1. I'm anxious to hear about your return to Masa Lin's after fasting last week...
I'll make sure to include it in the email!
2. How many hours in a day on average do you spend actually tracting and knocking on doors?
About 1 if any. We try to avoid it at all costs because even in Preach My Gospel it says in reference to finding, "Everybody who has done missionary work knows there is a better way and that is through the members."
3. One word to describe your week...
Miraculous!
Monday, February 27, 2012
My Heavenly Father Loves Me, Just The Way I Am
What a week! I want to preface this email with a caution...this email will make me cry. I know it will as I write it and I hope all of you reading may feel a portion of the spirit that is flowing within me this week! It may be just a little more soap boxy than normal but I will try to hold that off until the end of this at least.
It's already been a great day. It's barely 11 o clock here and I have done all my laundry, written three letters (well actually typed...I am borrowing the typewriter from the church library to catch up on some letters), and read letters from my family and fell in love with them all over again. It's going good and it's only getting better! I guess that's kind of the theme for the week right now. It's been going good but it's getting even better!
Tuesday was a decent day. We did not see nearly as many people as we wanted to because none of them were ever home but that's ok. We walked a lot because last month we went over our miles and so now we have to make up for that in February. We have felt the effects of that all month. It's been good tho...I'm shedding some pounds.
I've also been doing p90x this week. I've mostly been doing the ab ripper x and the yoga one. They are so awesome! On top of that I run 3 miles every morning in about 22 minutes. I'm trying to get the time down to 20. It's tough on the elliptical though. You can't run that fast on one of those. Anyway it's been paying off...the diet is working great and I am gonna come home a whole new man. That's weird...I’m not a man. I'm still a kid. I'll come back a whole new kid! =)
We played basketball on Tuesday like we always do with the elder's quorum...we had a losing streak for about a month where we never won but as of lately we are on the prowl. We haven’t lost a game in 3 weeks and the title is up for challenge again tomorrow. It's been a lot of fun! I've grown really close with quite a few people through that and it's assisted in a less active family feeling welcome enough to come back to church regularly. Awesome!
Tuesday we did meet with Masa for about a split second.... Now I have learned something through this experience. When fasting and praying for something to happen you can expect it to happen but there is something that I have learned further. People still have their agency. Masa has been real distant since we saw him that night. He told us he knows it's true but he still has his choice. Now it's all up to him and that beautiful gift of agency. Sometimes I wish I could take that ability away from people! Haha.
Wednesday we got to teach one of my favorite persons in the world...Tasha. She is so awesome! She just has such great questions. So we made the bed sheet prior to seeing here. It's a king size bed sheet and we drew up the plan of salvation on it and everyone loves it. It's the best! Tasha had some questions about the plan and so we were prepared when we whipped out our mega version. She loved it. She is just eating the gospel up right now. She's reading and praying. She was going to move into this new apartment and get out of home because she and the parents have some issues I guess so she's wanted to move in with this girl who she knows she will party with. Well when we told her that we avoid alcohol and that whole scene she whipped out her phone and called the contract off. She is going to wait til summer when she can move in with good influences even tho it will be hard with the family situation. If that is not a sacrifice to let the spirit into her life, I am not quite sure what is. She is awesome! We are setting a baptismal date with her this week.
I made a mormon.org profile this week! Check it out....http://mormon.org/me/8DV2/
I went on exchanges with Elder Folsom this week from second ward. Cool guy from Oregon. When you look at him it is very apparent that he is a Ravenclaw but then he throws a curve ball every once in a while. I demolished him in Ticket to Ride with Hillary tho. I connected every single one of my 48 trains and accomplished 4 routes. It was an epic game. We have also been playing this SWEET game called Wiz-War. I feel like an absolute nerd playing it but it is soooooo cool! Probably favorite game I have ever played even tho Ticket to Ride and Dominion are close seconds. You should all look up Wiz-War cause it's the best!
We are also teaching the Ray family. Awesome family. Two of them have baptismal dates now for the 24th of March, the same as Masa's. The whole family is working towards it tho. We also set baptismal dates with the Meier's and all four of them will be baptized on the 24th of March as well! It's going to be a phenomenal day! That's a total of 7 baptismal dates. I can only say it's a miracle. The Lord's currency that he works with in order to give blessings is diligence. I am learning that however we can be diligent doesn't so much matter as the fact that we are just flat out being diligent. When you work as hard as you can for something you think you have the plan all figured out and how you are going to achieve your goals but for some reason you accomplish your goals and not in the way you planned. The Lord has his own ways and his ways our far superior to our ways. We have been extremely blessed. We had 10 investigators in church this week and that's nearly a mission record.
I played a song yesterday in church as well. I played "My Heavenly Father Loves Me". It's an arrangement by Sally DeFord that is really cool. I hear if you look it up on YouTube then there are two girls playing it. It's written as a duet but I made my own arrangement of her arrangement and played it solo. It went really well. I had quite the compliments on it.
Things I learned this week--
-I've taken some things in my life way too lightly and for granted
-Music changes things
-Compliments on a frequent basis change relationships.
Rather than getting up on my soap box and ranting on something that has touched me this week, I would simply like to bear my testimony. I feel as if I have gained so much over this last couple months and I don't know how to express it more simply than with a statement of what I believe and know to be true. First and foremost, I know that my Heavenly Father loves me. I have seen evidence of his love so many times in my own life as well as others and cannot negate the fact that he loves his children and blesses all with what they need to become better and more like him. Trials are evidence of his affection. Our agency in handling those decisions is evidence as well. We have the supreme ability to let our decisions after trials define us or destroy us. I know we have the ability through prayer and fasting and dedication to overcome anything that has come in our path. We can do so because He, our savior, did first! He died for us that we can become healed of our spiritual death. Through the separation from God that is accustomed to all men we may overcome though his great atonement. His atonement can change lives spiritually and physically. Tears can be dried. Broken Hearts can be mended. Families in disarray may be united. Sin and the effects thereof may be overcome. It is not through some magical power but through a divine being who walked upon this planet and suffered the pain that we would have had to suffer had he not done so. I know we can throw our cares and worries upon the Lord and receive ultimate renewal that can cleanse any impurity whether it be of a physical nature or spiritual. I know God has a plan for us. He has not deserted us and He will not. His plan is perfect. It can save all men and women according to their diligence in doing what he has asked. How long have the greatest people in the world awed at the question, where did we come from? Why are we are? What is the purpose behind this life? How many others have asked those questions finding no answers and how blessed are we for the knowledge given to us. I have taken that very knowledge for granted far too long. I have so much to be thankful for that I know comes from a God in Heaven. It is so hard sometimes to show that to others tho. They see so much wrong being done in the world and so much moral decay but I bear my witness that there is a God in Heaven who loves us and does have a plan for us. I know His gospel is true and I know it has been restored for this dispensation. There is so much work to be done before the Savior of the world returns. We have so much yet to do! I know that Joseph Smith exercised simple faith in praying to find the mysteries of God and they were revealed to him. Revelation can come on an individual basis. Temporary Sacrifice is the price to pay for eternal blessings. The priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God. It is his governmental organization and it is perfect. It is on the earth today and the key holder to that authority is Thomas S. Monson. I want to add my witness to the Book of Mormon to the world. I know it is revealed scripture through prophets who saw this day just as those in the Bible. And those companion books are the study guide to the test we find ourselves here in life! They can become your closest friends as you seek to build a relationship with them. I know prayer is the divine communication by which we can commune and build a relationship with God through his son Jesus Christ! The work is real! This work's purpose is to bring our families together here on earth and in the kingdom's to come. I love my family. I cannot say it sufficiently. I believe in Christ so come what may. This gospel has given me more than I should have ever deserved. I yet feel inadequate for the blessings I have been given and continue to see but I am thankful for them. My mission has changed my life more than I suppose it has for any other man or woman I've taught.
