March 4, 2009

I'm glad to hear it's been a matter of personal prayer. It's also good to hear that you are both dating other people, that's essential. What really struck me about your response though is that you know of the power of the Atonement. I'm glad to hear that you've had the courage to take the course of repentence, because it is rewarding. The Lord will bless you. It's good to hear that you have sought to make yourself a clean vessel to bear the message of the Lord. Just be careful though with Chelsea. I know it might not be a slip up with her that would cause you not to serve, but if she distracts you in any way that's not good either. I just don't want you to get attached to her either. It sounds like she's a great girl and has played a role in your life. I love your Bro and you'll serve great. 
It sounds like life is going great for you and for zac. Hopefully you're over that nasty sickness you had. I've got some scriptures for you that I think will help you to prepare. They've been great for me out here on my mission.
D&C 11:12-14- Learning the gospel by the spirit.
D&C 84:103 About families sending out missionaries (Share it with mom)
D&C 84: 63 and 77 and 79-80 and 
Follow this chain in section 84, verse 61-62, then vs 94-95 then vs 116. This is what you remember and focus on, this is the Promise of the Lord. I can feel a drive when I remember things like this, when I remember why I am called and by whom. I'm called by the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember him, Remember what he promises you and I. When I remember this I am then given a new drive to go out and share this message with people. I am able to face the rejection and the hate that people have. I know this tool that I've found useful may come in handy for you, reflect on it often.
Love you bro.

Wow look who it is! So how is the day going? We had our apartment inspected today and we got 100. The lady that does it gave us some things, one of which was a nice tie for each of us!!
Wow that's intense. I'm just doing email and what not. Did you resend the puzzles?? And have you gotten a package that I sent home?
Wow sounds like the same process I went through in getting ready for my mission. Tell Josh, that those ear muffs are essential. That and a headband, both on at the same time with my south pole down filled coat hood over the top: HAS BEEN A BLESSING AND HAS SAVED ME MANY A NIGHTS OUT KNOCKING DOORS. Yeah, I wear the head band and ear muffs. All the missionaries own a pair of those ear muffs. I can't believe it's day light savings time, that's insanity. I'm ready for some warm though. Things are going great though. Beverly Williams is really coming along well. She has made it up in her mind that it's only a matter of time before she sets a date to be baptized. She has decided that it doesn't matter what her family thinks of her decision, and that they will all have to save themselves. She has a great testimony, and is an example of obedience. Even when we told her that she couldn't have decaffenated coffee she was still willing to obey. She has been keeping this commitment strong for about a week now. She doesn't even want to substitute anything in its place, she doesn't see how it is harmful, but she still does it. I give her a phone call every morning before we head out the door to see how her morning went and to see how things are going. The ward members love her and the comments she makes. She just seems like a member they say. Keep in mind that this is a 56 year old African American woman who was raised a stalwart Baptist. She's a southern girl, with a great heart. She'll make a great member, in the Lord's time.I've had some great experiences in the scriptures lately, and I've really learned a lot. I really like it though when Elder Brown is in a good mood for study (Which means conversation). Because then he shares some of the stories he's read or things he knows or learns, and then I learn the scriptures and the doctrine better. I'm trying to basically force him to give input on our planning sessions by asking him questions on what he wants to do. I figure if it's a comp. study that he's helped plan he's more likely to be enthusiastic about it. He's been through some rough patches last week, and I've spoken with President on the phone about things. Just keep us in your prayers. The work continues to surge forward. I just love this Mom. Sometimes I have these things hit me during the day I call them epiphanies. I just think "I'm a missionary!!". I am so happy, and I can't believe that I'm a missionary sometimes, it's almost sureal. We had a great experience out tracting yesterday. This African American ladies heart was completely changed as we talked to her and testified. She was contentious, she swore, and then by the end her eyes glistened, she would just stare at me sometimes. She was greatful, and I pulled out a copy of the BOM from my backpack and gave it to her. She was anticipating when we would come back to talk more. It was incredible the change of heart this lady had. It's incredible the power the spirit has on people, and the power that is in our testimonies.

I love you tons mom. It's good to hear all is well. I pray for you and the family and love you all. Thank you for your sacrifices for me.

With Gratitude
Elder Adams
I realize Elder Brown will still have his ups and downs, so I'm learning patience. Like I said though, his mood will just change from one point to another, and this I don't understand. He's most effective when he's in a good mood, and we are a team then. We teach with power and authority, we bear testimony together, we go door to door and share the gospel. However when he's not it a good mood the work is not the same, things are different. I hope he can reach a point when he can fire on all cylinders. Pray for us President, and thank you for all that you do for us. You are an example of self consecration, and may you always be an example for me not only on my mission but throughout my life.
Well then I guess we have to wait then. I'm hopeful that the weather might start to warm up.
Yeah well as far as the Big bad Town goes. We are teaching this guy that is on house arrest for something to do with drugs. He's told us some pretty intense stories. He told us we were courageous for being on the street that we were. He said it's the hottest block in all of Evanston because it is where there is a lot of drugs, and there are shootings that go on. It's pretty intense. We had a close encounter with his Crew when we were talking to him. He told us that if he wasn't there they probably would have robbed us. I'll have to tell you the whole story sometime. There's some intense stories and things that have happened on this street. I love you bro. and it's good to hear from you.

Elder Adams
P.S.- How's the workout plan going?? I want to see if you can read the BOM by JUNE 28.

OH I love you mom, you're some kind of superhero. Conquer on, trust in the Lord and you shall prevail!!!!!!! Read Job 5:17-27
Oh me too mom. I'm just doing sets in the fitness center and walking back and forth checking the mail. Here's D&C 84:103 also, it's about families who send missionaries out.
Love ya mom, good chatting. We are going to check out this big motorcycle showroom. I think it's the biggest in the Chicago area.