Dear Mom,
Yup, it's rainy weather over here in the beautiful desert of Palmdale. Oh yeah, the crazy thing was that we finally got our heater working after four weeks of waking up to about 40 degree Fahrenheit apartment. So, it was a very warm apartment as of late. I love it. Christmas is just around the corner, and people have done most of their decorations right now so I'm really feeling the Christmas spirit. I love it!
Oh yeah, if you're going to send me stuff, please send a journal or two out here...I've run out of space in the one I bought a month or two ago. Please!
This past week I've been reading a lot of Church Conference talks and they've really helped me put my life in perspective. Enjoy life and live it (according to the commandments of course!). I love reading Elder Wirthlin's talks so much, and I miss him so dearly. Roomie Elder Mitchell got a church news with the sad news of Elder Wirthlin's passing. It was only a confirmation of the fact since a member told us about it a week ago. But, I hadn't had time to look around and whenever I asked someone, they were in shock! But, he's in a better place, and he was quite the role model. I'll miss his wisdom and yet, his love and humor! I've been doing my best in taking Sister Goodrich's challenge to make lesson plans for every lesson, scriptures included. I have a separate list of questions to ask along with the principles, and I'm learning a lot as I go through the lesson plan. It's been a productive week personal study-wise.
I was pretty pumped this past week as I heard that we're getting snow! There's snow on the mountains, but not much around here on the lower parts. But, it's so sweet to see snow again! And, it's very cold indeed!
This week's recap!
Monday, we watched Remember the Titans. My buddies Giles and Stewart knew the movie like the back of their hand. Ridiculous for sure! Made it a lot more interesting! Tuesday was our zone conference, and I really took a lot from it. The whole 'make your lesson plan' theme by Sister Goodrich and the reiteration of obedience on the part of Pres. Goodrich. Just a review of obedience and stuff, it was pretty cool. The AP's training was enthusiastic too! They used a motivational DVD that was titled, '212 Degrees'. Talking about how at 211 degrees water boils, but one degree more makes steam, which powers locomotives, etc. Kind of lame, but I liked it. It had quotes, motivational ones, and the theme was that extra push. I never figured that the difference between first and last in an Olympic track meet was 0.71 seconds. Pretty ridiculous. I was surprised. Perseverance isn't just one long race, it's several short races that make up one long journey, something like that (Ralph Waldo Emerson). I loved it! Double convert baptisms for sure! Yeah baby! So I was pretty tired, but I'm pumped about it all! The rest of day was spent at dinner with an active member from Peru. Oh, her accent is so fast! Mumbling makes it ten times harder to understand. They speak 'slow' to us, but wow...it's fast! Delicious Peruvian food, arroz con pollo and before that, papa de guacaina...mouth-watering morsels indeed. We had a great time there and they're just funny! We go contacting at the local store because it was too late to knock doors. We ended up stopping by a less active that got offended. Some member sold her a used car for a lot of money she saved up...and it broke down and isn't worth it at all. Like a quarter of what she paid. Tsk tsk...members. But, a good day. On top of that, Giles has been sick all this week. But, he sucked it up and really endured through it all. It was a great example of sacrifice to me. 'Wow, I'm really a wimp' sort of moment.
Wednesday was busy! Splits went very well because we got to visit Mario Sanchez, and we shared the first half of the second lesson. Our WML Hno. Aguilar is a great teacher, but he teaches too much sometimes. I was a bit frustrated, because poor Mario was confused. But, he's resolved to change and to do what we ask. He felt the Spirit as we testified of the Atonement, and I felt that love yet again. How much does God love us? I can't even imagine. I can think I feel it, but yet I can't.
Thursday was interesting. The Lopez Run, going up and down a super huge hill. It was quite 'ridonkulous'. Very tiring, but I'm getting used to it. Get to the shortcut, cross the railroad tracks, then climb the hills. Committed Michael Robledo, son of an RC, to baptism on December 27th. He's nonchalant about it all, all the time. But, I can sense he really means business here. Talked to a few other people and went on our way.
