3.28.11
Orange Park
(Fleming Island area)
Dear Family~
There is no greater happiness I have than being able to read the weekly email you send me. It is hard to describe the relief I feel each time I get to hear from home. I love you and appreciate you. Thank you. :)
...Elder Nelson was once asked the question as to why he lived the way he did and he said it was because he knew the Book of Mormon was true. Joseph Smith taught that the book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on the earth. Where there is truth there is power. And where there is truth, the Spirit is also. I hope [we] are able to feel of the joy and peace that the Spirit gives [us] as [we] read from the Book of Mormon. Sometimes it is difficult to recognize, but as [we] pray and ask Heavenly Father, I know [we] will know that He is there and that he is pleased with [us], and [our] faith in asking Him.
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." --John 13:35
"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore, He suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto Him. And He hath risen again from the dead, that He might bring all men unto Him, on conditions of repentance. And how great is His joy in the soul that repenteth! Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people. And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with Him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" --Doctrine & Covenants 18:10-16
I love each of you and hope you have a wonderful week.
I'll talk to you next week. :)
Love~
Austin
ps. check out my profile on mormon.org! http://mormon.org/me/2N6V/Austin
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
3.21.11
Fleming Island/Orange Park
Dear Family~
I am grateful to see that our family is doing so well. I am always amazed at how far we come each week. All of us are growing and reaching new heights daily. I thought it interesting to read about John Martinez being talked about across the the U.S. and still knowing that he is my friend. I saw a picture of he, Isi Sofele, Kenni Kaufusi, and Stanley Havili all standing together in their university uniforms--they looked to be having as much fun now as they did when they [were playing high school football]. I'm happy they are happy!
Johnathan and Michael's baptism was wonderful. They were both so happy! After coming out of the water both had grins plastered to their faces that could not be removed for the remainder of the day! In fact, at Church yesterday, though I may not have seen a continual grin on each of their faces the entire day, I could see that they were both smiling from inside--they were at peace and both felt great contentment and happiness. Brook and Jacen (3 yr. old) were also happy. It has been a great blessing to see their family come together in harmony and peace. Brook and Johnathan are determined to bring the gospel to the rest of their family...I think they simply cannot contain the joy they feel. Each time we speak with them they always tell us "thank you for bringing us the gospel." I wish I could understand the depth of their gratitude and joy. They have found a hope they didn't know they could have, or that even existed. I stand in awe as I witness the Atonement work in their lives. The power the Lord has to change the hearts of men in unfathomable. It makes me realize how unowrthy I am for all the blessings I've been given and why the Lord would allow me to come to such a place to share His gospel. I wish I could experience this power and feel the change take place in their live. Oh, how it hurts when those we speak with deny the great blessings they could have...
If only all could recognize that there is a God who lives in Heaven and He loves us...and that we are His children...His power is evident in all things and yet people turn from it and deny the truth! Why, after experiencing such great love and comfort could anyone ever go away from the joy of the gospel? The world is such a cold, dark place, but Heavenly Father is there to warm our broken hearts and help us to smile. If we could all know that Jesus Christ lived for us and died to save us from darkness, wouldn't more of us be happy? Wouldn't we all want to receive all He has given us? Why not?
Missions are hard because it causes you to suffer when you cannot help another to openly receive all that they can have. How helpless I sometimes feel when I see others walking down the streets, not knowing what to do to help them find their way in their own search for happiness.
Patience, long-suffering, and love are the only things that will ever help. President Uchtdorf, for the monthly First Presidency article in the Ensign, talked about looking for the good in ourselves and others. Everyone has something good within them...sometimes it gets covered in tar, becomes hard to see...and is painful to remove...but they are nevertheless worth loving because they too are Heavenly Father's children. There may be more darkness than light within our own souls, but God still centers His focus on the light and carefully watches over it so that it may grow brighter. I know there is much that I don't understand and perhaps may never so long as I live, but one thing I do know, that love is the only answer. And that because of Jesus we can be filled with love.
Tell everyone I love them. :) I know the time is soon that I will be home again...it is certainly different to think about...but each of you has always felt so close to me throughout my mission, though we are so far apart. When I return it will be as though I never left.
