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Monday, September 17, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
O Fim
Well here it is. After the countless days you spend thinking that it will never end, it's here. It hasn't hit me yet. I should probably apologize for that because I have a sneaking suspicion that it will not hit me until I am delivering a homecoming talk. I apologize for the simple reason that you will all have to see me realize that. Nothing has meant more to me in my lifetime than the time that I have spent serving the Lord. Coming to the end I now can firmly testify with fire in my soul that my time could not have been better spent. I feel like this email needs to have a couple of purposes; to tie up loose ends, to be bold in testimony, and to "leave it all on the court".
Speaking of the past week and it's events seems somewhat unnecessary at the present time because I will be able to relate them in such a better mode of communication shortly.
Of far greater importance is what I wish to communicate; what I have learned while here. In every email since arriving in this now-sacred state of Iowa I have included a section entitled, "Things I Have Learned". I now include once again, "The Things I Have Learned", on a much grander scale.
First; I have learned and come to the understanding that Jesus is the Christ. I now know more than I have ever before, or could have ever known without this experience of a mission, that He lives. I know his gospel. I know of his selfless character. I have learned that nothing is superior to his atoning power. He is the great Jehovah of the Old Testament and the God of Israel. He is the God of Jacob, Abraham, and Moses. I know that He walked upon this earth not as a fictional character but that He really was here. I know that after his ascension to the our Father he came to the American continent and taught the gospel he taught in what we know as Palestine. I know that He lives today. I know his atonement is the only thing that can bring us closer to our Father in Heaven.
Second; I have learned that Joseph Smith is indeed the prophet of the restoration. I have felt the spirit confirm that to me over the numerous times I have shared his story with others. I know and testify that he was called of God as he said he was. This last week I sat in the temple which he saw in vision, even that of Nauvoo. I sat in the temple Joseph dreamed of, worked on, and was persecuted for. There is presence of the spirit in that great building greater than I have felt elsewhere. As I read the 124th section of the Doctrine and Covenants revealing that the temple should be built I knew and felt it was divine. The prophet Joseph's message was divine. He was divinely led to deliver it. I testify that he was a prophet of God.
Third; I have learned of the gospel. I have learned of it's simplicity. I have learned of it's divine origin. I know it to be true. I have learned that by following it's sacred pattern we can partake of the atonement so freely offered by The Master. The simple, yet precious steps, of faith, repentance, baptism, reception of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end constitute the doctrine of Christ. It is the way to salvation.
Fourth; I have come to learn more of the scriptures. I know that they are a blessing. I know that they are from our Heavenly Father and an expression of his unconditional love. They speak to the very soul of man and answer the questions we all have. They support each other. They are true.
Fifth; I have learned of the Priesthood and the calling of it's officers. How grateful I am for a mission president who magnifies his calling. He, and his wife supporting him, have been called by god through the powers of the Priesthood to lead and guide the missionaries in this section of The Lord's vineyard. I love them. I sustain them. I know that God calls all of us to be where we must to fulfill His grand plan.
Sixth; I have learned to love the people of Iowa. I have come to love this beautiful part of the world. That love is a gift from God that I have learned to accept. I have forever been touched and changed deeply by this sacred place and these heavenly people.
Seventh; I have learned to love every companion. I have learned to love unconditionally. I have learned to not judge others and poison the well of their character before I see them as Christ does. I appreciate what I have learned from them as well. There is a brotherhood in companionships that cannot be created or found in any other place. Bound by the Lord, serving Him, we can only be successful together. I have loved every companion with which I have served.
Eighth; I have learned to pray. I have learned how essential it is to our progress as well as our success. I have learned how to have a two way communication with God our Heavenly Father. I have learned through that medium of prayer more of his love and compassion for us. I have learned that the time we spend on our knees in communion with him is never wasted. I have learned that prayer motivates people to change things.
Ninth; I have learned to serve and to love doing so. I have learned that by serving others we love them more deeply. We see them more as God himself sees them. I have learned that time spent serving others is not simply "spent" at all but rather invested and the returns are great.
Tenth; I have learned that Faith endures. I have learned that the power of faith is remarkable. I know that it is only our faith that will see us through the challenges and trials that will surely come to us. Faith is power. Faith in Jesus Christ can change things for our good. Faith can move mountains, both physical and metaphorical. I have learned that faith must always be maintained through righteous decisions. Our faith is only strong if we act in righteous congruency to our beliefs.
These are ten of the the major things that I have learned on my mission that I know will bless my life forever. There is a countless list of others but these are of most importance. My life has been and will forever be changed by my mission. I have tried very hard to make the following statement a motto for my mission:
"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made--I am a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, worldly-talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer and I labor with power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, hired away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, give up till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes my banner will be clear! I must go 'til he comes. Give 'til I drop. Preach 'til all know. And work 'til he stops me and when he returns for his own he will have no problem recognizing me. My banner will be clear."
I have much work left to do but I know, because of my mission, I am on the right track.
I love you all so much! I can't thank you all enough for your endless support. I pray for you. Soon enough I will be with you again.
"And I make an end of my writing upon these plates, which writing has been small; and to the reader I bid farewell, hoping that many of my brethren may read my words. Brethren, adieu." (Jacob 7:27)
Hugs and Kisses,
For the last time,
Elder Excell
Speaking of the past week and it's events seems somewhat unnecessary at the present time because I will be able to relate them in such a better mode of communication shortly.
Of far greater importance is what I wish to communicate; what I have learned while here. In every email since arriving in this now-sacred state of Iowa I have included a section entitled, "Things I Have Learned". I now include once again, "The Things I Have Learned", on a much grander scale.
First; I have learned and come to the understanding that Jesus is the Christ. I now know more than I have ever before, or could have ever known without this experience of a mission, that He lives. I know his gospel. I know of his selfless character. I have learned that nothing is superior to his atoning power. He is the great Jehovah of the Old Testament and the God of Israel. He is the God of Jacob, Abraham, and Moses. I know that He walked upon this earth not as a fictional character but that He really was here. I know that after his ascension to the our Father he came to the American continent and taught the gospel he taught in what we know as Palestine. I know that He lives today. I know his atonement is the only thing that can bring us closer to our Father in Heaven.
Second; I have learned that Joseph Smith is indeed the prophet of the restoration. I have felt the spirit confirm that to me over the numerous times I have shared his story with others. I know and testify that he was called of God as he said he was. This last week I sat in the temple which he saw in vision, even that of Nauvoo. I sat in the temple Joseph dreamed of, worked on, and was persecuted for. There is presence of the spirit in that great building greater than I have felt elsewhere. As I read the 124th section of the Doctrine and Covenants revealing that the temple should be built I knew and felt it was divine. The prophet Joseph's message was divine. He was divinely led to deliver it. I testify that he was a prophet of God.
Third; I have learned of the gospel. I have learned of it's simplicity. I have learned of it's divine origin. I know it to be true. I have learned that by following it's sacred pattern we can partake of the atonement so freely offered by The Master. The simple, yet precious steps, of faith, repentance, baptism, reception of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end constitute the doctrine of Christ. It is the way to salvation.
Fourth; I have come to learn more of the scriptures. I know that they are a blessing. I know that they are from our Heavenly Father and an expression of his unconditional love. They speak to the very soul of man and answer the questions we all have. They support each other. They are true.
Fifth; I have learned of the Priesthood and the calling of it's officers. How grateful I am for a mission president who magnifies his calling. He, and his wife supporting him, have been called by god through the powers of the Priesthood to lead and guide the missionaries in this section of The Lord's vineyard. I love them. I sustain them. I know that God calls all of us to be where we must to fulfill His grand plan.
Sixth; I have learned to love the people of Iowa. I have come to love this beautiful part of the world. That love is a gift from God that I have learned to accept. I have forever been touched and changed deeply by this sacred place and these heavenly people.
Seventh; I have learned to love every companion. I have learned to love unconditionally. I have learned to not judge others and poison the well of their character before I see them as Christ does. I appreciate what I have learned from them as well. There is a brotherhood in companionships that cannot be created or found in any other place. Bound by the Lord, serving Him, we can only be successful together. I have loved every companion with which I have served.
Eighth; I have learned to pray. I have learned how essential it is to our progress as well as our success. I have learned how to have a two way communication with God our Heavenly Father. I have learned through that medium of prayer more of his love and compassion for us. I have learned that the time we spend on our knees in communion with him is never wasted. I have learned that prayer motivates people to change things.
Ninth; I have learned to serve and to love doing so. I have learned that by serving others we love them more deeply. We see them more as God himself sees them. I have learned that time spent serving others is not simply "spent" at all but rather invested and the returns are great.
Tenth; I have learned that Faith endures. I have learned that the power of faith is remarkable. I know that it is only our faith that will see us through the challenges and trials that will surely come to us. Faith is power. Faith in Jesus Christ can change things for our good. Faith can move mountains, both physical and metaphorical. I have learned that faith must always be maintained through righteous decisions. Our faith is only strong if we act in righteous congruency to our beliefs.
These are ten of the the major things that I have learned on my mission that I know will bless my life forever. There is a countless list of others but these are of most importance. My life has been and will forever be changed by my mission. I have tried very hard to make the following statement a motto for my mission:
"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made--I am a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, worldly-talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer and I labor with power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, hired away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, give up till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes my banner will be clear! I must go 'til he comes. Give 'til I drop. Preach 'til all know. And work 'til he stops me and when he returns for his own he will have no problem recognizing me. My banner will be clear."
I have much work left to do but I know, because of my mission, I am on the right track.
I love you all so much! I can't thank you all enough for your endless support. I pray for you. Soon enough I will be with you again.
"And I make an end of my writing upon these plates, which writing has been small; and to the reader I bid farewell, hoping that many of my brethren may read my words. Brethren, adieu." (Jacob 7:27)
Hugs and Kisses,
For the last time,
Elder Excell
Elder Excell is Coming Home!
Since we've had a lot of inquiries... :)
Elder Excell will be reporting his mission on
Sunday, August 26th
8:30 a.m.
Fairway Building
2000 S. Fairway
Pocatello, ID 83201
Thank You so much to so many of you who have been a huge support to our missionary!!
Monday, August 13, 2012
"If I walk, would you run"
Man oh man. Where to even begin. Well....as it has been made clearly apparent by my companions today, I now have as many days as I have fingers until I no longer get to be here anymore. It hits more and more every day. I'm starting to teach with more emotion knowing that it will be my last. I'm starting to testify to strangers as I have never done before. I am promising blessings to those same people as if there were no tomorrow, quite simply because there's not too many remaining. It's all starting to come to a close.
This upcoming week will fly by. Today as an entire zone we will be going to the Iowa State Fair and filling our bellies with deep fried butter, twinkies, and oreos. There will probably be a turkey leg in there as well. Tomorrow I leave bright and early for the Nauvoo temple with the rest of my departing group. I also will probably be there on Wednesday because our zone most likely won the friendly competition. Thursday is District meeting. Friday is service and weekly planning. Saturday is transfer calls shortly followed by my last sacrament meeting as a missionary on Sunday. After that there is not much left to do other than to pack and say my goodbyes. It will fly faster than any other previous week.
This last week was a great one tho. Last week in church as an entire stake we fasted for moisture and rain. Well guess what happens when a bunch of Mormons pray for rain...they get it in large quantities. I haven't seen a drop all summer until this week and it is like the heavens unloaded all that they had previously held back. We had so much rain this week in comparison to the past. On one of those days, I was not so happy about it tho. While dodging a fallen tree I wrecked on the bike. Not too bad so I get back up a little frustrated and embarrassed so being a man I took off and sped away as fast as possible. About 10 minutes later because of the aggression I wrecked again. This one was worse tho. I tore up my shirt pretty good and muddied my slacks. My elbow is also now scabbed over with a good size pavement burn. I also, in an attempt to save the bike, laced it on top of me and instead of using it to catch me as I hit the barrier used my own feet. I hurt my bad ankle pretty good. Nothing serious but it hurt. I made it 103 weeks without a bike wreck as a missionary....It just had to happen! I learned to not get angry tho! =)
I've become a huge fan of Menchie's Frozen Yogurt. It's the best. We went twice this last week because we met some people there. The first time we met a lady named Sharon who we met at the human services building while doing service. She's cool. We had a really good lesson with her. We also met Vanessa, who is the BYU girls basketball player from a couple of weeks ago. Both really cool and we got fro-yo. Fine with me. =)
We had two more invitations to baptism this week. One with a part member family. The wife is not a member. She's actually a former collegiate athlete as well. She's just starting the Podiatry program here at DMU so we'll work with her. She accepted. We also invited Gary's fiance to be baptized when she felt that it was true and she accepted as well. As of right now, they don't have dates set in stone but we're working towards that. Today we'll be going to the fair with Alex, the girl who will be baptized on the 15th of September. She dogged us the other night tho so that was ridiculous. We had dinner planned with her and as we pulled in she pulled out. Oh well. We'll see what's up with her today. We still had dinner with her mom and had a great lesson there as well. It's so amazing how the gospel can help every situation.
We made a woman cry because we tried to invite her to read and pray. She is a the girlfriend of a member and after Elder Pope invited her to pray she just started to cry and ran into the bathroom never to be seen again. Ooops. It was pretty awkward. We eventually decided it would probably be best if we just left. I'm not sure if we'll ever see her again.
We had lunch on Saturday with Ken. He's a sweet guy. He's lonely and uses the word "flea-market" far more then necessary but aside from that he's cool. He has so much random stuff in his house from the flea-market. I'm not sure if any of you have seen the show, "Hoarders", but most of it takes place in Iowa I'm pretty sure. Ken's not close enough to be a contestant for the show but he could be on American pickers. He's just got so much random collectible stuff like cars, and carvings, and kaleidoscopes. It was fun to eat with him and have him show us around his place. It amazed me tho that with every item in his house he knew where it was and how much he originally bought it from the flea market from. Pretty amazing.
I had the opportunity to sing and talk in church this week. My comps teased me and called it the "Excell Show." It went very well. I sang a Sally DeFord version of "Be Still My Soul" and I talked about honoring the priesthood which I carry. Both went really well and I received many compliments. It really hit me tho....that was my last time bearing public testimony as a missionary. Wow. I'm going to miss this for the rest of my life.
Things I learned this week:
-Don't ride a bike aggressively in the rain
-Fasting and Prayer can bring rain in large quantities.
-There is no way to look good in a helmet.