Friday was quite the day! District meeting and lunch at Wendy's. We went out and about, and the highlight was our dinner appointment. Carne asada dinner. So good! Then, we got to watch Joy to the World with this member family, the Villanueva's. The dad was LA for six years until three weeks ago. They felt the Spirit of Christmas and I just loved the movie. It was great! Then and there, while poor Giles had to use the bathroom midway through, I just testified about diligence on his part and how his testimony shines. It was pretty sweet! Just invited the Spirit even stronger and everyone was teary eyed. I'm such a crybaby. Then, to finish the night off...I gave the husband a blessing as he preps to go to Georgia and back this coming week. Words can't describe the love and warmth I felt coming from Our Heavenly Father as I gave a blessing of comfort and safety. It was great. I admit I cried and I felt that supreme love eminating from the priesthood blessing. I forgot, to start the day, we gave Hna. Hidalgo a blessing too...and I know the Spirit dictated through me. I thought about it afterwards, after both blessings, of how great it is to have the priesthood to bless others. Makes one more appreciative of this holy and sacred calling! I know we have this power so we can be humbled, so we may learn to strive to serve others on a whim and by inspiration. It was very great!
Saturday was the day of Christmas for me! We went to sing at the local mall some Christmas hymns and songs...with mixed results. We didn't have time to practice so we winged it...with two songs sounding terrible...but thank goodness that was in the middle and not at the beginning or end. It was rather embarrassing, but the ones we all knew were fantastic! People stopped by, listened, smiled, and felt the warmth of Christmas. It was fun for me, and I loved it. Singing our hearts out about this wonderful holiday. It'd be better if it had snowed. But, I loved it. The rest of the day was alright, but that was a great day indeed. We ate dinner with Hna. Hidalgo, a loving member. I loved it just being there, and it was hilarious because Stewart hates cats and she has a half bobcat cat. Stew was freaking out since he likes to jump at people and stuff. Stew was screaming so much it was great! I love going to Hna. Hidalgo because she wants to learn and feel the Spirit. Makes it easy for the Spirit to testify through us. I love members!
Sunday was a Sunday. Church was embarrassing because I grabbed the wrong suit coat- gray instead of the blue one. So I was mismatched for three hours. Thank goodness the lighting was terrible in the church...and I did sit in the dark a little to hide. Haha. But, we had three investigators at church, including our baptismal date who is the son of a recent convert who is very strong. Our new investigator, Mario Sanchez, came too. He's committed to it all. Wore a bright pink shirt and not a bad looking tie. He loved it. He absorbed it all. We did have an interesting moment in priesthood with the School of the Prophets lesson, but he knew he had some things to change related to the Word of Wisdom. It was a great day! Yeah! Home, we napped, and went out to contact and found a less active that was living down in LA three years ago. Home again, visited a less active family in our complex, and fixed up the area book. Good night indeed. I even got to talk to the beloved Bro. Luna. He's so funny and I feel like he's a brother to me. Apparently he's quite around others, but we get along just great. They're going to the temple soon, and I'm so excited for that! I'm feeling they're going to go in late January or even in time for my birthday!
I hope all is well back home! I can't wait to talk to you all on Christmas Day, right? What time will be best for a call (California time of course!). Woo hoo!
Love you all...stay safe and warm!
Love,
Spencer
Showing posts with label Elder Wirthlin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elder Wirthlin. Show all posts
Friday, May 8, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
October 6, 2008
Dear Dad,
General Conference was great! I missed priesthood session because my comp had a virus and took a nap instead. It could've been food poisoning or something. But, it was a great conference. Our recent convert Susan went, as did the less active but now active Lunas and our other less active from Argentina. I felt edified and uplifted by their talks and I just loved it! Elder Neil Andersen's talk was fabulous. Pres. Uchtdorf was great and full of hope. Literally. Pres. Monson was spectacular in his delivery, as usual. Pres. Eyring was full of enthusiasm, love, and encouragement. Elder Oaks laid the hammer down, especially when he said that some Saints violate the covenants they're making in the same place they're making these covenants. Ouch. Elder Wirthlin was full of love and of joy, and I guess he'll be passing beyond the veil soon. Laugh, seek to endure, understand the law of compensation, and put your faith and trust in the Lord. "Come what may and love it." What better messages for us than these! Honestly, I hope the Saints in SoCal will take this advice to heart, but knowing the complacity of this stake over here, it'll be a long, drawn-out process.
