I'll get to see the Christmas devotional this Saturday night. I'm excited to listen to the music, too! I'm sure it'll be great. I'm glad you got the photos. It took forever to send them. I wanted to send more but I dont know why its so slow. Oh well. You'll get to see all of my pics when I get home. I'm doing well and this week was pretty good. We're gonna have another training with Pres Lima this thursday and I'm really excited. I always learn so much from him. Hes amazing. I dont know Zane Shroyer very well but I know Dallin and Riley, two of his brother and their parents are awesome! A great family. I'm sure Zanes talk was very good. We had a great talk yesterday in Sacrament Meeting about reverance. He talked about reverance for the sacrament, for the scriptures, our bodies, and many other things. Reverance is a way to love, respect and honor Heavenly Father. Look a little more into this topic of reverance. I thought it was really interesting. Do you have Christmas break soon? When will Jordan be home? Whats Adam been up too? Is he almost done with school? Its been really hot this week but I'm using the sun screen you sent me. .......
Skype will be great! I'm excited. I'm glad that the ward is growing a little bit. This is so important. Christ is returning and we gotta be ready! Sorry I dont have anything super intersting to say this week. Next week is the transfer so I'll let you know if I move or if my companion will leave. If he does, I'll let you know about my new companion. Well I hope you're doing great and I hope you're happy. Happiness truly is a gift from God. I've got one scripture for you to read that my companion shared with me. It seems really simple but is quite profound. Its John 6:67-68. This is before Christ is betrayed by Judas. Christ and many of His followers are being persecuted and He makes a simple but profound question with an even better answer by Simon Peter. Read it and ponder about it. I know the Spirit will speak to you like He did to me. I love you mom and cant wait to talk to you soon!
Sunday, December 15, 2013
2 Dec 2013
Hey Mom!
This week went well. We are going to have 2 baptisms this next Sunday! I'm really excited! We're working hard to help our Bishop too. Hes an amazing guy and we had a Family Home Evening at his house this week. It was really special and we talked about how the Lord sometmes lets us fall to teach us how to pick ourselves up again. It doesnt matter how many times you fall down but it does matter how you get up again and are stronger each time. We also had lunch with a husband and wife who are members yesterday and they have 4 children. A girl whos 14, boy 10, boy 8 and a young girl whos 2 years old. I shared a message with her about how we always have to try really hard to have FHE and daily prayer and scripture study as a family. Its really tough and many times it doesnt work out very well with a big family with small children. I shared my experience with her about when I was 5 years old and was a Stripling Warrior for Halloween. I showed her the picture of me and the outfit you made for me. I told her that this one memory from 17 years ago has marked me until today and that I will never forget it. I promised her that here in a couple years her children will look to her, as I do to you, and will thank her for the sacrifices she makes to help her children stay in the church. She cried and thanked me for the personal experience. It was a really special moment. I studied this morning about D and C 88:119 because I thought of this scripture a lot this week. Its a wonderful scripture and as I thought of "a house of God" I thought of the primary hymn, "Where Love Is" I love this hymn and I know the Spirit guided my study and my thoughts to make this conection. A house of God and also the lyrics of this primary hymn. "Where love is, there God is also. Where love is, I want to be." This message truly touched me and is so clear and special for me. Chartiy, compassion and a sincere concern for others is where love is and therefore where God is. Truly, that is where I want to be. This week we had a big meeting with Elder Gavarret and it was great. I got to have a short interview with him, as did some other missionaries. It was good to talk to him and see some of his person insight. The two best parts of the meeting included music. I led and directed a choir of 20 missionaries (men and women) a flute and violin and piano player also. We sang "Joseph Smths First Prayer". It was a great experience to led and sing in this choir and to sing such a special hymn. We got a lot of compliments and especially from Elder Gavarret and his wife. Also, the las hymn (which I directed for the congragation) was "I Believe in Christ". It was super powerful and many of the sister missionaries cried. I grew in deep apreciation for this hymn and the beautiful testimony that it bears of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm so glad that you got to go to the temple. It is truly a blessing from God. I hope you're doing great mom and I hope to hear from you soon!
(4 photos)This week went well. We are going to have 2 baptisms this next Sunday! I'm really excited! We're working hard to help our Bishop too. Hes an amazing guy and we had a Family Home Evening at his house this week. It was really special and we talked about how the Lord sometmes lets us fall to teach us how to pick ourselves up again. It doesnt matter how many times you fall down but it does matter how you get up again and are stronger each time. We also had lunch with a husband and wife who are members yesterday and they have 4 children. A girl whos 14, boy 10, boy 8 and a young girl whos 2 years old. I shared a message with her about how we always have to try really hard to have FHE and daily prayer and scripture study as a family. Its really tough and many times it doesnt work out very well with a big family with small children. I shared my experience with her about when I was 5 years old and was a Stripling Warrior for Halloween. I showed her the picture of me and the outfit you made for me. I told her that this one memory from 17 years ago has marked me until today and that I will never forget it. I promised her that here in a couple years her children will look to her, as I do to you, and will thank her for the sacrifices she makes to help her children stay in the church. She cried and thanked me for the personal experience. It was a really special moment. I studied this morning about D and C 88:119 because I thought of this scripture a lot this week. Its a wonderful scripture and as I thought of "a house of God" I thought of the primary hymn, "Where Love Is" I love this hymn and I know the Spirit guided my study and my thoughts to make this conection. A house of God and also the lyrics of this primary hymn. "Where love is, there God is also. Where love is, I want to be." This message truly touched me and is so clear and special for me. Chartiy, compassion and a sincere concern for others is where love is and therefore where God is. Truly, that is where I want to be. This week we had a big meeting with Elder Gavarret and it was great. I got to have a short interview with him, as did some other missionaries. It was good to talk to him and see some of his person insight. The two best parts of the meeting included music. I led and directed a choir of 20 missionaries (men and women) a flute and violin and piano player also. We sang "Joseph Smths First Prayer". It was a great experience to led and sing in this choir and to sing such a special hymn. We got a lot of compliments and especially from Elder Gavarret and his wife. Also, the las hymn (which I directed for the congragation) was "I Believe in Christ". It was super powerful and many of the sister missionaries cried. I grew in deep apreciation for this hymn and the beautiful testimony that it bears of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm so glad that you got to go to the temple. It is truly a blessing from God. I hope you're doing great mom and I hope to hear from you soon!
25 Nov 2013
Mom!
I absolutely loved your conversion story! That is so cool and inspiring! It would be amazing to talk to these missionaries that helped you and to thank them for the difference their service has had on my life. Never forget this wonderful miracle that Heavenly Father gave you to bring you closer to Him. What a wonderful and beautiful testimony. I use my baptismal picture often to testify of my baptism and the blessings it has brought me. I also have used my picture of when I was 5 and was a Stripling Warrior for halloween. These are cherished memories and testimonies that we have been blessed with.
Yesterday we had a great family with two young children go to church. It was the first time the dad had been to church and he really liked it. We're going to have a FHE with this family and the Bishop's family tonight. The less active family that I talked about last week.... went to church yesterday! It was great and I can tell that the husband was really happy to have his wife there with him. I will take a picture with them to show you. This week was pretty good and this upcoming week should be even better. We have a big meeting with a 70, Elder Gaverret (hes the guy that wrote the lihona article about the king and the horse shoe) I met him one time before but this will be a big training this friday. I'm excited. I read a really greattalk this week that Ive already read several times but always learn more each time that I read. Its called "The Merciful Will Recieve Mercy" or something close to that. Its from Abril of 2012 General Conference by Pres Uchtdorf. A wonderful talk. I'm gonna cut this email short real quick to send you some photos. I hope youre doing great and I hope your thanksgiving was awesome. I love you and will talk to you soon!
Elder Jared Knotts
I absolutely loved your conversion story! That is so cool and inspiring! It would be amazing to talk to these missionaries that helped you and to thank them for the difference their service has had on my life. Never forget this wonderful miracle that Heavenly Father gave you to bring you closer to Him. What a wonderful and beautiful testimony. I use my baptismal picture often to testify of my baptism and the blessings it has brought me. I also have used my picture of when I was 5 and was a Stripling Warrior for halloween. These are cherished memories and testimonies that we have been blessed with.
Yesterday we had a great family with two young children go to church. It was the first time the dad had been to church and he really liked it. We're going to have a FHE with this family and the Bishop's family tonight. The less active family that I talked about last week.... went to church yesterday! It was great and I can tell that the husband was really happy to have his wife there with him. I will take a picture with them to show you. This week was pretty good and this upcoming week should be even better. We have a big meeting with a 70, Elder Gaverret (hes the guy that wrote the lihona article about the king and the horse shoe) I met him one time before but this will be a big training this friday. I'm excited. I read a really greattalk this week that Ive already read several times but always learn more each time that I read. Its called "The Merciful Will Recieve Mercy" or something close to that. Its from Abril of 2012 General Conference by Pres Uchtdorf. A wonderful talk. I'm gonna cut this email short real quick to send you some photos. I hope youre doing great and I hope your thanksgiving was awesome. I love you and will talk to you soon!
Elder Jared Knotts
18 Nov 2013
Hey Mom!
