The Work -- 27 December 2012

First and foremost, Elder Leany (one of my zone leaders) says: "Hi." ;)

Second, since I was able to talk to most of you just a day or two ago, I don't have much to say. So... don't expect too much.

The work for the past two weeks has been pretty slow. It's been that way because transfer week is always slow with trying to move out of one place, move in to another, try to get organized, say goodbye to people who you love, and hello to the new people you'll need to know in your new area. Then, Christmas rolled around. And, if there was such a thing as a vacation on your mission, this would be it: We weren't supposed to do anything that we hadn't previously scheduled an appointment for. No member or less-active stop-bys or anything. For that reason, we've been minimized on all kinds of finding, and work, for that matter. It's weird. No worries, we didn't just sit around. We were sure to set up a few lessons and such waaaaay in advance so we wouldn't have to worry about being lazy or bored, it's just weird not to be CRAZY INSANE BUSY. Nuts, eh? (by the way, I said "Eh" to my family once or twice on our skype call, and it was a priceless moment to watch them react)

Elder Stewart and I have been getting along well, he's got A TON of greenie fire. He is the definition of greenie fire. Holy tolito. No worries though, cause when you know how to channel the fire, it becomes a very effective tool in the Master's hand. Right? So, we've been having a lot of fun and working hard.

I think going to break the bank a bit with a sharp reality; missionaries are not perfect people. I think we (as missionaries) often imagine coming in to the field and being immediately responsible, immediately different, immediately respectable, loving, humble, hard working, thrifty, clean, reverent, & hungry. And while a lot of things change immediately out of necessity (like what you wear, what time you go to bed, and what music you listen to), you are still the same person you were when you left home. The differences between when you are home and when you are on your mission are: 1. The expectations you now hold for yourself and 2. The expectations the Lord has for you (little did you know He had those expectations before your mission and will continue to have them for you after your mission). (I'm using a lot of parentheses)

So, you may ask, then why are missionaries so different when they get home? I have a theory (what? Elder Hill having a theory? Never happens. Nope. Not ever.), and because I'm still in the experimental phase with this little seed of faith I'm going to continue to call it a theory and just act. I believe the difference that we see between missionaries who are just leaving and the missionaries who are coming home comes down to a single word: Conversion. (I think someone's frontal lobe just exploded)

David A. Bednar taught the following :"Samuel the Lamanite identified five basic elements in becoming converted unto the Lord: (1) believing in the teachings and prophecies of the holy prophets as they are recorded in the scriptures, (2) exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, (3) repenting, (4) experiencing a mighty change of heart, and (5) becoming “firm and steadfast in the faith” (see Helaman 15:7–8). This is the pattern that leads to conversion."

Okay, now apply that statement to missionary work. In order to be successful we must first apply no. 1. Then, as missionaries, we are called to apply no. 2 and no. 3 (see PMG pg 1 for further information). Somewhere in application of the first 3 principles, we experience no. 4.  Then we become "firm and steadfast in the faith." For some missionaries, full conversion takes a full two years to reach. For a select few (Saul to Paul and Alma the Younger) it seems to happen overnight, but as we apply each of those principles throughout our missions and determine to allow each of those 5 basic elements to shape our destinies, we grown into the men and women that we hope to become.

Yes, obedience is important. Yes, working hard is important. Yes, being respectable is important. But never forget why you were called to the mission you were called to (whether that mission is in Canada, Washington, Arizona, D.C., Argentina, Japan, Georgia, Philadelphia, Mexico, New York, Illinois, Indiana, or your own home [see PMG Ch 1 pg 6(?)]): you were called to your mission because of who you are.

Now, let the Lord take you and let Him shape you into the person you are destined to become, by living the gospel and becoming converted unto the Lord.

(the Gospel according to Taylor Hill)

I love you all. Rock on. Peace, love, and temple marriage... in that order.

Elder Taylor J. Hill

Holy Cow, Christmas -- 18 December 2012

It doesn't seem like very long ago that the Madrigals were singing our last performance of "Believe." I don't mean to trunk anyone out, but I've been singing our Christmas songs like crazy. "Believe in what your heart is saying, hear the melody that's playing. There's no time to waste, there's so much to celebrate. Believe in what you feel inside and give your dreams the wings to fly. You have everything you need, if you just believe."

As most of you are aware, we've been teaching an "agnostic" (can you see my fingers making quotations?) who basically refuses to acknowledge the presence of the Father in her life, despite experiences in her life that witness so much that proves His existance. I've tried to imagine my life without my belief in Jesus Christ. I can't do it. I don't want to do it. What if I didn't believe? What if I believed I was completely alone? What if I just had to live with the mistakes I had made? What if there was nothing beyond this life? What if I believed I could never see my friends, my grandparents, my parents, my siblings again, after this life? What if I didn't have a purpose in life? How miserable would I be? Could I live?

I don't have a lot in the way of the world; I'm a missionary for heaven's sake. And, truthfully this whole transfer has been a little exhausting and trying, but, my friends, I have everything I need, because I believe that Jesus Christ came to earth to redeem all mankind. I know the reason for the season and I have so much reason to celebrate, to stand up and cheer!!!!!!! Every time I hear music that testifies of Christ, my soul begins to sing because I know He lives. No matter how hard, or easy, my life is. No matter how big or small I feel; I know that He knows me, and for that reason, every day is a little (often a lot) better than the last.

I'm sooo grateful for the examples that shine around me of friends and family who know who they are and why they are here. I am so grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the opportunities that I have to share the love that I feel with so many people. I am thankful for music. I am thankful for the blessing of life. I am thankful for the ability to stand taller.

:D I love you all so much.

I've been asked to sing in sacrament. I was asked to perform a song at the ward Christmas party (ironically, "I'll Be Home For Christmas.") and since that time people are quick to recognize me and we've gotten a lot more referrals. Music is a powerful ally in the right side of the force. :)

There is snow here in Canada (go figure, eh?). It's cold (shocking, I know). It's the best place I could be right now :).

Again, I love you all.

Merry Christmas.

Elder Hill

Christmas is on its way... -- 10 December 2012

This past week has been full of good times. My companion and I have begun playing "Would you rather..." between doors. It's been fun.

Did I tell you there's a ping pong table where I live? Every night Elder C plays Brother H. Elder C has lost every time.

I've been spending 30 minutes of my lunch time practicing the piano. I'm starting to get to the point that I can play the simpler hymns without having to slow down too much. I'd like to be hymn-proficient before I hit my year mark (it could happen).

Still working on getting JACKED. Dad, that workout you sent me is kicking my butt. I'm not limber at all, so it's been tough; no worries though, I'll get there. I've started stretching every morning, post-workout.

Anyway, enough of the temporal stuff.

Remember M?

*no*

She's agnostic....

*not ringing a bell..."

She has a five year old daughter.

