so sorry to inform you, but the package came empty in our mailbox. The postal service put the opened envelope in another envelope. Somebody must have opened it and taken whatever was inside, or it came open. I did get the picture of Spencer, that's all there was. I'm on email me back.
This has been a tough week not only for Elder Nowell and I, but for investigators keeping their appointments and commitments. We are struggling to get them to come to Church. We dropped off the Book of Mormon in Tagalog to Marissa, and she was very grateful for that. Tagalog is the language they speak in the Philipines. We are hoping to invite them to Conference on Friday when we meet with them. Hopefully they will be able to keep this commitment. Consequently because of lack of appointments we have done a lot of tracting. We have found some great people. I'm noticing with this transfer thus far that it's not so much the quantity of the contacts that we are having, but we are having some high quality contacts. We have met two families that live right next to each other that are incredible. One of them, the Olsen's, seem to be more interested; especially in General Conference this weekend. The Vetter's on the other hand, he invited us right in and wanted to give us money for food. Both families took time to hear our message. We actually met the Olsen's yesterday after having worked some things out between Elder Nowell and I. It was an incredible meeting. This woman didn't know if God heard her prayers, she said that her and her husband had been looking for a Church, and Elder Nowell and I taught and testified so well together. They are excited about what we shared with them. Elder Nowell and are continuing to work together, and to forgive and forget, and move forward. That’s one thing that I’ve noticed, when we aren’t getting along we don’t have the spirit with us and the people don’t listen to us. Interviews with President yesterday were very helpful.
It’s always tough sometimes mom, yesterday one of the other missionaries had taken the car key and they had decided to go into a burlington coat factory and look at ties even though it was preparation day. We had to go over there and get the key from them. My companion and I were having a difficult time as it was, and then he said he wanted to look at ties too. I had to be bad guy and say we shouldn’t do that, let’s go. I could tell he sat and talked with the other Elders, I got some looks from him. He mumbled some things to me. That feeling is such a hard one. Once again, why is it it so hard, why aren’t the missionaries that I’m serving with; especially my companion, why are they against rules that are so plain. The way I see it, I’ve got the rest of my life to go into these stores and look around, but I only have this time to work and to share the gospel. It was a tough day yesterday, the past couple of days really. I’ve made some mistakes of my own, and my companion and I are trying to do better together. I could probably tell you a lot of everything that has happened, but I don’t want to dwell on the negative.
So HERE’S SOME GOOD NEWS. I had permission from President Doll to call Bill Murray a couple days ago, to see when he was going to go through the temple to take out his endowments. He returned my phone call Monday night. He said that he had actually been thinking about me and that he had tried to get the number for our cell phone here in Byron, but was unable to get into contact with any of the missionaries in the city. He was surprised when he came home and he found a message on his answering machine from me, and our phone number. Inspiration or coincidence? Anyway, He’s looking at going through the temple the first week in November! This is great news but it gets better. He’s coming to UTAH! He leaves tomorrow. He said that he bought a whole new wardrobe, a digital camera, and then he thought he’d need some music to listen to so he bought an ipod touch. However he soon found out that his computer was too old to sync up with his ipod so he bought a laptop too. He ended up spending about 2 Grand. The news continues. I told him to give you a call today or tomorrow and to meet up with you. He has your number. I told him I’d give you his it is, 312-259-6826. He’s coming with a couple other members from the Chicago first ward to go to conference. He’ll be there from Oct 1-8. Part of the time I think he’s staying with Elder Purdie and part of the time in Salt Lake City. I don’t know you’ll have to talk to him. Also he has extra tickets to the Priesthood session, and possibly some of the other sessions. I told him that Dad and Spencer would love to go with him to the Priesthood Session, and he liked that idea. I think it will be so awesome. You will all get to meet Bill, who has been the assistant ward mission leader in the first ward for a while now. During the summer I attended a baptismal service in which he conducted. Who would of thought that a year later Bill Murray would be conducting a baptism a year after his own. When you get in contact with Bill take lots of pictures with him and I want to see some of them. Have fun, he’s really excited to go to Utah.
I’m really excited for conference this weekend, it’s my companions first one on his mission, and sadly I will only have one more. I’ve been praying for the Apostles and the prophet to receive revelation on the things that I need to hear, and that I will be prepared to be instructed. I really can’t believe it’s time for conference again.
I have the announcement for the Turkey Testical festival, the signs are up- it is October 10. My companion and I have made a commitment to each other that we are both going to try one. We talked to a lady at one of the other bars here in town, and she says it’s a big weeked not just for the bar that hosts the festival , but for them as well. A lot of bikers come into town. Maybe we’ll give out a copy of the Book of Mormon to a biker. I’ll take lot’s of pictures. The manager at the bar that we spoke with who we had given a finding faith in Christ dvd to, said that she had tried the turkey testicles and she said that they taste like chicken, but isn’t that what they say about everything.
Anyway here is the scriptures that have been inspiring to me this week. (DC 62:6, 82:10, 130:20-21) this is one set that goes together in a scripture chain about obedience. Then Romans 9:20-21. DC 64:9-10 and DC64:23.
I love you all so much. I looked at Spencer’s picture and I hardly recognize him anymore. HE looks different, a lot older. He’s got broad shoulders now. Yeah he looks totally different, but it doesn’t seem like time has passed. It’s a scary thing. I love you all and enjoy the scriptures and Conference, go with an attitude to feel and not “Here I am teach me.” Try and be the one to actively seek and to try and see what the spirit is trying to teach you. It will be special. A prophet of God and 12 Apostles here on the earth, the same as when Christ was here. Imagine that, I don’t think we often grasp the gravity of this. We will hear from them this weekend. They truly are living oracles of God, set apart to receive revelation for us in this dispensation. They are here to guide us, this is my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
That 2 Timothy scripture is a great one. That's actually one that I have thought the same thing about: Being able to say exactly that at the end of my mission. So that cake sounds good. Anyway this weekend is your first General Conference in the mission, it's my companions also. I still remember my first in the mission, and it seems like it was just yesterday. This weekend is going to be incredible, I am so excited. We have met some incredible families here this past week. One guy let us right and wanted to buy us groceries or give us money for food. The other house we talked to the wife for a while, she didn't know if God heard her prayers, and she said that she'd been looking for a church, Her and her husband, but hadn't found a place that she felt comfortable. We sat and talked with her in the garage and I share with her about the atonement. She seemed so appreciative of everything we shared, she is really excited to try and watch conference at the Church with us. Hopefully we can teach these two families. The first family, the Father, he's just the nicest guy ever, he said: If you ever need money or anything just come by. He really wanted to help us out. Anyway how Great this work is. Here's the scriptures that have impressed upon me certain thoughts this week. DC 62:6, 82:10, 130:20-21, this is a set on obedience to go in a chain. Then Romans 9:20-21 and DC 64:9-10 and vs. 23. I love you Bro. Keep working hard and loving every minute of your mission. I'm glad to hear the language is coming along great.
