To Serve God Is To Serve Others

Monday, June 2, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

I am glad to hear about my dog. She was skinny that last I saw her. Then again, when is she not skinny? 

This week has been off. It has been odd. 

Tuesday was P-Day. We helped somebody that day after we had taken care of our other matters. I helped stack wood while my companion helped cut wood. We did that until it rained and dinner was ready. That person fed us; they are wonderful members. 

Wednesday, we helped this potential investigator with her yard. It has hot outside, which caused a mild headache. She fed us dinner and then we had to pick up another dinner. (Somebody had signed up and we were lucky that it is a pick up meal.) Zone leaders from another zone came by our area to help us go tract. I went one way and my companion went another. I had found a girl who is 12 and has read the entire Bible. It was crazy, so we gave her a Book of Mormon. By 8:00, a storm had reached our area. Dust was cast in my eyes and I was sneezing. End of tracting. My eyes were burning, my headache increased, and it was hard to function. So, we went to the apartment (the zone leader and I) and I broke in. I took care of my allergies and headache and went out again. So, as stupid as it was, we were tracting out in the rain without jackets. It was down pouring, lots of lightning that illuminated where we were. It was awesome and beautiful. We found some potential people.

Thursday, we had an excellent lesson with our special investigator. We had a member that told her about Welfare Square and the Bishop's Storehouse (a Bishop's Storehouse is usually a warehouse full of food and other goods which can be obtained by meeting with the pastor and his female counterpart called a Relief Society president of a congregation. They help go over the needs of a member who can go to the storehouse to obtain needed items.) over in Chesterfield. She marveled at that. Our special investigator is going through some rough moments in her life, but the Spirit was able to give her comfort while we were there. She did not go to church this week. Our special investigator was really happy that we were there. 

In addition to visiting this wonderful person, we had a wonderful dinner with this member couple and another member. The other member was a psychologist and is a wonderful man. We talked a bit and I told him what field I would like to get into. Well, Virginia is a bit slow at recognizing my field as a specialty; perhaps some day. And this man knows French. So, guess what? He read Victor Hugo's book, Les Miserables, in French. My face lit up, because I found another person like me who has read Les Miserables and likes it. And the wife of the couple asked me, "You like Les Miserables? Not as much as me."

Friday, we had a meeting. Not much else happened that day, but I did receive good news that day. 

Saturday, I have no clue what occurred that day. Must not be that important. 

Sunday, it was good. We had wonderful church meetings.  Now, I am more focused on other people. Such as another person who frequently comes, but is evidently apostatizing. As I have focused on that person and his needs, I am ready to face him again and help stem his issues. 

Today, Monday, June 2, we had another lesson with our special investigator, hence why I am writing so late. She told us that she wanted to come to church and told us she felt after we had left the previous time that she needed to go to church. She is so wonderful. And her yard needs help, so rather than have us do it, we are involving the whole ward (congregation) to help cut her lawn. And we asked on Sunday and they are totally willing to go out and help. And that is going to occur on Saturday this week.

So, it was a good week. As odd as it was. The Lord will take care of things. I am sure of it. I love you.

All is well.

Love,

Elder S. Todd

Got Eye Drops?

Monday, May 27, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

We just got done with lunch. We had helped with the food bank today which was slow, awfully slow. And this Tuesday P-day made life a bit interesting. We had the food bank and another service project.

With a new person in the house (his parents are renting his bedroom for a while), it will take time to get adjusted. Lots of time; patience will be what will carry you.

It sounds like you have had fun with Sean (his older brother). Reagan (his niece) looks taller. They are all getting older. Thank you for the packages. I was not expecting much, but I got a lot. We nearly got something for one of us each day of the week. It was really nice and I appreciated it.

Thank you for giving my congratulations (to the graduating class of his former high school, Lemoore, Middle College High School). It was quite nice. Keep up the work, Dad. The reason I say that is I know you are doing well.

I have no idea why we do not have tablets or how they will be used, but some day, maybe. I am not too concerned. One companion I had has a case already. I am not overly anxious.

It has yet to storm today. It has been sunny. We had a tornado warning and it was sunny. But in other places, I believe, a tornado did hit. Oh, and an earthquake hit. It was a small one, a 3.2. A very small one, according to this Californian. I did not feel it for I was on exchanges in Midlothian when it occurred. It was my companion's first earthquake and apparently, it shook our whole entire building. 

Monday, it was zone P-day  (preparation day). I tried to get into it, but it just was not the same. Regardless, I did have a bit of a good time. Not much else happened that day other than we had a great dinner with a member.

Tuesday, it was another day at the food bank. It was a bit more than we had today. We stopped by our blind less active and nothing really happened there. We went out with one of the priests and saw a few people. We saw one investigator who we cannot otherwise stop by (single female) and she does not remember much from last time. She just wanted to talk. We had dinner with this one young family. There was something that the wife said that I just wanted to help, but nothing really formulated in the way of an idea until Wednesday. We went to another of our less actives and taught her the scriptures.

Wednesday, we had another district meeting and I went to Midlothian for the day. I was with the district leader and we went out and saw a recent convert. It was hard to stay awake. We went tracting and had fun with this one person who asked us different questions. We tried a few potentials and was able to meet with one. That person stayed silent until the end. I ended up talking a lot, which was odd. I had not realized that until now. I never talk as much as I did. At a member's house for dinner, we talked with them. It just hit me like a load of bricks. I realized what I could do for the member that I talked to on Tuesday. And the rest of the night, I was with the district leader and the ward (congregation) mission leader for Midlothian while they had their ward correlation meeting.

