Dear Family and Friends,
This week was a better week. We didn't have any amazing changes, but it looks like things are starting to turn around slowly. The ward is getting more animated and we are going to visit some references of members this week. Member references always go better, even if they choose not to be baptized, because they understand more and the member is more confident to share the gospel.
I bought a new suit today. I want to send my old suit and some clothes home so if you could put some money in the account, that would be great.
There was another gecko in the shower today. They are starting to multiply all over the house. They are pretty funny.
Congrats to all the winners-the ones both on and off the field. How does Fano get involved with beauty pageants? Is he in the newspaper? (Fano was an escort in a fashion show for a local bridal/prom dress company that was held at the University Mall).
Can you send me a list of b-days in the family-I only know Fano and Caleb's. I know Mom's is in October and Dad's is November and Jared is May and Timo is February? Kind of sad I can give you dates on random history events, but not the b-days of my own family....
On Sunday I played the piano for the Primary program. There was a nice new song called "I Know the Savior Loves Me" (my best attempt at translating). I didn't play perfect, and I had to make a lot of adaptions, because I don't play amazing and because they are not used to a piano, but it turned out okay. I really miss playing the piano, I think that will be one of the things I will do a lot more when I get back. Even if I move out, I'm going to buy a keyboard so I can play.
I was thinking about your question Dad, about what I would have done to prepare more. I was actually thinking about a related subject this morning. In my scripture study I was reading in the Book of Mormon and I was thinking about the difference in how I study the Book of Mormon on the mission and before. I'll be really honest, the first time I read the Book of Mormon all the way through was in college. I really don't remember reading it in high school, even for President Hinckley's challenge. I really wish I had read the Book of Mormon in high school. I think I read maybe once a week, outside of church, and I never got through 2nd Nephi. If I could change one thing, I would have read the Book of Mormon in high school.
I read the Book of Mormon with the family, in seminary, and in church, but I wish I had read it all the way through in high school by myself at home. It's not so much about knowing more, but I would know how to listen to the Spirit better. When you read the Book of Mormon, you have more opportunities to hear the Spirit throughout the day. I think because I waited so long, if I'm even a little distracted, it's hard to hear the Spirit in the day to day activities, which is essential right now. 15-20 minutes a day in the Book of Mormon will make missionaries that the Lord needs, because you have to hear the Spirit and know how to recognize it, and that is hard. It isn't something you magically obtain when you become a missionary, it's something you have to train at (like Jedi).
In my Book of Mormon journal I have been writing a question and then answering it, with what I read. Today I wanted to know how I could be more confident and then I read Alma 63 and in that chapter is the story of Hagoth, how he was "an exceedingly curious man" (which always makes me think of Timo). Because he was himself, he built boats-something that hadn't been recorded since Nephi came almost 550 years earlier. I'm sure there were some people who thought he was a little nuts to be tinkering around with boats and such, but because of him the Nephites colonized North America. So there was my answer, just be yourself. It doesn't matter what others think or say. Just do your best and leave the rest.
I know the Book of Mormon is evidence that God loves us, that we are just as important to him as the people we read about in the scriptures, to remind us that we are not cast off, but remembered. The Book of Mormon was in the hands of 25 men-from Lehi/Nephi to Joseph Smith and I know all of them sacrificed to bring it to us. The Book of Mormon is sealed by blood and tears, tar and feathers. Two dying prophets at the end of a nation gave their lives to bring it to us and shot and ball in Carthage sealed the book with the blood of the man who gave everything, so that we can read it in English, Portuguese and in 90 other languages. I know the Book of Mormon is true, because I have read it, pondered about it, and prayed about it and the Holy Ghost has spoken to my heart and mind that it is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ lives, the Nephites saw Him, Joseph Smith saw Him, and I hope to see Him someday.
Love,
Elder Barton
No comments:
Post a Comment