I love you all immensely.
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
P.S. Let your recreational activities this week do just that...re-create you!
It's already been a great day. It's barely 11 o clock here and I have done all my laundry, written three letters (well actually typed...I am borrowing the typewriter from the church library to catch up on some letters), and read letters from my family and fell in love with them all over again. It's going good and it's only getting better! I guess that's kind of the theme for the week right now. It's been going good but it's getting even better!
Tuesday was a decent day. We did not see nearly as many people as we wanted to because none of them were ever home but that's ok. We walked a lot because last month we went over our miles and so now we have to make up for that in February. We have felt the effects of that all month. It's been good tho...I'm shedding some pounds.
I've also been doing p90x this week. I've mostly been doing the ab ripper x and the yoga one. They are so awesome! On top of that I run 3 miles every morning in about 22 minutes. I'm trying to get the time down to 20. It's tough on the elliptical though. You can't run that fast on one of those. Anyway it's been paying off...the diet is working great and I am gonna come home a whole new man. That's weird...I’m not a man. I'm still a kid. I'll come back a whole new kid! =)
We played basketball on Tuesday like we always do with the elder's quorum...we had a losing streak for about a month where we never won but as of lately we are on the prowl. We haven’t lost a game in 3 weeks and the title is up for challenge again tomorrow. It's been a lot of fun! I've grown really close with quite a few people through that and it's assisted in a less active family feeling welcome enough to come back to church regularly. Awesome!
Tuesday we did meet with Masa for about a split second.... Now I have learned something through this experience. When fasting and praying for something to happen you can expect it to happen but there is something that I have learned further. People still have their agency. Masa has been real distant since we saw him that night. He told us he knows it's true but he still has his choice. Now it's all up to him and that beautiful gift of agency. Sometimes I wish I could take that ability away from people! Haha.
Wednesday we got to teach one of my favorite persons in the world...Tasha. She is so awesome! She just has such great questions. So we made the bed sheet prior to seeing here. It's a king size bed sheet and we drew up the plan of salvation on it and everyone loves it. It's the best! Tasha had some questions about the plan and so we were prepared when we whipped out our mega version. She loved it. She is just eating the gospel up right now. She's reading and praying. She was going to move into this new apartment and get out of home because she and the parents have some issues I guess so she's wanted to move in with this girl who she knows she will party with. Well when we told her that we avoid alcohol and that whole scene she whipped out her phone and called the contract off. She is going to wait til summer when she can move in with good influences even tho it will be hard with the family situation. If that is not a sacrifice to let the spirit into her life, I am not quite sure what is. She is awesome! We are setting a baptismal date with her this week.
I made a mormon.org profile this week! Check it out....http://mormon.org/me/8DV2/
I went on exchanges with Elder Folsom this week from second ward. Cool guy from Oregon. When you look at him it is very apparent that he is a Ravenclaw but then he throws a curve ball every once in a while. I demolished him in Ticket to Ride with Hillary tho. I connected every single one of my 48 trains and accomplished 4 routes. It was an epic game. We have also been playing this SWEET game called Wiz-War. I feel like an absolute nerd playing it but it is soooooo cool! Probably favorite game I have ever played even tho Ticket to Ride and Dominion are close seconds. You should all look up Wiz-War cause it's the best!
We are also teaching the Ray family. Awesome family. Two of them have baptismal dates now for the 24th of March, the same as Masa's. The whole family is working towards it tho. We also set baptismal dates with the Meier's and all four of them will be baptized on the 24th of March as well! It's going to be a phenomenal day! That's a total of 7 baptismal dates. I can only say it's a miracle. The Lord's currency that he works with in order to give blessings is diligence. I am learning that however we can be diligent doesn't so much matter as the fact that we are just flat out being diligent. When you work as hard as you can for something you think you have the plan all figured out and how you are going to achieve your goals but for some reason you accomplish your goals and not in the way you planned. The Lord has his own ways and his ways our far superior to our ways. We have been extremely blessed. We had 10 investigators in church this week and that's nearly a mission record.
I played a song yesterday in church as well. I played "My Heavenly Father Loves Me". It's an arrangement by Sally DeFord that is really cool. I hear if you look it up on YouTube then there are two girls playing it. It's written as a duet but I made my own arrangement of her arrangement and played it solo. It went really well. I had quite the compliments on it.
Things I learned this week--
-I've taken some things in my life way too lightly and for granted
-Music changes things
-Compliments on a frequent basis change relationships.
Rather than getting up on my soap box and ranting on something that has touched me this week, I would simply like to bear my testimony. I feel as if I have gained so much over this last couple months and I don't know how to express it more simply than with a statement of what I believe and know to be true. First and foremost, I know that my Heavenly Father loves me. I have seen evidence of his love so many times in my own life as well as others and cannot negate the fact that he loves his children and blesses all with what they need to become better and more like him. Trials are evidence of his affection. Our agency in handling those decisions is evidence as well. We have the supreme ability to let our decisions after trials define us or destroy us. I know we have the ability through prayer and fasting and dedication to overcome anything that has come in our path. We can do so because He, our savior, did first! He died for us that we can become healed of our spiritual death. Through the separation from God that is accustomed to all men we may overcome though his great atonement. His atonement can change lives spiritually and physically. Tears can be dried. Broken Hearts can be mended. Families in disarray may be united. Sin and the effects thereof may be overcome. It is not through some magical power but through a divine being who walked upon this planet and suffered the pain that we would have had to suffer had he not done so. I know we can throw our cares and worries upon the Lord and receive ultimate renewal that can cleanse any impurity whether it be of a physical nature or spiritual. I know God has a plan for us. He has not deserted us and He will not. His plan is perfect. It can save all men and women according to their diligence in doing what he has asked. How long have the greatest people in the world awed at the question, where did we come from? Why are we are? What is the purpose behind this life? How many others have asked those questions finding no answers and how blessed are we for the knowledge given to us. I have taken that very knowledge for granted far too long. I have so much to be thankful for that I know comes from a God in Heaven. It is so hard sometimes to show that to others tho. They see so much wrong being done in the world and so much moral decay but I bear my witness that there is a God in Heaven who loves us and does have a plan for us. I know His gospel is true and I know it has been restored for this dispensation. There is so much work to be done before the Savior of the world returns. We have so much yet to do! I know that Joseph Smith exercised simple faith in praying to find the mysteries of God and they were revealed to him. Revelation can come on an individual basis. Temporary Sacrifice is the price to pay for eternal blessings. The priesthood is the authority to act in the name of God. It is his governmental organization and it is perfect. It is on the earth today and the key holder to that authority is Thomas S. Monson. I want to add my witness to the Book of Mormon to the world. I know it is revealed scripture through prophets who saw this day just as those in the Bible. And those companion books are the study guide to the test we find ourselves here in life! They can become your closest friends as you seek to build a relationship with them. I know prayer is the divine communication by which we can commune and build a relationship with God through his son Jesus Christ! The work is real! This work's purpose is to bring our families together here on earth and in the kingdom's to come. I love my family. I cannot say it sufficiently. I believe in Christ so come what may. This gospel has given me more than I should have ever deserved. I yet feel inadequate for the blessings I have been given and continue to see but I am thankful for them. My mission has changed my life more than I suppose it has for any other man or woman I've taught.