You know I've written nearly 100 letters home now. I'm not running out of things to talk about tho. How could you with such an amazing plan as this gospel. I mean if we can have 364 semi-annual general conferences and still get something out of it...that right there should be indicatory of it's truthfulness. I am so thankful for the gospel. I am thankful for the church that allows me to access the gospel. I am thankful for my family and the support they are. I am thankful for the companions I have had that have taught me so much. I'm thankful for the life lessons I have learned on my mission . I am thankful that Heavenly Father gives multiple second chances. I am thankful that the Lord has watched over my family and friends in my absence from them. I am thankful for the miracles I have witnessed. I am thankful for the testimony I have gained. I am thankful for the people that I have met that will affect my for the rest of my life and into the eternities. I am thankful for the 2 countries that I have come to love deeper than before. I am thankful for prayer. I am thankful for scriptures. I am thankful for pioneers that have motivated me to be where I am. I am thankful that I can now see my potential and I am thankful for the desire I have to work towards it. I am thankful that I was able to be away from the world and see where personal caution tapes need to be placed. I am thankful for my Savior. I am thankful for his eternal and infinite Sacrifice.
Really that atonement is all that matters. I cannot answer the question "How does it work?". It is simply miraculous in every sense of the word. It is really THE miracle of our existence. But if you take away that first word in that question, it becomes "Does it work?". I am thankful that I can testify with so many others in the affirmative! It does work! It is all that really matters!
Until next time...when this all comes to a close; The last installment of my mission blog. I love you! I hope you can feel that from here. I have a pretty decent idea of all the people that read these. I pray for you. I love you sincerely. I am pulling for you and I hope you can feel that.
I love you all very much!
Hugs and Kisses ya'll,
I love you,
Elder Excell
This upcoming week will fly by. Today as an entire zone we will be going to the Iowa State Fair and filling our bellies with deep fried butter, twinkies, and oreos. There will probably be a turkey leg in there as well. Tomorrow I leave bright and early for the Nauvoo temple with the rest of my departing group. I also will probably be there on Wednesday because our zone most likely won the friendly competition. Thursday is District meeting. Friday is service and weekly planning. Saturday is transfer calls shortly followed by my last sacrament meeting as a missionary on Sunday. After that there is not much left to do other than to pack and say my goodbyes. It will fly faster than any other previous week.
This last week was a great one tho. Last week in church as an entire stake we fasted for moisture and rain. Well guess what happens when a bunch of Mormons pray for rain...they get it in large quantities. I haven't seen a drop all summer until this week and it is like the heavens unloaded all that they had previously held back. We had so much rain this week in comparison to the past. On one of those days, I was not so happy about it tho. While dodging a fallen tree I wrecked on the bike. Not too bad so I get back up a little frustrated and embarrassed so being a man I took off and sped away as fast as possible. About 10 minutes later because of the aggression I wrecked again. This one was worse tho. I tore up my shirt pretty good and muddied my slacks. My elbow is also now scabbed over with a good size pavement burn. I also, in an attempt to save the bike, laced it on top of me and instead of using it to catch me as I hit the barrier used my own feet. I hurt my bad ankle pretty good. Nothing serious but it hurt. I made it 103 weeks without a bike wreck as a missionary....It just had to happen! I learned to not get angry tho! =)
I've become a huge fan of Menchie's Frozen Yogurt. It's the best. We went twice this last week because we met some people there. The first time we met a lady named Sharon who we met at the human services building while doing service. She's cool. We had a really good lesson with her. We also met Vanessa, who is the BYU girls basketball player from a couple of weeks ago. Both really cool and we got fro-yo. Fine with me. =)
We had two more invitations to baptism this week. One with a part member family. The wife is not a member. She's actually a former collegiate athlete as well. She's just starting the Podiatry program here at DMU so we'll work with her. She accepted. We also invited Gary's fiance to be baptized when she felt that it was true and she accepted as well. As of right now, they don't have dates set in stone but we're working towards that. Today we'll be going to the fair with Alex, the girl who will be baptized on the 15th of September. She dogged us the other night tho so that was ridiculous. We had dinner planned with her and as we pulled in she pulled out. Oh well. We'll see what's up with her today. We still had dinner with her mom and had a great lesson there as well. It's so amazing how the gospel can help every situation.
We made a woman cry because we tried to invite her to read and pray. She is a the girlfriend of a member and after Elder Pope invited her to pray she just started to cry and ran into the bathroom never to be seen again. Ooops. It was pretty awkward. We eventually decided it would probably be best if we just left. I'm not sure if we'll ever see her again.
We had lunch on Saturday with Ken. He's a sweet guy. He's lonely and uses the word "flea-market" far more then necessary but aside from that he's cool. He has so much random stuff in his house from the flea-market. I'm not sure if any of you have seen the show, "Hoarders", but most of it takes place in Iowa I'm pretty sure. Ken's not close enough to be a contestant for the show but he could be on American pickers. He's just got so much random collectible stuff like cars, and carvings, and kaleidoscopes. It was fun to eat with him and have him show us around his place. It amazed me tho that with every item in his house he knew where it was and how much he originally bought it from the flea market from. Pretty amazing.
I had the opportunity to sing and talk in church this week. My comps teased me and called it the "Excell Show." It went very well. I sang a Sally DeFord version of "Be Still My Soul" and I talked about honoring the priesthood which I carry. Both went really well and I received many compliments. It really hit me tho....that was my last time bearing public testimony as a missionary. Wow. I'm going to miss this for the rest of my life.
Things I learned this week:
-Don't ride a bike aggressively in the rain
-Fasting and Prayer can bring rain in large quantities.
-There is no way to look good in a helmet.
You know I've written nearly 100 letters home now. I'm not running out of things to talk about tho. How could you with such an amazing plan as this gospel. I mean if we can have 364 semi-annual general conferences and still get something out of it...that right there should be indicatory of it's truthfulness. I am so thankful for the gospel. I am thankful for the church that allows me to access the gospel. I am thankful for my family and the support they are. I am thankful for the companions I have had that have taught me so much. I'm thankful for the life lessons I have learned on my mission . I am thankful that Heavenly Father gives multiple second chances. I am thankful that the Lord has watched over my family and friends in my absence from them. I am thankful for the miracles I have witnessed. I am thankful for the testimony I have gained. I am thankful for the people that I have met that will affect my for the rest of my life and into the eternities. I am thankful for the 2 countries that I have come to love deeper than before. I am thankful for prayer. I am thankful for scriptures. I am thankful for pioneers that have motivated me to be where I am. I am thankful that I can now see my potential and I am thankful for the desire I have to work towards it. I am thankful that I was able to be away from the world and see where personal caution tapes need to be placed. I am thankful for my Savior. I am thankful for his eternal and infinite Sacrifice.
Really that atonement is all that matters. I cannot answer the question "How does it work?". It is simply miraculous in every sense of the word. It is really THE miracle of our existence. But if you take away that first word in that question, it becomes "Does it work?". I am thankful that I can testify with so many others in the affirmative! It does work! It is all that really matters!
Until next time...when this all comes to a close; The last installment of my mission blog. I love you! I hope you can feel that from here. I have a pretty decent idea of all the people that read these. I pray for you. I love you sincerely. I am pulling for you and I hope you can feel that.
I love you all very much!
Hugs and Kisses ya'll,
I love you,
Elder Excell
Monday, August 6, 2012
Pictures!!
-B-Day Cupcake cake!!! SO GOOD!
-Elder Larson when I tickle his feet! He's so ticklish!
-In cube form...
-In exploded form...
-My best friend, Peaches.
-Elder Pope with the cake we made him!
"...And maybe I'm not ready, but I'll try.."
This week has been such a great week! I feel bad that I use all of these explosive adjectives to describe my week! I think I ran out of them about 67 weeks ago but it really was just a great week! I had a lot of fun. We did a lot of work. I learned a lot. I became one year older and wiser too! It's been a fantastic week, now I just hope I can remember some highlights to explain.
As I mentioned I am, according to the papers, one year older. I had such a great Birthday this year as I do every year. It started out with a surprise and a clever one at that! My companions, whom I love, told me they wanted some donuts after our companionship study, so I obliged. We walked into the local Hy-Vee bakery and as I was perusing the donut selection Elder Larson snuck off to the counter and somehow acquired a cupcake cake with my name on it wishing me happy birthday! To all of you who were involved I thank you! It brightened my day! And to whoever chose to include the skittles and peachie-o's knows me extremely well. The rest of the day was pretty normal in terms of the work but I couldn't imagine anywhere else that I would rather be then doing the work of the Lord. What a present that he has given me all year long!
I had a trip back to Brazil this week...not physically of course but emotionally for sure. We had eaten once at the Hancock's home and Brother Hancock served in Brazil so we did the Mormon thing and spoke Portuguese with each other and talked about Brazil as if it were home. Well they invited us back for dinner the next week and we had rice and beans and mousse de maracuja, or passionfruit mousse. Oh man I was in heaven. We even had Goibada...which is like guava fruit leather...with fresh mozzarella cheese. It was the best meal I have had in a long time. I miss Brazil so much and am still very envious of my sister! She leaves next week for my favorite country other than my own! One of the other meals we had was with the Davis family and we had cheese bread there as is customary to Brazil as well. I found out that Brother Davis served in Belo Horizonte. Needless to say, I miss Brazil a lot this week!
Not that the week was so good because of the meals, but we have some dang good meals around here. On Saturday night we went to Jethro's with some members and Elder Larson got dared into attempting the infamous Adam Emmeneker challenge. It was pretty funny to watch and he did pretty well although I still have yet to watch a successful attempt at the challenge. They made a pretty big deal of it tho because it was at night so they paraded the sandwich all through the tables while people took pictures of the monstrosity. They announced his name and everyone in the place cheered him on. If nothing else the frequenters of Jethro's BBQ now know that us Mormon missionaries like to have fun too. Great publicity. On Sunday we made dinner with a guy named Jacob. We bought a pork roast and some potatoes and carrots and the whole deal. He's a member that just moved here to start med school and lives by himself so it was a good bachelor night. He's a body builder and huge! He's just a teddy bear tho. He and I will be friends for years to come I'm sure.
We rode bikes all week long which is great for my diet. I have officially reached my goal and weigh 170 pounds dripping wet. Now when I get home I can hit the gym and look like a modern day Nephi. I'm pretty excited to have more than 2 10 pound dumbbells to work with. =) The downside to the bikes is that it has been 100 degrees and over every day this week. I think I'm intaking probably close to 150-200 ounces of water on the daily. But don't worry, I'm not dehydrated. Don't you worry Mom!
This week it poured like crazy on Saturday. We've been praying for rain and well...it came in abundence. We were sitting inside studying and I remembered the quote in my head, "Life isn't about avoiding the storms, but learning to dance in the rain." So we did. We all three got up from the table and changed our clothes and went and played in the rain like a bunch of toddlers. It was so much fun! I will not soon forget that! I'll try to send the video. =)
Just a thought in passing....I miss the Olympics. We went to buffalo wild wings for lunch on Thursday and saw the many screens of sports and I really miss the patriotic unity that is built from those games.
I solved an intense Rubik's cube this week. It is a traditional 3x3 but the squares are not squares. They are actually different rectangular shapes. It of course starts as all cubes do...in a cube. But with a couple of twists it looks like the new york city skyline. I figured it out tho. Interestingly enough the same algorithms used to solve a normal cube work for the rectangular dimensions as well. I love Rubik. He was a good man I think. He's taught me a lot. Like, "You have to mess some things up in other to make others right."
We watched my best friend, Peaches, the snake eat this week! That was crazy! We fed her some drumsticks and she downed them whole. We are looking to trap a squirrel or bunny to assist in the food chain process and feed to her now!
On Saturday, a huge highlight of the week happened. We were riding our bikes past the stake center and saw some cars. I recognized many from Waukee Ward and so we stopped in. It completely passed my mind that Lisa, the oldest daughter of Ben and Tina Meier was getting baptized. I saw the whole family and many tears and smiles were present. I love that family so much! Their entire family of 6 kids and 2 parents have now all been baptized. I am so luck to be a witness to that change in their life! I love them! I get to see them again on the 26th of August at my homecoming. =) They will be out in Utah visiting Grandma and they are going to make the trip up to see the meeting. They are so cool!
In our own area we are doing work. Every time that we set a baptismal date we are supposed to call President and tell him about our success. The first time we called him he informed us that we were the first tri-panionship to set a date. Well we now have 4 baptismal dates in the area. Alex, who is 17 is awesome. She wasn't feeling well when we met with her so I had the privilege of giving her a blessing. It was very spiritual. I love blessings. Gary is older man set to be baptized on the 15th of September, the same day as Alex. And then Questin and Sherry, mother-son combo, are set for the 8th of that same month. It's so awesome to watch people progress. I will not be here to watch their baptism but I do not need to be. They are great people and I'm glad I was able to be a part of the whole process.
Things I learned this week:
-With great power, comes great responsibility.
-Detach.
It is upon this detaching principle that I would like to close today's epistle. It's something that I've been learning for quite some time. It's really i guess how to enjoy every moment to the fullest. Regret is most often formed when we do not enjoy perfectly where we are now. If we cannot learn to enjoy the present the past always looks way to enticing and the future looks so much dimmer. It is in relishing the moment where the secret lies. In our lifetimes we will feel happy, hopeful, capable, adequate, comfortable, eager, stable, inspired, and loved. We will also at times feel concerned, tired, jittery, uncomfortable, indifferent, sad, nervous, and lonely. I have learned that there is fulfillment in feeling all of these emotions to their deepest depth. When we are happy we should enjoy and saturate ourselves as deeply as possible in that emotion because if we do not then we cannot move past it. When we are sad we must do the same, feel sad to the very doldrums of sadness. The reason I feel this is so key to personal success is because when these emotions come and go we need to recognize them. Feel them as deeply as imaginable and then hang them back up on the coat rack of emotions and move forward. It is ok to feel sad sometimes but do not cling on to it and miss out on the other emotions being offered you. We can't dwell on emotions or cling to them . I fear that I have done this too much in my life. I have clung to an emotion probably out of fear for the unknown emotion next to come. But I can now testify that life is so much better when we can learn what emotions we are feeling, feel them deeply, and then hang them out and leave them behind until we are to feel something else. It's such a better way to live.
I have loved every moment of my mission. It is no secret now that my time is drawing short. I can see and now feel the end in sight. In a time where I have never felt more bipolar in my life, this practice has helped me. My buddy, Elder McGuire emailed me today and said this, "all i can say is just ride every last feeling to its full extent!!! When the crazy sad feeling that missionary life is coming to an end, let it engulf you so you can realize just how great its all been... when the relentless feeling of how amazing its going to be to be home and to be with family and friends again... let it engulf you so you can fully realize the amazing blessing its been to sacrifice all of that to serve the Lord.... but more than anything...... LET THAT LOVE FOR THE GOSPEL AND THE WORK OF HELPING OUR BROTHERS AND SISTER DOMINATE EVERY SECOND OF YOUR DAY!!!!!!!" That is my goal, that is my desire for the future 17 days. I will not regret a moment of them. I love you all so much! I cannot wait to see you all again very soon. Keep chugging my friends, I'm here if you need a push or tow, but just keep keeping on.
