So first thing: GOT MY TRAVEL PLANS TODAY!!!! I'm so excited. I finally get to go to Honduras! I leave really early on Monday, March 5th.
Heads up: letters take about 6 weeks to get to me in the field, so from the 5th on out you should probably just Dearelder me. You're permited to for my mission I'm pretty sure. If anything changes I'll update the blog about it (or my Mom will.... thanks Mom!).
So this week has really been fantastic. Some things are sort of repetative, but I love it here.
On Sunday, Elder Peterson and I blessed the sacrament in Spanish. That was pretty cool. My district was also planning on singing after the talks in the meeting. There are two random missionaries chosen to speak every week by the branch pres. to speak for 5min in Spanish. I wasn't expecting to get called bc I was already on the program for two things. I actually wasn't feeling totally prepared, so I said a quick prayer... to not get called on... BIG mistake. Haha. So yeah, I had to speak, but it was pretty cool in the end. I was able to say everything that I needed to say, and I'm grateful for that. The Spirit was there very strong guiding me and telling me of what to testify.
On Wed, we got to host. Hosting is when we introduce new Elders to the MTC. Usually you take them to pick up their supplies, show them their rooms, and introduce them to their districts. Since my companionship is a three Elder comp. we had the special assignment to direct traffic. We were a bit upset at first bc we wanted to host, but in the end we got giant YELLOW flourecent jackets and walkie-talkies. So much fun. Don't know why. You learn to savor breaks in the schedule when you've done exactly the same thing for 8 straight weeks.
I'm super pumped to hit the field!!! Also, seeing 300 volunteers show up every week to dedicate their lives to bringing souls to the Lord is a miracle. It's really not quite like anything you've ever seen. These young missionaries are from all over the world. What a sight. I know that this isn't just missionary work. This is the work of God. His hand is in it, and he is gathering Israel for the second coming of His Son Jesus Christ. There truly is no greater calling on earth.
One great blessing this week has been my rededication to scripture study. I've been studying a lot in Spanish, and realized that I wasn't getting a whole lot spiritually out of it. Mostly, it was just really helping my Spanish. I started getting up at 6 every morning with Eld. Christensen, and we study during that hour or so. I have started the habit of only writing what I feel very prompted to write for myself or a progressing investigator. I can't wait to keep doing this next week when the investigators are REAL!!! haha. The Spirit has honestly been so much stronger lately, and I'm at peace with the whole learning Spanish thing. That's what Language study is for.
For new missionaries, I advise that you study your scriptures in your native tongue before studying the language every day. Pretty much every missionary learns the language. Not every missionary has the Spirit with them equally. The language of the Spirit is more important.
Another huge blessing is pondering. I know I've been told this before growing up, but pondering the scriptures after reading them is huge; especially when you're thinking about how they apply to other people. After studying Alma 32, here are some thoughts I recorded after about 5-10 mins of thinking. "True conversion and knowledge should never cause pride. This is because experience should lead to wisdom. Wisdom is seeing things as they really are, and if we know the reality of our mortal state, then we really have nothing to be proud about. "The fruit in this chapter can represent converts. True joy is found in love and service for/with others. There is truly no other way to feel this way." Nothing mindblowing here, but truth means a lot more when the Spirit bears it into your heart. These will be personal messages of truth from Heavenly Father just for you.
When I read the Book of Mormon, Bible, or any scripture, followed by thoughtful and prayerful pondering, I ALWAYS receive great answers personally for me or those I am teaching.
Revelation is a miracle in this day for which I can testify with no doubt in me heart! I love this work. I love this mission. I love my Father in Heaven. I love the people of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. I can hardly wait to get there. It will be hard, but with God we can do all things. Thank you all for your support and love.
Please keep me updated. I love and miss you.
Les Amo, Elder Kent Thalman
I will be serving a two year mission for the Lord and His children in the Honduras, San Pedro Sula Mission. My purpose as a missionary is to invite others to come unto Jesus Christ. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
As I Have Loved You
So, only a little more than two weeks left! Not that I don't want to be here. I love the MTC and my companions/district. However, I'm getting itchy to get to the field. The Tegucigalpa temple in Honduras will be dedicated in July, and I pray that I get to go. It's not actually in my mission boundaries, but who knows. I've seen pictures, and it looks so awesome!
