A Happy Ever After

Monday, December 22, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/articles/mormon-tabernacle-choir-record-breaking-nativity?lang=eng
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/church-marks-centennial-world-war-christmas-truce
http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/videos/christmas-from-heaven-the-candy-bomber-story?lang=eng (or the full length:http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/videos/tom-brokaw-gail-halvorsen-christmas-special?lang=eng) 

I am sending you three awesome, awesome videos to look at this Christmas to add to the wonderful He is the Gift. I watched them recently and they are amazing. Simply put.

I always wanted to try Latkes. (His mother tried them at a friend's house that was hosting a book club.) I bet they were good. I tried Jewish Rye Bread before (I may have told you this). It was delicious, other than smelling like pickles. This past week, when my companion was waiting for some pictures to develop at Wal-Mart, I decided to look for tamales myself. I missed out last year and I wanted to find them. I told my companion that I would like to look for tamales. He grabbed a few items himself and then, was like, "Let's go get your hot tamales." I stated, "It should be in the frozen food aisle, not in the candy section." Eventually, I had to explain what tamales actually are, which to a person who never has had them, it can be hard to explain. I had to think about it. He is from the West Coast in Oregon, but apparently the Mexicans there were Americanized. Nonetheless, I could not find tamales. (As per expected. I remember trying to find the right brand of "chili beans" and all I could find was not the kind I wanted and a limited selection.) So, I am going to have to go for something else.

I believe I got the package from Joy (his oldest sister) today before we left. I did not open it, because I was highly unsure whether or not I should. I received the package from the Distribution Center from you this week as well. Then, I got another package from what I thought was the Ward Primary. I opened it slightly, pulled a card out, and it said, "From your Ward Family." Still unsure if I should open any further, I closed the package (though I did see what was in it), and said, "I did not see anything."

And with Frozen, I have yet to see it (and there is no chance to see it), although I have heard all the songs and know the entire plot. Kind of like how I know the plot of The Hobbit. I read the book, albeit I have no idea what extras the movie has.

Thanks for sending the card to the members upstairs. It has yet to arrive, but I am sure it will arrive soon.

It sounds like you had a really good week. This past week seems to be a precursor of what this week is going to be like. 

Monday, we did our usual P-day activities of napping. After dinner, we tried to see a few people. Our investigator --who I said watches us as we pray-- allowed us to come in. We addressed the law of chastity and were bold and blunt. With this investigator, we are still unsure what he is understanding, so we have plans on reviewing the lessons we have previously taught him. 

Tuesday, we had interviews. My hair had not been cut for a while; we have a person, related to the members upstairs, who cuts it for us for free, but she could not find her hair clippers. So, time went by until this past Tuesday. By then, she had found her clippers, but as of yet, could not cut it due to schedule conflicts. It came to be eight o'clock, where it was time for personal study and two hours before we had to leave for Mechanicsville. We get a knock at one of our doors. There she was, ready to cut our hair. So, we went up the stairs and had our hair cut. It was one of those God sent miracles. (She told me that she is going to do my hair differently next time.)


We made it to interviews and I was the first one. As always, interviews were a bit different and straightforward.

He asked me a few questions, such as what I enjoy about the mission and what are the goals I have for the rest of the mission. I will tell you a few things that I told him. What I always enjoy is teaching. That was the first thing and only thing I said. I get a lot of enjoyment from teaching. It is something that is hard to explain. I mentioned the fact that I am not a conversationalist; I cannot talk to people. However, when it comes to teaching, the words flow a lot more freely, though I still put thought in it. Some times, I even pause, to think of the best way to put the words or to connect ideas. Yet, I find a lot of enjoyment out of teaching. I made my two goals two skills or attributes I want to work on. The first is interdependence, allowing myself to work with others. He gave me some advice for the first goal. But more importantly to me, especially for the rest of my life, I need to work on confidence, which is my second goal. I find a lack of confidence within myself. Upon reflecting it more through meditating with the Spirit, I need to find value and accept it. I personally thank you for the words of which you gave me at the end of your email. I never really thought myself to be a voice of charity and I can only hope that I can continue that for the rest of my life. I need to recognize the skills that I do have.

One of the things that I have been working on is talent. I love to sing, but this is not, at the time, my skill. At some other point, I will develop this, probably through learning. I love to write. I have not written words in the forms of essays or stories in quite a time. From the inspiration of others, I started writing an essay on the Restoration based on the scriptures. I have gone through a lot of beginnings and rough drafts for a few paragraphs. This is something I have been working on for a week now. I definitely want to develop this talent. It is part of recognizing the skills that I do have.

Thus, as part of finding confidence, I need to recognize my own value and skills that I have. For the rest of Tuesday, we arrived home after the interviews, then we had lunch, and then saw a recent convert. We taught the recent convert the new member lesson on some of the commandments. We had dinner and from there, we headed off to another lesson. Our person on date had cancelled us, which was our next appointment. He is sick with the flu. So, he did not meet with us nor did he come to church. I pray that he feels better soon. 