Thursday, we saw our 87 year old investigator. She is a really neat person who has accomplished much. She could open doors when and if she gets baptized. It is a really big, yet tender situation and I am trying to not let it get too big in my head. All I will say is that Thursday, she was ready to drop us. She felt overwhelmed by the Book of Mormon, but while being there, she felt the Spirit. She opened up. She wanted to continue to meet with us. She told us some of her life stories. We really did not say much. The Spirit is really strong around her and is working hard with her. There is no denying that. She was quite grateful that we were patient, gentle, and understanding with her. She was glad we listened. We were there for three hours on her porch. The rest of Thursday, not much else happened. We contacted several people who we had previously had trouble contacting, except for one, our investigator of whom is still smoking (if he would allow them they have a successful program for quiting smoking) and is avoiding us.

Friday, a member couple took us out for lunch. It was a lot of fun. We talked with one of our investigators that day as well. She likes her church community, but she likes us. Not much happened, because she and I were not big friends with Mr. Wasp who kept on flying around us. My companion could care less. We tracted that day and tried to see other people. Not much luck.

Saturday, we helped with somebody's yard. I used a weed eater to cut a big section of their grass. We tracted with the district leader and his companion. We found a lot of potentials. It was good, except everybody was cutting their grass that day. And after dinner, we helped cut somebody's grass, our less active who we teach scriptures. Saturday could also be called allergy day. My right eye itched and I was sneezing. I was glad to have eye drops and after doing it so many times.  (I still hate eye drops, yet I can tolerate them now.)

Sunday, after church, we had a linger longer. It was a lot of fun. We stopped by and talked to the former bishop to give his mother the sacrament. Then, we had dinner.

Monday, we helped with another yard and this for the ward organist who cannot do much unless he wants to get shocked by his heart defibrillator again. And again, we helped the less active who we teach the scriptures. Her sliding glass door shattered. Lots of glass that had to be picked up.

I realized a few things this past week. One is the Bible, I get so fired up reading it. If you actually read it, whether it be in order or not, and actually pay attention, you will pick up on the fact that there needs be an apostasy and that God's church has prophets and apostles. You see that Paul warned that the leaders would be corrupt (in Acts) and that the word of God was corrupted by some (in 2 Corinthians). Reading the Bible and trying to understand it, despite its old, old English, you begin to pick up insights. Using context clues and main ideas, certain things can be picked up on. Take, for example, baptisms for the dead. Paul was not renouncing it, but rather, he was saying that if Jesus was resurrected and we also will be resurrected, then we must do baptisms for the dead. Some things bug me a lot for some reason when I read the Bible. You could say I feel like Wilford Woodruff and Robert Mason studying the Bible and seeing what things consist of God's true church. And maybe this is because I am a Mormon and a missionary, but regardless, it is something that can be picked up on.

I also realized that there are two things I should master. One is fear. I cannot explain that one, other than I feel it should be something I should master. Two, and more importantly, getting upset. I am not as upset as I have been in the past. What is weird, that I have noticed and others have noticed, is that my performance peaks when I am angry or upset. My communication improves, I think a lot more quickly, and I get more passionate. So, I figure I should master righteous anger (if there is such a thing) and control it, rather than let anger control me. I feel right about this. How, I have no idea. I just get the ideas.

All is well! In a great mood, more especially after ranting about the Bible.

Love,

Elder S. Todd

Come Unto Christ

Yes it is true that God would provide for Abraham His sacrifice in the form of the atonement of the Lamb of God or Jesus Christ. As a result of God's love, Christ offered the only sacrifice that would offer salvation from sin. The offering we make are acts of gratitude that come from charity; the pure love of Christ. In essence when we do things in Jesus' name, we express God's love for his children. All glory be to God, Our Father, and His Son Jesus Christ. If we love Jesus then we will keep His commandments. His atonement was an infinite sacrifice that no man or woman can offer. Charity, the pure love of Christ, is a gift from God to those who repent and follow Christ.

May 19, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

I thought I was so sneaky about the reference (Fire Nation in last letter: Avatar, the Last Airbender which is disliked by my parents).

I love the pictures. Our poor signs have been hit many times, haven't they? Remember the other sign that we had that got hit at night? Surprisingly, I do, because I laugh at the fact that none of us heard it. (The street sign in front of my house in Lemoore, CA.)

I am glad that the Internet issues have happened while I have been out on the mission, not while I was worrying about tests and school. While I understand your pain, I am just glad I do not have to worry about it. (We lost the internet service at 9:00 PM Saturday night before Mother's Day; one of two days a year when missionaries can Skype home. Luckily 20 minutes before we were to Skype my parents had the internet fixed,) 

I am not too surprised with the weatherin Lemoore. (Hot, triple digits and 90's) I do not miss it. It got cold at night the past two nights. I actually wore a coat. It was the strangest thing to think about: it is May and I am wearing a coat.

This week was a bit better. Monday, it was P-day, I had relaxed for once. I sent out letters to a few people. That night, one of our less actives needed our help and we mowed her lawn. She is the wife of the inactive who had his leg broken and since then, knee replaced. That inactive, the husband, is actually improving since he went to the nursing home. However, the wife vented her feelings to us the next night when she wanted to read scriptures. We helped her progress along. 

Tuesday, we helped with the food bank; it was fairly busy. We talked to another of our less actives, the one who is blind. We did some tracting, but nothing really did come out of it. 