*oh! M!*

Well, we had an appointment with her last night, and had plans to teach her lesson 1. Well, we got there and as we were pulling up, two people came out of her house screaming. They both got in to seperate cars and tore off into the night. Shortly thereafter we got a text that said something like, "I don't think we should meet tonight, guys. I'm in a pretty bad mood." To which we responded, "Sorry to hear that. We're here, do you want to talk about it?" She then invited us in, and we learned a little bit about her family.

Her mother and father were the two people that had made the dramatic exit. They were acting very maturely that night and were angry because she was meeting with us. She told us some of their opinions on mormonism and after some discussion, the subject was changed, and we focused mostly on just getting her in a better mood. (the member there was SOOOOOOO good) We managed to do so, and by then we only had enough time to share a scripture and pray. (awww.... man)

Later that evening we received a text from M that went something like, "Hey, can I ask you guys a question?" to which we responded, "Of course." She then asked, "Is it true that if I get baptized, I can't see my family anymore?"

Now, for all who are familiar with Preach My Gospel, you know that that is in no way true. Chapter 3 Lesson 1 section 2, "The Gospel Blesses Families..." I feel like that says it all. We started to respond when we got another text describing the following, "My mom told me that she new a lady whose son joined the church, went on a mission, came back a totally different person, and would no longer talk to the family." Darn RM's are always getting in the way.

We quickly and simply explained that the family is ordained of God and is the most important social unit in time and eternity. We taught her that, if anything, the gospel should bring her family closer together. She responded kindly and gratefully, saying something like, "Crazy mormon myths."

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, please always remember to stand as a positive witness for the gospel of Jesus Christ. The reason some people won't look into the church is because they have heard RUMORS about what mormons are like. Stand tall as a witness of God, "Stead fast and immovable, always abounding in good works" and I promise that your example will change someone's life. I know that's true.

I love you all with all of my heart and I hope all is going well in this beautiful, wonderful Christmas season.

Talk to you next week,

Elder Hill.

August... September... October.... November... December---I'm in my fifth month.... -- 3 December 2012

For those of you who know me well, you are aware of the following:

CHRISTMAS IS HERE!!!!!!!! (You should have seen that one coming; now you're blindsided and you don't know what to do.  Let me help--read on.)

Once upon a time, there was an agnostic person we were teaching,

because she seemed like she needed a little bit of love.

We stopped by, once, twice, thrice,

and there seemed to be help from above.

We spoke peace, truth, and light

(even though it was dark and looked like night),

and now she begins to understand

that the Lord's work is at hand!

Cheap poetry, but it gets the point accross, eh? M needed a little bit of extra light, so we just stopped by a few times and spoke on her doorstep (since we can't have an actual visit without another man present). We were able to talk and laugh and testify.

Anywho, this morning, she texted us, and said she had read all of the things we assigned her to read, and she wanted to know what we wanted her to read next. She said, "I'm only doing this because I like you guys... and I don't understand how all of you Mormons are always so happy. Maybe there is something about your religion that is different from the others." We took that opportunity to testify of the truth and divinity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and of the reality of a living God. We told her to (just as she had previously read) be willing to EXPERIMENT upon the word. She agreed to keep reading and we have another appointment set up with her. Oh! The first time we taught her, her little girl, S (cutest little chicka ever! Next to K, of course) wanted to read a story with us, and I promised her that I would personally sit with her (of course not in my lap, that's against the rules!!!! being around kids is kinda scary on missions, they're unpredictable!) and read her a story if she would listen quietly to what we were teaching her mom. So she did, and I read her her favorite story (took approx 10 minutes). (It was a Barbie story, by the way.)

So, about a week later when we stopped by to see how they were and set up an appointment, M related the following:

"The other day S and I were going to her school when she said, 'You know who's really nice, Mom?'

I replied, 'No, S, who?'

'The Mormons!' she said excitedly, 'He even read me a story, mom!'

I laughed and laughed and then asked, 'S, does that mean you want to go to the Mormon's church?'

'Yes!'"

(remember this is Melanie relating this story, not me)

There is a scripture in 1st Timothy (4:12) that teaches a sweet principle:  "...but be thou an ^bexample of the believers, in word, in ^cconversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in ^dpurity." (Also see PMG CH 9: pg168 "Go About Doing Good")

Neither M nor S yet know of the truthfulness of the restored gospel; however, both M and S recognize a difference between regular people and LDS people. Why? Because they have stood as examples of believers! This Gospel is true.

In other news, Dad asked about the northern lights. To those who didn't know, I have seen the northern lights a few (4) times since I've been in Canada. In clear nights they are visible, especially when you aren't in Calgary, where there is a lot of light pollution. They are gorgeous! The ones I've seen have been mostly a deep, rich lime green color. They are beautiful. Canada is gorgeous! I'm fairly close to the border. Well, the US border and the Sasketchewan border (I think I spelled that right....), so I can now say I've been in 2 provinces.

A general authority visited our mission and taught us about finding, marriage, and a few other things. I learned that (1) tracting is a waste of our time, (2) L. Tom Perry was married 6 (yes, six) days (yes... days) after he got home from his mission, and that (3) the most important thing we can be doing as missionaries is setting a pattern of willing obedience so that we can keep the same spirit when we get home.

He said, "We decide how close we are to God, not the other way around." Translation, if you want to have the same spirit that you had (or that your children have, or your siblings have, etc.) on your mission all you need to do is live that kind of life. Wake up early. Go to bed early. Study your scriptures for an hour a day. Dress modestly. Attend Church. Constantly seek to improve your teaching, learning, and application skills. Love God more than you love your matress. Love having His spirit more than you love being lazy. (goes back to "The First Great Commandment" [Holland... and Jesus], eh?) And if you will do those things, you will be blessed with that same spirit. That same light. You will be protected from the fiery darts of (he-who-must-not-be-named).  (that guy's a jerk)

Translation 2, you decide who you are. That includes activity in the church, general happiness, how close you are to your family, loyalty, freedom from addiction, spirituality, humility, patience, anger, charity, and regrets. (see "Of Regrets and Resolutions" Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

I feel pretty passionately about that last one.  My dad has tried to teach it to me my entire life and I'm just figuring it out. Be smarter than me: Figure it out now.

Goodness this Gospel is true.

Challenge time: Find someone every day this month that you can be of service to, and then help them. Whether they are members or not, even if it is just caroling, or baking cookies, or helping them unload their groceries. Make this Christmas extra special because of the good works you do!

I promise that as you stand as examples--- "as witnesses of Christ, at all times in all things and in all places"---that you will see a measureable difference in how happy YOU are. The spirit will help you to love Christmas like you've never loved before, and like the Grinch, you will see that Christmas comes with out "...ribbons! It [comes] without tags! It [comes] without packages, boxes, or bags!" I promise that when you think, feel, and then act, until your thinkers feelers and hands are sore, you will also realize that, "Perhaps, Christmas doesn't come from a store." Your heart will be enlarged by six sizes (see Alma 32)(and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" [scripture, right?]) and your soul will be at peace. You will be happier beyond your ability to imagine.