Love~
Austin
ps. I shaved my own head a couple days ago. It turned out pretty good! I also received a painful toe infection this week and discovered while at the office of the podiatrist that I had more ingrown toenail that hadn't been removed yet, to be removed. He got it out alright, without any painkillers or anything! :)
Fleming Island/Orange Park
Dear Family~
I am grateful to see that our family is doing so well. I am always amazed at how far we come each week. All of us are growing and reaching new heights daily. I thought it interesting to read about John Martinez being talked about across the the U.S. and still knowing that he is my friend. I saw a picture of he, Isi Sofele, Kenni Kaufusi, and Stanley Havili all standing together in their university uniforms--they looked to be having as much fun now as they did when they [were playing high school football]. I'm happy they are happy!
Johnathan and Michael's baptism was wonderful. They were both so happy! After coming out of the water both had grins plastered to their faces that could not be removed for the remainder of the day! In fact, at Church yesterday, though I may not have seen a continual grin on each of their faces the entire day, I could see that they were both smiling from inside--they were at peace and both felt great contentment and happiness. Brook and Jacen (3 yr. old) were also happy. It has been a great blessing to see their family come together in harmony and peace. Brook and Johnathan are determined to bring the gospel to the rest of their family...I think they simply cannot contain the joy they feel. Each time we speak with them they always tell us "thank you for bringing us the gospel." I wish I could understand the depth of their gratitude and joy. They have found a hope they didn't know they could have, or that even existed. I stand in awe as I witness the Atonement work in their lives. The power the Lord has to change the hearts of men in unfathomable. It makes me realize how unowrthy I am for all the blessings I've been given and why the Lord would allow me to come to such a place to share His gospel. I wish I could experience this power and feel the change take place in their live. Oh, how it hurts when those we speak with deny the great blessings they could have...
If only all could recognize that there is a God who lives in Heaven and He loves us...and that we are His children...His power is evident in all things and yet people turn from it and deny the truth! Why, after experiencing such great love and comfort could anyone ever go away from the joy of the gospel? The world is such a cold, dark place, but Heavenly Father is there to warm our broken hearts and help us to smile. If we could all know that Jesus Christ lived for us and died to save us from darkness, wouldn't more of us be happy? Wouldn't we all want to receive all He has given us? Why not?
Missions are hard because it causes you to suffer when you cannot help another to openly receive all that they can have. How helpless I sometimes feel when I see others walking down the streets, not knowing what to do to help them find their way in their own search for happiness.
Patience, long-suffering, and love are the only things that will ever help. President Uchtdorf, for the monthly First Presidency article in the Ensign, talked about looking for the good in ourselves and others. Everyone has something good within them...sometimes it gets covered in tar, becomes hard to see...and is painful to remove...but they are nevertheless worth loving because they too are Heavenly Father's children. There may be more darkness than light within our own souls, but God still centers His focus on the light and carefully watches over it so that it may grow brighter. I know there is much that I don't understand and perhaps may never so long as I live, but one thing I do know, that love is the only answer. And that because of Jesus we can be filled with love.
Tell everyone I love them. :) I know the time is soon that I will be home again...it is certainly different to think about...but each of you has always felt so close to me throughout my mission, though we are so far apart. When I return it will be as though I never left.
Love~
Austin
ps. I shaved my own head a couple days ago. It turned out pretty good! I also received a painful toe infection this week and discovered while at the office of the podiatrist that I had more ingrown toenail that hadn't been removed yet, to be removed. He got it out alright, without any painkillers or anything! :)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Keeping it Clean
3.14.11
Orange Park, FL
(Fleming Island area)
Dear Family~
I was excited to see the pictures you sent me! It was neat to see Billy up there bringing the heat (pitching)! Whatever he wants to do, he does! There is no stopping him!
...Elder Lucas shared with me something he learned from his Seminary teacher, which is, the Book of Mormon is the only book on the face of the whole earth that reveals the very tactics and nature of Satan--that it is a book that shows us what we must do to overcome him and his relentless attacks. He is out there, and he is real, but the Book of Mormon will aid us in our journey home. Heavenly Father won't give up on us, even if we have given up on ourselves. Satan would have us believe that we cannot be helped and that we are alone. I am thankful to know that that is absolutely untrue. God is always there. Jesus has already gained victory over all things, so if we trust in Him so can we!