Wednesday, we had district meeting and headed off to help the sisters. We went to a member's antique shop and passed out hot chocolate along with He is the Gift. (They even passed out copies of the Book of Mormon by wrapping it in gift wrapping paper.) I stood and held the sign the entire two hours. I was quite content. The street we were on had a stoplight, so when it turned red, they approached the cars and offered hot chocolate. At times, the light would turn green while they were talking with some people. From that, we had a quick dinner and then met up with the senior couple. They had a person baptized this past Saturday and needed my companion to interview him. I helped them as they taught another investigator that was there. That night, the rest of our appointments cancelled.

Thursday, it was a day of getting our Area Book in order. We tried to see people with little luck. Our dinner appointment cancelled, yet they were able to buy us a pizza. 

Friday, we planned. We saw our single mother investigator to invite her and her son, who wants to be baptized, to the baptism on Saturday to see what one looks like. When we went, she was there, so we invited her. We did not teach anything, but we talked to her for a while. We learned some additional information that could aid us. Again, she brought up the issue that she has with the Word of Wisdom. She mentions that she likes to add wine to her food, such as marinara sauce. The alcohol burns up, but leaves the taste. She brought up that she eats food to enjoy it, while not going into excess into gluttony. Later I found a good scripture in Doctrine and Covenants that matches her mentality about food. Her son came home and we brought up the baptism. He did not want to go and said that he wants his mom to be baptized. Later that night, we visited our investigator who watches us as we pray to invite him to the baptism.

Saturday, we were invited to a service project by the young men leader and high priests. It was to help floor the bedroom floor of the family of our WWE fanatic. They live in a small trailer. I have been in there a couple times, and there is a lot of stuff on the floor. It is not a hoarders' house, but it is the same kind of mess. Nothing was touched by the time we started the project, so we had to move items and remove the carpet. As the carpet was pulled up, a cloud and pillar of dust formed in the air. It was rank in the house. As one person put it to me, "I scrubbed and scrubbed to remove the smell. It seemed as though it stayed in my skin, embedded." That took an hour before they started to cut plywood to refloor the bedroom. By that time, I needed to head out with our WWE fanatic to get the car's oil changed and the tires rotated. Partially glad that we had to do that. By the time, we returned it was completed. After showering and lunch, we completed our progress record. Again, we attempted to see people, but there was no success. Then, we had to fill the font. By six, the baptism was ready to go and completed. We did not see our single mother investigator. My companion and two other members had to practice for a musical number.

Sunday, the musical number was performed. It was great, minus the sound feed. There were three microphones: two additional and the pulpit microphone. They were all plugged into the same sound feed. When they again practiced, the two members that were singing into the two additional microphones were told to be on top. My companion who was on the pulpit microphone was mainly heard. So, in the sacrament meeting, one of the members actually did as advised, which turned out to be good. But, the sound feed became the problem. As they were singing, occasionally you only hear the member who did as advised, then you would hear my companion, or you would hear all of them. The microphones were competing with one another. It was a great performance, despite the setback. After church, we helped the ox get out of the mire. So, due to the schedule of the wife of the couple upstairs, she has not been able to get her decorations up, or at least very few. She was utterly stressed and we finally were able to help her. My companion skillfully decorated a willow tree to what she wanted. We helped in other ways as well. She still has a few more things to do, but it is a little bit closer to getting done.

It reminds me of the song, "We Need a Little Christmas," which has lyrics such as: "Haul out the holly, put up the

tree before my spirit falls again. Fill up the stockings. I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now. For we need a little Christmas, right this very minute, candles in the window, carols at the [something]. Yes, we need a little Christmas, right this very minute. It hasn't snowed a single flurry, but Santa dear were in a hurry. So, climb down the chimney, turn on the brightest string of lights that I have ever seen! Slice up the fruit cake. It's time to hang up some tinsel on that evergreen ball. For I have grown a little leaner, grown a little colder, grown a little sadder, grown a little older. I need a little angel sitting on my shoulder. I need a little Christmas now! For we need a little music, need a little laughter, need a little singing ringing through the rafters, and we need a stocking and a happy ever after. We need a little Christmas now!" Something like that. (http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/videos/we-need-a-little-christmas?lang=eng) Another awesome video to add to things to watch.

Alles wohl! And Merry Christmas to all!


Love,

Elder S. Todd

I Want To Be A Catholic; I Want to Be A Mormon

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten  Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.-John 3:16

(To understand the title you need to read to the bottom of the post. Arguably it is not easy to be a single parent. However, sometimes parents must ask: who is the parent, me or the child.)

December 15, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

I am happy to report to you that we are allowed to Skype with its usual prerequisites of time. I plan on Skyping, so there will be no worries there. It is a matter of finding the people and the place. It will not be with the members upstairs for they do not have internet (much less a computer or tablet). This has not been on my mind as of recent; I have been thinking of other matters. Once it is all situated, I will have a member text you, or call, so that you are informed. I currently have no idea on time. I know this is not as helpful as needed, but it has been brought up to my attention and now I will work on it.

I may have a chance to buy my companion dinner, so I will be able to use some of the money that I attained over this holiday.

I do not know if this letter will be impressive as others, but those words will come if so needed.

I am happy to hear that California is receiving rain and that there is a potential for it to rain even more. I hope for California's sake that it does rain.

Last Monday, there was little excitement. We did our normal tasks on P-day and tried to see people with little success. 

