tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88058970587838942362024-03-14T07:15:15.027-07:00Elder Andrew Called to Serve WAJosh AndrewAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-80702898683594865162016-03-28T18:41:00.001-07:002016-03-28T18:41:07.442-07:00March 28, 2016<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This week has been awesome. We met a cool guy on the street and he let me play his guitar for a while! We ended up being bros, and he wants to hang out and talk about the gospel! The weather was ok over here, half rain, half sun...so a little better than usual! I hope everyone had an awesome Easter! I'm really excited for General Conference this coming week, because we have a few investigators we are planning on watching it with. Elder Jones had a bug all week, but was a trooper in trying to get over it. This morning I have been reading out of a book, The Power of Everyday Missionaries, an incredible book for those that are interested in sharing the gospel but not quite sure how, where, when, and who to share it with. For those interested in receiving blessings that come with missionary work, check this book out! The book talks about something that would be in relation to this scripture: As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Let's go about doing some good this week!! Love you all!<br><br>Elder Andrew<br><br>Sent from my iPad</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-11226008465944715172016-03-21T13:31:00.001-07:002016-03-21T13:31:27.017-07:00March 21, 2016<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This week has been phenomenal!!!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Every companionship in the zone is putting people on date! It seemed like every five minutes, people were texting in miracle stories. We saw them within our companionship this week as well! Good to see success despite all the crappy weather lately. We actually had a couple days where the sun seemed to be out, so we took advantage of that and did some service! We had a zone conference as well this week, which went awesome! We received a couple amazing trainings from some companionships as well as President Taylor! </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today we are going to ball hard! Best week ever! Also, Sunday, we taught gospel principles. The lesson was on the sacrament! During the discussion, we all shared what we do while the sacrament is being administered each week. I remembered a scripture I came across in my studies...Helaman 5:9 " O remember , remember , my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world."</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I explained I generally will say a prayer, reread the sacrament prayer and a cool scripture like this. Than I ponder on that and think to myself how I will better take the Saviors name upon myself this coming week. The sacrament is a huge blessing to partake every week! It's one of the specific ways he has asked us to remember him, and we have the privilege of partaking in such a reverent setting administered by the authority of God himself!! So I thought that was cool. Nothing else crazy has been going on, just another bomb week in Vancouver! I love you all!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sincerely, <br clear="all"></span></div><div><div class="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Elder Andrew</span></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-89705249748621817592016-03-14T15:00:00.001-07:002016-03-14T15:00:59.493-07:00March 14, 2016<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This week has been a quick, super productive week! We are teaching a<br>guy who has ASL and is paralyzed from neck down. He has a great heart<br>and knows what we have been sharing with him is true. The way he looks<br>at life, regardless of his circumstance, is incredible. It's forced me to take a step back and count my blessings! He accepted the invitation to be baptized!! </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We have some other incredible people we </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">are teaching that are borderline baptism candidates as well! The ward</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">and area is on fire! Amazing people are there to help us out as well! Everybody in the zone is getting people on date like crazy! It's looking like we are going to surpass our goals and we are all stoked!!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We had a pretty cool experience the other day! An appointment cancelled on us this week, so Elder Jones and I prayed to ask what we should do, as we normally would. The name "William" came into both of our minds. Neither of us knew who that was, had seen that name in our records or anything. We search him up and somehow dig up a William that hadn't been stopped by in forever! We went over there, he let us<br>right in, and we taught him the first discussion and got to know him pretty well. He was more than down to meet again and said he would be baptized after he reads the Book of Mormon haha!!! Praying+faith=miracles! Once again. Amazing week!!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Love you all,</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Elder Andrew<br><br>Sent from my iPad</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-45802983042711502482016-03-07T19:57:00.001-08:002016-03-07T19:57:19.346-08:00March 7, 2016<blockquote type="cite"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This week has been SOLID!!</span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RO0dnFuZz8LhsMvSFTWLUuubrMB0-ShfBtP-wlghDAQMKJ3DhgALnPmnJ_2WvMmBNteEYp_V11ZAE1LmyMEN-HBwWGjS5z9V8X2cDRSd2rt8PF9ffYu0qE-h5WDaNUrOSm3sJLCE8SzQ/s640/blogger-image-2131425446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RO0dnFuZz8LhsMvSFTWLUuubrMB0-ShfBtP-wlghDAQMKJ3DhgALnPmnJ_2WvMmBNteEYp_V11ZAE1LmyMEN-HBwWGjS5z9V8X2cDRSd2rt8PF9ffYu0qE-h5WDaNUrOSm3sJLCE8SzQ/s640/blogger-image-2131425446.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>First off, we had transfers, I am now </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">serving in the Evergreen Ward in Vancouver!! It's so different than </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Portland!!! I absolutely love it and my companion, Elder Jones is a </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">stud!! He was in band in high school, and plays a lot of drums. He </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">knows how to play the drum kit pretty well.... He's fun to talk about </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">music with! We were able to go to a couple baptisms for people I had </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">taught in one of my previous areas! That was kind of weird because I </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">got to see some people from my old ward. It is incredible the feeling </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">you get as a missionary seeing people you love and taught make such an </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">important choice! Without a doubt it will effect them and their </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">families forever. We had a couple cool experiences of running into </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">people this week and putting them on date on the spot!!! Miraculous </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">things are about to happen! We have the coolest Zone as well! Everyone </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">is bros...plus my MTC companion is in there with us!</span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-oxwOlCBEbQdszAOxQbiigeV-s6YkATF6ndAYnvCWDxjciAt2lyuJCqZ6CFMqEP7OEohjq-TeZ_sdE2JHHB1ANfOq6bvuvCueyiQRJkokxtY0-nRLE23hyL48jMxtkILRasFLjCiAtwj/s640/blogger-image-918935803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-oxwOlCBEbQdszAOxQbiigeV-s6YkATF6ndAYnvCWDxjciAt2lyuJCqZ6CFMqEP7OEohjq-TeZ_sdE2JHHB1ANfOq6bvuvCueyiQRJkokxtY0-nRLE23hyL48jMxtkILRasFLjCiAtwj/s640/blogger-image-918935803.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I've been </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">thinking a lot about being an example lately. Every single one of us </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">are examples and leaders in our own way. A lot of times we are setting </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">examples without recognition of what we are doing and </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">so I have been trying to decide what kind of example I would </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">follow...and than BE THAT. As we all know, the leader of leaders led </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">by his example. The power that came behind his leadership came from </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">his desire to be what a leader should be:</span></div></span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"Walk quietly, as in </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">stocking feet; but walk fearlessly, in faith. Don’t let the ill winds </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">sway you. Walk as leaders with the priesthood in the government of </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">God. Walk with hands ready to help, with hearts full of love for your </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">fellowmen. But walk with a toughness in righteousness." </span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHdHPSSOMTAMTVNtkQtjgj2rGnBK_gYIXE8qhUAuss9ii_KfAjMViXsCSqIoTfFxbzRMOlhUyW05gSuAHsfACAXsWlDuBQ4waMhtok5-rG5yuSTwQMyKfgLUztV_sxgQ-T_pEqo2Q38vt/s640/blogger-image--2094665605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHdHPSSOMTAMTVNtkQtjgj2rGnBK_gYIXE8qhUAuss9ii_KfAjMViXsCSqIoTfFxbzRMOlhUyW05gSuAHsfACAXsWlDuBQ4waMhtok5-rG5yuSTwQMyKfgLUztV_sxgQ-T_pEqo2Q38vt/s640/blogger-image--2094665605.