Wednesday, we had district meeting. My companion's GPS took us on an adventure to get there. It was odd, but, his GPS is seven years old. District meeting was different compared to the previous district. It was quiet; the assigned people did their trainings and there was nothing much else. I will have to get used to it. And that day, I was on exchanges with one of the zone leaders. After having lunch with the elders of the district, we headed off to our area. We tried finding some people, but we had no success. We ended up at the wrong house. It was a good thing, though. We found an elderly African American who is active as can be. She loves God, she loves learning, and she loves to work. We set up a return appointment. Then, we found the house we were looking for. Creepy as all can be. Stuff in the yard. Creepy ghouls (one scared the zone leader). Nobody answered. There were lots of no trespassing signs. Then, we tracted around a referral. We found a less active that nobody knew where she lived and everybody thought she was a do not contact. I did not know this and thought she was the nice person and a great potential. Little did I know, we found a few more potentials and then left to go to dinner. Had a wonderful dinner, then scurried off to choir practice. (Oh, by the way, I am in the ward choir. Any missionary that has the potential to sing is included in the ward (ward=congregation) choir. In other words, the ward choir needs singers, so we are invited to join.) Came home to find ants. Mean little suckers. By then, it was too late at night to get ant killer. Luckily, the next day, I was able to get some to kill them.

I was able to express my thoughts to the zone leader on the change of zones. It seemed that I was understood.

                                         Elder Clifford               Elder Todd

Thursday, I killed the pests and I cleaned it up. Then, the food pantry was forced to move, so we helped move the food pantry to a new area. That included moving the refrigerators (which I did not do), moving food, moving tables, etc. I was able to offer my wrench to help in some things. I still oddly carry it around, despite not being on bike. It is a bit cramped, but it works. A member afterwards needed help and we helped him. He fed us. And so, it ended a day. We were exhausted. 

Friday, we planned and made phone calls. We saw a less active, who we have seen several times before. I have no idea how to describe him (and there was not much to mention) until now. He had dyed half of his hair blonde and left the other black. What was my first thought? Two-Face, which his father joked with him about. If it was white, I would have thought of Cruella. He is very crude and has a hard time focusing. We tried the less active that I thought was a potential, but she was not there. Still we have progress.

Saturday, we saw the elderly woman who loves God. She was happy to see us. We talked with her, explained the Restoration, helped keep the conversation on the main topic. I would say she is all there. She accepted the Book of Mormon and said to us that she was comfortable with us as we agreed with what she believed. She is very happy and it was a lot of fun talking to her. We helped answer her questions that she had. She has not been to church in a while, because her preacher could not give her an answer to something, which devastated her. Then, we tried our on date investigator. He is avoiding us. We talked with a member, who is trying to keep everything together. He is going through a lot of tough times at this moment. There is nothing much we could do. 

Sunday, we had church and we again tried to find people. I love hunting down less actives and working with less actives. For me, it is a puzzle and in sorts, like detective work. It is a puzzle trying to figure out how to help them. It is detective work trying to know their story.

My companion reminded of something. It was only a year, or going to be, ago that I graduated. Holy cow! I am getting old. But, speaking of graduation, may you please wish my congratulations to this class that is graduating this year. I know many of them and I just want to wish my congrats.

I plan on sending pictures. I have some dating when back when.

All is well!

Love,

Elder S. Todd

Fire Nation Attack: or the Midlothian Switch

May 12, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

I do not know how to say this, that rule for forty minutes for us is try to stay under an hour. We did try, but regardless, it was great talking to everyone. I hope Mom enjoyed her Mother's Day card; I meant to ask her about that. What I wrote was to remind all of the good times we had. It has been a long time, so I tried to remember what I could. There were other things that I forgot to mention, which you helped remind just now. So, remember that golden investigator, the one I was privileged to baptize? Well, I was able to get an update on him recently. His fiance dumped him and she was the one that introduced him to the church. While he was sad over that, he is still attending the church and has recently received the Melchizedek Priesthood. That was really good to hear.

It sounds like everything is busy over on the "Left Coast." Keep on doing what is right and press forward. And remember the eternal perspective. While it is hard in this life, things will turn out for the better.

So, I guess I will proceed to tell you of my week. Monday, we had zone P-day, where we headed to the stake center to have fun as a zone. This was with the Midlothian West Zone. I got to say good bye to people that were leaving, but did not really say good bye to others, thinking that we were safe. We never received any calls, so we, the people who were still there, were excited to be together for another transfer. We had played basketball, soccer, and it was a lot of fun. Tuesday, we cleaned, for it was that time of month, and tracted. We also helped with the food bank that day. It was a fairly well week thus far.

Well, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked (another reference to Avatar: the Last Airbender, just to bug his parents). So, Wednesday, it was starting off good. We just got done with studies and were about to have lunch. Then, we got the call that started the week wrong. It was zone leaders of the Midlothian East Zone. They had called a couple weeks previous for a question about a member of the Powhatan ward, so I picked up, thinking it was follow up. No, not at all. We were being welcomed to the Midlothian East Zone; I put the phone on speaker, so my companion could believe this. We were both confused and it was a blindside. We called our previous district leader, who called the zone leaders. We went about our way, hoping the situation would be resolved. When the zone leaders of the Midlothian East Zone called, I promptly told them my issues with this, thinking that they were confused. Our district leader and zone leaders of the Midlothian West Zone had no idea either. So, the East called the West and there was nothing West could do. We are now part of the Midlothian East Zone. Well, I was extremely agitated at that point. Do not worry I put a smile on my face.