LOve Elder Adams
Yeah we watch conference at the Church building also, but most members can watch it on cable tv. However all of the Branch is coming to the Sunday morning session and then we will have food in between sessions.
My companion has been on a baking spree this past couple of nights. He stayed up a few nights till who knows when. This member gave us a bunch of ingredients, and another member gave us a cookbook with 400 different kinds of cookie, bar, and muffin recipes. He's been experimenting trying different ones. He's tried some of his own additives. His first ones he burnt, and he ended up using the rest of the batter to make muffins. He's going baking insane. When we knock doors, we often talk about his next idea. It's a strange impulsive obsession that he has now. He just gets the urge to bake now at night.
Elder Adams.
What happened to everybody else? Is Spencer and Dad OK. Have Spencer follow up with Aaron, I still haven't received his letter that you said he sent to me. Have him ask Zach if he got my letter, I wrote him two weeks ago, and I think that I'll write him again today. Tell Spencer to get as much information as he can from Aaron at school.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
September 23, 2009
I'll tell you, it hurt when I first heard Zach came home. I have fasted and prayed. I continue to pray for him every night, and for me to be understanding and to know what I am supposed to do. I don't know how I'm handling it either. It's deffinately something that I think about, but I try to push it aside as much as possible and not let if distract me. The Lord I think is really helping me with this one. (Mosiah 24:12-16) These people here had hard trials placed on them but they cried unto the Lord and he eased the burdens placed on their backs so that they could not feel them. They were still there, they still had to go through the things they did, the trial wasn't taken away or gone, but it just felt like they didn't have the burden on them and they were able to carry on. I think that this is what the Lord is helping to do for me.
Dad I just want to say that that is the first time I've heard you say that you know the Book of Mormon is another Testament of Jesus Christ. To hear you testify of the Book of Mormon, that means so much. It feels good to read that. I love you dad. I love you. Thank you for your testimony and your words of encouragement.
Love Your Eldest Son,
Elder Adams
HEy MOM, Just wanted to let you know, that when I was in North Shore I lost my vile of oil off of my keychain, so I've been without for a while. If you could send me one with some oil that has been consecrated that would be great, or just the new vile, and then me and my companion can consecrate some oil together. Also sorry I haven't called State farm yet, I need to find their number. Write me back I'm on for about another half hour.
I don't want you to spend more money on another backpack, I'm making this one work, I just keep my temple clothes in my suitcase. Elder Oaks had a quote about this that I'll have to find. As for my birthday, I don't think I need anything, maybe some dried fruit like apricots and strawberries, kiwis, I think costco had something like this.
The other day when we were tracting we talked to these two guys in the garage watching tv and drinking beer and they had potato chips and nuts on a table. We asked them if they'd just finished work and a few other questions. Their response, "NOPE, now it's beer drinkin' time!" My companion and I couldn't help but laugh at this as we gave them a card and went on our way. We Joked, "Ah, beer, nuts, tater chips, and Mormon literature, nothing better eh Carl." My companion really had fun with this.
Yesterday was zone conference and President Doll presented his vision for our mission. It had been something that had been pressing on his mind. I don’t know if you’ve heard but they have been decreasing the number of missionaries here for the past couple of months. We have gone from 130 missionaries to 90, and soon to be 80. He envisions us being like the small but great army of Helamen and being able to accomplish the same baptisms as when had 130 missionaries. His presentation was great. He believes each of us was called here to this place, in this time when this would happen, because we were the qualified and capable; able to take on this larger load, and to accomplish this task. It will take faith and relying on the Lord to accomplish this. I bore my testimony at the end of Zone conference. I don’t know why I sometimes think I can hold back, or that I don’t need to bear my testimony but I’m always glad when I do. I was choked up as usual, but it felt empowering and a reassurance of the things I know to be true.
We are having a grand time here in Byron. We have almost tracted every street here in Byron, just a couple more short ones. I predict we will finish it here in the next couple of days and then start again. So it took us a little over a transfer to tract this place out. We have also knocked a bunch of doors in some of the smaller towns that we cover also.
We had a great meeting with Chuck and Marissa Crome. Marissa is Phillipino and Chuck is American. They are a couple in their 40's and 50's. When we came back for this appointment they had both read so much of the Book of Mormon, and Marissa said that she would have been able to read faster if the Book of Mormon had been in her native language of Tagalog, because she had to keep looking up words in the index. They both had a lot of great questions. They are incredible investigators and really seem interested. Chuck expressed such great appreciation in his prayers for us as missionaries, and for what he was learning. We had shared with them the plan of salvation and there was great discussion and understanding. It was just another incredible appointment like the first one that we had with them. We are going to return to meet with them this Friday. I can hardly wait. They are both so sincere, and they earnestly read. They both have had great feelings as they have been reading. When you teach a family or a couple this restored gospel there is just such a different feeling that comes. It's an even more sense of fulfillment than sharing it with anyone else.
We had an incredible miracle happen the other day while tracting. We knocked on a door, the first of the morning, and the neighbor answered. It was a woman, Dixie we found out was her name. At first she was not interested at all. She thought that we were selling God or our religion. However we explained to her very calmly that we were inviting. That this was something has blessed us. I asked her to think of it as if she were to know of a great restaurant or shoe sale, she would tell her friends. She was very emotional about how much she knew the Lord, and when she saw that we were not forcing anything and that we have a belief in Christ also she began to change. She cried a lot as she told us of some of the hardships that she has gone through and how the Lord has helped her through them. She expressed over and over again thanks to us. She told us we had changed some 30 years of what she thought of people like us coming to her door. She said that she was currently going through a hard time, because the 23 of september is the anniversary of the passing of her sister or some loved one. This is always a difficult time for her. She said that she had needed some strength, and said many times that we had made a difference in her day. It made you feel so fulfilled. She was extremely grateful to except a copy of the Book of Mormon. This woman had been through so much. Everything from sickness, disease, not being able to work, she'd been abused. She cried a lot. The miracle of this was she came to the door and we hadn't even knocked on her door. We were deffinately led to her door at this time because she needed help. This was that trying week in her life that comes every year. She truly was touched and had a new love for us, her mind and heart had been softened and changed towards us. Most of the time we simply listened, but would occasionally bear testimony. To look up at this woman on her steps and see the tears in her eyes as we spoke to her, to think that I’ve made a difference in someones life. To be able to talk to God’s children and have them open up and share there deepest feelings with me, a total stranger. To feel this womans appreciation, as I looked at her tear filled eyes, this is what makes being a missionary the greatest calling in the world. I offered a prayer at the end and as we walked away I told Elder Nowell, “This is why I always want to be a missionary.” I have never had opportunities like these before, to have them come to you. God led us to this woman and allowed us to be tools in his hands for blessing her life. We got her number, but I don’t know if we will ever hear from her or see her again but just to think of this experience that I had. To be able to share testimony, and listen to this woman and to see her heart soften and to see her change right before us. You can’t help but feel good when she time and time again she would express thanks to us,the difference we’d made, saying “you’ve made an impact in one persons life today.” Think of that to be able to go throughout the day and then to bed at night knowing that you have helped someone. That is a precious and priceless gift. What more could you ask for than this sort of fulfillment each day. I don’t ever want to give up being a missionary. An experience like this, or one great lesson, makes a whole week solid of knocking and walking door to door for hours worth it. A thousand people can say no or reject you or treat you like you are something different, and one experience like this makes it all worth it. I love you so much. ... All of you.