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
As I mentioned I am, according to the papers, one year older. I had such a great Birthday this year as I do every year. It started out with a surprise and a clever one at that! My companions, whom I love, told me they wanted some donuts after our companionship study, so I obliged. We walked into the local Hy-Vee bakery and as I was perusing the donut selection Elder Larson snuck off to the counter and somehow acquired a cupcake cake with my name on it wishing me happy birthday! To all of you who were involved I thank you! It brightened my day! And to whoever chose to include the skittles and peachie-o's knows me extremely well. The rest of the day was pretty normal in terms of the work but I couldn't imagine anywhere else that I would rather be then doing the work of the Lord. What a present that he has given me all year long!
I had a trip back to Brazil this week...not physically of course but emotionally for sure. We had eaten once at the Hancock's home and Brother Hancock served in Brazil so we did the Mormon thing and spoke Portuguese with each other and talked about Brazil as if it were home. Well they invited us back for dinner the next week and we had rice and beans and mousse de maracuja, or passionfruit mousse. Oh man I was in heaven. We even had Goibada...which is like guava fruit leather...with fresh mozzarella cheese. It was the best meal I have had in a long time. I miss Brazil so much and am still very envious of my sister! She leaves next week for my favorite country other than my own! One of the other meals we had was with the Davis family and we had cheese bread there as is customary to Brazil as well. I found out that Brother Davis served in Belo Horizonte. Needless to say, I miss Brazil a lot this week!
Not that the week was so good because of the meals, but we have some dang good meals around here. On Saturday night we went to Jethro's with some members and Elder Larson got dared into attempting the infamous Adam Emmeneker challenge. It was pretty funny to watch and he did pretty well although I still have yet to watch a successful attempt at the challenge. They made a pretty big deal of it tho because it was at night so they paraded the sandwich all through the tables while people took pictures of the monstrosity. They announced his name and everyone in the place cheered him on. If nothing else the frequenters of Jethro's BBQ now know that us Mormon missionaries like to have fun too. Great publicity. On Sunday we made dinner with a guy named Jacob. We bought a pork roast and some potatoes and carrots and the whole deal. He's a member that just moved here to start med school and lives by himself so it was a good bachelor night. He's a body builder and huge! He's just a teddy bear tho. He and I will be friends for years to come I'm sure.
We rode bikes all week long which is great for my diet. I have officially reached my goal and weigh 170 pounds dripping wet. Now when I get home I can hit the gym and look like a modern day Nephi. I'm pretty excited to have more than 2 10 pound dumbbells to work with. =) The downside to the bikes is that it has been 100 degrees and over every day this week. I think I'm intaking probably close to 150-200 ounces of water on the daily. But don't worry, I'm not dehydrated. Don't you worry Mom!
This week it poured like crazy on Saturday. We've been praying for rain and well...it came in abundence. We were sitting inside studying and I remembered the quote in my head, "Life isn't about avoiding the storms, but learning to dance in the rain." So we did. We all three got up from the table and changed our clothes and went and played in the rain like a bunch of toddlers. It was so much fun! I will not soon forget that! I'll try to send the video. =)
Just a thought in passing....I miss the Olympics. We went to buffalo wild wings for lunch on Thursday and saw the many screens of sports and I really miss the patriotic unity that is built from those games.
I solved an intense Rubik's cube this week. It is a traditional 3x3 but the squares are not squares. They are actually different rectangular shapes. It of course starts as all cubes do...in a cube. But with a couple of twists it looks like the new york city skyline. I figured it out tho. Interestingly enough the same algorithms used to solve a normal cube work for the rectangular dimensions as well. I love Rubik. He was a good man I think. He's taught me a lot. Like, "You have to mess some things up in other to make others right."
We watched my best friend, Peaches, the snake eat this week! That was crazy! We fed her some drumsticks and she downed them whole. We are looking to trap a squirrel or bunny to assist in the food chain process and feed to her now!
On Saturday, a huge highlight of the week happened. We were riding our bikes past the stake center and saw some cars. I recognized many from Waukee Ward and so we stopped in. It completely passed my mind that Lisa, the oldest daughter of Ben and Tina Meier was getting baptized. I saw the whole family and many tears and smiles were present. I love that family so much! Their entire family of 6 kids and 2 parents have now all been baptized. I am so luck to be a witness to that change in their life! I love them! I get to see them again on the 26th of August at my homecoming. =) They will be out in Utah visiting Grandma and they are going to make the trip up to see the meeting. They are so cool!
In our own area we are doing work. Every time that we set a baptismal date we are supposed to call President and tell him about our success. The first time we called him he informed us that we were the first tri-panionship to set a date. Well we now have 4 baptismal dates in the area. Alex, who is 17 is awesome. She wasn't feeling well when we met with her so I had the privilege of giving her a blessing. It was very spiritual. I love blessings. Gary is older man set to be baptized on the 15th of September, the same day as Alex. And then Questin and Sherry, mother-son combo, are set for the 8th of that same month. It's so awesome to watch people progress. I will not be here to watch their baptism but I do not need to be. They are great people and I'm glad I was able to be a part of the whole process.
Things I learned this week:
-With great power, comes great responsibility.
-Detach.
It is upon this detaching principle that I would like to close today's epistle. It's something that I've been learning for quite some time. It's really i guess how to enjoy every moment to the fullest. Regret is most often formed when we do not enjoy perfectly where we are now. If we cannot learn to enjoy the present the past always looks way to enticing and the future looks so much dimmer. It is in relishing the moment where the secret lies. In our lifetimes we will feel happy, hopeful, capable, adequate, comfortable, eager, stable, inspired, and loved. We will also at times feel concerned, tired, jittery, uncomfortable, indifferent, sad, nervous, and lonely. I have learned that there is fulfillment in feeling all of these emotions to their deepest depth. When we are happy we should enjoy and saturate ourselves as deeply as possible in that emotion because if we do not then we cannot move past it. When we are sad we must do the same, feel sad to the very doldrums of sadness. The reason I feel this is so key to personal success is because when these emotions come and go we need to recognize them. Feel them as deeply as imaginable and then hang them back up on the coat rack of emotions and move forward. It is ok to feel sad sometimes but do not cling on to it and miss out on the other emotions being offered you. We can't dwell on emotions or cling to them . I fear that I have done this too much in my life. I have clung to an emotion probably out of fear for the unknown emotion next to come. But I can now testify that life is so much better when we can learn what emotions we are feeling, feel them deeply, and then hang them out and leave them behind until we are to feel something else. It's such a better way to live.
I have loved every moment of my mission. It is no secret now that my time is drawing short. I can see and now feel the end in sight. In a time where I have never felt more bipolar in my life, this practice has helped me. My buddy, Elder McGuire emailed me today and said this, "all i can say is just ride every last feeling to its full extent!!! When the crazy sad feeling that missionary life is coming to an end, let it engulf you so you can realize just how great its all been... when the relentless feeling of how amazing its going to be to be home and to be with family and friends again... let it engulf you so you can fully realize the amazing blessing its been to sacrifice all of that to serve the Lord.... but more than anything...... LET THAT LOVE FOR THE GOSPEL AND THE WORK OF HELPING OUR BROTHERS AND SISTER DOMINATE EVERY SECOND OF YOUR DAY!!!!!!!" That is my goal, that is my desire for the future 17 days. I will not regret a moment of them. I love you all so much! I cannot wait to see you all again very soon. Keep chugging my friends, I'm here if you need a push or tow, but just keep keeping on.
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
Monday, July 30, 2012
Clothespins
I'm almost at a loss for how to start this email. I'm not sure where to even begin. I have a couple of things jotted down in my planner to write about today but all of those seem somewhat superfluous at this time. I will try to include this week some lessons that I have learned not only this week but throughout my mission.
I have pondered much this week about clothespins. That seems somewhat silly from first glance but let me explain. I am finding very deep and abiding truths in very simple things as of late. This week it just so happened to be a clothespin I found hanging on our wall. During my personal study I saw it in the corner of my eye and focused on it. I thought to myself, "How does this relate to the gospel of Jesus Christ?" Now let me mention I am referring to a more modern clothes pin and not those of an older style. They have two wooden pieces and a metal pin and coil that holds them together. I thought about some of the people that I have met on my mission. I thought about the almost overwhelming amount of divorce and broken homes that I have seen and in that moment it hit me. Clothes pins demonstrate such an eternal principle. I looked at those relationships and the one things that was missing in all of them was the Savior. Many people of the world today do not understand that our relationships must be founded up Christ, the rock of our salvation. Each piece of wood would be rendered useless alone and even when combined with one another the still cannot complete much of a task. It is only when the two are perfectly yolked with one another and something greater than them both assists to making the function together. I have learned on my mission that that very principle, simple it may be, should be practiced among all couples and in all relationships. A relationship can accomplish nothing unless somehow each piece is fastened to the other by the Lord. I love learning small lessons like that.
This entire week I have pondered a lot about what I have learned on my mission and how much it will change my life forever. Eventually, someday soon unfortunately, my mission will have ended but in writing the next paragraph I hope I may always look back and see what I gained from my mission. Hopefully you can take something away from what I have learned.
Life becomes more meaningful through experience. Sincere emotions are conveyed by being shown rather than told. We all need to find the rhythm beating inside of us and dance regardless of who is watching. We should be the definition of what we do rather than have what we do define us. We must rise above societal expectations and be extra-ordinary. It is possible to understand yourself better than anyone or anything else shy of Deity. The world will not stop to pick you up when you are down. It is impossible to quit anything that you truly love. Death or ending should not be treated any differently than beginnings. Never put off for tomorrow what you could have done today. Compliment others early because eventually it will be too late. We need to make something of our life, not have our life make something of us. Never break your promises. When reality is accepted, success can and will follow. Remember and accept the past and build off the strong points of it's foundation. Everything that we become is culminated from the decisions that we make. Always forgive others and seek the forgiveness of others. It's never to late to get involved and try to make a difference. It is ok to grieve but only in moderation. We must then choose to pick ourselves up out of sorrow's rut. A smile is the single most beautiful physical trait of anyone. Always accept and offer friendship and kindness. Planning is a form of preparation and never should be underestimated. What we learn in life we must share, for the only way to learn all that we need to is to learn from others. We must always look at the bigger picture because it will help us prioritize the things that matter most. "Normal" is not always synonymous with good. Self reflection allows self progression. There is nothing more pitiable than someone choosing to live unhappily. We create our own happiness and find it in small and simple things. True love always wins. Whatever you subconsciously and consciously love the most will always win in the end. Don't give up your precious time on earth to saturate yourself in the drama of others, especially those of a fictitious nature and those whom you will never know personally. Devote yourself to something that gives you purpose and meaning. The world does not need you. It moves on with or without you. Listening sincerely is a pure demonstration of true love. If you really want it, you'll make it happen. Little things make the biggest difference. It's not about us, it's about us helping others. Be optimistic even when it seems utterly senseless. Focus solely on what you can control and do not stress about the rest. Compassion is gained from experience. No one person, with the exception of Deity, is greater than anyone else. We must learn to give and receive love freely. Crying is ok...in moderation. We must acknowledge opposition, the good and the bad, but do not dwell on the negative longer than is needed. Trust is a two way relationship always growing or diminishing congruently with our actions. We all need a hero. Second chances should be given freely and taken when offered. Friendship needs no words to be existent. It is possible to make the best of every situation. Love is a necessity to survival. Life begins when the reality of death and endings are accepted. We must prioritize the things of most importance and leave no room for distractions. The world with all it's materialistic fashions will never permanently satisfy. Laughter is a good indicator of overall success. Nothing in life will ever support you more than your own family. And lastly, we must learn some, live some, and love some every day.
These lessons are priceless to me. If it were possible to sell them I could not because they mean everything to me. I have needed very much in my life to go through what I have to be where I am now so that I may learn these lessons everyday. I am so thankful for the time the Lord has allowed me to serve Him and am sure that I have benefited far more than He. I find it interesting that none of these lessons had to be learned in the context of the gospel but they are all there. I suppose it is because the Lord is not just the Lord of the gospel, but the Lord of the whole world. These lessons can be learned, I am sure, outside of the gospel he taught on Earth. But, I would wager that they could never be learned as easily or quickly through any other medium than the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I know that that gospel is true. I am so thankful for the rich blessings offered to me by being a partaker of it. I hope that I may continue to share the hopeful message regardless of the time remaining where I am privileged to wear the tag. I testify that the gospel of Christ is a cure-all for every problem. The answers are there if we will but only ask, seek , and knock. It is my testimony that when we do so He will always be there waiting for us because He loves us. He desires our happiness and success.
Very honestly and sincerely, I love all who read this.
Your friend,
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
I have pondered much this week about clothespins. That seems somewhat silly from first glance but let me explain. I am finding very deep and abiding truths in very simple things as of late. This week it just so happened to be a clothespin I found hanging on our wall. During my personal study I saw it in the corner of my eye and focused on it. I thought to myself, "How does this relate to the gospel of Jesus Christ?" Now let me mention I am referring to a more modern clothes pin and not those of an older style. They have two wooden pieces and a metal pin and coil that holds them together. I thought about some of the people that I have met on my mission. I thought about the almost overwhelming amount of divorce and broken homes that I have seen and in that moment it hit me. Clothes pins demonstrate such an eternal principle. I looked at those relationships and the one things that was missing in all of them was the Savior. Many people of the world today do not understand that our relationships must be founded up Christ, the rock of our salvation. Each piece of wood would be rendered useless alone and even when combined with one another the still cannot complete much of a task. It is only when the two are perfectly yolked with one another and something greater than them both assists to making the function together. I have learned on my mission that that very principle, simple it may be, should be practiced among all couples and in all relationships. A relationship can accomplish nothing unless somehow each piece is fastened to the other by the Lord. I love learning small lessons like that.
This entire week I have pondered a lot about what I have learned on my mission and how much it will change my life forever. Eventually, someday soon unfortunately, my mission will have ended but in writing the next paragraph I hope I may always look back and see what I gained from my mission. Hopefully you can take something away from what I have learned.