Numbers-wise our week wasn't the greatest, but we used our time effectively and did the Lord's work. We are finding new investigators here and there, and the Lord is providing for us. There is no way that these people could drop into our laps. He gave us another blessing in that we're both staying until November 16th. I was so elated and relaxed to know that my efforts will continue here until then. What'll really stink is next transfer- Christmas AND Thanksgiving! If I get moved, I'll miss them both in a ward I have grown to love dearly. Our members were so glad to hear us say, 'by the way, we're staying.' Sister Cindy Luna said, "Oh, okay. Wait! (it dawned on her) You're both staying? Yes!" On a side note, President saw the lack of work ethic in some of my elders (I didn't really notice until transfers) and he's whitewashing our proud and richer wards in our stake. I hope the sister missionaries that they put in are up to the task. That's going to be weird. Sister missionaries in my district for the second time in my mission I'm serving for the Lord. Weird. Today I'll be running around the Valley moving in the sisters and picking up another elder because he's training (and greenies come in on Wednesdays). Crazy busy transfer p-day! About the tickets, technically we're supposed to pay it together, but I didn't ask Woods to pay because I should've seen the sign. The next time, I will definitely ask him. He says to Mom thanks for the generous gift.
I have learned so much about myself. I didn't realize how aggravated I get sometimes when things don't go my way. I never realized how stress can really affect mood, attitude, work ethic, etc. This General Conference helped me realize those weaknesses, as well as Elder Woods' support and encouragement, and I have seen a slight change. Elder Woods brought up one day how judgmental and pessimistic I am at times. So, I took it in, and the next day I studied the topic, 'to judge others'. A very humbling, but touching, learning experience. With the same judgment we use to judge, we will be condemned by it. As one of the authorities said, who is our Judge? Doesn't he do the same for us, to just turn the other cheek and to ignore our own faults? Am I perfect enough to judge? A resounding no. I felt humbled and chastised sufficiently, and I am so grateful my companion pointed it out and encouraged me to do better. I have learned so much as I studied Preach My Gospel of how to teach those without a Christian background. I've been diligently studying this section most of last week using the scriptures that are in PMG (sounds like an automatic pistol or something). I have not only learned from great teachers like Ammon, and Aaron, and Alma, and Amulek, but I have strengthened my witness of the Book of Mormon. I love the scripture quoting Aaron teaching Lamoni's father, 'O king, as thou livest there is a God' or something along those lines. I learned how the Spirit can help us not only teach, but to expound the scriptures. To simplify them, as Pres. Taylor said, so even a child can understand the doctrine. I learned, that we must teach by the Spirit, we must love our people as did these great missionaries, we must pray to have success and pray to love these people as well as their salvation. I learned that if we boldly declare repentance, people will change if it is their desire. I learned that God fulfills His promises to all. I learned a ton, needless to say. I read 2nd Nephi chapter two this week, and it was edifying to my own testimony. There is no other way whereby man shall be saved, save it be through the Holy Messiah. Without opposition in all things, there can be no joy, nor sorrow. General Conference also highlighted the things I learned this past week. We are to act, not to be acted upon. I see now that by studiously searching the scriptures my understanding will be opened by the Spirit and the Lord will guide me in whatever I do. I love the Lord and His word.
A brief summary of this past week. My exchange with another elder was not the most effective use of my time, to say the least. It 'sufficeth' (as the scriptures say) to say that it wasn't the greatest exchange I've ever had. But, I learned what NOT to do as a planner. Our Wednesday was busy, as usual, as was our Thursday. Appointment to appointment. We finally got to start on updating our Area book stuff since our ward list changes a ton, and that took much longer than expected. But, we got the majority done this week. We had a quick weekly planning session due to time constraints (or lack of time) and our appointments went pretty darn well. We helped Betsy set up her place for Halloween. The Lunas got us edible spiders and stuff for Halloween. We had two sweet appointments with them. Thursday we had a shaky lesson because we didn't plan the details as well, but it was a tender mercy of the Lord. We went from agency to sabbath day observance. I felt alone testifying since we didn't plan very well (my bad), but the Spirit was there to help me. He supported me as I related how Sunday is a holy day for me, and how I feel recharged for the week to come. They told us they set up an appointment with the bishop to set up a timetable to go to the temple. President Goodrich told me unless there's a huge problem, it's either 1-3 or 3-6 months for most less actives. Yeah! They're on a roll! Oh yeah, that night I get home and President calls me...he's coming to my district meeting! Oh my gosh! I only heard of him going to district meetings, let alone my own meeting! But, I gave my trainer fair warning and he was already prepared. Nothing to worry.