LOve Elder Adams
P.S-You don't have to always understand the scriptures, it's more important that you are at least trying to read them. Just read them and the Holy Ghost will teach you.
gotta go shopping now, and take care of business. Sorry.
Elder Adams
Dad I just want to say that that is the first time I've heard you say that you know the Book of Mormon is another Testament of Jesus Christ. To hear you testify of the Book of Mormon, that means so much. It feels good to read that. I love you dad. I love you. Thank you for your testimony and your words of encouragement.
Love Your Eldest Son,
Elder Adams
HEy MOM, Just wanted to let you know, that when I was in North Shore I lost my vile of oil off of my keychain, so I've been without for a while. If you could send me one with some oil that has been consecrated that would be great, or just the new vile, and then me and my companion can consecrate some oil together. Also sorry I haven't called State farm yet, I need to find their number. Write me back I'm on for about another half hour.
I don't want you to spend more money on another backpack, I'm making this one work, I just keep my temple clothes in my suitcase. Elder Oaks had a quote about this that I'll have to find. As for my birthday, I don't think I need anything, maybe some dried fruit like apricots and strawberries, kiwis, I think costco had something like this.
The other day when we were tracting we talked to these two guys in the garage watching tv and drinking beer and they had potato chips and nuts on a table. We asked them if they'd just finished work and a few other questions. Their response, "NOPE, now it's beer drinkin' time!" My companion and I couldn't help but laugh at this as we gave them a card and went on our way. We Joked, "Ah, beer, nuts, tater chips, and Mormon literature, nothing better eh Carl." My companion really had fun with this.
Yesterday was zone conference and President Doll presented his vision for our mission. It had been something that had been pressing on his mind. I don’t know if you’ve heard but they have been decreasing the number of missionaries here for the past couple of months. We have gone from 130 missionaries to 90, and soon to be 80. He envisions us being like the small but great army of Helamen and being able to accomplish the same baptisms as when had 130 missionaries. His presentation was great. He believes each of us was called here to this place, in this time when this would happen, because we were the qualified and capable; able to take on this larger load, and to accomplish this task. It will take faith and relying on the Lord to accomplish this. I bore my testimony at the end of Zone conference. I don’t know why I sometimes think I can hold back, or that I don’t need to bear my testimony but I’m always glad when I do. I was choked up as usual, but it felt empowering and a reassurance of the things I know to be true.
We are having a grand time here in Byron. We have almost tracted every street here in Byron, just a couple more short ones. I predict we will finish it here in the next couple of days and then start again. So it took us a little over a transfer to tract this place out. We have also knocked a bunch of doors in some of the smaller towns that we cover also.
We had a great meeting with Chuck and Marissa Crome. Marissa is Phillipino and Chuck is American. They are a couple in their 40's and 50's. When we came back for this appointment they had both read so much of the Book of Mormon, and Marissa said that she would have been able to read faster if the Book of Mormon had been in her native language of Tagalog, because she had to keep looking up words in the index. They both had a lot of great questions. They are incredible investigators and really seem interested. Chuck expressed such great appreciation in his prayers for us as missionaries, and for what he was learning. We had shared with them the plan of salvation and there was great discussion and understanding. It was just another incredible appointment like the first one that we had with them. We are going to return to meet with them this Friday. I can hardly wait. They are both so sincere, and they earnestly read. They both have had great feelings as they have been reading. When you teach a family or a couple this restored gospel there is just such a different feeling that comes. It's an even more sense of fulfillment than sharing it with anyone else.
We had an incredible miracle happen the other day while tracting. We knocked on a door, the first of the morning, and the neighbor answered. It was a woman, Dixie we found out was her name. At first she was not interested at all. She thought that we were selling God or our religion. However we explained to her very calmly that we were inviting. That this was something has blessed us. I asked her to think of it as if she were to know of a great restaurant or shoe sale, she would tell her friends. She was very emotional about how much she knew the Lord, and when she saw that we were not forcing anything and that we have a belief in Christ also she began to change. She cried a lot as she told us of some of the hardships that she has gone through and how the Lord has helped her through them. She expressed over and over again thanks to us. She told us we had changed some 30 years of what she thought of people like us coming to her door. She said that she was currently going through a hard time, because the 23 of september is the anniversary of the passing of her sister or some loved one. This is always a difficult time for her. She said that she had needed some strength, and said many times that we had made a difference in her day. It made you feel so fulfilled. She was extremely grateful to except a copy of the Book of Mormon. This woman had been through so much. Everything from sickness, disease, not being able to work, she'd been abused. She cried a lot. The miracle of this was she came to the door and we hadn't even knocked on her door. We were deffinately led to her door at this time because she needed help. This was that trying week in her life that comes every year. She truly was touched and had a new love for us, her mind and heart had been softened and changed towards us. Most of the time we simply listened, but would occasionally bear testimony. To look up at this woman on her steps and see the tears in her eyes as we spoke to her, to think that I’ve made a difference in someones life. To be able to talk to God’s children and have them open up and share there deepest feelings with me, a total stranger. To feel this womans appreciation, as I looked at her tear filled eyes, this is what makes being a missionary the greatest calling in the world. I offered a prayer at the end and as we walked away I told Elder Nowell, “This is why I always want to be a missionary.” I have never had opportunities like these before, to have them come to you. God led us to this woman and allowed us to be tools in his hands for blessing her life. We got her number, but I don’t know if we will ever hear from her or see her again but just to think of this experience that I had. To be able to share testimony, and listen to this woman and to see her heart soften and to see her change right before us. You can’t help but feel good when she time and time again she would express thanks to us,the difference we’d made, saying “you’ve made an impact in one persons life today.” Think of that to be able to go throughout the day and then to bed at night knowing that you have helped someone. That is a precious and priceless gift. What more could you ask for than this sort of fulfillment each day. I don’t ever want to give up being a missionary. An experience like this, or one great lesson, makes a whole week solid of knocking and walking door to door for hours worth it. A thousand people can say no or reject you or treat you like you are something different, and one experience like this makes it all worth it. I love you so much. ... All of you.