Life becomes more meaningful through experience. Sincere emotions are conveyed by being shown rather than told. We all need to find the rhythm beating inside of us and dance regardless of who is watching. We should be the definition of what we do rather than have what we do define us. We must rise above societal expectations and be extra-ordinary. It is possible to understand yourself better than anyone or anything else shy of Deity. The world will not stop to pick you up when you are down. It is impossible to quit anything that you truly love. Death or ending should not be treated any differently than beginnings. Never put off for tomorrow what you could have done today. Compliment others early because eventually it will be too late. We need to make something of our life, not have our life make something of us. Never break your promises. When reality is accepted, success can and will follow. Remember and accept the past and build off the strong points of it's foundation. Everything that we become is culminated from the decisions that we make. Always forgive others and seek the forgiveness of others. It's never to late to get involved and try to make a difference. It is ok to grieve but only in moderation. We must then choose to pick ourselves up out of sorrow's rut. A smile is the single most beautiful physical trait of anyone. Always accept and offer friendship and kindness. Planning is a form of preparation and never should be underestimated. What we learn in life we must share, for the only way to learn all that we need to is to learn from others. We must always look at the bigger picture because it will help us prioritize the things that matter most. "Normal" is not always synonymous with good. Self reflection allows self progression. There is nothing more pitiable than someone choosing to live unhappily. We create our own happiness and find it in small and simple things. True love always wins. Whatever you subconsciously and consciously love the most will always win in the end. Don't give up your precious time on earth to saturate yourself in the drama of others, especially those of a fictitious nature and those whom you will never know personally. Devote yourself to something that gives you purpose and meaning. The world does not need you. It moves on with or without you. Listening sincerely is a pure demonstration of true love. If you really want it, you'll make it happen. Little things make the biggest difference. It's not about us, it's about us helping others. Be optimistic even when it seems utterly senseless. Focus solely on what you can control and do not stress about the rest. Compassion is gained from experience. No one person, with the exception of Deity, is greater than anyone else. We must learn to give and receive love freely. Crying is ok...in moderation. We must acknowledge opposition, the good and the bad, but do not dwell on the negative longer than is needed. Trust is a two way relationship always growing or diminishing congruently with our actions. We all need a hero. Second chances should be given freely and taken when offered. Friendship needs no words to be existent. It is possible to make the best of every situation. Love is a necessity to survival. Life begins when the reality of death and endings are accepted. We must prioritize the things of most importance and leave no room for distractions. The world with all it's materialistic fashions will never permanently satisfy. Laughter is a good indicator of overall success. Nothing in life will ever support you more than your own family. And lastly, we must learn some, live some, and love some every day.
These lessons are priceless to me. If it were possible to sell them I could not because they mean everything to me. I have needed very much in my life to go through what I have to be where I am now so that I may learn these lessons everyday. I am so thankful for the time the Lord has allowed me to serve Him and am sure that I have benefited far more than He. I find it interesting that none of these lessons had to be learned in the context of the gospel but they are all there. I suppose it is because the Lord is not just the Lord of the gospel, but the Lord of the whole world. These lessons can be learned, I am sure, outside of the gospel he taught on Earth. But, I would wager that they could never be learned as easily or quickly through any other medium than the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I know that that gospel is true. I am so thankful for the rich blessings offered to me by being a partaker of it. I hope that I may continue to share the hopeful message regardless of the time remaining where I am privileged to wear the tag. I testify that the gospel of Christ is a cure-all for every problem. The answers are there if we will but only ask, seek , and knock. It is my testimony that when we do so He will always be there waiting for us because He loves us. He desires our happiness and success.
Very honestly and sincerely, I love all who read this.
Your friend,
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
Monday, July 23, 2012
The One That Got Away
What a week! One week ago I sat in the Waverly Public Library thinking that I would be finishing my mission there but alas, nothing gold can stay. I have been transferred back to the Des Moines area in the 2nd ward and am now serving with Elder Larson and Elder Pope in a threesome. It's a little different but I like it.
I need to take a minute tho for an ode to Waverly. I love that town so much. There are so many people in Bremer County, of which Waverly is county seat, that I will miss and love forever. I had the opportunity and privilege to get to know so many great individuals and families. I made a lot of plans before leaving the area in hopes to see those people again. I hope they work out in due time. I promise I'll keep my end of the deal. I've wanted very much in all my areas to establish lasting relationships and Waverly was no exception. So to a few standout families if you ever read this, I want you to know how much I appreciate you and what you taught me. The Garner's: You probably didn't think you made that much of an impact on me but I hope I can have a family just like yours someday. The Larson's: You taught me to love what I do, and never quit singing. I think down the road, that will be a huge blessing to me. The Austin family: I don't even know where to start. All I can say is you will be a major part of my life forever. I just know it. There are so many others that could easily make that list but those three particularly have touched my life for good. I can't wait to see you all again either in Idaho soon or when I come back to visit someday.
That being said, let me tell you about where I am. I am right next to another favorite part of the world of mine; Waukee, Iowa. In fact I have emailed from the West Des Moines Public Library a handful of times already and am excited to be back. I love this area. I am excited to be with Elder Larson who has been out for 20 months. We've always wanted to serve together and thought the chance had passed but it would appear that that ship got held up in the harbor and never sailed. He's from Riverton, UT and a stud. I am also serving with Elder Pope from Arlington, VA. He's awesome. He's been out about 4 months now and has a lot of fire. He's a convert of about 18 months at this point and doing really good work.
I love the people that I've already met around her. I even convinced my companions that we needed to go running this morning so we ran the daily 5k and it was great. I beat my record time and ran it in 21 minutes this week.
With the sudden transfer this week has been a bit of a blur to be honest. But these are the things that I remember, not necessarily in order of occurrence.
I held a snake this week. It's name is Peaches and no, it did not end up on our kill list. It's actually a Python that a guy in Des Moines owns. I got some great pictures and am excited to pass those on. The guy's name is Jake and I love him. He and I get along really well. He's going through a pretty tough time in his life right now trying to make some decisions and good ones at that. He's come a long way already to be where he is now. He's huge by the way. Probably the most ripped man I have ever seen in person. He played football for the University of Utah a couple years ago. Great guy. Anyway, yesterday we had a really good discussion with him. I learned in that discussion that in life as much as we wish we could control everything, and at some times even restrict the agency of others to have our own way, we cannot. We should only worry about what we can control. For in reality, nothing else matters to us besides what we want control. Over the course of my mission I have learned and developed a blueprint for the life I want to have. I have some direction to take when arriving home. I know what kind of job I would like, how many kids I want to have, and what kind of wife I would like to marry. Those are all, for the most part, things I can control. I guess Joseph Smith said it best, "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." I guess the bottom line is if you have in mind what you want, and you have confirmed by the spirit that it is good, then go for it and while doing so only focus on what you can control. Maybe to be a little less scriptural, I believe it was Michelangelo who said, "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." Go for your blueprint and do it. Don't let anything hold you back from what you want. If you have a plan, stick to it and go for what you want. It was pretty neat to meet Jake because coincidentally at the same time we were having frozen yogurt with a former girl's basketball player. I was sitting next to two collegiate athletes. Pretty awesome. I felt humbled in their presence.
We also met with a man named L.E. again in Waverly. As we chatted with him on his porch our conversation could not keep centered on the gospel. It was pretty apparent that he didn't want to talk about it because we would drift back into politics and what not. I almost felt as if when we were there that we were wasting our time. Well as we got up to leave L.E. said, "Boys, thanks for coming to see me. (Commence tear rolling down cheek.) You have no idea how much it means to me and helps me." I know I came on a mission to reap the seeds that others have sowed but with a comment like that I am perfectly content to plant some seeds like L.E.
Last night we had a great lesson with a girl named Alicia. She is awesome. I obviously haven't known her for too long but I can tell she has come a long way to be where she is now. To catch you all up like I had to be caught up, she's an investigator who at one point was having difficulties understanding the spirit and how it communicates with us. Last week she went to Nauvoo with her Boyfriend's family, who are members, and while looking at the original copy of the Book of Mormon in the visitor's center she said it hit her like a ton of bricks. She knew what the spirit was and has not had difficulty recognizing is since. She has a little ways to go yet, but she will be baptized soon. I just know it. She has such a desire.
In Waverly, our car was violently shaking we would get on the highway and go faster than 60 mph. So we called the vehicle coordinator and got permission to take it in and have it checked. What was quite possibly the funniest moments of Auto mechanics I have witnessed. We get out of the car and the man says, "What can we do ya fer?" My response, "Well, I'm no car expert so I couldn't ell ya but as we drive over 60 it starts to rattle real bad on us." His reply, "Oh i know just what you need." He then proceeds to walk to the back of the shop while another man lifts up the car on the jack. The original guy comes back with a sledgehammer and honestly I was a bit nervous at this point. Anyway, he spins the tire at hits it real hard about three times and a mound of dirt two feet in diameter and a foot high comes out from the tire well. He proceeds to do the same thing on the driver's side rear tire. Same result. They drop the car down, put the hammer away, and tell us thanks for stopping in and to not worry about paying. Within a matter two minutes we were in, out, and on the go with about two square feet of dirt less as luggage. It worked. I don't think I'll ever forget his face when he said, "I know just what ya need." Really funny.
As many of you know I haven't partaken of carbonation for a 11 months almost now. It's been great! I highly recommend it. But this week Elder Brown and I found a new beverage of choice. Rockstar Relax. It's a zero calorie, zero carbonation, zero carbohydrate, chamomile drink that tastes like Brazilian passion fruit and relaxes you so much. I felt like I did walking out a Brazilian lunch where they served Passion fruit Flan and just wanting to sleep. I would warn you to not drink it if you do not have plans to sleep within the coming hours.
Things I learned this week-
-The only constants in life are change and true emotions.
- Mother nature is really sick with a fever right now and we're on bikes next week!
The world we live in is a funny thing. It's real confusing at times. As I have been trying to get to know the people here in the area I've once again figured this out. There is so much out there for temporary happiness. The hard part is that at first glance it appears so lasting. We live in a world with rules and restrictions that are not followed. It's almost as if the world is saying, "Practice safe speeding". Safe speeding? Forget speeding, just do it safely? What have we come to? We live in world that tends to simplify the problems and complicate the solutions. I guess to be more scriptural Nephi says, "And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God." This is so false. To be honest our world is pretty skewed. It's pretty messed up. Until we accept responsibility for it and understand the problems as they really are we will get no where. And the solutions are really not that hard. I wish the world could see it as my 12 year old buddy said it a couple weeks ago. "It's all real simple, you just have to live the gospel." I am amazed continually, on a daily basis even, at how amazing and curing this gospel plan really is. It can solve everything. I have yet to encounter a situation or problem, even if complicated, that could have been either avoided or solved by the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is truly a perfect plan with zero holes. A perfect plan can only created by a perfect master. We need to quit looking at man's solutions to these worldly problems and look to the Lord and his solution for us all. I testify that it is the gospel of Christ. As Nephi, my boy, says, " this is the way; and there is none other way". I love the knowledge of the gospel. It truly gives me hope in all situations, even the unexpected ones.
I love you all almost as much as I love it. Until next week my friends. I love you.
Hugs and Kisses,
ElderExcell
I need to take a minute tho for an ode to Waverly. I love that town so much. There are so many people in Bremer County, of which Waverly is county seat, that I will miss and love forever. I had the opportunity and privilege to get to know so many great individuals and families. I made a lot of plans before leaving the area in hopes to see those people again. I hope they work out in due time. I promise I'll keep my end of the deal. I've wanted very much in all my areas to establish lasting relationships and Waverly was no exception. So to a few standout families if you ever read this, I want you to know how much I appreciate you and what you taught me. The Garner's: You probably didn't think you made that much of an impact on me but I hope I can have a family just like yours someday. The Larson's: You taught me to love what I do, and never quit singing. I think down the road, that will be a huge blessing to me. The Austin family: I don't even know where to start. All I can say is you will be a major part of my life forever. I just know it. There are so many others that could easily make that list but those three particularly have touched my life for good. I can't wait to see you all again either in Idaho soon or when I come back to visit someday.
That being said, let me tell you about where I am. I am right next to another favorite part of the world of mine; Waukee, Iowa. In fact I have emailed from the West Des Moines Public Library a handful of times already and am excited to be back. I love this area. I am excited to be with Elder Larson who has been out for 20 months. We've always wanted to serve together and thought the chance had passed but it would appear that that ship got held up in the harbor and never sailed. He's from Riverton, UT and a stud. I am also serving with Elder Pope from Arlington, VA. He's awesome. He's been out about 4 months now and has a lot of fire. He's a convert of about 18 months at this point and doing really good work.
I love the people that I've already met around her. I even convinced my companions that we needed to go running this morning so we ran the daily 5k and it was great. I beat my record time and ran it in 21 minutes this week.
With the sudden transfer this week has been a bit of a blur to be honest. But these are the things that I remember, not necessarily in order of occurrence.
I held a snake this week. It's name is Peaches and no, it did not end up on our kill list. It's actually a Python that a guy in Des Moines owns. I got some great pictures and am excited to pass those on. The guy's name is Jake and I love him. He and I get along really well. He's going through a pretty tough time in his life right now trying to make some decisions and good ones at that. He's come a long way already to be where he is now. He's huge by the way. Probably the most ripped man I have ever seen in person. He played football for the University of Utah a couple years ago. Great guy. Anyway, yesterday we had a really good discussion with him. I learned in that discussion that in life as much as we wish we could control everything, and at some times even restrict the agency of others to have our own way, we cannot. We should only worry about what we can control. For in reality, nothing else matters to us besides what we want control. Over the course of my mission I have learned and developed a blueprint for the life I want to have. I have some direction to take when arriving home. I know what kind of job I would like, how many kids I want to have, and what kind of wife I would like to marry. Those are all, for the most part, things I can control. I guess Joseph Smith said it best, "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." I guess the bottom line is if you have in mind what you want, and you have confirmed by the spirit that it is good, then go for it and while doing so only focus on what you can control. Maybe to be a little less scriptural, I believe it was Michelangelo who said, "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." Go for your blueprint and do it. Don't let anything hold you back from what you want. If you have a plan, stick to it and go for what you want. It was pretty neat to meet Jake because coincidentally at the same time we were having frozen yogurt with a former girl's basketball player. I was sitting next to two collegiate athletes. Pretty awesome. I felt humbled in their presence.
We also met with a man named L.E. again in Waverly. As we chatted with him on his porch our conversation could not keep centered on the gospel. It was pretty apparent that he didn't want to talk about it because we would drift back into politics and what not. I almost felt as if when we were there that we were wasting our time. Well as we got up to leave L.E. said, "Boys, thanks for coming to see me. (Commence tear rolling down cheek.) You have no idea how much it means to me and helps me." I know I came on a mission to reap the seeds that others have sowed but with a comment like that I am perfectly content to plant some seeds like L.E.
Last night we had a great lesson with a girl named Alicia. She is awesome. I obviously haven't known her for too long but I can tell she has come a long way to be where she is now. To catch you all up like I had to be caught up, she's an investigator who at one point was having difficulties understanding the spirit and how it communicates with us. Last week she went to Nauvoo with her Boyfriend's family, who are members, and while looking at the original copy of the Book of Mormon in the visitor's center she said it hit her like a ton of bricks. She knew what the spirit was and has not had difficulty recognizing is since. She has a little ways to go yet, but she will be baptized soon. I just know it. She has such a desire.
