Fleming Island, FL
Dear Family & Friends~
...Rest, I've come to learn, is an important thing. You do everything you can, then after you've done all--you give yourself a break! It's a great thing. I wish I would have believed it was a good thing not to be so hard on myself all the time earlier in life, but I now understand that it is okay to cut myself some slack...at least once in a while. So I'm glad everyone gets to have at least a little break from life this summer.
We had a fairly productive week. We found a few new investigators this past week, all of which have committed to come to church within the next few weeks. We'll find out soon whether they'll end up keeping their commitment or not, but let's hope for the best. All of them are great people; however, some have major life struggles and need real support and comfort, so I hope we can help them in the way they need it most. I've found it difficult lately to dive directly into any of the missionary lessons. We've been spending so much time focusing on learning to get to know our investigators and their needs and to show them our love that it has been a battle to transition from a discussion of life's concerns to the doctrines and principles of the lessons. I know our investigators trust us more and that is a good thing, but I also know that there is less direction in our teaching. I'm really striving to find a balance between listening to the needs and concerns of our investigators and teaching them the lessons. TEACH PEOPLE, NOT LESSONS is our motto and it takes much effort to meet the needs of every soul we teach. Righteousness, knowledge, and charity are three things President Barry taught us we need in order to teach with the convincing power of God and also to be true disciples of Jesus Christ. I believe the more I work on these things, the easier it will become to fully help all the people we meet to come unto Christ and to receive His gospel. I love being on a mission, despite how hard it is, because I know it is helping me to become everything I need to become in order to live with Heavenly Father again. And all these lessons I'm learning about teaching people and helping people are changing and refining me and my desires, and are truly changing me more than anyone I'm helping. Why that is, I'm not sure I'll ever know...but when you give all you have, you always get more in return.
This morning in my studies, I concentrated on learning about the process of receiving personal revelation. I read part of Chapter 4 of Preach My Gospel, which is entitled "How Do I Recognize the Spirit?" and Elder Bednar's talk, "The Spirit of Revelation", then I spent time reflecting on the many ways in which I have been given knowledge and guidance from the Holy Ghost. The more I reflected on my past experiences the more I realized how much the Spirit has led me throughout my life. In so many ways and through so many varying avenues I've been directed by the Spirit to make certain decisions that have had lasting impact on my life. Some decisions I probably haven't come to understand yet how they may have affected me, but I'm positive in the future I'll know the good things that have come from following the promptings of the Holy Ghost. My focus for studies today were centered on what Elder Bednar said about a particular way in which we occasionally receive revelation, but usually very rarely--and he compared it to the way in which we associate with light each day: we walk into a dark room and flip the light switch on and immediately what was once invisible is now visible, and we can see clearly and understand perfectly what is now inside the room, even in an instant. Something to think about... :) (see Alma 32:26-43 for further insight--the seed of faith becoming a tree of everlasting life, or the process of revelation).
I've got to go now, but I want each of you to know I love you and hope you have a wonderful week this week. I look forward to hearing from you next week. :)
Love~
Austin
Monday, May 30, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Life is a game of progress
5.23.11
Fleming Island
Dear Family & Friends~
I am thankful to hear that things are going well back home. I'm sorry to hear that SLCC wasn't able to finally pull through, but the progress they made was exceptional. This will hopefully give them the momentum they need to go out and win it all next season. It is difficult to look much past a single season, but when planning for success, sometimes one needs to look years in the future. No worries, because life is a game of progress and as long as you're moving forward that is all that ever really mattered anyways... We don't go backwards--sometimes we fall, fail, and falter--but we always get back up and try again.
This coming transfer will be much different than the last seven and a half months of my mission. I will no longer be serving as a District Leader. I will continue with Elder Kiracofe in Fleming Island and stay in the same district; however, I will be serving as a Senior Companion instead. Honestly, it was a little sad to be released, but deep down, I know that it is the right thing. I've done a lot as a District Leader, and grown much, and helped others to grow and become better. It has been very rewarding and also at times extremely overwhelming. Nevertheless, I'm grateful to have a change of focus. All the things I've learned can now apply to a singular area. I can't wait to apply everything I've learned to this great ward. I feel as light as a feather, like a great burden has been lifted off my shoulders.