LOve Elder Adams
P.S-You don't have to always understand the scriptures, it's more important that you are at least trying to read them. Just read them and the Holy Ghost will teach you.
gotta go shopping now, and take care of business. Sorry.
Elder Adams
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
September 16, 2009
Yeah I've been putting the heat on every morning for the past couple of weeks actually. The corn is dying, leaves are blazing orange and red, and the corn is dying and turning yellow. It's scary.
Anyway this was a great email from you dad. You wrote a lot, I'm impressed and there's a lot of thought and insight in it. This is a whole new side of you. I like!! Keep reading those scriptures, but here's some other great stuff I've found. DC 78:17-18 and 58:2-4, I've been doing a study on trial and tribulation since I heard about Zach coming home. I love you dad and I appreciate your love and council.
Love your Son,
Elder Adams
Things are moving forward here in Byron. We knock a lot of doors. I think one of these days I'm going to wear my gps so that I can see how far we walk. 3 or 4 hours straight of going door to door I bet that equals out to be a pretty good distance. I'm grateful that we are still able to ride our bikes when we are here in Byron. However the trees are on fire with color, some of them are knarled skeletons, and the corn is dying and turning yellow. This are all not good signs. The weather during the day has been fairly warm though, so I've been enjoying that. We had exchanges with the Zone leaders and one of them said to me after we had just come away from teaching a man on his porch who had started out not having any interest in us at all. After we both bore our testimonies though he started to listen as we taught, and he then excepted a copy of the Book of Mormon. He had a lot of doubt about what Jesus had done fore anyone or if there was a God. I testified, we taught, and he listened, then we prayed. As we walked down the driveway my Zone Leader said to me that one thing he's learned from me is persistance. He said he didn't think that guy was interested or would have listened to us. He also told me in the car that he doesn't know why some of the missionaries out here say the things they do about me. It felt good to hear this, at least I know I have a few friends on my side. My companion also thanked me, after he came back from the exchange, for helping him to be more aggressive in his door approaches. It just feels good when you know that you are doing something right, and winning a few battles.
We've lost one of our investigators though. He's dedicated to the Jehovah's withnesses and won't come to visit our church, not even to try it.
Also, a member in the Branch here has connections and knows the owner of a fitness center here in Byron. She added us to her family pass and is paying the 5 dollars a month to do so!!! How nice is that, it's still warm enough to run outside, but now we have gym passes. This will be really nice when it gets cold outside.
As I've been studying the scriptures quite a few things have struck me, as far as helping me in what I need to be doing as a missionary and how I can be better. I have also found further guidance and help in my study for Zach. I think this study can be just as much for me as for him. I really love those studies where you spend an entire study in just 3 or 4 scriptures and you're cross referencing everywhere and have two sets of scriptures open, and then you come out of study feeling like you've been on a ride. I love it!!!! That's actually what our district meeting was on; Having an Effective Personal and Companionship Study.
The turkey testicle festival has not started I'll let you know when it happens. I want to try and sell that OGIO backpack, I might have another missionary buy it. I still have not gotten a letter from Zach, Debbie, or Aaron, so I think that I am going to at least write Zach again. I just want to know that we are still friends. Time continues to fly by, days and weeks are going by so fast. I feel like it was just wednesday.
I love all of you so much. You are a blessing. Keep me in your prayers as I do you, and I will write again next week.
Love Elder Adams
I make a pretty good Salad. Salad mix, with cucumbers and tomatoes that we have been blessed with from members, and then for dressing I've come up with my own special blend. I use thousand island and spicy brown mustard. You can't say it's bad until you've tried it, and then you'll never go back!!
It's about time, I'm here every morning at 10:30 my time, so I think that's 9:30 your time??? I don't have a lot of time, It sounds like the condo went well.
So I need to call state farm then? I hope you and Spencer had a happy birthday.
Bye
Anyway this was a great email from you dad. You wrote a lot, I'm impressed and there's a lot of thought and insight in it. This is a whole new side of you. I like!! Keep reading those scriptures, but here's some other great stuff I've found. DC 78:17-18 and 58:2-4, I've been doing a study on trial and tribulation since I heard about Zach coming home. I love you dad and I appreciate your love and council.
Love your Son,
Elder Adams
Things are moving forward here in Byron. We knock a lot of doors. I think one of these days I'm going to wear my gps so that I can see how far we walk. 3 or 4 hours straight of going door to door I bet that equals out to be a pretty good distance. I'm grateful that we are still able to ride our bikes when we are here in Byron. However the trees are on fire with color, some of them are knarled skeletons, and the corn is dying and turning yellow. This are all not good signs. The weather during the day has been fairly warm though, so I've been enjoying that. We had exchanges with the Zone leaders and one of them said to me after we had just come away from teaching a man on his porch who had started out not having any interest in us at all. After we both bore our testimonies though he started to listen as we taught, and he then excepted a copy of the Book of Mormon. He had a lot of doubt about what Jesus had done fore anyone or if there was a God. I testified, we taught, and he listened, then we prayed. As we walked down the driveway my Zone Leader said to me that one thing he's learned from me is persistance. He said he didn't think that guy was interested or would have listened to us. He also told me in the car that he doesn't know why some of the missionaries out here say the things they do about me. It felt good to hear this, at least I know I have a few friends on my side. My companion also thanked me, after he came back from the exchange, for helping him to be more aggressive in his door approaches. It just feels good when you know that you are doing something right, and winning a few battles.
We've lost one of our investigators though. He's dedicated to the Jehovah's withnesses and won't come to visit our church, not even to try it.
Also, a member in the Branch here has connections and knows the owner of a fitness center here in Byron. She added us to her family pass and is paying the 5 dollars a month to do so!!! How nice is that, it's still warm enough to run outside, but now we have gym passes. This will be really nice when it gets cold outside.
As I've been studying the scriptures quite a few things have struck me, as far as helping me in what I need to be doing as a missionary and how I can be better. I have also found further guidance and help in my study for Zach. I think this study can be just as much for me as for him. I really love those studies where you spend an entire study in just 3 or 4 scriptures and you're cross referencing everywhere and have two sets of scriptures open, and then you come out of study feeling like you've been on a ride. I love it!!!! That's actually what our district meeting was on; Having an Effective Personal and Companionship Study.
