I've been so busy!

I am sorry that I haven't posted anything recently! I have been so busy up here in Williston! It is not a describable place. It is like any other small country town, but It has been filled with so many trucks and outlined with trailers and apartments. It's almost like a peanut with a shell of oil workers and an inside of old town folk. The population has exploded from about 18 thousand (I think) to way over 30 thousand (I think) in the past couple of decades (I think). Could someone please look that up for me? My dad also just informed me that Williston is currently the #1 most expensive place in the USA to rent an apartment right now. WOW I'm actually at the top of a list for once in my life!

I'll share one thing this week. When I got the call to come to Williston, I received an assignment with more responsibility than I've had through the rest of my mission. As I travelled from Casper, I thought a lot about my new assignment. I have observed other missionaries perform this assignment, and I felt that I was incapable of carrying it out very well. Well, I was right, but there's more! We were listening to music on the way up, and "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" came on. The lyrics are:

1. I know that my Redeemer lives.

What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

He lives, he lives, who once was dead.

He lives, my ever-living Head.

He lives to bless me with his love.

He lives to plead for me above.

He lives my hungry soul to feed.

He lives to bless in time of need.

2. He lives to grant me rich supply.

He lives to guide me with his eye.

He lives to comfort me when faint.

He lives to hear my soul's complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears.

He lives to wipe away my tears.

He lives to calm my troubled heart.

He lives all blessings to impart.

3. He lives, my kind, wise heav'nly Friend.

He lives and loves me to the end.

He lives, and while he lives, I'll sing.

He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

He lives and grants me daily breath.

He lives, and I shall conquer death.

He lives my mansion to prepare.

He lives to bring me safely there.

4. He lives! All glory to his name!

He lives, my Savior, still the same.

Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:

"I know that my Redeemer lives!"

He lives! All glory to his name!

He lives, my Savior, still the same.

Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:

"I know that my Redeemer lives!"

The line that stood out to me is "He lives, my Savior, still the same." I know that Jesus Christ suffered all of our pains when He performed the Atonement (Isaiah 53:3-5). However, I felt it in a deeper sense than I ever have before. I know that He is exactly the same today as He was the second after He rose from the dead. As a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, my duty is to represent the Savior in all that I do, and perform whatever actions he would if he were in my position. Therefore, He knows exactly how I felt when I received this assignment. To be like Jesus Christ, especially on a larger scale as I am assigned to do now, is very overwhelming. I was so worried that I would fall short, but when I heard this song, I was comforted. The Atonement is not a far distant event for our Savior. He does not look back on it like we might on an instance of traumatic pain in our lives. The sense of agony is still perfectly vivid in the memory of the Lamb of God. Right now, He exists and can perfectly tune in to our trials. The stress of my responsibilities is something that He can relate to as if He were in my shoes right now, and the same connection with Him is available to everyone today. You can receive strength from above. Get on your knees daily and confess your weaknesses before God. Plead with Him with all of your heart for help. He will not leave you on your own. I have heard this so many times, but to experience it so strongly was a new experience for me. I know that we can receive grace from our Lord as we humble ourselves and strive to serve Him with every ounce of our heart. This is the testimony that God has given me, and I want everyone else to be able to experience it as well.

Matthew 11:28-30:

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

 

 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

 

 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Happy Easter!

My companion got a book of 108 Hello Kitty fake tattoos for Easter, and he let me use one :) I probably haven't put one of these on since I was 7 or 8, but I remember my mom putting dinosaurs on my hands! Today we are going to play soccer for our P-day activity, and I know for a fact that I'll run faster with Hello Kitty on my leg.

For Easter, we have been sharing a 3 minute video with everyone we can about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Please check it out! the url is mormon.org/becauseofhim.