Your email today was one of the best that I've received so far in the mission. It is always wonderful to hear from you but especially today because of the great experience you had. I know without a doubt that your example and your testimony will change her life and help her to know the truth. I remember several experiences when I was able to bear my testimony and I cried because the Spirit was so strong. Never forget these experiences because they are priceless. These testimonies that the Spirit bears to our souls are truly "pearls of great price". I'm thankful for your wonderful example for me and for our family. Your testimony strengthens me and I know that just as the 2000 stripling warriors, (alma 56:48) I do not doubt that my mother knows it. .....
Were you 19 when you met the sister missionaries and got baptized? How long did it take for you to get baptized? Do you remember the Sister's names? Are you still in contact with either one of them? Where did you meet the Sisters at? Was it on campus? Do you have a picture of your baptism? What day were you baptized? All of this is very important and I'd like to know how it was for you and what happened and everything. I'm serving with 4 sister missionaries in my Zone and I want to help them. Almost 34 years ago, before I was even born, 2 sister missionaries that I've never met changed your life which in affect, completely changed my life.
I'm doing great and we're trying to help this family come back to church. The dad is active and is a returned missionary but the wife is less active and has hurt feelings about some things that happened at church. She has a great testimony and she even went to the temple last month but we're trying to help her come back to church. I'm happy, healthy and hungry. We're gonna make home made pizzas for lunch. I will take pictures. I hope you're doing well and enjoying this holiday season. Christmas doesnt seem like Christmas without snow and family. I'll be talking with you in a month and a week. It'll be great! I love you mom and pray for you often. I hope you're doing great and I cant wait to talk to you soon.
Your email today was one of the best that I've received so far in the mission. It is always wonderful to hear from you but especially today because of the great experience you had. I know without a doubt that your example and your testimony will change her life and help her to know the truth. I remember several experiences when I was able to bear my testimony and I cried because the Spirit was so strong. Never forget these experiences because they are priceless. These testimonies that the Spirit bears to our souls are truly "pearls of great price". I'm thankful for your wonderful example for me and for our family. Your testimony strengthens me and I know that just as the 2000 stripling warriors, (alma 56:48) I do not doubt that my mother knows it. .....
Were you 19 when you met the sister missionaries and got baptized? How long did it take for you to get baptized? Do you remember the Sister's names? Are you still in contact with either one of them? Where did you meet the Sisters at? Was it on campus? Do you have a picture of your baptism? What day were you baptized? All of this is very important and I'd like to know how it was for you and what happened and everything. I'm serving with 4 sister missionaries in my Zone and I want to help them. Almost 34 years ago, before I was even born, 2 sister missionaries that I've never met changed your life which in affect, completely changed my life.
I'm doing great and we're trying to help this family come back to church. The dad is active and is a returned missionary but the wife is less active and has hurt feelings about some things that happened at church. She has a great testimony and she even went to the temple last month but we're trying to help her come back to church. I'm happy, healthy and hungry. We're gonna make home made pizzas for lunch. I will take pictures. I hope you're doing well and enjoying this holiday season. Christmas doesnt seem like Christmas without snow and family. I'll be talking with you in a month and a week. It'll be great! I love you mom and pray for you often. I hope you're doing great and I cant wait to talk to you soon.
Monday, November 11, 2013
11 Nov 2013
Hey Mom!
Tomorrow is the transfer and I'm staying in Mutuá! I'm excited to stay and continue working here. I'm also staying with Elder Quiroga (my companion from Argentina). We're working well together and this transfer will be even better. Usually the transfer is every 6 weeks but this one will be only 5 weeks because they wont have the transfer as the same week as Christmas. Its gonna fly by really quickly but I'm excited. I love the scripture that you shared from Moroni. I love the Book of Mormon. This week made 1 year and 6 months in Brasil. Crazy how fast its gone by. Elder Cerda (my first companion) and Elder Caleb Ganoe (my second companion) are both going home this week. I'm feeling really old now!
.....
I'm doing well and healthy. I'm trying to pass sun block more often through out the day to help not be so red. I'm learning a lot and thinking a lot about my future. This month we're gonna have a special conference with Elder Gavarret from the 1st quorum of the 70. He is the same guy that wrote the talk about the king that lost the battle because of the poorly placed horse shoe. Its gonna be really great.
Yesterday at church was great because we had 6 investigators at church and also it was the Primary Presentation. I love the Primary Songs and the wonderful spirit that they bring when we sing them. I got emotional when we stood as a ward and sang "Families Can Be Together Forever". It is a wonderful thing to know that our families can be together forever. We just need to do our part. We can do it! We can do hard things!
We did a service project at a sisters home. Its just her and her 17 yeard old son and her niece that live there. We took down the jungle of weeds and trash and cleaned up the big back yard. We're gonna go back next Saturday morning to continue the work. It was a great experience. Truly, she needs our help.
I thought of you a lot yesterday when we visited a woman that was baptized a year ago in the church. She is very active but its been 3 weeks since shes been to church. She has a young daughter that is 8 years old, a son that is 21 that has depression and doesnt work and another son who is 26 and very sucessful but unfortunately lives in São Paulo (6 or 7 hours away by car). She does everything by herself. Takes care of her family and does everything! Her washing machine broke 6 months ago and has been cleaning her clother and her 2 kids that live with her by hand for 6 months. She works so hard and she cried when we visited her yesterday because shes just exhausted. I have only met her 3 or 4 times but I love her and want to serve her. We helped her organize her house a little bit yesterday and we left truly feeling the Spirit of God accompany us.
I love you mom and am thankful for your prayers and help. I really hope you're doing ok. I know the Lord is taking care of you and keeping you safe. We had a FHE last night and the message that a member gave was about missionary work and he asked us to think about at least 1 person that is either less active or not a member of the church that we really really love. Think. What would you be willing to give up for that 1 person understand the truth? How happy would you be and how imense would be your joy to know that that 1 person is firm and strong in the church with a testimony? ................... Every chair filled. We are all going home. I love you mom and am excited to hear from you already! Have a great week and live with this desire deep in your heart. Never lose sight of who you are and where you're going.
Tomorrow is the transfer and I'm staying in Mutuá! I'm excited to stay and continue working here. I'm also staying with Elder Quiroga (my companion from Argentina). We're working well together and this transfer will be even better. Usually the transfer is every 6 weeks but this one will be only 5 weeks because they wont have the transfer as the same week as Christmas. Its gonna fly by really quickly but I'm excited. I love the scripture that you shared from Moroni. I love the Book of Mormon. This week made 1 year and 6 months in Brasil. Crazy how fast its gone by. Elder Cerda (my first companion) and Elder Caleb Ganoe (my second companion) are both going home this week. I'm feeling really old now!
.....
I'm doing well and healthy. I'm trying to pass sun block more often through out the day to help not be so red. I'm learning a lot and thinking a lot about my future. This month we're gonna have a special conference with Elder Gavarret from the 1st quorum of the 70. He is the same guy that wrote the talk about the king that lost the battle because of the poorly placed horse shoe. Its gonna be really great.
Yesterday at church was great because we had 6 investigators at church and also it was the Primary Presentation. I love the Primary Songs and the wonderful spirit that they bring when we sing them. I got emotional when we stood as a ward and sang "Families Can Be Together Forever". It is a wonderful thing to know that our families can be together forever. We just need to do our part. We can do it! We can do hard things!
We did a service project at a sisters home. Its just her and her 17 yeard old son and her niece that live there. We took down the jungle of weeds and trash and cleaned up the big back yard. We're gonna go back next Saturday morning to continue the work. It was a great experience. Truly, she needs our help.
I thought of you a lot yesterday when we visited a woman that was baptized a year ago in the church. She is very active but its been 3 weeks since shes been to church. She has a young daughter that is 8 years old, a son that is 21 that has depression and doesnt work and another son who is 26 and very sucessful but unfortunately lives in São Paulo (6 or 7 hours away by car). She does everything by herself. Takes care of her family and does everything! Her washing machine broke 6 months ago and has been cleaning her clother and her 2 kids that live with her by hand for 6 months. She works so hard and she cried when we visited her yesterday because shes just exhausted. I have only met her 3 or 4 times but I love her and want to serve her. We helped her organize her house a little bit yesterday and we left truly feeling the Spirit of God accompany us.
I love you mom and am thankful for your prayers and help. I really hope you're doing ok. I know the Lord is taking care of you and keeping you safe. We had a FHE last night and the message that a member gave was about missionary work and he asked us to think about at least 1 person that is either less active or not a member of the church that we really really love. Think. What would you be willing to give up for that 1 person understand the truth? How happy would you be and how imense would be your joy to know that that 1 person is firm and strong in the church with a testimony? ................... Every chair filled. We are all going home. I love you mom and am excited to hear from you already! Have a great week and live with this desire deep in your heart. Never lose sight of who you are and where you're going.
from 4 Nov 2013
Hey Mom!
The temple looks amazing! I cant wait to see it in person. It hit me right now that in 6 months, I'll be home. Thats crazy. I'm doing well though. We're working hard and I'm learning a lot about myself and the world and who I wanna be and how I wanna live my life in the Lord's guidlines and commandments. Its so important to read the scriptures and pray every single day. In the mission, I'm building habits that will help me to be a good man, father, husband, priesthood holder and etc. I've got a lot more work to do but I'm happy that the Lord can see my love for Him and my desire to bless the lives of His children.