Tuesday came along. We were able to see an investigator who had been babysitting elsewhere, causing her
to cancel her appointments. We retaught the Plan of Salvation. The reason we had to reteach is because the previous time we taught the lesson the television was on. Granted, it was mute and not so distracting. However, it was a murder mystery movie with people dying. The Spirit was not present at that lesson. Reteaching the lesson enabled us to review it for her and to help confirm understanding.

Later that day, we went up to Montross; a member had fed us dinner. She had made me self-conscious of the way I eat food. I am a person who, when there are different kinds of food on a plate, eats one specific thing at a time and saves what is considered the main course last. She noted that and asked if I did not like meat, which was the main course. I had to pause, consciously think of the way I was eating, and attempt to explain it. It is easy to explain what I do rather than why I do it. 

Following our meal, we went to see our investigator, who I am unsure about mentally. My companion is slightly "weird-ed out" by him, but I believe what he does (he watches us while we pray before we go into his apartment) is due to his mental state (of which I am still unsure of). I am confident on that. We taught him about prayer and scripture study. He seems to have a fair amount of understanding.

Wednesday, we updated our area book with the proper information that we needed to put in it. We tried different people that day with little success. Even our evening was full of cancellations. Plus, with the Christmas initiative, the sisters talked to us about different ideas they had, some of which they have implemented.

Thursday, we not only had district meeting, but we also had exchanges. I stayed in the area with the new zone leader, Elder Graff. I led the area for that day, something I was reluctant to do for once. The day turned out more successful than other days. We saw a medical less active (the one whom I cut her hedges for). We started off with small talk. I began it by asking the standard how are you question. With a brief answer and nothing to go on, it led to a brief awkward silence for me to think of what to say and then I sheepishly admitted that I am not the most conversationalist person. However, if you start the discussion or ask me to teach, I can talk happily for the amount of time specified (if not more). I shared the things of stake conference with her for she was unable to go. After a few other people, with no success, I felt prompted to try a potential. We traveled to the place, only to find that the potential was not home. However, the family was interested in hearing our message. This family is Baptist, but has little knowledge of the Bible, much less understanding the contents. We were able to teach the Restoration and help them understand.

We tried another potential that night, that is somewhat an investigator. I decided we were going to test the waters. This person on their teaching record had the statement that they were not interested. However, it was quite contrary in my call with him several weeks ago, when he said he was interested. I briefly went over the Restoration. I could tell the man and his oldest grandson are interested. However, his wife, who is more

of a strict Christian, is not. She firmly stated that no man has seen God and lived. However, as we pointed out to her with her Bible read by her own grandson, Moses saw and talked to God face to face (Exodus 33:11). Jacob, better known as Israel, even saw God face to face (Genesis 32:30). I know there is a scripture even in the Gospel of John that talks about such cases, but I cannot think of it at this current point. When we brought up these points, she said she had to think about; she then added that Elijah must have seen God. But, she stated that these men were extraordinary people. She said it in such a way that these people were exempt from the rule that whoso sees God will die. To which, I pointed out that while these were extraordinary people, they were still men, just like her and I. The scriptures show their faults. With this conversation, I can tell the man really trusts his wife, even saying she knows the Bible really well (which she does). Because of that trust, he wavers on his interest, seeing as she can be, in some sense, a portable church. Our next attempt to talk to them is not to break their trust, but to help her understand in order to bridge what she knows and what we can add. By this, I believe we can help the man grow in interest and act on that interest to learn more.

We saw our investigator who is on date for baptism. He has denied his other church, who, in his own
opinion, did not answer his questions about life after death. We brought a baptismal calendar, so that he knows what he needs to do in order to continue progressing to baptism. He is greatly excited and it is evident that he has a testimony that is in the heart. There may be bumps in the road, but things should be resolved. I am excited for him.

Friday, we exchanged back and weekly planned. The only thing that occurred of significant importance is we taught our investigator who watches us as we pray. We talked to him about the Sabbath day. He came to church. And come to find out, he is a cousin of a member in the branch. She was happy to see him. I would never have known. 

Saturday, we completed our progress record. Then, we went to the Tappahannock parade. This was not a relaxing parade; there was work to do. The sister missionaries came up with the idea to pass out candy canes with some quotes from President Thomas S. Monson and a link to Christmas.mormon.org during the parade. We had two hundred candy canes; with the sisters and the senior missionary couple, we passed them out. They went fast, because there were a lot of people. It was funny, because I was holding our bag open to give some to a few people, when a lady in the parade approached me. She put candy in my bag for whatever reason. Also, the senior couple as we were passing out candy canes asked us to go on the other side to pass them out for they had finished one side of the street. Now, this request came in the middle of the parade. My companion found an opening to dart across while the parade was proceeding. I was lucky to find one and get across. So, I ran in the middle of the parade. Not something I ever thought I would do, nor would have liked to have done.

