Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
It is hard to believe the time is nearly over...the time has been so long and yet so short. Over the course of two years there hasn't gone a day past that I haven't remembered each of you and the love I have for you and the great love you have given me. Up to this point, it has been the most rewarding two years of my life and the hardest. But I am forever grateful for the opportunity I've had to serve the Lord by going on a mission. He has done more to bless me than I could have ever done to assist Him in His work.
Our baptism and confirmation went very well....
...I've learned from each of you that we are to love people for who they are inside, not for what they do or say. I've learned that patience and love and forgiveness are the way to hope and happiness. I've learned that endurance to the end means more than just never give up, but it means to always press forward. On my mission I have come to realize that many of the things that I naturally seem to do are not because of me, but because of how I was raised from the beginning. You and Dad are my examples, and I love you both so much. I'm thankful for who each of you are and I'm thankful to have spent this time away from you so I could realize just how important you are to me and ho much you've affected my life for good. Life isn't easy, but because of the things you have taught me, I know that there is always hope and that Heavenly Father is always there watching over us. ...I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. ...I know that Joseph Smith was called as a prophet and was sent forth to preach the gospel to all the earth and to prepare the world for the time we will meet our Heavenly Father again. Because of your faith, I have faith. Because of your testimonies, I have gained my own testimony. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the way to happiness and that because of Christ we can change and learn to be happy and live happy lives. I know that because of Jesus Christ there is always hope, and that we can reach our potentials and even surpass them. You have taught me without words how to live the gospel and to live the right way. None of us are perfect, but we're all striving to be our best. God is always with us, I know He is. I have a testimony of the power of reading the scriptures. I know that they are the word of God. I know that as I have studied the scriptures I have come to learn the greatness of God and His wonderful plan for each of us. I know that by reading the scriptures and by praying about them we will always be led back to our Heavenly Father. I know that the Book of Mormon has the power to change lives and bring us closer to God than any other book. I've learned that it is the keystone of our religion for a reason. I know that it was written for our day and inspired by God to be a testimony to all the world that He is gathering His children for the last time. I know that if we are faithful to our covenants, at the last day we will receive eternal life in the kingdom of God and that we will forever be a family. I know that eternal life is more than just a fable, but that it is a reality that we are striving to attain and which has been made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that the price of eternal life may seem hefty at times, but that every affliction and suffering and sacrifice it costs to receive such a great reward will never surpass the greatness of the joy our Heavenly Father intends to give us. I know we can make it. I know we can help others make it. I know we have been sent to the earth for a purpose and that by our faith we can help many receive the gospel. I know that there is no greater joy on earth than to bring others to a knowledge of the Savior and enable them to make and keep covenants that will bring them eternal life because of their faith in Christ. The gospel truly changes lives and truly gives happiness to all who accept and live it. I love it. I am thankful for it. I love this work. I love each of you. We are a team. We are also on the winning team, with the Savior at our head. I hope and pray that we will always remain true to the Son of God, even as He has always remained true to us. My prayer is that we will strive forever to increase our ability to live the gospel and keep the commandments of God and the He will forever remain the center of our lives. In the grand scheme of things, I realize that this life is only a blip in eternity, but it will forever affect the outcome of our eternity. But we have nothing to fear and nothing to lose, only everything to gain and we can do it. I love you so much and look forward to seeing you this very week. I leave you my final mission email and final testimony as a full time missionary, in the sacred and holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
Love~
Elder Robbs
Monday, September 26, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
One more week to lay everything on the line!
9.19.11
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
This is the last full week of my mission and I can't even believe it. It has been the fastest and longest two full years of my life! But let me tell you, this week is going to be busier than them all! On Sunday we were blessed to have a solid 18 people at church, ranging from non-members, to less-actives and recent converts--people just kept showing up to church yesterday and it was amazing! Granted, not all of these people did we necessarily invite to come to church this week; however, we have spent time working with each of them in some form or another of the past month(s). it was a great Sunday, that is for sure. It goes to show you, as long as you love the people and treat them like people, and build them up and encourage them, eventually they will make the decision on their own to come back and be blessed. I couldn't have been happier.
Well...I've got to get going, but I want each of you to know how much I love you and appreciate you. I look forward to next week with great anticipation! But before I do, I've got one more week to lay everything on the line! I can't wait to do it!
"Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come."
-Doctrine & Covenants 68:6
Love~
Austin
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
This is the last full week of my mission and I can't even believe it. It has been the fastest and longest two full years of my life! But let me tell you, this week is going to be busier than them all! On Sunday we were blessed to have a solid 18 people at church, ranging from non-members, to less-actives and recent converts--people just kept showing up to church yesterday and it was amazing! Granted, not all of these people did we necessarily invite to come to church this week; however, we have spent time working with each of them in some form or another of the past month(s). it was a great Sunday, that is for sure. It goes to show you, as long as you love the people and treat them like people, and build them up and encourage them, eventually they will make the decision on their own to come back and be blessed. I couldn't have been happier.