In Waverly, our car was violently shaking we would get on the highway and go faster than 60 mph. So we called the vehicle coordinator and got permission to take it in and have it checked. What was quite possibly the funniest moments of Auto mechanics I have witnessed. We get out of the car and the man says, "What can we do ya fer?" My response, "Well, I'm no car expert so I couldn't ell ya but as we drive over 60 it starts to rattle real bad on us." His reply, "Oh i know just what you need." He then proceeds to walk to the back of the shop while another man lifts up the car on the jack. The original guy comes back with a sledgehammer and honestly I was a bit nervous at this point. Anyway, he spins the tire at hits it real hard about three times and a mound of dirt two feet in diameter and a foot high comes out from the tire well. He proceeds to do the same thing on the driver's side rear tire. Same result. They drop the car down, put the hammer away, and tell us thanks for stopping in and to not worry about paying. Within a matter two minutes we were in, out, and on the go with about two square feet of dirt less as luggage. It worked. I don't think I'll ever forget his face when he said, "I know just what ya need." Really funny.
As many of you know I haven't partaken of carbonation for a 11 months almost now. It's been great! I highly recommend it. But this week Elder Brown and I found a new beverage of choice. Rockstar Relax. It's a zero calorie, zero carbonation, zero carbohydrate, chamomile drink that tastes like Brazilian passion fruit and relaxes you so much. I felt like I did walking out a Brazilian lunch where they served Passion fruit Flan and just wanting to sleep. I would warn you to not drink it if you do not have plans to sleep within the coming hours.
Things I learned this week-
-The only constants in life are change and true emotions.
- Mother nature is really sick with a fever right now and we're on bikes next week!
The world we live in is a funny thing. It's real confusing at times. As I have been trying to get to know the people here in the area I've once again figured this out. There is so much out there for temporary happiness. The hard part is that at first glance it appears so lasting. We live in a world with rules and restrictions that are not followed. It's almost as if the world is saying, "Practice safe speeding". Safe speeding? Forget speeding, just do it safely? What have we come to? We live in world that tends to simplify the problems and complicate the solutions. I guess to be more scriptural Nephi says, "And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God." This is so false. To be honest our world is pretty skewed. It's pretty messed up. Until we accept responsibility for it and understand the problems as they really are we will get no where. And the solutions are really not that hard. I wish the world could see it as my 12 year old buddy said it a couple weeks ago. "It's all real simple, you just have to live the gospel." I am amazed continually, on a daily basis even, at how amazing and curing this gospel plan really is. It can solve everything. I have yet to encounter a situation or problem, even if complicated, that could have been either avoided or solved by the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is truly a perfect plan with zero holes. A perfect plan can only created by a perfect master. We need to quit looking at man's solutions to these worldly problems and look to the Lord and his solution for us all. I testify that it is the gospel of Christ. As Nephi, my boy, says, " this is the way; and there is none other way". I love the knowledge of the gospel. It truly gives me hope in all situations, even the unexpected ones.
I love you all almost as much as I love it. Until next week my friends. I love you.
Hugs and Kisses,
ElderExcell
Monday, July 16, 2012
"I done handcuffed lightning and thrown thunder in jail." - Muhammad Ali
Alright, I'm going to use my fellow missionary David Archuleta's lyrics to commence this week's email. "There’s something crazy about this day, like I’m walking on a trampoline, I couldn’t get much higher." I just feel so on cloud nine right now. It's fantastic. It's mostly because I've chosen to be here, on cloud nine, you see. That's a secret that I've learned on my mission but I guess I'll share with you today. You get to choose how you act and react. That's the whole fantastic part of life is it is nothing more than what you choose to make of it.
My mom always asks me to be honest in these emails and I usually am. I will not say that I have included all the things that happen because I try not to dwell on the negative for more than I must. But here's to you mom. An honest email. Last night was a rough night for me. We had yet to do our studies because of the morning church schedule and having plans afterwards. So from 5 o'clock P.M. on we were studying. I made it about 45 minutes and I crashed hard. I fell asleep and Elder Brown did as well. We were both just so exhausted from the week and the month and the year. Anyway I woke up at about 7:30 and felt guilty beyond all reason and I started to get down on myself. I've maybe tried to hold myself to an almost unattainable standard of excellence the past couple months. Anyway I started to psyche myself out and feel a bit overwhelmed with how much we needed to get done and had a little minor breakdown. Well I took a step back and thought for a second. I was choosing to be stressed out. I was choosing to over-react. I was choosing to, in the moment, let go of all sense of reason. I mention this because I learned a very valuable lesson. One that I have learned before but forgot for a couple months. The thought is this; Don't change for the mission, let the mission change you. I was simply trying to fake being a perfect missionary til I got so used to faking it that it was real. It does not work that way. We must be ourselves and work towards our goals. If we simply try to change overnight and cling on to that change forever we have not successfully changed. Change is a process. One where you cannot skip steps. It takes time and you start at the bottom and reach for the top as you climb higher and higher on the ladder to your goals.
Wow I got preachy pretty quick in this epistle. Sorry for any emotional or psychological whiplash this may cause but I fear the rest of the email may follow this precedent. =)
Another thing I learned this week came from the mouth of a twelve year old boy. He does not appear to be the cool kid at his school. He looks like your average newly ordained deacon but when he spoke Sunday he spoke with the same power and authority that the sons of Mosiah, King Benjamin, Nephi, and every other great man spoke with. His talk could not have lasted more than a minute at the most but the content could have filled up hours. He inspired me. His topic was "How to honor the priesthood you carry". He got up and said the following: "Ya know, I haven't been in this priesthood business for too long. I don't know very much. But I have learned in preparing this talk how to honor my priesthood. It's simple. It's all real simple. You just have to live the gospel that Christ taught. If you do that you'll be a better priesthood holder, a perfect husband, and a better person." That was seriously his whole talk. Followed by a testimony he sat down on his bench again and looked into the congregation ahead. I think to some his talk may have seemed unprepared, too short, and unfulfilled. But there was not a greater truth taught in that building that day. It's all real simple as my 12 year old friend said. He spoke so simply and plainly that many probably didn't comprehend his words, just as those listening to the very Son of God did not. He was the picture of power on that stand. You want to be successful? You want to be better? Live the gospel that Christ taught and you will be all of those things. I know that is true as well.
Another monumental molecule of learning I absorbed this week: As I watched a video that I have now seen probably hundreds of times I learned something so simple but powerful. I watched "Together Forever" because I have been pondering some of the people with marital troubles I have encountered on my mission. It's so amazing what this gospel, that I have been so privileged to not only have personally but to now have the opportunity to share, can do. I am so thoroughly convinced at this point that there is not one soul living or dead who could not benefit immensely from the gospel of Jesus Christ. There isn't a man, woman, or child who can not be aided by it. It is remarkable. In a world that gets so stuck in societal norms and ruts of mediocrity this gospel can take what is ordinary and transform it into something extraordinary. I have seen many other people changed by it to say nothing of myself. It is the "light which darkness comprehendeth not". It is the piercing eternal truth. It will always be true. It has already always been true. It will never change for the very author and finisher himself is "the same yesterday, today, and forever." I wish that there was a way for me to cyber-tronically communicate the feelings I have of this gospel. That in and of itself is yet another lesson I have learned. There is a way to communicate positive feelings like love and testimony so that other can understand...it is only through the spirit that we can do this.
I'm sure that this is not the weekly travel log you were expecting this week and if I have disappointed I apologize. It's just that sometimes I cannot contain myself. The dam breaks a little and I just gush a little. It's just that this gospel and my mission have meant everything to me. Everything. My life would be a waste without it and without Him who has made it possible. I testify that Jesus is the Christ. He is the very Son of God. He condescended below everything to do what he did. He is the only light at the end of any dark tunnel. I testify with every fiber of my being that Joseph Smith was and is the prophet of the restoration. I cannot deny the witness I have received concerning that man. He did not fictitiously create a church, a book, and a means of salvation. It all came just as he said it did. That church, and that book, and that means to salvation are true and of divine authenticity. No man unless called by God, and having personal testimony would go through what he did to lie. I testify that the Book of Mormon, even after being dissected, ridiculed, and defaced is true. It is of God and contains as does the Bible the fullness of the everlasting gospel. I want it known very well and perfectly clear that I have a testimony of these things. This testimony is not something that just simply came to me either. I do not expect that any person can simply want a testimony and the next day have it without some sort of personal sacrifice. I know that God lives and is present in every life. Contrary to popular belief, He has not deserted us nor will he ever. If we do not feel his presence in our life then we are the only ones to blame. In every instance I can find it is us who must move first do feel his presence. We first ask and then we receive. We seek first and then he appears. We knock and he will assuredly open. This is a fraction of the testimony within me but I will not let it ever lie dormant. These things are true.
I love you all so much! I'm not even sure if I know who all of you are sometimes, but I can promise you that I do love you! I appreciate your support seen and unseen. I have the best fan section in all the world.
Hugs and Kisses ya'll,
ElderExcell
My mom always asks me to be honest in these emails and I usually am. I will not say that I have included all the things that happen because I try not to dwell on the negative for more than I must. But here's to you mom. An honest email. Last night was a rough night for me. We had yet to do our studies because of the morning church schedule and having plans afterwards. So from 5 o'clock P.M. on we were studying. I made it about 45 minutes and I crashed hard. I fell asleep and Elder Brown did as well. We were both just so exhausted from the week and the month and the year. Anyway I woke up at about 7:30 and felt guilty beyond all reason and I started to get down on myself. I've maybe tried to hold myself to an almost unattainable standard of excellence the past couple months. Anyway I started to psyche myself out and feel a bit overwhelmed with how much we needed to get done and had a little minor breakdown. Well I took a step back and thought for a second. I was choosing to be stressed out. I was choosing to over-react. I was choosing to, in the moment, let go of all sense of reason. I mention this because I learned a very valuable lesson. One that I have learned before but forgot for a couple months. The thought is this; Don't change for the mission, let the mission change you. I was simply trying to fake being a perfect missionary til I got so used to faking it that it was real. It does not work that way. We must be ourselves and work towards our goals. If we simply try to change overnight and cling on to that change forever we have not successfully changed. Change is a process. One where you cannot skip steps. It takes time and you start at the bottom and reach for the top as you climb higher and higher on the ladder to your goals.
Wow I got preachy pretty quick in this epistle. Sorry for any emotional or psychological whiplash this may cause but I fear the rest of the email may follow this precedent. =)
Another thing I learned this week came from the mouth of a twelve year old boy. He does not appear to be the cool kid at his school. He looks like your average newly ordained deacon but when he spoke Sunday he spoke with the same power and authority that the sons of Mosiah, King Benjamin, Nephi, and every other great man spoke with. His talk could not have lasted more than a minute at the most but the content could have filled up hours. He inspired me. His topic was "How to honor the priesthood you carry". He got up and said the following: "Ya know, I haven't been in this priesthood business for too long. I don't know very much. But I have learned in preparing this talk how to honor my priesthood. It's simple. It's all real simple. You just have to live the gospel that Christ taught. If you do that you'll be a better priesthood holder, a perfect husband, and a better person." That was seriously his whole talk. Followed by a testimony he sat down on his bench again and looked into the congregation ahead. I think to some his talk may have seemed unprepared, too short, and unfulfilled. But there was not a greater truth taught in that building that day. It's all real simple as my 12 year old friend said. He spoke so simply and plainly that many probably didn't comprehend his words, just as those listening to the very Son of God did not. He was the picture of power on that stand. You want to be successful? You want to be better? Live the gospel that Christ taught and you will be all of those things. I know that is true as well.
Another monumental molecule of learning I absorbed this week: As I watched a video that I have now seen probably hundreds of times I learned something so simple but powerful. I watched "Together Forever" because I have been pondering some of the people with marital troubles I have encountered on my mission. It's so amazing what this gospel, that I have been so privileged to not only have personally but to now have the opportunity to share, can do. I am so thoroughly convinced at this point that there is not one soul living or dead who could not benefit immensely from the gospel of Jesus Christ. There isn't a man, woman, or child who can not be aided by it. It is remarkable. In a world that gets so stuck in societal norms and ruts of mediocrity this gospel can take what is ordinary and transform it into something extraordinary. I have seen many other people changed by it to say nothing of myself. It is the "light which darkness comprehendeth not". It is the piercing eternal truth. It will always be true. It has already always been true. It will never change for the very author and finisher himself is "the same yesterday, today, and forever." I wish that there was a way for me to cyber-tronically communicate the feelings I have of this gospel. That in and of itself is yet another lesson I have learned. There is a way to communicate positive feelings like love and testimony so that other can understand...it is only through the spirit that we can do this.
I'm sure that this is not the weekly travel log you were expecting this week and if I have disappointed I apologize. It's just that sometimes I cannot contain myself. The dam breaks a little and I just gush a little. It's just that this gospel and my mission have meant everything to me. Everything. My life would be a waste without it and without Him who has made it possible. I testify that Jesus is the Christ. He is the very Son of God. He condescended below everything to do what he did. He is the only light at the end of any dark tunnel. I testify with every fiber of my being that Joseph Smith was and is the prophet of the restoration. I cannot deny the witness I have received concerning that man. He did not fictitiously create a church, a book, and a means of salvation. It all came just as he said it did. That church, and that book, and that means to salvation are true and of divine authenticity. No man unless called by God, and having personal testimony would go through what he did to lie. I testify that the Book of Mormon, even after being dissected, ridiculed, and defaced is true. It is of God and contains as does the Bible the fullness of the everlasting gospel. I want it known very well and perfectly clear that I have a testimony of these things. This testimony is not something that just simply came to me either. I do not expect that any person can simply want a testimony and the next day have it without some sort of personal sacrifice. I know that God lives and is present in every life. Contrary to popular belief, He has not deserted us nor will he ever. If we do not feel his presence in our life then we are the only ones to blame. In every instance I can find it is us who must move first do feel his presence. We first ask and then we receive. We seek first and then he appears. We knock and he will assuredly open. This is a fraction of the testimony within me but I will not let it ever lie dormant. These things are true.
I love you all so much! I'm not even sure if I know who all of you are sometimes, but I can promise you that I do love you! I appreciate your support seen and unseen. I have the best fan section in all the world.
Hugs and Kisses ya'll,
ElderExcell
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Q&A - July 11, 2012
1. Are you still in Waverly and are you still with Elder Brown?
2 for 2 Mombo! I still reside in Waverly with Elder Brown!
2. Last transfer means last companion. Tell me one thing you have learned from each of your companions.
Anderson: Patience in confrontation
Oakey: Big sports boys can be emotional
Palmer: You do what you can do and leave the Lord the rest
Clites: Patience in my own imperfections and inadequacies.
McGuire: Brotherly Love
Maia: Charity and love for those that may be difficult.
Howard: Optimism and a 24/7 smile.
Smith: Heavenly Father knows us all individually and what we need.
Johnson: Embrace your inner nerd.
Kimber: Success is not determined in comparison to others.
Fenn: You can have fun all the time no matter what you do.
Arbon: Humility.
Brown: How to handle confrontation and lead by example.
3. Is today your big Zone P-day and if so, what did you finally decide to do for the big event?
No, not yet! I'm not sure when it is or what we are doing.
4. Best of week past and week ahead?
4th of July was awesome! week ahead: it's a short week! That's relieving.
