"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
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