While, yes, there is nothing really I can do, but smile, and accept it, I still have feelings about it. Couldn't we have a little more warning? We just had zone P-day and we did not get to say goodbye to anyone, really. I felt like I had actually found friends and was included. It is bit hard being ripped from friends without warning. My other zones I really did not get out much; that, and I did not feel that included. So, it was hard, but hey, I will make some new friends. I know it is a bit selfish to feel that way, but I made friends. Major accomplishment on my part. And Powhatan is in the middle of the Midlothian West Zone; it literally splits the zone. But, hey, I know it does not make sense, yet President is inspired. What takes the cake for me is that I have fears of not being included and the area not understood. I came into this area with the idea to tract and find new. However, six weeks later, I realize this area needs to focus on the less active members; this will be a major boost for the area. It is what it needs. Yes, we still will go out and try to find people. I am not at all giving up on baptizing people and trying to help them. I just see that this area is more geared to less active work at this current moment. If we baptize someone, my fear is that the people will want another; after all, it has been four years since they had a baptism. It is an odd fear, I know. But, this area needs to gradually build itself up, which can be accomplished through less active work. Having a sudden peak through baptism will only ensure a quick and faster descent that will hinder the work. I prayed about this and felt right about it. This area needs time; while yes, we have two investigators who are potential for baptism, they need more time. I have that fear about the zone and it is hard not knowing what is going to happen, because it is not just two people in a new zone, it is an entire area. It just is a bit frustrating to know this and having no one else know. It does not help when you receive nearly daily texts about people being put on date. We are trying and we rejoice in people's success, but as I have learned in the MTC that can really get on people and actually burden them. Another fear is for whoever comes in. Is it odd for me to feel this way? I do not think so. I have seen what this area is like and know now what this area needs. I feel right about it.  And we had basketball that night and I have been doing a bit better with defense.

Thursday, we worked extra hard and nothing came about. We received anti-Mormon material, which was a bunch of garbage.

Friday, we talked with an investigator who has been investigating for three years. We finally got down to the meat of the issue. She had a problem at first with the priesthood, but Dallin H. Oak's talk helped clarify that. Now, she has an issue with tea. She also feels more included in her church that she has been going to for the sake of her mother. At first, it was an obligation, now it is her actually taking a liking.

Saturday, we talked to our investigator who has been having issues with the Word of Wisdom, who wants to be baptized, but just actually wants a clean slate. We saw our less active who is in a nursing home. It was so awesome to see him; his brother came to get him and they and us spent time at the less active's house. We celebrated his birthday, which was back in April. (We weren't able to celebrate in April, because he went to the hospital.) And Sunday, we talked for a while. It was good day. So, our week was okay, up and down, Satan trying to get at me. I woke up this morning feeling good and ready to overcome.

And the checks.... So, I went to Well's Fargo, in the hopes I could cash them. Nope. Why? I did not have an account with them neither did Grandma. So, I looked at where the nearest Bank of America is. Three words: out of area. Which means required permission, miles, etc. I looked at Fredericksburg; also, out of my area at that time when I received the checks. Woodbridge, very dependent on members. So, it may be a while if I can see if they can be cashed. I will update you. I get to be out of the area this coming week for district meeting.

So, I am good. Happy now. I just had a lot of feelings to get out. It was great to see and talk to you. I was glad to see Joy and Bailey as well. I was glad to see Carly, Coda, and Buddy. And more importantly, Mom and Dad, it was great to see you. It was nice to talk. Things will definitely have to be done with the Spirit. Thanks for the chronology. I am almost to the epistles; Paul has yet to go on his third missionary tour.

All is well.

Love,

Elder S. Todd

P.S. Love the quotes, especially Sister Hinckley's. And do not worry over the zone issue, it is not bugging me, it is nothing that you should worry about, it will be what it is.

Meat and Potatoes: Ephesians Chapter 4

Monday, May 5, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

Good news is that I am not being transferred, so it will be a less of a headache for Mother's Day. So, I talked to the person who is allowing us to use his computer for the calls. He told me, via text, to give you his contact info... but I only know his cell phone number . . .

I was not even sure what the Power Show was; it was a giant flea market with a tractor pull. Yes, it was done by a coalition of churches. In fact, I work at a food bank that is run by the same coalition of churches. With this area, it seems as though I am helping the ward to go forward in missionary work and to help certain less actives. We are still trying really hard. The investigator that is on date has some things to work on and we are having to push it back. Another investigator, who is "waiting for her mom to die," finally let us know what is the problem: the priesthood. Luckily, like Apple, we have a talk for that.

I was talking to my companion this past week, especially with my communication (which I will get to). He told me that he thinks I'm proper, just by the way I say my words. He also thinks I sound British, because of the words I use. It is by the words such as "fairly well" and "excellent" that makes him think that. That made me chuckle.

So, before I get to the meat and potatoes of this letter, the one part you want. Monday, we had a district P-day, where we played games. I was distracted in basketball over my communication, so I did not do much. They went easy on me. And when I did actually make a basket, one elder, who is greatly taller than I, picked me up and hugged me, all the while I was being swung. My back hurt after that. Then, we played soccer and they said I did fairly well and asked if I ever played. I told them no and described my brother and Bria and what I did during their games. Apparently, somehow, I picked up something from osmosis.