So there have been a couple of unexpected events. My quartet tried out for a special musical number in a devotional two Thurs. ago and received no word. We assumed that we didn't get anything. Then last Thurs we were asked to sing in the Sunday devotional! It was so cool. We did "Lord, I Would Follow Thee" for about 2,200 missionaries. What an audience. I don't think I have ever sung a better song with such amazing men for such a chosen group (or to so large a group). What a blessing. I love the Lord so much and I am thankful for such an opportunity.
Right after the devotional, Elder Harris got on a shuttle and was off to Costa Rica. What a cool way to say goodbye to the MTC. I love Elder Harris, Elder Pickett, and Elder Dahlberg. they're all off to their respective missions now speaking the beautiful Spanish language. The devotional was by Richard Heaton. I loved what he spoke about. He talked about how important it is to invite people to come to church. It is one of three things necessary for baptism; Pray, reading the Book of Mormon, and attending church.
Afterwards, we watched the Christmas devotional given by Elder David A. Bednar from this last Christmas at the MTC. I hadn't been around during Christmas, so it was a blessing to get to see it. He spoke about the Character of Christ. He focused on the natural man and how he will destroy our missions. Basically, the natural man is anything inside you that makes you turn inward for selfish reasons. He spoke how Christ is the opposite; always He would turn outwards. He spoke about how after fasting for 40 days, Satan tempted Christ. After this whole ordeals which is in Matthew 4: 2-12, Chist learns from the Spirit that John the Baptist was in prison. Then He sent angels to minister to John. When Christ was suffering in the Garden, He was totally alone. Not even the disciples could stay awake with Him. Eventually, the guards came.
Obviously after suffering for the sins and pains of all mankind, He was terrible grieved. But He still took the time to heal the ear of the man attacked by Peter. This was such a minor pain compared to what He had just undergone, but He still turned outward. He cared more for others than He did for Himself. Then when He was DYING on the cross, He asked God to forgive the Roman soldiers, "for they [knew] not what they [did]."
He made sure that His mother Mary what taken care of when He told John, "behold, thy mother." IN ADDITION to all this, He was doing missionary work to the two men dying on each side of Him. He was the perfect opposite of the natural man. He set all selfishness aside to do the will of the Father in all things, even unto death. Jesus truly was and is the Christ, the Savior of the world.
Elder Bednar shared an example of a woman who showed these qualities.
He received a call at 5am from a mother in his stake asking him to come down and identify three bodies of girls who had just been in a terrible accident. One of the three was this woman's daughter. One was dead. Because of their terrible conditions, they couldn't be recognized. Elder Bednar could overhear a conversation going on between this woman and an emergency specialist. He could hear the woman being told on the other line, "we have a positive confirmation; the deceased girl is your daughter." With out hesitation, this woman returned to Elder Bednar, "never mind. We now need to let the other two parents of these girls know what has happened." He couldn't believe his ears. In this terrible time of personal tragedy, she had turned outward immediately.
Then he learned that before the daughter's funeral, this woman received a phone call from another woman. This other woman didn't know the situation of this young mother (who was also a relief society pres) and chewed her out for not sending someone to make her a meal because she was sick.
Without a second word, on the way to her own daughter's funeral, she dropped off a meal to this less than deserving or understanding woman. What meekness. When Elder Bednar was at the funeral, the woman approached him.
"I know that the last image you saw of my daughter was tragic. While we know that the circumstances don't allow us to have an open casket service, the funeral home workers have done a wonderful job at restoring her. I would like you to see her this way before they close it."
She cared at that moment about someone else once again. She didn't want him to have a horrific image in his mind, and sought to heal any pain HE had, while undergoing what was likely the greatest pain she had ever experienced.
This is truly a beautiful example of someone who has taken on them the Character of Christ.