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>We can be the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">best example by showing our hearts are full of love for our fellow </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">brothers and sister. Love them! That's it haha. When we internalize </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">the love that the savior has for us, we learn to love him back, and </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">love his doctrine. Through our love for the doctrine taught by our S</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">avior, we begin to live it and we then can perfectly portray the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">blessings of this restored gospel.</span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The week has been good! I hope all </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">of yours will be as well. I love you all!!!!!</span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sincerely,<br>Elder Andrew<br><br>Sent from my iPad</span></blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-21066500590136866552016-03-03T19:34:00.001-08:002016-03-03T19:36:30.899-08:00March 3, 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Transfer day ...</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFp6FSe-IWpKvhb-FIE_SNYTvcs-De5FL4vtieS7QPJEG9uCb75KrTmGs1TLeuRRjelJ4C13tnvs5SlsMysVLfo_sUJy3WliP47kKz48Qmu52Zhyywfd55ERlw2XiOB3-V_uz6hg70cuh/s640/blogger-image-1853779528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFp6FSe-IWpKvhb-FIE_SNYTvcs-De5FL4vtieS7QPJEG9uCb75KrTmGs1TLeuRRjelJ4C13tnvs5SlsMysVLfo_sUJy3WliP47kKz48Qmu52Zhyywfd55ERlw2XiOB3-V_uz6hg70cuh/s640/blogger-image-1853779528.jpg"></a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-50407815736556952732016-02-29T11:40:00.001-08:002016-02-29T13:47:14.594-08:00February 29, 2016<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I forgot what transfer I am on, but its the end of it! That flew by haha!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5wTDizlsvedvAYMXYDvz-QVqfE4RtWHqD_a_HtYcPcsvg3yh8_MlAAkq4L0yxam5Y0hfRhP7c75T8RdJ2F9MOPGSnk5zgB5-EZ2xs618woi66bEZdnw5WIlL1t-NRUZn6Ph_LlQhut_j/s640/blogger-image-273745861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5wTDizlsvedvAYMXYDvz-QVqfE4RtWHqD_a_HtYcPcsvg3yh8_MlAAkq4L0yxam5Y0hfRhP7c75T8RdJ2F9MOPGSnk5zgB5-EZ2xs618woi66bEZdnw5WIlL1t-NRUZn6Ph_LlQhut_j/s640/blogger-image-273745861.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>This week was awesome! We were able to find some people that are interested in the gospel as well as we were able to put a couple people on date for April!! Elder Johnson and I are so stoked for it. I feel so blessed that the Lord is blessing us with these people to teach and befriend.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The weather was awesome over here this last week to! Ton's of sun...which called for a lot more walking! I love going out and finding when the sun is out! Got to take advantage of it over here! We were able to teach gospel principles and attend the primary and be the "guest speakers"! I love the primary. There is an awesome spirit in that class that is different than the others! We discussed in gospel principles "Jesus Christ, our savior and leader". We were talking about in the premortal existence Satan proposed he be our savior and that he wanted all the glory, and then Jesus Christ stood up and said he would volunteer to be our savior for the love that he had for us and his father. As well, with Jesus being our savior, we would be able to keep our agency! We were also talking about how the Savior would be our judge. How suited he would be for that position seeing that he has gone through everything that we have or ever will go through.</span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3 Listen to him who is the <b>advocate </b>with the Father, who is <b>pleading your cause</b> before him--</span><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4 Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;</span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5 Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life. (D&C 45)</span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To me, this scripture is pretty comforting!!!!!!! He will be our advocate, he will plead for our cause depending on our desires, he will ask to spare all of us who will choose to believe in him! Jesus sounds like a bro. haha! All I got to do is believe, and follow his example=eternal life and happiness forever!</span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I love you guys, and hope all is well..as well as the weather over there! Its crazy how much of an impact it can make on your day!</span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sincerely,</span></div><div id="AppleMailSignature"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Elder Andrew</span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Sent from my iPad</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-64710796178723274302016-02-23T19:34:00.001-08:002016-02-23T19:34:44.410-08:00February 22, 2016<p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s1">Hellooo!</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s1"><br></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s1"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKT6imxpy4RNc6LH24tCIZzXMtAubmyn1ekUw35aZtvDJKYr8NyW0zM3bzOAxbhbYTsMK7-eIsalvw4KnV_TPimWNeMObx_YRZwFpzL4xmFMlUd5RMXOOp1et5c6Ir-juVDDvg4lLmjPOs/s640/blogger-image-700763690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKT6imxpy4RNc6LH24tCIZzXMtAubmyn1ekUw35aZtvDJKYr8NyW0zM3bzOAxbhbYTsMK7-eIsalvw4KnV_TPimWNeMObx_YRZwFpzL4xmFMlUd5RMXOOp1et5c6Ir-juVDDvg4lLmjPOs/s640/blogger-image-700763690.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>Another great week has passed! We found a couple solid new people ready to investigate the church, they seem pretty prepared so we are stoked! We had a ton of great lessons, members and non members! The Lord just seems to be handing miracles our way and it's starting to feel like we are doing less and less.<p></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s1"><br></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s1"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNnFnIjJ5_CdocMDIx3V4p74q17E9R5PWiVGEYTtyx7AZhyphenhyphenKSbE2H3NbfU46P-fFKLTyXNxWQ0tnc2gwH_9yeE8of7JI27beAHrYmFNHgUYpfKInGFoMMH_ysmQEfHcOyV8Wmd2fTOGbl/s640/blogger-image--226279540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNnFnIjJ5_CdocMDIx3V4p74q17E9R5PWiVGEYTtyx7AZhyphenhyphenKSbE2H3NbfU46P-fFKLTyXNxWQ0tnc2gwH_9yeE8of7JI27beAHrYmFNHgUYpfKInGFoMMH_ysmQEfHcOyV8Wmd2fTOGbl/s640/blogger-image--226279540.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>An elder we are living with had the opportunity to go to a temple sealing for the first investigator he taught. Over time he had the opportunity to see them progress in the gospel to where they are now. He said it was THE coolest thing to see the change and be able to witness the sealing. He said the spirit was undeniable and emotions were high! We have an opportunity to make some pretty cool promises with the Lord, and in return he has promised us incredible blessings. Now this couple can be together forever and their children will be born into the promise which will not only bind them to their parents, but also effect and influence their lives for better then they, or really any of us can really understand. I was pretty jealous.<p></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s1"><br></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s1"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomBuldAaxbRIrTxaOA1vNyNBM2cUcccyoTvSeegonuQh3-vfEO6-LaWbFvNifITW1XckTdbs8lWYj4bynhtgcLuTrRBqRmwW_lgV7k7k10UnboCQQ_POtgoWYwv8NN_hNm2uvC1S9Eq7S/s640/blogger-image-1809151446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomBuldAaxbRIrTxaOA1vNyNBM2cUcccyoTvSeegonuQh3-vfEO6-LaWbFvNifITW1XckTdbs8lWYj4bynhtgcLuTrRBqRmwW_lgV7k7k10UnboCQQ_POtgoWYwv8NN_hNm2uvC1S9Eq7S/s640/blogger-image-1809151446.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>Another cool thing this week was interviews with president! The person who is subbing in for president is way cool! Seems like a very understanding loving person!<p></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s1"><br></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s1"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSY_OCCrrDaj0pa-bx6LFlBqGygDTJsypltQwEM3siuup_iqcuzBjR8feM3W0LMFNNQugKSzZP8GW3AyCvYaCBdxx4023P_xb467v80pwxbAy2CQh5t7z1cEGtdwridWSy70syN0rygzR-/s640/blogger-image--1287862979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSY_OCCrrDaj0pa-bx6LFlBqGygDTJsypltQwEM3siuup_iqcuzBjR8feM3W0LMFNNQugKSzZP8GW3AyCvYaCBdxx4023P_xb467v80pwxbAy2CQh5t7z1cEGtdwridWSy70syN0rygzR-/s640/blogger-image--1287862979.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>We ate a pig too! Elder Johnson and I got to eat in the Tongan ward once this week...we got there and they had two big pigs over a fire they had got that morning! It was way cool!<p></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s1"><br></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s1">We had exchanges soon after and being with my previous companion for a day was fun.