Missionary Popsicle's

^ this subject comes with a pretty funny story that isn't ideal for a weekly email. be assured, everyone is safe.

Elder Clayton of the 70 came to our mission and he gave some great trainings. He shared one of my favorite scriptures but he didn't expound on it. I loved that he didn't, because that led me to ponder and think of what that scripture meant to me. 

I've talked about this scripture before so bear with me:

The scripture is Hebrews 12:1-2

"Wherefore seeing (that) we ... are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and ... sin which (does) ... easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith ..."

In these few verses it teaches exactly how we can have JOY

Side notes / thoughts:

If you were in a marathon and you got dead tired during the race the only real way to stop the pain and misery is to slow down or stop completely. 

(at least that's been my experience.. I'm not a runner)

On the other hand the "race" that Paul wrote about is not just a race, but is our lives. 

Some may think, if life gets too hard they need to slow down, they need to quit completely. 

But that's completely false. 

We are taught if we want to make our life easier we need to "lay aside the weights and sins which distract us" 

Regardless if there are weights and sins in our lives that we need to get off our chest or if life is just rough, the council is all the same. 

"(go on) with patience and (look) to Christ" 

Elder Holland, one of my favorite speakers says this:

"To any who may be struggling to see that light and find that hope, I say: Hold on. Keep trying. God loves you. Things will improve. Christ comes to you in His 'more excellent ministry' with a future of 'better promises.' He is your 'high priest of good things to come.' "

His words are my words, 

“Don’t give up ... Don’t you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead (a lot of it) ... You keep your chin up. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.”

I'm so grateful for this Christmas season where I can remember my Savior and the miracles He's worked in my life. It is because of Him that I can feel peace and comfort through the trials I face. I feel JOY as I focus on my Master. I know that joy is available to all of you as well. 

Love you!!

Pictures!

1. Role plays with half the mission

2. Exchange with Elder Rivet

3. Bad quality pic but this is the Idaho Falls Temple :)

4-5. Me and Elder Cano tryin to be cowboys