You should rewatch and learn from this amazing talk by Pres Uchtdorf. I've read this talk maybe 3 times here in the mission and I absolutely love it! Its called "Waiting on the Road to Damascus" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/waiting-on-the-road-to-damascus
THe whole talk is amazing but what made me remember it was when you talked about being an example and teaching to gospel through our good behavior and habits. THere is a quote from some man that Pres Uchtdorf quotes in his talk that says “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” I absolutely love this and I'm sure you do too.
There is a sister in my ward right now that is brazilian but she has lived in the USA in Idaho with her family for several years. Her husband and children and Americans but they all speak english and portuguese. Shes great and I will tell her to add you and me on facebook so that you can meet her and have a little contact with someone that lives where I'm serving.
The point that you brought up about how the church is old and not new is a point that we use when we teach people about the gospel and the Restoration. The church wasnt created by Joseph Smith. It is a continuation from the church that Jesus Christ reformed when He was on the earth. From the begining of time until now, the Lord calls prophets to lead and guide His church and to bless the lives of our Heavenly Father's children through the power of the Priesthood. Without a doubt, this is Christ's church.
I love you mom and really hope that you're doing well and that you're happy. ....... I know that the Lord is protecting you and keeping you safe until I get home. I love you so much and am thankful for your constant prayers and support. I cant wait to hear from you!
Jared
Hey Mom!
The temple looks amazing! I cant wait to see it in person. It hit me right now that in 6 months, I'll be home. Thats crazy. I'm doing well though. We're working hard and I'm learning a lot about myself and the world and who I wanna be and how I wanna live my life in the Lord's guidlines and commandments. Its so important to read the scriptures and pray every single day. In the mission, I'm building habits that will help me to be a good man, father, husband, priesthood holder and etc. I've got a lot more work to do but I'm happy that the Lord can see my love for Him and my desire to bless the lives of His children.
You should rewatch and learn from this amazing talk by Pres Uchtdorf. I've read this talk maybe 3 times here in the mission and I absolutely love it! Its called "Waiting on the Road to Damascus" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/waiting-on-the-road-to-damascus
THe whole talk is amazing but what made me remember it was when you talked about being an example and teaching to gospel through our good behavior and habits. THere is a quote from some man that Pres Uchtdorf quotes in his talk that says “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” I absolutely love this and I'm sure you do too.
There is a sister in my ward right now that is brazilian but she has lived in the USA in Idaho with her family for several years. Her husband and children and Americans but they all speak english and portuguese. Shes great and I will tell her to add you and me on facebook so that you can meet her and have a little contact with someone that lives where I'm serving.
The point that you brought up about how the church is old and not new is a point that we use when we teach people about the gospel and the Restoration. The church wasnt created by Joseph Smith. It is a continuation from the church that Jesus Christ reformed when He was on the earth. From the begining of time until now, the Lord calls prophets to lead and guide His church and to bless the lives of our Heavenly Father's children through the power of the Priesthood. Without a doubt, this is Christ's church.
I love you mom and really hope that you're doing well and that you're happy. ....... I know that the Lord is protecting you and keeping you safe until I get home. I love you so much and am thankful for your constant prayers and support. I cant wait to hear from you!
Jared
from 28 Oct 2013
Thats very very sad to hear about Rita Jones. Its been a long time since I've talked to Janny but they have a wonderful family.
Anton, I cant wait to talk to him about the church when I get home. Please tell him I said hi and that he can email me.
Thats crazy that Johnathan already got married! Are they living in Indiana and going to BSU or what?
I'm not sure if I know Brother Owens but I'll be excited to meet many of the people in the stake when I get home. Theres a lot of stuff that I didnt know before the mission that now I can help and apply. I'll be pleased to meet him.
Yesterday we had a baptism for a young man that is 25 years old. He became interested in the church when he heard about the family history work and work for our ancestors in the temple. His baptism was great and we're excited to continue teaching him and hopefully meet his parents so that they can learn about the church also.
There is a man in our ward that his wife is a member but he isnt. He's already known about the church for almost 20 years but hasnt been baptized yet. Hes already been to church many many times and has been taught by many missionary companionships. Hes a good guy! Hes probly about 80 years old and has a little bit of a problem hearing but we taught them and had lunch with them this week. We dont know exactly what hes missing to be baptized but he said something really interesting. He asked, "Why would I baptize myself in a church that I'm not important to any of the people?" I believe that this old man just needs to feel like he belongs in the Lords only true church and that we truly want him there. Its incredible what small visits can do to help people. We underestimate the power and value of a visit for an investigator, less active member or even an active member of the church. When we love these people and visit them with a message inspired by a prophet of God or from the Savior himself, we carry the Spirit with us and He will touch these peoples hearts. THey need our help and we can and will be instruments and angels in the Lord's hands to bless the lives and heal the broken heart of a child of God. I know this is true and that if we pray for opportunities and then ACT on this promptings we will rescue souls and bring families unto Christ.
I love you, Mom and am thankful for your help and prayers. I hope to hear from you soon!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
22 Oct 2013 from Elder Knotts in Brazil
Hey Mom!
I hope you had a great week. Our week was awesome and we truly saw miracles. Of course I remember Br Clark. I talked to him briefly when we went to the temple.... He told me that he still speaks Portuguese but its amazing to hear that he served in Madureira. I am anxious to speak with him in Portuguese after the mission. Thank you for the pictures of the (Indianapolis) Temple. I'm excited to see the progress and am thankful that we will have a temple so close to home. Thats nice that you got to hear from Jason Solomon. Do you know if his brother Johnathan (he also served in Brazil) got married yet? Hes a great guy. The scripture that you shared from D and C (D&C 58:26-28) is a popular one here in the mission. It motivates us as missionaries to push ourselves and to always do more. That we should be obedient to God not just because "we have to" but also because we love Him. Before you make any decision, think "why am I" or "why should I do this?" If you discover a reason that is motivated by love and desire to serve God, then you should do it. God will bless us and guide us in our righteous desires. The Lord said in verse 28 "For the power is in them". We are capable. We can do it. The Lord has given us the free agency to choose between liberty and eternal life, and captivity and death. It is our choice. I read this week and am pondering on the last testimony of Moroni in the Book of Mormon. Chapter 10 verses 32 and 33. Prayerfully read and search for spiritual inspiration in this testimony of a prophet of God. I know that the Lord will speak to your mind and to your heart the things that you must know and do to serve Him and to "deny yourself of all ungodliness". I know that His grace is sufficient. I love our Heavenly Father. Mom, I hope and pray that you are well and happy. .....
I hope you had a great week. Our week was awesome and we truly saw miracles. Of course I remember Br Clark. I talked to him briefly when we went to the temple.... He told me that he still speaks Portuguese but its amazing to hear that he served in Madureira. I am anxious to speak with him in Portuguese after the mission. Thank you for the pictures of the (Indianapolis) Temple. I'm excited to see the progress and am thankful that we will have a temple so close to home. Thats nice that you got to hear from Jason Solomon. Do you know if his brother Johnathan (he also served in Brazil) got married yet? Hes a great guy. The scripture that you shared from D and C (D&C 58:26-28) is a popular one here in the mission. It motivates us as missionaries to push ourselves and to always do more. That we should be obedient to God not just because "we have to" but also because we love Him. Before you make any decision, think "why am I" or "why should I do this?" If you discover a reason that is motivated by love and desire to serve God, then you should do it. God will bless us and guide us in our righteous desires. The Lord said in verse 28 "For the power is in them". We are capable. We can do it. The Lord has given us the free agency to choose between liberty and eternal life, and captivity and death. It is our choice. I read this week and am pondering on the last testimony of Moroni in the Book of Mormon. Chapter 10 verses 32 and 33. Prayerfully read and search for spiritual inspiration in this testimony of a prophet of God. I know that the Lord will speak to your mind and to your heart the things that you must know and do to serve Him and to "deny yourself of all ungodliness". I know that His grace is sufficient. I love our Heavenly Father. Mom, I hope and pray that you are well and happy. .....
Monday, October 21, 2013
14 Oct 2013
Hey Mom!