Intellectual Reserve (C)

Then, we saw our single mother investigator. Seeing as last Sunday for us was stake conference, she was not able to attend. After all, she is trying to preserve gas in her car, so she could not come all the way down to Mechanicsville. Upon request of her youngest and second child, who is 5, they went to the Catholic church. Her oldest and first child, who is 11, was not happy. As she told us, the two, on the way home, were arguing (as per usual). Her youngest stated that she wanted to be Catholic; oh, and it is obvious why. As the youngest said, "They give us treats," and on Sunday, "The Catholic church gave me a candy cane." The oldest wants to be a Mormon, even wanting to be a missionary. (Which allowed us to teach about missionary work.) He likes the Church. Our single mother investigator has decided to do double church. Go to sacrament meeting, leave her oldest at Primary, go to the Catholic church for her daughter, return to the Church to pick up her son, and go home. She wants to support both their decisions. Now, the kids are arguing over what their mother is going to be: Catholic or Mormon. They have decided that she needs to be a hybrid, both Catholic and Mormon. She herself has yet to decide. (I do wonder how she feels the Spirit. She was a missionary for the Catholics and she obviously has felt the Spirit.)

Intellectual Reserve (C)

The single mother wants to wait for her son to be baptized. He is a somewhat normal kid; he has ADHD and has lower age maturity. She wants to wait for him to grow a bit (allowing him to more fully make the decision) and have him learn what he needs to learn. She plans on having only herself and her son to be taught while she has her daughter be at a friend's house. I note that the son has a great amount of potential mentally. He has a desire to learn and somewhat memorized some scriptures, particularly Psalm 23. I believe that he can memorize scriptures, which will aid him mentally and demonstrate his maturity. It is great that the Church has the seminary program with a set of scriptures to memorize. I believe that he can memorize those scriptures. In fact, I plan on giving him a list of ten scriptures from that list. I believe that she will see that this Church will help her children. This may become a motivator for her to seek a testimony.

Sunday came by. We went over to a son of the members upstairs' house to help eat some leftovers. It was his birthday this past week, which was celebrated three times, this being the third. Monday, his actual birthday, he had a small surprise birthday party to throw him off for an even bigger surprise party on Friday. We were invited for Friday, but it was best that we did not go. Partially, it was that we had a lesson, but the stake presidency was there and so were the sisters. For that reason alone, we were lucky to not to go. Sunday was a good day.

Alles wohl!

Love,

Elder S. Todd

P.S. I believe Hannukah is this week. Happy Hanukkah! (Yes Hanukkah began the day after this letter was sent.) 

Mormon Missionary Attends A Baptist Church

I bear my witness that God the Father lives 
and that 

He gave us the gift of His Beloved Son 
out of love for us. 

I know as surely as I live 
that the resurrected Savior lives. 

He atoned for our sins.

 And I testify 
that He is the Light of the World and 

the sure source of 
comfort, hope, peace, and joy. 

I pray with all my heart 
that we all will draw closer to Him, 

to feel the warmth of His light and love. 

In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, 

whom we worship and serve, amen.

--Pres. Henry B. Eyring, First Presidency Christmas Devotional, Dec. 2014

Monday, December 8, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday.

I did not watch the church's Christmas Devotional, because I was at the choir performance. Besides, they had the added stipulation that in order to watch the devotional, we needed a recent convert, less active, or an investigator in order to watch it. However, I may listen to it soon. It was an hour and seventeen minutes.

It sounds like you had a good week by keeping busy. And it sounds like California is still warm as ever.

As regards to personal funds and taking my companion out to a restaurant, I do agree with the idea. However, we have also obtained funds through members who know the rules, but find ways to go around them. I talk of not being allowed to receive money in reward for doing service. Members know that and I know that. What they do is say, "Here's some money; go out to lunch." We refuse and say, "No, it is alright. We cannot take it." Then, they refuse our refusal and eventually, we are stuck with the money.  We have obtained enough funds through this unfortunate trade to go out to dinner. My companion has chosen the place already and is dying to go.

Monday, we sailed across the river, hiked over hills, dashed through the forest, (fought creatures along the way) and came to the Enchanted Forest. Or rather, without such excitement, crossed the bridge to Warsaw and snaked our way to a piece of property that is so deemed the Enchanted Forest. Some person owns this piece of property. The reason it is called such, is that the person carves carvings into some of the trees and paints them. He carved simple things, such as horses, spiders, and flowers; and then, more complicated subjects, such as Dora the Explorer, Minnie Mouse, and other subjects. It is pretty awesome. After such an adventure, we retired to the basement, where we spent the rest of P-Day. We tried different people that night, one of them being our single mother investigator who has been investigating for the past year. She missed out on Fast Sunday and the awesome testimony meeting, so we wanted to make sure things were well. She had little gas, so she could not come. I will return to her later.

Tuesday, we spent part of the day tracting. We prayed to find somebody and we did. It, of course, happened to be the last house we knocked on one side of the street. We taught the Restoration and liked it. He was not interested in baptism, but knew we were definitely sent by God and there was a reason why we were there. Later that day, we went to the less active who wants us to just open our scriptures to see where God takes us. Out of a suggestion by the branch president, we put a marker on a place where we wanted to turn and so happened to open to the place. It was a good lesson. We saw our investigator who I worried about mental capacity. We gave him an enlarged portion of Mosiah 16, so that he can read. He enjoyed that. When we returned on Thursday, we discovered that he had read indeed and gave him another assignment. When we teach him, we blend in some previous lessons to help him understand principles. It works, so far.