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s1"><br></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s1">Lately I have been really focusing on developing Christlike attributes. Rather than just making them actions, I want to really incorporate them to who I am. Yesterday's big look was knowledge. Before I never really thought of knowledge being a Christlike attribute, but it is! In Alma 17:2-3, it talks about how powerful we can be in our ministry when we try to obtain a knowledge for righteous purposes. The sons of Mosiah "had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of </span><span class="s2" style="font-weight: bold;">prophecy</span><span class="s1">, and the spirit of </span><span class="s2" style="font-weight: bold;">revelation</span><span class="s1">, and when they taught, they taught with </span><span class="s2" style="font-weight: bold;">power and authority of God.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s1">4 And they had been teaching the word of God for the space of fourteen years among the Lamanites, having had much </span><span class="s2" style="font-weight: bold;">success in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth;"</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Prophecy, revelation, teaching with the power and authority of God....SUCCESS!! I need this! I'm still trying to obtain a knowledge that seems adequate for the task I have at had. Without a doubt, my efforts in this behalf have allowed the spirit to take my words and make them into what God would have me say. "21 Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men." Pretty cool promises.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I love you guys, I love it out here! The work is progressing so fast! Have a great week!</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s1"></span><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sincerely,</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Elder Andrew</span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-26531738106630650622016-02-15T16:27:00.001-08:002016-02-29T08:22:49.745-08:00February 15, 2016<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmHUcdVZPen2qEmwvkSqrkIQjTLLhCLWEFL88nucDm_RgZzI82OkeWupH1m7Dg6SFAMbfJ2msf-Gz1swopvpdch7eu0eKnh33NN5WWATojkoq3MKeOQ9ZkLFJEYhp01tW5REYYmudDS8k/s640/blogger-image-1778845641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmHUcdVZPen2qEmwvkSqrkIQjTLLhCLWEFL88nucDm_RgZzI82OkeWupH1m7Dg6SFAMbfJ2msf-Gz1swopvpdch7eu0eKnh33NN5WWATojkoq3MKeOQ9ZkLFJEYhp01tW5REYYmudDS8k/s640/blogger-image-1778845641.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOTuUOT9l-mpsof-rGxWAdPNmz6cb2qihP_2XGTWrkxGMLf5Q03h2xoLGAJFa0nzlcuc2AvJGKsO75WONVbGGBaUCknugye-6LTAlKFEyo0R6smSmuBghQ_02XeTpuZoxCczI-iIJIVPv/s640/blogger-image--1964535798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOTuUOT9l-mpsof-rGxWAdPNmz6cb2qihP_2XGTWrkxGMLf5Q03h2xoLGAJFa0nzlcuc2AvJGKsO75WONVbGGBaUCknugye-6LTAlKFEyo0R6smSmuBghQ_02XeTpuZoxCczI-iIJIVPv/s640/blogger-image--1964535798.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRppAnsddyleZ6P5ZFdhGBaCfta5amIBbHupYogPzldPscSoSyXcBbcgmITe1EwFOnn0K9_0RbNf_zCC5tokevd2bjbhZSxIbrlkgcMjYBI6F6PBYkkNCMc2QcUFrcDasnCrimeAkI9vIX/s640/blogger-image--420846184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRppAnsddyleZ6P5ZFdhGBaCfta5amIBbHupYogPzldPscSoSyXcBbcgmITe1EwFOnn0K9_0RbNf_zCC5tokevd2bjbhZSxIbrlkgcMjYBI6F6PBYkkNCMc2QcUFrcDasnCrimeAkI9vIX/s640/blogger-image--420846184.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div>Hey everyone!! I have like no time this week to write...just got back from a cool hike! Miracles have been raining down this last week!! Have to talk about it next week! Love you all!<br><br>Sincerely<br>Elder Andrew<br><br>Sent from my iPad</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-49964654764573405412016-02-08T13:32:00.001-08:002016-02-08T13:32:21.381-08:00February 8, 2016<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Another week down! As usual, it flew by. I learned a couple lessons<br>this week haha!</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">First off, yesterday was fast Sunday and I got up to bear my testimony. I remembered my heart was pounding crazy fast this time. I knew I wanted to bear my testimony but didn't know what to say so I started thinking of things to say and ways to say it....bad Idea.<br>I don't remember what I said, but it didn't feel that good after. Than I remembered a scripture that I had seen proof of in previous experiences and that was:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.<br><br>20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.<br><br>Pretty cool promise. I remember prior and at the beginning of my mission I took a lot of thought for what I was going to say!! I learned there was a difference between planning out a lesson or talk and actually thinking of things to say and how to say them and not just relying on the spirit to bring things to your remembrance. Definitely a mistake i will try not to make again! Something that has just been on my mind.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We met the family who are progressing in the gospel this last Thursday and it was awesome! We show up, and all of them I guess went to Deseret books and picked up quads with their names engraved on them!!! We were so stoked. The main one we are focusing on quick smoking and coffee cold turkey...and has no desire to have it!! Serious prayers being answered! She experienced a miracle from paying her tithing too! She told us it was either groceries and part of the rent or tithing and she chose the latter. A couple days<br>later, she got a couple of gift cards to Wenco with several hundred dollars on them. We were mesmerized, and kinda had to tell her the Lord doesn't always work like that, but sometimes through our faith, we can witness miracles. They are still progressing rapidly, so keep them in your prayers! as will we.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I got to go on an exchange to my last area, and I realized how much I missed that ward. All of the people in the Tongan ward seriously have the most charity collectively I have ever seen and I seriously look up to them!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">GREAT WEEK!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I love you guys. Thanks for all you do for me and your support!<br><br>Sincerely,<br>Elder Andrew<br><br>Sent from my iPad</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-82889722809485419792016-02-01T13:48:00.001-08:002016-02-01T13:48:06.171-08:00February 1, 2016<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nc8E48k6Gw-lj-8CL64qEMeDzYwWBgx_RoOtfLfQhG27zbFcRyGBAyhbfzQ0k27Bt6CNzcQSw72nDNIlBf-_H4E4V8PcOXYNa87ANx1ZEQOLr62Nascab8z5SNVfH0D626ofAfRUsZyK/s640/blogger-image-740289450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nc8E48k6Gw-lj-8CL64qEMeDzYwWBgx_RoOtfLfQhG27zbFcRyGBAyhbfzQ0k27Bt6CNzcQSw72nDNIlBf-_H4E4V8PcOXYNa87ANx1ZEQOLr62Nascab8z5SNVfH0D626ofAfRUsZyK/s640/blogger-image-740289450.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>Hellooooo! Fam and friends how are ya! This week has been a quick one!<br>Been a little under the weather, but as was everyone...seasons<br>greetings! We had some really cool stuff happen this week!</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We have been meeting with a less active member of the church and saw her a<br>couple days ago. We went into her home and a new person was there! Told us she was the daughter of this member and had been listening in on our previous visits! She said she felt the spirit strongly and wants to be baptized!! This is the same family who has a grandmother<br>who wants to be re baptized...!! Seriously the coolest thing ever! So now we are teaching the whole family and they are super receptive to the spirit.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There are some funny things that go on in the city of Portland. Stories for another time, but it's been fun.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Lately a lot of our efforts with the ward has been trying to focus on the temple and regular attendance of the temple...I think most times, we don't necessarily grasp the importance and magnitude of this holy place and what really goes on. Put aside the fact that we receive<br>incomprehensible blessings for making and keeping promises, this is the literal home on earth of the Lord. If we really wanted to get as close as we could to walking where Jesus walked, this would be the place to do it! I wish so bad we were able to go more often as missionaries. There is a quote that puts it simply. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Maintaining our spiritual strength is....a daily challenge.....the greatest source of<br>that spiritual strength comes....from our temples".-James E. Faust.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I remember back home attempting to visit the temple on a more regular<br>basis prior to my mission. I could, hands down, recognize a difference in myself, in multiple aspects, when I chose to attend the temple that week. There is an undeniable spirit that dwells there. For me: grab the fam and make a goal to go with each other once a month. For those<br>who can't quiet go inside or are unable, just go to the visitors center or walk around the grounds...then see within a month what difference it makes. "That whatsoever he shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven" I love you guys, and I'm looking forward to the eternities with you all!! Let's do the simple things so we can have a BALL in the next life.