I got your letter the day before my birthday! Thank you so much. It was really great to hear from you. The emails that I send and recieve here in the mission are important and I will save them all after the mission but the letters that you send me are of a much greater worth. I'm doing well. .... I dont really need anything.... I'm doing great with my companion. I'm teaching him a little english and hes teaching me a little spanish. Its interesting how close spanish and Portuguese are. My week went pretty well but we did a lot of traveling. We spent alot of time on the bus going to Rio (the city) because we had a lot of meetings this week. This past Sunday was StakeConference and we got to go on Saturday night also. It was amazing. Last month I participated in the Stake Conference in Madureira (my last area/zone) and Elder Gavarret that wrote that talk you sent me was there. (see link below) I got to meet him and he particpated in the ordinance of this man that we gave the Melchezidek Priesthood. I stood in the cirlce with him and it was great. I will see him again later this month, But this past weekend we had an area 70 that went to our stake conference and also a general authority 70, Elder Steven E Snow. It was great and I loved his talks. He spoke about rescuing the less actives and strengthing the members and working with the missionaries of course. I got to meet and talk briefly with Elder Snow. I also met his translator, Paul Grahl which is a professional translator and works for the church, He translated one of the talks into portuguese last week in General Conference. Hes such a great guy and I talked to him a little about my interest in translating and improving my portuguese skills. I'm gonna get his email and keep in contact with him. He is a very kind man and it was a pleasure to meet him. I enjoyed the pictures of the missionary in Africa. Must be interesting to be serving there. I'm extremely grateful that I'm here in Brazil and in particular, Rio de Janeiro. These 2 years will shape the rest of my life and lead me into life eternal with our family. We've had some difficulties with some of the missionaries in our zone but we're working hard to help them. I'm not any different than they are but I pray that Heavenly Father will guide me that I may help and bless them. Truly, this is the desire of my heart. I dont have much time left unfortunately and now we need to go and work but I love you so much. I'm thankful for your prayers and your support. I will talk to you soon!
Love, Elder Knotts
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/10/prepared-against-the-day-of-battle?lang=eng
I got your letter the day before my birthday! Thank you so much. It was really great to hear from you. The emails that I send and recieve here in the mission are important and I will save them all after the mission but the letters that you send me are of a much greater worth. I'm doing well. .... I dont really need anything.... I'm doing great with my companion. I'm teaching him a little english and hes teaching me a little spanish. Its interesting how close spanish and Portuguese are. My week went pretty well but we did a lot of traveling. We spent alot of time on the bus going to Rio (the city) because we had a lot of meetings this week. This past Sunday was StakeConference and we got to go on Saturday night also. It was amazing. Last month I participated in the Stake Conference in Madureira (my last area/zone) and Elder Gavarret that wrote that talk you sent me was there. (see link below) I got to meet him and he particpated in the ordinance of this man that we gave the Melchezidek Priesthood. I stood in the cirlce with him and it was great. I will see him again later this month, But this past weekend we had an area 70 that went to our stake conference and also a general authority 70, Elder Steven E Snow. It was great and I loved his talks. He spoke about rescuing the less actives and strengthing the members and working with the missionaries of course. I got to meet and talk briefly with Elder Snow. I also met his translator, Paul Grahl which is a professional translator and works for the church, He translated one of the talks into portuguese last week in General Conference. Hes such a great guy and I talked to him a little about my interest in translating and improving my portuguese skills. I'm gonna get his email and keep in contact with him. He is a very kind man and it was a pleasure to meet him. I enjoyed the pictures of the missionary in Africa. Must be interesting to be serving there. I'm extremely grateful that I'm here in Brazil and in particular, Rio de Janeiro. These 2 years will shape the rest of my life and lead me into life eternal with our family. We've had some difficulties with some of the missionaries in our zone but we're working hard to help them. I'm not any different than they are but I pray that Heavenly Father will guide me that I may help and bless them. Truly, this is the desire of my heart. I dont have much time left unfortunately and now we need to go and work but I love you so much. I'm thankful for your prayers and your support. I will talk to you soon!
Love, Elder Knotts
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/10/prepared-against-the-day-of-battle?lang=eng
7 Oct 2013
Hey Mom!
It was great to read some of your thoughts about General Conference. I wrote down tons of stuff and am excited to relisten and to read the talks. I absolutely love General Conference. So many great talks but I was especially touched by President Eyrings talk and Pres Uchtdorfs and finally the last talk by President Monson. I feel overwelmed and humbled by the Spirit and the things that I've learned. I will write more another time more of my thoughts and feelings about the conference. I got to watch most of the sessions in English.
My area is cool. Its a little more rural but thats not a problem at all. Its been nice to meet all of my new missionaries tha I'm serving with. They're all really great. I will hopefully send some fotos next week. Never seems like I have enough time. Theres always so much to do. This next sunday is Stake Conference and it will have a Area 70 and also a 1st quorum 70. I'm really excited. Tomorrow is our mission counsel. I cut my hair today. I'm gonna be really bald. Its awful.... but it could be worse and luckily I dont have worse problems in my life. I got a discount on my haircut because of my birthday tomorrow! I'm gonna put Conference talks on my USB drive so that I can listen to them at home. I'm so thankful that we have a living prophet. One thing that really stuck out to me was what Pres Monson said in his last talk. He said that we must pray to the Lord with all of the energy of our hearts and that we must listen to Him also. I fervently prayed and thanked the Lord. As Pres Monson said about the story of that old man, "Heavenly Father has been so good to me." I felt the Spirit really strong several times in the Conference and my heart was full of gratitude for the Saviors blessings and mercy. I love you mom and pray and hope that you're doing well. I hope to hear from you soon!
Elder Jared Knotts
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2013/10?lang=eng
It was great to read some of your thoughts about General Conference. I wrote down tons of stuff and am excited to relisten and to read the talks. I absolutely love General Conference. So many great talks but I was especially touched by President Eyrings talk and Pres Uchtdorfs and finally the last talk by President Monson. I feel overwelmed and humbled by the Spirit and the things that I've learned. I will write more another time more of my thoughts and feelings about the conference. I got to watch most of the sessions in English.
My area is cool. Its a little more rural but thats not a problem at all. Its been nice to meet all of my new missionaries tha I'm serving with. They're all really great. I will hopefully send some fotos next week. Never seems like I have enough time. Theres always so much to do. This next sunday is Stake Conference and it will have a Area 70 and also a 1st quorum 70. I'm really excited. Tomorrow is our mission counsel. I cut my hair today. I'm gonna be really bald. Its awful.... but it could be worse and luckily I dont have worse problems in my life. I got a discount on my haircut because of my birthday tomorrow! I'm gonna put Conference talks on my USB drive so that I can listen to them at home. I'm so thankful that we have a living prophet. One thing that really stuck out to me was what Pres Monson said in his last talk. He said that we must pray to the Lord with all of the energy of our hearts and that we must listen to Him also. I fervently prayed and thanked the Lord. As Pres Monson said about the story of that old man, "Heavenly Father has been so good to me." I felt the Spirit really strong several times in the Conference and my heart was full of gratitude for the Saviors blessings and mercy. I love you mom and pray and hope that you're doing well. I hope to hear from you soon!
Elder Jared Knotts
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2013/10?lang=eng
Monday, September 30, 2013
30 Sept 2013
Hey Mom!
Mom, I hope you're doing great. I recieved the box with all of the letters from everyone! Thank you and tell everyone thanks for the letters. If you have any questions about what I'm doing, that makes it a little easier to relate whats going on with me. I'm doing great though and studying a lot. I'm really trying to be more dilligent. I'm super excited for my new area, new zone, new responsibilities (with sister missionaries because I've never worked with them before) and for my birthday and general conference! I'll be really excited to hear about your thoughts on General Conference! I love you mommy and I cant wait to hear from you soon.
Jared
23 Sept 2013
Hey Mom!
Thats so great that Anton (Tony) is going to church!!! I wish I could be there to help him. Please give him my email so that I can talk to him. Hes super funny and a great guy. I'm super excited for him. ....
Thanks for all the awesome pics of the temple. Its great to see the work going forward. When are they thinking it will finish? Hopefully I'll be able to go to the open house and the dedication. I also hope that I'm here in the mission when they have the groundbreaking for the temple in Rio.
So this week was pretty good. We helped this family, Marcio and Angêlica, to come back to church and it was great! They're an awesome family. We had lunch at their house on Saturday and watched Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration with them. Its a really great movie. Maybe you could watch it with Tony. Ask the missionaries what they think.
The transfer is next week so I'll let you know if I stay in Sulacap or if I go somewhere else. My companion thinks I'll get transfered but we'll know for sure next monday. How was your week? How're Adam and Jordan? I'm doing well. My week went by really quickly. This next week is 4 months in this area. I almost have 1 year and 5 months in the mission. The more time I have in the mission, the faster the time goes by. I've been thinking just a little about family history work and that I would like to have your help when I get home so I can work on it also. Can you tell me a little about where our ancestors came from? You told me about Anthony (thats buried in the cemetery close to your school. I forget the name right now) that came from Germany or France? Itd be interesting to learn more and also its one of my responsibilites that I would like to work on more after the mission. I will let you know when I get the package/letters. Maybe next week after the transfer. I love you, Mom and am thankful for your prayers and for your help. I'll talk to you soon! Tell everyone I said Hi and that I miss them all!
Jared
Monday, September 2, 2013
2 Sept 2013
from 2 Sep 2013 from Elder Jared Knotts
I hope Jordans not suffering too much (from the heat) in Indy. ...... He'll get used to the heat though. It'll be cold next month in Indiana. Here, its starting to get a little hot again but its not bad yet. Winter is over and now its spring but here they just have 3 months of hot weather and 9 months of super hot weather haha. Its never really "cold" here.......