Friday was nervous...but it went well. Elder Sara did a great and very meticulous training on lesson plans. He had us plan with a companion we're not used to and put it into effect. One named Orcutt has a tendency to say 'kind of' a lot. Woods looked at me funny during his role-play (Orcutt and Tayler teaching Pres. and Sis. Goodrich) and began to count something. At the end, I asked him what he counted. At least twenty times Orcutt used 'kind of', even in describing doctrine. It was pretty funny. We had a sweet appointment with Mike, who loved 3rd Nephi 18 about the sacrament and prayer. He soaked it up. He's still committed to be baptized, we'll have to wait on it though. We had a great dinner with a family from Eritrea (next to Ethiopia) and they fed us a ton of food. I could barely move afterwards. We gave a blessing on the house and had to get going. Our next appointment fell through so we waited outside a little, to relax for a little because we were on the go most of the day. It was cool, foggy, just reminded me of home. I look up and see airplanes flying into Bob Hope airport and just see their lights illuminating the fog. It was beautiful, just a foggy night. The sky was purple-ish, orange-ish...it was magnificent to see the beauty of God's creations. How could people not believe in God? I now understand why Pres. Uchtdorf loves airplanes, they're magnificent and beautiful in flight.
Post-priesthood session on Saturday (which I spent in the apartment since Woods was sick...I ended up talking to my converts via phone for a bit so it was great) we ate dinner and watched "The Mountain of the Lord" movie. I never realized how simple it is in the explanation of the temple and yet very powerful. I testified about temples to the best of my ability, and I was waiting for Woods to say something but he didn't. Wow...they're excited. Bro. Junior Luna even went to priesthood session when we didn't go! He liked it a lot! Wow...tender mercies.
God upholds the faithful priesthood holder, as Pres. Eyring said. I completely agree. I am imperfect, but I do my best. God will remember you, as He remembered Rachel, as Elder Condie said a few conferences ago. I have a witness, a strong testimony, of the truthfulness of this Gospel. As Elder Godoy said yesterday, it's not a great occurrence that changed me. It was gradual. Step by step. But I do not doubt that God exists, that Jesus is the Christ, that God has called Thomas S. Monson as our living prophet today. The Book of Mormon is the word of God that brings all happiness in their lives. I know I am blessed daily by His hand. I am a part of an eternal family that loves me and I love them. God is great! God is merciful! God is my Father that loves me.
I hope you're prepared for this economic crisis. My prayers are with you.
Dad, I love you. Thank you for your selfless service and love. You are an example of charity to me. You live the Gospel. You are my hero, and I will never forget you. Thank you for honoring your covenants and being a faithful and willing priesthood holder. All those times you taught me and encouraged me, just know that they weren't wasted. I love you and miss you dearly. Tell Mom I love her so much and I can't wait to talk to her at Christmastime. Tell the same to Grandma, that she's a great person in my eyes. Tell Steven to be a good boy as he is, and that he's making me proud out here. Tell Kristy that she's doing great out there and that nothing can stop her! She's quite amazing!
May you all stay safe, and I'll talk to you soon! I love you all!