Well...I've got to get going, but I want each of you to know how much I love you and appreciate you. I look forward to next week with great anticipation! But before I do, I've got one more week to lay everything on the line! I can't wait to do it!
"Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come."
-Doctrine & Covenants 68:6
Love~
Austin
We are all important to our Heavenly Father
9.13.11
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Home~
I'm happy to hear from each of you the past few weeks. All the letters and emails have meant a lot to me. Being able to hear about of you has uplifted me and has given me courage to work even harder these next few weeks and to finish this mission strong. I love each of you very much.
Yesterday we had the privilege of hearing from Elder Per G. Malm of the Second Quorum of the Seventy. He was a very calm and confident man. Each of us were able to shake his hand and look him in the eyes and to feel of the power that God had given him to be a special witness of Jesus Christ. He said that he was so pleased with our mission. He said that every one of us looked him squarely in the eyes and didn't try to look away from him. He said that we were worthy missionaries and that he was grateful for our faith. It strengthened my faith so much to hear those words, especially since I know I am imperfect, and in many instances fail to live up to my potential--but when he said that we were worthy missionaries, it made me know that Heavenly Father was pleased with my efforts, as well as all of our efforts.
He spoke much about life prior to birth. He asked each of us how old we were. A simple question, we thought. But he emphasized that our lives did not begin at birth, but we lived for eons of time before our lives began here on earth. "As a missionary, you may find times that you do not feel confident, or capable. But why should you fear? You were taught the gospel before you were born. You probably taught the gospel before you were born. You were chosen to come to earth at this time to preach the gospel here and now. How old you really? 607,345 years old, maybe? Who knows...but the point is, you've been around the block a few times. You ought to be confident. Never underestimate the power that is in you to fulfill what God has commanded you to do." (paraphrasing some of his thoughts and words)
It was profound to me when he said, "Do not underestimate the power that is in you." In my heart I felt it was true. We have much more power than we give ourselves credit. We hide ourselves because of our fears. But as we are obedient, Elder Malm taught, our fears will be dispersed by and replaced with our faith. We won't hide ourselves, but we'll shine and illuminate the world with the light God has given us to shine.
He also talked about the gathering of the house of Israel. He asked us if we ever knew why it was specifically called the "gathering of Israel". "Can you gather something that isn't created?" he probed. And he went further, "why is it important to know that we are gathering, not creating Israel?" "Did we not all exist with God prior to our life on earth? When was Israel first created? Who are the ones on earth with bodies now?" Boiling it down, we learned that each of us were "yes-sayers" to the Plan of Salvation once before. Every single human on earth said YES once before. He then asked, "Of what benefit is it to know that every one of us said YES before?" Think about that! Our spirits are eternal, and our spirits know the truth. If we said YES once, should we not therefore be able to say YES again? He spoke about expectations. In life we live up to expectations. We do the things that are expected of us because that is what is required to be happy and succeed. To come to earth, he taught, we were required to live up to certain expectations. to be here, living and breathing on earth, we once lived up to God's expectations of us so we could be here now! Next question, "If we know that everyone lived up to God's expectations in the pre-existence, what answer should we expect from them when we ask them to live the gospel now?" "How do we help them to recognize the knowledge they once had before?" Big questions to ponder, I would say.
Perhaps as you think about some of those things, you'll be able to be taught by the Spirit some of the things we learned yesterday and have the same experience we were able to enjoy. At least that is my hope. :)
Coming to understand our identity is such an important and powerful thing. It really changes your outlook on life and gives you great confidence to fight through every obstacle that interferes with with your life. It gives you confidence to live the gospel and to share the gospel. Since we're chosen before we were born to do what are now doing, what must we have been like before we came to earth? What must all of us have been like? :) We are all important to our Heavenly Father. If there is anything I learned yesterday, it is that.
On a different subject, our past week went well. We are continuing to work with members and non-members in our area. We helped another individual set a goal for baptism on the 24th of this month. Hopefully we can work with them to be prepared for the big day!
Please tell everyone thank you for the birthday cards and letters. It has been wonderful to hear from everyone. I'll be home soon enough to give each of you a big hug! I love you and thank you very much. :)
Have a great week everyone! I'll talk to you soon!
