Dear Mom,
This week went by so fast! Well, the first week really stunk. The second week started to pick up. The only downer is that we had a lot of lessons with recent converts and less actives, but not very much with actual investigators. They aren't home, don't keep appointments...not really easy to get a hold of. Welcome back to Spanish work! Palmdale is really nice, nice and slow, but that's also a downside. It's a bit interesting in trying to speak to ten random people in the streets when no one walks around up here in the desert. Instead, we do a lot of door knocking. I was starting to get away from that in my last area and the one before that, so I guess the Lord wants me to knock some doors up here. No problem, I'll do it. Not my favorite, but it works once in a while. The bike is doing alright, I'm getting used to it a little. My butt hurts a lot, feels like a rock at times, but it's going well so far.
Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that I ate a chile habanero. Holy snap it was freaking hot. I was burning up inside and I had trouble staying alert. I nearly passed out at one point. I sweated for an hour straight after that, and I had to take Imodium the next day so I wouldn't feel bad at church. We (myself, Austin, and my comp Giles) ate it as a part of our ward's talent show/Thanksgiving celebration. It was not a good experience.
Giles and I get along fine, but he's quite the quiet one to be honest. It was hard this week because he was obviously depressed and wouldn't tell me why. It was because we had absolutely no investigators up here so we knocked a lot of doors without much success the first half of the week. It was ironic because at district meeting for our stewardships we told the district we have no investigators at all and then at the end of the weekend we had at least three or four potentials. It really helped that I did the training on how to adjust teaching in contact situations, and we did a practice on a tracting situation. I did it to start, and it went pretty well. We got our zone leader Elder Chamberlain to do the second practice, and he just blew us all away. He did spectacular! I wanted to go through one more practice, but we were out of time. I was able, with the Lord's help, make that training exciting and enthusiastic, because it wasn't me that was speaking or teaching or testifying, it was the Spirit. I hadn't felt that happy in a while when I was training in front of the district. I hope the district learned from it. Enthusiasm! So that was something I've been trying to work on this past week, be upbeat, positive, and dig in there and work hard, and little by little we are seeing some fruits. Later, at our lunch appointment, we shared a thought on charity, and good Sister Hidalgo, who is a mother to me, absorbed it. I really feel at home when we visit her, and she really does her best to apply what she learns to her life.
But, this week we've spent a lot of time with members, active and less active. A lot of these LA's are just lazy and don't want to make commitments, so they're not going to be visited as much unless they sign up for dinner. Oh well, such is the missionary life. A lot of biking here and there all week, appointments fall through, we knocked doors, we visited less actives. That was our week basically. Until we get to Turkey Day! So we played football as a zone, and that was so fun! It was super muddy but it made it even more hilarious! Slipping and sliding in the mud, it was a sight to see! It was good, relaxing, and a little competitive too. I am so rusty at football, I need to play a lot more. And have cleats, that'd help a lot. One time I got an interception and no one was in my way so I ran it all the way back. Here's the funny part. So I'm running it back, and I start slowing down thinking, is this for real? This easy? Was there a penalty? So I slowed down and our roomie Elder Marshall runs up to me and is pushing me to keep going (which I was going to do) so I talk to him and he's telling me to go faster because I'm running backwards and that's how it ended. I ran into the end zone backwards talking to Marshall. Just a goofy thing. He was so excited because this was his first time doing an athletic activity since his longboarding accident. At the end, we took a picture, and then Marshall and his buddy Lopez slid in the mud together. They served together for six months and had a blast together, now they're split up. Then, Lopez jumped on the back of this one femmy Elder Rogers who began to scream because of the mud. It was hilarious! Just a good time and a great way to start Thanksgiving! We did have two meals, one with a member from the neighboring Spanish branch Little Rock, the Cantos' and then followed by a meal at the Bishop's. The Cantos can cook and bake! The mother baked several pies and cakes that were to die for, and made a turkey out of cream puff ball dessert things. It was so neat! Quite a day indeed! I had a blast. Recently I've gotten homesick, because of how slow it's been, but I know that the Lord wants me to finish strong so I'll stick to it. I kept that camel as a constant reminder for me.
