Whatever Happens

Last few days with Elder Stuart.

Every six weeks we get an email saying whether or not we are getting transferred. We receive this email on a Saturday and then there are transfers on Wednesday. We go to the meeting and then we find out what area we are going to and what companion we have. Up until that point we have no idea what's happening to us.

I’ve been notified that I will be transferring this week.

I've really loved being in Sebring with Elder Stuart and I feel like this area has helped me grow personally more than anything. I've gotten along really well with Elder Stuart and we've been able to make some nice memories. I really loved the companionship unity that we had. I'll definitely miss that about being companions with him. However, I'm looking forward to being able to face the challenges of going to another area and starting a new companionship. I know that whatever is happening is the Lord trying to strengthen me and help me to progress.

Healing the Scars of Our Troubles

A gnarly tree trunk at Highlands Hammock State Park.

I recently read the talk by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf called "The Gift of Grace" and it is an excellent resource in discovering how we can overcome challenges. Essentially, it tells us that the Atonement of Jesus Christ has given us the strength and ability to press through hardships and that we need to step through the gate that God's grace has unlocked. Our main source of strength in overcoming trials should be the Atonement. No other source is capable of healing us from the scars of our troubles. 

Can you see the banana spider?

Someone got creative with this stump.

Nothing Better We Can Do

There is not a temple in the boundaries of the Florida Tampa Mission. The Orlando Temple is the closest.
(Image courtesy of lds.org)

Temples are crucial. There's a reason we should always have our eye focused on them. Temples are yet another tool that God uses in furthering the missionary work in this world and in the Spirit world. They are what the Father uses to save His children. Definitely seems like a place we should go right?

Temples provide protection and salvation in our lives and they give us the opportunity to offer others that chance as well. Don't take temples for granted and attend regularly. There's nothing better we can do.

A New Investi-gator Plus Moments That Make It Worthwhile

Elder Griffiths and his companions were headed back from a zone activity when they saw this guy crossing the road.

Yes, it's an alligator.

Some of my favorite teaching experiences are when you start to see someone begin to experience the blessings of living the gospel. We taught a lady who hadn't ever had a relationship with God and she had never known that God still speaks to His children. When she came to understand this, tears were rolling down her face and she was super excited to pray and speak to her Heavenly Father. Little moments like this make all of the tough days in a mission worth it.

Something to Strive For

For anyone who might be wondering, Sebring is located in the middle of the Florida peninsula.

One of the things I studied this week was what it means to be a Christ-like example/leader. When Ammon went into King Lamoni's court he gained favor with the king and was offered one of the king's daughters to wife. Instead of seizing the power that was offered to him, he asked to be a servant and taught by a loving example. This has really impressed me and has shown me what I should strive for as a missionary.

Have a great week everyone!