Dogtown

Family and Friends,

"The bud may have a bitter taste; but sweet will be the flower."

It was amazing to see you all on Christmas Skype... what a blessing right? Almost a bit odd of a feeling not to actually see you for another bit, but hey thats okay! I still loved our time together.

God is His own interpreter... we need to just be willing to go along wherever He takes us. It goes back to faith.... we must have the faith to be willing to go along with His will. I have been tested much these past 2 weeks, but in that testing I have learned much! Often times, we learn by the mistakes we make.... whether they be small or big, personal or widespread.. mistakes lead us to understand what truly is correct. It is also interesting when different cultures mix... we learn to see the way others think and feel. #lifelessons

"Can you lead me to Pocahontas' secret lair?"

Life isn't made to be simple... its made to refine us. 

I have realized that Jesus Christ truly is so central to all things we do in this Church. If we just strive more to be like Him, we and those around us improve. #lifelongbattle

Expectations are.... (finish this sentence for me, i wanna know what you think),

I am still working everyday... the cycle goes on... the work rolls on.. the new year starts.. where will it take us? 2015 will be quite an interesting year for me... i cant wait to see where I end up with the help of the Lord.

I love you all so much!!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

More Respect; Less Attack

Family and Friends,

MAAYONG PASKO SA TANAN!

Wow... i literally woke up this morning realizing it is December 22 and i thought it was a dream! Really! Boom!

My dead missionaries live on...!

Prayer sometimes is the only time of peace on any given day.. I testify. 

I testify that the Lord will show unto us our weaknesses... try to leave it to the Lord. We don't need to pick and pry at others' weaknesses or faults... just try to be positive... even if it is the hardest thing in the world. Our weaknesses truly are a joy... they lead us to Christ and his Atonement.

Have you given out a Book of Mormon yet as a Christmas present?

I know that Jesus Christ lives... as sure as we live, He lives as well. You can find Him in the scriptures. You can find Him as you kneel in prayer. You can find Him in the simple things... like the stars, the smell of rain, birds, laughing little kids.. you know, His creation!

See you on Thursday :)))))

I love you all so much.

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Forge Our Souls In Living Fire

Family and Friends,

I recognize the Lord's hand in my assignment here to Moises Padilla. Minoyan prepared me for this area. I love it. I am grateful that Elder Edem was able to show me the area... he is very experienced and knows the people and area very well. He goes home on Wednesday... haha! I meet my new trainee on Thursday. Boom.

We believe in being honest.

Moises Padilla is a great area, there is loads and loads of potential here... I know I must be here. I also have learned that missionaries' actions can have a large and long-lasting effect on areas. Good thing that change will occur through the Gospel of Jesus Christ! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzjFEMmM0Xs

Do we recognize that the result of true repentance is our sins and the sins of others being forgiven and left in the past? I have learned much this week about forgiveness and more importantly... forgetting. As we leave the past in the past, it allows us to grasp the prize that Christ has given to us. I truly witness that change is real... we can leave a multitude of sin in the past... that is what Christmas is all about.

True peace.... lasting.. internal.. mental.. emotional... comes only from Christ the Lord.

"Can you really say that you believe Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ?" How would you respond to this if you were asked by a complete stranger in a shopping mall? Are our testimonies strong enough to be challenged by strangers?

If you have access to my Facebook, please don't use it... keep it idle these last 3 months.

Our church has a living prophet and apostles.. do you realize how vital that is?

I love you all!!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

O Holy Cripes

Family and Friends,

Sorry... super short email!!! 

I am transferring to Moises Padilla. I will learn the area for a week then be a trainer. Wow! 2 transfers left, i love it!!! 

I love you all so much! :)

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Pictures

The Seeds of Death & Life

Family and Friends,

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! :) It's December now!! We will be skyping on Christmas day here (Christmas eve in US)... i am so excited to see all of you :) 

So in our area you ride on the back of motorcycles (its called hobble-hobble).. well, our driver ran over a little puppy the other day.... sad day, he didn't even try to slow down! lame!

An old gentleman we are teaching sent 3 little kids to buy some bread. He gave them 50 pesos and said to spend it all on bread. The kids come back with about 5 little pieces of bread... and 30 pesos of change. We ask what happened... they bought pepsi and drank it on the way back. hahaha. in the moment, this was hilarious. 

Every sunday is your baptismal day over and over again... dont forget that. 

