortensen. He is a convert from Utah.... Didnt know it was possible. Haha! He is 20 years old. So that makes it a little interesting. My son is older then me. :) He is from South Jordan, and lives in the shadow of the Oquer mountain temple. He is a good artist and is pretty awesome. Ill try to send some pictures.
Love yall.
Elder Hale
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