Love~
Austin
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Home~
I'm happy to hear from each of you the past few weeks. All the letters and emails have meant a lot to me. Being able to hear about of you has uplifted me and has given me courage to work even harder these next few weeks and to finish this mission strong. I love each of you very much.
Yesterday we had the privilege of hearing from Elder Per G. Malm of the Second Quorum of the Seventy. He was a very calm and confident man. Each of us were able to shake his hand and look him in the eyes and to feel of the power that God had given him to be a special witness of Jesus Christ. He said that he was so pleased with our mission. He said that every one of us looked him squarely in the eyes and didn't try to look away from him. He said that we were worthy missionaries and that he was grateful for our faith. It strengthened my faith so much to hear those words, especially since I know I am imperfect, and in many instances fail to live up to my potential--but when he said that we were worthy missionaries, it made me know that Heavenly Father was pleased with my efforts, as well as all of our efforts.
He spoke much about life prior to birth. He asked each of us how old we were. A simple question, we thought. But he emphasized that our lives did not begin at birth, but we lived for eons of time before our lives began here on earth. "As a missionary, you may find times that you do not feel confident, or capable. But why should you fear? You were taught the gospel before you were born. You probably taught the gospel before you were born. You were chosen to come to earth at this time to preach the gospel here and now. How old you really? 607,345 years old, maybe? Who knows...but the point is, you've been around the block a few times. You ought to be confident. Never underestimate the power that is in you to fulfill what God has commanded you to do." (paraphrasing some of his thoughts and words)
It was profound to me when he said, "Do not underestimate the power that is in you." In my heart I felt it was true. We have much more power than we give ourselves credit. We hide ourselves because of our fears. But as we are obedient, Elder Malm taught, our fears will be dispersed by and replaced with our faith. We won't hide ourselves, but we'll shine and illuminate the world with the light God has given us to shine.
He also talked about the gathering of the house of Israel. He asked us if we ever knew why it was specifically called the "gathering of Israel". "Can you gather something that isn't created?" he probed. And he went further, "why is it important to know that we are gathering, not creating Israel?" "Did we not all exist with God prior to our life on earth? When was Israel first created? Who are the ones on earth with bodies now?" Boiling it down, we learned that each of us were "yes-sayers" to the Plan of Salvation once before. Every single human on earth said YES once before. He then asked, "Of what benefit is it to know that every one of us said YES before?" Think about that! Our spirits are eternal, and our spirits know the truth. If we said YES once, should we not therefore be able to say YES again? He spoke about expectations. In life we live up to expectations. We do the things that are expected of us because that is what is required to be happy and succeed. To come to earth, he taught, we were required to live up to certain expectations. to be here, living and breathing on earth, we once lived up to God's expectations of us so we could be here now! Next question, "If we know that everyone lived up to God's expectations in the pre-existence, what answer should we expect from them when we ask them to live the gospel now?" "How do we help them to recognize the knowledge they once had before?" Big questions to ponder, I would say.
Perhaps as you think about some of those things, you'll be able to be taught by the Spirit some of the things we learned yesterday and have the same experience we were able to enjoy. At least that is my hope. :)
Coming to understand our identity is such an important and powerful thing. It really changes your outlook on life and gives you great confidence to fight through every obstacle that interferes with with your life. It gives you confidence to live the gospel and to share the gospel. Since we're chosen before we were born to do what are now doing, what must we have been like before we came to earth? What must all of us have been like? :) We are all important to our Heavenly Father. If there is anything I learned yesterday, it is that.
On a different subject, our past week went well. We are continuing to work with members and non-members in our area. We helped another individual set a goal for baptism on the 24th of this month. Hopefully we can work with them to be prepared for the big day!
Please tell everyone thank you for the birthday cards and letters. It has been wonderful to hear from everyone. I'll be home soon enough to give each of you a big hug! I love you and thank you very much. :)
Have a great week everyone! I'll talk to you soon!
Love~
Austin
Golfing and a good attitude
9.5.11
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family~
I'm glad to say that we had a pretty good week this past week. We had one of the families we've been working with be reactivated yesterday and they seem happier than ever. Little by little they are coming around and it is very rewarding to see them come together and receive a greater portion ofthe gospel in their lives.
Today we went to a stakewide activity and we had some food and whatnot, but I spent the majority of my time going around talking to everyone I knew. I wasn't too hungry so I skipped out on most of the food. I was glad to see so many familiar faces, nevertheless, there were still some names I couldn't remember, but I guess after such a long time it is to be expected that I'd forget a few names here and there.