I love you all so much... keep on keeping on!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Heights That Are New

Family and Friends,

"Nainitan ko sa imo" -our recent convert as he throws a cat out the door. classic.

Sometimes my comp gets teased by little kids... thats okay... we both just laugh and keep walking. haha.

First spiritual experience. Elder Aro and I felt that we should fast for new investigators. We fasted on Wednesday. After a few appointments falling through we went to the Benisse family.. active. We have been visiting them consistently for 3 months now, with 0 results. That changed on Wednesday. We went for a visit... (they offered us some snacks, ironic!) and then they gave us a referral. There next door neighbor. We went right away after our short message, and the referral was open and willing! Wow! The best part is this... the referral is a radio announcer. He reports on accidents, problems, etc. He calls it in through his cell phone... so as we arrived he was about to start announcing. He told us to sit, and as he started announcing he said our names on the public radio... what great finding!! haha. We taught them and they accepted an invitation to be baptized, wonderful!

Another life note I learned this week... about patience and honesty. We had an investigator hopefully be baptized and then some concerns came up just a few days before her baptism. It was a real trial. But it was overcome... no she wasn't baptized this week... but she still will progress towards it, probably on Christmas day! I know that prayer, counseling with your companion, and love for others is key when people decide to try and stop investigating the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that Christlike attributes are important for everyone in this world. I am grateful for a mission, it allows you to focus in on these attributes. 

Sometimes the progression seems to be like fighting through a brick wall... but then you do, and its joyous!

I have learned how important agency is. We will never be forced into using the Atonement. But do you understand that? Christ only gave us the opportunity to be saved, will you seize it?

Are you attending all 3 hours of church every Sunday? 

I love you all.

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Walt Disney's Grandson

Family and Friends,

Elder Ian S. Ardern is a spiritual giant. His teaching skills are unreal. 

"I feel like a stand-up comedian" -President Lopez

Testimonies must be recaptured daily.

In sunday school class yesterday we discussed about talents, and using them to help others. I told our whole Elders Quorom and Relief Society during class (as a joke) that Elder Aro, with his amazing singing voice, sings me to sleep every night. Filipinos love simple humor.. Boom. 

My main thing i learned from both MLC and the Mission Tour is progression. So much praise for the work here, but I sensed that there is much to improve on. From Christlike Attributes.. Teaching Skills.. Leadership.. Understanding of Doctrine.. so much! I truly see that daily there is much need for improvement! I must do that. I know it. Mission Tour is where a general authority comes to your mission and talks about performance... gives training... ministers!! It was awesome.

A few great experiences this week. Sister Michelle has been an active working member for missionary work for a while now... On Tuesday we went to their family's house for a 15 minute visit... When we entered, she left... then came back 5 minutes later with her friend Analyn!! Wow.... direct results from a 15 minute visit, awesome! Investigators can be found in so many way.

I testify that writing our spiritual experiences is important... i do it, and its awesome. It helps me see God's mercy daily. 

Another experience.. We did a visit to our RC/LA family.. we taught 'God is our Loving Heavenly Father'.. and really focused on doctrine. It got them interested... instead of just saying God loves us.. we talked about him having a body, being real.. his sorrow when we sin etc. They were asking questions. . . pondering.. etc. Great application from Elder Ardern's training!

Follow up.... Who will you give a Book of Mormon for Christmas? Its close.

If the Holy Ghost is with you... you won't raise your voice. #wisecounsel

I love you all.

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Move

Family and Friends,

You'll never regret righteousness...

What a week... i love my mission!!

The highlight was for sure stake conference! There was SO many people, how awesome! Our mission president, President Lopez, was invited to speak. During his talk he invited Elder Aro and I up to give a 1 minute teaching demonstration... man we were nervous. haha... lots of people. Fun stuff! We also had a stake baptism that morning as well... good times. Baptizing is the greatest thing as a missionary!!

A main highlight of the stake conference was about finances. Spending money wisely. Living within our means. Work ethic. Saving. Ponder it....

Well... i love my area.. i love the members.. i love my comp... i love wheat bread... i love water.. i love laughing.. i love sleeping.. i love praying.. i love my mission president.. i love my fellow missionaries.. i love that this week is our mission tour and Elder Ardern will be attending!!! wow!! so stoked. 