From the time I've been serving as a District Leader, I have been able to take part in seeing three of the Elders I've been serving with become District Leaders, I've seen one Elder become a Zone Leader, I've seen one become a Sister Leader, several others become Senior Companions, and a few others become trainers. it has been a major blessing to watch everyone progress and do their very best and continue upward. I may not have known what I've been doing the entire time, but I can say that I have loved these missionaries. So many of them have been so much greater than myself and I feel I've learned more from them than they have from me. Perhaps you always feel that way...but I am grateful for their examples to me. I don't think you get called to be a leader to be "in charge" of everything, but to humbly learn from everyone else all the great things they have to teach you and to love them with all your heart and to help them stay united with love one toward another. They'll learn all they need to become as you love them and give them permission to be their true selves--or even to see their true selves so that they can become all they are capable of becoming. Elder Oaks says that when you have a vision of what you can become your desire and power to act increase enormously--by sharing a true spirit of love and kindness toward others you inadvertently give them a vision of all they can become. Their hearts expand and their vision increases and their great hopes and dreams suddenly seem possible to them. By striving to look at those you serve through Heavenly Father's eyes, you can share with them what you really see in them, and who they really are to you, and to God. We can't see it in ourselves. Someone has to show us. No matter how many times I stand and stare at myself in the mirror will I ever be able to figure out my own worth. I learn my worth when I discover that God loves me and that I am His child; and so often that is learned through the selfless love and care of others. By having our existence affirmed by those who deeply love us are we lifted to our fullest and highest potentials.
We found a total of four new investigators this week, which is really good. This week we've also gone to several members homes and invited them to mightily pray to have investigators be taught in their homes within the next few weeks. To my great joy, all of them have accepted the challenge. I know it is a scary thing to ask of someone, but despite whatever apprehension they may have felt, they said yes! For all the hard times, the faith of these members have swept away the stress and pain I've felt these past many weeks because of our lack of apparent success. But the real success hasn't even been so much who we've found, it has been the growing relationship we've had with the wonderful members of the Fleming Island ward. I am so grateful for them and for all the members I've come to know on my mission. I am grateful for this Church. Life can be so hard, but there is always a home wherever you are or at whatever stage you are at in your life within the Church. Family is everywhere. How blessed we are!
I love each of you and wish you the best week ever! I love you and I'll talk to you next week.
Love~
Austin
Fleming Island
Dear Family & Friends~
I am thankful to hear that things are going well back home. I'm sorry to hear that SLCC wasn't able to finally pull through, but the progress they made was exceptional. This will hopefully give them the momentum they need to go out and win it all next season. It is difficult to look much past a single season, but when planning for success, sometimes one needs to look years in the future. No worries, because life is a game of progress and as long as you're moving forward that is all that ever really mattered anyways... We don't go backwards--sometimes we fall, fail, and falter--but we always get back up and try again.
This coming transfer will be much different than the last seven and a half months of my mission. I will no longer be serving as a District Leader. I will continue with Elder Kiracofe in Fleming Island and stay in the same district; however, I will be serving as a Senior Companion instead. Honestly, it was a little sad to be released, but deep down, I know that it is the right thing. I've done a lot as a District Leader, and grown much, and helped others to grow and become better. It has been very rewarding and also at times extremely overwhelming. Nevertheless, I'm grateful to have a change of focus. All the things I've learned can now apply to a singular area. I can't wait to apply everything I've learned to this great ward. I feel as light as a feather, like a great burden has been lifted off my shoulders.
From the time I've been serving as a District Leader, I have been able to take part in seeing three of the Elders I've been serving with become District Leaders, I've seen one Elder become a Zone Leader, I've seen one become a Sister Leader, several others become Senior Companions, and a few others become trainers. it has been a major blessing to watch everyone progress and do their very best and continue upward. I may not have known what I've been doing the entire time, but I can say that I have loved these missionaries. So many of them have been so much greater than myself and I feel I've learned more from them than they have from me. Perhaps you always feel that way...but I am grateful for their examples to me. I don't think you get called to be a leader to be "in charge" of everything, but to humbly learn from everyone else all the great things they have to teach you and to love them with all your heart and to help them stay united with love one toward another. They'll learn all they need to become as you love them and give them permission to be their true selves--or even to see their true selves so that they can become all they are capable of becoming. Elder Oaks says that when you have a vision of what you can become your desire and power to act increase enormously--by sharing a true spirit of love and kindness toward others you inadvertently give them a vision of all they can become. Their hearts expand and their vision increases and their great hopes and dreams suddenly seem possible to them. By striving to look at those you serve through Heavenly Father's eyes, you can share with them what you really see in them, and who they really are to you, and to God. We can't see it in ourselves. Someone has to show us. No matter how many times I stand and stare at myself in the mirror will I ever be able to figure out my own worth. I learn my worth when I discover that God loves me and that I am His child; and so often that is learned through the selfless love and care of others. By having our existence affirmed by those who deeply love us are we lifted to our fullest and highest potentials.
