As you probably guessed by now, we had our temple trip this week so that is why I am writing you now.
This week during the Elder D. Todd Christofferson visit (we had Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy, Elder Palmer, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Miscan of the 5th Quorum come to the mission, and for the first and probably last time the entire mission gathered to learn at the feet of an Apostle of Christ. It was so amazing!), what really stood out to me was the importance of the Book of Mormon. I really can address every problem, concern or doubt that I or my investigators will ever have through the Book of Mormon. It is inspired; it is the word of God, and as such has a unique ability to speak to us and bring us closer to Christ in a way no other book on earth can do. Do I stress that enough to those I teach? Do I stress that enough in my own life? I think I can improve, and I will. The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ and will bring us closer to Christ so we can partake of His light even more, if we read it with "real intent" and a desire to do so. I know it.
This week has been tough, but good. When I was with Elder Fischer, it seemed so easy! His faith helped build my own, and his experience helped make up for that which I lacked. I have been frustrated that we haven't been able to pick up 10 new investigators per week or get as many lessons, etc. and it has made me ask, "what am I doing wrong?". But the words "don't ask what you are doing wrong, but ask what you can do better" came into my mind. I am not a terrible missionary if I can't hit the same numbers I did when I was with one of the greatest missionaries in the mission, I just simply need to look at what he did and ask what I can improve upon right now so that I can get to the point where I can achieve those numbers. I know it's possible, if I simply do the Lord's will.
It is interesting how, when the Lord wants us to hear something, His will is showed to us over and over, no matter what the situation is. The Spirit continually tells us what we need at that point and time. Two weeks ago, I felt that I really should try to learn more about hope and how it correlates to faith, but over and over, no matter where I went, I kept having "diligence" pop up in front of me and into my mind. I took it as me needing to work on being more diligence, and it really has turned out to be exactly what the Lord needs me to work on at this point. With the command to eventually be perfect as Christ is, it is easy to feel like there is a million things we need to work on, but the Spirit will tell us what we yet lack. As I have studied diligence, my favorite thing that I learned was the need to not think that everything will have an answer from the scriptures or even the Spirit. The Lord trusts us and since this life is the time to prepare to meet God by our choices and experiences, He wants us to make correct and guided decisions based on what we know. He promises us that if we "do good [we] will in nowise lose our reward"(D&C 58:28). If we are trying to do the right thing then the Lord will not condemn us for our imperfections. God doesn't condemn us; "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son...For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:16-17). If we are diligent and try our best, God will not condemn us. The only one who can condemn us is ourselves. Diligence in keeping God's commandments will always guide us to His promised blessings. I will continue being diligent, and things will get better.
This week during the Elder D. Todd Christofferson visit (we had Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy, Elder Palmer, a General Authority Seventy, and Elder Miscan of the 5th Quorum come to the mission, and for the first and probably last time the entire mission gathered to learn at the feet of an Apostle of Christ. It was so amazing!), what really stood out to me was the importance of the Book of Mormon. I really can address every problem, concern or doubt that I or my investigators will ever have through the Book of Mormon. It is inspired; it is the word of God, and as such has a unique ability to speak to us and bring us closer to Christ in a way no other book on earth can do. Do I stress that enough to those I teach? Do I stress that enough in my own life? I think I can improve, and I will. The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ and will bring us closer to Christ so we can partake of His light even more, if we read it with "real intent" and a desire to do so. I know it.
Elder Mounts is trucking right along. I think I often underestimate how much he already knows and how much he can do. I like how in the trainer pamphlet it says our purpose is to help the new missionary learn how to "apply and live the principles in Preach My Gospel for the remainder of his or her mission", not "do everything and expect them to learn from you". Just like anything on a mission, we learn by the Spirit. The Spirit knows our companions better than we do, so let the Spirit teach us how to help them. I read a quote from Thomas S. Monson that read, "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." It is not my job to identify places others need to improve, it is to love them so that "he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together." There is no other way to do this work. I'm just grateful that we get credit for trying!
That is crazy! You are already heading back eh? That is great that you are helping out so much. I'm sure that helps a lot. That is good for you, and your mom. Are you getting tired from traveling so much yet?? And at least you'll be avoiding Runamucca again! haha. The pictures of the property look amazing! I think it is beautiful. I want to visit when I get back! Being with Elder Mounts, who's from Orlando, has made me realize how brown this half of the country really is!
That sounds like a lot of fun, going to the movies! Although, the thought of watching a movie seems so odd now haha. I love the idea of Disneyland! We should do it when I get back! haha just kidding. I think that Aspen Grove is so great! I miss that place a lot! We should do summer 2018 too! That place is like a little piece of heaven. Hopefully you can get the Board Cabin! That would be a lot of fun for them. I think Aspen Grove will be good for them too.
After my mission, do you think they'd let me be an EFY counselor? I think that would be so much fun! I should check it out.
We went to the temple this week and I loved it. This is the first time I really felt like I received revelation through an endowment session. I went through for a man named Aurthur Gust Thornblade. Quite a name eh? I was reminded of how much God loves us and wants us to succeed. It was a great reminder!
Thank you for taking the time to send Ensigns and pants. That is really kind of you! I'm constantly amazed at just how giving the Saints are. It's amazing. Thank you. That is also awesome about the kids going to SkillsUSA! Great for them! I'm glad the program is picking up momentum!
I will continue to work on having a better and more faith-filled attitude and I know that miracles will follow! They always do! I love you so so much! Have a great week!
Love,
Your Elder Jackson
PS: These are pics from the Elder Christofferson visit!
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