The peace of good decisions is like nothing else. #lifechanger

Best moment of my life... at Stake Conference this old Filipino guy was wearing a sweet suit with a BYU necktie... of course i commented. He was loving it... then he told me i look like James Dean. BOOM! My life is complete... of course i got a pic with this guy. He wanted to write my name down, but just said he would write it in his head. I love my life.

I love you all... choose the right!!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Deny Myself

Family and Friends,

"Ini ang ginkuha ni Moroni" -Brother Cepeda

"We aren't here to be princes or princesses" -Elder Aro during a companionship study...haah i love my companion.

How often do you find time to ponder in faith?

I know that the Holy Ghost truly testifies of truth, its just a matter of if we follow that truth.

We gave a training at zone conference on Wednesday... it was epic! haha. We trained about giving lessons to active members and also how to better retain... giving trainings is fun. I had butterflies going into it... like i was walking into a state playoff soccer match... that sounds weird but thats the best way to describe it. haha. The zone and President Lopez seemed to enjoy it and learned much... and that is what is most important! Oh and you better believe i threw in a Lupe Fiasco quote into my training... #yomo

Everyday is like Sunday.

I know God loves all of us... so let's work for others to feel that love. We truly as members of Christ's church have great resources to help others... I know we can find simple ways to help others to understand and use those tools. 

Keep working hard to serve those around you.... http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=3792885561001  .... I love all of you! Play your Part!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Sit Down

Family and Friends,

First... watch this vid. https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-07-006-the-hope-of-gods-light?lang=eng  I umm.. love this movie, partially because the music is Explosions in the Sky (one of my faves).. but more so because I relate. I truly have learned God is real and listening. PS- i am doing my hair like that when i come home. 

Do you recognize the need for the Spirit everyday? How low and wrenching is the feeling when He is not with us? I realized that the Spirit truly is such a blessing in my life daily... physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually... everything. Crave You.

Pattern.

Your mind is your first enemy.

Baptisms in the river are epic... i feel like a movie star for some reason!! hahaha. Plus its super hot... its nice to sit in the cool river water for a minute or so. haha!! #incentive

The work is flowing here... this week we have our zone conference!! I am way stoked for that!

I love eating healthy food... it helps with energy levels and happiness levels!

I love you all so much.

Read the Book of Mormon. Keep fighting on!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Lukewarm

Family and Friends,

"Gold tried in the fire"

I wanna tell you about an investigators of ours. Her name is Analyn. When her family was baptized a few years back, she was working abroad in Kuwait. Most of her family is not very active anymore, except her younger sister. So upon her return home from Kuwait, she decided to listen to our message. She enjoyed it, but nothing amazing. She came to church and was more confused than anything. The next few days, she hid from us... told us she didn't want to listen.. etc etc. So we respected that decision, and stopped visiting. 3 weeks later, she came to church again. Of course we visited... within the first few minutes she told us she wanted to be baptized. She has experienced such a change of heart. I mean... she thrives off the Book of Mormon. She is canceling activities and work things so that she can listen to us. I mean... she is dying for November 1 to arrive when she will be baptized. The question is... how do these drastic changes in one's heart take place? For me... its the Spirit. The Spirit and a willing heart. A willing heart. That is what God wants from us. Ponder it on your own.

Sorry.. my letter this week is kind of lame... just know that everything truly is awesome here. This area is progressing.. i have fun with my comp.. we enjoy everyday.. and the church is true. Its honestly so great. My body is tired... but the rest of me is awesome! I love food.. i really do. I love water. I miss all of you. Cant believe its getting close to November.. wow. Expect a letter in the mail, and PS.. this will be the last one before i come home :)

I love you all so much..

Read your scriptures.

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Match Their Level

Family and Friends,

67 at church in our house... people were sitting outside.

"Yours to keep"

Wow. Just a little note. So my mission language is Hiligaynon or Ilonggo it is sometimes called. The main language of the Philippines is Tagalog.. so TV, billboards, etc are in Tagalog. But no... i dont speak it, and i understand it minimally. But guess what... we watched conference in Tagalog! Hahahah! So awesome. It really was a testimony to me that the Spirit is what teaches us. Yeah... i could understand the main ideas, but the Spirit is what taught me. Some things I noticed (side note- i only watched the Sunday Morning session... we are busy!!)... the huge emphasis on prophets. Wow... i think every talk i heard mentioned prophets and our obedience to their words. Do we have the sufficient faith to follow their commands? I loved how Russel M Nelson talked about how the sustaining of our church officers is so much more than a raising of the right hand. After the raising of the hand, we must pray and work to follow up on it! It takes effort. It requires sacrifice. Can you do it?