We found a total of four new investigators this week, which is really good. This week we've also gone to several members homes and invited them to mightily pray to have investigators be taught in their homes within the next few weeks. To my great joy, all of them have accepted the challenge. I know it is a scary thing to ask of someone, but despite whatever apprehension they may have felt, they said yes! For all the hard times, the faith of these members have swept away the stress and pain I've felt these past many weeks because of our lack of apparent success. But the real success hasn't even been so much who we've found, it has been the growing relationship we've had with the wonderful members of the Fleming Island ward. I am so grateful for them and for all the members I've come to know on my mission. I am grateful for this Church. Life can be so hard, but there is always a home wherever you are or at whatever stage you are at in your life within the Church. Family is everywhere. How blessed we are!
I love each of you and wish you the best week ever! I love you and I'll talk to you next week.
Love~
Austin
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Momentum Shifts
Fleming Island/Orange Park
Dear Family & Friends~
I'm grateful to have been able to spend a short time this Mother's Day to speak with each of you! I was happy to hear each of your voices. Too bad time moves too quickly...but the time is near that I will see you again, so all is well.
Elder Kiracofe and I had an interesting study this morning about attitudes and its effect on the success of individuals and teams. We talked a little bit about momentum shifts in sports games and its comparison to momentum shifts in missionary work. A momentum shift, as we defined it, isn't so much a physical thing as it is a mental outlook on the final outcome of the game--whatever the "game" may be. We thought of some good questions:
-When you were at your peak performance, was the game easy or difficult to perform?
-When you were having the most fun, did you often find you were having the most success?
-When you weren't having success, yet maintained a positive outlook, did you find that later you found the success you'd initially hoped to achieve?
I'm sure there are a million other questions you could think of, but we concluded that the times we had the most fun and the times we had the most success, no matter the level of intensity or difficulty, were the times that everything felt like it came together, and whatever it was we were doing felt easy...not that we weren't working hard or anything, but we believed and hoped for greatness and we worked for it; we loved the game and accepted it for what it was--a game.
In the same sense I can look at myself; I am imperfect. I am fallen. I will come short every single time of what Heavenly Father requires of me: but that is life. I am not supposed to be perfect today. I am supposed to be grateful for the life I've been given and to enjoy it. I am to do my best to be as obedient as I possibly can to Heavenly Father's will, but if I mess up, I need to trust that He still loves me and believes in me. So I ask forgiveness and get over it! Then do better the next time. And if I fall short again, SO WHAT?!! At least I'm trying. At least I'm doing my best. That is all Heavenly Father can justly expect me to do, is my very best! And if I do that, He can give me mercy and show me grace because of His Son. If I'm persistent and faithful and BELIEVING and HAPPY and SMILING, it will all work out in the end.
Next week I'm going to try and find some stories to share with you about the people that we meet. I have a feeling this week is going to be a good week. No matter what happens, I think that we are going to take some major leaps this week as far as "momentum" is concerned. We have a great ward and great people in it. The people in the area...are good people. They have open hearts and minds and all they need is for someone like Elder Kiracofe and I, and the members of the ward, to reach out and show them that we care and that we love them. Heavenly Father will do the rest of the work. I couldn't imagine being in any other area than this one at this time. People don't mind talking and being friendly. I have met so many people who have offered me and my companion water during the heat of the day. People here are looking to serve. (Sometimes it's easier to look at the bad things--but in the end, I don't think it really matters what bad things surround us, all that matters is what we choose to do with what we've been given--whether we build, encourage, and love, despite the negative, or choose to be defeated because we cannot overcome the negativity, because we let it creep in our hearts and eat us alive! YIKES!!)