I love this mission that the Lord has given me. You'll here from me two more times, then you'll be getting updates form Honduras! My life is blessed more than I can express. I love my Father in Heaven and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love my family.
Les Amo, Elder Kent Thalman
So there have been a couple of unexpected events. My quartet tried out for a special musical number in a devotional two Thurs. ago and received no word. We assumed that we didn't get anything. Then last Thurs we were asked to sing in the Sunday devotional! It was so cool. We did "Lord, I Would Follow Thee" for about 2,200 missionaries. What an audience. I don't think I have ever sung a better song with such amazing men for such a chosen group (or to so large a group). What a blessing. I love the Lord so much and I am thankful for such an opportunity.
Right after the devotional, Elder Harris got on a shuttle and was off to Costa Rica. What a cool way to say goodbye to the MTC. I love Elder Harris, Elder Pickett, and Elder Dahlberg. they're all off to their respective missions now speaking the beautiful Spanish language. The devotional was by Richard Heaton. I loved what he spoke about. He talked about how important it is to invite people to come to church. It is one of three things necessary for baptism; Pray, reading the Book of Mormon, and attending church.
Afterwards, we watched the Christmas devotional given by Elder David A. Bednar from this last Christmas at the MTC. I hadn't been around during Christmas, so it was a blessing to get to see it. He spoke about the Character of Christ. He focused on the natural man and how he will destroy our missions. Basically, the natural man is anything inside you that makes you turn inward for selfish reasons. He spoke how Christ is the opposite; always He would turn outwards. He spoke about how after fasting for 40 days, Satan tempted Christ. After this whole ordeals which is in Matthew 4: 2-12, Chist learns from the Spirit that John the Baptist was in prison. Then He sent angels to minister to John. When Christ was suffering in the Garden, He was totally alone. Not even the disciples could stay awake with Him. Eventually, the guards came.
Obviously after suffering for the sins and pains of all mankind, He was terrible grieved. But He still took the time to heal the ear of the man attacked by Peter. This was such a minor pain compared to what He had just undergone, but He still turned outward. He cared more for others than He did for Himself. Then when He was DYING on the cross, He asked God to forgive the Roman soldiers, "for they [knew] not what they [did]."
He made sure that His mother Mary what taken care of when He told John, "behold, thy mother." IN ADDITION to all this, He was doing missionary work to the two men dying on each side of Him. He was the perfect opposite of the natural man. He set all selfishness aside to do the will of the Father in all things, even unto death. Jesus truly was and is the Christ, the Savior of the world.
Elder Bednar shared an example of a woman who showed these qualities.
He received a call at 5am from a mother in his stake asking him to come down and identify three bodies of girls who had just been in a terrible accident. One of the three was this woman's daughter. One was dead. Because of their terrible conditions, they couldn't be recognized. Elder Bednar could overhear a conversation going on between this woman and an emergency specialist. He could hear the woman being told on the other line, "we have a positive confirmation; the deceased girl is your daughter." With out hesitation, this woman returned to Elder Bednar, "never mind. We now need to let the other two parents of these girls know what has happened." He couldn't believe his ears. In this terrible time of personal tragedy, she had turned outward immediately.
Then he learned that before the daughter's funeral, this woman received a phone call from another woman. This other woman didn't know the situation of this young mother (who was also a relief society pres) and chewed her out for not sending someone to make her a meal because she was sick.
Without a second word, on the way to her own daughter's funeral, she dropped off a meal to this less than deserving or understanding woman. What meekness. When Elder Bednar was at the funeral, the woman approached him.
"I know that the last image you saw of my daughter was tragic. While we know that the circumstances don't allow us to have an open casket service, the funeral home workers have done a wonderful job at restoring her. I would like you to see her this way before they close it."
She cared at that moment about someone else once again. She didn't want him to have a horrific image in his mind, and sought to heal any pain HE had, while undergoing what was likely the greatest pain she had ever experienced.
This is truly a beautiful example of someone who has taken on them the Character of Christ.