I love you all immensely.
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
P.S. Let your recreational activities this week do just that...re-create you!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Pictures!!
Q&A - February 21, 2012
1. How was your appointment last week with the Doc? What's the verdict on your ankle?
I am free from his care and the ugly boot for good! He would like me to wear a brace on my ankles when playing sports and wants me to do some exercises on it still. I still have some of the drawer effect where my ankle slides out of place but it's on track to mend as it should. Thank you all for your prayers. Miracles happen.
2. How is life with your companion?
We are doing great. We are tearing Waukee in half right now in terms of work. I love Elder Fenn. Good kid!
3. Do you have any investigators that you'll be baptizing soon? Or that at least look promising?
Oh just be patient for the email! Things are going so well!!
4. Did you make your bed this morning? Is that a habit you've acquired? :)
I have a bottom bunk so I have the easy job. I made my bed and Elder Fenn's bed today.
5. What was the craziest thing you experienced this past week?
Miracles. Miracles are crazy right?
6. What was your spiritual high for the week?
So many of them that I can't pick one. I will tell you all in the email tho.
I am free from his care and the ugly boot for good! He would like me to wear a brace on my ankles when playing sports and wants me to do some exercises on it still. I still have some of the drawer effect where my ankle slides out of place but it's on track to mend as it should. Thank you all for your prayers. Miracles happen.
2. How is life with your companion?
We are doing great. We are tearing Waukee in half right now in terms of work. I love Elder Fenn. Good kid!
3. Do you have any investigators that you'll be baptizing soon? Or that at least look promising?
Oh just be patient for the email! Things are going so well!!
4. Did you make your bed this morning? Is that a habit you've acquired? :)
I have a bottom bunk so I have the easy job. I made my bed and Elder Fenn's bed today.
5. What was the craziest thing you experienced this past week?
Miracles. Miracles are crazy right?
6. What was your spiritual high for the week?
So many of them that I can't pick one. I will tell you all in the email tho.
In God We Trust
Man....I don't even know how to start this email. I have so much content that needs to go into this but I am not sure where to start. My thoughts will most likely be a bit random with the overload of information to be involved here. Hopefully you can all follow along.
P-day last week went well. We played some basketball. That's just becoming the thing to do. It's always nice tho when you have to end your p-day early because you have so many people to teach that you can't fit it all in in the allotted time frame. I need to make mention of one contact we did make so you can see a larger picture later in this letter. We have had a new less active show up on the ward list and no one had met him yet. We showed up at Ben's house on Monday night as we had set up with him on the phone. When we entered and talked to him we learned that he has lived in the same house for 15 years and somehow we just didn't have his records. He said his mom must've been involved! Thank goodness for moms! He grew up in Utah and was a faithful member til the tough age of 15. He hadn't set foot in church since. He said he has been pondering lately tho and now he has a family with 6 kids and a wife and he said, and I quote, "I have felt a tugging in my heart to go back to church." The spirit had been teaching this man and his family way before we entered the picture. That's all I shall note as for now but remember this when I speak of Ben again.
All in all, great p-day. Lot's accomplished and we got to drive the a.p.'s van all week. Kinda not so cool. You appear like a rather large creeper in suits and a 12 passenger van. There is no way to pick up chicks in that. Thank heavens! Turns out that our car is going to Davenport for some elders there and the a.p.'s get a brand new truck and we have the van til our new car comes. Joy.
Tuesday I had my doctor's appointment with Dr. Groen and all is well. I have some slight drawer action in my ankle joint but it is mending well and I have been released from his care. We wore awesome pink ties for Valentine’s Day and many people noticed. We saw some good people that day but the best part of the day was dinner. We had dinner with the Morrison's. I love that family a lot. They have 4 kids and he actually lost his job the day before we saw him, completely out of nowhere. My heart sagged a little for him. I have seen firsthand how that can affect your family and especially the patriarch of the family. This is what impresses me though...In every case that I have seen where someone loses their job and also has a strong faith in Jesus Christ, they react with faith. They have something to fall back on...their Savior. I'm so grateful for that knowledge. We had shrimp scampi with them as is their tradition for Valentine’s Day. It was a great night.
On Wednesday we did a lot of driving. I was with Elder McKeon who is normally in 3rd ward. He's from Valencia California. Great kid. He's still brand new and I love him a lot. We drove to some farther homes than we normally reach. We had dinner with the Buggs and they just had a son enter the army and is in boot camp right now. I guess he loved to play the piano and so Sister Bugg, now being an empty nester, asked me to play the piano for her for a while. I loved that! I'm glad I could help. My biggest suggestion to all you kids taking piano lessons who want to quit....Don't. You will forever regret it. It's worth it to stick to it.
Thursday was an exciting day because we met with a man named Masa Lin. He's Chinese and some of you may remember him because I taught him with Braxton and Uncle Limpy. He dropped us that night for all who have forgotten. Well I felt "a tugging in my heart" to go see him. I have a deep love for that man and I missed him and so we stopped by. We ended up setting a baptismal date with him. He will be baptized March 24th or sooner. We actually met with him again yesterday and he was pretty down because he hadn’t received an answer yet as to whether this was all right for him. So we taught about fasting and we are all fasting now until this evening when we will meet with him again and I have faith that he has received an answer! I know that man will be baptized. Great guy! I have learned tons from him.
It's funny that in every area in which I have served in Iowa, President has said something similar every time...."Elder, this area is not doing well...go fix that." I have now been trying to fix that for 4 months and its working. Our first baptismal date in Waukee and I was floored! =) =) =) =)
Friday we helped sheetrock in some member's home. We taped and mudded and sanded. It was a lot of fun. I miss manual labor. I have no calluses on my hands and so I really enjoyed getting blisters. That night half of our dinner appointment's family was sick so he took us out with a couple of his kids. We went to the golden arches, mickey d's, mcdeezy's, however you wish to call it. We then went bowling with them and it was epic. I lost horrifically but it was fun! Me and the 4 year olds get along real well. I'm pretty much best friends with them all.
Saturday we had an appointment with a member family and they had some family over. Most of them went home but one named Tasha stayed. She's 18 and she now has a baptismal date and so that's awesome! The spirit is so cool! It does such a good job at convincing men and women of the truth.
Saturday night was Brother McKellar's birthday and he turned 40 so for his birthday he wanted to have a piano recital and play duets with all his kids and his wife. He is really good. They've had it planned for months now and we were invited and multiple times in the recital he made mention of the missionaries and how he did that too and how it changed his life and how his love for music started there and just grew and grew. Anyway, to an audience of 500 people where most are not members, that was pretty bold. It was great! We talked to quite a few people afterward.
Yesterday we had our zone p-day and we had an epic nerf war. We called it Hunger Games. We had 15 people and last one standing won. I would love to say that I won...and well I can because I did. It was so much fun. I felt like Katniss. I made certain alliances and friends and then would watch them die. It was quite sad. Tons of fun!