<br><br>Sincerely,<br>Elder Andrew<br><br>Sent from my iPad</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-10841394810671686552016-01-25T15:48:00.001-08:002016-01-25T15:52:43.285-08:00January 25, 2015<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hey hey! Glad to hear from a lot of you! Sounds like all is well and everyone is having a good time! This week has been super cool and hectic! It was transfer week and we had a baptism(!!!!). I got my new companion (Elder Johnson) and we have been tearing it up! He's been out<br>about three months, but is a smart kid and is always looking for ways to improve! We teach pretty well together so it has been fun! This last Saturday we baptized Surona, and the day after (on Sunday), she was confirmed and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. The spirit was so strong at both times! My previous companion got to baptize her and I had the opportunity to confirm her! It was the coolest thing ever!</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kBGGs4t5VmoxJANmu6o8-9hwJhFgaxQzdGYoKIBjGk_tshFMh7LTZlcF_-upCfIG4NoqKv2fhgSnOaY8YLd-P69QtnvJy-Xi84NoCdwphI4Yo8XT_-4kSmfOS4tvMUZZB2eBDT4plr5k/s640/blogger-image-500352793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kBGGs4t5VmoxJANmu6o8-9hwJhFgaxQzdGYoKIBjGk_tshFMh7LTZlcF_-upCfIG4NoqKv2fhgSnOaY8YLd-P69QtnvJy-Xi84NoCdwphI4Yo8XT_-4kSmfOS4tvMUZZB2eBDT4plr5k/s640/blogger-image-500352793.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This coming week is going to be crazy busy! We have a ton of exchanges<br>and tons of appointments set up.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7XZAxIgu3CczU6tEFn0rcGvfDsycGu3QnEY4FKPIaDQqrnv7ZpfUtbaaN4y2tA25xPJv4AYZ3gwPH8L-gZg-EN2OZVe9wSXbYfH2m5_LMsHoDaM3HD1cPJQDY2OdKvzbbAob4-8cGhzv/s640/blogger-image-568085229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7XZAxIgu3CczU6tEFn0rcGvfDsycGu3QnEY4FKPIaDQqrnv7ZpfUtbaaN4y2tA25xPJv4AYZ3gwPH8L-gZg-EN2OZVe9wSXbYfH2m5_LMsHoDaM3HD1cPJQDY2OdKvzbbAob4-8cGhzv/s640/blogger-image-568085229.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ40DWYh9saqESxzVrfGn8inzz67KPapZfMsszU6NO9W7_qxsdA1Rb4jyJ3qtU1DRwZqunLGQGMReQzLxJfTFtPwANSmYAHPTo2R81DIx2U1XY8WkUSocU7zb9XC59bPjby2SrKa95OgWY/s640/blogger-image-740466286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ40DWYh9saqESxzVrfGn8inzz67KPapZfMsszU6NO9W7_qxsdA1Rb4jyJ3qtU1DRwZqunLGQGMReQzLxJfTFtPwANSmYAHPTo2R81DIx2U1XY8WkUSocU7zb9XC59bPjby2SrKa95OgWY/s640/blogger-image-740466286.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>Because I lack in memorizing and quoting scriptures I have been trying to make an extra effort during personal study to get a couple down.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Rk6_2ICQMf7ydydPigt-zjQ0Qf0B1XSg56ZRyhU5vlcIIxh2RrfCKU6OD8ivIFUtN7GNoIgUndfc44t3Bay4e_85wNzTlzoZIFIC_nE_K_Xtt2IO4I44YkTIBebJFw72Qu9Irc4bV5nA/s640/blogger-image--1735789189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Rk6_2ICQMf7ydydPigt-zjQ0Qf0B1XSg56ZRyhU5vlcIIxh2RrfCKU6OD8ivIFUtN7GNoIgUndfc44t3Bay4e_85wNzTlzoZIFIC_nE_K_Xtt2IO4I44YkTIBebJFw72Qu9Irc4bV5nA/s640/blogger-image--1735789189.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>Shout out to my Uncle John! He sent me a cool scripture that I have been trying to get down. It's in Alma 37:6-9. I'm working on just verse 9 right now though. It talks about how missionaries are basically useless in teaching without the Book of Mormon and I'd like to add, the Holy Ghost. There was a cool quote I came across and it said something like (paraphrasing): if by the power of man, someone convinced you the Book of Mormon was true, then by the same power you could be unconvinced. Luckily, we don't teach by the power of man! We teach by the power of God. I have already seen the influence of the hole spirit on people I have taught. This young girl who was baptized this last Saturday is already showing to be a great influence for good for her family and it has influenced a dramatic change for her grandparents whom she lives with! Super cool to stand back and watch the spirit work wonders!<br><br>One thing I have been thinking about is how much I miss the Tongan ward!! They were some amazing, charitable people!! Talk about an influence to me!! The work is going good! Love you all.<br><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sincerely,<br>Elder Andrew<br><br><br>Sent from my iPad</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-40396211081161507252016-01-18T12:25:00.001-08:002016-01-18T12:25:46.631-08:00January 18, 2016<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It's transfer week again!!</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The past six weeks have been all over the place. I will be staying in the Rocky Butte Ward, and focusing my efforts in that ward alone. The Rose City Tongan ward is getting a couple of my past companions! They are gonna light it up. It was an amazing experience serving in that ward. My new companion's name is Elder Johnson! I haven't met him yet, but I'm pretty sure he has been out for a long while. The trio has been super fun! Never a dull moment! We all got along and taught well with each other. The transition will feel a little weird, I assume, going back to just two elders!</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">President Taylor has been feeling better, but we have been updated he won't be back on his feet for a month at minimum! The surgery went well though! His efforts and counsel will definitely be missed for this short period. They are bringing someone in his place for the time being. I'm thinking it's going to be one of the Area 70.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This week we were able to attend a child of record baptism which was awesome! But our convert's baptism won't be held until this <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">coming Saturday</a>! It's going to be so cool!!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We were discussing the<br>atonement after sacrament yesterday, and in our discussion, Elder Thomas relayed a story he was told and I would like to relay it to you all:<br><br>Belaying has brought Czenkusch his best and worst moments in climbing.<br>Czenkusch once fell from a high precipice, yanking out three mechanical supports and pulling his belayer off a ledge. He was stopped, upside down, 10 feet from the ground when his spread-eagle belayer arrested the fall with the strength of his outstretched arms.<br><br>"Don saved my life," says Czenkusch. "How do you respond to a guy like<br>that? Give him a used climbing rope for a Christmas present? No, you<br>remember him.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Because of the love and outstretched arms of our Savior, we can repent<br>and be baptized. The greatest act of charity was the atonement, which allows us all to enter into the gates and be eternally happy.<br><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For someone that has saved my life, I would hope my gift back, out of<br>appreciation, wasn't a "used climbing rope". I'm stoked for all those at home looking to serve a mission within the next year or so. You are going to have the time of your life!! I love you guys! Keep on praying for missionary opportunities!<br><br>Sincerely,<br>Elder Andrew<br><br>Sent from my iPad</span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-66756650358316083482016-01-14T19:46:00.001-08:002016-01-14T19:48:20.527-08:00January 11, 2016<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So, this week has been all over the place!!</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiD1JWvTqezKcwA9pAW-ziz0BDC8YQHy7S2kZHWHt7erFOiEEYwVPV8OP7olTYSidqax4sk3OxRhJ39P757BikjfIB-sldW3IVjCbJSmFQ0KykgWOAS8c3_OuxM6jmxxMC4njc8WMXZZL/s640/blogger-image-75762768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiD1JWvTqezKcwA9pAW-ziz0BDC8YQHy7S2kZHWHt7erFOiEEYwVPV8OP7olTYSidqax4sk3OxRhJ39P757BikjfIB-sldW3IVjCbJSmFQ0KykgWOAS8c3_OuxM6jmxxMC4njc8WMXZZL/s640/blogger-image-75762768.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">First, a couple days ago our mission pres had a heart attack and is going into heart surgery today. Keep him in your prayers!</span></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We also had a ton of exchanges (splits) and I feel like I was in my area for not even half the week!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVwL2i4oE00VpymyaisjY-JMjwzQQZtoAH_H7XKPPwBa0cS17Ufcmq-wPuZC9LVyfnOndxZ01VxtYX4lTSmp4V5KcyWhwCNj4rGEhyphenhyphenrN__l6flbNK9Zmv930BZ1LoV94Qxln0-jcrgnTU/s640/blogger-image--2086139061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVwL2i4oE00VpymyaisjY-JMjwzQQZtoAH_H7XKPPwBa0cS17Ufcmq-wPuZC9LVyfnOndxZ01VxtYX4lTSmp4V5KcyWhwCNj4rGEhyphenhyphenrN__l6flbNK9Zmv930BZ1LoV94Qxln0-jcrgnTU/s640/blogger-image--2086139061.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Regardless of the absences of an area's missionaries, the work seems to</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">keep progressing! We have a baptism this <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">coming Saturday</a>!! Her name is<br>Sorona and she is ten years old...been taking the discussions for a<br>while now! She has a strong testimony for her age and is very excited<br>for her baptism - as are we!</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBY1G3FtVpiN70zMMxUrSMHPSRdoSJkSyXAXKrx8z9vU9MHGBBAKEqs6qyrJOpw1iIhGvMR2x3oNIugQanpwcO-S4pEIHs68RjFXai8jWddmz1ZyFuwX0NpPaY8BP_GXHAjoOza1WxSZYc/s640/blogger-image-1179177765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBY1G3FtVpiN70zMMxUrSMHPSRdoSJkSyXAXKrx8z9vU9MHGBBAKEqs6qyrJOpw1iIhGvMR2x3oNIugQanpwcO-S4pEIHs68RjFXai8jWddmz1ZyFuwX0NpPaY8BP_GXHAjoOza1WxSZYc/s640/blogger-image-1179177765.