This Gospel is true! Jesus is the Christ. Our Father knows us all personally and He watches over us. He will move Heaven and earth to see you safely in His arms, so long as you will walk the straight and narrow path toward Him. He loves you.

Merry Christmas to all. :D

Elder Taylor Jon Hill

Post-Script: I know I throw down a lot on living righteously. I want you to know that I only include all of these things in my letters because I love each and every one of you and I want you to be able to learn as much as I'm learning now. I want you to know that this gospel is true. It can and will change you if you choose to allow it to do so. I love you, I love you, I love you!

Elder L says "Hi" -- 26 November 2012

Elder L is my zone leader, and he wanted me to tell you all "Hi" for him.

Anywho. This week has been amazing. We picked two (2) new investigators (better known as "L" and "M". L is searching for the social aspect of the church, but is readily accepting all we teach her, she'll definitely be baptized. M is the girlfriend of a boy in the ward who has been attending church and seminary all year. Plus she's read the Book of Mormon and the Bible. Is there such a thing of a purer pearl of great price? We're also teaching an agnostic (m) (she'll come around) and T (who we may or may not turn over to the ward this week...)

On top of all that, we set baptisimal dates. 3 of them. For before the end of the transfer. This is going to be great.

Elder C and I have been getting along very very well. We laugh a lot, and we also get a TON done. We'll definitely have an excellent transfer together.

I apologize for really stinking at emails. I don't ever really know what to say.

Oh! Temple covenants. Always uphold them. Just do it. If you don't, you'll regret it. Big time. Seriously big time. So, just do it. The Lord doesn't ask much, and all he asks, we can do. I know that's true.

Remember the quote from Elder Holland from general conference:

My beloved brothers and sisters, I am not certain just what our experience will be on Judgment Day, but I will be very surprised if at some point in that conversation, God does not ask us exactly what Christ asked Peter: “Did you love me?” I think He will want to know if in our very mortal, very inadequate, and sometimes childish grasp of things, did we at least understand one commandment, the first and greatest commandment of them all—“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.”¹³ And if at such a moment we can stammer out, “Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee,” then He may remind us that the crowning characteristic of love is always loyalty.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments,”¹⁴ Jesus said. So we have neighbors to bless, children to protect, the poor to lift up, and the truth to defend. We have wrongs to make right, truths to share, and good to do. In short, we have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the Lord. We can’t quit and we can’t go back. After an encounter with the living Son of the living God, nothing is ever again to be as it was before. The Crucifixion, Atonement, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ mark the beginning of a Christian life, not the end of it. It was this truth, this reality, that allowed a handful of Galilean fishermen-turned-again-Apostles without “a single synagogue or sword”¹⁵ to leave those nets a second time and go on to shape the history of the world in which we now live.

I testify from the bottom of my heart, with the intensity of my soul, to all who can hear my voice that those apostolic keys have been restored to the earth, and they are found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To those who have not yet joined with us in this great final cause of Christ, we say, “Please come.” To those who were once with us but have retreated, preferring to pick and choose a few cultural hors d’oeuvres from the smorgasbord of the Restoration and leave the rest of the feast, I say that I fear you face a lot of long nights and empty nets. The call is to come back, to stay true, to love God, and to lend a hand. I include in that call to fixed faithfulness every returned missionary who ever stood in a baptismal font and with arm to the square said, “Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ.”¹⁶ That commission was to have changed your convert forever, but it was surely supposed to have changed you forever as well. To the youth of the Church rising up to missions and temples and marriage, we say: “Love God and remain clean from the blood and sins of this generation. You have a monumental work to do, underscored by that marvelous announcement President Thomas S. Monson made yesterday morning. Your Father in Heaven expects your loyalty and your love at every stage of your life.”

To all within the sound of my voice, the voice of Christ comes ringing down through the halls of time, asking each one of us while there is time, “Do you love me?” And for every one of us, I answer with my honor and my soul, “Yea, Lord, we do love thee.” And having set our “hand to the plough,”¹⁷ we will never look back until this work is finished and love of God and neighbor rules the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

If you love HIM keep His commandments.

Don't ever pay anything less than what you owe, which is your loyalty.

I love you all so much. Thank you all for writing me. Thank you for your love. I love you.

Holy Amazing WHITCHICKABAM SMFAH! (is that enough excitement for you?) -- 19 November 2012

Well, I'm not going to lie to you, cause that's not acceptable in Medicine Hat. :D

First things first, when I opened up my email, I wasn't sure what to expect. I never do, but today I received some of the best news I ever have. My best friend is well on his way to his mission! (what if he gets called here?!?!?!?!? :D) Priesthood seems to be wrapping around the world with the news of Logan and of Tanner! There is only one word, unless you happen to be Jace Mitchell in which case there's two; WHITCHICKABAM and SMFAH!

Holy tolito, there's just so much excitement welling up inside of me I can't keep it in. I'm tearing up at my computer and I'm getting a lot of strange looks from the guy next to me who is playing "Farmville" on Facebook. Maybe I'll try to contact him.... ;) Done.

Subject change. Last night we were stopping by a few less-actives in the ward and we knocked on this guy's door.  What happened next was rude. He opened. We said, "Hello, is this the residence of _______?" To which he responded, "Goodbye." *SLAM* To which I said, "Fair enough." On top of that we were walking down the street and as a car drove by someone yelled, "Hail (for reasons of respecting the nature of the name, we'll use a common addage to replace it) He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named!" So, we made sure to say a very special prayer for those two at the end of the night. They need a little extra love. *eyeroll* "What are you, like, six?"

Needless to say, Med Hat isn't quite so full of the uber-nice Canadian spirits that I'm used to dealing with in Willow Park, nevertheless the work goes forward. Elder C and I are working hard. We've been doing a lot of work. Honestly, it doesn't really feel like work because we've been having such a good time doing it. We're laughing a lot and we have a lot of fun. He's also teaching me piano and ping-pong. Plus, guess what?! CHRISTMAS IS COMING UP!!! Do you know what that could possibly mean?

...

This is where you adapt your larynx to a low, epic, radio vocal tone and say the following two words: Christmas Caroling. ; ) (that was a Barney Stinson wink, by the way)

Christmas caroling, the best form of missionary work in the world. Why? Because everyone is willing to listen to carolers, even if they are wearing name tags. It helps that my district has all been in choir. Yes. This will be awesome.

Anyway, Elder C is from Korea, but spent a good amount of time in Ottowa between 2003 & 2007. He speaks perfect English. He's smart and eager to work (which is way good, because I really really wanted someone who would be)(go figure).