My personal study has been pretty good as of late. I studied Elder Corbridge's "The Way" talk from last General Conference and it really struck me then as it did when I first listened and saw it. There really is no other way. It is foolish, as Elder Corbridge says. It is foolish to think that there is a shortcut, or a detour, or another path, to God and His Kingdom. As bold as he was, I loved it. It really was a re-emphasis of what we should preach. There is no other way, only through Christ and His Restored Gospel. That was a great start for the week. I then, the next day (Tuesday) studied Elder Oaks' talk on the sacrament followed by Elder Holland's talk on Jesus Christ's sacrifice. It really made an impression on me. I cried towards the end. He related seeing a missionary welcoming party at the Salt Lake airport. An anxious mother (I could totally see Mom), anxious family, and a stern and well-worn father that didn't seem as interested in it all, a bit aloof. As soon as that missionary walked out, the father ran to his son and gave a warm embrace. Time stood still to give reverence to this sacred moment in time. I miss you all so much, it's really not easy at all. But, I know God wills it this way, and I must obey, as Nephi concluded his writings.
Guess who took me out to dinner on Saturday? The Lunas! They came all the way up from the Valley to take Giles and I out to eat. We stopped by a local Mexican place and just talked and ate burritos. I didn't care for the meal, I missed them so much. I got to hear about how they're doing, how Cindy's classes are going as a Sunday School teacher, how Junior is progressing with the priesthood, how their family is doing as a whole. If there's one thing I learned, it is that love conquers all and that in the end, it's all that matters. One can tell if you love them, and they will not forget it. As a joke, they sent me two packages that had a scarf, a beanie, and a pair of gloves so I can deal with the desert. I believe the joke was the scarf, I'm pretty sure about that. I can't wait until they call me and say, "Guess what? We're going to the temple on such and such a date!" I could die then and there, happy as can be. Is this what the Lord promises those that serve Him? I don't deserve it!
Sunday I gave my first talk in Spanish, from what I can remember. Not a testimony, but an actual talk on missionary work. I wasn't nervous writing it up, but as soon as I got to church I was so nervous. I was shaking a bit before I got up there. Everyone afterwards said they liked my talk and were surprised at my Spanish (even though it is super rusty but I guess it's better than the others here). Let's see if they took Elder Ballard's suggestions (I used one of his talks as a base for my talk, I really liked it!). At the end of the day, we shared the story of charity by way of the Good Samaritan with the Molina family, members that live in our same complex. They loved it, and I really felt their spirits uplift ours. Doubt not because God is there for us! He asks us to be charitable, because he was charitable to us once upon a time in Israel. I've really learned a lot about charity this week.
All week we shared charity and faith with our less actives, and they really felt the spirit of the season. I really learned a lot about Moroni 7:47, the beginning part of it, Ether 3, and Ether 12, and about Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego. All I could think of at the end of the week was the theme of hope that Pres. Utchdorf shared with us. As Doctrine and Covenants 6:33-34, 36 says:
33 aFear not to do bgood, my sons, for whatsoever ye csow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow dgood ye shall also reap good for your ereward.
34 The refore, fear not, little aflock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are bbuilt upon my rock, they cannot prevail.
35 aLook unto me in every bthought; cdoubt not, fear not.
I love missionary work. I admit I feel trunky, only because the work is rough. But, it'll go away, as it has in the past, as we find work. Don't worry, I'm going to make it and finish strong. I love the work, I miss you all, and I know this is just one other trial that the Lord sends my way.
I miss you all, and I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Love,
Spencer
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
November 24, 2008
Dear Mom,
This week went by so fast! Incredible! But, I'm sore as heck. I am really tired these days. My comp, Elder Giles from Tooele (Twuola) is way cool. A quiet kid to be honest. And it doesn't help that I'm pretty blunt with things, which is a bad thing of going to Spanish because I forget how to say things in the nice way in English. I just forget. Oops. Good kid though. I'm just a super slow bike rider. Should've seen the massive hills I had to scale the other day. Ridiculous! I was sweating so much...not good for the shirts. They're going to be definitely done with at the end of the mission! I'm happy to know that Grandma liked it all...I did my best for her!
As for the package, I'm going to send it ASAP. Letters, some books, and other things. Yeah! I'm excited to get rid of some stuff! It was pain trying to move all this stuff up here from the Valley. As for Steve o boy, I'm surprised he lost some weight. Good for him!
So the Lunas are going to take Giles and I out to eat this Saturday...man they're so cool! They just sent me a package. Actually, two packages since they didn't have time to pack it all in one...pretty funny actually. Would've easily fit in one box. They, as a joke, sent me a scarf, a hat, and a pair of gloves. I had a hard time keeping myself together. I have never met a family that has shown me this much love since you guys. But, on a serious note, they'd love to get a surprise call from all of you. 818 292 5912 is Cindy's phone. I forgot Junior's because it's a different area code...some Ventura county number. She'll be surprised! Haha!