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Last night we had dinner with the 'almost' mayor of Portland. Later that night we came to find out there was only<br>three that ran! Hahaha. She was super funny though and didn't let us know that, we found out from a member! That was pretty funny.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We have been having a lot of inactive members and non members showing up to church! People have been coming out of the woodwork and baptisms are<br>on the way!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">By the looks of it, I will probably be staying in the Rocky Butte ward with a new companion this next transfer. I'm pumped to work my butt off. It's gonna be a good one! Plus, we just got a<br>brand new ward mission leader who seems pumped about the work as well.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Nothing much has gone on today so far, got a hair cut, went pawn<br>shopping...the usual...gonna play some ball!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Something my comps and I have been talking about lately is despite our efforts sometimes, we notice we may not always see the fruits of them. No matter how hard we try and do our part, the work at times has felt like it's at a slump.<br>We had been trying to come up with an explanation to this, and figured<br>sometimes the lord doesn't bless us in the way we expect to get blessed always for whatever effort we put in. Maybe we are looking at it completely the wrong way. Shortly after I came across a scripture (Mosiah <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">2:21</a>) "I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has<br>created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day,<br>by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to<br>your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another--I<br>say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be<br>unprofitable servants." This scripture made me think of why I came out<br>here in the first place - obviously to help others and myself...but<br>ultimately it was because I felt indebted to my Savior and Father in<br>Heaven. They incomprehensibly have done so much for me and all of us! I shouldn't be looking for rewards or extra blessings. I should be that unprofitable servant and expect my daily efforts to just be my duty...no reward. This is the Lord's work. He provides us with baptisms<br>to make us feel accomplished. If he wanted to he could do it all himself. I need to stop whining when I feel like 'my work' isn't progressing. Haha. The work is awesome. Love you guys!! Have a great week!<br><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sincerely,<br>Elder Andrew</span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-28568532572391634132016-01-04T18:57:00.001-08:002016-01-04T18:57:07.803-08:00January 4, 2015<div><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYG9x07YfWmm2iAcW0QaktnaADdsYk72Pkeckl9hogz1NxpVn0Rh3nxAn7U8v14Jzl-Rx38qsRE0AvdIdV58quNy4otIF2kS2JGv-RmxTnvagZAAbm2meYHF8eBWhlcdakCQ2G01Fji6zH/s640/blogger-image--403126203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYG9x07YfWmm2iAcW0QaktnaADdsYk72Pkeckl9hogz1NxpVn0Rh3nxAn7U8v14Jzl-Rx38qsRE0AvdIdV58quNy4otIF2kS2JGv-RmxTnvagZAAbm2meYHF8eBWhlcdakCQ2G01Fji6zH/s640/blogger-image--403126203.jpg"></a></div><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hey how has everyone been doing!? This week has been super cool. </span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9gtSO6f1dckvF1dZ3ayKzTdGqkwYbmVa3au5Bn-4ocfppBKXrKU1F96vjdSym6ejnO_fNHZeM_ltitp-NNFNoRIpV5Bp56KLRB-Md7fFcfZcSGAMR19ReQIIb-nj_Was4OPFhl12DVxT/s640/blogger-image--1104148768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9gtSO6f1dckvF1dZ3ayKzTdGqkwYbmVa3au5Bn-4ocfppBKXrKU1F96vjdSym6ejnO_fNHZeM_ltitp-NNFNoRIpV5Bp56KLRB-Md7fFcfZcSGAMR19ReQIIb-nj_Was4OPFhl12DVxT/s640/blogger-image--1104148768.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>First off, I didn't think it snowed up here...yesterday we woke up to all the roads being covered in ice and a few inches of snow and the wind was super strong! Both bishops texted us early letting us know we didn't have church or any meetings that day!! In Utah I remember they didn't cancel church for anything! So I was kind of thrown back. Basically, we were told by our mission president to stay in yesterday and make good use of our time studying or making calls or whatever we could find to do that was productive. It was a long day!! That night we decided we wanted out of the apartment so we tried driving over to our dinner appointment. There are no snow plows or anything for this kind of weather in Oregon so by this time, all the roads were ice rinks. Somehow we made it there and back in safety!<p></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNr4hUJZUfspyeigQX30dTZCx7BBGRQ9gbmgxokC59wjjKxr1j3TXa_fJUz4e2cYTjej1DzJW3h5iQ5jvhrScQs6Vy2B-karkhs3BVPI4t5OyuuGNjnz-Lanjkce_7r2GkKTegl4gwG02/s640/blogger-image--717633113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNr4hUJZUfspyeigQX30dTZCx7BBGRQ9gbmgxokC59wjjKxr1j3TXa_fJUz4e2cYTjej1DzJW3h5iQ5jvhrScQs6Vy2B-karkhs3BVPI4t5OyuuGNjnz-Lanjkce_7r2GkKTegl4gwG02/s640/blogger-image--717633113.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3N4KiUQUaE_UDwl9ZZIHIEUem9XQ6hoELvTIGPODIZBzsjn666VyTLhmqngPkkHbr9RZ8jv1wWidy_BX3iD2OHgZ3K7f733C9QNA65oiuNVONONWJHwiLZaStII06ZcZru1Oar1zA-vnR/s640/blogger-image--1341490547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3N4KiUQUaE_UDwl9ZZIHIEUem9XQ6hoELvTIGPODIZBzsjn666VyTLhmqngPkkHbr9RZ8jv1wWidy_BX3iD2OHgZ3K7f733C9QNA65oiuNVONONWJHwiLZaStII06ZcZru1Oar1zA-vnR/s640/blogger-image--1341490547.jpg"></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The work in both areas continues to progress. We have been meeting a lot with active members, which has been working out pretty well actually. People are starting to get in the 'let's baptize' mindset with us, especially the Tongan ward we work with! Everybody is super happy and energetic and you can tell that they really have internalized the gospel. </span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tDO0KjbYqAzpr6nHlt7mUzgGH6max54Fv-30UjOnbPaRjpTsPf7GViGH6523V6c9F2nDc6UQVasUK916K4z7vft5zAUXdPY1jfpu61Ipukqb5hcALRphiFXRrzAKtG5sYN6r3Y94ozNp/s640/blogger-image--745496393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tDO0KjbYqAzpr6nHlt7mUzgGH6max54Fv-30UjOnbPaRjpTsPf7GViGH6523V6c9F2nDc6UQVasUK916K4z7vft5zAUXdPY1jfpu61Ipukqb5hcALRphiFXRrzAKtG5sYN6r3Y94ozNp/s640/blogger-image--745496393.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>We had a pretty cool experience I can't seem to get out of my head that happened Wednesday. It was towards the end of the day and we decided to make one last visit to a single lady in the ward. Brief background, (I had been told this by another missionary, not by her), she is in her late fifties, recently divorced for selfish reasons on the husbands side, lives by herself in an unheated and unlit home, and her family lives far away while her children have disowned her and left the church. We go up and knock on this door, we see someone with a hoody peek through the window then the door opens and she let us in. She had a hood over her head and if I didn't know otherwise, I would have said she was late thirties by the way she moved and looked. I was looking around her home as we were greeted in and I saw <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">bare walls, no electronics or tv or anything, besides a couple peices of paper on the wall that had her goals (spiritually, financially, physically,...the whole nine yards in detail). From the moment she opened the door, she seemed ecstatic to see us with the biggest of smiles on her face the whole time. As soon as I walked in her home I could feel a different kind of spirit than the one outside. We begin talking and she told us she has been working on schooling to be a real estate investor. In her family room she had a few notebooks and books for school and her laptop to do everything online. She was also telling us she had been giving out Books of Mormon left and right and wanted more copies. The whole time smiling and being joyful, so much so I wanted to laugh, I could not believe how happy she was, especially given her circumstances. I couldn't take it, I flat out asked her how she was so happy!! Haha. She said, from a general perspective she has gone through a lot and she doesn't have much temporal things. She said in its simplicity, she wanted to internalize the principles of the gospel! She might not have every scripture memorized, or have a highly involved calling or whatever...but she took very seriously the basics and fundamentals that we all learn in primary and really applied them to her life. She said in all honesty she could having nothing and she would feel like the luckiest most happy person alive to have the knowledge we do in these latter days! I want to be like her. Maybe it was her culture that helped, the Tongan people seem to all kinda be like this. I asked myself am I striving to be the most charitable person I can be. If I'm not that happy inside, I'm now just gonna take it as I haven't internalized those principals yet. Sorry I went off on that, but she is a perfect portrayal of what the gospel can do for lives. I hope the new year has been good for you all so far!! Again thank you everyone for the Christmas wishes! Keep working towards those goals!! Love you guys!