Tuesday, we went to our blind less active. We do have someone that is working on his music, thankfully. Now we are trying to figure out how to help him, because he avoids gospel topics. He is not ready yet; I personally do feel that. The answer that I have received is to make him happy. Why? Each day is a living nightmare, because he attaches himself to the past with his friends and other things. His life is never going to be what it used to be, yet he latches onto it. Everyday he forgets the day, because "it will be better in the morning" and he wakes up and it is another nightmare. He cannot move forward, because he does not know what to move forward to. He surrounds himself with bitterness. Once we get him to church, he will start to move forward, hopefully. So, make him happy is very limited, because he latches onto something to talk about. Right now, he is talking about massages, because he is a certified deep tissue massage therapist that has no clients.

Tuesday and Wednesday, it had been raining and we had an awesome storm with tornado warnings and such. It was nice. We tracted beforehand and ran into a lady that was deeply devout about the Bible. She had found it sad that we accepted more than the Bible, "for the Bible is everything, for Jesus said it, and if we accept more than the Bible, we call Jesus a liar." We made her very sad, despite how many different ways we tried explaining it. But the storm stopped on Wednesday. We went into the church, then we went out. It was hot and my companion complained about the humidity. (You could see it cling to the glass.) But, to be honest as I said to him, I do not feel it. It just feels hot. (He is from Idaho.) He did not understand until we used our phone to call the weather service and looked at Lemoore. That day it was 96 degrees. I do know that our heat is dry and this is humid, but I cannot tell the difference. It just feels hot.

Friday, we had a zone meeting. Then, we had a companion exchange. It took forever coming home, because a van had hit a bus. That night, I had a wonderful dinner, because I had some excellent conversations. I also have an option to use, (I have to get permission), for the blind less active.

Saturday, we had Elder Bednar and I will get to that. Then, it was a day of service for the rest of the day. We helped a less active by circumstance, the wife of the less active who is in the nursing home, to be uplifted, especially after all she goes through. It really helped her to go forward a bit and turn to God. And Sunday, we helped that less active as well. Plus, we had a special stake conference with Bishop Dean M. Davies.

So, before I get to Elder Bednar, there are a few things I would like to discuss. One, communication. So, I learned to stop fighting God. When you do, you do not win. So, what do I mean? I never accepted where I am and who, in terms of communication, I am. Hence, why I was struck with Proverbs 17:27. I accept the fact that I am a quiet person. Now, I wish I was social, which was also a problem. I figured it was what I needed and I always read about Enoch and Moses who had similar problems and God helped them. Then, I read Ezekial 3:26, which God, to one of His servants (a prophet), struck dumb to make sure he was not a reprover. So, what was I to do? It was accepting where I am and being grateful that I have this weakness. It will get better, however God wants it to get better. It was here that it actually seemed as though I moved forward. Two, I had an idea that I am going to do when I am older. With the journal that I have, particularly the spiritual things written, I am going to get another, later, much later, to formalize all of those spiritual thoughts and form, in a sense, scriptures for my children, using those thoughts, testimonies, and the true scriptures.

Now, Bednar. Elder David A. Bednar is really great, along with Elder Lynn G. Robins and Bishop Dean M. Davies. He is straightforward, yet funny. Meeting an apostle makes them human, because you get to see how they actually are. You still sustain them, but you get to see who they are. Hopefully, that makes sense. We, beforehand, read 3 talks and he followed up with them. He asked questions and we responded; we asked questions and he and the other general authorities answered. It was funny. At first, Sister Bednar spoke, then Bishop Davies, then Elder Robins, and then Elder Bednar. When Bishop Davies came up, he said in the words of a famous song, "I feel good." In response, Elder Bednar, when he got up, told Bishop Davies and us, in good humor, that every Thursday, he has a meeting with the Apostles and the First Presidency, and now, he has interesting report to give about Bishop Davies. He reminded Bishop Davies, he was not kidding. Elder Bednar was going to tell them that. Then, Sister Bednar came up and humorously said, "You still like that stuff. Whenever we play the radio on those stations, you always ask me who sang this. I do not know, my grandma never let me listen to that on the radio when I was young." Then, Bednar gave us some guidelines. He was not going to play Guess-What-Is-In-My-Head, because whenever he points (and he pointed to an elder) and asks a question, "that poor elder's mind has gone totally blank. He does not know his name, not even where he is at this point. All he knows is that Elder Bednar is pointing at him. In fact, he is gone blank, just by pointing at him." Later, when we asked questions, he gave guidelines. He was not going to play Stump-the-Apostle, "I forfeit, you win." He told us to not ask where the Sword of Laban is or where Kolob is, "I do not know and I do not care." He told us not to pull an obscure verse of scripture from Isaiah and ask for the meaning, "I got the same set of scriptures as you do. When I became an apostle, I did not get a set of scriptures with answers in the back."

Now, here is what I got from the entire thing, because they did not give talks. Sister Bednar briefly spoke, which helped confirm that this is the time for preparing for the future. Bishop Davies reminded me that I am on the Lord's errand. Elder Lynn G. Robins reminded me that part of what I have learned thus far is to fight Satan and the darkness. It also reminded me a future trial I will face with a certain temptation. And that will come from marrying at the appropriate time and day, which may indeed be later than I expect.