So this week was a blur! Monday night I got to meet Giles' homeward bound comp, Flanary or 'Flan' who no one likes. Only because he is just in your face and what not. Just got to meet a lot of members, and we're still learning how to teach in unity. His command of Spanish is pretty good, but I do admit that we have to work on it together. Good guy. Not much success though overall. I got to meet a lot of less actives, but not many investigators. I really have to push Giles to contact a lot of potentials because we just visit less actives- that's not our purpose here! But, it'll take time. Our best day was when we went to the Thanksgiving bash on Saturday because we got to see some traditional Salvadoran dances and stuff. And, to give our members a blast, we three of Giles, myself, and Austin, ate habaneros. I was sweating for an hour! Oh snap it was so hot! I got some great pictures so I'll send it on in the package, hopefully. We'll see.
Well, I can't really tell you what has happened up here because it's been a lot of bike riding and not a lot of appointments so...just to say that I am tired, sore, a bit cranky at time, really sweaty, and I have been fighting some depression here and there. I miss my old area a lot, and I'm really having Luna family withdrawals. Sometimes I catch myself looking at pictures of them and the notes they signed for me. Well, such is the life of the missionary.
Life is doing alright right now...I really don't like being on bike!
Love you all! I hope all is going well at home!
Love,
Spencer
This week went by so fast! Incredible! But, I'm sore as heck. I am really tired these days. My comp, Elder Giles from Tooele (Twuola) is way cool. A quiet kid to be honest. And it doesn't help that I'm pretty blunt with things, which is a bad thing of going to Spanish because I forget how to say things in the nice way in English. I just forget. Oops. Good kid though. I'm just a super slow bike rider. Should've seen the massive hills I had to scale the other day. Ridiculous! I was sweating so much...not good for the shirts. They're going to be definitely done with at the end of the mission! I'm happy to know that Grandma liked it all...I did my best for her!
As for the package, I'm going to send it ASAP. Letters, some books, and other things. Yeah! I'm excited to get rid of some stuff! It was pain trying to move all this stuff up here from the Valley. As for Steve o boy, I'm surprised he lost some weight. Good for him!
So the Lunas are going to take Giles and I out to eat this Saturday...man they're so cool! They just sent me a package. Actually, two packages since they didn't have time to pack it all in one...pretty funny actually. Would've easily fit in one box. They, as a joke, sent me a scarf, a hat, and a pair of gloves. I had a hard time keeping myself together. I have never met a family that has shown me this much love since you guys. But, on a serious note, they'd love to get a surprise call from all of you. 818 292 5912 is Cindy's phone. I forgot Junior's because it's a different area code...some Ventura county number. She'll be surprised! Haha!
So this week was a blur! Monday night I got to meet Giles' homeward bound comp, Flanary or 'Flan' who no one likes. Only because he is just in your face and what not. Just got to meet a lot of members, and we're still learning how to teach in unity. His command of Spanish is pretty good, but I do admit that we have to work on it together. Good guy. Not much success though overall. I got to meet a lot of less actives, but not many investigators. I really have to push Giles to contact a lot of potentials because we just visit less actives- that's not our purpose here! But, it'll take time. Our best day was when we went to the Thanksgiving bash on Saturday because we got to see some traditional Salvadoran dances and stuff. And, to give our members a blast, we three of Giles, myself, and Austin, ate habaneros. I was sweating for an hour! Oh snap it was so hot! I got some great pictures so I'll send it on in the package, hopefully. We'll see.
Well, I can't really tell you what has happened up here because it's been a lot of bike riding and not a lot of appointments so...just to say that I am tired, sore, a bit cranky at time, really sweaty, and I have been fighting some depression here and there. I miss my old area a lot, and I'm really having Luna family withdrawals. Sometimes I catch myself looking at pictures of them and the notes they signed for me. Well, such is the life of the missionary.
Life is doing alright right now...I really don't like being on bike!
Love you all! I hope all is going well at home!
Love,
Spencer
Saturday, April 18, 2009
November 17, 2008
Dear Mom,
I hope Dad feels a bit better...I hope he didn't get some bad whiplash. Ouch. Well, no preference on a new car, you all know what's best. I hope Grandma feels better, but it isn't easy at all. Give her my best wishes and hopes, from her loving grandson in California. And no, the fires haven't come towards me, but they have left many members without homes.