John and Michael will be baptized this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. I am very excited for them. Each time we enter their home, the Spirit seems to flood the room and all of us can feel Heavenly Father's presence. I am happy to be able to have been part of the process in teaching them and to see how each day brings them more joy and more light! They still have their difficulties, but they are working on them and they are doing all they can to stay united. Saturday will be a great day for them. :)
I don't have much time left, but I will say that things are going well here. I am learning to eat a healthy and balanced diet. I am avoiding all the fast food stuff I can (aside form the expenses, I like eating healthier). I think I am also becoming Mr. Clean. I have this need to clean and organize the messes around me. Oddly enough, I like the organizing and cleaning. Obviously it takes time to clean and organize, but it is worth it. I have made an inner commitment to always be clean, in every aspect of my life. First thing I want to do when I come home, is to clean up for all the messes I've made before I left home! Whether it be helping in the yard, laundry room, or anything. I'm down. See Mom, if there is anything good that ever happened from me serving a mission, it is that I have gained a desire to be clean.
Elder Chadwick is a good missionary. We get along well. He is very quiet, however. He has a wonderful heart and will also accomplish much good on his mission if he will keep working hard. I am learning that the best way to work with the quiet is to lead by example and to teach what I know, leaving to them the opportunity to decide for themselves what they will do. They do not want advice, just a good example, and they want to learn.
Tell everyone that I love them and look forward to writing back next week!
I love you~
Austin
Orange Park, FL
(Fleming Island area)
Dear Family~
I was excited to see the pictures you sent me! It was neat to see Billy up there bringing the heat (pitching)! Whatever he wants to do, he does! There is no stopping him!
...Elder Lucas shared with me something he learned from his Seminary teacher, which is, the Book of Mormon is the only book on the face of the whole earth that reveals the very tactics and nature of Satan--that it is a book that shows us what we must do to overcome him and his relentless attacks. He is out there, and he is real, but the Book of Mormon will aid us in our journey home. Heavenly Father won't give up on us, even if we have given up on ourselves. Satan would have us believe that we cannot be helped and that we are alone. I am thankful to know that that is absolutely untrue. God is always there. Jesus has already gained victory over all things, so if we trust in Him so can we!
John and Michael will be baptized this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. I am very excited for them. Each time we enter their home, the Spirit seems to flood the room and all of us can feel Heavenly Father's presence. I am happy to be able to have been part of the process in teaching them and to see how each day brings them more joy and more light! They still have their difficulties, but they are working on them and they are doing all they can to stay united. Saturday will be a great day for them. :)
I don't have much time left, but I will say that things are going well here. I am learning to eat a healthy and balanced diet. I am avoiding all the fast food stuff I can (aside form the expenses, I like eating healthier). I think I am also becoming Mr. Clean. I have this need to clean and organize the messes around me. Oddly enough, I like the organizing and cleaning. Obviously it takes time to clean and organize, but it is worth it. I have made an inner commitment to always be clean, in every aspect of my life. First thing I want to do when I come home, is to clean up for all the messes I've made before I left home! Whether it be helping in the yard, laundry room, or anything. I'm down. See Mom, if there is anything good that ever happened from me serving a mission, it is that I have gained a desire to be clean.
Elder Chadwick is a good missionary. We get along well. He is very quiet, however. He has a wonderful heart and will also accomplish much good on his mission if he will keep working hard. I am learning that the best way to work with the quiet is to lead by example and to teach what I know, leaving to them the opportunity to decide for themselves what they will do. They do not want advice, just a good example, and they want to learn.
Tell everyone that I love them and look forward to writing back next week!
I love you~
Austin
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Massive Action
Orange Park, FL
(Fleming Island area)
Dear Family~
I'm glad to hear from you this week. Things are going good here in Fleming Island. This place is definitely a more affluent area than my last few. It reminds me slightly of Draper, Utah. I have seen some big houses and some very wealthy people. One thing I have learned, in order to communicate with the people here, we need to be direct, clear, and powerful; otherwise, we get shrugged off quickly.
A neat concept coming from Gerald N. Lund is that in order to have faith that is productive and powerful, it is requisite that we live our faith commensurate with the degree of our hope! If we have high hopes, and yet we do not exercise our faith so as to attain our dreams, our faith is dead and our hopes go to waste. It is similar to knowing your purpose and potential in life and failing to do all within your power to live up to it. Heartbreak and regret is what happens.
I have learned to love making goals and setting powerful, effective, and efficient plans to achieve my goals. Goals give life and purpose to hopes and dreams. Plans make the seemingly unachievable achievable. The work to achieve the dream lights a burning fire within making joy and happiness your countenance. I heard a quote the other day, and it has to do with missionaries--but is says, "Work as though you cannot fail." Sounds fun to me!