The turkey testicle festival has not started I'll let you know when it happens. I want to try and sell that OGIO backpack, I might have another missionary buy it. I still have not gotten a letter from Zach, Debbie, or Aaron, so I think that I am going to at least write Zach again. I just want to know that we are still friends. Time continues to fly by, days and weeks are going by so fast. I feel like it was just wednesday.
I love all of you so much. You are a blessing. Keep me in your prayers as I do you, and I will write again next week.
Love Elder Adams
I make a pretty good Salad. Salad mix, with cucumbers and tomatoes that we have been blessed with from members, and then for dressing I've come up with my own special blend. I use thousand island and spicy brown mustard. You can't say it's bad until you've tried it, and then you'll never go back!!
It's about time, I'm here every morning at 10:30 my time, so I think that's 9:30 your time??? I don't have a lot of time, It sounds like the condo went well.
So I need to call state farm then? I hope you and Spencer had a happy birthday.
Bye
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
September 9, 2009
So is it the condo that you are going to stay at with your mom? It has been odd, this week has been a little bit warmer. However the leaves are continuing to change and that is really scary. My companion doesn't know why I panic, and he is nieve of the truth. Members try to tell him, and I do too, but he will just have to experience it for himself. I'll keep looking forward to hearing back from you on those chapters. Also it's incredible how if I meet someone who is involved in scouting I am able to talk to them. My companion and I are both eagle scouts. Scouting and my experiences opens doors, and allows them to see me as someone like them. I'm surprised I haven't told you about this before, because there have been a few people that I have met and been able to talk to about scouts. Anyway, enjoy the weekend and I love you as always. How could I not, You're my POPS.
Love,
Elder Adams
Love,
Elder Adams
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
September 8, 2009
I love you bro. Your testimony is always great to hear. I'm glad to hear that you are tearing it up on the soccer field. The other day my companion and I were talking, and I remembered the time that you put a whole lobster tail in your mouth!!! Stuffed it all in one cheek. Do you still do that, or is that all about to change when you turn 15 on Friday?? It seems like it was just your birthday yesterday. Anyway, You're right, this is God's work. This is Jesus Christ's one true Church and it this is where I have been called to serve. How sacred and true the Book of Mormon is, I know this to be true. Jesus Christ lives and watches over us today, he will stand beside us, he will carry us, he will comfort us, because he lives. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.
Love Elder Adams
Sounds good Elder. It looks like they have a lot of the same lingo in the Germany mission.
I don't need ink for my birthday....unnecessary expense, I use it very little. I just wanted to print out a couple of pictures the other day to send to Zach, Debbie, and Aaron.
We've been tracting and knocking the doors a ton. We've had some good walking days, some of them in areas with hills. We just keep pushing on.
As far as gospel study goes, I have decided to read the Doctrine and Covenants for the 2nd time on my mission. I also finished JSH. This was something that really helped me to understand Joseph Smith and the role that he played in the restoration. I think it helped to strengthen my testimony. As I learned last week that Zach had come home from his mission, I have also been doing a small topical study for him. I've been studying about trial, affliction, and perserverance. I've been praying and I fasted for Zach on Sunday. Then Ive been trying to find something either for me, that will help me know what to do to help him, or something that might help him. I've found some great scriptures, but I think some answers came through district meeting and through today's further studies. Almost like an a-ha moment.
This week I received a card from Grandma, but it looks to be about a month late. However the things written in it appear to be for this time, in the here and now.
It's incredible how the Lord works in his own time and in his own way. Sometimes it's through others. You see it might have originally been seen as a bad thing that the card was delayed in some way, but that was because the blessing needed to come at a specific time; LATER. This is exactly how trials work, sometimes if the Lord rescues us early, we might miss out on what it is he wants us to learn. I can't tell you how much my mission means to me. It's something that you will hear about from others, the mission experience. However it's like a testimony, you will never truly know until you've felt it.
We were blessed also on Sunday with two new investigators. It was an appointment that we had previously set up, with a Philippino woman. Her husband answered the door and let us right in. We sat down with him and his wife and had an incredible lesson. My companion and I taught so well together. My testimony felt so strong as I spoke to this couple. As I bore testimony of how important this message is, I began to cry. It had been a while since this had happened. The husband new so much, and everything seemed to make sense to him. He and his wife have truly been prepared by God. Interestingly enough they moved into the home they are in about 4 weeks ago, which is about the same time that my companion and I arrived here. Also he said that he had seen our commercials on TV and had always wondered, but had never called in. This is in big part why he was so accepting and commited to reading the Book of Mormon. He spent a long time in the navy also, and he said that there was a sailor who was a member of the church. He said that he always recognized and admired how incredibly obedient this man was to living his religion. He set a great example, he said he's noticed that about a lot of our members. This aspect I believe also drew him to our message. How important it is that we set good examples for those around us. Living what we teach is so important. The spirit was just so strong here in this lesson, feeling it like that is something to live for, bearing your testimony to two humble seekers of truth and knowing that what you are saying is true. It's almost like you can feel our Father in Heaven and Savior confirming all of your words, you know it. This Gospel is so true, this work is true. I leave you with my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Love Elder Adams
P.S. -Sorry out of time
I'm on for a short time. A few things that I forgot to mention. Some things that I was going to have you send me: More of those face cleanser pads (those are really good and they are a quick way to clean your face, I have been out for a while), also the cleanser wash (although this isn't necessary I haven't used it in a while and I still have a little left), Some more hair gel (if you can't send this then I can just buy some different stuff out here with the money we get each month, I have plenty), also I wanted you to send out my soccer net. You know the one that I can put my ball in and it has a rope attached so I can hold onto it and kick it. Anyway that's all. I still haven't got the letter from Aaron. Have you heard anything from Zach and Debbie. Maybe I can get permission from my mission president to email him. Love you tons, I'll chat to ya later.
So this district meeting we focused on the Christlike attributes of diligence and patience. At the end of District meeting I shared with everyone the Green Eggs and Ham book that you sent me last year. They really liked it. It went really well with the meeting, and demonstrated diligence and patience really well. I love you mom, you're good!!!
I just want to wish you a Happy Birthday. I don't know how old you are, but that doesn't really matter. You're an amazing mom and I love you. I hope your day is a special one. Celebrate and enjoy.
Love your oldest son,
Elder Adams
P.S.-I want to wish Spencer a Happy 15th. Have a good one and play safe. Happy Birthday little Bro.
I don't know if I told you, but they did transfers a week early, so the next transfer will be a week longer to compensate. I'm still here with Elder Nowell. I'll be here in Byron for the next 7 weeks. It all went by so fast it's pure insanity. This transfer was like warp speed. It's train robbery.
Did you ever find out if you would be able to sell my ogio backpack and then get the money for that to put towards a new one? Let me know.