Elder Bednar modeled teaching for me. I learned overall the Gospel is active and personal. We have agency; we are agents to act and not objects to be acted upon. Satan wants us to be objects. We have to learn in faith and pray in faith. It is all active, not passive. Conversion is acting on testimony. We should expect to act and to choose the right, because we chose to make covenants that said to do that. My own teaching has to be active and personal. I am to be the conduit, which means being worthy and bring in the Spirit. My pattern of teaching is and should be asking questions and testifying. It requires in part, observing and listening. My goal is also to help others to learn to find things out for themselves. Interestingly for me, he hit a lot of my patriarchal blessing and helped me to understand it. That is in part where I got this new direction on my teaching. When the time comes and the mission ends, I should keep the habits I have learned. Now, I am not expected to wear a white shirt and tie. The world is supposed to and should be weird for me. (As if is not already.) I should not quickly go back to the world and perhaps just be in the world and not of the world. I should always have a temple recommend, be on guard, and be humble. The world will be like in Babylon. "Whenever [I] enter into a mall, it should feel as though I am in the midst of Babylon." By accepting the covenants and things of the Lord, I am enlarging my agency.

Bishop Dean M. Davies spoke at the special stake conference, which was quite different from most stake conferences. He focused on the temple. I need to have a testimony of it. I have a few active and less active people who dislike the temple. I was reminded to have a testimony and then enter into the new and everlasting covenant. The temples show God's love, because it is where the living and the dead receive ordinances. We should not be afraid to talk of Jesus Christ. After all, we are Christ's church. It is okay to talk about Him. He put that we are the Christian church, due to its restoration. (Of course, we do not go around saying that.)

After all of that, I felt exhausted. Spiritually drained is the fastest way to be physically drained. I did not want to do much yesterday after getting home from stake conference. I was done for the day and it was only 1:00 PM. Of course, I worked.

All is fairly well!

Love,

Elder S. Todd

P.S. Can I be honest for a second? Well, either way, this makes me laugh. But, I always mentioned Avatar: The Last Airbender for a reason. I knew you never did like it and thought it was just a cartoon. So, I always brought it up for the fact that, "Hey, other people like it too!" 

Easter, A Time to Remember

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

I am glad you had a good "Holy Week." (Somebody mentioned that in a talk yesterday and I thought it to be an interesting term.) I did receive both packages, both from the Primary (the younger children of the congregation in Lemoore) and you. Thank you for the package; I really enjoyed getting the package from the family! I will eventually write the Primary. Eventually.
The weather is indeed bipolar here; it was cold one day and the next it was warm. I have been expecting showers. On Saturday, there was this utmost beautiful sunset despite the clouds. I so wished I had my camera. It was a brilliant purple and red, with a hint of pink. As it continued to set, it turned a dark red, which was amazing to see.

My companion is recovering, thankfully. I am doing better. When did I headaches at home? I hardly remember. Why did I get them? Regardless, my companion, albeit recovering, was badly sick  on Tuesday. He needed rest, so three hours went by. And slowly he recovered from there. I just drank lemonade and my throat is a lot better. I just have a mysterious cough that does not bother me until night time and that is pretty much when it does bother me. 

I really focused on the Savior this week. I read all the gospels at the same time and worked with the Bible Dictionary's chronology. My favorite gospel is John. Luke seems to be the opposite of me; I like order and Luke puts part of a sermon of Jesus in one chapter, another part in another chapter, and the last piece in another chapter. But, amazingly everything did work out where I finished on Sunday. It was truly great to do. I read his death on Saturday and then I went to bed. It left a lot of time to reflect and grow my thoughts. I honestly felt the reality of His death and His suffering on the cross and in the garden. It really coupled with what I know about His Resurrection and the message of hope. While there is despair in the world, there is still that hope; the hope of relief, of joy, of second chances, and of so much more.

Easter was fun. We stopped by people who invited us over. I got to watch some of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform Handel's Messiah; in fact, I am currently listening to it. Absolutely beautiful. It was quite enjoyable. I woke up early before the sun rose (about 6:00 and the sun rose later) and read about the Resurrection. It was an overall good day. As much as I was trying to focus on the Savior, I could not help, but wonder, "Now what?" I thought of Peter who went fishing. I realized that this is what we witness or testify of along with the message of the Restoration. So, the answer to my wondering is now I go forth, become who the Savior wants me to be. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I plan on writing you a letter reflecting the thoughts I have.

Oh, I tried lamb this week! It was delicious! I think an awesome Easter tradition I would like to do is to have the Passover meal as my Easter meal. Have lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs. It would be perfect to remember the Savior. I think it is an excellent idea. And I experimented this week with food and cooking. So, you know how to make tacos? Well, I used that idea and then I decided to add ingredients and roll the tortilla to hold it in. Do you know what that makes? Eggrolls. I was quite amazed. It just tastes like eggrolls and maybe it is due to the fact I used flour tortillas. I have no idea. Because only one of the ingredients I had (which were cabbage, red bell pepper, onion, cheese, and non-jarred jalapenos) actually is used in eggrolls. Thus, I have created Mexican eggrolls.

I realized this week, because I have been having a bit more trouble with my communication, that I speak at a much higher level than most people. I did not have any stuttering episodes or frozen tongue moments, but I think people still have a hard time understanding me. Then, I made that realization and now, I am figuring out how to make things simple. I can make the gospel simple, but when it comes to casual conversation, I, not realizing, use bigger words. So, I am slowly learning about communication. I thought about praying for the gift of tongues to make myself to speak the language in simple terms.

This week on the 26th, we have booth at a Powhatan Power Show (a coalition of churches raises money to aide community members). It is going to be good. We are doing family history, which is going to be next topic of 

discussion. 