2. Last transfer means last companion. Tell me one thing you have learned from each of your companions.
Anderson: Patience in confrontation
Oakey: Big sports boys can be emotional
Palmer: You do what you can do and leave the Lord the rest
Clites: Patience in my own imperfections and inadequacies.
McGuire: Brotherly Love
Maia: Charity and love for those that may be difficult.
Howard: Optimism and a 24/7 smile.
Smith: Heavenly Father knows us all individually and what we need.
Johnson: Embrace your inner nerd.
Kimber: Success is not determined in comparison to others.
Fenn: You can have fun all the time no matter what you do.
Arbon: Humility.
Brown: How to handle confrontation and lead by example.
3. Is today your big Zone P-day and if so, what did you finally decide to do for the big event?
No, not yet! I'm not sure when it is or what we are doing.
4. Best of week past and week ahead?
4th of July was awesome! week ahead: it's a short week! That's relieving.
T.G.I.W.
Man, life is so good! Does anyone else just have those days when you feel on top of the world. It's funny because about 2 hours ago I wasn't looking forward to today but things changed, Elder Brown and I made the best of the situation and now I feel on cloud nine! I love it!
This week has been sooo good! It felt a little long since my body is programmed to have a mental break on Monday and when I don't get that I can tell a difference! It just pushes you a little bit more! It's real crazy to think that the next time I email home on Wednesday will be 2 days before I am in the arms of those I love! T.G.I.W.!
As far as transfers go this week I feel a bit like Katniss, I imagine, from the Hunger Games. I put my ticket into the transfer bowl and they pick who goes and who stays. Luckily I have survived the call once again! I will finish my mission in the great town of Waverly, Iowa! I can't imagine anywhere else I would like to end! I love this town!
This week was so great! I am so thankful for my freedoms that I enjoy because of the blessing I have living in this nation. On the fourth of July we visited a couple of people during the day in the blazing blistering heat. It was so hot here. But at night we had a branch party and it was the best 4th of July I have ever had! It started out with a good old fashioned American barbeque. I really enjoyed that and then while we were walking around the perimeter of the house I took about 3 buckets of water to the face and got absolutely soaked! From that point on there was no hope for the guilty Young Women of the Waverly branch! We retaliated after removing items of personal worth and they won't admit it but we were victorious. After the water fight, the great idea was offered to have a slip and slide with some dish soap. There was no way that we could not participate in that either. It was such a blast. I love this branch! They are just extended family to me now. I am going back home with tons more family than I left with! I am going to miss this a lot.
It's time for me to get personal for just a second. I just read an email from my mom that included flight plans for one Richard Zachary Excell. It just hit me like a ton of bricks. I am going to miss this so much! My mission has meant everything to me and it always will. It will be the Ebenezer in my life that I can look back to and see who I changed into. This two year struggle and blessing has been and will ever be the best thing that ever happened to me. My life will never be the same because of the decision I made to be here. I will forever miss my mission. A part of me just wants to end this email right here and go into the streets and tell everyone I know and can see about this gospel and how much I know it can bless their lives. It's all of the sudden become real. It does end. I think every missionary gets to the point where they understand how long two years is and just face forward, put the pads on and do it. They subconsciously forget that it will end someday. On the reverse side of these bittersweet emotions is the joy and satisfaction of finishing. I have proven to myself that I can do hard things. I don't want anyone to think that I am trunky or that I have thrown in the towel because I have not. I am working harder than I ever have because I know that it is ending. I almost resent the fact that people won't let you talk about home as a missionary or going home because for me it gives me more motivation than anything else. It may be a surprise to some but my motivating thought on my mission has been, "Am I being the kind of missionary my mom thinks I am?" My family and finishing my work before the buzzer motivate me to pick up the pace and work harder but I will miss it. These have been the best times of my life. =)
Alright I needed to get that out and off my chest! Thanks.
This week we saw some great success. We had some people come to church that we haven't seen in a long time that we have been trying to work with. It's so awesome to see the power of the Lord especially through your prayers help others.
I bought some new shoes this week. I've been running every day with elder brown and it's so good for us. I bought some 5 finger Vibrams. The shoes that have individual toes. I love them so much! I bought them for two reasons...I have been saving money and need to spend it before I leave or I lose it. Also, I want to continue the running habits I have created while being here. I broke my record time this week as well. I did three miles in 20 minutes. I'm pretty proud of that since ten minute miles used to impress me. I also keep losing weight. I am down to 176.5 this morning. I think at this point I'm just looking to maintain because I don't want to get too small. I'm going to start toning now. I did promise that six pack about six months ago and I have not forgot it.
Yesterday we met with Keith, my favorite beard man. I love his views and his interdependency! It was really cool yesterday tho because we have been struggling to make progress with him and yesterday as we were asking him what he wanted to learn about next week he gave us two topics. The first he mentioned was he wants to learn why church attendance is necessary because he has never been and for the second topic he said, "I want to learn about baptism. I don't know much about it and want to". Elder Brown and I, after hearing that, picked our jaws up off the ground and complied with his request to study up this week so we can discuss it next week!
No animal kills to report this week. I think Elder Brown chalked up a caterpillar but he just accidentally stepped on it while we were running. =(
We performed some secret service this week and I loved it. The Austin's left to go camping and asked if we would watch the puppies and give the dogs their medicine. We said we'd love to and they were off for three days adventure. Well we decided while they were gone and while we could get into their house we would clean it so hard they would feel like they were coming home from extreme home makeover. We did an excellent job if I do say so myself. You could see your reflection in the stove top again! They were so appreciative of our handiwork that they had us over for a steak dinner when they came home! =)
Things I learned this week-
-To be mentally strong you must be honest with yourself and others. Mental toughness is not hiding how you feel.
-Exacto knives are sharp
-Falling on my butt hurts a lot more as I get older. I bruised from my knee to my hip a yellow color from that slip and slide.
This week I read an article about a college athlete that really inspired me. I don't know much of the story nor do I wish to focus upon the politics of it but from what I know he was a part of a starvation strike for the minimum wage of the school employees. So after fasting for 8 days he and his group made a difference. If not immediately the effects therefrom will change people. Now the story itself was inspiring and thought provoking but reached me probably differently than most. I doubt that because of my athletic abilities I will ever be able to have a stadium of people watch me or receive global recognition for my athletic achievements. But when we are given great power or great opportunity to influence are we taking it. It mentioned in the article that Tiger Woods did an ad in his early career saying, "There are still courses in this world that I can't play on because of my ethnicity. You say I'm not ready for you, but are you ready for me?" The man was given an opportunity to change the world and he did. Now we may not be given in this lifetime the power or influence to change millions of people but we can always change someones. Helen Keller's quote has stuck with me for a long time. "I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble." It is that way with influence. I long to change the lives of millions and feel that, given the correct platform, I could, but until God grants me that privilege I will not shrink in the face of the seemingly small influences I can have now. I guess to put it more scriptural, I'll turn to Doctrine and Covenants 18. "And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father. And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" Brick by brick we build, it is line upon line which we work, and it is soul by soul that we change the world. Let us never forget, "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God".Every single one is precious. Go out and influence somebody for the better and prepare for the time when you may influence thousands because certainly when prepared the time will come.
I love you so much!
Hugs and kisses ya'll,
your brother,
Elder Excell
This week has been sooo good! It felt a little long since my body is programmed to have a mental break on Monday and when I don't get that I can tell a difference! It just pushes you a little bit more! It's real crazy to think that the next time I email home on Wednesday will be 2 days before I am in the arms of those I love! T.G.I.W.!
As far as transfers go this week I feel a bit like Katniss, I imagine, from the Hunger Games. I put my ticket into the transfer bowl and they pick who goes and who stays. Luckily I have survived the call once again! I will finish my mission in the great town of Waverly, Iowa! I can't imagine anywhere else I would like to end! I love this town!
This week was so great! I am so thankful for my freedoms that I enjoy because of the blessing I have living in this nation. On the fourth of July we visited a couple of people during the day in the blazing blistering heat. It was so hot here. But at night we had a branch party and it was the best 4th of July I have ever had! It started out with a good old fashioned American barbeque. I really enjoyed that and then while we were walking around the perimeter of the house I took about 3 buckets of water to the face and got absolutely soaked! From that point on there was no hope for the guilty Young Women of the Waverly branch! We retaliated after removing items of personal worth and they won't admit it but we were victorious. After the water fight, the great idea was offered to have a slip and slide with some dish soap. There was no way that we could not participate in that either. It was such a blast. I love this branch! They are just extended family to me now. I am going back home with tons more family than I left with! I am going to miss this a lot.
It's time for me to get personal for just a second. I just read an email from my mom that included flight plans for one Richard Zachary Excell. It just hit me like a ton of bricks. I am going to miss this so much! My mission has meant everything to me and it always will. It will be the Ebenezer in my life that I can look back to and see who I changed into. This two year struggle and blessing has been and will ever be the best thing that ever happened to me. My life will never be the same because of the decision I made to be here. I will forever miss my mission. A part of me just wants to end this email right here and go into the streets and tell everyone I know and can see about this gospel and how much I know it can bless their lives. It's all of the sudden become real. It does end. I think every missionary gets to the point where they understand how long two years is and just face forward, put the pads on and do it. They subconsciously forget that it will end someday. On the reverse side of these bittersweet emotions is the joy and satisfaction of finishing. I have proven to myself that I can do hard things. I don't want anyone to think that I am trunky or that I have thrown in the towel because I have not. I am working harder than I ever have because I know that it is ending. I almost resent the fact that people won't let you talk about home as a missionary or going home because for me it gives me more motivation than anything else. It may be a surprise to some but my motivating thought on my mission has been, "Am I being the kind of missionary my mom thinks I am?" My family and finishing my work before the buzzer motivate me to pick up the pace and work harder but I will miss it. These have been the best times of my life. =)
Alright I needed to get that out and off my chest! Thanks.
This week we saw some great success. We had some people come to church that we haven't seen in a long time that we have been trying to work with. It's so awesome to see the power of the Lord especially through your prayers help others.
I bought some new shoes this week. I've been running every day with elder brown and it's so good for us. I bought some 5 finger Vibrams. The shoes that have individual toes. I love them so much! I bought them for two reasons...I have been saving money and need to spend it before I leave or I lose it. Also, I want to continue the running habits I have created while being here. I broke my record time this week as well. I did three miles in 20 minutes. I'm pretty proud of that since ten minute miles used to impress me. I also keep losing weight. I am down to 176.5 this morning. I think at this point I'm just looking to maintain because I don't want to get too small. I'm going to start toning now. I did promise that six pack about six months ago and I have not forgot it.
Yesterday we met with Keith, my favorite beard man. I love his views and his interdependency! It was really cool yesterday tho because we have been struggling to make progress with him and yesterday as we were asking him what he wanted to learn about next week he gave us two topics. The first he mentioned was he wants to learn why church attendance is necessary because he has never been and for the second topic he said, "I want to learn about baptism. I don't know much about it and want to". Elder Brown and I, after hearing that, picked our jaws up off the ground and complied with his request to study up this week so we can discuss it next week!
No animal kills to report this week. I think Elder Brown chalked up a caterpillar but he just accidentally stepped on it while we were running. =(
We performed some secret service this week and I loved it. The Austin's left to go camping and asked if we would watch the puppies and give the dogs their medicine. We said we'd love to and they were off for three days adventure. Well we decided while they were gone and while we could get into their house we would clean it so hard they would feel like they were coming home from extreme home makeover. We did an excellent job if I do say so myself. You could see your reflection in the stove top again! They were so appreciative of our handiwork that they had us over for a steak dinner when they came home! =)
Things I learned this week-
-To be mentally strong you must be honest with yourself and others. Mental toughness is not hiding how you feel.
-Exacto knives are sharp
-Falling on my butt hurts a lot more as I get older. I bruised from my knee to my hip a yellow color from that slip and slide.
This week I read an article about a college athlete that really inspired me. I don't know much of the story nor do I wish to focus upon the politics of it but from what I know he was a part of a starvation strike for the minimum wage of the school employees. So after fasting for 8 days he and his group made a difference. If not immediately the effects therefrom will change people. Now the story itself was inspiring and thought provoking but reached me probably differently than most. I doubt that because of my athletic abilities I will ever be able to have a stadium of people watch me or receive global recognition for my athletic achievements. But when we are given great power or great opportunity to influence are we taking it. It mentioned in the article that Tiger Woods did an ad in his early career saying, "There are still courses in this world that I can't play on because of my ethnicity. You say I'm not ready for you, but are you ready for me?" The man was given an opportunity to change the world and he did. Now we may not be given in this lifetime the power or influence to change millions of people but we can always change someones. Helen Keller's quote has stuck with me for a long time. "I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble." It is that way with influence. I long to change the lives of millions and feel that, given the correct platform, I could, but until God grants me that privilege I will not shrink in the face of the seemingly small influences I can have now. I guess to put it more scriptural, I'll turn to Doctrine and Covenants 18. "And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father. And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" Brick by brick we build, it is line upon line which we work, and it is soul by soul that we change the world. Let us never forget, "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God".Every single one is precious. Go out and influence somebody for the better and prepare for the time when you may influence thousands because certainly when prepared the time will come.
I love you so much!
Hugs and kisses ya'll,
your brother,
Elder Excell
Monday, July 2, 2012
Pictures!
Q&A - July 2, 2012
1. How are you?
It's been an exhausting week but at the end of it I am doing extremely well.
2. Have you enjoyed your air conditioning this week? How is the heat and humidity?
I love walking into the freezer of an apartment. But it's also nice to leave and feel the warmth of the humidity. It reminds me of Brazil and vacations in Mexico and the Bahamas.
3. Any potential baptisms in the near future in Waverly?
We have probably 3 people that are close, we just need to seal the deal.
4. What are you most looking forward to in the week ahead?
A busy busy busy week that will go by faster than the last busy busy busy week.
It's been an exhausting week but at the end of it I am doing extremely well.
2. Have you enjoyed your air conditioning this week? How is the heat and humidity?
I love walking into the freezer of an apartment. But it's also nice to leave and feel the warmth of the humidity. It reminds me of Brazil and vacations in Mexico and the Bahamas.
3. Any potential baptisms in the near future in Waverly?
We have probably 3 people that are close, we just need to seal the deal.
4. What are you most looking forward to in the week ahead?
A busy busy busy week that will go by faster than the last busy busy busy week.
The odds are stacked in your favor.
This week has been such a great week! That does not mean that it was
necessarily easy but it was great! I'm really excited to tell you all
about it.