"Oh sinner...come home"

I realized during conference and just throughout this week that we dont need profound mind-blowing revelations from our leaders... we just need the constant, simple, loving reminders! They talk about the same simple principles over and over and over because thats what we as members struggle with... the simple things! I really do testify that the simple things are so important... scripture study... prayer... church,etc.

I love the way the Spirit works... its purifying... its a slow process.. but its amazing.... More holiness give me (hymn #131) just about explains it. We all need that moment of peace... that break from the grind... the voice of the Lord. Do we recall the experience of Joseph Smith in the grove..? Thick darkness.... doomed to destruction... overcome by the adversry... then what? He called upon God, and what is the first thing he heard? His name. When you find yourselves in moments of despair.. sit, be silent. I promise if you search for it, you will hear the Lord calling your name as well. Its personal. Its real. Its true. 

This very moment... as i write this letter in a computer shop in the Philippines... i am feeling the Spirit. Why? I am not exactly sure.. but i know the Lord is taking care of all of you. He is merciful. I know this thing called life is a battle, but its oh so rewarding if we do what the Lord wants of us. 

I love you all. Stick to your good works.

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Papaya Pickles

Family and Friends,

Crying Baby. Crying Carabaw. They both lost their mother.

Wow!! What an awesome week!! Our attendance in Minoyan was 73, higher than Murcia... our mother unit!! Wow! We had 17 investigators at church. What evidence that the Lord truly is hastening his work! The field is white and needs to be harvested! I am so excited to be in this area. What a blessing! Elder Aro and I are just working hard.. he is awesome! Him and I are just focused on the vision and what a miracle that is! 

I ate stingray this week... and yes it was fresh out of the ocean...and yes it had fresh coconut mixed in with the sauce.. and yes it was the most amazing thing i have eaten on my mission. haha.

Life is a challenge. Even after great breakthroughs in our lives... Satan returns. Even.. when just hours after your confirmation into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, you crash your motorcycle. Don't worry... he is okay, and he is still as faithful as ever... I thank the heavens he was wearing a helmet. The man is a boss... wait til you see pictures... he is the bulkiest Filipino you have ever met... and i got to baptize him! I was working out so hard this week so that i could pull him out of the water. haha! I went halfway down in the water with him... but i got it on the first try!! haha

I love the scriptures. Especially Preach My Gospel. I love what is taught to us in 2 Nephi 24:13. It reads... "For thou hast said in thy heart..." The reference here is of Satan's desire to be exalted above God himself.... of course a terrible and detrimental sin. Of course... we never choose or even desire to be above God, but I have been pondering a lot about the "desires of our hearts". What are you working for? I like the connection found on page 1 of Preach My Gospel. "The gospel of Jesus Christ as restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith will bless their families, meet their spiritual needs, and help them fulfill their deepest desires." Hmm... the gospel helps us to 'fulfill our deepest desires'. I believe in that. I believe that as we apply the gospel it enhances all aspects of our lives.

Wait... how was your scripture reading this week? What did you learn? I pray that you kept my invitation to you.

D&C 50:40. Read it.

Po.

Ps.... my new convert.. the father.. he just bought a new fishing boat (yes he is a fisherman)... um... the name for his new boat.. 'Moroni' #righteousfishfinder

I love you all so much!!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Participation Produces...

Family and Friends,

Same area. New Companion. His name is Elder Aro, and I already love being companions with him!! He is so humble and just willing to try new things, I learn so much from him. He is from Bulacan (near Manila) and he is the oldest in his family! He is awesome, and we are enjoying the work together. 

The work... wow. It is progressing like crazy. The Lord himself is pushing His work along, i have no doubt about that. We are literally seeing the miracles of the gospel take place in people's lives. 

"Fast Car"- Tracy Chapman

Even after being out here for however many months, i still see things that just blow my mind. haha. Like a guy walking around with no pants on.. talking to himself... luckily he had a shirt on that said city police. hahah... classic.

Really though... the work is legit. The members here are alive and awake to the Lord's work. They are excited to help and very willing to help us as missionaries, what a blessing! They feed us... way too much.. hahah.. im getting fat! patay!