The golf game was a lot of fun. I shot a 53, which is okay for not having played golf since I left. I only lost a couple golf balls too! We played nine holes total and afterward we went to dinner. I wanted to go golfing each day after we finished it was so much fun... but I had to put it out of my mind so I could stay concentrated. I learned quite a bit about myself as we played, however. I realized that the mechanics of a golf swing are important, but after having not played in so long and then jumping right into a game, you learn quickly that golf is much more mental than it ever was physical. My very first swing I completely missed the ball... but I smiled and laughed, then I got back up with a nice and easy swing and hit a solid drive right down the middle of the fairway. Most all of my shots were fairly solid. The biggest thing I noticed was that when I allowed my mind to push out any negative influence that tried to enter in, and only focus on the purpose of the game, and the fun it is, I played exceptionally well! I think that is how life goes... you kick out the negative thoughts, and you focus on the good and positive ones, and you'll always be successful (even if you fail).
Well, I look forward to the next couple of week. We should get a lot of work done and by the time it is all over, I think I will be about ready to drop dead, exhausted! But that is what we want... "it ain't over till it's over".
I love each of you and wish you a great week! Thank you for all the Happy Birthday's! I'll talk to you next week!
Love~
Austin
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family~
I'm glad to say that we had a pretty good week this past week. We had one of the families we've been working with be reactivated yesterday and they seem happier than ever. Little by little they are coming around and it is very rewarding to see them come together and receive a greater portion ofthe gospel in their lives.
Today we went to a stakewide activity and we had some food and whatnot, but I spent the majority of my time going around talking to everyone I knew. I wasn't too hungry so I skipped out on most of the food. I was glad to see so many familiar faces, nevertheless, there were still some names I couldn't remember, but I guess after such a long time it is to be expected that I'd forget a few names here and there.
The golf game was a lot of fun. I shot a 53, which is okay for not having played golf since I left. I only lost a couple golf balls too! We played nine holes total and afterward we went to dinner. I wanted to go golfing each day after we finished it was so much fun... but I had to put it out of my mind so I could stay concentrated. I learned quite a bit about myself as we played, however. I realized that the mechanics of a golf swing are important, but after having not played in so long and then jumping right into a game, you learn quickly that golf is much more mental than it ever was physical. My very first swing I completely missed the ball... but I smiled and laughed, then I got back up with a nice and easy swing and hit a solid drive right down the middle of the fairway. Most all of my shots were fairly solid. The biggest thing I noticed was that when I allowed my mind to push out any negative influence that tried to enter in, and only focus on the purpose of the game, and the fun it is, I played exceptionally well! I think that is how life goes... you kick out the negative thoughts, and you focus on the good and positive ones, and you'll always be successful (even if you fail).
Well, I look forward to the next couple of week. We should get a lot of work done and by the time it is all over, I think I will be about ready to drop dead, exhausted! But that is what we want... "it ain't over till it's over".
I love each of you and wish you a great week! Thank you for all the Happy Birthday's! I'll talk to you next week!
Love~
Austin
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Another good week!
8.29.11
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
This past week has been a good week for me and Elder Brimhall, from the baptism of Gisele to watching the Prophet of the Restoration movie with a member family and their friend.
To speak a little about Roy and Gisele, it is amazing to me to see how much each of them have changed in the span of a few short weeks. You can see the happiness emanating from their countenances. They are much closer to each other. They are reading the Book of Mormon each day as a couple and praying morning and evening together. they both have expressed desires to serve a mission together when their daughter graduates high school and moves into college life. I am so impressed with their faith and how much it has changed them. They are literally new people. They are who they were truly meant to be all along. I love them and am grateful to be able to take some small part in being able to get to know and teach them. They said something really nice to me yesterday, they said they wanted to talk to Bishop Budge to see if they could get the ward together to set up a dinner for me near my last day and do a barbecue and some other things. I thought that was neat. Whether or not it happens, the thought alone meant a lot to me. They said they were really going to miss me when I leave and I couldn't help but want to give each of them a big hug and tell them I was never going to go...but I knew that wouldnt' be the case...it's hard to leave the people you have come to know and love so much, but sometimes you need to let go and move one and trust that the Lord will take care of the rest and that one day I'll see them all again, but in a much happier place.