With much love,
Spencer
General Conference was great! I missed priesthood session because my comp had a virus and took a nap instead. It could've been food poisoning or something. But, it was a great conference. Our recent convert Susan went, as did the less active but now active Lunas and our other less active from Argentina. I felt edified and uplifted by their talks and I just loved it! Elder Neil Andersen's talk was fabulous. Pres. Uchtdorf was great and full of hope. Literally. Pres. Monson was spectacular in his delivery, as usual. Pres. Eyring was full of enthusiasm, love, and encouragement. Elder Oaks laid the hammer down, especially when he said that some Saints violate the covenants they're making in the same place they're making these covenants. Ouch. Elder Wirthlin was full of love and of joy, and I guess he'll be passing beyond the veil soon. Laugh, seek to endure, understand the law of compensation, and put your faith and trust in the Lord. "Come what may and love it." What better messages for us than these! Honestly, I hope the Saints in SoCal will take this advice to heart, but knowing the complacity of this stake over here, it'll be a long, drawn-out process.
Numbers-wise our week wasn't the greatest, but we used our time effectively and did the Lord's work. We are finding new investigators here and there, and the Lord is providing for us. There is no way that these people could drop into our laps. He gave us another blessing in that we're both staying until November 16th. I was so elated and relaxed to know that my efforts will continue here until then. What'll really stink is next transfer- Christmas AND Thanksgiving! If I get moved, I'll miss them both in a ward I have grown to love dearly. Our members were so glad to hear us say, 'by the way, we're staying.' Sister Cindy Luna said, "Oh, okay. Wait! (it dawned on her) You're both staying? Yes!" On a side note, President saw the lack of work ethic in some of my elders (I didn't really notice until transfers) and he's whitewashing our proud and richer wards in our stake. I hope the sister missionaries that they put in are up to the task. That's going to be weird. Sister missionaries in my district for the second time in my mission I'm serving for the Lord. Weird. Today I'll be running around the Valley moving in the sisters and picking up another elder because he's training (and greenies come in on Wednesdays). Crazy busy transfer p-day! About the tickets, technically we're supposed to pay it together, but I didn't ask Woods to pay because I should've seen the sign. The next time, I will definitely ask him. He says to Mom thanks for the generous gift.
I have learned so much about myself. I didn't realize how aggravated I get sometimes when things don't go my way. I never realized how stress can really affect mood, attitude, work ethic, etc. This General Conference helped me realize those weaknesses, as well as Elder Woods' support and encouragement, and I have seen a slight change. Elder Woods brought up one day how judgmental and pessimistic I am at times. So, I took it in, and the next day I studied the topic, 'to judge others'. A very humbling, but touching, learning experience. With the same judgment we use to judge, we will be condemned by it. As one of the authorities said, who is our Judge? Doesn't he do the same for us, to just turn the other cheek and to ignore our own faults? Am I perfect enough to judge? A resounding no. I felt humbled and chastised sufficiently, and I am so grateful my companion pointed it out and encouraged me to do better. I have learned so much as I studied Preach My Gospel of how to teach those without a Christian background. I've been diligently studying this section most of last week using the scriptures that are in PMG (sounds like an automatic pistol or something). I have not only learned from great teachers like Ammon, and Aaron, and Alma, and Amulek, but I have strengthened my witness of the Book of Mormon. I love the scripture quoting Aaron teaching Lamoni's father, 'O king, as thou livest there is a God' or something along those lines. I learned how the Spirit can help us not only teach, but to expound the scriptures. To simplify them, as Pres. Taylor said, so even a child can understand the doctrine. I learned, that we must teach by the Spirit, we must love our people as did these great missionaries, we must pray to have success and pray to love these people as well as their salvation. I learned that if we boldly declare repentance, people will change if it is their desire. I learned that God fulfills His promises to all. I learned a ton, needless to say. I read 2nd Nephi chapter two this week, and it was edifying to my own testimony. There is no other way whereby man shall be saved, save it be through the Holy Messiah. Without opposition in all things, there can be no joy, nor sorrow. General Conference also highlighted the things I learned this past week. We are to act, not to be acted upon. I see now that by studiously searching the scriptures my understanding will be opened by the Spirit and the Lord will guide me in whatever I do. I love the Lord and His word.