In the meantime I spend an awful lot of time---while I exercise in the morning---day dreaming about the possibilities of awesomeness; like, what if we achieve our goal of 3 baptisms by the end of this transfer? Then I start coming up with plans of how to achieve it, which is usually followed by a string of exciting revelation of things we can be doing, I just get so excited I can't hold it back and I have to restrain myself from interrupting Elder C's shower. So, I have a testimony of exercise first thing in the morning, because it gives you an opportunity to thin about the things which matter most, and you are able to receive revelation upon those things. So, exercise! There's many a benefit!

Speaking of which, you may be wondering how the "getting jacked" is going. Maybe. I've mostly been focusing on losing weight, and tightening my core, so there's been a huge focus on cardio. The good news is, another missionary provided me with the "Spartacus" workout, which is a workout that is meant for weightloss and strength gain.

You want to hear about the work? Well, we have an investigator who is named T.  She is maybe possibly could be on probation, but we don't know. She is very very interested in being baptized and is ready to do so, but she can't until she is off probation.

Other than that we have a lot of potentials. There's M (who is Sister K. Kelsch's twin, I swear). The C family (from Africa, lots of African-American's in Med Hat). And a few others. I'm sure it will all progress nicely as long as we work hard, yeah? We have a lot of hope and there is a TON of potential out there (6 billion?)(I suppose for me it's more like 15....7...2 million).

A special shout to Briana (Sister  Hill) who will be turning 22 in 7 days! A shout to Tanar Maughan who has officially been on his mission for a year.

Special warnings: Ashtyn, be expecting a few letters and dating applications in the mail. Just fill 'em out and send 'em back. Trust me, you may thank me one day :D

Chris, this mission goes by really really really fast. DON'T EVER FORGET TO WRITE IN YOUR JOURNAL! That goes for Colton, too.(and me....) Anyway, I love you all with all of my heart and I hope that you have a wonderful excellent uber epic holiday season! Happy Thanksgiving!

Elder Taylor "Charlie" J. Hill

Om nom nom. -- 13 November 2012

Well, my 12 weeks are up. Training is over. I'm going South. That's all I know.

I'm not sure how I feel about that. I've decided I really love Calgary South Zone, but I know the Lord will have me where He needs me, because I will go where He wants me to go.

This morning I was studying the importance of prayer. It's something I haven't been as good at as I should have been. I mean, I pray, it's just been tough to make them personal. Anyway, I've searched and will one day have to share with you what I've found. In the meantime, just check out this: http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/prayer?lang=eng&letter=p

Elder C. and I have been getting along great! I found someone who loves LOTR more than me! (never saw that one coming) He's a great Daddy.

Oh, last week I messed up my left thumb on p-day. We went to the doctor (why on earth have I been messed up so much?) and Dr. Low says I tore something in my thumb and that I can't play sports for 4-6 weeks. >= | ask me how I feel about that. Gar.

We've been teaching the B's a lot and they've been progressing nicely. Brother B. set his own date and she's well on her way. They have a little girl named C. (9) who has a crush on Elder C. (hilarious).

M's are out of town.

S's are very close... unfortunately, I'm not going to teach them again, so there will be a lot of prayers on their behalf.

We've dropped 4 investigators this week.  It's kind of sad, but we believe that they'll make it someday.

It hit -17 C on Sunday. It was Cold. Really really cold.

Speaking of cold, my brain is just kinda *kaput* today. I don't know what to say. When in doubt, bear your testimony.

I have been very blessed by the Lord over the course of the past 3 and a half months. I know that He knows who I am. I know that by revelation I have been selected as a personal representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my Master. He has chosen me to represent Him, "to stand in his place, to say and do what He Himself would say and do if He personally were ministering to the very people to whom He has sent me." I know that I am a Son of God and that through Him all things are possible. I love my Father. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and my Redeemer. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God who restored the original gospel and church back to the earth. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet today and that he receives divine revelation on our behalf on a daily basis.

I love you all. Have a wonderful week. I still need pictures from all of you! I love you I love you I love you!

No Subject in Particular -- 5 November 2012

I think I love my mission. Maybe a little. Maybe a lot.

When you're on a mission, you get to experience a lot of things that testify that God loves His children.

Basically, we went by a couple of investigators who have really been struggling.  Background, they have been investigating the church off and on since 2004, have dropped their baptism dates 4 or 5 times the day before they have happened. Their names are almost a swear word at church--kinda like "Landon" used to be in my home. We mention their names in Ward Council and people roll their eyes and sigh, like, "We're really going to play this game again? Really? Why? They're not worth it."   Everyone is so tired of waiting for them, so they're ready to leave them behind.

What I want to share today is that Jesus Christ has a "No Man Left Behind" policy:

We knocked on their door inquiring as to why they hadn't been at church, and they kindly invited us into their home, and then asked that we would please share a message with them. We agreed, and talked about the Holy Ghost.  We asked them both a lot of questions about what had been going on, and why did they still let missionaries into their home? "Because when you come," Mike began, "our lives get better. That's what we want."

Elder Church :"Do you believe this church is true?"

Mike :"Yes, and I've set a date for myself to be baptized."

Stunned silence.

Mike's wife, Noelle: "What?"

Mike: "I know this is true. I want it. I need it. I'm sick of failing. I'm sick of not making it. I want to be happy. I know this is true, even if that means being baptized alone. I will be baptized, and I'm giving you two," motioning to the Elders, "permission to use the stick to get me there. Every day."

Challenge accepted.

Since that time, they have both stopped smoking, drinking coffee, and are even giving up TV (because they feel it's too big of a distraction). In the back of my mind, I understand that this may just be another "almost there" thing, but for heaven's sake, what is life with out hope? What is faith without hope? How will miracles happen without hope? If you don't believe that Jesus Christ can and will pick up the pieces of a broken life then how can He? 

Something that was once said while I was in the MTC is: "Don't ever be the Eeyore of missionary work." I want to extend that invitation to encompass everything. "Don't ever be the Eeyore of life." Don't allow yourself to lose hope. Don't ever think that God doesn't know you. Don't ever lose sight of the possibility that Jesus Christ can and will pick up the pieces, so long as you will only invite Him in to do so.  

The Lord has the power to do all things. Don't ever get so caught up in the negative that you lose sight of the possibility of what is so beautifully stated in Revelations 21:4

 " 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more ^adeath, neither ^bsorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more ^cpain: for the former things are passed away."

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-messages?lang=eng&id=2009-09-36-the-power-of-hope#2009-09-36-the-power-of-hope

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-messages?lang=eng&id=2009-09-34-finding-hope#2009-09-34-finding-hope

See what I'm saying?  Please don't forget Him. Please don't ever fall into the trap of believing that He's forgotten you.

I'm done.

Anyway, other than that, this week I was frustrated because our numbers have been rediculously down recently. So I woke up early and I made a chart so we can keep track of everything we need to do every day so we can reach our goals, which basically means nightly planning now takes 5 minutes and we overshot almost all of our goals this week. So, we set them higher and are going to keep rolling. The chart is affectionately known as the "Churchhill Chart."