Speaking with President Barry was neat. He and I both spoke about seventeen or so minutes. The youth speaker kept his nice and concise with a solid three minute talk. Actually, I though david did really well. he spoke on preparing for a mission, both the physical preparation as well as the spiritual preparation, and his testimony of missionary work. he was very well prepared to give his talk--which lined up nicely with the general theme. I talked about my own baptism, the importance of faith, the blessings of the gospel (temporal and spiritual), how the gospel was restored, the First Vision, the change that the gospel will make in those who live it, that Christ can make our weaknesses our strengths, and that the best way to share the gospel is by living it, and my testimony. Somehow it managed to come out alright! President Barry also spoke about his own baptism, his gratitude for being a full-time missionary, his gratitude for the youth who passed the sacrament, the importance of baptism and the sacrament, the covenants we make, the vastness of the missionary work of this Church, the necessity of the priesthood keys, the perfect government (not necessarily perfect people) of the Lord's kingdom on earth, the fluidity of transition among church leaders, the importance of following those who hold priesthood keys, and lastly the commandment to spread forth the gospel, which gospel will save the earth from its own self-destruction, and his testimony. It was overall a very good meeting, I thought. We even had someone who had a dream about the Church the night before show up during Sacrament meeting! He isn't in our area, but I'm sure the missionaries who teach him will be able to help him learn the gospel.
We will still be going golfing today, which should be a lot of fun. We'll also be going with one of his friends who was formerly a Stake President. We'll see how it goes tonight!
On Hurricane Irene, I'm not even sure that our area was touched by the storm. We had a little rain, bu no worse than any of the rainstorms in the past, in fact, the weather was less powerful than other storms I've seen. I was hoping to see the entire sky begin to shift around in the familiar circular motion of a hurricane; however, it didn't happen. But I guess that is okay, I'd rather not have all the consequences of a severe storm. I even began to inventory everything I owned! I might still do that anyways just because I think it's a good idea, but it takes forever! We were told to make s 72 Hour Kit as well, so I began making preparations for wilderness survival. I had some rope, a good knife, leather work gloves, water, enough food to survive, and ways to purify water. But I think Man vs. Wild is going to have to wait a little while longer for me :) haha!
I hope each of you has a wonderful week and I look forward to hearing from you nxt week. I love you and I wish all of you well. I have a final little thought on progressio and change before I go:
Jacob 5:52-52;64-66;74
52 Wherefore, let us take of the branches of these which I have planted in the nethermost parts of my vineyard, and let us graft them into the tree from whence they came; and let us pluck from the tree those branches whose fruit is most bitter, and graft in the natural branches of the tree in the stead thereof.
53 And this will I do that the tree may not perish, that, perhaps, I may preserve unto myself the roots thereof for mine own purpose.
54 And, behold, the roots of the natural branches of the tree which I planted whithersoever I would are yet alive; wherefore, that I may preserve them also for mine own purpose, I will take of the branches of this tree, and I will graft from them in unto them. Yea, I will graft in unto them the branches of their mother tree, that I may preserve the roots also unto mine own self, that when they shall be sufficiently strong perhaps they may bring forth good fruit unto me, and I may yet have glory in the fruit of my vineyard.
65 And as they begin to grow ye shall clear away the branches which bring forth bitter fruit, according to the strength of the good and the size thereorf; and ye shall not clear away the bad thereof all at once, lest the roots thereof should be too strong for the graft, and the graft thereof shall perish, and I lose the trees of my vineyard.
66 For it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard; wherefore ye shall clear away the bad according as the good shall grow, that the root and the top may be equal in strength, until the good shall overcome the bad, and the bad be hewn down and cast into the fire, that they cumber not the ground of my vineyard; and thus will I sweep away the bad out of my vineyard.
74 And thus they labored, with all diligence, according to the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard, even until the bad had been cast away out of the vineyard, and the Lord had preserved unto himself that the trees had become again the natural fruit; and they became like unto one body; and the fruits were equal; and the Lord of the vineyard had preserved unto himself the natural fruit, which was most precious unto him from the beginning.
When it comes to change, sometimes it requires that you bear with your weakness as you develop your strengths. you do your best with what you can do and over time you will be able to overcome the "bad fruit" with the "good fruit". If you expect to be perfect all at once, you may risk losing all the good "branches" you've grafted in to your life and be left with nothing. However, if you are patient, and allow the graft to be established in the tree and to grow with the tree and its infirmities, over time the good branches and the good roots will overcome the wild, or evil branches, and produce good fruit forever. Or, if you allow your raw and unconditioned talents, or even attributes, to grow despite the opposition of your weakness, eventually your truest self will spring forth into perfection, bearing all the good talents and attributes and every other good thing forever.
I love you!
Love~
Austin
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
This past week has been a good week for me and Elder Brimhall, from the baptism of Gisele to watching the Prophet of the Restoration movie with a member family and their friend.