Wednesday, we helped a member with cleaning the gutters of a elderly lady. I swept pine needles off the roof. It was not a bad thing to do with my back. If anything, it made my abdomen muscles sore the next day. It looked a lot nicer. And I did what I could do. It was funny, when I first started sweeping, the head of the broom flew off. During the day, we visited another elderly couple and read the scriptures. The man of the couple has dementia and we discuss the scriptures to help him understand. Later that night, we had dinner with a member at a Mexican restaurant. It was a really nice thing. Then, we saw an investigator, whose aunt had passed a few week ago. He told us that he is no longer going to his church (he even told his church that), because he realizes we can answer his questions, especially about the afterlife. He wants to know more in order to be ready for baptism. He is on date, which is exciting.

Thursday, other than planning, we had another member dinner. I was a small family with some crazy kids. The kids were obsessed with saying some weird word of some concoction of theirs. It was funny though. One kid bopped their little sister (who is about three) and she said it in response to the offense. Not much else happened on Thursday. Friday, we finally saw an investigator who we have not seen in a couple weeks, because she was cancelling her appointments. Her eyesight is bad, but she manages. We taught what was needed to be taught and it went well.

That night, we served at the Relief Society and Young Women Dinner. The Relief Society President had decorated the place and it was finely decorated. It was a night in Bethlehem indeed. In fact, I could consider myself a publican at that moment for I had to collect taxes, in order for people to attain their food. (The women were furnished with burlap bags with pennies in them to pay their taxes for the food. For example, ham was two cents.) It was excellent. My companion discovered that the new sister missionary (we have a set of sister missionaries in addition to the senior couple in the Branch) and him have a best friend in common. The words were well said, whoever said them, "Small world for Mormons."







Saturday, my companion did the progress record while I did family history. I have looking at the siblings of people who we are related to and look at their spouses (who some may or may not be Mormons). Sometimes, I can see where there is work to do, which makes me excited. I look at it to make sure that their work is done and if it is not, then I am excited, because there is great potential there. All the more reason to go to the temple on a consistent basis when I return home. If I do not do their work, then who will? Much excitement in that area of life.

We saw the single mother investigator. Her kids were there for opening prayer and quickly trickled out. . .  AND SHE FINALLY PRAYED! It was much needed one step forward with an additional three steps back, but it allowed us to see what was holding her back from committing to baptism. It was a true heart to heart. So, she prayed and her two friends were, of sorts, her answer. They both brought up a concern that related to the idea of truth and tolerance. (It is amazing to see how God prepares us for certain situations.) One of them is an ex-Mormon (I am sure he is less active) who did not have a great experience as a child growing up in the faith. There was a lack of tolerance towards others. The other mentioned a different issue, but it related back to the idea of truth and tolerance. I love Elder Dallin H. Oaks' CES Devotional (found on lds.org or speeches.byu.edu) called "Truth and Tolerance." There is a need to be tolerant and there is a way to hold to the truth while being tolerant. It is upsetting to see a lack of tolerance, because there is really good people in other faiths'. As Elder Oaks points out in his devotional, Jesus taught kindness in our communications (and I add our actions) while having firmness in the truth. That is some of the things I brought up. I do understand that there is a fear to bring up our religion, because of criticism. I mean, for quite a while I did not mention that I was a Mormon. In fifth grade, I did not mention where I went to church. I have no idea why. I was even afraid to say the name Christ. All of these things I helped her to understand, which she understands. Then, she mentioned the principle of the Word of Wisdom. She has no issues or problems with breaking the Word of Wisdom. She has an occasional drink of wine (her last drink was a year and a half), but she believes it is healthy. We began to realize that her saying that the Book of Mormon is true and Joseph Smith is true is merely a head testimony. The idea that it is true makes sense to her, but there is no spiritual basis behind her claim of knowing it is true. We again invited her to read and pray. We finally have a concern we can work with.


I will combine Sunday with the rest of Saturday, because it involves stake conference. Stake conference was great. There were really good talks that I enjoyed. I really cannot speak much of it, because there are things I need to do beforehand. People remembered my birthday and people wished me a happy birthday. It was great. We did not do much on Sunday. Thanks for the shirt and tie. It was very much appreciated. I had a good birthday. It was simple.

And also
on Sunday, I went to a Baptist church. 
That was where the choir recital was. After a long choir practice, we headed off to the Baptist church. The church had a main floor and a balcony. We were sitting at the balcony. Many of the choirs sang to a track. There was a lot of pomp and cheer. It was quite interesting, because it is not the normal thing that I am used to. I am more of a traditional person, probably in part of the LDS culture that has been part of me. It was nice and rather loud. It was interesting to see the different music each church has. There were seven Baptist churches there, two Methodist churches, and us. Some of the music was quite nice. I mean, I am slightly interested in different church's music, because it is my curiosity in understanding different faiths.  This was to raise money for an Emergency Ministry, which goes about helping families in this one county that are in need. So, for the first time in my life, I put a dollar on the plate as it went around. The LDS choir members also did likewise. I was not alone in this different kind of offering.

So, we were not the worst choir there, but we were no means the best. That is being honest, because we did mess up during Gloria Patri. In the middle of the song, the different voices split. I am listening to each person to understand where we are at. Incidentally, we messed up that part. Other than that, our other song went well. We left with our ride after our song. It was close to curfew.