If there is anything at all that I have learned thus far, it is that setting goals and keeping track of them will improve performance more quickly than anything else. The other thing I've tried to learn ("tried" being the operative word) is that serving others is the catalyst that causes exponential growth. I'm still no good at it, but I'm trying to forget myself. It's not always just that easy, but it should be, eh?

Elder Church pulled a giant (about 3 feet tall) "My Little Pony" stuffed pony out of the dumpster a few days ago. He named it "Carl" and it is so terrifying. Bright neon orange. Yuck.

Mike and Mary Schmidtz came to church and have been reading and praying daily.

The Messengers.... Elder Church is scared of going over, but I really REALLY feel we need to. Heavens.

Halloween.... woo. We were at the Chapel with the rest of the missionaries by 5 (to protect us... I guess) and I'm pretty sure I popped my left thumb out of its socket, it just doesn't feel broken, but I can't bend it all the way. Super frustrating.

The mission has a car accident every 3 or 4 days because nobody knows how to drive in snow. I think they need a driving course, because two Malibus had their suspension blown out completely this week. Oh! Two weeks ago, Elder Church and I awoke to a huge *BOOM*. We looked out our bedroom window and approximately 30 feet away was the remnants of a car that had lost control while speeding, hit the curb, and rolled at least a few times, hit a tree, broke the tree in half (not a small tree) then had hit another tree, where it had finally stopped. The tree was obliterated (how's that for a good word?). The car was toast. We called 911 and within moments (probably took less than 2 minutes) emergecy vehicles were outside. We were up all night. Kinda cool, still sucks, but hey.

Well, gotta jet. I love you all. Have a good week. Sorry for not being good at writing letters. Or emails for that matter.

This Week I Actually Considered What I Would Say -- 29 October 2012

Okay, let's start with Saturday... Nah, Monday.

Once Upon a Time -  being monday while I was reading my Email, I ran accross a certain letter that dealt with very spcific and special interest. Elder M. Russell Ballard would be coming to our mission and giving us a special training on Saturday (you can already see how all of this relates...). We were told to keep it quiet until he was actually out of Calgary, because we don't want the entire Mormon world following the prophets.... you know what I mean. My first thought was probably along the lines of "WHITCHICKABAM," but you could also say, "Wow, this will be a very special and sacred experience." Anyway

Following said Magnificient news the rest of the week seemed to sail by. We have taught a lot of members this week, we picked up a new investigator and dropped an old one. We received terrible news regarding an investigator on date for baptism ( I don't wan to talk about it...). I went on splits with the Spanish missionaries (I would like to proudly proclaim that I can actually catch most of what they say.I still had to bear my testimony in English, but I was on topic and was even able to share a scripture from the spanish BOM... yeah... I was feeling pretty good about that, it's pretty great what God does for missionaries, eh?) We taught the Beeza's again, and they are just sailing through the lessons, I don't think anyone really understands how ready they are for the fullness of the gospel. Some day.... grr.

Oh! I bumped into a friend of Momma Plouzek's serving here in the mission (shocking!). I love Momma Plouzek... It's a shame I don't have her address (help?!).

All of that bringing us to Saturday. We were told that we were not allowed to leave our apartments any later than 9:15. We had a few Elders staying in our apartment (because it's pretty spacious) and they carpooled with us to the Chapel. We got there and learned that their (Elder Ballard's and the seventies [Craig C. Christensen and .... Elder Walker whose first name I can't quite remember...]) (I just realized I do this :"..." a lot. Sorry.) flight had arrived early, and it's a good thing we had left at 9:15 because if we had been late, it wouldn't have been good.

So, we were all nervous that we were about to be rebuked by an apostle of the Lord, but as he entered the room there was a definite spirit of peace that filled the hearts of almost 200 missionaries. He joked with us for a few minutes, and taught us about how to be more effective missionaries. He taught us about what it meant to be a representative of Jesus Christ and---not surprisingly---he answered all of my concerns and questions that I had brought with me before he even opened it up for open discussion. At which point, he taught us about keeping the faith, the importance of "greenie fire" and how to renew our faith that the Lord would provide for us (even when there is a lot of snow).

It was sweet, maybe when I get home you can read my notes, because it was a gift from God. Speaking of which, journal writing at night helps you sleep better. True story. I discovered this through personal experience.

So, on top of all of that, the dedication for the Calgary Temple was yesterday. It started 30 minutes late because (this is a direct quote) Salt Lake told us, "President will start when He's ready to start." Hahahahahahaha the Elders just about died in their chairs of laughter as we heard the attitude from our stake president. What a man. Anyway; we watched the gongshow of sealing the cornerstone (President Monson was just telling joke after joke after joke, he talked about being slapped by an old woman and made the sound effect, he invited dozens of children to participate he fooled around with Elder Ballard) and then listened to the simple loving doctrine that the temple presidency had to share, along with the words of Elder Ballard (again) and President Monson. (President Monson talked about speaking at hundreds of funerals, and the power of temple work, it was amazing)

It was a beautiful experience marred only by the fact that we were not able to leave between sessions to get food or water... for complex reasons.  So, we were fasting without expecting it, which left every 19, 20, &21 year old a little grumpy.... a lot grumpy. My companion (who has IBS) was particularly frustrated by the news, so by 7 PM when we were able to eat he had basically given up on life. It was a mess as he ranted and raved about how nothing ever goes his way. I sat quietly and listened, pretending to be concerned by his outburst of pent up frustration and kept my mouth completely shut, patiently waiting for the food to come. Fortuantely, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, so, when we ate, he was much happier, but said, "I've thrown my spirituality out the window for the night, I'm done." So, I talked him out to the car, and we made some stop-bys for the last hour of the day, just following the plans we had made the night before. It was a sweet experience as I watched him really kick it into gear at our last stop by. We got home a little late because we had an unexpected lesson (total gift) and he thanked me for taking the lead and being patient. Which brings me to point number one for the day: Patience will get you so much further than being quick to anger. You will experience the gospel in greater abundance and you will come to see greater blessings from the Lord as you roll with it. :D That's what I learned yesterday. Just be patient.

This is where it gets good, thank you for reading this far.

Also, I heard two really sweet thoughts: 1. President Monson once (apparently) said: "95% of happiness in life will be based on 3 decisions: Who you marry, When you marry, & Where you marry." I just wanted to send out a shout to my parents who did it right. They married the person the Lord told them to, who they also loved (don't forget that love conquers all). They married after my dad's mission in the amount of time which was decided (by God... I think, I don't know that part of the story). They married in the Temple. Eternally. Boom. My parents are amazing and I love them.