</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></font><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHhh9ZrSdX9IkGvpyWCMDhcRM5h-zpavAqp0Nz37urSkCa9W2LVKMm9xpMLYgPHs0Np9mh0nAkluhjnYUvWZuHUudiX8VuiyDzs899IXIimGQz69PZDpCR49PkSkULCBN4EUzjRnT2L_E/s640/blogger-image-717870141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHhh9ZrSdX9IkGvpyWCMDhcRM5h-zpavAqp0Nz37urSkCa9W2LVKMm9xpMLYgPHs0Np9mh0nAkluhjnYUvWZuHUudiX8VuiyDzs899IXIimGQz69PZDpCR49PkSkULCBN4EUzjRnT2L_E/s640/blogger-image-717870141.jpg"></a></div><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sincerely,</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Elder Andrew</span></p></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br><br>Sent from my iPad</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-34246389203083867892015-12-28T22:35:00.001-08:002015-12-28T22:35:44.072-08:00December 28, 2015<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This week has been CRAZY!</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3ANWyWpDvuLhTIx9hpKWA7Dk4_MXMyZ9apw5R4q0-Xize4GTkBtZ7Hi7xAfi9K75NYzVrhu_k3E8Xdj3uZ7DuCS_FSfP0OfFy6SloZwbihGRmlpCgN1qFfshJ86Y6XCr1a9QiN3HG6d-/s640/blogger-image-670716594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3ANWyWpDvuLhTIx9hpKWA7Dk4_MXMyZ9apw5R4q0-Xize4GTkBtZ7Hi7xAfi9K75NYzVrhu_k3E8Xdj3uZ7DuCS_FSfP0OfFy6SloZwbihGRmlpCgN1qFfshJ86Y6XCr1a9QiN3HG6d-/s640/blogger-image-670716594.jpg"></a></div></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">At the beginning of the week, our district<br>leaders companion ripped his Achilles' tendon in half got sent home<br>for at least 9 months...so our district leader didn't have a companion<br>which meant Elder Thomas and I were being emergency transferred to<br>another apartment to be a tripanionship with this one Elder! Now we<br>are over both wards and areas which is taking a bit of an adjustment.<br>My companions are both super cool hardworking missionaries so we have<br>definitely been having some fun! We serve the Rose City Tongan Ward<br>and it's super cool. The whole sacrament meeting is in Tongan and<br>everybody is hilarious and always happy. This ward has missionary work<br>down, and they don't have fear while doing it. We will have members<br>come to us telling us they have people for us who want to be<br>baptized!! Straight miracles every week! Plus they over feed us! It's<br>been awesome.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUb_t9NAJm2iF_cLexL3PDllUulj13iTtXgG_BPSTBC-eFziQgQ25cLU8ud74_-Nc1lCMM1nRVizpSXZty8NiMYHXUSAAkzxTpM4RxT6lJghvQ3jqvj7nI1BWkP3RHp-6VhyH8CwBs7yv/s640/blogger-image--248622985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUb_t9NAJm2iF_cLexL3PDllUulj13iTtXgG_BPSTBC-eFziQgQ25cLU8ud74_-Nc1lCMM1nRVizpSXZty8NiMYHXUSAAkzxTpM4RxT6lJghvQ3jqvj7nI1BWkP3RHp-6VhyH8CwBs7yv/s640/blogger-image--248622985.jpg"></a></div></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In the Rocky Butte Ward we have a couple baptisms coming<br>up for this next month as well! As disorganized and unplanned as we were<br>for all this change, the work is progressing and it's incredible to be<br>a part of it!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Christmas was super cool! We woke up, threw on some Christmas tunes, and did some gift opening then departed for some FaceTime with the fam! I was glad to hear all is well and talk to my<br>family for the first time in a few months!!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That was this week in a nutshell...so much happened and we were so busy.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Yesterday we taught a<br>couple of classes talking about goals, particularly New Years goals. One<br>of the best guides to help us achieve the potential God sees we can<br>achieve is setting goals. Elder M. Russell Ballard said "I am so<br>thoroughly convinced that if we don’t set goals in our life and learn<br>how to master the techniques of living to reach our goals, we can<br>reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we<br>reached but a small part of our full potential. When one learns to<br>master the principles of setting a goal, he (or she) will then be able<br>to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life."<br>For those that want to make a great difference, for the better, of<br>the results in their life....they need to set realistic day by day,<br>week by week, month by month goals that make you stretch and that work<br>towards one ultimate or grand goal. You can't just say you want to get<br>stronger this next year without making a goal to eat healthy and<br>exercise more. You can't set a goal to strengthen you testimony without<br>setting daily goals to read the scriptures and pray, go to church on<br>Sunday's, and ask for missionary like opportunities. As my companions<br>and I are doing, I invite you all to pick a grand goal (one both<br>spiritual, and temporal) to pursue and then break it down into sub<br>goals that will help you attain that grand goal and creat due dates to<br>accomplish those sub goals that make you stretch. If we ask for help<br>from the Lord in our efforts to accomplish this, he will see value in<br>our perseverance in wanting to progress. That's what we are here on<br>earth for, is to progress. I love you all! HAPPY NEW YEAR!<br>Sincerely Elder Andrew</span></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-64042880151780393202015-12-21T12:57:00.001-08:002015-12-21T12:57:40.164-08:00December 21, 2015<p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYNM40BFwT7MgORe_9XgzRY01tgyY2SpSy4Vhnaf3aYZLlyvRLymuv4jy3a_bzKYniQmjJRZLmm9cQlZfzbH0tYI_XRevpwvUbtwKCin9GWfzMos7PIhf0NX2obQwqVbowzdiDoWWVFRI/s640/blogger-image-1513764210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYNM40BFwT7MgORe_9XgzRY01tgyY2SpSy4Vhnaf3aYZLlyvRLymuv4jy3a_bzKYniQmjJRZLmm9cQlZfzbH0tYI_XRevpwvUbtwKCin9GWfzMos7PIhf0NX2obQwqVbowzdiDoWWVFRI/s640/blogger-image-1513764210.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Hey!! How you all doin! This week has been great! Our focus investigators are continuing to progress and the work in general is super fun!<div><br></div><div>We had the opportunity to attend a session in the Portland temple this week which was awesome. The outside is all made of marble and it's kinda in the mix of the big city which was cool! The spirit was incredibly strong and that experience was much needed! Never can get too spiritually fed!</div><div><br></div><div>We had a zone conference as well and I got to see some of my past companions and visit for a while! That was pretty cool too. The hype about Christmas out here is just as big if not bigger than it is at home! We are excited...you guys probably are too! We got our own little Christmas tree and we made a tacky Christmas card. It's a party out here! This week has gone really fast, and other than what I have said already, it just been another missionary work week!</div><div><br></div><div>I can't stress enough how important it is to remember the ultimate gift we were given this season and to do so by praying for an opportunity to serve! Back to the fundamentals haha, John <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://embedded-result/1083"><span class="s2">3:16</span></a>. He was and is the ultimate gift! Love you all! Merry Christmas! Let me know how the festivities were!<p></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sincerely, elder Andrew</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrqvwYRYF6pmwUC0NNh5z5gSz8SIRYMyoCEJKJc7hd72_VvhPg4GfHbsYsZR3kVnIY2t6OYXLNzOv_Cho3pRYYXevxlBv3sUIvbd11W4_j8r0yqTwlxWapBDBQ-MH3Iis2e0AT74lcNvl/s640/blogger-image-1343597976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrqvwYRYF6pmwUC0NNh5z5gSz8SIRYMyoCEJKJc7hd72_VvhPg4GfHbsYsZR3kVnIY2t6OYXLNzOv_Cho3pRYYXevxlBv3sUIvbd11W4_j8r0yqTwlxWapBDBQ-MH3Iis2e0AT74lcNvl/s640/blogger-image-1343597976.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">They have this kinda stuff all over the place. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5mAxBaKANjBHtD6EEktayamhHJEo0orb2JG1CAVtI8TbdNwM9e2i3DcZcITFvJ_hHPegW4xYcWSjNIrXTvvj1P1Eh9r7lvzr4kFUcgSlXQmbU_5REVMEgxZ7KnG8F7dojWzGIetSTWk6/s640/blogger-image--1468745427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5mAxBaKANjBHtD6EEktayamhHJEo0orb2JG1CAVtI8TbdNwM9e2i3DcZcITFvJ_hHPegW4xYcWSjNIrXTvvj1P1Eh9r7lvzr4kFUcgSlXQmbU_5REVMEgxZ7KnG8F7dojWzGIetSTWk6/s640/blogger-image--1468745427.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Portland Temple. </div></div><br><p></p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-72074602184433512752015-12-14T14:18:00.001-08:002015-12-14T16:42:46.781-08:00December 14, 2015<div><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This week has been sweet!! Transfers were Wednesday and since then I have been in the new area! It's COMPLETELY different. I'm in the Gresham stake, but technically my whole area is in Portland.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCgX6GVeTnO7aAYAHFeve0ES90TCTkW7UNAJyG-3FduTGNeVN-rDTe4ecHXOO83VnRXcvYaWPUXJjmPc2SnYdP5m0ZohUNDBrXDK12u3UaVqKxe-Vu_MXhRvOMaCUBeM7pItVyNQ4JmV5/s640/blogger-image-2063905352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCgX6GVeTnO7aAYAHFeve0ES90TCTkW7UNAJyG-3FduTGNeVN-rDTe4ecHXOO83VnRXcvYaWPUXJjmPc2SnYdP5m0ZohUNDBrXDK12u3UaVqKxe-Vu_MXhRvOMaCUBeM7pItVyNQ4JmV5/s640/blogger-image-2063905352.jpg"></a></div><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There is some extremely interesting people and places to talk to and see.