Obviously you have to make realistic and achievable goals; nevertheless, they should make you stretch and push beyond what you initially thought you were capable of doing. "Hard work reveals capacity. Smart work reveals potential."
When it comes to school, I have zero plans--yet. The idea of BYU Hawaii sounded fun, but I refuse to make any decisions until the time for me to decide is come. That time isn't yet.
I'm glad to hear your lesson worked out, Mom, despite all the stumbling blocks leading up to it! I think I am plagued with that same problem. Things tend to appear at the last moment, unexpected, unplanned, and they always seem to get in the way and make it almost impossible to do what I had hoped to do. This is why I was always late for school. This is why it is hard for me to get to bed on time. This is always the reason for me being late to anything. I think the Lord is trying to teach us the valuable lesson of being prepared. President Barry sent a letter to us today and said that the Lord has commanded us to be exceptional planners. Our focus this month is on setting goals and making plans to achieve them. He shared a story of how he planned on qualifying for the Boston Marathon in his fifties, but as the race drew near the end, he wasn't able to complete the race in time. He was an hour behind. He failed fully to prepare: i.e. when running a marathon you need proper nutrition throughout the race to succeed--he forgot about all that as he was running. So the next time, with greater fervor than before, he planned and prepared, and qualified for the Boston Marathon. This time he taped to his arm all the nutrition he would need along the race so he would be able to finish in time. Needless to say, he finished with ten minutes to go left on the clock.
The lesson I learned from that personal experience is that all of us are capable of great things, but our success depends upon our personal preparation! It is a difficult and often painful lesson to learn. But I am beginning to discover that if you start now and don't wait to make the goal and create the plan, you can go forward with faith that you can accomplish ANYTHING!
We have an extremely capable family, now it is down to setting the right goals and establishing the right plans to achieve our goals--then to take "MASSIVE ACTION" (mission motto, apparently) to transform our goals into accomplishments. I think we have the best family ever. :) I can't wait to see what we can do when we are all on the same page pursuing the same goal! Watch out! So Dad, Mom, Aaron, Billy, Kendall, let's set a meaningful, powerful goal, make effective and equally powerful plans, then take MASSIVE ACTION and achieve it! Are you excited? I am! :)
At the center of everything is the gift of charity. Love is the binding force that keeps us together and it never fails. Charity breaks down any barrier, climbs the tallest mountain, descends below the deepest valley, and overcomes all things. The power of the Atonement springs from the invincible and infinite depth of God's love for us, His children. The Savior's love for us burns brighter than the noon-day sun. The Holy Ghost matches this matchless love and is ever and always willing to be our guide along the way. I know the scriptures are true and these blessings are real. I feel the power of it growing within me daily. As I read the scriptures, I feel the Spirit. The Spirit makes me feel like I can do anything! "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philipians 4:13).
I am companions with Elder Chadwick. He graduated from Cyprus High School. This is his second transfer. He has a kind and forgiving heart. I know we will do much good together. On Friday last week we helped two of our investigators to accept baptismal dates. They were extremely prepared to receive this invitation. The Elders (Chadwick and Huntsman) did a wonderful job of helping them to be ready for our lesson that day. The Spirit brought the truth to John (the dad) and Michael (the 11 year-old son), and both were willing and committed to act on what they felt. Michael bore his testimony in Sacrament meeting on Sunday. I was amazed at what a strong witness he has of the truth, and yet he isn't even a member. Brooke is a recently returning member and is the mother and wife of the family. Jason is their three year-old son. I can't wait to see how this will bless them. It is a special thing to watch an entire family receive the gospel and to be blessed by it. How grateful I am to be a missionary because I would have never known had I not chosen to serve.
Love you~
Austin
ps. Yes, it it weird to be in this area again. Slightly different than where I was before, but extremely similar.
pps. I love each of you, and if I could I would give each of you a hug right now, but I can't yet. Everything is going to be okay :)
(Fleming Island area)
Dear Family~
I'm glad to hear from you this week. Things are going good here in Fleming Island. This place is definitely a more affluent area than my last few. It reminds me slightly of Draper, Utah. I have seen some big houses and some very wealthy people. One thing I have learned, in order to communicate with the people here, we need to be direct, clear, and powerful; otherwise, we get shrugged off quickly.
A neat concept coming from Gerald N. Lund is that in order to have faith that is productive and powerful, it is requisite that we live our faith commensurate with the degree of our hope! If we have high hopes, and yet we do not exercise our faith so as to attain our dreams, our faith is dead and our hopes go to waste. It is similar to knowing your purpose and potential in life and failing to do all within your power to live up to it. Heartbreak and regret is what happens.