2. At the temple open house, the patrons had an opportunity to fill out a comment card. One of the cards was filled out by a six year old boy who said the following: "When I was in that white room, I felt like I loved something." This is probably, maybe, most likely... definitely the sweetest mercy I've ever included in any letter I will probably ever write.. I challenge you to read that strikingly divine statement again and consider the following: The Lord gave us two great commandments; "Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart might mind and strength, and the second is like unto it; love thy neighbor as thyself." You know, I'll let you work this one out on your own, I'll just list a few more scriptures. "16 And he said unto me: Knowest thou the ^acondescension of God? 17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things."

"When I was in that white room, I felt like I loved something."

I'll just end it here with my testimony. For the past few months, I have been blessed to represent Jesus Christ and enjoy the blessings of the "white room" in one of the---if not the most focused way imaginable. While I have been here, I have, like that boy, felt always like "I loved something." Someone. I know Jesus Christ loves all men. I know that God, our Father, loves his Children, and that we are capable of doing the infinately unimaginable: loving "something" more than we love ourselves. I love this Gospel. I love My God. I love my Savior. I love my Family. I love the special gift of this life. I love the people of Canada. I love President Monson. I love my mission. I pray that someday I will be worthy of the simple, sweet love which has been shown me throughout my entire life. I know that my Redeemer lives. I promise that as you make the temple the ultimate priority in your life, you will always feel like you love something. You will be blessed with a special something. A special someone. A special Faith. A special Life.

I love you all so much. Thank you for your support, your love, and your examples. Have a wonderful week.

Love,

Elder Taylor J. Hill

p.s. maybe someday I'll be grown up enough to just be able to see it all that sweet. I love you.

I Really Ought to Start Considering What I Will Say Before I Sit Down -- 22 October 2012

Hello all,

Well... I'll start with something hilarious that happened. As you know by now.... hopefully... the Spanish missionaries live in the same apartment building as we do. This has made for some good times and a few great moments. One of these great moments occurred at the beginning of the week when Elder Holderness (Spanish missionary) snuck up to passenger window where Elder Church was seated. We had been recording clicks (kilometers), and Elder Church didn't notice the Elder right next to his window, giving him a terrifying look. Laying hold upon my opportunity to get a good laugh out of it, I twisted my face and pointed out the window. Elder Church looked up, looked at my face, my finger, and then out the window. With a girlish scream he jumped, hit his head on the roof of the car, and punched the glass in an effort to slam his would-be-attacker.

Elder Holderness and I just about died of laughter.

Later in the week, we stopped at the church to make copies, but first we used the washroom. As Elder Church went to exit, there was Elder Holderness, and with another girlish scream he jumped, and swung... CRACK. He popped Elder Holderness right on the kisser with all of his might. Elder Holdernesses lip was instantly swollen and bleeding. Hilarious! I can just picture my mother saying, "It serves him right!"

Anyway, following the Fiasco of the Fat Lip, we had interviews with our mission president, President Nicholas. He's an amazing man. Before we went in, he had us fill out a survey which was meant to help us check our own progress.... I filled it out as honestly as I could (and in true Taylor fashion was maybe a little too hard on myself). We went over my numbers and, President Nicholas, having the gift of discernment, decided quickly that I was too hard on myself..... I was a little frustrated, but he gave me some advice that has really helped.  I get a little teased because of my "greenie-fire" and desire to give nothing but my best. I don't really see a problem with it. I guess everone is just concerned that those who push themselves too hard and expect a lot out of themselves, are often disappointed. No worries, I expect some hard times, but I also expect to be better than average. I don't want to settle for any less than my best, because I really REALLY love what I am doing and would regret it for the rest of my life if I didn't. So, there will be some change in my attitude and certainly in my numbers, but I won't stop working hard and pushing myself.

We had a very nice  lesson with Mike and Mary the other day. It wasn't a "thrown down" in classic "Taylor" fashion, but spiritually, we needed to make sure the spirit testified to them more strongly than it ever had before, because we needed them to start progressing, or we needed to drop them (I really loathe the idea of dropping them.... Mike is sooooooo ready. We just need to get Mary on board.....). So, we prepared a lesson with a single purpose: to testify to them without any room for doubt or defiance that The Book of Mormon was the word of God. So, how was this accomplished? Elder Holland, of course. When in doubt, call the general authorities. Check this oot: http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-messages?lang=eng&id=2010-03-08-testimony-of-the-book-of-mormon#2010-03-08-testimony-of-the-book-of-mormon

Then, we turn to the Book. Alma 32. Boom.

Then, we testify.

And, it completely changed their perspecitve. As a result, they told us they want to be baptized. We told them to pray about a date and gave them specific reading assignments. (Alma 32 and Moroni 7... we might call and also give them 2 Nephi 31 [by the by, you should familiarize yourself with each of those chapters]). I hope that as our coming appointments appraoch that they will have submitted themselves to the will of God. They need it more than they know.... Whew..... Good stuff.

I love you all very much. Alma 32:26 Now, as I said concerning faith—that it was not a perfect knowledge—even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge.

Before I finish that thought, look here : http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-messages?lang=eng&id=2012-01-003-waiting-on-our-road-to-damascus#2012-01-003-waiting-on-our-road-to-damascus

Okay: Faith is not a perfect knowledge, because without faith, our belief is almost purposeless. As we continue to study Alma 32 it explains that as you exercise faith in one thing....: 34 And now, behold, is your ^aknowledge ^bperfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your ^cfaith is dormant; and this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your ^dmind doth begin to expand.

Obtaining a KNOWLEDGE of specific aspects of the Gospel is ESSENTIAL. We must always be working to exercise our faith in the Lord so that we can come to a knowledge of His existence, so that we can reach the point when our faith is strong enough to withstand the "scorching of the sun." But we must never forget that faith is an ACTION, "faith, if it is without works, is dead." What is the point of having faith if we don't use it? "Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye ^bhope for things which are ^cnot seen, which are true."  "Now ^afaith is the ^bsubstance of things ^choped for, the ^devidence of things not seen." Faith is the guiding light that leads you to hope in all good things, which drives you into meekness and into humility (check out the first definition to "meek" in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it's sweet), it also moves you to charity, which is the pure love of Christ, by which all things are possible.

Breathe, Elder Hill, breathe.... I just get so excited.

The point: ACT on your faith. Believe in God, believe that He is.... and do something about it. Show Him your faith,and I promise and testify that He will show you HIs love. For a missionary, faith is often believing that something good will come of a day of tracting, or that the Lord will touch an investigator, or that the bishop will actually TRY to help you, or simply that the Lord will overcome your weaknesses in order to bring to pass his righteous purposes. For regular Joes: Faith is having the guts to stand up for your religion, believing enough to read your scriptures before you go to bed, to put aside some time to prepare a talk or do some service, or simply to pray every morning and night.

I love you :D I know that the Lord is watching out for you. You are in my prayers :D Have a sweet week.