The best part of yesterday was last night. We met with Ben and his family again. Oh man...I’m already getting chills from it. The mom, Tina started out our whole discussion by saying, "I want to be baptized. I've been taught the lessons before but never committed. I'm ready now." It was just an incredible lesson. # of the kids are still living at home and all want to baptized as well and Dad wants to come back to church. They have hit some rough patches lately and Ben immediately knew that he needed the gospel in his life again. He said, "When you two came into my home last week, I felt the spirit for the first time in 30 years and I knew what I needed to do. We need your help and support but we are ready to do this." I just started to cry. The spirit flooded the room and everyone was in tears. I was prompted to bear my testimony of something that I have learned through some rough experiences of my own. I said something to the effect that the church and the gospel of Jesus Christ will not prevent or exempt anyone from trials. But I promised family peace and something to always come back to when things get tough. Our savior is ALWAYS there. Oh it was indescribable. So we now have 6 baptismal dates after one week. Hard work pays off and just like every piece of American money says, "In God we trust".
Things I learned this week-
-I'm not a good bowler...especially in a suit and tie.
-I am an awesome Hunger Games candidate...as long as it's nerf weapons only.
-When work is done and trust is put in the lord, miracles occur.
I am out of time but I want to tell you all one last thing. I love you. It hit me this week on Saturday I have been in Iowa for nine months now. I only have six remaining. That has provoked some thought and if it wasn't for the love I have for my family and friends I would never go home. I would petition to do this full time forever, but nothing gold can stay and I love you all way too much! You're the best! Thanks for your support!
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
P-day last week went well. We played some basketball. That's just becoming the thing to do. It's always nice tho when you have to end your p-day early because you have so many people to teach that you can't fit it all in in the allotted time frame. I need to make mention of one contact we did make so you can see a larger picture later in this letter. We have had a new less active show up on the ward list and no one had met him yet. We showed up at Ben's house on Monday night as we had set up with him on the phone. When we entered and talked to him we learned that he has lived in the same house for 15 years and somehow we just didn't have his records. He said his mom must've been involved! Thank goodness for moms! He grew up in Utah and was a faithful member til the tough age of 15. He hadn't set foot in church since. He said he has been pondering lately tho and now he has a family with 6 kids and a wife and he said, and I quote, "I have felt a tugging in my heart to go back to church." The spirit had been teaching this man and his family way before we entered the picture. That's all I shall note as for now but remember this when I speak of Ben again.
All in all, great p-day. Lot's accomplished and we got to drive the a.p.'s van all week. Kinda not so cool. You appear like a rather large creeper in suits and a 12 passenger van. There is no way to pick up chicks in that. Thank heavens! Turns out that our car is going to Davenport for some elders there and the a.p.'s get a brand new truck and we have the van til our new car comes. Joy.
Tuesday I had my doctor's appointment with Dr. Groen and all is well. I have some slight drawer action in my ankle joint but it is mending well and I have been released from his care. We wore awesome pink ties for Valentine’s Day and many people noticed. We saw some good people that day but the best part of the day was dinner. We had dinner with the Morrison's. I love that family a lot. They have 4 kids and he actually lost his job the day before we saw him, completely out of nowhere. My heart sagged a little for him. I have seen firsthand how that can affect your family and especially the patriarch of the family. This is what impresses me though...In every case that I have seen where someone loses their job and also has a strong faith in Jesus Christ, they react with faith. They have something to fall back on...their Savior. I'm so grateful for that knowledge. We had shrimp scampi with them as is their tradition for Valentine’s Day. It was a great night.
On Wednesday we did a lot of driving. I was with Elder McKeon who is normally in 3rd ward. He's from Valencia California. Great kid. He's still brand new and I love him a lot. We drove to some farther homes than we normally reach. We had dinner with the Buggs and they just had a son enter the army and is in boot camp right now. I guess he loved to play the piano and so Sister Bugg, now being an empty nester, asked me to play the piano for her for a while. I loved that! I'm glad I could help. My biggest suggestion to all you kids taking piano lessons who want to quit....Don't. You will forever regret it. It's worth it to stick to it.
Thursday was an exciting day because we met with a man named Masa Lin. He's Chinese and some of you may remember him because I taught him with Braxton and Uncle Limpy. He dropped us that night for all who have forgotten. Well I felt "a tugging in my heart" to go see him. I have a deep love for that man and I missed him and so we stopped by. We ended up setting a baptismal date with him. He will be baptized March 24th or sooner. We actually met with him again yesterday and he was pretty down because he hadn’t received an answer yet as to whether this was all right for him. So we taught about fasting and we are all fasting now until this evening when we will meet with him again and I have faith that he has received an answer! I know that man will be baptized. Great guy! I have learned tons from him.
It's funny that in every area in which I have served in Iowa, President has said something similar every time...."Elder, this area is not doing well...go fix that." I have now been trying to fix that for 4 months and its working. Our first baptismal date in Waukee and I was floored! =) =) =) =)
Friday we helped sheetrock in some member's home. We taped and mudded and sanded. It was a lot of fun. I miss manual labor. I have no calluses on my hands and so I really enjoyed getting blisters. That night half of our dinner appointment's family was sick so he took us out with a couple of his kids. We went to the golden arches, mickey d's, mcdeezy's, however you wish to call it. We then went bowling with them and it was epic. I lost horrifically but it was fun! Me and the 4 year olds get along real well. I'm pretty much best friends with them all.
Saturday we had an appointment with a member family and they had some family over. Most of them went home but one named Tasha stayed. She's 18 and she now has a baptismal date and so that's awesome! The spirit is so cool! It does such a good job at convincing men and women of the truth.
Saturday night was Brother McKellar's birthday and he turned 40 so for his birthday he wanted to have a piano recital and play duets with all his kids and his wife. He is really good. They've had it planned for months now and we were invited and multiple times in the recital he made mention of the missionaries and how he did that too and how it changed his life and how his love for music started there and just grew and grew. Anyway, to an audience of 500 people where most are not members, that was pretty bold. It was great! We talked to quite a few people afterward.
Yesterday we had our zone p-day and we had an epic nerf war. We called it Hunger Games. We had 15 people and last one standing won. I would love to say that I won...and well I can because I did. It was so much fun. I felt like Katniss. I made certain alliances and friends and then would watch them die. It was quite sad. Tons of fun!
The best part of yesterday was last night. We met with Ben and his family again. Oh man...I’m already getting chills from it. The mom, Tina started out our whole discussion by saying, "I want to be baptized. I've been taught the lessons before but never committed. I'm ready now." It was just an incredible lesson. # of the kids are still living at home and all want to baptized as well and Dad wants to come back to church. They have hit some rough patches lately and Ben immediately knew that he needed the gospel in his life again. He said, "When you two came into my home last week, I felt the spirit for the first time in 30 years and I knew what I needed to do. We need your help and support but we are ready to do this." I just started to cry. The spirit flooded the room and everyone was in tears. I was prompted to bear my testimony of something that I have learned through some rough experiences of my own. I said something to the effect that the church and the gospel of Jesus Christ will not prevent or exempt anyone from trials. But I promised family peace and something to always come back to when things get tough. Our savior is ALWAYS there. Oh it was indescribable. So we now have 6 baptismal dates after one week. Hard work pays off and just like every piece of American money says, "In God we trust".
Things I learned this week-
-I'm not a good bowler...especially in a suit and tie.
-I am an awesome Hunger Games candidate...as long as it's nerf weapons only.
-When work is done and trust is put in the lord, miracles occur.
I am out of time but I want to tell you all one last thing. I love you. It hit me this week on Saturday I have been in Iowa for nine months now. I only have six remaining. That has provoked some thought and if it wasn't for the love I have for my family and friends I would never go home. I would petition to do this full time forever, but nothing gold can stay and I love you all way too much! You're the best! Thanks for your support!
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private (Hmm... where does he get this stuff???)