Negativity is truly like poison! It is amazing to me how much a person's attitude can affect every aspect of his or her life.
This week, just pray that each of us will be able to witness miracles--whether it be finding people to share the gospel with, success in school or sports, or work--anything. Miracles come by faith and God wants to give us miracles. So let's show Him that we wish to be a part of His team so He can give us miracles. "The miracle is that you recognized the miracle when it came." -Anonymous
I love you and I love that you listen to all my preaching as well! I hope you have a wonderful week and that everything goes well for each of you! HAPPY DAY AFTER MOTHER'S DAY!! Talk to you next week.
Love~
Austin
Dear Family & Friends~
I'm grateful to have been able to spend a short time this Mother's Day to speak with each of you! I was happy to hear each of your voices. Too bad time moves too quickly...but the time is near that I will see you again, so all is well.
Elder Kiracofe and I had an interesting study this morning about attitudes and its effect on the success of individuals and teams. We talked a little bit about momentum shifts in sports games and its comparison to momentum shifts in missionary work. A momentum shift, as we defined it, isn't so much a physical thing as it is a mental outlook on the final outcome of the game--whatever the "game" may be. We thought of some good questions:
-When you were at your peak performance, was the game easy or difficult to perform?
-When you were having the most fun, did you often find you were having the most success?
-When you weren't having success, yet maintained a positive outlook, did you find that later you found the success you'd initially hoped to achieve?
I'm sure there are a million other questions you could think of, but we concluded that the times we had the most fun and the times we had the most success, no matter the level of intensity or difficulty, were the times that everything felt like it came together, and whatever it was we were doing felt easy...not that we weren't working hard or anything, but we believed and hoped for greatness and we worked for it; we loved the game and accepted it for what it was--a game.
In the same sense I can look at myself; I am imperfect. I am fallen. I will come short every single time of what Heavenly Father requires of me: but that is life. I am not supposed to be perfect today. I am supposed to be grateful for the life I've been given and to enjoy it. I am to do my best to be as obedient as I possibly can to Heavenly Father's will, but if I mess up, I need to trust that He still loves me and believes in me. So I ask forgiveness and get over it! Then do better the next time. And if I fall short again, SO WHAT?!! At least I'm trying. At least I'm doing my best. That is all Heavenly Father can justly expect me to do, is my very best! And if I do that, He can give me mercy and show me grace because of His Son. If I'm persistent and faithful and BELIEVING and HAPPY and SMILING, it will all work out in the end.
Next week I'm going to try and find some stories to share with you about the people that we meet. I have a feeling this week is going to be a good week. No matter what happens, I think that we are going to take some major leaps this week as far as "momentum" is concerned. We have a great ward and great people in it. The people in the area...are good people. They have open hearts and minds and all they need is for someone like Elder Kiracofe and I, and the members of the ward, to reach out and show them that we care and that we love them. Heavenly Father will do the rest of the work. I couldn't imagine being in any other area than this one at this time. People don't mind talking and being friendly. I have met so many people who have offered me and my companion water during the heat of the day. People here are looking to serve. (Sometimes it's easier to look at the bad things--but in the end, I don't think it really matters what bad things surround us, all that matters is what we choose to do with what we've been given--whether we build, encourage, and love, despite the negative, or choose to be defeated because we cannot overcome the negativity, because we let it creep in our hearts and eat us alive! YIKES!!)
Negativity is truly like poison! It is amazing to me how much a person's attitude can affect every aspect of his or her life.
This week, just pray that each of us will be able to witness miracles--whether it be finding people to share the gospel with, success in school or sports, or work--anything. Miracles come by faith and God wants to give us miracles. So let's show Him that we wish to be a part of His team so He can give us miracles. "The miracle is that you recognized the miracle when it came." -Anonymous
I love you and I love that you listen to all my preaching as well! I hope you have a wonderful week and that everything goes well for each of you! HAPPY DAY AFTER MOTHER'S DAY!! Talk to you next week.
Love~
Austin
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
It's Time To Go For It!