Homework. Can you all email me (even if its short) and tell me the blessings you have seen in your life from living the Word of Wisdom. Thanks :)

Study Note. Preach My Gospel Pg. 200. Follow up. This is something that has actually come back to bite me this past week. We can never assume that people will do all the things they say they will.. it requires a follow up. Following up is essentially just those little reminders that we all need to stay on the right path. I realize that us as members of the church, that is one reason why we have home and visiting teaching.. to follow up with our fellow members. Are you a 100% home or visiting teacher? It will bless those families for the long and short term aspects of their lives. We also must remember to follow up with ourselves.. but how? For me its simple... reading the scriptures. It basically is our self check as to how well we are following the Savior and living His gospel. Without the scriptures it is as if we start reading a map on a long road trip, then at about the halfway mark... throwing the map out the window. Sure... you might remember the path... but lets be honest, we are people. Our brains do not retain information very well, we must constantly be refreshing and relearning the matters of the Kingdom. The stories in the scriptures... aren't they great? I mean... its much better that our kids know all about Nephi and Moroni than just about cartoons and TV, right? Its all about a good balance. Daily contact with the scriptures is a great balance in our lives.

I learned much about testimonies this week. It is not just the classic "I know...". Its a conviction. Its simple phrases of truth that invite the Spirit. This is not just for me... I know its good for our families to hear these things often as well, straight from our own mouths. And remember.. live according to your testimony of the Atonement.

Coffee is something used by the adversary to lull us into more serious sins. That little brown drink is a little devil in disguise, trust me... I see it grasping kids as young as 5 or 6 years old. 

I love my Savior.. I know He lives. I know that as we strive to come closer to Him...He truly does come closer to us. What a beautiful promise that is!

Did you know that when we pay our full tithe we are actually fulfilling 2 commandments. 1. The Law of Tithing. 2. Commandment #8 of the 10 Commandments; Thou shalt not steal. Ponder that. Its not your money... it is the Lord's. I personally have seen the blessings of this commandment in my life. I have experienced the college grind without the Lord's help from tithing and i have experience the college grind while paying a full tithe.... man the second option is so much easier!

I love you all... so much!! Please read your scriptures.

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

I Know Thy Works

Family and Friends,

What a week... when you put your heart and mind into something, you reap rewards. Things are lining up nicely here in Minoyan. We are being proposed for a branch within the next month, wow!! The Lord truly is hastening His work...! People's hearts are being prepared by the Spirit, I truly have a testimony of that.

95 days na lang!

Wanna know an amazing blessing? When your companion is a master teacher. I love it. Elder Juco is a boss (and his look alike is Rufio from Hook, i lvoe it). Our lessons are short, powerful and chalked full of application from Preach My Gospel. Speaking of Preach My Gospel... are you reading yours? It is not just a missionary's book... it is a study tool and guidebook for members of any age, calling or spiritual level. It has changed the way I study and how I teach. Really though... its one of my favorite books. It was written mostly by the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ!

The weeks are going so fast. Even the months. Christmas is coming up fast... who will you invite to church or give a Book of Mormon. I invite you to ponder that. We all love giving out sweets and baskets to our neighbors for Christmas... whose basket could best use Another Testament of Jesus Christ? Give it some thought. Let's make a deal. You do that, and I will prepare someone to be baptized on Christmas day... conversion on both sides of the globe #teamwork.

My life is hilarious on the mission. We have super awesome experiences all the time. I can't even remember them... luckily they are mostly in my journal or on video journals that I make!

I am slowly but surely getting addicted to rice. Sad part is, I hate rice.

PMG note. Pg 195. Helping investigators make and keep commitments. Any RM knows that this is one of the most important things you do as a missionary, and the most difficult! But why is it so important? Simply put, it creates repentance. Asking someone to read a chapter in Alma, or pray about Joseph Smith, or stop drinking coffee... you are "declaring repentance". That is ultimately why I am here in the Philippines. I cannot begin to explain the feeling you have as a missionary when an investigator does not keep their commitment. Especially when they made it seem so sure that they would do it, then they do not. Let down central. Another important aspect of commitments is to "prepare... to make and keep covenants". Isn't that basically what our Father in Heaven does with us when we make covenants. He asks us to commit to live a certain way... we accept... and then what? Do we disappoint Him? Do we have excuses as to why we did not follow through on our commitment (I have heard every excuse in the book at this point in my mission). I am grateful for covenants. From baptism, to priesthood, and all the way up to the temple. They bless us. God has "always required his people to make covenants". I love the Savior and our Father in Heaven. I love that Heavenly Father is bound when we do what He asks. Covenants lead to salvation. Also, the feeling when my investigator does keep their commitment is heavenly.