Do they have any idea when the (Indy) temple will finish? Next summer maybe? .......Thanks for the pics of the temple and thanks for your email. Its always always great to hear from you. I hope you're as excited as I am for General Conference next month! It'll be great to hear the counsels and teachings of our beloved Prophet and other leaders of the church. I pray that we may have faith as they do and as the prophets of old. Like Nephi, Enos, Enoch, the brother of Jared, Daniel, and many others. I read a great talk from April 2012 GC called "Special Lessons" and he said, "Thus another special lesson learned: If you come upon a person who is drowning, would you ask if they need help—or would it be better to just jump in and save them from the deepening waters? The offer, while well meaning and often given, “Let me know if I can help” is really no help at all."
This was a great lesson for me to learn, we must search for opportunities to help and teach and rescue our friends and family. Dont wait! Go and do and serve with love and with the Spirit. The Lord will guide you as you dilligently and prayerfully seek for those that you may bless. I love you mom and am thankful for your support. I hope that I may use this time wisely and serve my brethren with love.
love,
Jared
picture of Indianapolis Temple as of 19 Aug
I hope Jordans not suffering too much (from the heat) in Indy. ...... He'll get used to the heat though. It'll be cold next month in Indiana. Here, its starting to get a little hot again but its not bad yet. Winter is over and now its spring but here they just have 3 months of hot weather and 9 months of super hot weather haha. Its never really "cold" here.......
Do they have any idea when the (Indy) temple will finish? Next summer maybe? .......Thanks for the pics of the temple and thanks for your email. Its always always great to hear from you. I hope you're as excited as I am for General Conference next month! It'll be great to hear the counsels and teachings of our beloved Prophet and other leaders of the church. I pray that we may have faith as they do and as the prophets of old. Like Nephi, Enos, Enoch, the brother of Jared, Daniel, and many others. I read a great talk from April 2012 GC called "Special Lessons" and he said, "Thus another special lesson learned: If you come upon a person who is drowning, would you ask if they need help—or would it be better to just jump in and save them from the deepening waters? The offer, while well meaning and often given, “Let me know if I can help” is really no help at all."
This was a great lesson for me to learn, we must search for opportunities to help and teach and rescue our friends and family. Dont wait! Go and do and serve with love and with the Spirit. The Lord will guide you as you dilligently and prayerfully seek for those that you may bless. I love you mom and am thankful for your support. I hope that I may use this time wisely and serve my brethren with love.
love,
Jared
picture of Indianapolis Temple as of 19 Aug
26 Aug 2013
from 26 Aug 2013 from Elder Jared Knotts
Hey Mom!
I really havent thought of any that I'd like for my birthday. I would rather have you save your money. I know you wanna send me stuff but I'd rather you not send candy or peanut butter, etc. I have everything that I need and things that I dont have, I can just buy with the mission allowance. I'm doing great though. We're working hard and we should have some baptisms this next Sunday. Its been a while since our last baptism so we're really excited. Thats awesome that the (Cincinatti Mission)missionaries got to meet Dallan H Oaks. I've never met or seen an apostle. Yesterday was our Stake Conference here and I got to meet a 70. It was a great experience. I didnt really get to talk to him but it was great to here him speak. We had several of our investigators at conference yesterday so that was awesome!
I'm excited for Jordan and will be glad to hear of everything thats going on with him at Butler. He will absolutely love it there. I remember a little bit more than 3 years ago when I moved into BSU. Seems like such a long long time ago. Time is a strange thing. I'm glad for the time I still have in the mission to work and teach. We cant waste our time doing things that arent important. I'm glad that the Lord has blessed me with an opportunity to serve. I read a really great talk this morning. I've read it several times before but still learn each time. April of 2012 General Conference. The Merciful Obtain Mercy by President Uchtdorf. I love the bumper sticker that says, "Dont judge me because I sin differently than you". He also cites John 8:7 that says, "He who is without sin, cast the first stone". It is obviously not our place to judge others and we should be understanding and loving and kind with others because they are imperfect as well. I pray that we may be patient and supportive of those who have circumstances and challenges more difficult or just different than ours. These people need our help and we would be selfish to think that others do not "deserve" our forgiveness or help. I love Pres Uchtdorfs words when he says,"Brothers and sisters, there is enough heartache and sorrow in this life without our adding to it through our own stubbornness, bitterness, and resentment." How true this is. I cringe to think that at times I am part of the problem and not the solution. What am I doing to help others and relieve their pain and carry their burdens. May we be forgiving and like our Savior who is willing to forgive us on the condition of repentance. I love my Savior and am eternally grateful for His love and that He accepts me. To quote one of my favorite hymns (Lord, I would follwo thee) the 2nd verse says, "Who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly?" Mom, I love you and need to go now but I'm thankful for your prayers and for all of your help. I look forward to hearing from you next week. I love you.
Jared
Hey Mom!
I really havent thought of any that I'd like for my birthday. I would rather have you save your money. I know you wanna send me stuff but I'd rather you not send candy or peanut butter, etc. I have everything that I need and things that I dont have, I can just buy with the mission allowance. I'm doing great though. We're working hard and we should have some baptisms this next Sunday. Its been a while since our last baptism so we're really excited. Thats awesome that the (Cincinatti Mission)missionaries got to meet Dallan H Oaks. I've never met or seen an apostle. Yesterday was our Stake Conference here and I got to meet a 70. It was a great experience. I didnt really get to talk to him but it was great to here him speak. We had several of our investigators at conference yesterday so that was awesome!
I'm excited for Jordan and will be glad to hear of everything thats going on with him at Butler. He will absolutely love it there. I remember a little bit more than 3 years ago when I moved into BSU. Seems like such a long long time ago. Time is a strange thing. I'm glad for the time I still have in the mission to work and teach. We cant waste our time doing things that arent important. I'm glad that the Lord has blessed me with an opportunity to serve. I read a really great talk this morning. I've read it several times before but still learn each time. April of 2012 General Conference. The Merciful Obtain Mercy by President Uchtdorf. I love the bumper sticker that says, "Dont judge me because I sin differently than you". He also cites John 8:7 that says, "He who is without sin, cast the first stone". It is obviously not our place to judge others and we should be understanding and loving and kind with others because they are imperfect as well. I pray that we may be patient and supportive of those who have circumstances and challenges more difficult or just different than ours. These people need our help and we would be selfish to think that others do not "deserve" our forgiveness or help. I love Pres Uchtdorfs words when he says,"Brothers and sisters, there is enough heartache and sorrow in this life without our adding to it through our own stubbornness, bitterness, and resentment." How true this is. I cringe to think that at times I am part of the problem and not the solution. What am I doing to help others and relieve their pain and carry their burdens. May we be forgiving and like our Savior who is willing to forgive us on the condition of repentance. I love my Savior and am eternally grateful for His love and that He accepts me. To quote one of my favorite hymns (Lord, I would follwo thee) the 2nd verse says, "Who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly?" Mom, I love you and need to go now but I'm thankful for your prayers and for all of your help. I look forward to hearing from you next week. I love you.
Jared
19 Aug 2013
from 19 Aug 2013 from Elder Jared Knotts
Thanks for the pics of Elder Selvey and THE TEMPLE! It makes me so happy that he served and is home safe now. He looks great! I'll be very excited to see and talk to him in less than a year when I get home! I've got a lot more to do right now though. I'm staying in Sulacap (Madureira Stake) and will be with the same companion. I love him and we're working really well together. I've got a lot more to learn but I've got more than 8 months left. I'm so glad that you're sharing the gospel and helping the missionaries. I hope you liked the couple spiritual thoughts that I sent last week. I always think about stuff during the week that I can share with you. I've got a really great one that I found this morning. I was looking in an old Liahona and it had a talk that had a scripture theme. I didnt recognize the scripture so I went to look it up this morning in my personal scripture study. I spent an hour reading this chapter and scriptures with the same theme! It was amazing and I learned so much. But before I share that I wanna start with another scripture. The first one is Luke 15: 3-7. Then go to Ezekiel 34 (the awesome random scripture I found). Read the whole chapter but then read again verses 2, 4, 6, 11, 16, and 31. This chapter and message really touched me. I thought of the shepherds that the Lord commands to repent (verse 4) which led me to D and C 121:39-44 which says that we must teach and exhort with love. Christ commands the apostles to "feed His sheep" in John 21. ALso, in John 10:11-12 he says he is the good shepherd. I love you mom and will talk to you soon
Jared
(Picture is of Elder Knotts' cousin Elder Selvey who recently returned from his mission in Nevada)
Thanks for the pics of Elder Selvey and THE TEMPLE! It makes me so happy that he served and is home safe now. He looks great! I'll be very excited to see and talk to him in less than a year when I get home! I've got a lot more to do right now though. I'm staying in Sulacap (Madureira Stake) and will be with the same companion. I love him and we're working really well together. I've got a lot more to learn but I've got more than 8 months left. I'm so glad that you're sharing the gospel and helping the missionaries. I hope you liked the couple spiritual thoughts that I sent last week. I always think about stuff during the week that I can share with you. I've got a really great one that I found this morning. I was looking in an old Liahona and it had a talk that had a scripture theme. I didnt recognize the scripture so I went to look it up this morning in my personal scripture study. I spent an hour reading this chapter and scriptures with the same theme! It was amazing and I learned so much. But before I share that I wanna start with another scripture. The first one is Luke 15: 3-7. Then go to Ezekiel 34 (the awesome random scripture I found). Read the whole chapter but then read again verses 2, 4, 6, 11, 16, and 31. This chapter and message really touched me. I thought of the shepherds that the Lord commands to repent (verse 4) which led me to D and C 121:39-44 which says that we must teach and exhort with love. Christ commands the apostles to "feed His sheep" in John 21. ALso, in John 10:11-12 he says he is the good shepherd. I love you mom and will talk to you soon
Jared
(Picture is of Elder Knotts' cousin Elder Selvey who recently returned from his mission in Nevada)
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
12 Aug 2013
I cant believe Valerie and Preston have already been married a year! That makes me feel super old in the mission because that seems like such a long time ago!! I cant believe Daniel goes home tomorrow! The time is flying way too fast. Before you know it, I'll be home too. Blows my mind.…..