Strange Week -- 15 October 2012

This week I've been pretty sick. Seriously. It's been ugly... but, nevertheless, the work goes on. Just because a mother is sick, doesn't mean she stops caring, eh?

So, M and M: We went by their place a few times this week (once they fed us dinner, they're amazing) and we taught them. Or we tried. Whenever we bring up the Book of Mormon, M seems to try simply to look for the imperfections in the book. So, we discussed the importance of faith and looking for the good things instead of searching for the imperfections. Elder C was pretty angry with me after that particular lesson, because I answered a lot of their questions, and didn't really give him the chance..... I'm an idiot. So, I am still learning about teaching in unity and trying to address their concerns. But, we had a nice comp study about it and we will get on top of it. I'm still really hopeful for them because they recognize a change, and once we focus them on how they feel instead of what they think, they will be able to see the miracles.

The Ms.... Baptism this Saturday.... maybe.... hopefully.... She's waiting because she wants her brother to do the baptism. They just need an interview.... So stinking close.... but everyone is on board.

Other than that things have been pretty slow this week, but I've been learning a lot.

I don't really know what else to say.

This morning I was reading in Mosiah 4:

19 For behold, are we not all ^abeggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?

20 And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a ^aremission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his ^bSpirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with ^cjoy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy.

Oh! I've got it.... 2 Nephi 6: 17 But thus saith the Lord: Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; ^afor the ^bMighty God shall ^cdeliver his covenant people. For thus saith the Lord: I will contend with them that contendeth with thee—

There are some days when we feel captive; when we are harrowed up by our sins and we become beggars to the Lord, God for our own salvation. Unfortuanately, these days are not few and also unfortuantely, our begging is not always due to our own sins. This week in Canada there was a young woman who killed herself because of bullies at school. She had to switch schools many times in order to get away, until it turned into too much, so, she ended her life.

When I was a jr. in high school, I was up late doing homework (hard to believe, but it's true) when I felt I needed to call a dear friend of mine. I called and she answered in tears. She had taken a knife to her stomach and was bleeding badly. She was in the pit of dispair. I can't remember exactly what it is that she said or even what I said, but somewhere in the course of that conversation I (rather, someone through me, I'm sure) convinced her to drive herself to the ER where she received medical treatment (obviously I won't say a name, and obviously this is a story I don't share lightly).  After she graduated, she kinda disappeared off the face of the earth, until about a year and a half later when I bumped into her whilst on a lunch break at work. She was engaged to a good man and had made a complete turn around, she was an institue graduate and was only a year away from getting her bachelors in some form of medical study that I can't remember.

She had changed.

It was beautiful to see.

Regarding repentance, Preach My Gospel states the following:

As we repent, our view of ourselves and the world changes. As we change, we recognize that we are children of God and that we need not continue making the same mistakes over and over... Thus, as we repent daily, we will find that our lives will change and improve. Our hearts and our behavior will become more Christlike. We will come to feel great joy in repenting daily.

So, Elder Hill, what does all of this have to do with Mosiah, 2 Nephi, and your friend? Well, calm down, and I'll tell you.

There are certainly days when we seem to feel theneed to beg for our lives. We are brought to our knees before our Divine Creator and we hope simply that we will be able to be delivered from the pain and/or sin which binds us. This is something that every person experiences, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, family situation, etc. We are all beggars, and He is the ultimate benefactor. He will not see us drop silently into the night. He will "pour out his Spirit upon [us], and [will] cause that [our] hearts will be filled with joy, and [will] cause that [our] mouths [will] be stopped that [we] [will] not find utterance, soo exceedingly great [will be] [our] joy." He promises that the "prey of the terrible shall be delivered..." The Lord will not suffer us to be comfortless if we will simple turn to Him. I suppose begging for our lives makes it sound very humbling, and very serious. God did intend it to be that way.

Let us, therefore, humble ourselves. Let us get on our kness and beg to the one who will lift us higher than we have ever been. He loves us. He will not see us alone. He will not see us comfortless. We are never alone.

I love you all very very much.

Shout out to Elder Call who leaves the MTC  soon!

Week one... transfer two... year one... mission one ; | -- 9 October 2012

Well,

Tuesday is our p day this week. Elder Church and I picked up three new investigators this week bringing the total to (drumroll, please): 15 investigators. 9 progressing. Wow.

Danielle and Ryelan are a single mom and her son who are both very VERY familiar with Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Bible. She is looking for a church that encourages having a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ and not just accepting His grace (her words). She would also like to be a part of a church "family" where everyone takes care of each other. Is any of this sounding familiar? It should. We covenant to do both of those things when we are baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am very hopeful for both of them. Ryelan has an autism, but he is very VERY high functioning. There's no way I would have guessed. He's a good boy who loves his momma very very much, therefore, he and I relate well :)

The other new guy is a gentleman by the name of Jay Applegarth. Jay is native (Cree by tribe) and is very adamant in fulfilling tradition. We gave him the first lesson just two nights ago and while we were over he had a friend over who was playing the drums with him and singing native music. I'm not a hundred percent sure if we were allowed to do this or not, but it felt like the right thing to do, so we joined in. Very VERY VERY cool experience. So, we later found out that he has been taught by the missionaries before and he was strong in the traditions of his fathers (see Alma 18). We discussed the differences between what his culture believed and taught versus what the church teaches, and he concluded that they are very close. How could this be? Well, could it be possible that his people are decendants of a certain tribe coming out of Israel? It would seem so (see Enos). So, we asked him to pray after establishing expectations and setting up a date to come back and he prayed that he would be able to know when it was right to be baptized and that he would be able to recognize the path through Jesus Christ that would bring him the most happiness. Wow. I sincerely hope that we will be able to resolve his concerns and lead him into the fold of God. Goodness, I've been blessed.

We're not sure if we'll have a baptism this week, because Kylan needs to attend church one more time before he qualifies. So, it may be pushed to next week if they didn't watch general conference. Dang it, Satan! Hate that guy. They were in BC over the long weekend and we couldn't call and remind them, so we won't know until they get back if we need to plan for a baptism or not.

Temperatures have dropped in Canada to below freezing at night and the days are loaded with temperatures of a stunning 8 degrees celcius (I'm told it's like... 50 farenheight....). As you well know, I don't get cold very easily, but I've been wearing my suit jacket during the day because of requirements, but have also been wearing a nice, thick, two-layered coat (thank you mom and dad) when the sun goes down (which has been happening at, like, six). It's been an adventure, no Canadian snow yet [DANG IT], but I'm stoked for when it does happen. I love the snow. Everyone up here is dreading the winter, and everyone asks me if I am, too. When they find out I'm not it's often associated with a comment along the lines of, "You haven't been here long, have you?" The question is rhetorical. I'm just thinking they know something that I don't. Often, people get a look in their eye and say creepy Canadian-Maine stuff, like, "Going way up there, eh?" and I think, "Yeah. Why? What are you not telling me?!" Terrifying, I'm telling you.