One note of encouragement for all of you. Be Positive. I am way far away from perfect on this... but it helps. The Lord despises pessimism. I am guilty of it at times.. but what I am learning is this... what does negativity really accomplish? Nothing. 

I believe in the power of the gospel. I believe it can bring peace. See 2 Nephi 21:9. There will come a day when "[none] shall hurt nor destroy...". How can that thing called 'world peace' really happen? Through the knowledge of the gospel. It is the only way. The gospel transforms people... I see it daily.. in myself and in my fellowman. 

Read your scriptures.

Tudloi ako nga magdougie.

"Nobody said it was easy" -Coldplay.

I love you all.... the time is starting to fly by. haha!! weird. I miss you all, even though i can barely remember you!! haha. This is a bit advanced, but if you are planning on sending me something for Christmas or what not, don't. Take whatever money you would use to send me a package or what not, and put it in my bank account. College, sports, and real life is gonna hit me real hard in a few months here. haha.I can survive just fine without american candy for another few months.  I love you all :)

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Difficulty: Expert

Family and Friends,

In regards to my subject title... sometimes life just feels like a video game. haha.

"Tammuz"

"Keep you from falling" 

Good word of advice... try to think real long and hard before you speak. Especially before speaking of negative things or faults of others. #learninglessonsthehardway. My companion was pretty sick for most of the week... thats a challenge. I never thought sitting in a house all day could be so boring. haha. But he is better now and this week we will be able to hit the ground running. 

Today, I have been shaped and formed by my experiences this week. Many of them good, many of them difficult and challenging.. but all for my betterment. I actually had exchanges with Elder Schow this week.. he is from Alpine. Crazily enough, he worked at the car wash right next to Mr. Mac in AF. Wow. We found out that we actually had a conversation or two before the mission, not knowing that one day we would eventually be enjoying a hot and sweaty bus ride together up into the mountains of the Philippines. #smallworld. We had some good talks about life and of course the deep doctrine excursions (no exchange is complete without it).Good times. 

Quick note about something that Elder Schow and I talked about this week. Prophets. I have heard much of the concerns regarding people going against prophets.. guess what, its been like that since Day 1. The whole concept of prophets and following them truly is just a test of our faith.. do we realize that? I am FAR from perfect at heeding every word of every prophet, but i know its important. For any more enlightenment see 2 Nephi 25:9. We will never be destroyed or hurt by something, unless it is foretold by a prophet. Wow!

Turn with me here to 3 Nephi 18. This is one of the most powerful discourses we have about the sacrament and its importance. Yesterday, after a long and hard week of trials, mistakes and concern... i pondered hard about the sacrament. As my companion passed the sacramental water to the 43 people present at our special sacrament, I had the opportunity to read the prayer on the water. How simple. How meaningful. How lucky we are. The promise (found in the last sentence of verse 7 of chapter 18), "And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my spirit to be with you." So simple... yet we are so quick to not do this. We forget. We are people. Our brains get so wrapped up in the daily grind of life (even missionary life) that at times we forget the bigger more important picture. I am guilty of it daily. I know that as we just remember our Savior more often, we truly will feel the Holy Ghost more abundantly in our hearts. I am grateful for this promise. So hey, do not forget to do the time-tested things that will remind you of our Savior. Prayer... Scripture Study.. Service.. Laughter.. Forgiveness.. Temple Worship... Church Activities.. Your Home and Visiting Teaching.. and of course, the sacrament. We are so blessed to know our Savior in the depth that we do as members of His church. Harness it!

My Preach My Gospel study this week has been out of Chapter 10. More on the parts about addiction recovery and repentance. Its an interesting section in Preach My Gospel. The concepts in there are actually applicable to each of us. We all have mini "addictions". Some of them truly are small and maybe of insignificance, but you should read this part of your Preach My Gospel. The main ideas that I pulled out is that its a life long battle. It never ends. The road to addiction recovery leads right up to the grave. Once an addiction is started, it stays within our soul until the day we die. It does not mean that we are still addicted, but the effects, memories and feelings at times still linger. We must be careful. The best antidote for addictions, is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. There are 1,000's of programs, tools, tips, tricks, etc.. but the only one that has an eternal and deep lasting effect is our faith in Christ. It is what will lead us out of darkness and into the glorious light of hope and optimism. You can do it!