As I have watched it, I have had many thoughts come into my mind. Many people in the world today who face many pains and challenges look at their trials as evidence that we do not have a loving Heavenly Father. To me, this is a logical idea that shows the faults of human understanding. We learn from Isaiah 55:8-9 that God's thoughts are not our thoughts. He allows us to go through physical pains and temporal struggles to make us stronger. Jesus Christ's life was given in pain (Isaiah 53:3-5) yet he never for a second doubted His Fathers will or his divine mission to save us, His spiritual family. Our Savior knew that physical welfare and spiritual welfare do not always reflect one another in an immediate sense. Often, severe physical trials are a requirement to strengthen our spirits to their full potential. But, if we live the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can be assured that we will be able to live in a world after this life with no physical pain, no heartbreak, no guilt, and no challenges. We will live forever in a state of perfect happiness and peace. However, if we forget our Creator and seek the vain things of the world, we have no such promise. Pleasures of the world, such and drugs, alcohol, sex, or even public recognition, are all spiritual dangers that can lead us to sin against our Father in Heaven. Many of these pleasures do seem good because they can immediately benefit our physical senses, but the only way to obtain everlasting rewards both spiritually and physically is to follow Jesus Christ. As I have tried my best to live His gospel, I have learned and grown under the grace of my Savior. I am certain that He lives now and that he came to earth as my personal Savior. Please turn to Him, and He will not forsake you or forget to reward you. Don't give up if you feel that God has forsaken you. I know that those who patiently wait on the Lord will not be forgotten.

Flat Tire, Full Heart

I know that the title may not make sense with the picture because my heart most certainly does not look full. But yes, we did get a flat tire this week. In the front seat is one of the other missionaries calling the mission office in Rapid City to let them know...

But really, my heart has been full. Serving a mission is a great opportunity. The work does not always show success, but I am constantly growing as a person. It is sad when people do not accept the gospel, but both when the work is slow and when it is going well, I learn valuable lessons. I am learning to be patient. I am learning how to trust in the Lord and recognize His influence in my life. I am learning how to relate the gospel to life, and to help others through their struggles, which I know will bless me for my entire life. I am learning to view others as Christ would and to treat them with love, as He would. The opportunities that God gives each of us will either help us to become more like Christ or distance us from Him. If we do not use each opportunity to become a better person, we will not fulfill our maximum potential for happiness.

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." -John 17:3

Let us learn about Jesus Christ, because we know that He followed perfectly the will of the Father. As we strive to live more and more as Christ did, we will grow closer to Him and to our Father in Heaven. "Life eternal" is living in complete happiness forever. There will be no heartache; no pain; no physical limitations as we turn our hearts to God and let our actions each day exemplify the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. Let us also remember that even after our best efforts, it is only because of the sacrifice of our Savior that we may achieve eternal life. 

"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God. And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot." -Moroni 10:32-33

Free Food!!

Lately, we've been volunteering at a food bank two times a week. I finally got up the courage to ask for some food, and now I have snacks for the next few months! YES. I have a lot to do today so I'll make this short.

Last week I talked about the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and this past weekend we all had the opportunity to hear from the prophet and apostles by broadcast. As I listened to their words, there was no doubt in my mind that they are appointed by God to lead the Church. They are the way by which God can communicate to the whole world in modern language. Next week, I will share some of their words, because they are not yet available on the website. But, the videos are available, so please watch this talk from President Henry B. Eyring.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2014/04?lang=eng&vid=3434748289001&cid=12

Have a great week!

I don't care what's on the calendar, it is so NOT SPRING

Today, we woke up to at least 3-4 inches of snow on the car. No need for further explication. Here is our "palabra del dia" board that I've been meaning to share.

We've been doing this for about a month now, and among my favorite words are "pilluelo" (mischievous) and "mezquino" (wretched/miserly). Now for the story behind the broken board. It hasn't always been hanging up, so it used to be leaning against the table. I may have mentioned that I like to practice handstands at night. Well, I got a pretty good one and apparently I got too excited, because I somehow tipped over right on the whiteboard and snapped it :(

Just a quick scripture today. Ephesians 2:19-20

 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

This is how Jesus Christ set up His Church when He was on the earth. He also taught that we must be baptized in order to enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:5, Mark 16:16). In Ephesians 4:5 we learn that there is to be one baptism. In 1 Cor. 12 we learn about the body of Christ. The body of Christ, or His Church, is the Kingdom of God on the earth, which we may be baptized into. If we then continue following Christ to the end of our lives, we have the promise of everlasting life. That is worth so much more than any pursuit available to us here on earth. Our Father in Heaven wants us to have families, careers, friends, recreation, and other things in our lives. We just need to make sure that He comes before any of these things, and as we pursue these things, we must make sure to put God's will as the top priority, then we will have success. Perhaps it won't come immediately, but I believe the promise found in proverbs 3:5-6. I testify that the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ as explained in Ephesians is important for our day (Ephesians 4:11-14). I testify that Prophets and Apostles are on the earth today to guide the Church. I realize that this statement carries a lot of weight, and I don't expect you to believe me. Think about what I've said and take it to God in sincere prayer. If you really want to know and you are willing to act based off of the answer you receive, you will definitely receive an answer. If you really want to find the truth behind what I'm saying, you will also meet with the missionaries. I have by no means given you enough information, but the missionaries will. They can help you see why it is important for you. Our Father in Heaven wants us all to find the truth in our lives. That is why there is 85,000 missionaries throughout the globe. It is the work of God to bring all to the knowledge of the truth. He expects people to search in faith, and not wait for an answer.