I love this mission that the Lord has given me. You'll here from me two more times, then you'll be getting updates form Honduras! My life is blessed more than I can express. I love my Father in Heaven and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love my family.
Les Amo, Elder Kent Thalman
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Progression
Devotional on Tues was by Bishop Edgley of the Presiding Bishopric. It was so good! Here are some highlights:
You will never meet a single person who is not loved by your Father in Heaven.
My personal goal: don't meet a single person that isn't loved by me. You should not be intimidated by anyone!
There was an awesome story of an LDS girl who decided to attend a non denominational Bible meeting at her highschool. The minister leading the meetings found out one day that she was LDS and started attacking her. She eventually started crying, then realized that she knew she could stand up for the truth. She stood and shared several scriptures. Then in tears she shared her testimony then left. Two of the young men in the room that day were baptized as a result of that girl's testimony!
I love the Spirit's power when the simple and weak things of the earth do the will of God. Good things too, or I wouldn't have a chance out in the field without his help. He concluded with a promise: "I bless you that when you go home from your mission that it will be the hardest day of the whole mission." I love that. That promise is a blessing.
I already love the people of Honduras so much, and I won't know a single one for a month still.
Here's a wonderful quote I heard; from the prophet Joseph Smith: "The nearer a man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments until he has lost every desire for sin." How true! The more truth I learn and live, the clear everything become, and the greater my happiness. There is great strength in knowing my own power over temptation. I have more to share, but I must be obedient... I love you all and there are many of you whom I would love to hear from.
You will never meet a single person who is not loved by your Father in Heaven.
My personal goal: don't meet a single person that isn't loved by me. You should not be intimidated by anyone!
There was an awesome story of an LDS girl who decided to attend a non denominational Bible meeting at her highschool. The minister leading the meetings found out one day that she was LDS and started attacking her. She eventually started crying, then realized that she knew she could stand up for the truth. She stood and shared several scriptures. Then in tears she shared her testimony then left. Two of the young men in the room that day were baptized as a result of that girl's testimony!
I love the Spirit's power when the simple and weak things of the earth do the will of God. Good things too, or I wouldn't have a chance out in the field without his help. He concluded with a promise: "I bless you that when you go home from your mission that it will be the hardest day of the whole mission." I love that. That promise is a blessing.
I already love the people of Honduras so much, and I won't know a single one for a month still.
Here's a wonderful quote I heard; from the prophet Joseph Smith: "The nearer a man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments until he has lost every desire for sin." How true! The more truth I learn and live, the clear everything become, and the greater my happiness. There is great strength in knowing my own power over temptation. I have more to share, but I must be obedient... I love you all and there are many of you whom I would love to hear from.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Continue in Faith
So this Tuesday was EPIC. It was the 50th anniversary of the MTC and Elder Russell M. Nelson came with Elder Holland!!! So cool. Elder Nelson talked about our heritage as missionaries, and those who went before us. I loved his message. It made me think of those who have gone before me. My father is most of what I aspire to be as a missionary. I constantly apply the things he has taught me now that I am here. I remember him because the name he gave me, Thalman, is on my chest every day. My brother Scotty served two years as well, and I stole his name tag before leaving. :) My sister Challis has also served. I have a bracelet from her that I wear durring gym and P Days. There are so many more whom I look up to. Brother Marchant has a heritage in my very mission. I always loved hearing his stories about his mission in teachers quorm. It's such an honor to be serving in Honduras behind his footsteps. I could go on, but I have short time. Elder Nelson spoke about some of the great missionaries. One of the best was Dan Jones, who served in Wales and converted thousands. Before his missions, he was with Joseph Smith just before he died. That night, Joseph asked Dan Jones if he was afraid to die. Jones replied, "Do you think that time has yet come? I do not think that, engaged in such a cause that death would hold many terrors." I