To speak a little about Roy and Gisele, it is amazing to me to see how much each of them have changed in the span of a few short weeks. You can see the happiness emanating from their countenances. They are much closer to each other. They are reading the Book of Mormon each day as a couple and praying morning and evening together. they both have expressed desires to serve a mission together when their daughter graduates high school and moves into college life. I am so impressed with their faith and how much it has changed them. They are literally new people. They are who they were truly meant to be all along. I love them and am grateful to be able to take some small part in being able to get to know and teach them. They said something really nice to me yesterday, they said they wanted to talk to Bishop Budge to see if they could get the ward together to set up a dinner for me near my last day and do a barbecue and some other things. I thought that was neat. Whether or not it happens, the thought alone meant a lot to me. They said they were really going to miss me when I leave and I couldn't help but want to give each of them a big hug and tell them I was never going to go...but I knew that wouldnt' be the case...it's hard to leave the people you have come to know and love so much, but sometimes you need to let go and move one and trust that the Lord will take care of the rest and that one day I'll see them all again, but in a much happier place.
Speaking with President Barry was neat. He and I both spoke about seventeen or so minutes. The youth speaker kept his nice and concise with a solid three minute talk. Actually, I though david did really well. he spoke on preparing for a mission, both the physical preparation as well as the spiritual preparation, and his testimony of missionary work. he was very well prepared to give his talk--which lined up nicely with the general theme. I talked about my own baptism, the importance of faith, the blessings of the gospel (temporal and spiritual), how the gospel was restored, the First Vision, the change that the gospel will make in those who live it, that Christ can make our weaknesses our strengths, and that the best way to share the gospel is by living it, and my testimony. Somehow it managed to come out alright! President Barry also spoke about his own baptism, his gratitude for being a full-time missionary, his gratitude for the youth who passed the sacrament, the importance of baptism and the sacrament, the covenants we make, the vastness of the missionary work of this Church, the necessity of the priesthood keys, the perfect government (not necessarily perfect people) of the Lord's kingdom on earth, the fluidity of transition among church leaders, the importance of following those who hold priesthood keys, and lastly the commandment to spread forth the gospel, which gospel will save the earth from its own self-destruction, and his testimony. It was overall a very good meeting, I thought. We even had someone who had a dream about the Church the night before show up during Sacrament meeting! He isn't in our area, but I'm sure the missionaries who teach him will be able to help him learn the gospel.
We will still be going golfing today, which should be a lot of fun. We'll also be going with one of his friends who was formerly a Stake President. We'll see how it goes tonight!
On Hurricane Irene, I'm not even sure that our area was touched by the storm. We had a little rain, bu no worse than any of the rainstorms in the past, in fact, the weather was less powerful than other storms I've seen. I was hoping to see the entire sky begin to shift around in the familiar circular motion of a hurricane; however, it didn't happen. But I guess that is okay, I'd rather not have all the consequences of a severe storm. I even began to inventory everything I owned! I might still do that anyways just because I think it's a good idea, but it takes forever! We were told to make s 72 Hour Kit as well, so I began making preparations for wilderness survival. I had some rope, a good knife, leather work gloves, water, enough food to survive, and ways to purify water. But I think Man vs. Wild is going to have to wait a little while longer for me :) haha!
I hope each of you has a wonderful week and I look forward to hearing from you nxt week. I love you and I wish all of you well. I have a final little thought on progressio and change before I go:
Jacob 5:52-52;64-66;74
52 Wherefore, let us take of the branches of these which I have planted in the nethermost parts of my vineyard, and let us graft them into the tree from whence they came; and let us pluck from the tree those branches whose fruit is most bitter, and graft in the natural branches of the tree in the stead thereof.
53 And this will I do that the tree may not perish, that, perhaps, I may preserve unto myself the roots thereof for mine own purpose.
54 And, behold, the roots of the natural branches of the tree which I planted whithersoever I would are yet alive; wherefore, that I may preserve them also for mine own purpose, I will take of the branches of this tree, and I will graft from them in unto them. Yea, I will graft in unto them the branches of their mother tree, that I may preserve the roots also unto mine own self, that when they shall be sufficiently strong perhaps they may bring forth good fruit unto me, and I may yet have glory in the fruit of my vineyard.
65 And as they begin to grow ye shall clear away the branches which bring forth bitter fruit, according to the strength of the good and the size thereorf; and ye shall not clear away the bad thereof all at once, lest the roots thereof should be too strong for the graft, and the graft thereof shall perish, and I lose the trees of my vineyard.
66 For it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard; wherefore ye shall clear away the bad according as the good shall grow, that the root and the top may be equal in strength, until the good shall overcome the bad, and the bad be hewn down and cast into the fire, that they cumber not the ground of my vineyard; and thus will I sweep away the bad out of my vineyard.
74 And thus they labored, with all diligence, according to the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard, even until the bad had been cast away out of the vineyard, and the Lord had preserved unto himself that the trees had become again the natural fruit; and they became like unto one body; and the fruits were equal; and the Lord of the vineyard had preserved unto himself the natural fruit, which was most precious unto him from the beginning.