I have grown to have a deep love and appreciation for the members of the church that are truly trying to follow the Savior and do the right things. Its not easy….. I'm appreciative that (they are) working to help (their children) grow up in the gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
This week was really good and we've been working hard but still have a lot more to do. Next week is the transfer but I think that my companion and I will be staying. I'll let you know what happens next week. So I read a talk this week that refered to a talk by President Hinckley. It was one of the last talks he gave before he died. It was in the woman's session of General Conference in October of 2006. I loved this story so much and I know that you will also. Please use 19 minutes of your day to watch and ponder about the message of this talk. I know the Spirit will teach you and guide you to help someone through its message. I love you and trust that Heavenly Father will guide you to bless hundreds of other lives. You've already done an incredible miracle in teaching me and helping me to become who I am today. The Lord will bless you for the sacrifices that you make. The story of a mother with 7 children in this story inspired me and touched my heart. I know it will as well with yours. I'm always so happy to hear about your success with spreading the gospel and talking with our friends and family. Search for more opportunities! Theres always more for us to do! I've learned this week about 1 Corinthians chapter 13. Its a great chapter but especially the beginning. I could be rich, successful and with a big family and great job. I could be healthy and happy and a good guy. I could have tons of friends and be famous. I could visit every corner of the earth and speak 30 languages. I could do all this but if I dont have charity and pure love for others, my other successes are nothing. The Lord can do anything because He gives everything He has for us. The happiest day of your life is the day you get home exhausted and the Spirit whispers that you did your best and gave your all. I also studied and learned a little about Enos. I've read, studied, pondered and prayed about this one chapter so many times. I learn more each time. He says in verse 11 that after these experiences his faith became "unshaken in the Lord". But why? Enos had faith like unto the faith of the Brother of Jared. His unshaken faith was accompanied by action. He prayed with "many strugglings" and he "wrestled before God" and "cried unto the Lord in mighty prayer and supplication for [his] soul" all day and all night. The Lord granted unto him his desires because of his faith (v12). There is so much to learn here. The last thing I would like to share with you is something I learned from Pres. Lima and the Spirit. He taught me about Peter when he walked on the water. Matthew 14: 24-31. I think thats the right scripture. Peter WALKED ON WATER because of his faith. He did it. He actually walked because of His faith because he was walking towards Christ. Think about where he was going. He was walking towards Christ to meet Him out on the water. But what happened? He fell. But why did he fall? He took a couple steps and then he looked away from Christ. He saw the waves and the tempests and the rain. He was scared and fell. How often does this happen in our lives. Everyone has problems. Members and non-members and less actives and prophets and missionaries and everyone! We all have waves and tempests and rain and dangers in our lives but we can walk on water when we look past these problems and see our goal. Who are we walking towards? Jesus Christ. The Author of our Salvation. Our Redeemer. We can walk on water and use our faith to do miracles! Just dont lose focus. Dont take your eye off of Christ. Just keep walking and you can do it. I know that miracles can happen and do happen in our lives. God loves each of us. He doesnt make miracles happen just with some of His children. God loves you! Why would He hold back your blessings? I know He wouldnt and doesnt when we do what He asks us to do. I love my Heavenly Father. I am so imperfect and weak. I am sinful and prideful and forgetful of God's eternal love and mercy. But I know that I can repent and become clean. Think of the inspired words of the primary song, "When I Am Baptized"
I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.
I want to be the best I can and live with God again.http://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/when-i-am-baptized?lang=eng
this next link is to the story that was referenced above:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/10/in-the-arms-of-his-love?lang=eng
I have grown to have a deep love and appreciation for the members of the church that are truly trying to follow the Savior and do the right things. Its not easy….. I'm appreciative that (they are) working to help (their children) grow up in the gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
This week was really good and we've been working hard but still have a lot more to do. Next week is the transfer but I think that my companion and I will be staying. I'll let you know what happens next week. So I read a talk this week that refered to a talk by President Hinckley. It was one of the last talks he gave before he died. It was in the woman's session of General Conference in October of 2006. I loved this story so much and I know that you will also. Please use 19 minutes of your day to watch and ponder about the message of this talk. I know the Spirit will teach you and guide you to help someone through its message. I love you and trust that Heavenly Father will guide you to bless hundreds of other lives. You've already done an incredible miracle in teaching me and helping me to become who I am today. The Lord will bless you for the sacrifices that you make. The story of a mother with 7 children in this story inspired me and touched my heart. I know it will as well with yours. I'm always so happy to hear about your success with spreading the gospel and talking with our friends and family. Search for more opportunities! Theres always more for us to do! I've learned this week about 1 Corinthians chapter 13. Its a great chapter but especially the beginning. I could be rich, successful and with a big family and great job. I could be healthy and happy and a good guy. I could have tons of friends and be famous. I could visit every corner of the earth and speak 30 languages. I could do all this but if I dont have charity and pure love for others, my other successes are nothing. The Lord can do anything because He gives everything He has for us. The happiest day of your life is the day you get home exhausted and the Spirit whispers that you did your best and gave your all. I also studied and learned a little about Enos. I've read, studied, pondered and prayed about this one chapter so many times. I learn more each time. He says in verse 11 that after these experiences his faith became "unshaken in the Lord". But why? Enos had faith like unto the faith of the Brother of Jared. His unshaken faith was accompanied by action. He prayed with "many strugglings" and he "wrestled before God" and "cried unto the Lord in mighty prayer and supplication for [his] soul" all day and all night. The Lord granted unto him his desires because of his faith (v12). There is so much to learn here. The last thing I would like to share with you is something I learned from Pres. Lima and the Spirit. He taught me about Peter when he walked on the water. Matthew 14: 24-31. I think thats the right scripture. Peter WALKED ON WATER because of his faith. He did it. He actually walked because of His faith because he was walking towards Christ. Think about where he was going. He was walking towards Christ to meet Him out on the water. But what happened? He fell. But why did he fall? He took a couple steps and then he looked away from Christ. He saw the waves and the tempests and the rain. He was scared and fell. How often does this happen in our lives. Everyone has problems. Members and non-members and less actives and prophets and missionaries and everyone! We all have waves and tempests and rain and dangers in our lives but we can walk on water when we look past these problems and see our goal. Who are we walking towards? Jesus Christ. The Author of our Salvation. Our Redeemer. We can walk on water and use our faith to do miracles! Just dont lose focus. Dont take your eye off of Christ. Just keep walking and you can do it. I know that miracles can happen and do happen in our lives. God loves each of us. He doesnt make miracles happen just with some of His children. God loves you! Why would He hold back your blessings? I know He wouldnt and doesnt when we do what He asks us to do. I love my Heavenly Father. I am so imperfect and weak. I am sinful and prideful and forgetful of God's eternal love and mercy. But I know that I can repent and become clean. Think of the inspired words of the primary song, "When I Am Baptized"
I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.
I want to be the best I can and live with God again.http://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/when-i-am-baptized?lang=eng
this next link is to the story that was referenced above:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/10/in-the-arms-of-his-love?lang=eng
5 Aug 2013
I gave a talk in church a couple weeks ago about how the Savior has so much compassion for us. He loves us and blesses us. We need His help. Just as we are dependent on His mercy and strength, we must seek for opportunities to succor the weak and fulfill our baptismal promise in Mosiah 18:9. We had a training this past week from President Lima and he always ask us to take notes about what we learned and talked about. Then at the end he asks us not what we learned from what he said but what we learned from the Spirit. I would like to just briefly share what I learned from the Spirit in the training. As President talked about service, I started to think about ways to serve. Service projects like cleaning or fixing a house and other things physical, as well as service spiritually and emotionally. I believe that the Savior is perfect in His examples of Savior because He goes the extra mile. The scripture that came to mind was the first thing that I looked up when I got home that night. There are a couple references but this is the best. D and C 81:5 (also Hebrews 12:12 and Isaiah 35:3) asuccor the bweak, lift up the hands which hang down, and cstrengthen the dfeeble knees.
Weither you imagine this literally or spiritually, members or non-members of the church are suffering. Maybe suffering seems like a really strong word to use but when you think about it, we are rescuing this people from spiritual death. They need our help and they need the Savior's Atonement. Run to their rescue! A great quote from Pres. Eyring says, “When you meet someone, treat them as if they were in serious trouble, and you will be right more than half the time.”