love this. Sorry if I didn't quote it verbadum, but it's super close. I can relate to this because I'm going to San Pedro Sula. It's actually the most dangerous city in the world. Statistically speaking. Don't get me wrong. I don't expect to die. But I don't really fear it either. As I've been on this mission, God is helping my will to align with His. I feel slowly that fear or anxiety is fading. I don't worry about anything because through listening to the Spirit, I can always do what God needs of me. Everything that happens is in His hands. Elder Holland said something really cool. "God bless you to be what this church thinks you are." To many, the missionaries appear flawless or perfect. For many converts, the missionaries are angels. But we all struggle so much with all sorts of things. I hope that through obedience, i can live this prayer of an apostle and be what those who love me think I am. Our investigators are increasing in numbers and in faith. Elder Welburn and I are teaching several people now and one is native Peruvian. I'm sure most of them are actors for now, but the Peruvian might be real. Not sure, but it is great practice. his name is Carlos and he is super hard to understand. Thank goodness for my companion! We're actually learning from each other because he has a huge vocabulary and I understand much more grammer than he does. Speaking of Elder Welburn, it looks as if things are turning out okay with his body. He may even get to go to the field soon. Or he'll stay a few more weeks. It's mostly up to him, but I'm glad he donesn't need surgery or to go home. Thank you all for your prayers on his behalf. Hopefully I'll have him as my comp for a littlle longer. There are simply too many wonderful experiences for me to relate. I will try to take better notes next week so i can remember everything that has happened. There really have been a ton of little miracles. Simply needed a scripture, and not knowing where it is. Then I open to Doctrine and Cov. and the page I open to is where the exact scripture is. Either that was a 1 in 20,000 chance coincidence, or God is looking out for me and is looking over His work. Another small thing was thinking about one of our investigators and thinking what they should read in the Book of Mormon. I then received the thought, "have him read the story of the people of Alma in the waters of Mormon." Then I didn't know exactly where that was... "Mosiah 18?" Honestly, I'm not that good of a guesser. The Spirit is really starting to guide my thoughts. That story did more than help us teach about baptism. It literally illustrates Lesson 3: The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Read it and see. Pretty cool stuff. Faith, repentance, baptism by immersion, receiveing the gift of the Holy Ghost, and even Enduring to the End. I can testify that the Lord is over this work and that He loves us all individually. I love you all and miss you all. Please don't hesitate to write! Les amo mucho!!! Elder Thalman
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Savior, May I Learn to Love Thee
Savior, May I Learn to Love Thee
This week has been absolutely incredible. The Lord has
really started to take control of His work through the Spirit. Like I
said before, this isn't my mission. He is really telling me what I need
to do and know.
My companion and I were talking about staying awake.
This has been a struggle for me. 16 hour days are a lot longer than you'd
think. I had previously thought of what I call the three S's of energy,
being singing, smiling, and serving. They work well, but I was still
struggling. Elder Welburn said something to me: he said how he only has
three ways to stay awake. Exercizing, being angry, and having the
Spirit. The first is physical, the second is emotional, but the third is
actually the only true way to be awake and aware while serving the Lord.
I love Elder Welburn and will be sad when he leaves Monday. Please pray
for him. He has MRI's today, and finds out Saturday if he enters the field
Monday, or goes home for surgery.
Tuesday's devotional was the most spiritual experience I
have had in the mission so far. Elder Alonso of the 70 spoke, and it was
just awesome. Some points:
This gospel must be taught simply and clearly. Do the
right things at the right times, with out delay. We are not intersted in
numbers. Our interst is to INVITE, and LOVE PEOPLE. This generation
will do more as missionaries than any previous one. This requires more
diligence and obedience. Then at the end he stated saying stuff that just
made me overflow with the Spirit. These weren't all his words.
Mostly my impressions: Start exemplifying Jesus Christ. Start
living like Him BEFORE you start inviting other to follow Him. Strengthen
your personal love and testimony of the Savior. Humility enables
Boldness.
The closing hymn was "Savior, May I Learn to Love
Thee." When we sang the words to that hymn, my heart was overcome by
the truth of the words. Please look them up and read them, as I do not
have time to transcribe them here.
