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!