</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvO817H5NtvBfUOuTCm9VLLngD2hmSnVhZi6X-hJlWV8_Mqr87X93LON5jmtEAZYDrZi2-tGkwbrQBJRfLFjFHDDuvCxPSkIkw_sLDuhsjh2ulBeY2UiZk8N03bHNQ_WsCugT6uG0fpr7A/s640/blogger-image-1939963723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvO817H5NtvBfUOuTCm9VLLngD2hmSnVhZi6X-hJlWV8_Mqr87X93LON5jmtEAZYDrZi2-tGkwbrQBJRfLFjFHDDuvCxPSkIkw_sLDuhsjh2ulBeY2UiZk8N03bHNQ_WsCugT6uG0fpr7A/s640/blogger-image-1939963723.jpg"></a></div><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We already had a pretty cool experience the first day I came out. We were finding and tracked into a family that had just moved here from Africa(Congo). They have a really hard time speaking and understanding english, but are able if we speak slowly. We ended up coming back and teaching the restoration, and they all believe it's true! Saturday we took a couple investigators to a child record baptism and after they said they were certain they want to be baptized as well. The ward is a lot different than my last for sure. It's kind of cool to be totally caught up in one area and kind of have a formula for what you think would help the people you are serving in a specific area, and then move areas and have to start from scratch because what worked in the last area will be totally different in every area. We are determined to hit the pavement hard this transfer though and are relying on the Lord to open our spiritual eyes for how we can really boost the work in this area. Despite the contrast of needs and trials in every area, there is one thing every area, even person in the world, needs the same...and that's a savior. For those who haven't seen the Mormon message "a savior a born" , I like it because for one, I never cease to feel the spirit when I watch it(I've have seen it like 35 times), and two, it does a good job depicting that a savior was born not just for us, the American people, but was a gift from our father to the WORLD(1 nephi 10:4). I like to resemble gift giving as a representation of the great gift we celebrate and had been given to us by the Father. In the video, it sais rejoice three times(with sincerity and enthusiasm). Do we really rejoice? I will honestly say I haven't done enough to show my gratitude for my savior, and never will be able to show enough appreciation for the gift that had been given in Bethlehem. I invite you all to pray in gratitude and an opportunity to walk in the steps of our savior this Christmas season. Peace, happiness, and joy is promised if we do our best to walk as he walked. I can testify to it because I feel that as I do my best to serve him out here in good ole Warshington. Love you guys! Have an awesome coming week!</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s1"></span><br></span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sincerely,</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Elder Andrew</span></p><p class="p1" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br><br>Sent from my iPad</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-5366019740313870422015-12-08T16:48:00.001-08:002015-12-14T16:42:29.006-08:00December 8, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last night in Camas. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2pGqYt6KJPNXKotdbBJz9u4MsXMwe73WhMGodz6JiMo7IielCF18t0TvbuAfkwI5LPPPNOgbiXBgBFYFWzRUAG1KY-uyrEcmEH5mfXXkp1Bj_7riB0ywdGqxlEgfkNXhi7On8rtgeQEk/s640/blogger-image--1743611531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2pGqYt6KJPNXKotdbBJz9u4MsXMwe73WhMGodz6JiMo7IielCF18t0TvbuAfkwI5LPPPNOgbiXBgBFYFWzRUAG1KY-uyrEcmEH5mfXXkp1Bj_7riB0ywdGqxlEgfkNXhi7On8rtgeQEk/s640/blogger-image--1743611531.jpg"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-89453255527197905872015-12-07T11:09:00.001-08:002015-12-07T11:09:00.918-08:00December 7, 2015<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hey hey hey! I dont know if any of you are aware, but before the end of this next transfer, I will be hitting my six month mark! It is ridiculous how fast time flies out here. It feels like I was in the MTC yesterday. Anyways, this week has been a handful. I got word on transfers! I am being moved to the Gresham stake! Its right on the outskirts of downtown Portland across the river from where I have been serving. I will be serving as co-senior companion with Elder Thomas (came out with me). I kinda remember who he is, he seems like a really humble hard working kid, so I am extremely excited. I also heard this is one of the areas where elders gain some crazy stories, so within the next couple weeks, my emails could possibly get a little more colorful;). The fruits of our labors are finally starting to come about. We have 5 progressing investigators who are all on date for within this next month or so. I am kinda bummed to leave my companion and all of this right when it seems we are to reap the rewards of our efforts. I guess the Lord wants me somewhere else. Elder burciaga is staying and serving with someone that came out with him and just got done being trained as well! He will do awesome! This month we get to go to the temple, I'm not sure what day though. That will be an awesome Christmas present! The 3 other elders in my apartment and me talk about Christmas quiet a bit. I told them i was gonna (if i was gonna be there) wake up christmas morning and pretend to be dad. Check to see if santa came and turn on some christmas music. hahaha, they werent gonna be allowed out of their room till I checked. (I'm gonna miss that haha) just kidding. We were planning on waking up and making a pretty good breakfast, giving each other some nick nacks possibly, than call home! I think its gonna be an awesome day! I can honestly say I have gained a strong love for my companion and the people which I serve. This charity that God has allowed me to better established has helped me magnify my calling as a representative of Christ. As the scriptures say, charity never faileth. Scripture for this week...1 Corinthians 13.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">LOVE YOU ALL, happy holidays.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sincerely,</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Elder Andrew<br></span><div><blockquote style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; quotes: none; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 24px; color: rgb(163, 160, 151); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); background-position: 0px 0px;"><br></blockquote></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-6698879870727415662015-11-30T18:19:00.001-08:002015-11-30T18:19:46.193-08:00November 29, 2015<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This week has been a great week!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thanksgiving, for starter, was awesome! We ate at a couple members' homes and an investigator's home that night. I just about died for how much we ate! We definitley have a solid ward!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Earlier in the week, we met some interesting people. I met a couple people that told me they would make me rich if I moved out with them or became their friend. haha. One of them loved the beach, I respected that ;). We were tracting in an area where bishop felt we should spend our proselyting time when we felt we should visit a member in the ward. This member happened to have someone at her house that was very interested in the church. We taught him the fist discussion and invited him to be baptised. He said he felt something he could not deny and accepted the invitation! We were super exited...to say the least! Later we tried by a less active member that hadn't answered the door in a number of years...he just let us right in with his family...we taught the restoration and got to know them, and they want us back for dinner and another lesson </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">next week! WHAT THE HECK! The end of the week ended on a super high note! We had a couple less active members and 5 of our investigators come to church!! Elder Burciaga and I were as happy as any missionary could be!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm not gonna lie, I miss you guys at home. This season brings back some good memories with the family and friends! Hope the holidays have been good for all of you!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Recently, I read a talk by the title of "What Lack I Yet" given in this last general conference session. It lead me to think of the things that I could do better to progress as a missionary, and as a person in general. Because of my wants pertaining to spiritual lprogression, I decided to take it up to the Lord for detailed, inspired guidance, and have been trying to show my faith throughout these past couple days to have the spirit shed some light on the subject. I like this quote in the talk: "THe Holy Ghost Really does give customized counsel. He is a completely honest companion and will tell us things that no one elese knows or has the courage to say." The Holy Ghost gives us those thoughts or those feelings that allow us to progress and be better. Our Father in Heaven loves us and wants us to progress! This scripture isn't meant to belittle us, but through charity and humility, God has said this is attainable: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." When I am doing something as good as I possibly think it can be done, the reality of it is: I'm not perfect, nor are any of us and the spirit can tell us in personal detail how we can improve and come closer to our Savior.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My invitation to all this week is to ask yourself and God what or how you can do better (in anything, not just spiritually)...or in better words "what lack I yet." Allow yourself to have some spritual guidance. And I will do the same. Love you guys. Happy Holidays ;)!