After devotionals, we have district review, where we talk
about our impressions. There were about 5 Elders before me as we bore our
testimonies. I honestly was having a really hard time waiting my
turn. For the first time in my life, I felt somthing a kin to what Nephi
describes when I says that the "Spirit constraineth me to
speak." I got up and immediately started bearing testimony of my
Savior Jesus Christ. I had so many thoughts while waiting my turn, that I
feared that I would just say a bunch of garbage. I said a prayer that the
Spirit would guide as to what to say. I don't remember everything I said,
but the Spirit confirmed to me with great power that the Savior Jesus Christ
died for me and all men. He was foreordained to do so, and everything He
does is for us. Yesterday, today, and forever. Two years is nothing
in comparison to His sacrifice for me. I love Him so much, and know that
He loves each of us beyond our ability to comprehend. I am so grateful that
Heavenly Father blessed me with the oportunity to learn this truth even
greater than ever before.
Yesterday, durring a workshop, we did an inviting
activity. We prepared for 10 min to invite some other missionary to do
something to invite them to Christ. On Sun, Clayton Christensen spoke
(which was SO awesome). He talked about something he did for one of his
friends. He asked him to do seven things to find answers to his
questions. 1.pray on your knees to God 2.read from the Book of Mormon
about that specific question 3. write about two paragraphs to answer the
question. 4. Pray again about what you wrote. 5. Re-read the
chapter. 6. Re draft the answers 7. Then kneel again in prayer to
confirm the redraft. I invited the missionary I did the activity with to
do this thing, specifically to know if Jesus Christ is our Savior. What
he challenged me to do was about trusting the Lord. The Sister in our
group challenged us to strengthen our faith in Christ through our trials.
I wish that I could add more detail, but it sufficeth me to say that the Spirit
was really strong. I challenge everyone to do these seven steps about
this and any question they have about life. I'm doing it too with
personal questions that I have written.
This week has been absolutely incredible. The Lord has
really started to take control of His work through the Spirit. Like I
said before, this isn't my mission. He is really telling me what I need
to do and know.
My companion and I were talking about staying awake.
This has been a struggle for me. 16 hour days are a lot longer than you'd
think. I had previously thought of what I call the three S's of energy,
being singing, smiling, and serving. They work well, but I was still
struggling. Elder Welburn said something to me: he said how he only has
three ways to stay awake. Exercizing, being angry, and having the
Spirit. The first is physical, the second is emotional, but the third is
actually the only true way to be awake and aware while serving the Lord.
I love Elder Welburn and will be sad when he leaves Monday. Please pray
for him. He has MRI's today, and finds out Saturday if he enters the field
Monday, or goes home for surgery.
Tuesday's devotional was the most spiritual experience I
have had in the mission so far. Elder Alonso of the 70 spoke, and it was
just awesome. Some points:
This gospel must be taught simply and clearly. Do the
right things at the right times, with out delay. We are not intersted in
numbers. Our interst is to INVITE, and LOVE PEOPLE. This generation
will do more as missionaries than any previous one. This requires more
diligence and obedience. Then at the end he stated saying stuff that just
made me overflow with the Spirit. These weren't all his words.
Mostly my impressions: Start exemplifying Jesus Christ. Start
living like Him BEFORE you start inviting other to follow Him. Strengthen
your personal love and testimony of the Savior. Humility enables
Boldness.
The closing hymn was "Savior, May I Learn to Love
Thee." When we sang the words to that hymn, my heart was overcome by
the truth of the words. Please look them up and read them, as I do not
have time to transcribe them here.
After devotionals, we have district review, where we talk
about our impressions. There were about 5 Elders before me as we bore our
testimonies. I honestly was having a really hard time waiting my
turn. For the first time in my life, I felt somthing a kin to what Nephi
describes when I says that the "Spirit constraineth me to
speak." I got up and immediately started bearing testimony of my
Savior Jesus Christ. I had so many thoughts while waiting my turn, that I
feared that I would just say a bunch of garbage. I said a prayer that the
Spirit would guide as to what to say. I don't remember everything I said,
but the Spirit confirmed to me with great power that the Savior Jesus Christ
died for me and all men. He was foreordained to do so, and everything He
does is for us. Yesterday, today, and forever. Two years is nothing
in comparison to His sacrifice for me. I love Him so much, and know that
He loves each of us beyond our ability to comprehend. I am so grateful that
Heavenly Father blessed me with the oportunity to learn this truth even
greater than ever before.