A bit of humor. Kind of how "they just can't get my nose right," they just can't get our name right. We were, according to the program, "The Church of Jesus Christ & Latter Day Saints." One choir member jokingly said, "It sounds like a band name: Jesus Christ & The Latter Day Saints." Talking to someone else later that night, "It makes us sound like we are Catholic."

It was a busy, busy week. And it went fast. I am actually quite surprised it has gone by. And a new transfer has officially begun.

Oh and we have a Christmas tree that is real. It is a humble Christmas tree, but it is a Christmas tree nonetheless.

All is well!

Shalom and Love,

Elder S. Todd

Mormon Secrets: I Do Not Know The Meaning Of All Things

Are you aware of anyone having trouble with the LDS.org essay on Joseph Smith and his 40 wives? There are some people who say this is driving people away from the church. As people searched out for descendants of Joseph Smith no one showed any DNA except those who were descendants of Emma. There was one exception but that "wife" had a common ancestor with Joseph. With no form of contraception available, having no descendants from these other wives possibly shows he had no sexual interest in them. Don't let anyone give you a reason for plural marriage other than Joseph was commanded to do so. Most explanations are false. The two things plural marriage did was force the supreme court to put some boundaries on the freedom of religion and it showed the strength of Mormon women who demanded from congress that property taken from them (plural wives) should be returned.

December 1, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

Elder Neil L. Andersen said, "The negative commentary about the Prophet Joseph Smith will increase as we move toward the Second Coming of the Savior. The half-truths and subtle deceptions will not diminish." I heard about this essay from our WWE fanatic. I didn't look into it. After all, I cannot, my resources are few and I accept that. Thus, I dismissed the thought of it. Now that you mentioned it, it brought to mind the talk that Elder Neil L. Andersen gave in this most recent General Conference, of which I previously quoted. Truly, it is now the time to adjust our own spiritual oxygen mask and fortify or gain a testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Yes, whether it be falsehood or truth, it may be upsetting, but it should not diminish nor annihilate the testimony of what we know. I applaud the convert who found it upsetting, but kept to the truth that she had found. Why forsake the abundance of blessings, including that of peace and happiness, for somebody who is clamoring to destroy the kingdom of God? The kingdom of God will not be hindered and the blessings will still come. We may not understand all things, such as Nephi, who said, "I know that [God] loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things." (1 Nephi 11:17). And Nephi was a prophet, yet he did not know the meaning of all things. Why should we have the privilege? We do not know the meaning of all things, because we do not see as God sees. We do not see the big picture.

In regards to polygamy, I note these scriptures: "And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things." (2 Samuel 12:7-8) "Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none; ...For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things." (Jacob 2:27, 30).

I do also recommend on lds.org under Teachings, Gospel Topics. This addresses topics people are concerned about, including that of plural marriage. (https://www.lds.org/topics/plural-marriage-in-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints?lang=eng)

And no, I have not seen any trouble. Even with our WWE fanatic.

Neither I nor my companion are being transferred. He was worried about being transferred, especially around Christmas. He really likes the members upstairs and wants to spend Christmas with them.

It sounds like everybody is getting sick. My companion is recovering from sickness, I got slightly sick (sore throat that diminished quickly), our WWE fanatic is sick, and some of the members related to our fellows upstairs are sick, recovering from illness, or recovered from illness. Even some of our investigators have been sick. It is that time and season. But, I am thankfully, doing well.

I love the new Church initiative. It is absolutely powerful. I am glad that we have a few pass along cards to help bring this to people. I would love to share this gift with people. But, I have an idea....

I am sure you are quite curious about why I emailed Tuesday. I was going to tell you in this email. Monday, we were pushed for time. I take a long time writing one email to you. We had to leave the library about 10:45 to arrive to a zone activity on time. It takes quite a while to drive from Tappahannock to our destination, plus we had to meet the senior couple and the sisters, in order to attain a ride to this zone activity. By the time 10:45 arrived, I had written very little. So, I sent you an All is Well email. Now, I hold on the narrative and explain this. The stake president challenged our zone of missionaries to attain for three weeks in a row, 100% invites. We accomplished that, somewhat. So, as reward and thus our zone activity, he cooked food for us. It was a fantastic time. I quite enjoyed it. Afterwards, the senior couple had an appointment, but it cancelled. That allowed the sisters and my companion to join in zone sports. Thus, it threw the idea of finishing our emails out of the window. We got home around four; we changed our laundry and we accomplished other tasks. We had dinner, had to pick our fanatic, and head off to an investigator to model Family Home Evening. We were slightly late, because we were pushing our time in trying to get things done. By the time we arrived, the children of the single mother investigator were asleep. We were not able to do family home evening.

Tuesday, we finished the things of which we did not do, such as emailing and shopping. After taking care of our personal business, we tried to see some people. It did not work, but for one person, they said come back on Thursday. We had an appointment made on Thanksgiving. Oh, and I will get to that. Well, with our appointments gone through the floor and unaccomplished, my companion, having heard from the senior couple about a blood drive, wanted to donate blood. So, we headed to the fire department, which was near where we were. He donated blood; I stayed away from it. They understood. After donating blood, we checked up on a less active, who had been sick. As per his usual request, we opened to wherever the scriptures opened to. I was the one that chose. I ended up at the end of First Corinthians. It turned out okay. We tried another person, the investigator who I am unsure about. He definitely has understanding of concepts and understands what we teach. In fact, he said that what we said is true. Yet, he still does not understand priesthood authority.