I hate dust and sweat and dirt... it leads to nothing good. haaha. But i love bananas!

I love you all... keep doing good things. Also.. go study and ponder Hymn #29. The message is what this world (and you and I) needs!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Wandering Stars

Family and Friends,

Well... hard work pays dividends. 67 people attended our special sacrament meeting on Sunday. 

One thing i really want to hit on right now is the Law of Sacrifice. I am learning daily what this really means to me... and why the Lord gave us this law. Luke 17:33. That is so difficult. So why does the Lord expect it of us? Why are we expected to give up all things we have... just to follow the Savior? For me... it comes down to this, because He so willingly sacrificed everything for us. Even His life. It makes me feel a little unworthy when i think of it that way.... i am barely willing to give up small things, to use His eternal sacrifice. But that's okay... we all have space to improve. I know that God wants us to return to Him. I have no doubt about that... but He also doesn't want it to be easy. Truly. He does not want it to be a walk in the park. He wants us to struggle.. and fight.. and grind... and honestly... get to the point where we want to give up... but why? Because He wants us to learn how to rely on HIM! He wants us to realize that giving up our own will is what will bring us closer to Him. PS... this idea is a work in progress still.

Dad... I used the phrase "peanut gallery" in my training this week. haha. Even though i still don't know what it means. 

Life is really about better learning how to use the Atonement. 

Stress relief is roughly equivalent to repentance. "All that seems unfair in life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the mercy and love of our Heavenly Father. The Atonement is the central point in the plan of salvation." (Lesson 2 pamphlet). I know we all have stress and challenges... there really is no other way to be healed except through the Atonement. I have experienced it in SO many different situations and ways.. and i know that we can be forgiven.. even of the small and simple daily mistakes we make. 

"Christ can be individualized in ourselves" -President Lopez

Guess what.. its now September.. which means, its Christmas season in the Philippines! Merry Christmas to all!!

I love you all so much.. i really do. Keep praying and fighting on. Through our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we will see miracles in our lives. 

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Maher-shalal-hash-baz

Family and Friends,

"I dreamed a dream in time gone by..." Les Mis

Well... its interesting that what happens to those around you can have a huge effect on your personal life. 

I love my mission. I have had lots of time to ponder during this week... and this really has been the craziest experience of my life. So many good and difficult times.. but worth every second. So happy i am out here. 

As of about 45 minutes ago i have a new companion. Elder Juco. He is Filipino.. honestly that's just about all i know about him... hahaah. its literally a brand new thing. 

Sorry.. its gonna be a short one again, honestly i never know what to say... and because of weird transfer stuff today i dont have my scriptures to give study notes. Its best if you just read for yourself anyways :) haha!

I did realize that i truly am grateful for commandments and for mission rules. They help me to be focused, happy and healthy. I know that God loves us and wants the best for us.. thats why He gives us trials. 

I know this Church is true. I have no doubt.

I love you all... i really do. And i pray for you all.

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Choicest Vine

Family and Friends,

"You need a set of scriptures for every member of your house, just like a toothbrush."   -Bacolod South Stake Stake President

"We need to turn his heart from a rock to a cupcake." -Brother Garzon

My life is a dream. Honestly. The days pass by so quick it almost seems like a joke. 

This week has been rewarding. We now have 3 or 4 full families in our teaching pool that are listening to us and are somewhat progressing. What a blessing!! Teaching families is the greatest thing in the whole world... because its families that become exalted, not individuals.

Elder Sanderson and I are having quite the time here in Minoyan Area... We are seeing some amazing things happening here, especially with the help of the members. We are getting referrals, good referrals! The members are the key... there is no other way!! So please do your part as a member.. by small efforts you can see miracles, trust me!

Some study notes.

This first one is very applicable in our time and age. I hear of many different conflicts and concerns in the church. That is not good. D&C 45:69. Speaking of Zion.. "and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another." Yes.. this may be speaking of literal war.. but i see it more as other things. Things like; gossip, disobedience, anger against leaders etc. None of that is what you or what the Church needs. We must be united. Unity leads to understanding.