Man, it has been another just super good week! This week is the week of the month that flies the quickest tho because we have several meetings to attend after the first Tuesday of each month. But before I even get to that I should start at the beginning.
Monday was another great p-day. It's so much harder to actually get some letters written when you are serving in a town where there is actually some stuff to do. It's super difficult but I pumped three good letters out. A little above average I would say for the location. We got together with the 3rd and 2nd Ward Elders to play some b-ball. It's a way fun group to get together with. I guess I should put a plug in here for my ankle. It is doing much better now. I have been "weaning" myself from the boot and have been doing my ankle exercises and it's going well. I think I am probably back to as normal as can be but it will never be the same. I have my 3rd appointment with Dr. Groen tomorrow so we will see where things are. My suspicion is that I will be released from his care. I am learning how to trust my ankle again. It's not easy to gain trust in something like that I have learned. For what once was appearing to be inevitably surgically fixed...I would consider it a miracle I am where I am. More to come after the appointment this week.
P-day ended well and Tuesday morning is where things started to get crazy. Every first Tuesday of the month, with minor exceptions, we have zone leader council. This time we all met in Iowa City and had a good meeting. We discussed our zone progress, whether or not we have achieved our three month baptismal goal, and also what our next three month goal will be. In the Des Moines Zone we did not reach our goal but I must say we are on the upward climb. When I was sent here, President told me I needed to fix the zone because it was not doing so well. We had zero people progressing towards baptism and we had just not much happening. It's come a long way. We have now 7 baptisms scheduled for February and March and more are progressing. Even in the area of Waukee, where we were struggling quite a bit for people to teach at one point, we are seeing some miracles happen. For example, we will be taking time out of our p-day today to teach people because we have so many to teach. The work is going great. We have a new family of 7 that has been to church for about 3 weeks straight. And another family of 4 that we are working with. Things are looking up in the Des Moines Zone. I'd love to say it was my influence but there are some great missionaries in this zone. I love them all.
Zone leader Council went until 5 and then we drove home and went to Panda Express for dinner with everyone in the west side of the mission. It was good to be with them. It's always nice to see other missionaries. It kind of boosts your confidence knowing that someone is out there struggling with you in your same efforts. I saw Elder Howard....I love that kid. I love our mission. I am going to miss it so much. On that note....I’m not sure who all is aware of this but with 9 months in Brazil and, as of Saturday this week, 9 months in Iowa....I am in my last quarter. I only have 6 months left. It hit me pretty hard that I have 4 transfers to go and I am home. Wow. That means that as of Saturday I am on the 6 months to sexy diet and exercise plan. =) By the way I am down 12 pounds for the year. Awesome! =)
We had two district meetings this week. Both of which went very well. Like I said before I love the Elders and Sisters that I serve with. Because of our diligence and effort here, president has awarded our zone with a zone p-day this upcoming Monday. We are going to be having a giant capture the flag nerf gun war! It's gonna be epic. I'm very excited for it. But the district meetings were awesome. We have two really good district leaders taking charge of their respective districts and doing really good work. It makes for a busy work tho to still carry a full proselyting week as well as a cumulative 15 hours of meetings. We survived it well tho.
We also had exchanges with the A.P.'s this week. I was with Elder Deaton who goes home this transfer. He's a great guy. We worked in the Waukee area and saw a lot of success. We determined to set some goals before we tracted Summit Street and set a goal with Heavenly Father that we would try to place three Book of Mormons and get two return appointments. The lord blesses his missionaries. We knocked the whole street of about 50 houses and placed 3 books as well as set up 2 return appointments this week and some for the week following. When working with and praying to the Lord...miracles happen. It was fantastic to be a part of.
Friday night and Saturday night we froze our bums off. It was about -20 with the wind chill. Not fun! The best part of it was when we left the house, Elder Fenn saw my boot in the closet and was like, "hey, can I wear this?" I thought he was crazy but he said he wanted to walk a mile in my shoes. Turns out we walked our normal path that night to the other side of town...we do this daily now...but we took Elder Fenn's iPod along that tracts steps and it’s actually 5.34 miles one way and 5.34 miles back. It's over ten miles!! No wonder I am losing weight! =) But now Elder Fenn can say he walked some miles in my shoes. He's a good kid! I love him.
I was asked this week to play a special musical number in church the end of this month....I’m looking forward to that!
Things I learned this week....
-Scarves are not fashion accessories as I once supposed. If I would have worn one, I would not have frozen my face off.
-Valentine's Day brings nearly as many packages into the office as Christmas! Haha
-Valentine's Day is really "National single awareness day" and let's be honest...who wants to be defined by what they lack? Not my favorite holiday!
This week I learned so much about time. It's funny because I have said in nearly every opening paragraph of my letters how crazy fast the time passes and this week I have gained some, but certainly not all, insights on why. Time moves at a fixed rate for us. It never changes. What has to change about time tho is how we view it. We must change the way we see time. We inherit property from Heavenly Father but it is not a physical piece of land... lets be honest...that's still his. What we inherit as property from Heavenly Father is time. Consider this quote from Brigham Young..."With regard to our property, as I have told you many times, the property which we inherit from our Heavenly Father is our time, and the power to choose in the disposition of the same. This is the real capital that is bequeathed unto us by our Heavenly Father; all the rest is what he may be pleased to add unto us." We also inherit the power to choose how we will use the time that has been given us. Now for those of you who may not now...I have always been very interested in investing and money. I started a Roth IRA account at age 14 and learned more regarding the matter in senior year economics. It's always been interesting to me. One thing I have learned, and I believe may be applied to the equity of time, there is a great difference in spending and investing. Time spent is time wasted. Time invested is time well used. The difference between the two is entirely up to us...we may invest and use our time and see it as time of value or we may simply spend our time and let it pass us by.
Let me end with a sobering thought I ran across this week. "There is an urgency in this work that motivates us to extend the blessings of the temple to as many of our Heavenly Father's children as possible. I was impressed with an experience of President Wilford Woodruff when he told of a visitation he received from the Prophet Joseph Smith some time after the Prophet was martyred. According to President Woodruff's own account: "[Joseph Smith] came to me and spoke to me. He said he could not stop to talk with me because he was in a hurry. The next man I met was Father Smith; he could not talk with me because he was in a hurry. I met half a dozen brethren who had held high positions on earth, and none of them could stop to talk with me because they were in a hurry. I was much astonished. By and by I saw the Prophet again and I got the privilege of asking him a question. "'Now,' said I, 'I want to know why you are in a hurry. I have been in a hurry all my life; but I expected my hurry would be over when I got into the kingdom of heaven, if I ever did.' "Joseph said: 'I will tell you, Brother Woodruff. Every dispensation that has had the priesthood on the earth and has gone into the celestial kingdom has had a certain amount of work to do to prepare to go to the earth with the Savior when he goes to reign on the earth. Each dispensation has had ample time to do this work. We have not. We are the last dispensation, and so much work has to be done, and we need to be in a hurry to accomplish it.'
There is so much work to be done. There is so little time to do it. The time we have must be invested rather than spent. I have learned through these last months...time that is invested flies because it is something of value to you. Almost like when we were all young and time at a friend's house went so fast because it was so valuable. My mission is like time at my best friend’s house...flying because it is of such value.
I love you all! You're the best!