Love Elder Adams
Sounds good Elder. It looks like they have a lot of the same lingo in the Germany mission.
I don't need ink for my birthday....unnecessary expense, I use it very little. I just wanted to print out a couple of pictures the other day to send to Zach, Debbie, and Aaron.
We've been tracting and knocking the doors a ton. We've had some good walking days, some of them in areas with hills. We just keep pushing on.
As far as gospel study goes, I have decided to read the Doctrine and Covenants for the 2nd time on my mission. I also finished JSH. This was something that really helped me to understand Joseph Smith and the role that he played in the restoration. I think it helped to strengthen my testimony. As I learned last week that Zach had come home from his mission, I have also been doing a small topical study for him. I've been studying about trial, affliction, and perserverance. I've been praying and I fasted for Zach on Sunday. Then Ive been trying to find something either for me, that will help me know what to do to help him, or something that might help him. I've found some great scriptures, but I think some answers came through district meeting and through today's further studies. Almost like an a-ha moment.
This week I received a card from Grandma, but it looks to be about a month late. However the things written in it appear to be for this time, in the here and now.
It's incredible how the Lord works in his own time and in his own way. Sometimes it's through others. You see it might have originally been seen as a bad thing that the card was delayed in some way, but that was because the blessing needed to come at a specific time; LATER. This is exactly how trials work, sometimes if the Lord rescues us early, we might miss out on what it is he wants us to learn. I can't tell you how much my mission means to me. It's something that you will hear about from others, the mission experience. However it's like a testimony, you will never truly know until you've felt it.
We were blessed also on Sunday with two new investigators. It was an appointment that we had previously set up, with a Philippino woman. Her husband answered the door and let us right in. We sat down with him and his wife and had an incredible lesson. My companion and I taught so well together. My testimony felt so strong as I spoke to this couple. As I bore testimony of how important this message is, I began to cry. It had been a while since this had happened. The husband new so much, and everything seemed to make sense to him. He and his wife have truly been prepared by God. Interestingly enough they moved into the home they are in about 4 weeks ago, which is about the same time that my companion and I arrived here. Also he said that he had seen our commercials on TV and had always wondered, but had never called in. This is in big part why he was so accepting and commited to reading the Book of Mormon. He spent a long time in the navy also, and he said that there was a sailor who was a member of the church. He said that he always recognized and admired how incredibly obedient this man was to living his religion. He set a great example, he said he's noticed that about a lot of our members. This aspect I believe also drew him to our message. How important it is that we set good examples for those around us. Living what we teach is so important. The spirit was just so strong here in this lesson, feeling it like that is something to live for, bearing your testimony to two humble seekers of truth and knowing that what you are saying is true. It's almost like you can feel our Father in Heaven and Savior confirming all of your words, you know it. This Gospel is so true, this work is true. I leave you with my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Love Elder Adams
P.S. -Sorry out of time
I'm on for a short time. A few things that I forgot to mention. Some things that I was going to have you send me: More of those face cleanser pads (those are really good and they are a quick way to clean your face, I have been out for a while), also the cleanser wash (although this isn't necessary I haven't used it in a while and I still have a little left), Some more hair gel (if you can't send this then I can just buy some different stuff out here with the money we get each month, I have plenty), also I wanted you to send out my soccer net. You know the one that I can put my ball in and it has a rope attached so I can hold onto it and kick it. Anyway that's all. I still haven't got the letter from Aaron. Have you heard anything from Zach and Debbie. Maybe I can get permission from my mission president to email him. Love you tons, I'll chat to ya later.
So this district meeting we focused on the Christlike attributes of diligence and patience. At the end of District meeting I shared with everyone the Green Eggs and Ham book that you sent me last year. They really liked it. It went really well with the meeting, and demonstrated diligence and patience really well. I love you mom, you're good!!!
I just want to wish you a Happy Birthday. I don't know how old you are, but that doesn't really matter. You're an amazing mom and I love you. I hope your day is a special one. Celebrate and enjoy.
Love your oldest son,
Elder Adams
P.S.-I want to wish Spencer a Happy 15th. Have a good one and play safe. Happy Birthday little Bro.
I don't know if I told you, but they did transfers a week early, so the next transfer will be a week longer to compensate. I'm still here with Elder Nowell. I'll be here in Byron for the next 7 weeks. It all went by so fast it's pure insanity. This transfer was like warp speed. It's train robbery.
Did you ever find out if you would be able to sell my ogio backpack and then get the money for that to put towards a new one? Let me know.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
September 2, 2009
You do exist.....Awesome!! No, I'm just kidding, I know that you work hard. I'm so grateful for all that you do and all the sacrifices that you make. You're a great example of work ethic for me. I don't think there is a corn maize out here, for the simple fact that I don't think there would be anyone to go to it!!!
That's the thing with scripture study, there's never going to be time where you'll just be sitting around and say "Hmmm, I've got some free time what should I do...oh look there's my scriptures sitting on the table." There are too many things that compete for time and so the only way to make it happen is to set aside time, to say this is when I'll do it and nothing can get in my way. The other option is to couple it with things that you already do anyway, like eating breakfast or something. That's just how it has to be, because there's no such thing as free time to just read the scriptures. As missionaries we have it easy because we have 2 hours in the morning set aside to do it. Anyway it's good to hear from you and I love you tons. Keep being the great dad that you are!!!
Love Elder Adams
Hey, so I don't know what to get you for your Birthday. I'm at a loss. I'm excited to hear about soccer, but not about snowboarding. Winter does not excite me!! The leaves are starting to change here and the mornings are getting colder, this is not good. It's too early. I finished the Book of Mormon today also. How was your experience at Tucano's, you never told me about it. Thank you so much for your testimony bud. Keep working hard in school.
Love Elder Adams
The branch here in the area is small, and we are lucky if there is 70 at church on Sunday. We've had some rain here also, but the scariest thing is the trees. That's right, the leaves on some of them are starting to change. As for the mornings, it's starting to get colder also. When we were running across this bridge over a river it was really misty and foggy, I'm working on getting a picture. I fear the winter coming and it's coming too soon, because that's what leaves changing mean.
On Saturday we had Lunch at our ward mission leader's house and met to discuss a presentation we had to do on Mormon.org for church. He is a vegetartian, so he made us mushroom tacos. The mushrooms he had picked from the forest and he had grown all the veggies and peppers in his garden. He made his own blue corn tortillas and even had picked some lambs quarters. He's quite the vegetarian, but it was actually really good.
I held my first exchange on Thursday with the Elders from Freeport. Everything went well. I have another exchange this Thursday and then one with the Zone leaders. This Friday I will also be conducting my first baptismal interview for two baptismal candidates in Freeport! I do all the baptismal interviews for candidates in the district. I never had any that weren't people that I was teaching in North Shore, so this will be an exciting new experience.