When it comes to change, sometimes it requires that you bear with your weakness as you develop your strengths. you do your best with what you can do and over time you will be able to overcome the "bad fruit" with the "good fruit". If you expect to be perfect all at once, you may risk losing all the good "branches" you've grafted in to your life and be left with nothing. However, if you are patient, and allow the graft to be established in the tree and to grow with the tree and its infirmities, over time the good branches and the good roots will overcome the wild, or evil branches, and produce good fruit forever. Or, if you allow your raw and unconditioned talents, or even attributes, to grow despite the opposition of your weakness, eventually your truest self will spring forth into perfection, bearing all the good talents and attributes and every other good thing forever.
I love you!
Love~
Austin
Going to church
8.22.11
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
This Sunday was great, we had at least eleven different people that we have been working with come to church. Not all of them were investigators, however, but whether they were a less-active member or a non-member it didn't matter, we were happy they were there! Both of the families were working with came to church and both are continuing to change and progress. Roy, on this Saturday, will be able to baptize his wife, which is such a miracle. I'm so happy how much he's grown and changed over this past month, and since I first arrived here. Our other investigator is continuing to make small changes, but they seem to be bringin him much peace. When I saw him at church it seemed like a huge burden was lifted off his shoulders. Their children loved primary. His wife, also greatly enjoyed being able to go to Relief Society. Roy's wife, Gisele, was also able to go to Relief Society for the first time, and by the end of the day she was out in the halls chatting with all the sisters in the ward having a great time. In each of their countenances you can see peace and hope and happiness radiating. Their eyes seemed to be filled with new light, new joy. It is incredible to se the changes the gospel can bring in an individual's life as they begin to apply it, but it always works--that is the beauty of Heavenly Father's plan, it never fails--so long as we are faithful to it.
Next week sould bring about a little fun for us too. We will be going golfing with one of our members on Monday. He hasn't come to church in a long time, but perhaps this will be an opportunity for us to get to know him in a place he is most comfortable, out on the golf course. I haven't touched a gold club almost basically since the time I left, so it should be interesting to see how I'll do. But I'm not too worried, I'll take it easy and make it fun. Hopefully it will go well. I'll have to let you know in two weeks since we will be golfing probably after we do emails.
This coming Sunday should also be another good day. I will be getting the opportunity to speak in Sacrament Meeting with President Barry. I'm still working on my preparations, but I think it will be neat to have the privilege to speak with my Mission President. I know that it doesn't happen often. It probably wouldn't have happened; however, if I didn't call and ask if he would like to come and speak to our ward, but either way you look at it, I think it will be neat. it was initially going to be Elder Brimhall and I speaking together, but our bishop wanted to split us apart so we could have a missionary "speaker" more often than less often. Breaking it up like that might prove to be more effective anyways. But yes, I'm excited to get to speak with President Barry, it should be good.
I hope each of you have a good week. Good luck with the remaining house changes! I look forward to seeing the in-home renovations!
I love you!
Love~
Austin
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
This Sunday was great, we had at least eleven different people that we have been working with come to church. Not all of them were investigators, however, but whether they were a less-active member or a non-member it didn't matter, we were happy they were there! Both of the families were working with came to church and both are continuing to change and progress. Roy, on this Saturday, will be able to baptize his wife, which is such a miracle. I'm so happy how much he's grown and changed over this past month, and since I first arrived here. Our other investigator is continuing to make small changes, but they seem to be bringin him much peace. When I saw him at church it seemed like a huge burden was lifted off his shoulders. Their children loved primary. His wife, also greatly enjoyed being able to go to Relief Society. Roy's wife, Gisele, was also able to go to Relief Society for the first time, and by the end of the day she was out in the halls chatting with all the sisters in the ward having a great time. In each of their countenances you can see peace and hope and happiness radiating. Their eyes seemed to be filled with new light, new joy. It is incredible to se the changes the gospel can bring in an individual's life as they begin to apply it, but it always works--that is the beauty of Heavenly Father's plan, it never fails--so long as we are faithful to it.
Next week sould bring about a little fun for us too. We will be going golfing with one of our members on Monday. He hasn't come to church in a long time, but perhaps this will be an opportunity for us to get to know him in a place he is most comfortable, out on the golf course. I haven't touched a gold club almost basically since the time I left, so it should be interesting to see how I'll do. But I'm not too worried, I'll take it easy and make it fun. Hopefully it will go well. I'll have to let you know in two weeks since we will be golfing probably after we do emails.