I know this is true. …..Search to help and bless their lives.
A great talk I read this morning by Elder Holland has a quote from him that I really liked and hope you like it too.
“however late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.”
Weither you imagine this literally or spiritually, members or non-members of the church are suffering. Maybe suffering seems like a really strong word to use but when you think about it, we are rescuing this people from spiritual death. They need our help and they need the Savior's Atonement. Run to their rescue! A great quote from Pres. Eyring says, “When you meet someone, treat them as if they were in serious trouble, and you will be right more than half the time.”
I know this is true. …..Search to help and bless their lives.
A great talk I read this morning by Elder Holland has a quote from him that I really liked and hope you like it too.
“however late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.”
29 July 2013
...... I'm so glad to hear that you're going to the temple and reading the scriptures and working with the missionaries. This is what the Lord wants us to do. He never asks for "too much". He just asks us to do the basics that we should be doing anyway. We need to grow in our desires to work and be more like Heavenly Father. .....
We had a baptism yesterday and I'll send you more pics next week. Everything is great and we're gonna baptize a lot more next month. I really like my companion and we're working well together. I know this work is true. We all need to realize that other people really need our help, whether they know it or not. Also, it is our personal responsibility to help and rescue other people. The moment that you think, "thats not MY job." or "they dont need MY help" or "someone else will do it" or "I've already done a lot" etc, we stop to understand why we serve others and why this church exists in the first place. I love this work and know that it is true. We can never stop. Press forward, saints with steadfast faith in Christ.
We had a baptism yesterday and I'll send you more pics next week. Everything is great and we're gonna baptize a lot more next month. I really like my companion and we're working well together. I know this work is true. We all need to realize that other people really need our help, whether they know it or not. Also, it is our personal responsibility to help and rescue other people. The moment that you think, "thats not MY job." or "they dont need MY help" or "someone else will do it" or "I've already done a lot" etc, we stop to understand why we serve others and why this church exists in the first place. I love this work and know that it is true. We can never stop. Press forward, saints with steadfast faith in Christ.
22 July 2013
I got a great email from Valeri! It was awesome to hear from her. I did get to sing at church. A member and I sang two songs. "Abide with me tis eventide" and "Lord, I would Follow Thee". It went really well and a member asked me to sing at her sons baptism next week. It was a good experience. My companion and I are doing really well. We taught a family yesterday and committed them to get baptized! Now we just gotta help and visit them a bunch and hopefully they'll be baptized next month. The dad of this family, has a brother that is a recent convert in a different ward and thats how we met him and his wife. It was a great experience teaching and getting to know them. We have had a couple set backs with people being sick in the ward and not going to church but we're trying to make goals to use our time wisely and do as much good as we can. Today, we cleaned our house and we're gonna visit some missionaries in our zone, eat lunch with them and help clean their house. We taught a couple of new families this week about the restoration and the Book of Mormon and it went really well. I seek to teach with the spirit and testify that Joseph Smith truly saw God, the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I wasnt there that day almost 200 years ago, but I know that it happened and that the Lord guides His church today with a living prophet. I'm really trying to strengthen my testimony of these truths every day. Just the power to believe is so powerful. Faith is a principle of power. We've been working a lot with the missionary in our zones. We've got a lot of new missionaries and new leaders but I love them all. We had a division this week which is 24 hours that you do a split with another missionary companionship. It was really good and we got to meet some new people and teach some new families. I read a great talk this week that was from this past conference about being accepted of the Lord. The talk gave a great lesson that said,
"When I was a boy, I remember my father sometimes taking me with him to work on projects. We had a little garden a few kilometers from where we lived, and there was always so much to do to prepare the garden each season. We worked on the gazebo or built or repaired fences. In my memory this work always occurred in the freezing cold, heavy snow, or pouring rain. But I loved it. My father would teach me how to do things with patience and acceptance.
One day he invited me to tighten a screw and warned, “Remember, if you put it in too tight, it will break.” Proudly, I wanted to show him what I could do. I tightened with all my might, and, of course, I broke the screw. He made a funny comment, and we started over. Even when I “messed up,” I always felt his love and confidence in me. He passed away more than 10 years ago, but I can still hear his voice, sense his love, enjoy his encouragement, and feel his acceptance."
I feel a profound sense of gratitude and love for my Heavenly Father that accepts and forgives me even when I "mess up". Despite my desire to always do the "right thing", my imperfections and human nature cause me to deviate from God's perfect plan. This is not an excuse to continue doing things wrong but helps me to realize and recognize my dependency and need of God's help. I'm thankful that He loves me enough to break me down and then build me up; "for he maketh sore and bindeth up; he woundeth and his hands make whole." (Job 5:18) I hope you're able to see this occur in your life. I see in constantly in mine. I love you and pray for you often. I know this church is true and that God, the Father lives. He loves and knows us.
Monday, July 15, 2013
15 July 2013
"Great
to see the temple progression!! Dan Parker's beard has never been bigger or
better! Thats great to hear about your missionary experiences at home.
.......This week was pretty exciting! It wasnt perfect but we had some really
cool stuff happen. First off, I really like my new companion. Hes from the
south part of Brazil where Jonathan Solomon served his mission. Hes got about 8
months on the mission and we're getting along really well so thats great. Also,
we met some new families this week. There were 2 kids at church yesterday that
are Americans and there mom is Brazilian. Theyre visiting family here and it
was cool to talk to them in english. They're from North Carolina. Last week, we
went to a ladys house who is gonna have surgery today. I got to bless the
sacrament for the first time in Portuguese. I didnt sing in church yesterday
but I think it'll be next week. I'm gonna sing with a member of my ward. I'm
doing well and feeling good. Its not too hot here this part of the year. We are
gonna do just a small service project with a member who is doing some work on
his house. Ive been reading the talks from General Conference and have read so
many good talks. I especially liked the talk by Elder L Whitney Clayton about
marriage. One principle that he spoke of really hit me and can be applied in
any relation.
Humility
is the essence of repentance. Humility is selfless, not selfish. It doesn’t
demand its own way or speak with moral superiority. Instead, humility answers
softly 2 and
listens kindly for understanding, not vindication. Humility recognizes
that no one can change someone else, but with faith, effort, and the help of
God, we can undergo our
own mighty change of heart. 3 Experiencing
the mighty change of heart causes us to treat others, especially our spouses,
with meekness. 4 Humility
means that both husbands and wives seek to bless, help, and lift each other,
putting the other first in every decision.
I love that he said that its basically impossible to change
other people but we can and should change and improve ourselves. I love this
idea of truly having a "change of heart". There were several other things
that I read and liked but unfortunately dont have a bunch of time to share it
all together. I really hope you're doing well. I miss you. I love you. Continue
to look and pray for opportunities to share the gospel and to bless and serve
others. There are hundreds of people that need your help. You
have special gifts and talents. Use these gifts from God to bless His children.
I know that as you strive and desire to serve others, God will inspire others
to serve and bless you. God's love is infinite and powerful. "
These are the pictures that he was referring to:
8 July 2013
So many things going on so I'll be brief and clear. Tomorrow is the transfer and my current companion, Elder Motta will be returning home. Hes a great guy and I'm excited to hear about his adventures back at home. I'll get my new companion at the Rodoviaria tomorrow. The Rodoviaria is a huge, central bus station where we meet to get our new companions and then return to our areas. My new companion is a Brazilian and his name is Elder Maciel. I'm excited to be staying in Sulacap and working with the Madureira Stake. We will have 2 baptisms next Sunday in my ward for two young men. Matheus (Matthew) who is 10 and Daniel that is 13. They're excited for baptism and I'm glad that I'll be staying here to help them. We have several missionaries in my zone (stake) that are going home or to other areas but I'm excited to train and help these new missionaries and leaders that will be arriving tomorrow. ...... I might be singing with a member of our ward, Fabiano, at church this Sunday. Its great when I get to sing but I dont have all that many opportunities to do so. Its funny that simple things make such big differences. I'm doing well. I bought new shoe inserts so that helped a bunch! We're walking a lot but thats nothing new. You get used to walking really quickly. I thought that walking 10+ miles would be a TON but its really not all that bad haha.
I told some sisters at church that you made 10 cakes and they thought that was sooo much food! Must have taken forever. I ate this soup yesterday that is called dobradinho. I think thats how you spell it. They use white beans, carrots, potatoes, sausage, other vegetables and.... cow stomach. Its pretty good. I've eaten it a couple times. I also ate pig tail a couple weeks ago. It was pretty good but just had a lot of fat on the meat but its good when you just cut off most of the fat.
Well for a spiritual part real quick, I read an amazing talk by Pres Uchtdorf this morning from this past conference. Its from the priesthood session but you can apply it to any person or member of the church. Its called "Four Titles" and I encourage you to read it and ponder on the amazing things that Pres Uchtdorf says. I loved when he said,
"It can be discouraging at times to know what it means to be a son of God and yet come up short. The adversary likes to take advantage of these feelings. Satan would rather that you define yourself by your sins instead of your divine potential. Brethren, don’t listen to him.