Yesterday, durring a workshop, we did an inviting
activity. We prepared for 10 min to invite some other missionary to do
something to invite them to Christ. On Sun, Clayton Christensen spoke
(which was SO awesome). He talked about something he did for one of his
friends. He asked him to do seven things to find answers to his
questions. 1.pray on your knees to God 2.read from the Book of Mormon
about that specific question 3. write about two paragraphs to answer the
question. 4. Pray again about what you wrote. 5. Re-read the
chapter. 6. Re draft the answers 7. Then kneel again in prayer to
confirm the redraft. I invited the missionary I did the activity with to
do this thing, specifically to know if Jesus Christ is our Savior. What
he challenged me to do was about trusting the Lord. The Sister in our
group challenged us to strengthen our faith in Christ through our trials.
I wish that I could add more detail, but it sufficeth me to say that the Spirit
was really strong. I challenge everyone to do these seven steps about
this and any question they have about life. I'm doing it too with
personal questions that I have written.
Friday, January 20, 2012
I Cannot Write An Hundreth Part
I want my family to know that I love them so much. They are my greatest support, and I cherish no letters more than there's. I love this mission that the Lord has graciously given me. I love this restored gospel. It is the truth. To my friends who read this who are not of my faith; please read the Book of Mormon. It will bless your life more than you thought possible.Dear Family & Friends,
I want my family to know that I love them so much. They are my greatest support, and I cherish no letters more than theirs. I love this mission that the Lord has graciously given me. I love this restored gospel. It is the truth. To my friends who read this who are not of my faith; please read the Book of Mormon. It will bless your life more than you thought possible.
On the 14th, Elder Dever was doing a mock investigator
thing. Two of our teachers taught him in front of all of us, and it was
all in Espanol. Honesly, Elder Dever stuggles more than most in our class
with the language. He seemed to understand almost everything, and was
responding fluidly. It was awesome. It was a great testimony to me
of the gift of tongues. I've said it before, but I can't get over how
much I just love this District.
At the end of class we watch Holland's Mormon Message,
"Hope in Good Things to Come." So good. We all felt the
Spirit, and it was wonderful. Our Maestra, Hermana Alanis, apparently
hadn't eaten all day. Elder Christensen gave her an orange he had.
I don't know why, but that scene just imprinted itself on my mind. He
really looks out for people. I really love Elder Christensen, and he
really lives up to the first syllable of his last name. He's one of the most
selfless missionaries I know, and He will be a great missionary in Chile,
Rangaua.
MTC fireside was by Stephen B Allen on Sunday. That
was so cool. He served his mission in Guatemala and produced tons of
short films for the church. Basically, he is everything that I want to be
when I grow up. Haha. His wife spoke before he did, and she gave an
awesome quote by Mack Whalberg. "Harmony requires
Submission." I have been putting a ton of thought into the
submission required to be truly meek. I love the idea of this isn't my
mission. I don't ever want to say "my mission" ever
again. This is the Lord's mission. This is HIS time. Not
mine. My will is nothing right now. I really hope that after all of
my preparation I can simply tell the Lord, "alright. I've done all I
can do. Now please use me to say what you want to say." The
Spirit is such a powerful influence. I love the Spirit here at the
MTC. I love learning Spanish even thought it's really the hardest thing
I've ever done.
On Tues, Kevin R Duncan of the 70 spoke. He was also
amazing. Here are my highlights:
I am only the messenger, but those who accept the message I
bear shall love me; I will love them. I will be with them forever.
I need to savor this oportunity to be the Lord's messenger.
Live in the frontiers of faith. This is where and
attitude of faith meets great effort.
Our best is required all of the time. Not just when
the sun shines.
