19 April 2014

Hey Mom!

.... 

Thats great that you were able to talk to your siblings this week. Does Janice live close to campus. If its not too far away and if we cant find any thing else, it might be nice to stay with her for a little. I dont wanna be a hastle but its great to have a back up plan. We have a great family. 

This morning we did a service project with a recent convert. She works in a pre-school/nursery school and we cleaned a big room and organized tons of stuff and moved a bunch of furniture. It reminded me of when I would go out to your school to help you organize your class room. 

We visited several people this week but one of the best parts was a family that the dad isnt very active and the mom hasnt been active in years. We had a great lesson with them about Easter and invited them to come to church this Sunday. I really hope they go. Tomorrow we're gonna give talks at church. Elder Maciel is gonna talk about gaining a testimony and I'll talk about becoming converted to the Gospel and the lifelong commitment we make with the Savior. We're gonna watch a baptism of some other missionaries in our stake tomorrow night and we're gonna teach a lesson at this baptism. Lots to do. 

Joshua 1:9 is a great scripture and its one of my companions favorites! I love how much strength and comfort that we find when we read the scriptures and especially in the Book of Mormon. 

I cant help but think about how little time is left. It hasnt hit me completely yet. I'm still in missionary mode and working. I'm not ready to go back yet. I need just a little bit more time. I know that Heavenly Father is mindful of me and my needs and desires. This knowledge is so comforting. In my talk tomorrow, I will talk about personal conversion. As I was preparing this talk, I came across a General Conference talk by Pres Eyring called, Our Perfect example (I think thats it). I am always brought back and constantly reminded of a primary song that Pres Eyring cited in his talk and that I will cite in mine tomorrow. "I'm trying to be like Jesus. I'm following in His ways. I'm trying to love as He did in all that I do and say. At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice but I try to listen as the still small voice whispers, Love one another as Jesus loves you. Try to show kindness in all that you do. Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought. For these are the things Jesus taught." I frequently sing this song to myself and as I do, the Spirit teaches me and encourages me to be like my Savior. Especially with this Easter weekend, I am honored to be a representative of Christ and feel a great desire to be and act as He is and would. 

Next week will be my last contact with you before I see you. I hope this week is as great for you as it will be for me. I love you and am anxious to hear from you soon.

Élder Jared Knotts

12 April 2014

Hey Mom!
...

Keep looking for an apartment but dont worry if its not right next to campus. I dont mind walking at all. Especially because the weather will be great during the summer.

That is so great that you're getting to help (a sister) more. Keep working with her and talk to her about the gospel and the need she has to be baptized. It will make such a crucial difference in her life. Also, keep praying about other people that you know and family that could need these general conference talks. Send them the link and follow up with them to see if they watched the videos or not. These small things can make an eternities worth of difference.

I loved so many talks from General Conference. So many things came to mind. I had written down 9 questions about things that I wanted to learn during the conference and each one was basically answered. I was able to see how the Lord is mindful of my needs and knows exactly, if I'm paying attention, to teach and guide me. I will be able to discuss these things with you in more detail when I get home but I have grown a great appreciation for the General Conference talks and the treasures of counsels and instructions that we are able to find. I have pondered on many things that I learned at conference but something specific that grabbed my attention was a talk that President Monson gave in the priesthood session. I know you didnt watch it yet but you should. Its for everyone. He says, Be Strong and of a Good Courage! This was one of my questions that I had. I read this talk and then compared it to other talks that President Monson gave about courage in conferences in 2009, 2004, and 1986. These 4 talks about courage helped me to understand the power that comes from within when we have a testimony and when we defend it. When we think more about the Savior then what others may think or say. To be brave and overcome our fears. To have the guts to open our mouths and tell the world about the mighty change of heart that has happened in us because of the restored gospel. To have the courage and humilty to leave behind our old selves and be who God wants us to be in all places and at all times. For us to be courageous and trust in the Lord. To do what is right because we know its right. To not choose the "easy" path but the right one. As Elder Holland said (paraphrasing), "The answer to the phrase, 'What Would Jesus Do?' is not always the most popular response." I love that so much. As Paul said, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That we must be examples to the believers. I love conference and I'd be able to write about this for 10 hours but obviously dont have that much time. Let me know if you have any questions or if there are things specific that I need to know. I love you and cant wait to hear from you and see you soon!

Élder Jared Knotts

5 April 2014

Hey Mom!
I am very impressed with Adam´s amazing sucess. I also will need his help and advice and guidance. I've talked to him very little during these two years but recognize that I can learn so much and have a lot to take advantage of with Adam's sucess and knowledge. I'll be sure to call him the first day that I get back.

I will be in Connersville for a little more than a week and I want to (get in touch with) Eric Allen.... Hes a good guy and I remember him well. ... Please let me know if there is something I can do right now... (email, prayer, ideas). 

Its wonderful to know about the FHE sucess you're having and also the baptisms in our ward. Its exciting to see the church grow in all parts of the world. 