Fleming Island/Orange Park
Dear Family & Friends~
My mission has probably been the most strenuous experience ever! But you know what? I don't think that it even matters. Life is not easty. Life was never meant to be easy. And it most certainly is never going to be easy. I have a few short months to sprint through the finish line. I haven't known what I've been doing almost all my mission and almost none of it has made sense to me, but one thing I have learned is that it is the biggest blessing I've ever been given. I'm excited to know that I can even recognize a blessing when it comes. To think how little I knew before I decided to serve until now, it is quite amazing to consider how far I've come. This week has passed me by quickly. The speed of the mission is going by quicker and quicker and I want to fight it. I feel that these last few months are where the real test begins. This is the culmination of everything I have been trained to do...so what am I going to do? Fight or flight? There has been so much going through my mind lately...a major mix of emotions and feelings. The attempt to stay strong and overcome the gravity of defeat has been excruciating. But I am realizing more than ever that the only thing the Lord wants me to realize is this: The work of gathering is His work and He will ensure its success no matter what I do or say. My job is to have a testimony of Him and His work and then to share that testimony with others. Those who are prepared will listen and those who aren't, won't. But as long as we do our part, He will bless us. So it is time to go for it!! Whatever that entails :)
I am basically out of time again today. I wasn't able to get on the computer until almost too late...but I do have a couple of other things to say:
1. Revelations 12:11 -- we overcome the adversary through the Atonement and by the word of our testimony.
2. We gain a testimony by studying the Book of Mormon and asking Heavenly Father in the name of Christ if it is true and by asking in faith, sincerity, and real commitment. (Moroni 10:3-5)
3. We can repeat this process over and over again
I realized something the other day, and I know I've been taught it before but I didn't ever think about it, and that is...if the Book of Mormon is true and that if this is the true Church, then nothing else matters. We give our best and do our best to do everything that God has asked us to do and He will take care of ALL the rest. Everything we know hinges on our testimony of the Restoration! So what greater thing to do than be empowered by the Holy Ghost through reading and praying about the Book of Mormon!
I really wish I had more time to write, but we will talk on Sunday! I love each of you and wish you a wonderful week. Good luck my brothers with baseball and KJ with dance!
I love you!
Love~
Austin
Dear Family & Friends~
My mission has probably been the most strenuous experience ever! But you know what? I don't think that it even matters. Life is not easty. Life was never meant to be easy. And it most certainly is never going to be easy. I have a few short months to sprint through the finish line. I haven't known what I've been doing almost all my mission and almost none of it has made sense to me, but one thing I have learned is that it is the biggest blessing I've ever been given. I'm excited to know that I can even recognize a blessing when it comes. To think how little I knew before I decided to serve until now, it is quite amazing to consider how far I've come. This week has passed me by quickly. The speed of the mission is going by quicker and quicker and I want to fight it. I feel that these last few months are where the real test begins. This is the culmination of everything I have been trained to do...so what am I going to do? Fight or flight? There has been so much going through my mind lately...a major mix of emotions and feelings. The attempt to stay strong and overcome the gravity of defeat has been excruciating. But I am realizing more than ever that the only thing the Lord wants me to realize is this: The work of gathering is His work and He will ensure its success no matter what I do or say. My job is to have a testimony of Him and His work and then to share that testimony with others. Those who are prepared will listen and those who aren't, won't. But as long as we do our part, He will bless us. So it is time to go for it!! Whatever that entails :)
I am basically out of time again today. I wasn't able to get on the computer until almost too late...but I do have a couple of other things to say:
1. Revelations 12:11 -- we overcome the adversary through the Atonement and by the word of our testimony.
2. We gain a testimony by studying the Book of Mormon and asking Heavenly Father in the name of Christ if it is true and by asking in faith, sincerity, and real commitment. (Moroni 10:3-5)
3. We can repeat this process over and over again
I realized something the other day, and I know I've been taught it before but I didn't ever think about it, and that is...if the Book of Mormon is true and that if this is the true Church, then nothing else matters. We give our best and do our best to do everything that God has asked us to do and He will take care of ALL the rest. Everything we know hinges on our testimony of the Restoration! So what greater thing to do than be empowered by the Holy Ghost through reading and praying about the Book of Mormon!
I really wish I had more time to write, but we will talk on Sunday! I love each of you and wish you a wonderful week. Good luck my brothers with baseball and KJ with dance!
I love you!
Love~
Austin
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