Pictures

So we had a really great week with a baptism Sunday! We've met some really awesome people the past couple weeks and its been great. Transfers were yesterday and I will be staying in Irajá for 6 more weeks. It'll be great to stay here for Christmas and the New year. I'm super excited to skype my family on Christmas. This will be the first time seeing them (except for photos) in over 7 and a half months. The rain here has been wild. It gets really hot in the morning and afternoon and then rains in the evening and night. It got over 105 F a couple times this week again. We're going to the zoo today because its our day to relax so Im pumped for that. I will send pictures next week. So one thing that is a little different about Christmas here is pretty cool. They have a huge dinner Christmas Eve and then play games and hang out until midnight. Then at midnight they open up presents and do stuff until 2 or 3 and then they sleep in late on Christmas and then visit family or whatever Christmas night. I'll be excited to experience Christmas a little bit different here in Brazil. 

So for the spiritual thought, I've thought about one of my favorite talks. It talks about how sometimes our pride and misunderstanding leads us to believe that we always know what is best for us, when in reality, God and our Savior, Jesus Christ, love us and have a plan for us. Just a quick cut from the talks says the following; 

God uses another form of chastening or correction to guide us to a future we do not or cannot now envision but which He knows is the better way for us. President Hugh B. Brown, formerly a member of the Twelve and a counselor in the First Presidency, provided a personal experience. He told of purchasing a rundown farm in Canada many years ago. As he went about cleaning up and repairing his property, he came across a currant bush that had grown over six feet (1.8 m) high and was yielding no berries, so he pruned it back drastically, leaving only small stumps. Then he saw a drop like a tear on the top of each of these little stumps, as if the currant bush were crying, and thought he heard it say:

“How could you do this to me? I was making such wonderful growth. … And now you have cut me down. Every plant in the garden will look down on me. … How could you do this to me? I thought you were the gardener here.”

President Brown replied, “Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here, and I know what I want you to be. I didn’t intend you to be a fruit tree or a shade tree. I want you to be a currant bush, and someday, little currant bush, when you are laden with fruit, you are going to say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for loving me enough to cut me down.’”

This story that he relates is quoted and used in this talk;

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/as-many-as-i-love-i-rebuke-and-chasten?lang=eng&query=many+love+rebuke+chasten

I have realized many instances in my life when I thought that what I wanted was best for me but that Heavenly Father always knows what I need and when I need it. The trials that are at times extremely difficult and seem overwhelming are actually loving experiences that are given to us to help us grow. I invite you to review difficulties you have experienced recently and also in the past that seemed at the time like a punishment but actually helped you. I know that as you do this, you will realize and grow in appreciation for the miracles that have truly blessed your life.

Well I really hope everyone is having a great Christmas break and enjoying the cool weather. I look forward to hearing from you soon and hope to hear of the blessings and great things going on in your lives.

Chillin out, maxin and relaxin all cool, 

Elder Jared Knotts

For everyone,

Its been super hot almost every day this week. Its gotten up to over 100 F almost every day and 112 on Saturday. Definitely the hottest I've ever experienced! Its almost time for transfers and Christmas is almost here. I'll be able to skype my family for Christmas so of course I'm excited for that. We talked to a lot of people this week about the Christmas season and what they really want for their families. Almost everyone says health which I totally understand with how hot its been. I've been here in Brazil for 7 months and of course its flown by. The semester for school is almost over for you guys and its weird to think about where I was, what I was doing and how cold it was a year ago from today. I havent seen it yet but I hope everyone gets a chance to see the Christmas Devotional on the church website lds.org. I heard it was really good. We have our Christmas dinner at church Saturday so I'm pumped for that. Yesterday was Stake Conference so we had church in a different area with almost 600 members of the church. It was really nice to meet a bunch of other members from other near by cities. 

Spiritual thought today is about faith. For me, faith helps to overcome doubts, questions and fear of things we dont understand. Many times its difficult to believe in something you cant see or dont understand. It can be difficult to look at the future with hope that problems will get better. Faith, which is believing with out seeing, helps us to have confidence in Jesus Christ and that He will help us as long as we are obedient and humble in our struggles. Its difficult to have faith when walking on a weak bridge. We can have confidence in God and His perfect Son. Christ is a sure foundation whereon if men build, they can not fall.

Well I hope you're enjoying the cold of winter in the US. Summer is just getting started here and I hope you have a great week.

