Weekly Post - 3/26/2012

Well this last week we got to have interviews with President Jergensen. I love President Jergensen. In times when I need comfort and council from a leader face to face, he's the man! I love prayer though. I've been doing alot of praying this last week. I feel like my faith is being tested to the max lately. I feel a bit confused sometimes, but I always just pray, and read the Book of Mormon and I get what I need. That's the best part, is when the time comes that I don't have the Lord's servant, President Jergensen as a Mission President anymore to give me the council I need, I just have the Lord. As well as there are leaders in the Church that will help me. But the best thing I love and know is the Lord. He is there and is very real!

 

General Conference is this weekend! I have been listening to talks non-stop this week. I love conference talks, and BYU devotionals. The insights expressed, and truth established there is amazing. On my mission I came to learn something my dad told me would happen on my mission, that is very true. Before my mission I wanted to go to college to study theatre, and to be a Drama teacher. I have no desire for that anymore. I wanted to attend SUU (Southern Utah University) and major in Theatre Education. Now I desire to attend UVU (Utah Valley University) and major in something different. I have two passions still that I want to go forward in, that I have felt burning in me lately. One is one I'm trying to focus on less, since I am a missionary. But either way these will be my majors and minors. They are Religious Studies and Political Science. I love the Gospel. I love teaching it. I love sharing it! So I was thinking the other day, why not teach it in a class?! As well, as I love this country. I want what is best for it! So I want to help it in anyway that I can. But my goal has come to be- put the Lord first. So I will most likely major in Religious Studies for Education or something, and I'll shoot to become a Seminary teacher or something.

I made it a goal in my life that after my mission, I am going to study all 4 of the standard works and the United States Constitution once a year. It is so important that we know all those things. But with truth! That is why I want to study the scriptures the most, lately I have had a HUGE desire just to know the doctrine. I want to understand what I believe the best that I can, so I can share it the best that I can. As well if I understand the Gospel, I can understand the Constitution- therefore I will be able to make other good decisions. The gospel rocks! I love learning new things, and applying them into my life. The best part about our Saviors Doctrine is it will always teaching us, if we will ask, seek and knock. We must be teachable.

 

I want to invite everyone here to go the General Conference, and to have a question. Maybe two, or three- maybe you might have a list of questions! But I promise you all, that if you have a soul searching question with you, and you ask our Father in Heaven to guide you in finding that answer- you shall recieve. The Lord's hand is stretched out still for us to come unto Him, and to feast upon the words of Christ, that [we] may know to what source [we] may look for a remission of [our] sins.

 

I testify Jesus Christ lives. Joseph Smith was and is His prophet. Thomas S. Monson is His prophet in these our times. The Twelve Apostles and Councilors in the First Presidency, I testify are Prophets and Apostles of our Lord. They are inspired, and they truly guide and direct us in these Latter-Days. I promise the Book of Mormon is true. It is that single thread that held it all together for me. If not for it, I would not be here. I know that this week is capable of being a spiritual feast, if we will feast. Ask, Seek, Knock- and He will answer. We may be such insignificant human individuals, but yet are of noble birthright as Children of our Father in Heaven; and it is He who entitles us to communicate with Him! How amazing is that?!

 

Anyways, I'm rambling and we've gone over on our emailing time.

 

Elder Prows

New Post - 3/19/2012

This last week we had Zone Conference. I want to let everyone know that President Jergensen is awesome. The way he teaches and the example he sets is amazing, and inspirational to me. I love my mission president, and am so grateful for all he does for us missionaries in the Iowa Des Moines Mission.

 

I got an email from Aaron Sonderegger today. That was pretty cool. My trainer that is. He's been home since December, and I'm glad to know he has not forgotten me. He continued to fight the White Witch in Utah it sounded like. So we double teamed her, and won. That's epic. If you want to spell it the cool way you'd spell it Epoch.

 

President Jergensen gave an amazing sermon in Zone Conference that I've titled "Who will you become?" I like that title because I ask myself that when I read it. Who will I become? A mission is an amazing two years, full of spiritual marination, and inspirational epiphanies. I've learned more about myself because of what I've learned from President Jergensen, the Book of Mormon, the Prophets and Apostles and the most important one- Our Savior, Jesus Christ. That's something I am so grateful for. I've begun to strive to become more about the Gospel than what I have been before.