I have learned to love making goals and setting powerful, effective, and efficient plans to achieve my goals. Goals give life and purpose to hopes and dreams. Plans make the seemingly unachievable achievable. The work to achieve the dream lights a burning fire within making joy and happiness your countenance. I heard a quote the other day, and it has to do with missionaries--but is says, "Work as though you cannot fail." Sounds fun to me!
Obviously you have to make realistic and achievable goals; nevertheless, they should make you stretch and push beyond what you initially thought you were capable of doing. "Hard work reveals capacity. Smart work reveals potential."
When it comes to school, I have zero plans--yet. The idea of BYU Hawaii sounded fun, but I refuse to make any decisions until the time for me to decide is come. That time isn't yet.
I'm glad to hear your lesson worked out, Mom, despite all the stumbling blocks leading up to it! I think I am plagued with that same problem. Things tend to appear at the last moment, unexpected, unplanned, and they always seem to get in the way and make it almost impossible to do what I had hoped to do. This is why I was always late for school. This is why it is hard for me to get to bed on time. This is always the reason for me being late to anything. I think the Lord is trying to teach us the valuable lesson of being prepared. President Barry sent a letter to us today and said that the Lord has commanded us to be exceptional planners. Our focus this month is on setting goals and making plans to achieve them. He shared a story of how he planned on qualifying for the Boston Marathon in his fifties, but as the race drew near the end, he wasn't able to complete the race in time. He was an hour behind. He failed fully to prepare: i.e. when running a marathon you need proper nutrition throughout the race to succeed--he forgot about all that as he was running. So the next time, with greater fervor than before, he planned and prepared, and qualified for the Boston Marathon. This time he taped to his arm all the nutrition he would need along the race so he would be able to finish in time. Needless to say, he finished with ten minutes to go left on the clock.
The lesson I learned from that personal experience is that all of us are capable of great things, but our success depends upon our personal preparation! It is a difficult and often painful lesson to learn. But I am beginning to discover that if you start now and don't wait to make the goal and create the plan, you can go forward with faith that you can accomplish ANYTHING!
We have an extremely capable family, now it is down to setting the right goals and establishing the right plans to achieve our goals--then to take "MASSIVE ACTION" (mission motto, apparently) to transform our goals into accomplishments. I think we have the best family ever. :) I can't wait to see what we can do when we are all on the same page pursuing the same goal! Watch out! So Dad, Mom, Aaron, Billy, Kendall, let's set a meaningful, powerful goal, make effective and equally powerful plans, then take MASSIVE ACTION and achieve it! Are you excited? I am! :)
At the center of everything is the gift of charity. Love is the binding force that keeps us together and it never fails. Charity breaks down any barrier, climbs the tallest mountain, descends below the deepest valley, and overcomes all things. The power of the Atonement springs from the invincible and infinite depth of God's love for us, His children. The Savior's love for us burns brighter than the noon-day sun. The Holy Ghost matches this matchless love and is ever and always willing to be our guide along the way. I know the scriptures are true and these blessings are real. I feel the power of it growing within me daily. As I read the scriptures, I feel the Spirit. The Spirit makes me feel like I can do anything! "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philipians 4:13).
I am companions with Elder Chadwick. He graduated from Cyprus High School. This is his second transfer. He has a kind and forgiving heart. I know we will do much good together. On Friday last week we helped two of our investigators to accept baptismal dates. They were extremely prepared to receive this invitation. The Elders (Chadwick and Huntsman) did a wonderful job of helping them to be ready for our lesson that day. The Spirit brought the truth to John (the dad) and Michael (the 11 year-old son), and both were willing and committed to act on what they felt. Michael bore his testimony in Sacrament meeting on Sunday. I was amazed at what a strong witness he has of the truth, and yet he isn't even a member. Brooke is a recently returning member and is the mother and wife of the family. Jason is their three year-old son. I can't wait to see how this will bless them. It is a special thing to watch an entire family receive the gospel and to be blessed by it. How grateful I am to be a missionary because I would have never known had I not chosen to serve.
Love you~
Austin
ps. Yes, it it weird to be in this area again. Slightly different than where I was before, but extremely similar.
pps. I love each of you, and if I could I would give each of you a hug right now, but I can't yet. Everything is going to be okay :)
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