Hugs and Kisses,
Happy Valentine's Day,
Elder Zachary Excell
Monday was another great p-day. It's so much harder to actually get some letters written when you are serving in a town where there is actually some stuff to do. It's super difficult but I pumped three good letters out. A little above average I would say for the location. We got together with the 3rd and 2nd Ward Elders to play some b-ball. It's a way fun group to get together with. I guess I should put a plug in here for my ankle. It is doing much better now. I have been "weaning" myself from the boot and have been doing my ankle exercises and it's going well. I think I am probably back to as normal as can be but it will never be the same. I have my 3rd appointment with Dr. Groen tomorrow so we will see where things are. My suspicion is that I will be released from his care. I am learning how to trust my ankle again. It's not easy to gain trust in something like that I have learned. For what once was appearing to be inevitably surgically fixed...I would consider it a miracle I am where I am. More to come after the appointment this week.
P-day ended well and Tuesday morning is where things started to get crazy. Every first Tuesday of the month, with minor exceptions, we have zone leader council. This time we all met in Iowa City and had a good meeting. We discussed our zone progress, whether or not we have achieved our three month baptismal goal, and also what our next three month goal will be. In the Des Moines Zone we did not reach our goal but I must say we are on the upward climb. When I was sent here, President told me I needed to fix the zone because it was not doing so well. We had zero people progressing towards baptism and we had just not much happening. It's come a long way. We have now 7 baptisms scheduled for February and March and more are progressing. Even in the area of Waukee, where we were struggling quite a bit for people to teach at one point, we are seeing some miracles happen. For example, we will be taking time out of our p-day today to teach people because we have so many to teach. The work is going great. We have a new family of 7 that has been to church for about 3 weeks straight. And another family of 4 that we are working with. Things are looking up in the Des Moines Zone. I'd love to say it was my influence but there are some great missionaries in this zone. I love them all.
Zone leader Council went until 5 and then we drove home and went to Panda Express for dinner with everyone in the west side of the mission. It was good to be with them. It's always nice to see other missionaries. It kind of boosts your confidence knowing that someone is out there struggling with you in your same efforts. I saw Elder Howard....I love that kid. I love our mission. I am going to miss it so much. On that note....I’m not sure who all is aware of this but with 9 months in Brazil and, as of Saturday this week, 9 months in Iowa....I am in my last quarter. I only have 6 months left. It hit me pretty hard that I have 4 transfers to go and I am home. Wow. That means that as of Saturday I am on the 6 months to sexy diet and exercise plan. =) By the way I am down 12 pounds for the year. Awesome! =)
We had two district meetings this week. Both of which went very well. Like I said before I love the Elders and Sisters that I serve with. Because of our diligence and effort here, president has awarded our zone with a zone p-day this upcoming Monday. We are going to be having a giant capture the flag nerf gun war! It's gonna be epic. I'm very excited for it. But the district meetings were awesome. We have two really good district leaders taking charge of their respective districts and doing really good work. It makes for a busy work tho to still carry a full proselyting week as well as a cumulative 15 hours of meetings. We survived it well tho.
We also had exchanges with the A.P.'s this week. I was with Elder Deaton who goes home this transfer. He's a great guy. We worked in the Waukee area and saw a lot of success. We determined to set some goals before we tracted Summit Street and set a goal with Heavenly Father that we would try to place three Book of Mormons and get two return appointments. The lord blesses his missionaries. We knocked the whole street of about 50 houses and placed 3 books as well as set up 2 return appointments this week and some for the week following. When working with and praying to the Lord...miracles happen. It was fantastic to be a part of.
Friday night and Saturday night we froze our bums off. It was about -20 with the wind chill. Not fun! The best part of it was when we left the house, Elder Fenn saw my boot in the closet and was like, "hey, can I wear this?" I thought he was crazy but he said he wanted to walk a mile in my shoes. Turns out we walked our normal path that night to the other side of town...we do this daily now...but we took Elder Fenn's iPod along that tracts steps and it’s actually 5.34 miles one way and 5.34 miles back. It's over ten miles!! No wonder I am losing weight! =) But now Elder Fenn can say he walked some miles in my shoes. He's a good kid! I love him.
I was asked this week to play a special musical number in church the end of this month....I’m looking forward to that!
Things I learned this week....
-Scarves are not fashion accessories as I once supposed. If I would have worn one, I would not have frozen my face off.
-Valentine's Day brings nearly as many packages into the office as Christmas! Haha
-Valentine's Day is really "National single awareness day" and let's be honest...who wants to be defined by what they lack? Not my favorite holiday!
This week I learned so much about time. It's funny because I have said in nearly every opening paragraph of my letters how crazy fast the time passes and this week I have gained some, but certainly not all, insights on why. Time moves at a fixed rate for us. It never changes. What has to change about time tho is how we view it. We must change the way we see time. We inherit property from Heavenly Father but it is not a physical piece of land... lets be honest...that's still his. What we inherit as property from Heavenly Father is time. Consider this quote from Brigham Young..."With regard to our property, as I have told you many times, the property which we inherit from our Heavenly Father is our time, and the power to choose in the disposition of the same. This is the real capital that is bequeathed unto us by our Heavenly Father; all the rest is what he may be pleased to add unto us." We also inherit the power to choose how we will use the time that has been given us. Now for those of you who may not now...I have always been very interested in investing and money. I started a Roth IRA account at age 14 and learned more regarding the matter in senior year economics. It's always been interesting to me. One thing I have learned, and I believe may be applied to the equity of time, there is a great difference in spending and investing. Time spent is time wasted. Time invested is time well used. The difference between the two is entirely up to us...we may invest and use our time and see it as time of value or we may simply spend our time and let it pass us by.
Let me end with a sobering thought I ran across this week. "There is an urgency in this work that motivates us to extend the blessings of the temple to as many of our Heavenly Father's children as possible. I was impressed with an experience of President Wilford Woodruff when he told of a visitation he received from the Prophet Joseph Smith some time after the Prophet was martyred. According to President Woodruff's own account: "[Joseph Smith] came to me and spoke to me. He said he could not stop to talk with me because he was in a hurry. The next man I met was Father Smith; he could not talk with me because he was in a hurry. I met half a dozen brethren who had held high positions on earth, and none of them could stop to talk with me because they were in a hurry. I was much astonished. By and by I saw the Prophet again and I got the privilege of asking him a question. "'Now,' said I, 'I want to know why you are in a hurry. I have been in a hurry all my life; but I expected my hurry would be over when I got into the kingdom of heaven, if I ever did.' "Joseph said: 'I will tell you, Brother Woodruff. Every dispensation that has had the priesthood on the earth and has gone into the celestial kingdom has had a certain amount of work to do to prepare to go to the earth with the Savior when he goes to reign on the earth. Each dispensation has had ample time to do this work. We have not. We are the last dispensation, and so much work has to be done, and we need to be in a hurry to accomplish it.'
There is so much work to be done. There is so little time to do it. The time we have must be invested rather than spent. I have learned through these last months...time that is invested flies because it is something of value to you. Almost like when we were all young and time at a friend's house went so fast because it was so valuable. My mission is like time at my best friend’s house...flying because it is of such value.
I love you all! You're the best!
Hugs and Kisses,
Happy Valentine's Day,
Elder Zachary Excell
Monday, February 6, 2012
Q&A - February 6, 2012
1. How are things with your new companion?
I love my new companion. He is younger so he is still reliant on the Lord and I love that! He isn't prideful. He is a great missionary. We work very well together. He is like an Elder Howard. We will get along great!
2. How were your teaching appointments with President Jergensen?
They went so well. I will make sure to note those in my email!
3. Was is hard to get any work done last night with the Superbowl happening? What did you do?
We went to someone's house who wasn't interested in football. Haha. It was a bit difficult finding that person but it was good.