 

I remember watching movies that weren't the most appropriate before my mission, and at the beginning I was always like "oh man, I am so excited to watch those movies again!" or there would be new movies that'd be coming out, that I had desire to see when I got home, that I had heard about. But now as I've strived to understand the Gospel and to live it, I've realized about how much I don't want to watch those movies. Because what good do they do? I was laughing at myself the other day, because I was remembering how I thought it was really annoying how my parents were so "into" the Gospel. I didn't like that. I thought it was annoying that everytime my parents watched movies they would apply it to the Gospel and find some way add Jesus into the picture. But wait- I do that now! Why do I do that? Because I now realize that it is by Him and through Him and of Him, that I find happiness. I bought recently DVD titled 'Mormon Messages', it contains 20 of different messages that have spoken to me very deeply this last week. I want to share one that rings so true to me, and has helped me to appreciate my Savior, and the Prophets and Apostles of this day and age

 

Lifting Burdens: The Atonement of Jesus Christ:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coef8G5ax6E

 

I can't pick a favorite quote. I just love all those men. They speak powerfully, sincerely and boldly; truely we must follow the prophets, in order to know how we can come unto Christ. I testify that that is true. I would never have come as close to the Savior as I am now, if not for these wonderful men. And what's great is that we get to hear from them in 2 weeks. Who here on this earth, and in this life can do anything without our Savior? I know that progression truly is impossible without Him. Following His example helps us learn how to love, and to find happiness.

 

Another Mormon Message I love is this one by Elder Quentin L. Cook. I like Elder Cook alot, I don't know him too much because I never paid too much attention to conference after he was called. But the principles he teaches always are awesome. This message is an example of that-

 

Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz41YxNiHEg

 

The visual examples make it even more powerful too, and the music adds great effect. You feel bad for the two guys in blue shirts. But it speaks to me. I need to serve more. I need to help others in need- who is not in need? Who is not having a hard time in some kind of way? We all can help another in some kind or way, and if we do that then can we help others burdens be light. If we help others actively, then we can be angels in the lives of others.

 

My invitation this week echoes that of President Monsons invitation at the end of  Elder Cook's message-  "find someone who is having a hard time, and do something for them." I promise that as we do this, then we will be able to feel the Saviors love us, and for others. We will grow to love them as He does, and therefore obtain the Charity we so much need.

 

Also watch those Mormon Messages! They're sweet!

 

Mormon Messages: http://www.youtube.com/user/MormonMessages

 

Have a great week!

 

Elder Prows

Weekly Post - 3/12/2012

Man, oh man!

This week went by fast! We had really bad numbers this last week because there is a sickness going around Keokuk, and so lots of the people we are working with have been super sick. So we tracted alot this last week, and that was fun. We got a few potentials out of it.

On thursday was transfers, and Elder Wilson, our District Leader is training a new missionary. Elder Bradshaw and I are staying in Keokuk for another transfer, and yeah.

On wednesday we had a pretty cool dinner appointment. The Young Women in the Keokuk Branch were hosting a dinner thing, and they made a game out of it. The menu consisted of ten items that were from the scriptures. We had to (with the knowledge we have of the scriptures) figure out what the items were, and get our meals! Some of the items were utensils too, so you had to guess what those were too. It was fun. But the first course you had 3 items, the second had 4 and the third 3. Everything you got was taken away after you were done too, so if you got for one course a fork, you wouldn't have it for the next. So when you finally got your food, you had to figur out how to eat it. It was clever, but very frustrating to eat spagetti with crackers and a knife. But I enjoyed it, and it was creative. I just wish they remembered the scriptures that supported why they chose the objects they did, and what they named them for.

We had a good district meeting. We got to know our new district.

We had a cool experience tracting the other day. We were tracting out this culdasach (how ever you spell it) and if I remember right, we were looking for a referral we had received. We hadn't found it, and we were getting kind of tired of tracting and being rejected. So when we got half way through we decided we'd head  out to go see a less-active. But when we started to head out, we both stopped and said "nah, leaving to come back and tract it later is pointless. We're here! Let's finish the job!" so we pushed through tracting out the street. But what was cool was the first door we knocked on after that was the referral we were looking for! She was very cordial and all that stuff, but not interested. But grateful that people thought of her! That experience strengthened my testimony. Sometimes we feel like we can't go on anymore, we feel like what we are doing is just too much. But if we really push ourselves to the limit, we can see miracles. We just have to keep trying. The Lord answers prayers in His own way and in His own time. I can promise that, I know that it may not always be the most readable way, and you may not recognize it. But he will bless you!
That is why we keep commandments. This last week Elder Bradshaw and I were studying out of 3 Nephi 13.

