Aaaand We're Back

Holy Smokes! I'm sorry for being lame-sauce with my updates. It's been very very busy up here in Idaho.

I'm healthy and having the time of my life. Elder Norman my companion is such a stud. He is the most positive uplifting guy I've been around. He knows how to make people feel good about themselves even when he's correcting them and telling them to change. That's something I really need to do better at. Also, the man is a genius, computer whiz, mathematician, all combined in an athletes body. 

He is the smartest worker I've been around as well. If that makes sense. We get stuff done!

OKAY! Well I've been able to go on exchanges in almost every part of Idaho Except Driggs and Salmon. and I have learned so much. Here's some points. 

I have learned that "when [God] give(s) a commandment to any son of [man] to do a work in [His] name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and (if it so be that)  their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work" then it's necessary that God, "require(s) that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings." 

(Doctrine and Covenants 124:49)

I have always been the kind of guy where if there's a job that needs to be done I will exhaust myself and won't "cease my labors" until that thing is accomplished. 

nevertheless

The adversary caused that some of the work here to be hindered, in small and in big ways. Where unfortunately people don't use their agency the best that they should or random circumstances happen where it paralyzes the progression of an area. 

It would be very easy for me to put myself down and say I wasn't good enough or that I was slacking, but I know that I have been working "with all diligence", and when I came across this scripture I knew God was proud of the things that I'd been working towards and that he accepted of my "offerings" and will still bless me for those things. Those are things yall can be blessed with as well. 

Now this doesn't stop me from working hard, it just means I'll have to put some things into God's hands and focus on things of higher importance! 

The chains from trials and tribulations can be broken by those who will humbly seek God's help and strength. "Because of thy righteousness [...] thy God shall stand by thee forever and ever." (Doctrine and Covenants 122:4)

Now trusting and relying on God can be a super scary and uncomfortable thing because it mostly leads us to change. Here's what one guy said relating to this topic, "Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt." ("Measure for Measure", Shakespeare)

We can't let fear or doubts govern our lives. If something doesn't turn out exactly right, so be it! You live and you learn! Get back up on the horse and try again! "If you keep putting the same stuff in, you're gonna get the same stuff out" (Our Mission President). If you're unhappy with the circumstances you're in right now, Go to God for guidance, and try something new. What's the worst that could happen?

I know that God won't forget us. He's always there to help. Just ask.

I'm really excited for these next few weeks, there will be a lot of office stuff to do but we have a bunch of lessons scheduled and potentially another baptism! (We had one yesterday)

I'm pretty sure my emails won't be long like this one for a long time. (I'm able to write a little just because plans got cancelled due to bad weather and stuff)

Love yall!!!

PICTURES: (some of these are old and idk if I've sent them but they're worth a look)

1. Posterity

2. "Derryl and the Elders" this guy has an awesome testimony of Jesus Christ. So happy he chose to be baptized.

3. E. Norman brushes his teeth after every meal.

4. A wet day with Elder Humpherys (he's amazing)

5-6. St Anthony (Elder Cano and Neufeld. Also fantastic missionaries)

7. This was taken at 11:45 at night. We had an Elder bust his ankle and was in the ER for a while and then didnt have a ride home. (We got called out of bed at 11 to go grab him) didn't get back to bed until 12:45-1ish. #woopwoop

8-9. Jordan's wedding and Baptism!! :) (he's an awesome awesome guy. Left everything but his wife and child to join the church)

10. Quite possibly my favorite picture of my mission. I was so happy. ROLL TIDE (we might teach his family)

11. Elder Norman!

12. Bikin in suits with Humpherys