 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."  -Hebrews 11:6

 

How Do You Like Your Eggs?

I like mine farm fresh! We stopped by a members house, and they have their own chickens! They sell them, but to us they were kind enough to give some away :) I could definitely tell a difference from store-bought eggs.

Yesterday all of the missionaries from here in Casper took a trip out to Martin's Cove, so that's why I didn't make a post. Martin's Cove is a historical site where some of the pioneers got caught in an early winter storm in 1856. They camped there for five nights because they could not move on due to weather and lack of strength. They waited there for assistance. It is a worthwhile spot to consider as a stop on a vacation. It really helped me to appreciate even more the sacrifices of the early members of the Church to travel across the country. The highlight, however, had nothing to do with history. As we waited for our lunch (don't expect lunch there unless you are a missionary :)), we were shown a video on families that is only presented in LDS visitor centers. I told my parents of the experience:

"Yesterday at Martin's Cove we watched a video about families, which was a very tender experience. I though a lot about CarrieAnne, grandma Dudley, and other members of the family. It also made me very excited and anxious for starting my own family. The responsibility and the joy of families both weighed on me and showed in my emotions. I know that out of the many people who teach me in life, other than Jesus Christ, none of their influences will ever rival that of my parents, until perhaps I am able to learn from my spouse and my children."

For a little bit of information, my parents had a baby girl pass away at ten months about 3 years before I was born, and my grandma recently passed away. These events bring sadness because of the absence of people so dear to us, depending on how close we were with them, but they also bring us closer to God and make us stronger if we let them. Because of the gospel , I know that the sweet memories that we have with our loved ones in life do not stand alone, for we have the eternities to create more with them. This possibility comes from living the gospel of Jesus Christ. I imagined my grandparents free from all imperfections of health, as I know I will meet them after this life. Only because of Jesus Christ can we hope to be free of cares and suffering in the next life. However, the knowledge that I can share everlasting joy with my family members is what motivates me to follow Christ. I would have little motivation to do God's will if I didn't know that it would lead me to a life with my family forever. God's choice social unit is the family, both here and  especially after we leave this world, where we will not have any of the concerns that we face here. Jesus Christ is my reason to hope. My family is my reason to work. And, the Holy Spirit that I feel in my heart when I bring myself humbly and wholly to God is how I know that it is real.

Miss Me I'm Irish

Happy St. Patrick's day everyone! It's always fun to participate in a little holiday spirit! Luckily it landed on a preparation day! (Mondays are our day to take off of proselyting to get ready for the week - Preparation day)

This past weekend has been transfer time, which happens every six weeks. On these weeks, we have the chance of moving to another area. For the next six weeks, I will still be here with Elder Bell. I am so happy, because we have a great time (see picture) but still stay focused on the work.

Each week, our mission president sends out a mass email to all of the 230+ missionaries in our mission with advice or spiritual thoughts. This week, I'd like to talk about something he said. He suggested that as we teach people how to pray, we ask them "If God were in the room right now, what would you ask Him?" Making our prayers as a conversation with our Father in Heaven is a very important skill to learn. It is hard to imagine a real, tangible being who can hear our communications to Him and those of everyone else who makes such attempts. That is an amazing, miraculous concept. If we can imagine speaking in direct conversation to Him, however, we will learn to grasp that concept and we will become aware of it's truthfulness. As I have taken the time to truly imagine my Father listening to me as I pray, my prayers become more sincere and earnest, and my faith in God develops as the answers become more easily recognizable. Practicing this daily has brought me a surety that God hears are prayers and that He has a deep, unconditional love for each of us. In psychology class, the suggestion was made that many religious people can have imaginary relationships with a higher power that they believe in. This caused me to wonder, but I beg to differ. Those who call upon the Lord in sincerity can feel indescribable influences come into their heart and mind. Prayer is a very real gift. It is a true line of communication with the Father of our spirits, inexplicable by science or reason. I invite each of you to pray to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, as the Savior himself taught. He wants to be an influence in your life. There are not many who want to influence your life, motivated 100% by a desire for your well-being, and nobody, even you, knows what you need better than Him.