A little bit of humor. 2 Nephi 13:11. So yes this is a warning against evil... but focus on the reward part. The first thing I think of when I read 'rewards' is The Dundies. I hope you are familiar with this... if not go watch the Office episode entitled the Dundies. The idea of the Dundies is Michael Scott giving out the most ridiculous rewards to his co-workers in a "Oscars" theme.. i applied that to our lives. If we were to take stock of our lives... right here today.. what would our 'Dundie' be? "Most obnoxious"? "Best Xboxer"? "Best at Crossword Puzzles" (Like Stanley)... or what? haha! Its a funny concept but you get the idea. Create ourselves a good Dundie!

Side note. Please pay a generous fast offering. It is connected with being a full tithe payer. I will be doing both of those things once I am home... its such a blessing to you!

The biggest thing i learned out of my studies this week is, love. 1 John Chapter 4 is so insightful about charity and what it really is. It goes back to 3 things... love for God.. love for ourselves.. and love for our fellowman. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear..." What a statement. What truth! What i learned and am still learning is that 99% of the problems of missionaries, converts, investigators, long time members, whoever... is fear. Fear is devilish. Its that simple. Fear opposes faith. Faith is the first step to salvation. Satan uses fear against us... he wants us to fear a new job opportunity.. or calling.. or move.. or schooling.. because he wants us to fail. He wants us to move backwards. So develop your love... read the scriptures... have a kneeling prayer twice a day.. attend church.. these simple acts will increase your love for God. Which in turn will increase in you feeling the Spirit. Which in turn will increase your desire to love and serve others... its not way easy. I am not very good at it either... but its an enjoyable task! Love is so central. Like the great singer songwriter Conner Oberst said.. "That's all i want, is to love and be loved.. and to believe in my soul!" The Beatles didn't lie when they said that "all you need is love"... it has a huge effect on those around us. So try it. I am... and its awesome.

PS.. i am so not perfect at all these things i say.. but i know one day we can all get there, cause i mean hey... that is the point of this life!

I love you all.. your lives are all going in different directions.. but that is how it works.. life just keeps changing. I know God loves us. I know He listens to prayers... i literally have no doubt about that! 

Go Cougars!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Thumbprint War

Family and Friends,

Life as a missionary is nuts.

It never stops and things always change. Haha. But i love it!

I am now in my 5th area. It is called Murcia 1A... but its in an area called Minoyan. It is recently opened.. and is just a special sacrament that is part of a branch. My companion is Elder Sanderson from Logan, Utah area... he is awesome! He only has 3 transfers left, crazy!

About new areas.. d&c 100:4 "Therefore, I, the Lord, have suffered you to come unto this place; for thus it was expedient in me for the salvation of souls." What does it mean that it was "expedient" in the Lord... a couple words similar to this are; 'practical and helpful'... the Lord puts us in 'practical' places..He knows where we will shine! This verse isnt just for missionaries.. it applies to your home ward.. your job.. your school.. whatever! We have chances to help others... its simple! Just do it! 

I am learning a lot about how the Holy Ghost works with others... again... the Book of Mormon is such a powerful tool for that! It can not only invite the spirit into our lives.. but it helps us recognize the spirit's influence. The way God works with us is subtle and simple.. and we must search for it. 

Sorry.. my emails are getting shorter and shorter.. honestly sometimes i dread P-days... it kinda throws off the groove of working, especially for us cuz we come out of the mountain top into the city .ahaha. Honestly, i have a million stories and pics and videos.. but.. you will kind of just have to wait for me coming home!! dont worry.. its way closer than we all think!! haha. 

I love you all!!

Palangga,

Elder Stagg

Full Throttle

Family and Friends,

Sometimes you get a text from someone high in line of authority telling you to do something... and you end up teaching 15 lessons in one day. 

"Now you're just somebody that i used to know" -Goyte

"taga space kita" -Elder Powell

Do you realize that we are creatures of habit? 

I uh... love my mission. love my comp. love my area. I love the unknown (the power of faith. haha).

Sorry my email is short.. my mind is just, well... in a loop and i am just caught up in the work. its amazing. we work way hard everyday. we taught 50 lessons to investigators with a member present this week. We have been working like our tails are on fire. the work is hastening.. well actually, being hastened by the Lord. Can you keep up?

I really do know this is all true. i have NO doubt at all. its amazing. this is God's work. This is His work. I am His servant. 

I love you all... i am almost 22 years old. i feel like im 13. haha

Palangga,

Elder Stagg