Verse 25 happened to stick out to me- "take no thought for your life, WHAT YE SHALL EAT, or WHAT YE SHALL DRINK; nor yet for your body; WHAT YE SHALL PUT ON."

This phrase touched me. All my life I have been a pretty picky eater, I'm not going to lie. Now while most of the things my family says I have not tried I actually have, and don't like. I got a particular message from the Savior here. Sometimes people worry too much about WHAT they eat or drink. They have to have the name brand soda or they have to have pizza or something that isn't too healthy or a little more expensive, simply because it "tastes better". But what the Savior say next is so important, pay attention:

"Is not the LIFE more than MEAT, and the BODY than RAIMENT?"

Our bodies are sacred, and a gift from our Father in Heaven. Our Father has given us commandments that will bless us, both physically and spiritually, such as the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity. The Lord cares more about us getting the nutrients that we need, and the strength we need in order to do His will. That is why He has provided us with commandments such as the Word of Wisdom or Law of Chastity, because He knows best, and wants to help us take care of our bodies. I HATE lasagna. I think it's the worst food on earth, if there is anything on earth that I could choose to never eat again, it'd be lasagna. I like Kim-Chi over lasagna! And Kim-Chi is fermented cabbage, it's strong stuff. Lasagna is one of the things I have eaten the most on my mission. Because people can go to Wal-Mart and buy for way cheap a thing of premade lasagna and just throw it in the oven! I have not grown in any way to like Lasagna, Lasagna is still what they eat in Outer Darkness. But I appreciate so much the food that I am given. I do not eat the best food as a missionary. Sometimes members feed us stuff that is just downright nasty. But I am so grateful for them being courteous enough to have us over, and to sacrifice money to feed us. But I've learned on my mission that if I am willing to go for what costs less, and is healthier, not only to I feel better, and do I save more money- I realize I can keep the commandments. Too often do we focus on the part of the word of wisdom that says "don't put this in your bodies." But what about the DO's? We should put vegetables and fruits into our bodies. Eat meat sparingly. And all that other stuff! And I know that if we do that then we will be blessed by our Father in Heaven- just as He said in D&C 89.

anyways I don't think that all of what I said really explained what I meant clearly. But it's all in my head and makes sense to me, so if it doesn't make sense to you, then cry about it.

Peace!


Elder Prows

Weekly Post - 3/7/2012

I've realized just how expensive toothpaste is.

 

This last week was very slow. We were low on miles so we could not drive alot, so we walked, and walked and walked. Keokuk is a pretty spread out town, and given the place where we live... we have to walk a few miles to get into the part of town where we can actually work. So that was alot of walking. In the long run I was wearing wal-mart shoes -don't do that- which fell apat. It was pretty intense. I went and saw a member who is a chiropractor and I was WAY out of place. Because those shoes really really beat me up! Church shoes are just not meant for walking in is the thing, so it's hard on all missionaries. But I got some insoles that should help too! My dad should be ordering new shoes soon too. :3

 

I also saw a dentist. I have a sensitive tooth. And my teeth need to be cleansed. Though my teeth be as.... yellow jello, they shall be white as snow! They shall indeed sparkle and twinkle. They won't be changed in the twinkling of an eye. But they'll look better than my sisters! She has to have braces. Brace face.

 

This last week I pondered alot on my family, and my mission. It's been 17 months since I began my mission. It's funny, because 1 year ago, I was in Bloomington, Illinois- with Elder Unsicker, who is now home actually. That's so weird! I am actually one of the older missionaries in the mission right now. There are only 3 or 4 groups that go home before I do. That's crazy!