But first some epic news that I wish to convey because I am so proud of my accomplishment. I saw a number on the scale today, actually this morning that I have not seen in literally years now. I officially weighed in for the week of July 1st at 179 pounds even. Pretty awesome considering about 6 months ago, to the date, I weighed 201 pounds. I know, to all of you who read this, that probably doesn't mean much but to lose weight in this mission period is an accomplishment. The average weight gain of our mission is 40 pounds. Keep in mind that is the average. These corn-fed Iowans love to make the missionaries corn-fed young men and it shows. Anyway, I've been on cloud nine since I saw that number this morning. 22 pounds in 26 weeks. =)
We killed some more animals this week. And just as always we didn't mean to. We actually started a kill record in the apartment because it almost seems uncanny the amount of innocent lives that have perished in our behalf. For a bunch of young men trying to save souls, we're doing well at ending them. Elder Brown marked up a chipmunk on the list this week. Weapon used: the toe end of his shoe. As he was trying to catch it he accidentally kicked it while running and well it hit a rock and after some convulsions, he passed away. The other fatality this week came in the form of a frog. We caught him successfully, but in the process, the poor toad took some rough grass to the throat and was bleeding pretty good. I guess he was bleeding not like a stuck pig, but a stuck frog. Anyway, in an effort to save him, Elder Brown tried to throw him in the river so he could clean up and heal, he threw him and while flying through the air, he hit a tree with considerable force and he didn't move after. I feel bad about the deaths I've witnessed but they were all innocent and in all honesty some really good memories.
I've come to realize on my mission that if your apartment is not situated near a bar or someone who is heavily addicted to illegal substances you must not be a real missionary. Lucky for us we have both. The bar is fun to listen to on any given night. We also have a lady who lives next to us who we have nicknamed "Tweeker Lady" because she is always tweekin. Anyway, last night we had a particularly good conversation with her. Let me fill you in on the dialogue:
Tweeker Lady: Hey Mormons! Where are you walking? What are you carrying? How are you?
Dashing Missionary #1: Hey! We're good. How's it going?
Tweeker Lady: Good!
.....Awkward silence......
Dashing Missionary #1: Alright, well... see ya later.
(Exit stage right to the safe haven of an apartment.)
She's quite enjoyable to talk to. I once heard from somebody in town that she downed a half gallon of milk that she just purchased in the middle of a gas station, belched, and walked out to ride her bike home. Keep up the good work tweeker lady. You inspire me.
Our zone hit our baptismal goal for the last three months and the reward for doing so is a zone p-day. In district meeting as we tried to come up with ideas as to what we should do when the day arrives we had some great ideas. I will name a few for your entertainment. Keep in mind we are in Waverly Iowa. 1. Nickle and dime large corporations. 2. Fight off hoards of the undead and eliminate the zombie apocalypse. 3. Dress up as little kids and play in the sandbox while drinking juice boxes and eating graham crackers. Needless to see we are pretty creative. I'm not sure what the end decision will be but I would not be surprised if we end up in Live action Role Plays with foam swords and and foam shields in the public park. =)
After district meeting, I had the best idea of my life. We had blown up some balloons with helium to give to Elder Poulsen because he looks like the guy from "Up". After which we had sufficient balloons to each tie one to our belt and have a battle royal from mario kart. Of course hitting each other wasn't appropriate so we used our pens to pop the balloons. The video is hilarious. I can't wait to hear what you think about it.
Original Video - More videos at TinyPic
We had the awesome opportunity to give several blessings this week. I love giving blessings. I absolutely love it! We gave a blessing to man who has been having some serious health issues in his neck and can't feel the extremities of his right hand. We blessed him that if he was obedient to the gospel which he was being taught he would be healed. As I said the words, I almost felt nervous about what I had just uttered. But then I thought, why not? The spirit definitely put those words in my mouth and I cannot deny it. And I know that the faith of others can do miraculous things. I have seen them done. Then why could this man not be healed by the same authority Christ had? Especially after being instructed to follow the gospel plan and keep the commandments? I see no reason why God would not bless a man who does this! I also had the privilege to give a blessing to a very special lady. She is such a great lady but sometimes things just get hard. Sometimes the pressures of life amount to more than we think we can bare and we just want to quit. I usually do not solicit blessings but when the situation arose, I asked if she would like one. I think I probably have never felt the spirit stronger than in that moment. There were things in the blessing that were almost to sacred to say anywhere else. I will only mention one thing of which I remembered saying because a large part of me needed to hear this as well. I said, "Do not ever forget the sacred time that Christ himself spent on his knees pleading to the Father in your behalf." I never understood so powerfully how sacred that time in that sacred garden was until I said those words. I love blessings.
Things I learned this week--
-Running every day makes your week so much better.
-Soy protein wrecks manliness and scares me.
As I have been trying over the course of my mission to become the best missionary I can I have learned a lot of really good life long lessons but I think one stand our predominately this week. It is the simple fact that your life's greatest work is you. I don't mean what kind of job will you have, or what kind of house you will live in, or even what kind of car will define who you are. Rather it's deeper than that, when all of that is taken away, who will you be? Who are you when you remove everything and see yourself as God sees you. This is what is important when thinking and pondering the question common to people my age, "Who do I want to become?" We are always changing. It is the only constant in life; change. We are either progressing towards perfection or we are getting further from it. We are only a culmination of our choices. You can always change who you are. To deny the possibility of change is to deny the plan of salvation all together because that is why we are here. The plan of salvation is not a level playing field. It favors you! The odds are stacked in your favor! You can always, I repeat, always become who you would like to become. When life gets difficult, and things just get tough and you find yourself the object of Satan's playtime...You can escape and you have been given the dominant advantage to do so. The bottom line is all of us are here. All of us will live until we die. All of us will eat the same foods, visit the same locations, feel the effects of weather, live on the same planet, and for all intents and purpose go through life no differently than anyone else. With that in mind, the question I have to ask is why go through all of that struggle that is common to us all and not benefit from it? Why not take life by the horns and make out of it what we would like. I probably don't need to remind anyone that we are agents given the ability to act for ourselves and not to be acted upon. So many people get stuck in autopilot and let life make of them what it likes but those who truly understand the doctrine of the plan of salvation and of the atonement do not float on by being acted upon. It is up to you and me to choose where we end up. It will be determined only upon the small and simple choices we make that help us progress or digress. There is no third alternative. To make life what you would like it to be, rather than it making you what it would like you to be is really the only intelligent thing to do. It is our eternal goal. Let's go achieve it and choose to overcome anything in our way.
Hugs and kisses ya'll,
Elder Excell
But first some epic news that I wish to convey because I am so proud of my accomplishment. I saw a number on the scale today, actually this morning that I have not seen in literally years now. I officially weighed in for the week of July 1st at 179 pounds even. Pretty awesome considering about 6 months ago, to the date, I weighed 201 pounds. I know, to all of you who read this, that probably doesn't mean much but to lose weight in this mission period is an accomplishment. The average weight gain of our mission is 40 pounds. Keep in mind that is the average. These corn-fed Iowans love to make the missionaries corn-fed young men and it shows. Anyway, I've been on cloud nine since I saw that number this morning. 22 pounds in 26 weeks. =)
We killed some more animals this week. And just as always we didn't mean to. We actually started a kill record in the apartment because it almost seems uncanny the amount of innocent lives that have perished in our behalf. For a bunch of young men trying to save souls, we're doing well at ending them. Elder Brown marked up a chipmunk on the list this week. Weapon used: the toe end of his shoe. As he was trying to catch it he accidentally kicked it while running and well it hit a rock and after some convulsions, he passed away. The other fatality this week came in the form of a frog. We caught him successfully, but in the process, the poor toad took some rough grass to the throat and was bleeding pretty good. I guess he was bleeding not like a stuck pig, but a stuck frog. Anyway, in an effort to save him, Elder Brown tried to throw him in the river so he could clean up and heal, he threw him and while flying through the air, he hit a tree with considerable force and he didn't move after. I feel bad about the deaths I've witnessed but they were all innocent and in all honesty some really good memories.
I've come to realize on my mission that if your apartment is not situated near a bar or someone who is heavily addicted to illegal substances you must not be a real missionary. Lucky for us we have both. The bar is fun to listen to on any given night. We also have a lady who lives next to us who we have nicknamed "Tweeker Lady" because she is always tweekin. Anyway, last night we had a particularly good conversation with her. Let me fill you in on the dialogue:
Tweeker Lady: Hey Mormons! Where are you walking? What are you carrying? How are you?
Dashing Missionary #1: Hey! We're good. How's it going?
Tweeker Lady: Good!
.....Awkward silence......
Dashing Missionary #1: Alright, well... see ya later.
(Exit stage right to the safe haven of an apartment.)
She's quite enjoyable to talk to. I once heard from somebody in town that she downed a half gallon of milk that she just purchased in the middle of a gas station, belched, and walked out to ride her bike home. Keep up the good work tweeker lady. You inspire me.
Our zone hit our baptismal goal for the last three months and the reward for doing so is a zone p-day. In district meeting as we tried to come up with ideas as to what we should do when the day arrives we had some great ideas. I will name a few for your entertainment. Keep in mind we are in Waverly Iowa. 1. Nickle and dime large corporations. 2. Fight off hoards of the undead and eliminate the zombie apocalypse. 3. Dress up as little kids and play in the sandbox while drinking juice boxes and eating graham crackers. Needless to see we are pretty creative. I'm not sure what the end decision will be but I would not be surprised if we end up in Live action Role Plays with foam swords and and foam shields in the public park. =)
After district meeting, I had the best idea of my life. We had blown up some balloons with helium to give to Elder Poulsen because he looks like the guy from "Up". After which we had sufficient balloons to each tie one to our belt and have a battle royal from mario kart. Of course hitting each other wasn't appropriate so we used our pens to pop the balloons. The video is hilarious. I can't wait to hear what you think about it.
Original Video - More videos at TinyPic
We had the awesome opportunity to give several blessings this week. I love giving blessings. I absolutely love it! We gave a blessing to man who has been having some serious health issues in his neck and can't feel the extremities of his right hand. We blessed him that if he was obedient to the gospel which he was being taught he would be healed. As I said the words, I almost felt nervous about what I had just uttered. But then I thought, why not? The spirit definitely put those words in my mouth and I cannot deny it. And I know that the faith of others can do miraculous things. I have seen them done. Then why could this man not be healed by the same authority Christ had? Especially after being instructed to follow the gospel plan and keep the commandments? I see no reason why God would not bless a man who does this! I also had the privilege to give a blessing to a very special lady. She is such a great lady but sometimes things just get hard. Sometimes the pressures of life amount to more than we think we can bare and we just want to quit. I usually do not solicit blessings but when the situation arose, I asked if she would like one. I think I probably have never felt the spirit stronger than in that moment. There were things in the blessing that were almost to sacred to say anywhere else. I will only mention one thing of which I remembered saying because a large part of me needed to hear this as well. I said, "Do not ever forget the sacred time that Christ himself spent on his knees pleading to the Father in your behalf." I never understood so powerfully how sacred that time in that sacred garden was until I said those words. I love blessings.
Things I learned this week--
-Running every day makes your week so much better.
-Soy protein wrecks manliness and scares me.
As I have been trying over the course of my mission to become the best missionary I can I have learned a lot of really good life long lessons but I think one stand our predominately this week. It is the simple fact that your life's greatest work is you. I don't mean what kind of job will you have, or what kind of house you will live in, or even what kind of car will define who you are. Rather it's deeper than that, when all of that is taken away, who will you be? Who are you when you remove everything and see yourself as God sees you. This is what is important when thinking and pondering the question common to people my age, "Who do I want to become?" We are always changing. It is the only constant in life; change. We are either progressing towards perfection or we are getting further from it. We are only a culmination of our choices. You can always change who you are. To deny the possibility of change is to deny the plan of salvation all together because that is why we are here. The plan of salvation is not a level playing field. It favors you! The odds are stacked in your favor! You can always, I repeat, always become who you would like to become. When life gets difficult, and things just get tough and you find yourself the object of Satan's playtime...You can escape and you have been given the dominant advantage to do so. The bottom line is all of us are here. All of us will live until we die. All of us will eat the same foods, visit the same locations, feel the effects of weather, live on the same planet, and for all intents and purpose go through life no differently than anyone else. With that in mind, the question I have to ask is why go through all of that struggle that is common to us all and not benefit from it? Why not take life by the horns and make out of it what we would like. I probably don't need to remind anyone that we are agents given the ability to act for ourselves and not to be acted upon. So many people get stuck in autopilot and let life make of them what it likes but those who truly understand the doctrine of the plan of salvation and of the atonement do not float on by being acted upon. It is up to you and me to choose where we end up. It will be determined only upon the small and simple choices we make that help us progress or digress. There is no third alternative. To make life what you would like it to be, rather than it making you what it would like you to be is really the only intelligent thing to do. It is our eternal goal. Let's go achieve it and choose to overcome anything in our way.
Hugs and kisses ya'll,
Elder Excell
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Q&A - June 25, 2012
1. How did your p-day moccasins turn out?
They are the coolest things I have ever made and probably ever will make! I was so pleased with them! I will wear them everywhere! I'll try to get a pic this week to show off next week!
2. How often do you do splits with other missionaries? Do you stay in Waverly when you do splits or go elsewhere?
It depends. Usually just once per transfer with the district leader as well as the zone leaders so total of 2 times per transfer and we switch where we go every time.
3. What was the best part of your week?
It seems like this week there were just to many things to limit it down to one thing. This was the best week of my mission so far. I hope I can say that every week from here on out!
They are the coolest things I have ever made and probably ever will make! I was so pleased with them! I will wear them everywhere! I'll try to get a pic this week to show off next week!
2. How often do you do splits with other missionaries? Do you stay in Waverly when you do splits or go elsewhere?
It depends. Usually just once per transfer with the district leader as well as the zone leaders so total of 2 times per transfer and we switch where we go every time.
3. What was the best part of your week?
It seems like this week there were just to many things to limit it down to one thing. This was the best week of my mission so far. I hope I can say that every week from here on out!
Overcoming the marathoners wall
How can it even be plausible that every week of my life I am blessed with so many awesome experiences that each week appears and feels better than the one prior!? How does it seem to happen every single week!? I am so happy to be where I am. I think it is one of the biggest things I have learned while being in Iowa. I have learned how to appreciate now and not focus so much on the future or the past but live today. It has really helped me every week to feel like I am moving forward, and cheerfully might I add. It went by almost too fast!
This week was chuck full of awesome times so let's start last last p-day. After scurrying out of the library we went to Waterloo and made some moccasins. They are the most legit things I have ever owned or made. We used real buffalo hide for the soles and deer skin for the outside and top. We also used legit sinew to sew all the pieces of hide together. It was a lot of fun to make them and learn some Native American culture while doing it. I also learned from sad experience to not call a woman a squaw. I said it jokingly but there is apparently no way to say that jokingly. Take note so you don't make the same mistake.
After we came home from making the moccasins we finally got out air conditioning fixed. We've been living in a 90 degree apartment for the last couple weeks and quite honestly it has been miserable. We made some calls tho and got it going. It was kind of fun to get on the roof with the guy and help him out. I don't think he was probably use to someone helping him do his job but he enjoyed it. He's our good buddy now.