Guess what? I'm getting transferred! To Palmdale, the desert! And also...I'm going to be on bike! In Spanish work! How weird is that? So, I don't have my new address yet, but I'll get it to you as soon as I can. I'm pretty pumped for that because I've been hoping for Spanish work to finish the mission. This could be my last area, but I don't want to think of it as that. Insane! Going up to the desert! I'm going to serve in all three valleys in the mission!
So I've been having some mixed emotions when I found out I was moving up to the desert. I love the Valley, but I really feel it's a time for a change of scenery. Woods is my favorite companion so far, and I'm looking forward to helping Elder Giles out with his Spanish up there. Bethke served up in the ward I'm going to, so he's pretty pumped about that. I might have to salvage the work up there because an infamous elder who is notorious in messing up areas was last there...he's going home! I'm sad, but excited to go.
Last night was the hardest. It didn't really hit until I went to say good-bye to some of the members last night. I'm gone, maybe to the last area of the mission I'm serving for the Lord. Heart-wrenching really. I'm still a bit numb from it all, the shock of going to an unfamiliar place. But, such is the mission. The Lunas made it really hard for me last night. So we go over there and have a lesson planned, sort of, because our weekend has been pretty hectic. We get there, chat a little as usual and then we delve into it. You could tell there's a solemn mood in the room, but we did our best. To our great surprise, Junior (the dad) shared a spiritual thought (we asked if he would do it but I wasn't sure if he was actually going to do it). He stayed home from church to take care of the smallest, Rachel. So, we get there and chat, then he shares a scripture after the prayer. Alma 32:31-34. Of all the scriptures to share on the Plan of Salvation, he chose that one. I joked around that I usually use it to chastise hardcore less active members, but they're so great that I didn't have to use it. More of a half truth. We went into the little lesson on what happens after death, asked questions and ended with a prayer...which I gave. My final prayer at the Luna's. We had some great yellow cake with chocolate frosting and joked around a bit. One of the funniest parts came when I was snapping pictures and I wanted to get little Stephanie in a picture, she refused several times by turning her head away. So Junior, seeing me struggle, says, 'Hey Stephanie! Look at this!' and she looks then I snap a picture to her surprise. He said, 'So blonde'. I about died with laughter. Then, time to go. Said our good-byes, and it tore me up a little to see Junior and then Cindy start crying...I was in shock so I didn't really have tears to shed. Gave them hugs and all, and I had to get out before I would eventually cry. Really emotional farewell. They even got me a framed photo of the LA temple to remember them by. I'll miss them so much. It was almost as bad when I left the Cardenas in Sta. Clarita. It hurt me even more to know little Stephanie and Rachel will expect me to come next week and will have to adjust to a new elder. But, I'll see them at the temple when they get sealed! I just got in the car and just thought a little bit. Wow, I'm going. It's really happening. This morning it hit me even harder. Wow, it's actually happening. I feel like I'm leaving my family behind. My second family, of course!
This week has been full of ups and downs, mostly because I was very uncertain of what lay ahead for transfers. But, we had some really great lessons! On Monday we got to help a young couple move some stuff into their apartment as they were in between rent agreements and were temporarily homeless. They asked us to pray for them to get the perfect place for their situation, so we did right then and there in Panorama City, with Latinos wondering why four gringos were praying there. They called us back a few days later and thanked us- they got the right place! Planted the seed, now we'll have to pass them on to other elders since they're most likely out of our area. That was really classy of them to call us back to thank us. It boosted my spirits!
Tuesday was the day of interviews with President Goodrich...oh man that made my week so nerve-wracking!
Wednesday we were in a trio for exchanges, with our greenie Elder Frei from St. George, UT. He was so nervous in our lesson with his investigator. It was one of the most impressive lessons I've ever been a part of. Jason, the non-member boyfriend of an active member, was really open. He grew up in Savannah, GA and didn't like the Southern Baptist church. Didn't like the angry preaching, that so-called passion of the Spirit. He said that if it's fine for them, that's great. But, he doesn't believe it's truly the Spirit. He's gone to church several times, and he loved General Conference. He admitted he loved Pres. Eyring's talk the most. He said it impressed him to see grown men cry, when moved upon by the Spirit. Talk about a great base to work with! We taught a shortened Restoration lesson, and he agreed with it all. We all felt the Spirit as his girlfriend (the name escapes me again) shared how her loyal father, who faithfully held the priesthood, gave her a blessing as a child and she was healed! Jason said, who can doubt that? A truly touching moment. He has great potential. He wants an eternal family, and deeply wants that subtle Spirit to be with him. We walked out of there on cloud nine! What an end to our day!