This coming Sunday should also be another good day. I will be getting the opportunity to speak in Sacrament Meeting with President Barry. I'm still working on my preparations, but I think it will be neat to have the privilege to speak with my Mission President. I know that it doesn't happen often. It probably wouldn't have happened; however, if I didn't call and ask if he would like to come and speak to our ward, but either way you look at it, I think it will be neat. it was initially going to be Elder Brimhall and I speaking together, but our bishop wanted to split us apart so we could have a missionary "speaker" more often than less often. Breaking it up like that might prove to be more effective anyways. But yes, I'm excited to get to speak with President Barry, it should be good.
I hope each of you have a good week. Good luck with the remaining house changes! I look forward to seeing the in-home renovations!
I love you!
Love~
Austin
Fleming Island to the "bitter end"
8.15.11
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family~
This has been another busy week, but a good one at that. Our family is still progressing, and very well! They are reading the scriptures together morning and night and praying together morning and night also. They say the members of the ward feel like family to them. They are making miraculous changes and it is exciting to see. Another family that we had worked with since I've been in Fleming Island will be attending church this next Sunday too...they are a wonderful family and we will be happy to have them with us next week. I've already told both these families that when you come out to get me that we will be going over there to meet them!
Well...transfers are this week...but before I talk about transfers, I have a couple other things to say. Oddly enough, in Elder's Quorum this Sunday, we had the very same lesson (on Chastity)! I'll have to share the object lesson Brother Barrett shared with us--which was a perfect object lesson--but it also made me kind of laugh. But I did learn as he was teaching that the Law of Chastity in large part was given to protect families and also true love. The gospel was designed to strengthen relationships, and if the relationship is centered on anything other than love and service, and the Lord, it will fail; and it will fail miserably if it is centered against this commandment.
Our lesson in Relief Society last week went well. Elder Brimhall and I each spoke for about fifteen minutes. He spoke about the importance of understanding our identity in the family of God and I spoke on the joy of living the gospel pattern of life (i.e. prayer, scripture study, church attendance, service, etc...). We both centered our lesson on expanding our personal spheres of influence and getting to know more people and to share the gospel more frequently. The Relief Society sisters were very participative, so the lesson seemed to be good. I had fun with it. :)
Okay, back to the transfer board...Elder Austin B. Robbs and Elder Cole Brimhall will continue in Fleming Island. I will out to the "bitter end" here in Fleming Island, as Bishop Budge said in our P.E.C. meeting yesterday. I'm glad to stay here! It is going to be my longest area, my toughest area, but the area that I've learned and grown the most. I'm happy to serve here to the "bitter end".
I've got to get going, but I love each of you and wish you a wonderful and happy week! And I'll talk to you next week! I like Dad's quote on his email to me:
"There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results." -Ken Blanchard
Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family~
This has been another busy week, but a good one at that. Our family is still progressing, and very well! They are reading the scriptures together morning and night and praying together morning and night also. They say the members of the ward feel like family to them. They are making miraculous changes and it is exciting to see. Another family that we had worked with since I've been in Fleming Island will be attending church this next Sunday too...they are a wonderful family and we will be happy to have them with us next week. I've already told both these families that when you come out to get me that we will be going over there to meet them!
Well...transfers are this week...but before I talk about transfers, I have a couple other things to say. Oddly enough, in Elder's Quorum this Sunday, we had the very same lesson (on Chastity)! I'll have to share the object lesson Brother Barrett shared with us--which was a perfect object lesson--but it also made me kind of laugh. But I did learn as he was teaching that the Law of Chastity in large part was given to protect families and also true love. The gospel was designed to strengthen relationships, and if the relationship is centered on anything other than love and service, and the Lord, it will fail; and it will fail miserably if it is centered against this commandment.
Our lesson in Relief Society last week went well. Elder Brimhall and I each spoke for about fifteen minutes. He spoke about the importance of understanding our identity in the family of God and I spoke on the joy of living the gospel pattern of life (i.e. prayer, scripture study, church attendance, service, etc...). We both centered our lesson on expanding our personal spheres of influence and getting to know more people and to share the gospel more frequently. The Relief Society sisters were very participative, so the lesson seemed to be good. I had fun with it. :)
Okay, back to the transfer board...Elder Austin B. Robbs and Elder Cole Brimhall will continue in Fleming Island. I will out to the "bitter end" here in Fleming Island, as Bishop Budge said in our P.E.C. meeting yesterday. I'm glad to stay here! It is going to be my longest area, my toughest area, but the area that I've learned and grown the most. I'm happy to serve here to the "bitter end".
I've got to get going, but I love each of you and wish you a wonderful and happy week! And I'll talk to you next week! I like Dad's quote on his email to me:
"There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results." -Ken Blanchard
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