I am really excited for family history and I do recommend doing more of it. The Church has put on a new website of sorts that is connected to Family Search (familysearch.org). It is called Puzilla.org and it is simply neat, phenomenal. The idea is not only finding our ancestors, but also finding our cousins. Well, the site is just neat to look at for us as far as I can tell. But, there is still things we can do. One, adding siblings to the tree is another thing we can do. Adding stories that other people can see about us and our ancestors. The idea of family history is not only the idea of trying to do ordinances for their salvation, but give them history. I term it as I heard about it on a video, the idea of the dash (what has happened in their life). Any information we have we should index and any sources we find should be sourced to the individual (or individuals) to whom it belongs . Have you been on Family Search recently? Again, I recommend it. Why? Well, we may have more clues, more specifically to Mom. Mom, did your father, Emilio, have a brother name Manuel Calderon Galvez (as put in Family Search)? If so, then do we have more family? I never found them or even sourced them, but they have been added for some reason. No sources for them either other than they have been added by Family Search and the Church. Do you know a Julian R. Arana? They have reserved a lot of stuff for that side. They are Mexican and do speak Spanish. Maybe you can find them on Facebook or through Family Search, find their email. Remember Spanish is required.

All is well.

Love,

Elder S. Todd

P.S. Also, our less active in the hospital went to a nursing home in another area. We are a bit sad about that. But our investigator is progressing; he just needs to quit smoking.

The Most Historical Week of All History

Monday, April 14, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

This is the week of Easter! I am so excited for this time, except it seems everyone around me is like, "Bah! Humbug!" Everyone seems to be in a depressing mood. I am excited because this week is one of the most historical of all history. This is the week where Jesus performed the Atonement! So, this week I plan on focusing on the Savior and any spare time, any time I do have I am reading the gospels and continuing my study of the New Testament. I am a bit far from the Last Week, but I will be able to get to it, hopefully before Easter Sunday. There was an emergency email that we got from President that I thought was a great idea from the Church. I am usually the one complaining about the limitations we do have (particularly with studies), but I was really, really excited. The Church has put out a video titled 'Because of Him,' which can be found here: mormon.org/BecauseofHim. It is an excellent video and despite not having the technological capacity to share it, I wish I could tell people about it. But, again, everyone is a depressing mood and thinks that this video has come out too late and that there is not enough notice. Sigh. This video is great for sharing and it puts the focus on the meaning of Easter. It can be shared and talked about it. Man, if I had the capacity to use it, I would not only share the video, but also share the site and other "Life of Jesus Christ" videos that correlate with this last week and other discourses that are available via video. Alas, I do not, but hopefully I inspired you to at least remember Easter.

Our knee replacement less active (the one who broke his leg two years ago) went to the hospital again for pain. So, I have not seen him in a while. I made him a birthday card, but that is going to be held onto until he gets out. (We are not able, without permission, to go see him.) 

Tuesday, we had interviews with President. I went on exchanges with the district leader in Manchester. We ran into this one family, which were quite nice. Their kids gave us a tour of the house and showed us their toys. There is something always new that happens. 

Wednesday, I have no recollection of. None, because I was tired. I woke up at 4 in the morning with a migraine. It sucked. I thought by closing my eyes, I could go back to sleep and take care of it in the morning. No. My body wanted to be awake and I should have thought, "Oh yeah, I need to get medicine, because my body specifically woke me up to do that." When I have headache, I do not think, because it hurts. So, I laid there for an hour, because I did not have medicine on me for I was on exchanges and I was the only one to be up at the time. In the midst of agony, I was so kind enough to let people sleep. Finally, I woke up someone to see where they had medicine, especially after my headache migrated from the back of my head to the middle and I was starting to get cold shakes. After taking medicine, I was able to sleep for an hour and a half when I had to get up. I was tired and wiped out the entire day. Not much to say about Wednesday.

Thursday, we mainly planned. We saw one of our investigators who is progressing to baptism. He is slowly quitting smoking, which is good. We answered his questions about the Plan of Salvation. 

Friday was a day of service. From 11 to 8, we helped people. For one person, we helped her clean her koi pond. I saved a fish's life, because it somehow, as rocks were being removed, got on the ground. Later on, I noticed it (it looked dead) and the woman touched it. It wiggled and she tossed it in. She hated to have the fish removed, because she was afraid of hurting them. As we were filling it up and it got to nice level, she briefly went inside. My companion decided to toss the fish back in, because it was the only way and it would not hurt them. She came back out and was so afraid that by tossing the fish, it would hurt them. Eventually, all seven fish were back in the pond. Then, we helped another person who needed some yard work done. We had an excellent dinner with them. 

Saturday, we tried to find people that are less active, which was fruitless, unfortunately. Sunday, we had an excellent dinner with some members. It was fajitas and they gave us sangria. It was a nice meal. Then, we had a nice conversation with another member who needs help. It was a good week.

And now, my companion is sick and I have a sore throat (sort of). I woke up with a very sore throat, but I drank lemonade and my problem is pretty much almost gone. I am just spitting up gunk. Other than that, I am perfectly fine. (Well, I am not perfect, but I am fine.) My companion is just very sick. Other than that, everything is good. The apostle that is coming is David A. Bednar, which is one of my well-liked apostles. With him will be Elder Lynn G. Robins and Bishop Davies. I am excited for that. 

I am glad to hear of the thoughtfulness of the elder's on Dad's birthday. I am glad things are going well.