True disciples will suffer pain and sorrow. But DO NOT
confuse sorrow with discouragement. Even the Savior wept, but
discouragement is of the Devil.
Pray for Charity.
Build and edify your companion. Always pray for him.
You will find a direct relationship between joy and the pure
love of Chirst-like love you feel for the Lord and His people. If you
always love them, you can alway have joy and peace, dispite circumstance.
Most of those notes were more of my personal impressions as
opossed to what was said exactly, but it was a mix. The Spirit told me a
lot of things I needed to hear.
Yesterday and today I have run into a lot of new
missionaries who I love. Elders Nathan James, Julian Froude, Eugene
Welker. They're going to be amazing. I appreciate those who have
written. You all don't understand how much those letters mean to every
missionary who receives them. Write a missionary today! Haha.
Les amo mucho!
Elder Kent Thalman
I want my family to know that I love them so much. They are my greatest support, and I cherish no letters more than theirs. I love this mission that the Lord has graciously given me. I love this restored gospel. It is the truth. To my friends who read this who are not of my faith; please read the Book of Mormon. It will bless your life more than you thought possible.
On the 14th, Elder Dever was doing a mock investigator
thing. Two of our teachers taught him in front of all of us, and it was
all in Espanol. Honesly, Elder Dever stuggles more than most in our class
with the language. He seemed to understand almost everything, and was
responding fluidly. It was awesome. It was a great testimony to me
of the gift of tongues. I've said it before, but I can't get over how
much I just love this District.
At the end of class we watch Holland's Mormon Message,
"Hope in Good Things to Come." So good. We all felt the
Spirit, and it was wonderful. Our Maestra, Hermana Alanis, apparently
hadn't eaten all day. Elder Christensen gave her an orange he had.
I don't know why, but that scene just imprinted itself on my mind. He
really looks out for people. I really love Elder Christensen, and he
really lives up to the first syllable of his last name. He's one of the most
selfless missionaries I know, and He will be a great missionary in Chile,
Rangaua.
MTC fireside was by Stephen B Allen on Sunday. That
was so cool. He served his mission in Guatemala and produced tons of
short films for the church. Basically, he is everything that I want to be
when I grow up. Haha. His wife spoke before he did, and she gave an
awesome quote by Mack Whalberg. "Harmony requires
Submission." I have been putting a ton of thought into the
submission required to be truly meek. I love the idea of this isn't my
mission. I don't ever want to say "my mission" ever
again. This is the Lord's mission. This is HIS time. Not
mine. My will is nothing right now. I really hope that after all of
my preparation I can simply tell the Lord, "alright. I've done all I
can do. Now please use me to say what you want to say." The
Spirit is such a powerful influence. I love the Spirit here at the
MTC. I love learning Spanish even thought it's really the hardest thing
I've ever done.
On Tues, Kevin R Duncan of the 70 spoke. He was also
amazing. Here are my highlights:
I am only the messenger, but those who accept the message I
bear shall love me; I will love them. I will be with them forever.
I need to savor this oportunity to be the Lord's messenger.
Live in the frontiers of faith. This is where and
attitude of faith meets great effort.
Our best is required all of the time. Not just when
the sun shines.
True disciples will suffer pain and sorrow. But DO NOT
confuse sorrow with discouragement. Even the Savior wept, but
discouragement is of the Devil.
Pray for Charity.
Build and edify your companion. Always pray for him.
You will find a direct relationship between joy and the pure
love of Chirst-like love you feel for the Lord and His people. If you
always love them, you can alway have joy and peace, dispite circumstance.
Most of those notes were more of my personal impressions as
opossed to what was said exactly, but it was a mix. The Spirit told me a
lot of things I needed to hear.
Yesterday and today I have run into a lot of new
missionaries who I love. Elders Nathan James, Julian Froude, Eugene
Welker. They're going to be amazing. I appreciate those who have
written. You all don't understand how much those letters mean to every
missionary who receives them. Write a missionary today! Haha.
Les amo mucho!
Elder Kent Thalman
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