4. It looks to me like it has decided to be winter again in Iowa. Do you have very much snow on the ground? Are you staying warm?
There is about 6-8 inches that showed up in 24 hours but I love it! I'm very warm. Those thermals you sent for Christmas are so nice! I love them! Even tho before I put on my dress pants it looks a lot like leggings/jeggings! =)
5. What was the highlight of your week?
I picked out a song on the piano that I haven't played in forever and it made my day. Highlight of my week tho is probably watching the spirit take control of a lesson. I'll explain in a bit...
I love my new companion. He is younger so he is still reliant on the Lord and I love that! He isn't prideful. He is a great missionary. We work very well together. He is like an Elder Howard. We will get along great!
2. How were your teaching appointments with President Jergensen?
They went so well. I will make sure to note those in my email!
3. Was is hard to get any work done last night with the Superbowl happening? What did you do?
We went to someone's house who wasn't interested in football. Haha. It was a bit difficult finding that person but it was good.
4. It looks to me like it has decided to be winter again in Iowa. Do you have very much snow on the ground? Are you staying warm?
There is about 6-8 inches that showed up in 24 hours but I love it! I'm very warm. Those thermals you sent for Christmas are so nice! I love them! Even tho before I put on my dress pants it looks a lot like leggings/jeggings! =)
5. What was the highlight of your week?
I picked out a song on the piano that I haven't played in forever and it made my day. Highlight of my week tho is probably watching the spirit take control of a lesson. I'll explain in a bit...
I'm just a big kid trying to do what's right...
First off, I need to be grateful for a few things. Most of whom are blood related. I am so thankful for my family. As the weeks away from home increase and the weeks remaining consequently decrease, I find myself more in love with the people who really matter most! I love my family so much. And somehow just like the song says..."They are so good to me, I want to spend my life with them, for all eternity." You're all just the best! I have never felt so supported in my life as I do now! Everyone who has done something to help me get here deserves a gigantic thank you and hug! I love you all.
This week was awesome. It started out very tiring. On p-day, Monday, we got together with the 2nd and 3rd ward elders and played some basketball and rugby. Oh man - it was a blast, don’t get me wrong, but it was 3 hours of nonstop go, go, go. I felt so great afterwards though. There is that feeling of accomplishment I guess that I relish so much. It's almost the same feeling as doing the dishes by hand and finishing realizing that you have done something and you can see a difference. Working out makes part of you feel like trash but the other part of you feel incredible at the fact that you have survived what you just put your body through. Speaking of which...after one month of diet and exercise I am pleased to announce that I have lost 10 pounds. I am so happy and I can see a difference. Accomplishing goals is such an unbeatable feeling. I love it.
We also went to my favorite mall and showed Elder Fenn around. Pretty hilarious to watch Elder SoCal feel at home in the mall with thousands of other visitors. We joked about how there was probably more people in the mall than in our last areas combined. =) It's pretty nice to be back in civilization.
On Wednesday this week, I officially did the next most stupid thing in my life behind the Adam Emmeneker challenge. So there is this frozen pond that we like to travel across. Why you ask...well simple...it is the shortest path between two points. Up until this moment in time this pond has been frozen solid. So with the increasing temperatures outside, I decided to try it again. Well I made it halfway across this pond and things seemed solid and I had zero worries. Well two steps later my foot went through. Now let me teach you a lesson that I learned in a matter of milliseconds. When falling through what appears to be solid ice, do the following...
1) Do not panic.... (My face would have seemed quite contrary to that emotion)
2) Spread out!! When falling through the ice do not center all your mass in one place. Gravity always wins. Spread out to cover more surface area, it's stronger that way.
3) Do not put the phone in the pocket of your leg that is going through the ice. If you forget this step see step 4...
4) Place phone in a bag of rice for an extended amount of time.
5) Make sure you are not miles from home and unmoisturized pants.
These are the things that I learned very quickly. Don't worry mom, I did not go all the way in. My right foot went in up to my hip. How deep was the pond? I do not have an answer but I know it was deeper than the span of foot to hip. I never touched bottom. It made the 2 mile walk back home real fun though. Hillary just had to laugh seeing me half wet though when we walked in the house. She loved it.
That night we had dinner with the Cline's. Why is this pertinent information for you all...well I got a roll up keyboard out of it. It's pretty amazing. I can play wherever I go now. =) One thing that I picked out the other day on the new keyboard is "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars. Well after getting the melody picked out in the key I wanted it in, I have taken my lunch breaks to perfect that song on the Nielsen’s grand piano. I made my own version and I love it. I have missed playing the piano so much. I am so blessed to have one full time.
Also, on Wednesday night, we had our appointments with President Jergensen. They went so well. We were able to find out exactly what is going on with Teresa. It was very nice to finally discover her issues so we can help her to progress. She has a very difficult road ahead but she most definitely knows that God loves her by now. She has some options to her and I think that alone is a relief to her. We also taught Lindsay with President. It was an incredible lesson. We taught about the 4th Article of Faith or in other words, the doctrine of Christ. It was awesome. It was so great to see the spirit present in that lesson. At one point that was the climax of the lesson, I felt very prompted by the spirit to tell her how it is that we found her. If you don't remember that story, I think I wrote about it a few weeks back. I told her that she was involved in one of the most spiritual moments of my life. As much as I would love to say that I was a man when presenting this story, I cannot. The genetic trait that I have inherited from my parents of crying when I am talking about things very special to me overcame me. I began to cry to put it simply. Lindsay did as well and the spirit taught her in that moment that Heavenly Father loves her enough to send his servants to her when she needed them most. It was such a learning experience for all present. It was not something that I can even say now that I know intellectually but I know spiritually that it is true. Man the spirit is awesome.
On Friday night, we were told that there was going to be a massive storm the next day so be prepared. Well we were as much as we could I guess. Anyway we woke up Saturday to a couple inches of fresh snow, the first of the year practically. We started on our journey to the library which is about 4 miles. We had to walk because the cars were grounded that day due to weather. Well it started to just dump snow. Not just for a little while either. All day! We made it a blast tho. It was this wet, wet snow so we were soaked pretty thoroughly. But every time we came to a giant pile where a plow had been, we tried to be like quarterbacks in football pretending the snow was the defensive line and we had to jump it. It was a blast. All things considered, we should've been miserable but somehow we weren't. It was really fun rather. I kinda wish we could do it again. Really good workout too walking in snow that is 6 inches deep and unplowed for nearly ten miles. That is no exaggeration by the way. On a more sensitive note tho, I really felt like I understood the pioneers a bit more. Something about being in Iowa and walking in bad conditions just makes you appreciate your heritage.
Things I learned this week--
-Gucci cologne....not that great.
-Rugby in a hardwood floor gym with carpet on the walls....awesome.
-I am t minus 200 days now...ugh.