We have all seen a toddler learn to walk. He takes a small step and totters. He falls. Do we scold such an attempt? Of course not. What father would punish a toddler for stumbling? We encourage, we applaud, and we praise because with every small step, the child is becoming more like his parents.
Now, brethren, compared to the perfection of God, we mortals are scarcely more than awkward, faltering toddlers. But our loving Heavenly Father wants us to become more like Him, and, dear brethren, that should be our eternal goal too. God understands that we get there not in an instant but by taking one step at a time.
I do not believe in a God who would set up rules and commandments only to wait for us to fail so He could punish us. I believe in a Heavenly Father who is loving and caring and who rejoices in our every effort to stand tall and walk toward Him. Even when we stumble, He urges us not to be discouraged—never to give up or flee our allotted field of service—but to take courage, find our faith, and keep trying.
I loved this part and know that it can be frustrating sometimes but just as a child falls and gets back up again, we must also. Heavenly Father will always lift us up. I love you and will talk to you soon!
1 July 2013
I got Jordan's email and responded already. His senior pics were great. I almost cant believe that Eric's birthday was this week. Seems like such a long time ago that he passed away. I miss him and love him. I love everyone in our family and miss you all. I'm so excited about your experiences with school and Aunt Jill and FCCLA and the temple! I'm so glad that youre keeping busy and doing so many great things! The Lord is richly blessing you and that makes me very happy. You truly deserve the Lord's blessings. It is incredible how fast Jordan is growing up. Hes not a kid anymore. I dont like it haha! I'm glad hes doing well. It was great to hear from him. I really hope Adam is doing alright. I havent heard from him in a long time........
I just wish I could help more. I have so much desire but sometimes you just cant get everything done. Just gotta be patient and do your best. The Lord will do the rest if we obey and work to do His will. I'm growing so much. My priorities and desires and understanding are growing and being enhanced by the spritual truths I'm learning. I'm impressed by my own personal growth and am excited for the future. I just need to focus while I'm here and do everything I can to use my last 10 months the best I can. The time has gone by so so fast. Did you enjoy the letters that I sent last week? Its been a while since I've sent pics so I sent a ton when I could. Well I dont think this email will be quite as inspiring as others but I'll share a little thought. I've been thinking and studying recently about what we should pray and ask the Lord to help us with and what is our responsibility and should use our own common sense and free agency to choose. The first line in Alma 37:37 says to counsel with the Lord in all things. But then there are other scriptures and references like D and C 9:8 that says that we must think it out first in our minds and then after, ask the Lord if it be right. Its an interesting concept and principle to think about. The Lord has blessed us with the capacity to choose and make our own decisions but He also wants us to counsel with Him. I'll do some more studying about this. I gotta go soon. Next week is the transfer and my companion is going home. I'll probly be staying here and I'll get a new companion. I'll let you know how it goes. I'll get my new companion next Tuesday. Well I love you Mom. I think of you often and hope that you're well. I'm thankful that the Lord is blessing us. Always remember to be grateful. Thank the Lord for everyone we have. Elder Bednar gave a talk called "Pray Always". He talks about 3 points of prayer. Theyre all great but read the second point. There is a little story that is great! you'll love it. Well have a great week and have a good 4th of July!......
I just wish I could help more. I have so much desire but sometimes you just cant get everything done. Just gotta be patient and do your best. The Lord will do the rest if we obey and work to do His will. I'm growing so much. My priorities and desires and understanding are growing and being enhanced by the spritual truths I'm learning. I'm impressed by my own personal growth and am excited for the future. I just need to focus while I'm here and do everything I can to use my last 10 months the best I can. The time has gone by so so fast. Did you enjoy the letters that I sent last week? Its been a while since I've sent pics so I sent a ton when I could. Well I dont think this email will be quite as inspiring as others but I'll share a little thought. I've been thinking and studying recently about what we should pray and ask the Lord to help us with and what is our responsibility and should use our own common sense and free agency to choose. The first line in Alma 37:37 says to counsel with the Lord in all things. But then there are other scriptures and references like D and C 9:8 that says that we must think it out first in our minds and then after, ask the Lord if it be right. Its an interesting concept and principle to think about. The Lord has blessed us with the capacity to choose and make our own decisions but He also wants us to counsel with Him. I'll do some more studying about this. I gotta go soon. Next week is the transfer and my companion is going home. I'll probly be staying here and I'll get a new companion. I'll let you know how it goes. I'll get my new companion next Tuesday. Well I love you Mom. I think of you often and hope that you're well. I'm thankful that the Lord is blessing us. Always remember to be grateful. Thank the Lord for everyone we have. Elder Bednar gave a talk called "Pray Always". He talks about 3 points of prayer. Theyre all great but read the second point. There is a little story that is great! you'll love it. Well have a great week and have a good 4th of July!......
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
17 June 2013 (this post is out of order....sorry)
In my new ward. We have a new Bishop and hes really great. Hes been the stake president before so he has a lot of experience and hes excited to work and help out. We're gonna have lunch with him tomorrow. We have lunch and sometimes dinner with the memebers every day except on Monday. We usually get some money though to buy food. My companion knows how to cook decently so I'm getting over my fear of cooking and breaking/burning everything in the kitchen. Our house is nice and I'll send you some pics of it when I can. We dont live in our area but its only like 10-15 minutes walking. The Relief Society made a care package for us yesterday and they put some basic food stuff in it for our house. I'm not sure what we're gonna do for lunch but whatever it is should be good. The time is going by really really quickly. This week was pretty good though. Sometimes I feel like I'm learning more than I'm teaching. You grow a lot personally and realize whats really important and think about your priorities. Yesterday at church was really interesting! The family that was supposed to give the first 2 talks in sacrament meeting got sick and right before sacrament meeting, they asked me and my companion to give the talks! It was a complete surprise. Luckily my companion went first haha. I wasnt really sure what I would talk about until 30 seconds before I stood up. President Lima (the mission president) had talked a lot about one of President Monson's talks from General Conference. I felt inspired to talk about that talk, focusing on the 4 principles that help us to be "more useful servants". Dilligent scripture study, teaching with testimony, planning your life with purpose and serving with love. I talked about these 4 points and gave some personal experiences and other stories that I remembered from other GC talks in the past. It went really well and had some members that said they really enjoyed it. I just stood up and talked for about 15 minutes and the Lord helped and guided me. After church, I had some members that asked me to sing for them and that was fun. I just sang a couple church hymns but they really liked it. Felt good to sing. I really dont have too many opportunities like I would like to. I read and studied a lot this week about some other talks from General Conference recently and also in the past. I feel inspired to be better and to help others grow when I read the experiences of the prophet and apostles. I especially enjoyed this promise/counsel from President Eyring when he said, "My promise to you who pray and serve the Lord cannot be that you will have every blessing you may wish for yourself and your family. But I can promise you that the Savior will draw close to you and bless you and your family with what is best. Sometimes we feel as if we deserve blessings just because we are faithful and obedient. Sometimes it is difficult for us to comprehend that life isnt always fair. We know that it isnt always fair but especially in the moments of trials and difficulties, we begin to doubt and question. We rationalize our complaints and lack of faith because we may feel that "maybe God doesnt love me". This is common and unfortunately it is easy to fall into this trap. I am glad to say and find peace in the principle of hope. Hope is powerful. We can all be sure, as I am, that truly, Heavenly Father does love us. President Eyring promised us that we may not recieve exactly what we want or what we feel we deserve, but that we will be blessed "with what is best". I know this is true. We can find great peace and comfort in the knowledge that even though we cant see future, we can have hope that the future will be bright, independent of the problems and difficulties we will have.
Job, who had many problems, was counseled by a dear friend when she said, "Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground; 7 Yet man is born unto trouble" (Job 5: 6-7)
Trust in God. He love us. Mom, I love you and am grateful that we can have hope in the Savior. He is the light of the world (John 8:12)
25 June 2013 with LOTS of pictures
from Elder Knotts 25 June: I did get to see the training and I even watched it in English! It was really great! I'm super excited to see all the new missionaries and new things changing. At the meeting there were probably over 200 people that watched the meeting at our stake center. It was great. I loved that Boyd K Packer talked that the most important teaching is done by mothers. I loved that part. There were tons of great things and I took notes but I just dont have them with me right now. ...... I've been working a lot on improving my Portuguese. Its getting there. Some missionaries from my group and I went to the air port yesterday to renew our visas. We ate a buffet and I'll send you some pics. (pictures are below) At the air port I had a really great experience. While I was waiting for everyone to finish, a man came up to us. His name is Stuart and he is a member of the church from Scotland. His accent was awesome by the way. Hes been in Brazil for a couple months and speaks a little Portuguese. To make a long story short, he needed some help to talk with people and explain some stuff. I worked as his translator and helped him figure some stuff out. .......it was great to help him and translate with English and Portuguese. It was a really cool experience. This week was good though. We've been visiting a lot of families and are trying to help some less active families to return to church. My companion only has a couple weeks left on the mission but we're really trying to work together and meet our goals. So, I'm sending you a bunch of photos so you can put those on fbook and on the blog. And please share all of the great experiences you're having. I'm excited to hear about whats going on at home and how (everyone) and the family are doing. ........
Elder Jared Knotts
Elder Jared Knotts
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