Wednesday, we tried to see some people. Not much happened. We tried to see the single mother investigator to hold family home evening, but one of her children was asleep, recovering from illness. Instead of family home evening, we tackled temples and family history. It was a good lesson. We encouraged her to pray, because she has yet to pray to know if she should be baptized. I will get to this issue soon. After that lesson, we received texts from the branch president to come to the church quickly. We arrived, we waited, and the branch president has somebody he wants us to meet. This man is now a new investigator of ours. He has met with missionaries all his life; not necessarily he talked with them, but he has seen them a lot. His family had been taught, but his family was doing it to be polite. He has been Catholic and non-denominational, because he feels like they, both the Catholics and the non-denominational, are missing something. He discovered on his own lds.org, thankfully, which allowed him to study and learn more about Joseph Smith. The branch president and another member have known him for a while and talked with him. He is definitely ready.

Thursday, the day of Dead Bird Day. For us, it was a normal, proselyting day with special permission to extend dinners. Unfortunately for us, only one member signed up and that member was the members upstairs. Their dinner started at 5. Pretty much, we had 10 to 5 to figure out how to stay busy. It sounds bad to put that way, but I necessarily cannot say be productive, though it could apply. I was not willing to tract, neither was my companion. That, and certain other holidays, I will withhold from tracting. So, we planned, trying to thoroughly do it, mainly to take up time. And we decided to try that appointment we had around three. Now, I understand the principle of calling ahead, but we were desperate to try to stay busy and they did say come back. My companion went before me when he knocked on the door and subsequently, opened it when they called to come in. Let's just say that it was not a good time; I mean, generally, when somebody is about to carve into their turkey, is bad timing to have an appointment. After time passed by, we headed out to dinner. Now, we left at five to purposely be late. It was not meant to be rude. As long as with the normal proselyting rule, we also had to avoid the sisters at any dinners we have (unlike last year). It is normally like that; we are not allowed to eat with the sisters, though occasionally with Sunday dinners, another family, who is related or friends with the members upstairs, invites them. (Thus, we excuse ourselves and justify this the incident; we were ignorant to the fact.) Well, our attempt to avoid the sisters, utterly failed. They were at the dinner still. Dinner was the best part of the day. It was a very good meal with all of the family, including siblings and their descendants, of the members upstairs. Thanksgiving was awkward in trying to stay productive and trying to avoid the sisters.

Personal note to you: I am trying to be obedient and work hard. Thanksgiving happened to be one of those off days of misfortune. But, we have things covered for Christmas. The members upstairs signed up for the sisters for Christmas and the branch mission leader signed up for us for Christmas. Granted, both people are related to each other and we are going to end up at the same dinner, but I will claim ignorance. I also am not trying to justify things (yet I am); it is me trying to figure things out while trying to be obedient to our rules. I hope that makes sense. I am not sure it does.



Friday, or should I say Black Friday. (A member mentioned this in her testimony yesterday. She was talking to some kids about Black Friday and the kids did not know what that was. Though one said, "Isn't that where the people kill each other in stores?") We had zone meeting and it took a big portion of our day. We saw the investigator who has yet to understand priesthood authority and taught the Plan of Salvation. Saturday, we worked on organizing our Area Book, updating records, etc. We worked on the progress record. We tracted and were able to pass a long a few of the Christmas initiative cards. We saw our single mother investigator and finally had family home evening. Afterwards, we talked a bit. Then, she mentioned, "I just tell the kids that we need to do what they say, because we promised we would." "Have you prayed yet?" "Uh...." We told her to fast and pray, because, for us, Sunday was Fast Sunday. (We have stake conference on the seventh of December.) We talked of the importance of knowing if she needs to be baptized. She understands. She is hesitant, because she knows the answer she is going to get. She knows the answer. Next time we see her, which will be tonight, and we bring up "Have you prayed," I am determined to mention Jonah.

Sunday, we had church and choir practice. We helped a priesthood holder home teach. We had dinner. We saw the investigator who is trying to learn and has yet to understand priesthood authority. We taught him the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I explained the idea behind the Restoration of the Gospel. Not much happened.

So, yes, on the 7th, I am turning one year older. Our schedule of that day is pretty much planned. We have stake conference, we have lunch, we need to with some people (or study), we have choir practice, and then we have a choir recital where we are singing in another church (I am not entirely sure of things). I am sure I am going to miss the Christmas Devotional, albeit we have plans to watch it later via the Internet and Mormon.org time. But, I am honestly not seeing time to light a candle for my birthday. I honestly might celebrate it the next day. 

All is well!

Love,

Elder S. Todd

Ya'll Aren't Normal, Ya'll Are Weird!!!

Children will ask and say exactly what's on their minds.




Monday, November 24, 2014

All is well. Email coming in some time. Hopefully.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

Okay, that explains the CD I received in the mail. (We, his parents, sent him an early gift with Christmas music on a CD.)  I had no idea why I received it and I decided not to open it. I wanted to see if I was allowed first and I am guessing that I am. (Yes, we intended for him to open it because he likes Christmas music year round.) Thank you! I will definitely keep my eye out for any large packages of unusual size (kind of like rats of unusual size). (Possibly a reference to some rats who would try and chew through our plastic tub of dog food in our garage. We finally killed them with D-Con and they were very large indeed.)

