Spirit Burning

Thank you for the package mom. Every time I receive a package I think "wow, perfect timing". I consider the lilies. They don't really do anything but Father in Heaven watches out over them. He looks over me as well. Its fun to see things come right when I need them.

 

We chatted with a minister from the Church of Christ yesterday. We relayed our beliefs and our viewpoints. One of the members of his congregation invited us over. As I spoke and listened there was no fear or anxiety in me. The truth stands. It's interesting to see how sure someone can be about a falsehood. God always establishes His words with multiple witnesses. In the days of the Old Testament Balaam was the extra witness. In the days of Christ John the Baptist was an extra witness. In these days the Book of Mormon is an extra witness.

 Of course we were extremely kind and courteous to our newfound friend. We are all brothers. But when all is said and done the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Bottom line. It becomes a stone of stumbling to those who try and reject it.

 

If we wanted we could have led that conversation into a "Bible bash". But we save all bashing for the "white-bible bash". This is where two missionaries have opposing opinions on what is to be done in certain situations. For example-- "should we wear suits to DLC?" Then the missionaries duke it out. But I add my question to the mix. "Will wearing or not wearing suits to DLC get me into the presence of God?" Because that is all I really care about.

 

I suppose I've never fully grasped the idea of communal righteousness. I make my decisions based upon what God tells me and I trust you to do the same. I really don't care if I look honorable to you in the process. In fact I'm told not too (D&C 121:35)!!

 

The Spirit of Burning that Isaiah speaks about comes now and then. It's that refiners fire that singes us clean of past mistakes, regrets, and short comings. It turns us into new men and women. I'm sure Joseph Smith felt this during the lost manuscript fiasco. He thought he may have lost his soul. That's brutal, but its good for you. You may not want it but you need it.

 

I love you very much and pray for you I'm excited that Matt and Debbie are expecting and I'm sure you're super happy. Believe it or not that makes me happy! Haha!

Heart Full of Happiness

Matthew and Debbie sent Laurie Henderson and I a "belated Mother's Day" gift - to be opened at the same time. We opened the package (from Shutterfly - no it was not a photo album) together and inside were two ceramic mugs.

I had an explosion of feeling from my chest - maybe some tears leaked out

Identity

In the 1964 film Forever Families we see a young man striving to find out who he is. My companion and I pour over the thoughts expressed in the film silently taking notes. The cinematography and overall quality of this project along with all other church films made in this era are top notch, as I'm sure you're well aware. We ponder as the vocalist in the background makes a subtle but powerful statement--"I've got to find out who I am". Even though the author of this quote remains anonymous we can all further ponder what he has to offer.

 

We are the children of God (Romans 8:16)! Believe it! Live it! Love it! And beware of spiritual identity theft. It's subtle and its real.

 

I received a slightly disturbing phone call the other night at 9:30. "You and your companion need to pick up Elder Cordtze, he was in a car accident". As I pulled up to the scene my muscles quickly relaxed when I saw the characteristic smile found only on Elder Cordtze face. I soon found out he hit a car while riding a bike. The side window was smashed in, the side mirror obliterated, and the side paneling severely dented. Elder Cordtze stood without a scratch on his body!! That's my boy!! As we say in our apartment "that is one big Samoan!" Angels watch over us lest we dash our feet against a stone.

 

The Alief district arose early the day of the Temple trip. President Ashton thought it pertinent that every missionary under his watchful care have the opportunity to ask questions about the endowment. We shared our time in the chapel with President and Sister Ashton along with the Temple President and his wife. I took as much advantage of this situation as I knew how. The experience was amazing as you might imagine. After our gathering President Ashton gave us individual hugs on our way out. I decided to surprise him by squeezing abnormally tight! Hey why not? Mine as well keep him off balance. Who knows what's coming next. Haha!

 

Good times! Take care now y'all and be safe! I love you!

May 12, 2014

As we sang the African spiritual Were you there? my eyes connected with Elder Schuller's. You could see the look of appreciation and confidence in his face as his arms sailed through the air to either quiet or louden the choir. But something else abode in his countenance. A fire that swelled deep within. Only those present could feel what I describe now. We pondered the lyrics as we made our joyful noise. "Were you there when they crucified my Lord?. . . Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble". I will never forget this moment. Perhaps we sang together merely 21 years previous.

 

To enhance our role-plays during companionship study we've decided to film our experience. As I review the film I am reminded of my high school basketball days. "Look at that help side defense! Number 45 is on fire right now! Did he seriously dunk in traffic?!" But now I review the tape for a much nobler cause. "Did you hear that testimony? That how to begin teaching was superb! Did he seriously extend a baptismal invitation?!" Well I suppose we don't necessarily say that but I do pick up interesting tidbits. For example my left eyebrow has a tendency to raise on its own accord.

 

I enjoyed the conversation we had yesterday! Those memories will only be had within an elite group. Mom Rachel and I will just have to hold on to them.

 

One more quick story then I must leave you. Elder Baird stuck his food in the microwave. He pressed the power button only to watch the time run down. There was no cooking going on. In confusion he asked "what do I do?" I hit the top of the microwave with my fist and patted him on the back as the unit roared into action. "Welcome to Alief Elder!"

 

I love you

May 5, 2014

According to Merriam-Webster's dictionary the word meek means enduring injury with patience and without resentment. For some reason this is a very beautiful statement to me. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth". I think about Isaiah's prophecy of Jesus Christ "I gave my back to the smiter, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. I hid not my face from shame and spitting". He goes on to explain "Who will contend with me? Let us stand together. Who is mine adversary? Let him come near me, and I will smite him with the strength of my mouth". There is great power and strength in meekness.

 

We walked up to this man the other week. He told us he was a member but hadn't come for a while. "So you want to come tomorrow?" His reply, "not tomorrow but next week". And he came. The local members were surprised. "Tommy is that you!" That was a really fun experience. The Lord will gather His people.

 

I love you very much! Remember, smile then smile bigger!