This week during district meeting I had an interesting thought that I wanted to write about. I was thinking about life....for some reason I do that a lot. I try to focus on the big picture of just life in general. I started trying to compare it to a picture of connect the dots. We start out at that starting point in our lives. For everyone we can assume it is point 1. For a number of years we have no recognition or accountability for our actions so they are not counted until we are 8 years old but at the age of accountability new points show up. In reality, there are probably several "number two" points. We make choices to determine to which point we will be traveling next. We choose and advance down that path and we continue to make those choices until at some point we have our last point, the last decision we make in our earthly tabernacles of clay, aka bodies. That's all we get...we get one lifetime to connect the dots. I imagine that if we have chosen our path wisely our picture will be of Christ. That is the ultimate goal is to become like him. To create his picture with our lives. It's not an easy picture to recreate but it can be done perfectly. If we maybe make a wrong decision it is curable by Christ himself. In the Bible Dictionary, it says "the purpose of atonement is to correct or overcome the consequences of sin." Not just the sin itself but even the consequences of sin are absolved by the atonement of Jesus Christ. As we partner with him our picture may be perfect. Through Christ we are perfect. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive”. The atonement is conditional, however, so far as each person’s individual sins are concerned, and touches everyone to the degree that he has faith in Jesus Christ, repents of his sins, and obeys the gospel. Through those simple yet often difficult steps...we can have the perfect picture. It's really by small means. A new favorite scripture of mine to end with..."You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves." (D&C 123:16)
I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of Christ's gospel. It can heal you spiritually as well as physically. I am so grateful for all of you and your support. I could have written a thank you note this long or longer just of names to thank for the life lessons I have learned in my life. I love you all.
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
This week was awesome. It started out very tiring. On p-day, Monday, we got together with the 2nd and 3rd ward elders and played some basketball and rugby. Oh man - it was a blast, don’t get me wrong, but it was 3 hours of nonstop go, go, go. I felt so great afterwards though. There is that feeling of accomplishment I guess that I relish so much. It's almost the same feeling as doing the dishes by hand and finishing realizing that you have done something and you can see a difference. Working out makes part of you feel like trash but the other part of you feel incredible at the fact that you have survived what you just put your body through. Speaking of which...after one month of diet and exercise I am pleased to announce that I have lost 10 pounds. I am so happy and I can see a difference. Accomplishing goals is such an unbeatable feeling. I love it.
We also went to my favorite mall and showed Elder Fenn around. Pretty hilarious to watch Elder SoCal feel at home in the mall with thousands of other visitors. We joked about how there was probably more people in the mall than in our last areas combined. =) It's pretty nice to be back in civilization.
On Wednesday this week, I officially did the next most stupid thing in my life behind the Adam Emmeneker challenge. So there is this frozen pond that we like to travel across. Why you ask...well simple...it is the shortest path between two points. Up until this moment in time this pond has been frozen solid. So with the increasing temperatures outside, I decided to try it again. Well I made it halfway across this pond and things seemed solid and I had zero worries. Well two steps later my foot went through. Now let me teach you a lesson that I learned in a matter of milliseconds. When falling through what appears to be solid ice, do the following...
1) Do not panic.... (My face would have seemed quite contrary to that emotion)
2) Spread out!! When falling through the ice do not center all your mass in one place. Gravity always wins. Spread out to cover more surface area, it's stronger that way.
3) Do not put the phone in the pocket of your leg that is going through the ice. If you forget this step see step 4...
4) Place phone in a bag of rice for an extended amount of time.
5) Make sure you are not miles from home and unmoisturized pants.
These are the things that I learned very quickly. Don't worry mom, I did not go all the way in. My right foot went in up to my hip. How deep was the pond? I do not have an answer but I know it was deeper than the span of foot to hip. I never touched bottom. It made the 2 mile walk back home real fun though. Hillary just had to laugh seeing me half wet though when we walked in the house. She loved it.
That night we had dinner with the Cline's. Why is this pertinent information for you all...well I got a roll up keyboard out of it. It's pretty amazing. I can play wherever I go now. =) One thing that I picked out the other day on the new keyboard is "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars. Well after getting the melody picked out in the key I wanted it in, I have taken my lunch breaks to perfect that song on the Nielsen’s grand piano. I made my own version and I love it. I have missed playing the piano so much. I am so blessed to have one full time.
Also, on Wednesday night, we had our appointments with President Jergensen. They went so well. We were able to find out exactly what is going on with Teresa. It was very nice to finally discover her issues so we can help her to progress. She has a very difficult road ahead but she most definitely knows that God loves her by now. She has some options to her and I think that alone is a relief to her. We also taught Lindsay with President. It was an incredible lesson. We taught about the 4th Article of Faith or in other words, the doctrine of Christ. It was awesome. It was so great to see the spirit present in that lesson. At one point that was the climax of the lesson, I felt very prompted by the spirit to tell her how it is that we found her. If you don't remember that story, I think I wrote about it a few weeks back. I told her that she was involved in one of the most spiritual moments of my life. As much as I would love to say that I was a man when presenting this story, I cannot. The genetic trait that I have inherited from my parents of crying when I am talking about things very special to me overcame me. I began to cry to put it simply. Lindsay did as well and the spirit taught her in that moment that Heavenly Father loves her enough to send his servants to her when she needed them most. It was such a learning experience for all present. It was not something that I can even say now that I know intellectually but I know spiritually that it is true. Man the spirit is awesome.
On Friday night, we were told that there was going to be a massive storm the next day so be prepared. Well we were as much as we could I guess. Anyway we woke up Saturday to a couple inches of fresh snow, the first of the year practically. We started on our journey to the library which is about 4 miles. We had to walk because the cars were grounded that day due to weather. Well it started to just dump snow. Not just for a little while either. All day! We made it a blast tho. It was this wet, wet snow so we were soaked pretty thoroughly. But every time we came to a giant pile where a plow had been, we tried to be like quarterbacks in football pretending the snow was the defensive line and we had to jump it. It was a blast. All things considered, we should've been miserable but somehow we weren't. It was really fun rather. I kinda wish we could do it again. Really good workout too walking in snow that is 6 inches deep and unplowed for nearly ten miles. That is no exaggeration by the way. On a more sensitive note tho, I really felt like I understood the pioneers a bit more. Something about being in Iowa and walking in bad conditions just makes you appreciate your heritage.
Things I learned this week--
-Gucci cologne....not that great.
-Rugby in a hardwood floor gym with carpet on the walls....awesome.
-I am t minus 200 days now...ugh.
This week during district meeting I had an interesting thought that I wanted to write about. I was thinking about life....for some reason I do that a lot. I try to focus on the big picture of just life in general. I started trying to compare it to a picture of connect the dots. We start out at that starting point in our lives. For everyone we can assume it is point 1. For a number of years we have no recognition or accountability for our actions so they are not counted until we are 8 years old but at the age of accountability new points show up. In reality, there are probably several "number two" points. We make choices to determine to which point we will be traveling next. We choose and advance down that path and we continue to make those choices until at some point we have our last point, the last decision we make in our earthly tabernacles of clay, aka bodies. That's all we get...we get one lifetime to connect the dots. I imagine that if we have chosen our path wisely our picture will be of Christ. That is the ultimate goal is to become like him. To create his picture with our lives. It's not an easy picture to recreate but it can be done perfectly. If we maybe make a wrong decision it is curable by Christ himself. In the Bible Dictionary, it says "the purpose of atonement is to correct or overcome the consequences of sin." Not just the sin itself but even the consequences of sin are absolved by the atonement of Jesus Christ. As we partner with him our picture may be perfect. Through Christ we are perfect. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive”. The atonement is conditional, however, so far as each person’s individual sins are concerned, and touches everyone to the degree that he has faith in Jesus Christ, repents of his sins, and obeys the gospel. Through those simple yet often difficult steps...we can have the perfect picture. It's really by small means. A new favorite scripture of mine to end with..."You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves." (D&C 123:16)
I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of Christ's gospel. It can heal you spiritually as well as physically. I am so grateful for all of you and your support. I could have written a thank you note this long or longer just of names to thank for the life lessons I have learned in my life. I love you all.
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)