We did have a miracle occur last week. We were out tracting and we were nearing the end of the street and we had one house left. As we were crossing the intersection of two small streets, off on the side street I noticed some two story apartments. I had the prompting come to me that we needed to knock those Now. I thought no I just want to keep walking and get to the end of the street.....we can tract that street later. Again the prompting came, it was almost like a pushing, nagging feeling to do it now. I tried to put it off several times. Finally I stopped and told my companion, "We need to knock these apartments now." He asked the same question I had, why not just finish the street. I said ok but we need to do it on the way back. My companion then agreed with me that now was best. As we approached the building there was a man in one of the 2nd story windows. He asked who we were with, and I began to explain to him who we are the a little about the message we share. After talking with him for a while he explained that he had been looking for a church, and that he was going through some trials and tribulations. He then said that he had seen us walking and wanted to see what we are about so he had stayed by the window! I couldn't believe what this man was telling us. He gave us his information, but he lives in Milwaukee and was just here visiting. I'd have to think that if I hadn't listened to that prompting of the Spirit, and I know that is what it was, that Steve is his name, would have seen us walk by and moved on to something else. This was an opportunity and God was working on both ends to make sure that we made contact. It's incredible when things like this happen.
On Sunday a call came into the church library and one of the members came and told me someone wanted to speak with missionaries. I spoke with the man on the other line; His name Robert Rushing. He explained that he was a member and wanted to get back to church. He hadn't been in about 3 years, but now felt prompted by the Spirit to go. He had moved around and had lost contact with the church and missionaries and made contact again through the internet. We met with him later that day, and read from the scriptures with him, which he still had. Contact with this man seems to be another of God's miracles as he leads and guides us.I completed the Book of Mormon today and I am now planning to read the JSH, as I have never read it before.
I'm not going to lie mom, and I've talked to my companion about this a few times. I feel distant from you and the family. It's almost like I don't know if you are real people. I read your emails and I know your names, but it's almost as if I wonder is there really a person named Spencer, DeLaun, or Julie out there. I don't know if it has something to do with being transfered out of North Shore where I had been for so long. I haven't told you about this, but it's something that's now on my mind. I don't know why, I just don't think I know or that I'm connected to you. Sort of like if my family is real. It's a weird thought. I don't think it has anything to do with anything you've done. It's just a weird feeling that I've had. Like I said though I've talked with my companion about it a little.
My companion and I have been having some difficulties lately. We had interviews with President Doll on Monday and he told us that we will be staying together for this next transfer. This is the only way to do it, I’m not a quitter. Transfers are next Wednesday, so this transfer is only 5 weeks long, but the next transfer will be 7 weeks long to even everything out.
Elder Nowell and I are going to make this next transfer work. This will truly be one trial for both of us that will shape us into something better, and that will work together for our good. I'm thinking of it this way: The hotter the fire the softer the metal gets, the softer the metal the easier it is for the blacksmith to bend and shape, and great changes can be made to the piece of iron. In this way we can be better refined into something sharper and of greater use. I've got to stand firm in the Lord's hand as I pass through the flame, and be steady in his hand, then can he shape me. I know of no tool that I have ever used that has ever wriggled out of my hand or done contrary to what I have moved it to do. This is the kind of tool that I need to be, a tool that lets the Lord move it. Even if it means he wants to make me into something else through the fires of trial.I bear you this my testimony that Christ Jesus our Savior lives, he died for you and I and knows more perfectly than anyone our pains and our weaknesses. Call upon him, plead in the earnesty of your heart and he will make what you are not. A young boy did just that in a grove of trees, Joseph Smith, and became the prophet of the Restoration. Christ's Church is here on the earth, and I am a part of it. I am doing the Lord's work, and what a great work it is. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
I'm not going to lie to you. I lost it, that hurt. I broke down right here in the library and had to walk off for a bit. I'm not going to be mad at you for holding this back, I know that you did what you thought was best. I'm more disappointed that he didn't write to me. I'm going to pray harder for him than every before. I'm going to try and write to him. This is a tough one and it hits hard, but Zach and I have been through a lot together. This will be another forging link in our relationship. I'm going to fast and pray for him this weekend. If there is one thing that I have learned about trials and the ways of the Lord, it's that they work together for our good. That as we stand in the dark and wonder and trip over things and even at times curse in pain and frustration because we can't see how any of what we are going through can be good. That the Lord has a plan that is later revealed, and we soon see that God is in control and that his purposes are greater. We don't see it then but it is soon revealed. Soon we wonder through that darkness and come to a door, where through a small hole in that door there is a room filled with light. It is here that the Lord has been watching us. He then can invite us into his presence and we begin to see why. This we enjoy until it is again time to go into another room. The hatred and the anger that I felt towards life, God, and the world, during a time in my life, it hurt, but the Lord was preparing, and I see more and more his purposes. For Zach this too shall pass. I don't have much time. I'm going to eat lunch, Shop, and then I'll see if I can make it back here around 2 or 2:30 my time. I love you,
Elder Adams
Hey mom I'm back online. I only have a short while. I got the picture of the backpack. It's hard to see how big it is, it's a side picture. It looks really nice though. I don't really want to spend more money on a new one though if I can just make this one work. I would probably get it though if I could sell the ogio backpack and just use the money from that one to purchase it. Otherwise I don't think I need to get a new backpack. Let me know your thoughts, if you think you can sell it.
Well, it's been tough. I've been thinking about it, and I probably will continue to think about it. It will be a matter of prayer. I'm sorry that we didn't get to talk. I'll push through this one too. I'm going to do everything I can to support Zach. I love you and I will hear from you next week.
Love Elder Adams
That's the thing with scripture study, there's never going to be time where you'll just be sitting around and say "Hmmm, I've got some free time what should I do...oh look there's my scriptures sitting on the table." There are too many things that compete for time and so the only way to make it happen is to set aside time, to say this is when I'll do it and nothing can get in my way. The other option is to couple it with things that you already do anyway, like eating breakfast or something. That's just how it has to be, because there's no such thing as free time to just read the scriptures. As missionaries we have it easy because we have 2 hours in the morning set aside to do it. Anyway it's good to hear from you and I love you tons. Keep being the great dad that you are!!!
Love Elder Adams
Hey, so I don't know what to get you for your Birthday. I'm at a loss. I'm excited to hear about soccer, but not about snowboarding. Winter does not excite me!! The leaves are starting to change here and the mornings are getting colder, this is not good. It's too early. I finished the Book of Mormon today also. How was your experience at Tucano's, you never told me about it. Thank you so much for your testimony bud. Keep working hard in school.