This past Friday, our big black man, Mike Price, told us of how hard this is getting, because he's seeing the protesters at our temple and how mean they are to us. But, he knows it's true and that he must endure through it all. He saw that it truly isn't easy to be a member, but I believe this will strengthen his resolve. Boy, I'll miss that guy!
Saturday was a bit crazy, due to the fires raging around the Valley. But, we got the work done. I got to say good-bye to Betsy, and we watched The Lamb of God DVD with her. Wow, I love that movie! I remember parts of it growing up at home, but it is very well done. Very powerful. It's great because I met the actor who portrayed Jesus Christ, Mark Deakins of the Encino ward. Now that man is one inspired man of the Lord. His testimony shakes one's very frame and foundation. I really felt Christ's persecutions, and His pains. It only strengthened my appreciation for His ultimate sacrifice.
Sunday was busy, saying good-byes. I'll miss these members, and they were really sad to see me go. At least that's how they appeared to feel. I'm just content knowing I made a difference, that the Lord had used me to reach others, help others reach baptism, and others come back to church. As Cindy said last night, it was just the right time. People are put in our lives at the right time. I would do anything for these members. I love them as my own family. I can't imagine Christ's love, if I feel this way.
I know Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. He is the Way. The Light. The Living Water. The Bread of Life. The Messiah. The Lamb of God. There is no other way but through him. He has called Thomas S. Monson as His anointed prophet today, and He has restored His church again. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and I am indebted to his sacrifices. Christ is my Elder Brother, My Shepherd, and I love Him for His infinite Atonement. Referring to when he will pass on to the other world, Elder McConkie said, "I shall not know better then than I know now that he is God's Almighty Son". Amen.
I love you all. I hope the best for all of you. Stay safe. Until next time, I love you! XOXO!
Love,
Spencer
I hope Dad feels a bit better...I hope he didn't get some bad whiplash. Ouch. Well, no preference on a new car, you all know what's best. I hope Grandma feels better, but it isn't easy at all. Give her my best wishes and hopes, from her loving grandson in California. And no, the fires haven't come towards me, but they have left many members without homes.
Guess what? I'm getting transferred! To Palmdale, the desert! And also...I'm going to be on bike! In Spanish work! How weird is that? So, I don't have my new address yet, but I'll get it to you as soon as I can. I'm pretty pumped for that because I've been hoping for Spanish work to finish the mission. This could be my last area, but I don't want to think of it as that. Insane! Going up to the desert! I'm going to serve in all three valleys in the mission!
So I've been having some mixed emotions when I found out I was moving up to the desert. I love the Valley, but I really feel it's a time for a change of scenery. Woods is my favorite companion so far, and I'm looking forward to helping Elder Giles out with his Spanish up there. Bethke served up in the ward I'm going to, so he's pretty pumped about that. I might have to salvage the work up there because an infamous elder who is notorious in messing up areas was last there...he's going home! I'm sad, but excited to go.
Last night was the hardest. It didn't really hit until I went to say good-bye to some of the members last night. I'm gone, maybe to the last area of the mission I'm serving for the Lord. Heart-wrenching really. I'm still a bit numb from it all, the shock of going to an unfamiliar place. But, such is the mission. The Lunas made it really hard for me last night. So we go over there and have a lesson planned, sort of, because our weekend has been pretty hectic. We get there, chat a little as usual and then we delve into it. You could tell there's a solemn mood in the room, but we did our best. To our great surprise, Junior (the dad) shared a spiritual thought (we asked if he would do it but I wasn't sure if he was actually going to do it). He stayed home from church to take care of the smallest, Rachel. So, we get there and chat, then he shares a scripture after the prayer. Alma 32:31-34. Of all the scriptures to share on the Plan of Salvation, he chose that one. I joked around that I usually use it to chastise hardcore less active members, but they're so great that I didn't have to use it. More of a half truth. We went into the little lesson on what happens after death, asked questions and ended with a prayer...which I gave. My final prayer at the Luna's. We had some great yellow cake with chocolate frosting and joked around a bit. One of the funniest parts came when I was snapping pictures and I wanted to get little Stephanie in a picture, she refused several times by turning her head away. So Junior, seeing me struggle, says, 'Hey Stephanie! Look at this!' and she looks then I snap a picture to her surprise. He said, 'So blonde'. I about died with laughter. Then, time to go. Said our good-byes, and it tore me up a little to see Junior and then Cindy start crying...I was in shock so I didn't really have tears to shed. Gave them hugs and all, and I had to get out before I would eventually cry. Really emotional farewell. They even got me a framed photo of the LA temple to remember them by. I'll miss them so much. It was almost as bad when I left the Cardenas in Sta. Clarita. It hurt me even more to know little Stephanie and Rachel will expect me to come next week and will have to adjust to a new elder. But, I'll see them at the temple when they get sealed! I just got in the car and just thought a little bit. Wow, I'm going. It's really happening. This morning it hit me even harder. Wow, it's actually happening. I feel like I'm leaving my family behind. My second family, of course!