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br clear="all"></span><div><div class="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Elder Andrew</span></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-23719316533871214012015-11-26T13:58:00.001-08:002015-11-26T13:58:44.581-08:00November 26, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmG35mbP8sK2ku7Y1gR9kTu4Z2Zy6Ql4CPcPT0J8II9eOypJgcUWHhO2qGKvet3JIj1qvsHMbbcTbSdnFEjrkUBmh2QXTcaxCmDUIX5VlkpgclDcOeQ9ni2DnnG9RYmJZLSrIab8fOKw_/s640/blogger-image--158320092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmG35mbP8sK2ku7Y1gR9kTu4Z2Zy6Ql4CPcPT0J8II9eOypJgcUWHhO2qGKvet3JIj1qvsHMbbcTbSdnFEjrkUBmh2QXTcaxCmDUIX5VlkpgclDcOeQ9ni2DnnG9RYmJZLSrIab8fOKw_/s640/blogger-image--158320092.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thanksgiving Dinner at the Nichols</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-53271670599670719182015-11-23T19:57:00.001-08:002015-11-23T19:57:21.978-08:00November 23, 2015<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">How you all doin!? Thanksgiving is coming up and that day is going to be jam packed for us! We are eating dinner with like every family in the ward! I am going to die. This coming week will be a fun and full week. This last week..once again...has flown by. We had interviews with president and it sounds pretty probable that I might be out of my area. It will definitely be rough considering the relationships I have established and what I have gotten used to..but I still am not counting on it just because you really never know where you are going until you open that letter. The ward has been treating us really well and my companion and I agree we have established some definite trust and respect which is AWESOME. We have been staying busy in our proselyting efforts and had a pretty cool experience this week in an area that our bishop felt inspired to focus our proselyting efforts on. We were visiting a former investigator, who ended up not being home, so we did some tracting. We knocked on the neighbor's house and he answered. We started talking and it got really interesting. I guess he is some ridiculously smart computer guy who can hack anything. He admitted his beliefs to us - he is an "agnostic atheist" (someone who is open to ideas or beliefs but wants proof). We ended up teaching the restoration to him and when we spoke of the first vision he made a weird face. We asked if he was feeling anything or what his thoughts were. He came back at us saying he felt something very strong...that he could not deny...!!! Inside, I was thrilled. Whether this guy gets baptized or progresses, I don't know..but this little experience I think was rewarded to us because of our labors. We had mission tour (like a zone conference) this week and something president Taylor said was along the lines of ...despite our exact obedience, charity, 100% effort, why does it seem sometimes the Lord isn't blessing us or is there or we aren't having success...its because success, or blessings, or miracles ultimately don't convert us to the gospel. Also, when we have these really cool experiences every so often, we have a greater appreciation for them. True conversion is not what we believe, its through our works and what they allow us to become over time. Charitable is something that people can become. I extend the invitation at the beginning of this Thanksgiving holiday to pray for charity, to have a charitable experience. Over time these acts, or experiences, will engrave in us and allow us to "become" charitable people. Do something for something this holiday season that THEY can be grateful for. I love you all and love it out here! Hope you have an awesome Thanksgiving! Scripture for the week: Ether 12:34.</span></div></div><div><br></div><div>Sincerely,</div><div>Elder Andrew</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-27954180259351102142015-11-18T14:55:00.003-08:002015-11-18T14:56:40.267-08:00November 18,2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwM0M_unz1NAOqpyUPXrxgWka7vKwC9haPJo3AeuMSx9Zvri2fEnsFV3bk0zLGSZ7yZuL-QNW1RPgoxPOw380Xey983S1pPl3oU_OQweJV3BhsxVsCFmGIVT1693WtDpxiKhI8iuh7n-hP/s640/blogger-image-1494772084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwM0M_unz1NAOqpyUPXrxgWka7vKwC9haPJo3AeuMSx9Zvri2fEnsFV3bk0zLGSZ7yZuL-QNW1RPgoxPOw380Xey983S1pPl3oU_OQweJV3BhsxVsCFmGIVT1693WtDpxiKhI8iuh7n-hP/s640/blogger-image-1494772084.jpg"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-53217162085637254022015-11-18T14:55:00.001-08:002015-11-18T14:55:14.321-08:00November 17, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJG9JwJP1-KbhT_zZpoPYna8mmwLuMJ1krHES89jZVrVHda6aJsGGhISo0FQyvkVkTZH94WfoFSx7cGeIb4grseQHvbCvgsQ2cBa9iB-yFFCFBajGSnXgwK4WWRg8TaXYtfKsqh4yPgie/s640/blogger-image--1334725494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJG9JwJP1-KbhT_zZpoPYna8mmwLuMJ1krHES89jZVrVHda6aJsGGhISo0FQyvkVkTZH94WfoFSx7cGeIb4grseQHvbCvgsQ2cBa9iB-yFFCFBajGSnXgwK4WWRg8TaXYtfKsqh4yPgie/s640/blogger-image--1334725494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg5i0_2ACDGVs6AiKTonYPlzA6vEO4QnTnhu_1OVAQ8f7ks3gNmu8TovbBJh2YgDpWLIxNw6WSBcs9O3zDsg9mxOMx5i59dtoJMVk17eAkYGvcsySdhMNi-ooP2tVU16u66Z8X8UJX6-m/s640/blogger-image--1267618482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg5i0_2ACDGVs6AiKTonYPlzA6vEO4QnTnhu_1OVAQ8f7ks3gNmu8TovbBJh2YgDpWLIxNw6WSBcs9O3zDsg9mxOMx5i59dtoJMVk17eAkYGvcsySdhMNi-ooP2tVU16u66Z8X8UJX6-m/s640/blogger-image--1267618482.jpg"></a></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJG9JwJP1-KbhT_zZpoPYna8mmwLuMJ1krHES89jZVrVHda6aJsGGhISo0FQyvkVkTZH94WfoFSx7cGeIb4grseQHvbCvgsQ2cBa9iB-yFFCFBajGSnXgwK4WWRg8TaXYtfKsqh4yPgie/s640/blogger-image--1334725494.jpg"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8805897058783894236.post-32447346293162514282015-11-16T14:17:00.001-08:002015-11-16T14:17:40.545-08:00November 16, 2015<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This week was crazy jam packed! And next is looking very similar! My comp and I decided to do a little fasting this week and Heavenly Father made sure we were busy and will be busy. Our main focused on investigators have been all sick, so it's been testing our patience quiet a bit. Part of our fast was focused on these specific people.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL44UucroyyxwKWfnFz4Ozh0RtFmUeblOcB30hP7CiDhnKYHjRnKsZFeERplArHVh_27db9pbVHSPQVA9bvNoNGzhXL7VsaorHuA693tMAeYEqNWHr2qGBVv5wgm2MWsbF5l8qBN3rIdF/s640/blogger-image--1498329847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL44UucroyyxwKWfnFz4Ozh0RtFmUeblOcB30hP7CiDhnKYHjRnKsZFeERplArHVh_27db9pbVHSPQVA9bvNoNGzhXL7VsaorHuA693tMAeYEqNWHr2qGBVv5wgm2MWsbF5l8qBN3rIdF/s640/blogger-image--1498329847.jpg"></a></div><br></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Something pretty cool happened the day of our fast! Towards the end of the day we got a couple texts, both of which were from these investigators wanting to schedule an appointment!! I have been hoping and praying I don't get transferred out (the 9th) so I can see these guys baptized. Either that our have a miracle and see them baptized this transfer. This week and last, I've learned I need to have a lot more trust in the Lord rather than relying solely on my own efforts. I came across a scripture in my studies that hit me fairly hard. It reads:<br><br></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, even so will he clothe you, if ye are not of little faith.<br><br>31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?<br><br>32 For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.<br><br>33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.<br><br>34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof.<br><br>3 Nephi 13<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzS3pvpA6aJjMR5Sg6mcjxsfHacUByyUZVnd61ZxASdpe3tKjFxbMdFvv3x3AqENtWaGBsSs9ZN1ywwMQjPpduRT5_CBj5tteRcBgqzrOVbrarAqNIWrGvg7BbXTzpctJL4799nW6dD0S/s640/blogger-image-1444061475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzS3pvpA6aJjMR5Sg6mcjxsfHacUByyUZVnd61ZxASdpe3tKjFxbMdFvv3x3AqENtWaGBsSs9ZN1ywwMQjPpduRT5_CBj5tteRcBgqzrOVbrarAqNIWrGvg7BbXTzpctJL4799nW6dD0S/s640/blogger-image-1444061475.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The Lord provides for his children that show their faith and trust in him. Things don't always go how we expect our how we want, but if it's the Lords will, it will happen. Something that I will always be<br>working on is aligning my will with the will of the Lord. If our investigators are baptized this transfer, so be it! I need some serious patience haha.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This week we have also ran into some interesting people. Some, there appearance was pretty funky, some their beliefs. There was a guy that beliefs in Zeus and Greek mythology so that was interesting. Being exposed to all kinds of liberal and extreme beliefs has been fun as can be! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjsc2awghkjjulBUzD4Y3F6ThAIhZu2HQ9EhqRP2LH4W3sWidyI1xFTotrIDa0Libb8dVnOisl07CJZtj0v_SgEN7kyISAWqHRD8FFDLA_72Rm3LKfZXNm2ge1OSGK5yr85JES-Sctnhr/s640/blogger-image--621971738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjsc2awghkjjulBUzD4Y3F6ThAIhZu2HQ9EhqRP2LH4W3sWidyI1xFTotrIDa0Libb8dVnOisl07CJZtj0v_SgEN7kyISAWqHRD8FFDLA_72Rm3LKfZXNm2ge1OSGK5yr85JES-Sctnhr/s640/blogger-image--621971738.jpg"></a></div>The work is going good and me and elder Burciaga have a pretty good time! I love you all!! Remember to trust in the Lord, through thick and thin, and he<br>will provide!<br><br>Sincerely,<br>Elder Andrew<br><br>Sent from my iPad</span></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08511332925328633133noreply@blogger.com0