Mysterious as the dark side of the moon,

Elder Jared Knotts

So it was a good week and its December now which is weird. Almost 7 months and yes, of course its flown by. I never really know what to say in these letters/emails. Tons of stuff happens every day but its hard to share everything. So we met some new people that are taking an english class and so we helped them a little and talked to them. Everyone here asks about the cultural differences but theres a lot of things similar. I'm gonna take more pics of the different food here so I can show everyone. I had lasagna yesterday so that wasnt too different. She just used ham instead of ground beef but its really good either way. Maybe questions from you guys could make this a little more interesting. Almost anything you wanna ask about, I'll answer. They've got this soda here thats pretty sweet. Its called Guaraná and there are several different types but its all the Guaraná brand. Its kinda like a cola but its a lot sweeter. We're gonna play some basketball today at the church cause we have free time every Monday. My companion is from California and loves to play basketball so we're gonna play to releave stress and excercise. I think my spelling is getting a lot worse so dont be surprised about the weirdly phrased sentences and errors. The language is great but sometimes I forget a word in english and I have to ask my companion what it is in english. Its all good though.

So I dont have a lot of time for a spiritual message of the week cause I gotta leave right now. I was thinking about how important it is that we exercise our faith in Jesus Christ. Its impossible for miracles and blessings to happen without a confidence that He exists, loves us and wants to help us. I know that as we study the scriptures and pray for guidance, we will find His help and strength in our lives. The Spirit will touch our hearts and bear testimony of the reality of the Son of God. 

Its morphing time,

Elder Jared Knotts 

This is part of Elder Knotts' letter to me (his mom):

Miracles are happening and I definitely feel like I'm growing personally. I really liked the scripture that you shared about Simon Peter kneeling at Christ's feet. It reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures Luke 15: 11-32 about the Prodigal's Son. I've read those verses more times than I can count and love them more each time. I cant explain how I feel when I read that parable. Its something only the Spirit can discribe. As I ponder on the scriptures, I think of the love our Savior has for us and the overwhelming peace that comes to me as I think of how blessed and priveleged I am to have a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Baptism and temple covenants have and will help me to be what the Lord wants me to be. Many times this week I've had experiences that I could have easily complained about or gotten mad or upset and I didnt. I reflect on this past week and SEVERAL experiences in my life where I was upset, hurt, sad or angry about something that happened to me and didnt learn the lesson that Heavenly Father was blessing me with until much later. Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us because He knows us. Situations in the past that I was angry about something, I know realize that I was extremely ungrateful, immature and selfish. I thought that what I wanted was what was best for me. The Savior invites us to ponder it out in our minds and hearts and then ask God if it is right. When we lack wisdom, ask God. (James 1:5) Never. Never will the Lord give us something that isnt for our good and personal progress. "...know though, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." (DandC 122:7). I am just know starting to realize and scratch the surface of the blessings that seemed like punishments but, in the wisdom of God, are for my eternal good. I think about experiences in my life and how Heavenly Father has protected me and guided me away from evil. Unfortunately, our knowledge doesnt always line up with our actions. I am eternally grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the confidence that He has in me and the opportunity He has given me to serve. I am so imperfect but just like the Prodigal's son, "...Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee. And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants."(Luke 15:18-19) The Gospel of Jesus Christ is real and true. All of us have sinned against heavan but as the Savior promises, "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). I think of the primary song that says 

"I’ll seek the Lord early while in my youth,
And he will help me to know the truth.
I’ll search the scriptures and find him there,
Then go to our Father in fervent prayer.
I’ll seek the Lord early, and I’ll obey
His living prophets in all they say.
I’ll keep his commandments; his love will abound.
I will seek the Lord early, and he will be found."

Well the rain this week didnt stop us from working! We had a good week and met a lot of really cool people. I'm stunned on a regular basis at the natural beauty of Brazil. Unfortunately they dont have Thanksgiving here but I hope everyone enjoys the break this week! We've been working with some new families and helping others that want to stop smoking. We have 2 hours every morning to study and my study this week has been focused on the assistance of will power combined with prayer. As we work hard and ask for help, we can change our lives and improve ourselves. Everything is getting pretty Christmasy here already. Santa Claus and lights and Chistmas trees are up just in time for the holidays to start. My wonderful Mother told me about the awesome Ball State newspaper article that was about my service. Thanks to Brittany for writing and everyone that has read it. 

I've thought a little this week about James 1:5. A scripture that is famous in the LDS church and very powerful with the people we teach. I love the part and would like to focus on the line that says "If any of ye lack wisdom, let him ask of God".  I am reminded on a regular basis that I dont know everything. I am imperfect and cant do everything on my own. Great comfort is found in this world wide encompassing scripture. All people everywhere lack wisdom at times. How blessed are we that we have a loving Heavenly Father that invites and encourages us to approach Him in prayer and ask for help. I remember a couple experiences before my mission where I didnt know what to do and prayed for inspiration. Few times did I recieve an answer immediately but I know that showing and exercising faith in Christ enables us to recieve blessings from God.