We watched Stacy and Heather play in their Varsity softball game that night and tried to cheer as loud as we could. It was a lot of fun.
Tuesday we woke up to a 70 degree apartment which was actually kind of cold but so much better than waking up and seeing a human sweat mark on your sheets. We did our normal study routine and then we did some service at the library! We are pretty good friends with all the library ladies here. We wrapped some books up in paper for their "Date a book" program. You pick a random book wrapped in paper and are supposed to read it. Sounds kind of fun. I know that I am for sure going to spend quite a bit more time in Libraries and senior centers when I get home. I've come to find those locations somewhat heavenly.
The rest of the week seems like a blur with some standout moments but I couldn't tell you what happened on what day so let me amass them together here in this paragraph.... I killed a cat this week. No I did not mean to. We were driving out in the country trying to find some former investigators and we saw this little kitten. I told Brown to go grab it so he did and brought it back in the car. That alone was really funny to watch. Well we drove it back into town and we couldn't keep it as a pet unfortunately so we decided to give it to the Austin's because they have a lot of animals. So we took it over to their house and after I opened the door to get it out of the back it bolted from the car and down a storm drain. Well we went and got Airyn and told her about the situation and she showed us where the storm drain let out in the field so we went out there to try to find him and rescue him again, even tho I'm pretty sure he was tired of being "rescued" at this point. Well we gave up on the pursuit and we started walking back to the house when Jake, the dog, ran past us into the field. Needless to say he saw the cat and well....attacked. He grabbed it and by the time we had turned around and saw what was happening the kitten was being thrown around like a rag doll. We ran to try to rescue it again and well...after some after some seizure action, he passed on. We did give him a nice burial in the field tho. PETA would be proud I'm sure.
We put the car in a ditch this week as well. I guess in all honesty I put the car in the ditch this week. I learned from it tho. I learned that ditches in Iowa appear to be even and flat almost as if there were no ditch at all. Well it's deceiving and it deceived me. We were luckily close to the member's house where we were trying to arrive for dinner. He got his jeep and pulled us out. Just in case anyone drives a 2010 Chevy Malibu, I will warn you that there is no where to attach any form of towing equipment. We eventually attached the hook end to the engine mount. I wouldn't recommend it but Heavenly Father blessed his missionaries and it sufficed. I will also warn all Chevy Malibu drivers to sell your car now. They are just no good. You know a car is good by it's turning radius and it's windshield wipers. Well we already had to replace the wipers after a mere 20,000 miles and I have gained quite a bit of experience in the 17 point turn due to turning difficulties. It's a seller's market for the Bu right now.
We taught Stacy the best lesson this week and she loved it. She left the lesson saying how she just felt so calm and relaxed and how she never feels that happy. It was clearly evident to her that she was witnessing the feelings and emotions of the spirit. Stacy is a master at the Rubik's cube so I made up a lesson relating to the Doctrine of Christ with the cube. We broke up solving the cube into 5 steps. Namely the bottom cross, bottom corners, middle layer, upper cross, and upper corners. We related each to the steps of Faith, Repentance, Baptism, the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End. It turned out to be phenomenal when we all understood together that the cube is annoying to look at while jumbled and much better when complete just like the gospel! It was genius. Only the spirit could relate a Rubik's cube to the gospel. =)
We also got a miracle phone call this week. I've been praying for a specific lady here named Margaret who the missionaries had taught previously and I felt really good about. We've only met her once and she's been dogging us lately. Well, we took a break with her for about a month and Saturday morning she called us asking questions about what she's been reading in the book or mormon and wanting to come to church this next week. Prayers really are answered. I know it.
Friday we helped Sister Bettis with her house renovation. I'm so glad that we lived in a house with an unfinished basement and built a new house. It's come in handy. We tore down a wall, built a wall, sheet rocked it and some ceiling, and laid some cement board so the tile work can begin. I decided to punch through the wall that we tore down in an effort to express my manliness I guess. After doing so I immediately remember the talk in karate of "Lose the thumbs or lose the thumbs." I forgot to tuck the thumb and about lost it on the opposite side of the wall than my hand. All in all, I am pretty impressed with the work that we did and it was fun to just do it for fun out of service and love for someone else. She's a neat lady.
We found some frogs this week as well. We should really open a zoo with the animals we've captured in this town. It was really funny when they peed on Elder Brown. Both frogs peed on him. It was really funny cause Ryan Austin is 5 and he loves animals. He says he wants to be a zoologist. Anyway we gave it to him and by Saturday morning it ended up in Airyn's bed when she woke up. It was, for those who are wondering, the work of a 5 year old little brother who did it. =)
We've started running a lot lately. We are running in the morning tho. It's funny that running when you least feel like it, right after your eyes open to the alarm ringing, is the most energizing thing you can do for your day. We decided to switch running times because at night there were too many bugs. There are some big flying bugs here that fly right next to the river and it's pretty fun to hit them as you go. We made a competition out of it. Haha. I would recommend to those who run next to a body of water to keep your mouth closed tho. Fireflies taste oddly similar to broken glow sticks in your mouth. I wonder if that's how they make them?
Things I learned this week--
-Lose the thumbs or lose the thumbs
-There is an eternal principle applicable to everything in existence.
-People are awesome.
-The scriptures have every tool that you could find in a self help book or self achievement book. No need to look any further.
Well I'm going to get a little personal here. I hope you don't mind. I don't wish to express the wrong idea in the following paragraph so let me make sure I explain adequately. I have been struggling the last couple weeks to stay motivated. It's tough with time winding down. It reminds me of the feeling when you put your two weeks notice in at the job you are leaving and there is the tempting thought in the back of your mind that says, "Who cares anymore?" Well I have been trying very diligently to push through those feelings the last couple of weeks but have struggled with it a lot. It always seems to be there in mind. I'm sure some of you can relate. I would keep myself up at night just trying to find the shut off switch for this brain. Well I come to you this week a different man than I was previously. (I refer to myself as a "man" only because my mom did recently...I still think I'm a snot nosed kid at heart.) I figured out something internally and I'm not even sure if I could tell you what it is that changed but it did. I guess in giving myself pep talks in the shower I came away wanting to live it out. To break down the mental wall in my head and overcome the block to personal progress it created. If I remember right, most marathoners hit something very similar. I don't want to paint the wrong picture of what a mission is because in no way is it agonizing as a marathon is reported to be but at times it feels like 26.2 miles of long road. I felt like an elephant had jumped out of a tree onto my shoulders and was making me carry it the rest of the way home a couple weeks ago. I came to learn that much like some of my favorite things in life, life is 90 percent mental and the rest physical. It almost seems at times that I am running that marathon of a mission with a lot of bystanders close by. It almost seems as well that some of them are holding a sign in their hands and love to remind you that you are hitting the wall, and that you are almost done! I have learned now tho that the "wall" is mental as well as most things that drag us down. We almost seem to throw out the anchor on ourselves at mile 23. I can offer a few tips for any who have maybe hit a wall in life whether it be spiritual or mental. Tip 1: Hydrate continually. Do not think that because you are so close to the end that you are too good for water. And remember that the words in the scriptures will lead you to the "well of living water." Tip 2: Prepare. Plan out what every step you will take before you even take your foot off the ground. No effort can be wasted. Tip 3: Eyes on the prize, and not on the distractions. You have to stay focused. You have to want to win your marathon more than anything else. When the crowd seems to tease, distract, or pull you down, look forward and run until you get there. "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." (1 Corinthians 9:24)
I love you all so much! Go get em. Whoever "they" might be for you...go get em!
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
This week was chuck full of awesome times so let's start last last p-day. After scurrying out of the library we went to Waterloo and made some moccasins. They are the most legit things I have ever owned or made. We used real buffalo hide for the soles and deer skin for the outside and top. We also used legit sinew to sew all the pieces of hide together. It was a lot of fun to make them and learn some Native American culture while doing it. I also learned from sad experience to not call a woman a squaw. I said it jokingly but there is apparently no way to say that jokingly. Take note so you don't make the same mistake.
After we came home from making the moccasins we finally got out air conditioning fixed. We've been living in a 90 degree apartment for the last couple weeks and quite honestly it has been miserable. We made some calls tho and got it going. It was kind of fun to get on the roof with the guy and help him out. I don't think he was probably use to someone helping him do his job but he enjoyed it. He's our good buddy now.
We watched Stacy and Heather play in their Varsity softball game that night and tried to cheer as loud as we could. It was a lot of fun.
Tuesday we woke up to a 70 degree apartment which was actually kind of cold but so much better than waking up and seeing a human sweat mark on your sheets. We did our normal study routine and then we did some service at the library! We are pretty good friends with all the library ladies here. We wrapped some books up in paper for their "Date a book" program. You pick a random book wrapped in paper and are supposed to read it. Sounds kind of fun. I know that I am for sure going to spend quite a bit more time in Libraries and senior centers when I get home. I've come to find those locations somewhat heavenly.
The rest of the week seems like a blur with some standout moments but I couldn't tell you what happened on what day so let me amass them together here in this paragraph.... I killed a cat this week. No I did not mean to. We were driving out in the country trying to find some former investigators and we saw this little kitten. I told Brown to go grab it so he did and brought it back in the car. That alone was really funny to watch. Well we drove it back into town and we couldn't keep it as a pet unfortunately so we decided to give it to the Austin's because they have a lot of animals. So we took it over to their house and after I opened the door to get it out of the back it bolted from the car and down a storm drain. Well we went and got Airyn and told her about the situation and she showed us where the storm drain let out in the field so we went out there to try to find him and rescue him again, even tho I'm pretty sure he was tired of being "rescued" at this point. Well we gave up on the pursuit and we started walking back to the house when Jake, the dog, ran past us into the field. Needless to say he saw the cat and well....attacked. He grabbed it and by the time we had turned around and saw what was happening the kitten was being thrown around like a rag doll. We ran to try to rescue it again and well...after some after some seizure action, he passed on. We did give him a nice burial in the field tho. PETA would be proud I'm sure.
We put the car in a ditch this week as well. I guess in all honesty I put the car in the ditch this week. I learned from it tho. I learned that ditches in Iowa appear to be even and flat almost as if there were no ditch at all. Well it's deceiving and it deceived me. We were luckily close to the member's house where we were trying to arrive for dinner. He got his jeep and pulled us out. Just in case anyone drives a 2010 Chevy Malibu, I will warn you that there is no where to attach any form of towing equipment. We eventually attached the hook end to the engine mount. I wouldn't recommend it but Heavenly Father blessed his missionaries and it sufficed. I will also warn all Chevy Malibu drivers to sell your car now. They are just no good. You know a car is good by it's turning radius and it's windshield wipers. Well we already had to replace the wipers after a mere 20,000 miles and I have gained quite a bit of experience in the 17 point turn due to turning difficulties. It's a seller's market for the Bu right now.
We taught Stacy the best lesson this week and she loved it. She left the lesson saying how she just felt so calm and relaxed and how she never feels that happy. It was clearly evident to her that she was witnessing the feelings and emotions of the spirit. Stacy is a master at the Rubik's cube so I made up a lesson relating to the Doctrine of Christ with the cube. We broke up solving the cube into 5 steps. Namely the bottom cross, bottom corners, middle layer, upper cross, and upper corners. We related each to the steps of Faith, Repentance, Baptism, the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End. It turned out to be phenomenal when we all understood together that the cube is annoying to look at while jumbled and much better when complete just like the gospel! It was genius. Only the spirit could relate a Rubik's cube to the gospel. =)
We also got a miracle phone call this week. I've been praying for a specific lady here named Margaret who the missionaries had taught previously and I felt really good about. We've only met her once and she's been dogging us lately. Well, we took a break with her for about a month and Saturday morning she called us asking questions about what she's been reading in the book or mormon and wanting to come to church this next week. Prayers really are answered. I know it.
Friday we helped Sister Bettis with her house renovation. I'm so glad that we lived in a house with an unfinished basement and built a new house. It's come in handy. We tore down a wall, built a wall, sheet rocked it and some ceiling, and laid some cement board so the tile work can begin. I decided to punch through the wall that we tore down in an effort to express my manliness I guess. After doing so I immediately remember the talk in karate of "Lose the thumbs or lose the thumbs." I forgot to tuck the thumb and about lost it on the opposite side of the wall than my hand. All in all, I am pretty impressed with the work that we did and it was fun to just do it for fun out of service and love for someone else. She's a neat lady.
 |
| Ryan Austin with the frog! |
Things I learned this week--
-Lose the thumbs or lose the thumbs
-There is an eternal principle applicable to everything in existence.
-People are awesome.
-The scriptures have every tool that you could find in a self help book or self achievement book. No need to look any further.
Well I'm going to get a little personal here. I hope you don't mind. I don't wish to express the wrong idea in the following paragraph so let me make sure I explain adequately. I have been struggling the last couple weeks to stay motivated. It's tough with time winding down. It reminds me of the feeling when you put your two weeks notice in at the job you are leaving and there is the tempting thought in the back of your mind that says, "Who cares anymore?" Well I have been trying very diligently to push through those feelings the last couple of weeks but have struggled with it a lot. It always seems to be there in mind. I'm sure some of you can relate. I would keep myself up at night just trying to find the shut off switch for this brain. Well I come to you this week a different man than I was previously. (I refer to myself as a "man" only because my mom did recently...I still think I'm a snot nosed kid at heart.) I figured out something internally and I'm not even sure if I could tell you what it is that changed but it did. I guess in giving myself pep talks in the shower I came away wanting to live it out. To break down the mental wall in my head and overcome the block to personal progress it created. If I remember right, most marathoners hit something very similar. I don't want to paint the wrong picture of what a mission is because in no way is it agonizing as a marathon is reported to be but at times it feels like 26.2 miles of long road. I felt like an elephant had jumped out of a tree onto my shoulders and was making me carry it the rest of the way home a couple weeks ago. I came to learn that much like some of my favorite things in life, life is 90 percent mental and the rest physical. It almost seems at times that I am running that marathon of a mission with a lot of bystanders close by. It almost seems as well that some of them are holding a sign in their hands and love to remind you that you are hitting the wall, and that you are almost done! I have learned now tho that the "wall" is mental as well as most things that drag us down. We almost seem to throw out the anchor on ourselves at mile 23. I can offer a few tips for any who have maybe hit a wall in life whether it be spiritual or mental. Tip 1: Hydrate continually. Do not think that because you are so close to the end that you are too good for water. And remember that the words in the scriptures will lead you to the "well of living water." Tip 2: Prepare. Plan out what every step you will take before you even take your foot off the ground. No effort can be wasted. Tip 3: Eyes on the prize, and not on the distractions. You have to stay focused. You have to want to win your marathon more than anything else. When the crowd seems to tease, distract, or pull you down, look forward and run until you get there. "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." (1 Corinthians 9:24)
I love you all so much! Go get em. Whoever "they" might be for you...go get em!
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
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