A brief summary of this past week. My exchange with another elder was not the most effective use of my time, to say the least. It 'sufficeth' (as the scriptures say) to say that it wasn't the greatest exchange I've ever had. But, I learned what NOT to do as a planner. Our Wednesday was busy, as usual, as was our Thursday. Appointment to appointment. We finally got to start on updating our Area book stuff since our ward list changes a ton, and that took much longer than expected. But, we got the majority done this week. We had a quick weekly planning session due to time constraints (or lack of time) and our appointments went pretty darn well. We helped Betsy set up her place for Halloween. The Lunas got us edible spiders and stuff for Halloween. We had two sweet appointments with them. Thursday we had a shaky lesson because we didn't plan the details as well, but it was a tender mercy of the Lord. We went from agency to sabbath day observance. I felt alone testifying since we didn't plan very well (my bad), but the Spirit was there to help me. He supported me as I related how Sunday is a holy day for me, and how I feel recharged for the week to come. They told us they set up an appointment with the bishop to set up a timetable to go to the temple. President Goodrich told me unless there's a huge problem, it's either 1-3 or 3-6 months for most less actives. Yeah! They're on a roll! Oh yeah, that night I get home and President calls me...he's coming to my district meeting! Oh my gosh! I only heard of him going to district meetings, let alone my own meeting! But, I gave my trainer fair warning and he was already prepared. Nothing to worry.
Friday was nervous...but it went well. Elder Sara did a great and very meticulous training on lesson plans. He had us plan with a companion we're not used to and put it into effect. One named Orcutt has a tendency to say 'kind of' a lot. Woods looked at me funny during his role-play (Orcutt and Tayler teaching Pres. and Sis. Goodrich) and began to count something. At the end, I asked him what he counted. At least twenty times Orcutt used 'kind of', even in describing doctrine. It was pretty funny. We had a sweet appointment with Mike, who loved 3rd Nephi 18 about the sacrament and prayer. He soaked it up. He's still committed to be baptized, we'll have to wait on it though. We had a great dinner with a family from Eritrea (next to Ethiopia) and they fed us a ton of food. I could barely move afterwards. We gave a blessing on the house and had to get going. Our next appointment fell through so we waited outside a little, to relax for a little because we were on the go most of the day. It was cool, foggy, just reminded me of home. I look up and see airplanes flying into Bob Hope airport and just see their lights illuminating the fog. It was beautiful, just a foggy night. The sky was purple-ish, orange-ish...it was magnificent to see the beauty of God's creations. How could people not believe in God? I now understand why Pres. Uchtdorf loves airplanes, they're magnificent and beautiful in flight.
Post-priesthood session on Saturday (which I spent in the apartment since Woods was sick...I ended up talking to my converts via phone for a bit so it was great) we ate dinner and watched "The Mountain of the Lord" movie. I never realized how simple it is in the explanation of the temple and yet very powerful. I testified about temples to the best of my ability, and I was waiting for Woods to say something but he didn't. Wow...they're excited. Bro. Junior Luna even went to priesthood session when we didn't go! He liked it a lot! Wow...tender mercies.
God upholds the faithful priesthood holder, as Pres. Eyring said. I completely agree. I am imperfect, but I do my best. God will remember you, as He remembered Rachel, as Elder Condie said a few conferences ago. I have a witness, a strong testimony, of the truthfulness of this Gospel. As Elder Godoy said yesterday, it's not a great occurrence that changed me. It was gradual. Step by step. But I do not doubt that God exists, that Jesus is the Christ, that God has called Thomas S. Monson as our living prophet today. The Book of Mormon is the word of God that brings all happiness in their lives. I know I am blessed daily by His hand. I am a part of an eternal family that loves me and I love them. God is great! God is merciful! God is my Father that loves me.
I hope you're prepared for this economic crisis. My prayers are with you.
Dad, I love you. Thank you for your selfless service and love. You are an example of charity to me. You live the Gospel. You are my hero, and I will never forget you. Thank you for honoring your covenants and being a faithful and willing priesthood holder. All those times you taught me and encouraged me, just know that they weren't wasted. I love you and miss you dearly. Tell Mom I love her so much and I can't wait to talk to her at Christmastime. Tell the same to Grandma, that she's a great person in my eyes. Tell Steven to be a good boy as he is, and that he's making me proud out here. Tell Kristy that she's doing great out there and that nothing can stop her! She's quite amazing!
May you all stay safe, and I'll talk to you soon! I love you all!
With much love,
Spencer
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