Enjoy Thanksgiving! Give your families a hug and remember that despite the fact that life isnt easy, at least theres pumpkin pie. I love you guys and hope that you're enjoying the cold and winter season.

Stoop kids afraid to leave his stoop,

Elder Jared Knotts

Pictures from Brazil!

So transfers are this week and I will be staying in Irajá with Elder Ganoe again. I'm really excited to be staying because we have a lot going on. There are a lot of people here I know I can help and miracles large and small have happened this week. So with Christmas coming up, some of the people here in Brazil have asked me what I miss. The first thing that came to mind was for sure my family. Br

others, parents, cousins, aunts and uncles and all of the unofficial family I have. I miss you and hope that you're doing well. Also, singing with chamber choir, the Statesmen and the great brothers of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at BSU. Sometimes you just dont know what you got until its gone but Im glad to know that I will be able to serve here in Brazil and then return to all of you great friends and family in the US! This week has been great and my tan lines are pretty awesome. Especially on my neck. Maybe I'll send a pic for everyone to see. So Obama is President again and everyone wants to know how my American companion and I feel about it. I never know what to say other than I'll see how things are in a year and a half when I get home. I'm excited to get the Liahona for this month (church magazine) and read about General Conference. I cant believe its almost Thanksgiving. And no, they dont celebrate that here but they have a couple other holidays this month. Its super interesting the differences and similarities with the culture. Well I will be a little quicker with this letter so I can have time to send pics hopefully.

Spiritual message! So I've been thinking a little about how fear hinders us and courage enables us! I think of many times here in Brazil and countless experiences before my mission when fear stopped me from acting or doing something. Fear of how others will react. Maybe they will laugh or be upset or think of you differently or judge you. Fear is a tool that Satan uses to stop us from progressing. Courage on the other hand is a trait difficult but necessary to make a difference. You must have courage to forgive, to ask for forgiveness, to help a friend with their problem or whatever else. I'm not sure if this is coming out exactly how I wanted it to but I think you get the picture more or less. Have courage to invite a friend to church. Have courage to accept when you're wrong and to change and improve your life. Have courage to "choose the right when a choice is placed be for you." I know that when we have confidence and act with good intentions, we can make a difference in our lives and the lives of others.

Well everyone have a great week. Just 7 more days till PDay again when I can tell you about the adventures and experiences here in Brazil.

Black and Yellow,

Jared

http://www.bsudailynews.com/features/mormon-student-takes-time-off-school-for-missionary-work-in-brazil-1.2789238#.UJm8xG9ZV8F

Ball State's Brittany Watson did an article on Elder Knotts.  Thank you Brittany!

Por Meus Amigos em EUA,
November has arrived and I'm one week away from knowing if I get
transfered to a new area or not. We've been working a lot and walking
a little more than usual lately to find and visit more people. We
taught some people this week that have had some tough lives. Problems
with family, drugs and health problems have hurt some of the people
we've met but I know that what we share has the power to help. I'm
glad some of the pictures I've sent have been shared and that you can
see a little glimpse of Brazil. Its absolutely amazing. Thanks again
for everyone that sent birthday cards and letters. I appreciate them
more than you know. To be honest, I miss a lot of really great friends
and family that are in the US but I'm glad that working hard every day
has kept me focused on helping others and working dilligently to make
a difference.

So Spiritual thought message thingy of the week is focused on how our
thoughts and desires make us who we are. Proverbs 23:7 "For as he
thinketh in his heart, so is he." The power of good thoughts and
intentions leads to actions and we can make a positive difference on
friends, family and strangers. And on the other hand, negative
thoughts of anger, grudges and jealousy lead us to rash actions and
regrets. It can be so easy to hurt or heal the people we love. The
impact that our words have is completely underestimated at times. As
we strive to make a positive change in our selves by changing our
thoughts, words and deeds we will make a positive influence on
everyone around us. I know this is true. I know that our Heavenly
Father and Savior want us to be more like Them and this is through
daily strivings to think and then be.

I hope you've enjoyed this weekly update of my adventures and progress
here in Brazil. Look forward to many many more weeks of this. Almost 6
months here! I love you and hope you are enjoying the chilly weather
of Autumn. Drink a root beer for me!