I am so excited for Easter. Because of Him, my joy is full. I can be clean and live again with my Heavenly Father. I can be with my family forever. Because of His Great Sacrifice, I will follow his example. As he said to those of old, to which also applies to us, "Come, follow me." I solemnly testify that Jesus is the Christ. He lived on this earth and died for each and every one of us. I know that He rose from the dead. He lives! He is Risen! I know these to be true for I know them by the power of the Holy Ghost. I know Jesus Christ. This I do testify, in His name, Jesus Christ, amen.

Love,

Elder S. Todd

She Was Going to Do "What" to Me??????

Monday, April 7, 2014
Powhatan, Virginia
Virginia Richmond Mission

It has been a good week. (Keep reading.)

On Tuesday, we had dinner with some members, who surprised us. Thankfully, it was not anything we ate. Rather, they surprised us by inviting people, members and non-members, to come over and join with us. It was such a good time, listening to the people. I absolutely loved it, something that I would love to do in the future. I would also love to teach my children at a young age to say such things as "expulsion of malodorous effluvium" (do not know how to spell the last word, but it is a try). It was an excellent time. (No that wasn't the good part. Keep reading)

Wednesday, we went shopping at Wal-Mart. I have been buying granola bars for breakfast and I needed some. I went into the aisle and was met with this old black woman. It was an experience. One, she was quite loud (she hooted and hollered) and two, she babbled. She said she spoke in tongues and proceeded to babble. We explained about prophets and conference and helped her understand us. Our conversation ended and I went to politely shake her hand. She latched on like an octopus. She began to say something about Jesus and other things in her babble. My companion eventually pulled me away after about thirty seconds of this. I merely thought she was praying for me, not being selfish here, but for the mere fact that she was a religious person. As we walked away from this woman and aisle, I said, "Oh, we forgot to grab the granola." My companion simply replied, "We will turn around and get it when she is gone." I later was told that she was casting devils out of me. Well, okay, I guess I feel better now the devils are cast out of me. I asked my companion, "Does this happen often in Powhatan?" He told me, "Welcome to Powhatan."

All is well!

Love,

Elder S. Todd

Past, Present, Future in Powhatan, Virginia

 April 7, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

I asked my companion and he said sending packages to our apartment should be fine. He never had a problem. I really cannot say much. I do not have problems with the apartment, because you open one door and you are in a hall, then you can get to our apartment from there. (Side note: it smells like an old book.) I have no idea yet about Mother's Day. I just hope to see people. And yes, rent out my room. I mean, I am gone and will be gone for a while. Just leave my boxes wherever they may be or put them somewhere safe. No worries about replacing me. As for my dog, it sounds like she is terribly sad and thus, possessive. (If you really think about my dog, you will remember how many times people or animals have left her.) But, that is just me and my weird personality. As for the name of Powhatan, it is the name of Pocahontas' father.

I get up at 6 in the morning, thirty minutes before schedule to exercise. There were a few days before this that I did not exercise, because I was beat. It generally would be when you have a bit of time trying to get to sleep, then waking up at 5:20, 5:30, or 5:50. Luckily, today I was able to sleep in a bit.

I have heard about "Ordain Women," which I absolutely loved Dallin H. Oaks talk about the priesthood. I want to reread it again. It put everything right and it all made sense. I loved D. Todd Christofferson's talk about our Lord Jesus Christ, who is indeed resurrected. That was an excellent testimony builder. I plan on writing to you about my thoughts and feelings that I have felt. I will say these things. One, the mission will prepare me for my future. Well, thinking about this, yes, it is perhaps a "duh statement." However, in light of me withholding my studies, it made me realize what I need to say and do. I am not ashamed in the things that I have learned from the mission, especially from my studies. I have found my self and I have made improvements. Do I forego the people? Do I forget them? No. As I serve others, I learn more about myself, the more the Spirit teaches me about what I need to do. It is all in preparation for my future and the eternities. I also say that I know I must defend my faith and my beliefs. I have a more solemn witness of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

We told the youth of the ward mission plan. It did bring a lot of pain to myself, feeling regretful for not sharing the gospel in high school. It hurt a bit, because I feel as though I failed. But, I do feel that it will be made up in its own due time and I feel better. My concern about it has passed. For zone meeting on Friday, I was asked to give another spiritual thought on teaching with faith. I hope it went well, because I was prepared and I just followed the Spirit. People did thank me at the end. I just hope I made sense. Oh and I am so happy to be here in this area at this time. Why? On May 3rd and 4th, an apostle is coming here. I do not know which one, but I am excited.

I have been meeting, slowly, our investigators. I am just ready to get out there, but I have to remember that this is a different pace here. Two investigators are progressing. One towards baptism, wherein he has been slowly quitting smoking and has been coming. He watched General Conference with us on Sunday and watched two on Saturday. Another investigator who is really busy, but really wants to meet with us, progressed. He knows the Restoration is true. It is exciting and hopefully, we will be able to meet with him more often. Our less active leg man has been doing fairly well; it is evident that he is depressed. We are working with him a lot to not only help him physically, but also help him spiritually. There is much hope that this gospel can bring.

There is a lot to do in this area. We served and are serving in a coalition of churches food bank. That has been new of recent, though some time before I got here. I think of where I am now, not physically, but spiritually, and how far I have come. I know not where this journey will take me and I cannot see the road ahead, but I am excited for continual progression.

All is well!

Love,

Elder S. Todd