This week has been full of ups and downs, mostly because I was very uncertain of what lay ahead for transfers. But, we had some really great lessons! On Monday we got to help a young couple move some stuff into their apartment as they were in between rent agreements and were temporarily homeless. They asked us to pray for them to get the perfect place for their situation, so we did right then and there in Panorama City, with Latinos wondering why four gringos were praying there. They called us back a few days later and thanked us- they got the right place! Planted the seed, now we'll have to pass them on to other elders since they're most likely out of our area. That was really classy of them to call us back to thank us. It boosted my spirits!
Tuesday was the day of interviews with President Goodrich...oh man that made my week so nerve-wracking!
Wednesday we were in a trio for exchanges, with our greenie Elder Frei from St. George, UT. He was so nervous in our lesson with his investigator. It was one of the most impressive lessons I've ever been a part of. Jason, the non-member boyfriend of an active member, was really open. He grew up in Savannah, GA and didn't like the Southern Baptist church. Didn't like the angry preaching, that so-called passion of the Spirit. He said that if it's fine for them, that's great. But, he doesn't believe it's truly the Spirit. He's gone to church several times, and he loved General Conference. He admitted he loved Pres. Eyring's talk the most. He said it impressed him to see grown men cry, when moved upon by the Spirit. Talk about a great base to work with! We taught a shortened Restoration lesson, and he agreed with it all. We all felt the Spirit as his girlfriend (the name escapes me again) shared how her loyal father, who faithfully held the priesthood, gave her a blessing as a child and she was healed! Jason said, who can doubt that? A truly touching moment. He has great potential. He wants an eternal family, and deeply wants that subtle Spirit to be with him. We walked out of there on cloud nine! What an end to our day!
This past Friday, our big black man, Mike Price, told us of how hard this is getting, because he's seeing the protesters at our temple and how mean they are to us. But, he knows it's true and that he must endure through it all. He saw that it truly isn't easy to be a member, but I believe this will strengthen his resolve. Boy, I'll miss that guy!
Saturday was a bit crazy, due to the fires raging around the Valley. But, we got the work done. I got to say good-bye to Betsy, and we watched The Lamb of God DVD with her. Wow, I love that movie! I remember parts of it growing up at home, but it is very well done. Very powerful. It's great because I met the actor who portrayed Jesus Christ, Mark Deakins of the Encino ward. Now that man is one inspired man of the Lord. His testimony shakes one's very frame and foundation. I really felt Christ's persecutions, and His pains. It only strengthened my appreciation for His ultimate sacrifice.
Sunday was busy, saying good-byes. I'll miss these members, and they were really sad to see me go. At least that's how they appeared to feel. I'm just content knowing I made a difference, that the Lord had used me to reach others, help others reach baptism, and others come back to church. As Cindy said last night, it was just the right time. People are put in our lives at the right time. I would do anything for these members. I love them as my own family. I can't imagine Christ's love, if I feel this way.
I know Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. He is the Way. The Light. The Living Water. The Bread of Life. The Messiah. The Lamb of God. There is no other way but through him. He has called Thomas S. Monson as His anointed prophet today, and He has restored His church again. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and I am indebted to his sacrifices. Christ is my Elder Brother, My Shepherd, and I love Him for His infinite Atonement. Referring to when he will pass on to the other world, Elder McConkie said, "I shall not know better then than I know now that he is God's Almighty Son". Amen.
I love you all. I hope the best for all of you. Stay safe. Until next time, I love you! XOXO!
Love,
Spencer
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