I've got those moves like Jagger,

Jared

Elder Ganoe busy at work Oct 2012

Elder Knotts Birthday Oct 2012

Elder Knotts Birthday...you have to share!  Oct 2012

Elder Knotts´s head and a little bit of the others. Oct 2012

Part of Elder Knotts's area in Brazil 2012

a huge mural in the CTM Brazil  2012

Para todo mundo, (for everyone)

A week of several days being 100 degrees has been great. I dont think I will ever have a problem with the heat or humidity in Indiana after two years of this. Its beautiful here. The mountains are great and the people we've been meeting and teaching are doing great. I know I've been really bad about sending pictures so far but I promise I'll do better. I really want you guys to share in this experience and not feel like Im 11 hours away by plane. It was a great week and we had a new family we've been teaching at church yesterday. Slowly but surely we're making a difference. I sang a solo at church yesterday and Im critical of my performances but everyone said it went well so thats good. I sang #293 in the hymnal. I forget what the name of the song is in English but I remember the # so you can look it up if you want. I've been making new personal goals and I'm understanding almost everything I hear now. Still far from perfect but my confidence has increased a lot. I cant believe its almost November. The time has flown and I have almost 6 months in Brazil. Needless to say, its been incredible.

Spiritual thought/message/update thing of the week! I've been thinking about the problems and adversities I've had in my life and seen in the lives of friends, family, and people here in Brazil. There has never been a person on this earth that has lived without problems, illness, or challenges. I can confidently say that through all difficulties in my life, they have been overcome and defeated with the help of my family and the principles and teachings of the Savior and His prophets (antient and modern). Almost every time, the answers and remedies to our problems are not easy. A phrase I've slowly come to understand the older I've gotten is that, "Nothing of true value and worth having is easy." The things that truly matter in our lives are only improved and discovered through hard work, prayer and sacrifice. I'm thankful for the challenges and the help I've recieved in my life that has helped me to become the person I am today. I hope and pray that someday I will be able to help each and every person that reads this. Every person helped is a deed worth doing. To quote a living prophet of God today, "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved."

Well its been a good week and I hope that you're doing well. Halloween this week and Thanksgiving, Finals and Christmas will be here before we know it. I love you, pray for you and hope to hear from you soon.

Livin' on a prayer,

Elder Knotts

Pictures

Its been a good week and I dont think I've been more tired but its a good thing for sure. Waking several miles in 90+ or sometimes 100+ weather isnt my favorite but sunblock and some dilligence is helping. Almost November already and its getting colder for you guys and hotter for me. We've been house hunting this week along with our normal schedule of lessons, activities, and service. We live in another area right now with other missionaries and are trying to move closer to our area in Irajá. I feel like I can never say this enough but Brazil is amazing. Its amazing the similarities and the differences with Brazil and the US. I'm getting close to my 6 month mark and that is very weird to think about. I feel like I've progressed a lot personally and also with the people I've been helping.

This week I've been thinking about the impact that we have on other people. The things we say and do and how we treat other people has a huge impact on them. A kind word or a snide remark has a lot of power sometimes and its important that we think of how we would like to be treated. I guess its summed up quickly in the Golden Rule. I think of the great family I've had my whole life and the positive impact they've had on me up to this point. Great friends, brothers, peers, strangers and a loving Heavenly Father have helped shape me to the person I am today. I'm thankful for the people I have helped and have helped me in my short time here in Brazil. I know that with some hard work and dilligence, we can make a difference. We can make a difference! Maybe this is kinda cheesy but never underestimate the power that you have and how much you can help someone else.

I'm thankful for the great people in my life. In the US or Brazil or those that have already passed on, I'm thankful. Prayers, letters, or anything else. Its been a good week for me and I sincerely hope the same for you. Remember that your favorite missionary is doing well and praying for you often!

Jared

Sorry about not sending a letter for everyone last week! The email messed up and didnt send but thats ok. I hope everyones doing great! I had an awesome birthday because I was in Brazil. Miss you all for sure but thank you for the letters and messages. Im thankful for every letter from friends and family. Sorry if I havent responded yet. The mail here is pretty slow with the US sometimes. I'll be writing some more letters today. Well I'm 21 now and I was glad to have recieved peanut butter from my wonderful family. Its rained a lot this week and been a little chilly but its been nice. We´ve been working hard though. A couple days ago we visited a couple different families and walked about 20 miles that day. My portuguese is improving a little bit daily and my new companion is an American so hes helping me to learn a little faster. Its easier to learn from someone that had to learn it the hard way like I am. Its great though. I hope school is going well and that Indiana (or wherever you live) isnt too cold yet. As you guys get colder, I go from hot to blazing!

Spiritual message/thought thing! So I've been thinking a little bit about a talk from Elder Holland. He talked about love (dont worry this wont be too cheesy). But he talked not about Where I love you, or when I love you or why but HOW I love you. It is so essencial that we show the people that are important to us that we love them. There are so many ways to do that. Words, actions, service or a gift. So its not important that I'm about 11 hours by plane from you guys or whatever. I cant hug you guys unfortunately right now but I can write a short email each week. I love you! Its true and I hope that you feel my love from a different part of the world.

Well I always look forward to hearing from you guys and knowing that you're doing well. I hope to hear from you soon! Until next Monday (Segunda-feira) (P-Day)!

Jared