Oh! Canadians are afraid of the dark. True story. Nobody is outside after it gets dark. Nobody. Seriously. 

Anyway, our zone was split in half and Elder Tulane (one of our zone leaders) is suffering. There isn't a single person left in our zone that enjoys playing basketball. :D Good news. Volleyball and dodgeball are on their way. :D

I've been working on getting JACKED (must be said with such emphasis or it doesn't sound like you're doing anything at all). Jump rope (500 times a morning... at least, unless I decide to go for a set amount of time instead, in which case it can get above a thousand.... at which point I just stop counting) Usually around 50 pushups, 30 pull-ups (I inherited a free pull-up bar!!!!) 30 25lb curls, and planks like crazy. I hate planking. I also hate pull-ups. Depressing times of the morning. But, if I want a good core and a good back, I need them.

I've lost weight, thank goodness, and have been eating 6 small (fist sized) meals a day instead of 3 large-ish meals. Lots of vegetables and protein. When I do eat carbs, it's usually something that a member is feeding me, or a piece of bread with peanut butter on it.

Last thought (getting past the boring regular things): WASN'T CONFERENCE AMAZING!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!? (I'm not sure I put enough there..... one more time....)?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?? (better, I think)

So, the missionaries were the only ones in the stake center when they announced that they were allowing 18 year old graduated men to go out and 19 year old women.  We LITERALLY stood up and cheered. There were tears shed and it was a beautiful moment. Why? Because God knows who we are. He knows how to succor his people. We, as missionaries, understand that the year between high school and a mission is the hardest year of our lives (I'm not the only one that feels that way) and having men come out sooner, whill (doing WHat WHat WHay? I WHill!) enable so many more young men and women to come out. "The work will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent..." Heavens to loving betsy. The gospel is true. It is so comforting to know that the Lord knows me and all of His children so personally.

Conference highlights? The obvious announcement behind missionary work. Then the other obvious---Elder Holland, duh. Amazing. I love him. Goodness his talk was SOOOOOO good. It made me ask myself, "How much do I love God?" My personal committment to serve was strengthened. I loved the themes of missionary work, and becoming who you are destined to become, choosing to be happy, and helping your children live up to the potential they have been given. Priesthood was amazing. There's just so much I could say.... But instead I'll ask a question: How did any of the talks from General Conference strengthen your testimony and help you become more converted to the Gospel? Also, what are you going to CHANGE in your life in order to bring yourself into closer harmony with those teachings?

One more word about General Conference: WHITCHICKABAM.

I love you all so much. Thank you for your prayers and your love. Have a wonderful week and an amazing upcoming Thanksgiving (I say that because it was Canadian Thanksgiving up here... lame holiday. People LITERALLY have no idea what they're celebrating.).

Week Six of Transfer 1 -- 2 October 2012

Well. That was quick.

Mostly, people just want to know about my investigators, eh?

Well, there's M and M who have been having a tough time with a combination of diabetes and the flu, but have us over as often as they feel healthy enough. They are science fiction geeks, so we get along really well.

The B family... She has MS and he knows it's true, but will only join if we can get his wife to join, because he doesn't feel he can hold it on his own. They are very faithful and we have connected a lot. Every time we go over it is just such a spiritual experience.

The W Family. Part member family who have endured lots of hard times and have found stability in the gospel. They are all very dilligent in everything they do. They are all car junkies, which means I relate well with them. They are also book junkies, which means I relate doubly well. They are altogether wonderful people who have always worked hard to get what they need. Heavenly Father is definitely watching over them.

The M Family. Gold. She is a single mother with 3 kids. Two of them are baptisimal age. K and K. K straight up just told us he believes and wants to be baptized. K speculates a little more because her dad taught her to ask quesitons (way to go dad!), but she listens to the answers as well. So, she has learned to accept and love the church as well. K (the mother) is an incredibly sweet woman who recognizes the need for it and has also told us she wants to be baptized. We have baptisms for her and her kids scheduled on October 13th. Boom. God is amazing!!!!!! (Alma 26:12-everything-in-that-chapter anyone?)

We have several very solid potentials. D and her son R are very interested, but she is head nurse at the local hospital, and is called in A LOT. So, we got there once, but she got a call and had to leave within like, 2 minutes of us being there. It's tough.

In other news. Elder P is going home to Salt Lake. He had a tough day yesterday.

Elder C is the new District Leader.

Life is just wonderful and nuts.

What Is This Madness? -- 24 September 2012

I swear, if someone were to look into the daily life of your average missionary, they may say, "Well, I'm impressed by all the work these guys do, but that doesn't mean I'm going to join your church." However, let's say they were to just experience the spiritual experiences of the week for a missionary, They would come away saying; "When can I be baptized?"

True story.

Why?

Miracles. Every single day. Last night we were going around handing out invitations for the new temple open house (it's a really REALLY big deal around here and we've been doing an awful lot to make sure people get the opportunity), and we stopped by one of our potential investigators. We knock on their door and she is really kind and curious about the temple. Then she says, "So, when can you come back so we can talk about your religion?"

What is this madness?

"How's Thursday night around 6 sound?"

"Sounds great, could you call on Tuesday and remind me?"

....

All we needed to do was show up.

I just want to talk about that simple principle. There are many things we do in the gospel that just require us to show our faces. Church; we just need to be there. Temple; we just need to be there. Prayer; we just need to be mentally present. Study; we just need to BE THERE.

WHY is that so important?

Think about it for just a moment; How does just showing up to a single day of church change your life?

I'm going to tell you a story. Once upon a time on my mission, we were told that a few people in the ward had stopped attending church because someone had offended them. So, we went by and testified that if they would just go to church one more time, they would see that the Lord needed them, no matter what anyone else said. They cried and committed. They came. And now they have fixed things with the individual and have been attending ever since. How will this act strengthen their faith? They will be able to cleansed every week from the filth that burdens us every day of our lives. They will be able to experience life-altering spiritual experiences because they were there. They will get to go to the celestial kingdom (no, you may not go to the celestial kingdom if you aren't willing to keep the covenants you made at baptism: keeping the sabbath day holy) because they are coming.

When you simply choose to show up, you prove to God that He can trust you to with the lives of those He will put in your path. That means the lives of your children (His children) your friends (His children) and the guy you sit next to on the bus (His child). When you just simply show your faith by showing up, you prove to God that you are willing to live.

Sorry, whenever I email home I just feel like I rant, and I'm sorry for that. I want you to know that I love you so much, and I just want you to know that this Gospel is not hard. God has created a path for you that is simple and will lead you to be able to overcome ALL things.

This Church is true. When you live the Gospel, life is comparably easy. When you don't, life is much harder.

I love you so so so so so much.

"It's a long way to the top, if you want to rock & roll."