I realized this last week on pondering my mission, that I have alot of burdens. Burdens that need lifting! I've had so many struggles on my mission, heck I'll even say in my life! Just gospel-wise. Before my mission I had lots of struggles with my testimony. On everything to do with the church. The fact that I am here still blows my mind. But with that said, I am grateful I am here. This last week I realized I can't do this work alone. I can't beat my struggles alone, I can't expect myself to be the leader I need to be for Elder Bradshaw, and do it alone. During my personal study on Friday I felt like I had a need to repent, so I went into my bedroom and prayed. I prayed for so many things. I spent the whole hour praying out loud, and pleading with the Lord for forgiveness for my transgressions, for guidance on where to go and what to do for Keokuk, for my investigators; for him to help them to progress and find what they need to find. For my family, that they might be capable of beating their struggles, and that they might have the guidance of His spirit as they go about doing good. I prayed for the Prophet and the Apostles, for the leadership of this Mission, as well as the fellow missionaries around the world. I prayed for our government, and the Nation, as we are in struggle with wars and rumors of wars, natural disasters, pesilence and disease, hatred, darkness, destruction. I prayed for people I might have had an ill thought towards, and to love them as He loves them. I prayed for my companion, and alot more. I had an amazing experience with this prayer. I came to finally understand what it means to take the Lord's yoke upon us, and He will make our burdens easy. Yes, missionary work is still hard at times. But I feel God's love for me. I know I did that hour when I prayed sincerely and faithfully for others. I grew to know how important to me my family really is, and the importance of being worthy, so that I can spend eternity with them when the time comes. I am grateful I have a loving Father in Heaven, who really will listen to me, when I am in need.

 

President Uchtdorf gave a very powerful talk, that struck me hard as well. This last week I read the talk 'Waiting on the Road to Damascus'- given in April 2011. That talk was amazing because it helped me to realize that if I want to recieve answers to prayers I need to go about searching them out. As well as if I am hoping to change my life in any kind of way, I cannot just sit and wait for my life to change, but I must go out and change it. I love the theory of how we can either:

1. Choose our Actions, and face the consequences that come with those actions

 

OR

 

2. Choose our Consequences and do what it takes to get there.

 

That is the beauty of the Gospel. Is it revolves around that very principal. If I want to make it the Celestial Kingdom, then I can't just go. I need to do what is necessary to get there. I need to do my home teaching, serve my mission faithfully, uphold my callings, and priesthood duties, follow the prophet, follow the Savior, read my scriptures, pray often, attend church, exercise faith in Jesus Christ, repent, serve others. I have to live my life as He would, and as He did. Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, and He continues to live in perfection to this day. I cannot be perfect now, but I darn can try! That's the purpose of the Gospel, is the help us to achieve perfection. The Doctrine of Christ is only the beginning of that very concept! That is why the last principle to the Doctrine of Christ is ENDURING TO THE END. We all as followers of Christ must do what it takes in order to make it there. Latter-Day Saints don't talk the talk, they walk the walk. Let's be true Latter-Day Saints, and walk in His footsteps. The Road to Damascus is a long road, yes. But if we wait on there forever, we'll never get to Damascus! We've got to move! The Devil wants us to sit still. The Lord will even send guides and assistance if we need it in order to move. Just like that tale of the man who was in the flood, and was stuck on his roof. He prayed to our Father in Heaven for help, and waited for the Lord to deliver him. A boat showed up and the man driving said "get in!" but the man resisted saying "Oh, I'm waiting for God to save me." The boat left, and the waters got higher. A helicopter showed up and the driver called out "Get in! I carry you to safety!" but the foolish man denied responding "God is going to save me eventually!" To this foolish mans disappointment the waters rose, and he drowned. When he appeared before the Lord he asked "why didn't you save me?! I believed you come!" and the Lord shook His head and said "Did I not send you a boat? Did I not send you a helicopter?"

How often do we recognize the miracles and aid the Lord places into our lives? I think about that and I see how much I missed. But we can repent, and we can do better. Let's just not wait until the waters are too high, and there is no turning back.

 

We are approaching General Conference again. I would encourage all younger people to get study journals, and to write down the words of Christ. For that is what the Prophets speak. They are guided and directed by Him, who is Holy. I know that is true, I testify of it, because I have seen how much it has impacted my life these last 17 months. These have been the best months of my life, and for my life. The life is short, but it can always be the best- if you really want it, and you really go for it.

 

~Elder Prows