I'm also really excited to hear about your job searching and the Church's and Adam's help. I'll be glad to hear about the new opportunities you're finding. Just dont settle for something when you can definitely find a good job. Any new news about the house? 

I'm so excited for General Conference today and tomorrow!!!! I made several personal questions and have prayed about them and ideas I've had this month. I'm ready for the Spirit to teach me today and tomorrow and have my prayers answered through God's chosen servants. What a wonderful opportunity to learn together and feel the Spirit of the Lord. I love Conference and am constantly edified when I read past conference talks and ponder on their words and teachings. I hope that you may also be able to take advantage and be spiritual touched and have prayers and doubts answered.

I gotta go soon but just wanted to share something that I learned. I read a couple of talks that talked about the Book of Mormon. I am so greatful for this grand blessing and tool that Heavenly Father preserved for our days for our benefit and use. I prayed several times yesterday during my study to thank the Lord for the Book of Mormon but also to ask for His help in my study that I may be able to dedicate myself to studying, pondering and living these sacred principles. For those that have not yet read the Book of Mormon or have only passively glanced at a verse or two, I know that God has given us this gift for our welfare and happiness. This book will draw us nearer to God and will teach us who Jesus Christ is and how we may become like Him. I love my Savior and am thankful that the Book of Mormon has helped me to learn of His gospel and to develop His celestial attributes. We can never neglect or treat this sacred record or any other scripture as if it were a magazine to flip through while waiting in a doctors office. God's word is to be reverenced and treated as something sacred. It is a priority and 100% necessary if one is to truly know and follow Jesus Christ. I love my Savior and love His words. I do not worship the Book of Mormon but am greatful to have it as a tool to help me learn of Christ who is holy and perfect. I hope that you and I and all others may be able to study daily from the Book of Mormon. I know it is true and was translated by a chosen prophet of God. This is clear to me. I do not have a doubt about this and this knowledge has come to me not through a whim but through dilligent study and prayer. Only God can show us of its divine origin and high importance. Only a loving Heavenly Father can open our hearts and our minds to show us what is true. May we be humble and trust in God until the point that we may persistently search for this answer to our prayers. The Book of Mormon was created to draw us closer to Christ, to teach us His doctrine and to bring peace, light and love to our minds and our families. 

I love you Mom and am thankful for your wonderful example for me. Never give up. Continue to trust in God and go forward with faith. He will continue to guide and protect you in your righteous desires. I hope to hear from you soon!

Élder Jared Knotts

29 March 2014

Hey Mom!
I'm sorry that this email is so short but at least I sent you photos two weeks in a row for once! I'm really excited to see you. I hope everythings going great ... I'll be excited to show you my new apartment when I move into Muncie for the SUmmer and you can come visit me! I'm so excited to hear about how dilligently you're reading and studying the scriptures. Heavenly Father will continue to bless and nurture your spirit and life as you continue to treasure up His word in your heart. I love the scriptures and will be excited to read and discuss things with you after the mission in more detail. I'm thrilled to hear about the wonderful experiences youre having with the missionaires. Never stop. You're a great example for me. I need to go now but I really hope to hear from you soon! I love you!
Élder Jared Knotts

Elder Knotts' is on the far left!

Elder Knotts is on the right

22 March 2014

22 March 2014
Hey Mom!
Thats great that the missionaries got to go to the Columbus Ohio Temple! I cant wait. Keep working with (others). (They) need your help and support more than you know. You can literally be an angel and a blessing in (their) life and influence (them) for eternity. This is a grand opportunity! Take advantage of it!

......

It would be great to see General Conference one day in Utah and go to the temples there. In 2 or 3 days you can go to maybe 8 temples that are all really close. I really wanna take a small trip to Chicago to visit there and while there, go to the temple. Thats a personal goal/plan that I will accomplish.

......

Élder Maciel and myself stayed here and this morning we had a wonderful baptism for a family (mom and dad). I've got pics that I'll show you in a couple of weeks. It was incredible. The Bishop (in my Ward) did his bachelors, masters and doctorate in classical singing and we did a duet at the baptism today. We sang, "Abide with me tis eventide" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAhAVBtGhy8 ) and it was really beautiful. This family was found and taught for a long time by one of the assistants before me. His name is Elder Youd and he finished his mission this week but his parents came to get him so he stayed this week to baptize them today and then we went out to eat with him and his parents. They are wonderful people! They got married this week but they're gonna have a wedding reception at church this next saturday. Its gonna be awesome! I'm really excited.

...I love you so much and I cant wait to here from you again next week!

Élder Jared Knotts

15 March 2014

15 March 2014
Hey Mom!
I remember Elder Peterson. Thats great that he came back and visited. Unfortunately I didnt get to know him as well as some other missionaries that served in our wards like Grant Doxey. I do remember several missionaries that served in the YSA branch though (Eric Tucker, Jordan Magelby, Trent Nelson, Elder Bronk, Aaron Olsen, and John Moore) I love missionaries and remember fondly of these great missionaries that served in my branch.

........I've come to value and appreciate what is actually important and to think very little on things that dont matter. ...... Yes, we need to be wise and not live beyond our means, but also the Lord wants us to be happy and live comfortably. .........