It sounds like the two of you have been busy with the missionaries. That sounds really exciting as to all that has happened. Oh, speaking of President Gelwix, I was talking to one of the daughters of the members upstairs (all their children are grown and are adults, etc.) and I told her that President Gelwix was the mission president of the Fresno California Mission. She thought that was cool, because he was her bishop while she was in Utah. She thought it was right that he would become a mission president. I am also glad to hear that you were able to try some Korean food. 

By the way, HAPPY INTERNATIONAL BIBLE DAY! (https://www.lds.org/church/news/share-love-for-scriptures-on-international-day-of-the-bible?cid=HPTU111814491&lang=eng)

Speaking of family history, on the time that I have available to do family history (e.g. when I am not doing the progress record), I have been trying to look at our cousins and am looking at where our tree spirals. I am looking at siblings and their spouses. It allows me to become familiar with Ancestry and allows me to become more involved. I found all sorts of things, such as polygamists and people with many, many children (like 16, granted not all of them grew to adulthood).

It has been a good week. Monday, it rained hard. We were going to take fall pictures, but it rained. So, I cleaned our apartment. (It has been cold, until today, so we had to use our wood stove for heat. My efforts in cleaning has somewhat failed. We have all sorts of leaves and such on our carpet. At least the bathroom is clean.) We tried to visit some people before family home evening, but it did not work. We made it to family home evening on time. Afterwards, there was child who was asking all sorts of questions about us missionaries.

Child: "Why do you live in the basement? Why don't you just buy your own house?"

Us: "We cannot afford a house. We cannot afford the materials even to build us a shack or hut. Luckily, we have generous people."

Child: "Why don't you have a car?"

Us: "We do have a car. We have limited miles on it, though."

Child: "Why can't you just drive wherever you like?"

Us: "We have limited miles. To go over affects the Church and dips into tithing funds."

By the end of this game of 20 questions, the child screamed with an outraged cry, "Ya'll are not normal. Ya'll are weird." Dear child, yes, we are most definitely unusual.

Tuesday, we had our tire fixed. It was still leaking air, slowly. We called about it to the car missionary and they told us to go to a tire shop, which we did. It did not take much time. The rest of the day was spent trying to see people with little success. The senior missionaries called us for aid in giving a priesthood blessing to an elderly sister. 

Wednesday, we did some extra things around the apartment that we did not get done. We were able to see an elderly gentlemen, who comes to church off and on, and talk to him for a while. We tried some of our investigators, but again, there was little success. Even one of our appointments cancelled that day. 

Thursday, rolls around. We had zone workshops that day. It was all about role playing and teaching. Added to it, during the role playing, our actions were recorded and replayed for our evaluation. I did not like to watch myself. It was odd. I notice a few things about myself and what I do. Also that day, I went on exchanges with the zone leaders and I ended up in Mechanicsville. I was with the zone leader who came to Powhatan that one time to help tract our area. Well, I tracted during the exchange and we found one new person. This adolescent had a sincere desire to learn more. He was very interested in history, but was confused about things. We explained and helped him understand. Later that day, I saw two of their investigators and it went well. 

Friday, I returned to Tappahannock. We planned that day for this week, we had our car washed, and my companion helped rake leaves. We saw a less active and taught her about praying with earnest. We saw an investigator, who I am sure we are going to have to take things slowly. I am not sure if he is mentally all there. Right now, it is a matter of seeing where he is at. 

Saturday, we helped the elderly lady of whom we aided in giving a blessing. I cut her hedges with an electric hedge cutter. The electric cutter was light and my back did not hurt afterwards. However, my arms were gelatin by the end. By the next day, I was not able to lift my arms high. We worked on our progress record and were able to talk to an investigator who had been ditching us (who we had set on date). After dinner, we saw the single mother, who was a forensic psychologist, and tried to teach her. In my opinion, it was not the best it could have been. I do think we need to make her lessons, if not everyone's, a spiritual experience. This single mother has been taught for over a year now; I mean, Elder Meibos, I believe, found her. She knows the Book of Mormon is true, Joseph Smith is a prophet, and believes that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet. Her hold up is her promise to a deceased grandfather to remain Catholic. We tell her that she needs to pray, though she is hesitant (because she knows the answer already). Hence, this is where I believe we need to make the lessons spiritual. It is a work in progress.

Sunday, we had church and choir practice. We tried to see an investigator, but it not work out so well. So, we studied. We had, with the members' upstairs, a pre-Thanksgiving dinner. She made a turkey casserole, mashed potatoes, and other things. After dinner, we tried to see the investigator, whom I am not too sure about, but that failed. We checked up on the elderly sister whom we have helped a lot this past week. 

Yesterday, as precursor for the next email, was hectic, which is why I am emailing today. I wrote Monday and Tuesday yesterday, while I wrote the rest today. I hope you have a Happy Dead Bird Day!

Oh, and I received the box today on Tuesday, just before I left to come to the library. Thanks!

All is well!

Love,

Elder S. Todd