Love Elder Adams
The branch here in the area is small, and we are lucky if there is 70 at church on Sunday. We've had some rain here also, but the scariest thing is the trees. That's right, the leaves on some of them are starting to change. As for the mornings, it's starting to get colder also. When we were running across this bridge over a river it was really misty and foggy, I'm working on getting a picture. I fear the winter coming and it's coming too soon, because that's what leaves changing mean.
On Saturday we had Lunch at our ward mission leader's house and met to discuss a presentation we had to do on Mormon.org for church. He is a vegetartian, so he made us mushroom tacos. The mushrooms he had picked from the forest and he had grown all the veggies and peppers in his garden. He made his own blue corn tortillas and even had picked some lambs quarters. He's quite the vegetarian, but it was actually really good.
I held my first exchange on Thursday with the Elders from Freeport. Everything went well. I have another exchange this Thursday and then one with the Zone leaders. This Friday I will also be conducting my first baptismal interview for two baptismal candidates in Freeport! I do all the baptismal interviews for candidates in the district. I never had any that weren't people that I was teaching in North Shore, so this will be an exciting new experience.
We did have a miracle occur last week. We were out tracting and we were nearing the end of the street and we had one house left. As we were crossing the intersection of two small streets, off on the side street I noticed some two story apartments. I had the prompting come to me that we needed to knock those Now. I thought no I just want to keep walking and get to the end of the street.....we can tract that street later. Again the prompting came, it was almost like a pushing, nagging feeling to do it now. I tried to put it off several times. Finally I stopped and told my companion, "We need to knock these apartments now." He asked the same question I had, why not just finish the street. I said ok but we need to do it on the way back. My companion then agreed with me that now was best. As we approached the building there was a man in one of the 2nd story windows. He asked who we were with, and I began to explain to him who we are the a little about the message we share. After talking with him for a while he explained that he had been looking for a church, and that he was going through some trials and tribulations. He then said that he had seen us walking and wanted to see what we are about so he had stayed by the window! I couldn't believe what this man was telling us. He gave us his information, but he lives in Milwaukee and was just here visiting. I'd have to think that if I hadn't listened to that prompting of the Spirit, and I know that is what it was, that Steve is his name, would have seen us walk by and moved on to something else. This was an opportunity and God was working on both ends to make sure that we made contact. It's incredible when things like this happen.
On Sunday a call came into the church library and one of the members came and told me someone wanted to speak with missionaries. I spoke with the man on the other line; His name Robert Rushing. He explained that he was a member and wanted to get back to church. He hadn't been in about 3 years, but now felt prompted by the Spirit to go. He had moved around and had lost contact with the church and missionaries and made contact again through the internet. We met with him later that day, and read from the scriptures with him, which he still had. Contact with this man seems to be another of God's miracles as he leads and guides us.I completed the Book of Mormon today and I am now planning to read the JSH, as I have never read it before.
I'm not going to lie mom, and I've talked to my companion about this a few times. I feel distant from you and the family. It's almost like I don't know if you are real people. I read your emails and I know your names, but it's almost as if I wonder is there really a person named Spencer, DeLaun, or Julie out there. I don't know if it has something to do with being transfered out of North Shore where I had been for so long. I haven't told you about this, but it's something that's now on my mind. I don't know why, I just don't think I know or that I'm connected to you. Sort of like if my family is real. It's a weird thought. I don't think it has anything to do with anything you've done. It's just a weird feeling that I've had. Like I said though I've talked with my companion about it a little.
My companion and I have been having some difficulties lately. We had interviews with President Doll on Monday and he told us that we will be staying together for this next transfer. This is the only way to do it, I’m not a quitter. Transfers are next Wednesday, so this transfer is only 5 weeks long, but the next transfer will be 7 weeks long to even everything out.
Elder Nowell and I are going to make this next transfer work. This will truly be one trial for both of us that will shape us into something better, and that will work together for our good. I'm thinking of it this way: The hotter the fire the softer the metal gets, the softer the metal the easier it is for the blacksmith to bend and shape, and great changes can be made to the piece of iron. In this way we can be better refined into something sharper and of greater use. I've got to stand firm in the Lord's hand as I pass through the flame, and be steady in his hand, then can he shape me. I know of no tool that I have ever used that has ever wriggled out of my hand or done contrary to what I have moved it to do. This is the kind of tool that I need to be, a tool that lets the Lord move it. Even if it means he wants to make me into something else through the fires of trial.I bear you this my testimony that Christ Jesus our Savior lives, he died for you and I and knows more perfectly than anyone our pains and our weaknesses. Call upon him, plead in the earnesty of your heart and he will make what you are not. A young boy did just that in a grove of trees, Joseph Smith, and became the prophet of the Restoration. Christ's Church is here on the earth, and I am a part of it. I am doing the Lord's work, and what a great work it is. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
I'm not going to lie to you. I lost it, that hurt. I broke down right here in the library and had to walk off for a bit. I'm not going to be mad at you for holding this back, I know that you did what you thought was best. I'm more disappointed that he didn't write to me. I'm going to pray harder for him than every before. I'm going to try and write to him. This is a tough one and it hits hard, but Zach and I have been through a lot together. This will be another forging link in our relationship. I'm going to fast and pray for him this weekend. If there is one thing that I have learned about trials and the ways of the Lord, it's that they work together for our good. That as we stand in the dark and wonder and trip over things and even at times curse in pain and frustration because we can't see how any of what we are going through can be good. That the Lord has a plan that is later revealed, and we soon see that God is in control and that his purposes are greater. We don't see it then but it is soon revealed. Soon we wonder through that darkness and come to a door, where through a small hole in that door there is a room filled with light. It is here that the Lord has been watching us. He then can invite us into his presence and we begin to see why. This we enjoy until it is again time to go into another room. The hatred and the anger that I felt towards life, God, and the world, during a time in my life, it hurt, but the Lord was preparing, and I see more and more his purposes. For Zach this too shall pass. I don't have much time. I'm going to eat lunch, Shop, and then I'll see if I can make it back here around 2 or 2:30 my time. I love you,
Elder Adams
Hey mom I'm back online. I only have a short while. I got the picture of the backpack. It's hard to see how big it is, it's a side picture. It looks really nice though. I don't really want to spend more money on a new one though if I can just make this one work. I would probably get it though if I could sell the ogio backpack and just use the money from that one to purchase it. Otherwise I don't think I need to get a new backpack. Let me know your thoughts, if you think you can sell it.
Well, it's been tough. I've been thinking about it, and I probably will continue to think about it. It will be a matter of prayer. I'm sorry that we didn't get to talk. I'll push through this one too. I'm going to do everything I can to support Zach. I love you and I will hear from you next week.
Love Elder Adams
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