This next week will be the transfer but I'm 99% sure that I will stay here until the end of my mission. I dont know if my companion will stay or not though. We will know what happens in an hour or 2 but I wont be able to let you know until next Saturday. This week I started my personal preparation for General Conference that will be here in a couple of weeks. I have started studying and praying and pondering on topics and spiritual lessons and questions that I want that the Lord answers through His chosen servants in GC. I started writing down key words (such as: desire, sacrifice, discipline, service, courage and many others) and when I study the scriptures and old GC talks, I look for these words and teachings that are associated with these topics. My list grows every day and I think and rethink and focus my list over and over again, looking for things that I truly need and counsels that I want from the Lord. I feel inspired by the Holy Ghost as He shows me through other peoples words the precious teachings that I need so much. I have started writing down scriptures also that talk about these topics and hymns that inspire me. I know that through this personal preparation, Heavenly Father will hear my prayers and the desires of my heart and He will answer these questions and teach me through the church leaders. I know that President Monson is a prophet of God and I feel very strongly that the Spirit teaches me through him and many many others. Countless times I have read GC talks and felt the Spirit instruct me and show me things that I must do and how I must live my life. Lay down your problems, worries, desires, fears and questions before the Lord. Tell Him in prayer the things you want to learn and study and prepare yourself starting today so that when GC comes, you will be prepared to be taught. I promise you that you will be able to take advantage of this spiritual experience and God will talk to you. Read Deuteronomy 5 ( https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/deut/5?lang=eng )and think how the jews felt when they spoke in verse 27. Read the verse one more time and then stop reading this email and say these things to Heavenly Father that the jews said to Moses. I know that when you give your heart to God, He will talk to you. This is the message that we share when we talk about the first vision. God speaks to men in our days and He can talk to you! I love you Mom. I'm thankful for your wonderful example and unmovable faith. Trust in God and do what you feel is right. I know that He will continue to guide and protect you! I cant wait to hear from you next week!

Élder Jared Knotts

8 March 2014

8 March 2014
Hey Mom!
That is such a great hymn! ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQjlF1fyUZs ) I have sung it several times here in Brasil. They dont have 100% of the hymns we have in english and they even have some that we dont have but this one is the same. 
...... I didnt gain weight here in the mission. I've actually lost maybe 10 or 15 pounds since I left 2 years ago but I need to get back into shape at the BSU gym and I've become way more conscious of the things I eat and how I really need to take care of my body. ..... I'm trying to learn how to be more self sufficient and have what I need and wait for things that can wait like clothes. I bought new tennis shoes and a new light jacket here that I will take home. Its been great to learn so many things here in the mission. Most of them have been spiritual but I've also learned so much about the importance of taking care of my body, my house, my appearance, my money, my belongings, and how I represent myself. It'll be easier to share these new ideas with you in person. We should take as many people as we can to the temple (when we go on Saturday, May 10th)! Everyone needs to go as often as possible. We should take advantage of the trip and do at least 2 sessions. I've been gone for so long that I need to remember well these promises that I've made with the Lord. Today we have 2 baptisms for a mom and one of her daughters. The other members of the family dont feel ready yet but the mom is really excited! We taught them yesterday and today I will baptize her and my companion will baptize the daughter. I'll be sure to take several photos. We're getting excited for General Conference! Be sure to invite your friends and family to go to General Conference also. Bear your testimony and give a personal experience of something that you learned in a General Conference and how, if they seek sincerely, they can also receive answers to their prayers and guidance for their problems and difficulties. I love General Conference! I read 2 talks this morning by Pres Monson. One was from the Priesthood session from last April but its applicable for everyone. I talks about a formula for success! Study the scriptures diligently, plan your life with purpose, teach the truth with testimony and serve the Lord with love. (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/come-all-ye-sons-of-god?lang=eng ) I have read this talk many many times and am constantly led back to read and learn again with these inspired words. I love each topic that he explains but especially the need to serve the Lord with Love. This leads me to the other talk from this last October that Pres Monson spoke about how the Lord will not leave us, nor forsake us. (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/i-will-not-fail-thee-nor-forsake-thee?lang=eng )What a wonderful promise! I am reminded of how much God loves us and how He is "rooting" for our sucess. He wants us to return to Him. As we recognize that God is real and knows us personally, we grow in our desire to serve Him and to be as He is. This is a life of sucess and true happiness. Serve the Lord with love. Dont do it for any other selfish reason. Dont do it for obligation or because you have to. But serve the Lord with love because He has loved us first. He wont leave us. How can we leave Him? We should respond to the Lords promise by showing Him and telling Him, "Lord, I wont leave thee, nor forsake thee. I need thee every hour. I love thee." Search for ways to serve the Lord with love on a daily basis. Serve others. Dont judge or look down on others. Be willing to sacrifce and give of yourself in the benefit of others. This is the least we can do to show our gratefullness. I love Jesus Christ. I love you Mom and am thankful for your help and your support and prayers. I cant wait to hear from you next week!
Elder Jared Knotts