So this week was good and been a lot of the same stuff for almost 9 months in Rio. Teaching, walking and serving people every day. Its incredible how we do the same routine everyday but every day is different. We meet new families every day and teach them. This week, we talked with over 200 new people in the street or at their homes. I've learned a lot about making goals and putting forth the extra effort. I've learned that doing "the bare minimum" never leads to anything except "an alright day". I heard another missionary say recently that the miracles and true results will never come until you do everything you can... and then a little bit more. I've seen this happen a lot. For sure, these past 11 months have been the least lazy months of my life. Learning to use your time wisely and work effectively are life skills that each and every one of us should learn and apply to our daily lives. Its been a good week but I know that this next week will only be better.

The Spiritual message of the week comes from another talk that I read this week that I studied and wrote some personal thoughts on the matter. I learned about the importance of prayer in times of trials and difficulties. Prayer is more than just a commandment or formality that we do just because we think we should. Prayer is a privelege that we have to converse with our loving Heavenly Father. Prayer, with real intentions and a desire to know the will of the Lord, can be the door and pathway to have a life guided by God through His holy spirit. Prayer brings peace, comfort, and a true knowledge that God exists and that He loves us. Prayer that is insinsitive and that lacks faith, with words spoken quickly just to "go through the motions", is disrespectful and useless. The personal thoughts and feelings that we share with God in prayer need to be words that are truly "written upon our hearts".

Well I really hope everyone is enjoying the Spring break with snow! Its been cooler this week in the mid to high 80s! Well I love you guys and hope to hear from you soon.

Elder Jared Knotts

Por todo mundo,

Uma semana bem corrida mas que foi bom. Falamos com todo mundo e conhecemos muitas pessoas novas. Aprendi muito esta semana sobre a importância de oração e diligencia. Oração é mais de só um mandamento ou um habito. É um privilégio que temos a conversar com nosso Pai Celestial. Oração, com real intenção e o desejo saber a convide do Senhor, pode ser a porta e o caminho para ter uma vida guiado pelo Espírito. Oração traz paz, conforto, e uma verdadeira conhecimento que Deus existe e nos ama. Oração sem fé, com palavras rápido e sem emoção, é desrespeitoso e adianta nada. Os sentimentos e pensamentos pessoais que compartilhamos com Pai Celestial devem ser "escrito em nossa coração". 

Élder Jared Knotts

I feel like I say this a lot but the time is flying by. Another school year will be ending for you guys here soon and I'm closing up on my 1 year mark. My Portuguese has gotten way better and have little to no problems with the language in a couple months. Obviously, I'm still not perfect of course but its definitely better. Just need to lose my American accent which is kinda tough because my voice is deep. Thats ok though. March has cooled down and its not been near as hot here. Its rained a little bit more but usually the weather is beautiful. I've been working pretty hard and I know the blessings will come. We here often that no effort is wasted. Every person we try and help, if they accept or not, is a worthy effort. Makes me glad to think that no matter what happens, my work is always worth the time and effort. We've been trying to use our time more wisely and effectively to not waste time. Its crazy how fast a week goes by.

So the spiritual message of the week is from a talk from GC by President Eyring from April of 2004. I've thought frequently on the message he shares. The difficulties of life can often seem overwhelming, undeserved and impossible to overcome. And sometimes this is true but as President Eyring shares, he speaks of the privelge and opportunity we have to benefit from "the strength of the Lord". He says the following, 

"But the test a loving God has set before us is not to see if we can endure difficulty. It is to see if we can endure it well. We pass the test by showing that we remembered Him and the commandments He gave us. And to endure well is to keep those commandments whatever the opposition, whatever the temptation, and whatever the tumult around us. We have that clear understanding because the restored gospel makes the plan of happiness so plain.

That clarity lets us see what help we need. We need strength beyond ourselves to keep the commandments in whatever circumstance life brings to us. For some it may be poverty, but for others it may be prosperity. It may be the ravages of age or the exuberance of youth. The combination of trials and their duration are as varied as are the children of our Heavenly Father. No two are alike. But what is being tested is the same, at all times in our lives and for every person: will we do whatsoever the Lord our God will command us?

I think of this often and thank my Heavenly Father for the blessings of the gospel in my life. The knowledge that I have and comfort and strength that I draw from it, help me to not only "endure" my problems but to "endure them well". I know that this is true. I know that if we are willing to seek the Lord and accept His will for us, we can not only deal with our problems but truly overcome them.

Well I hope you guys are doing great and enjoying the daily joys of life. Just remember that you're great and I love you guys!

Elder Jared Knotts

Por todo mundo,

Uma semana muito bom que poderia ser melhor mas sou muito grato pelos milagres que acontecem. Falamos com quase todo mundo na rua esta semana e realmente trabalhamos muito. As resultadas virão e sei que o Senhor ouvi nossos orações. Sou muito grato que não estava calor demais esta semana. Queria agradecer pelas pessoas (especial os membros da igreja) que nos ajudam. Realmente esta trabalha é impossível sozinho. Sei que a igreja é verdadeira e que tudo que ensinamos é essencial por uma vida bem sucedida. Não temos um outro caminho. Nosso meta deve ser vida eterna com nossas famílias. As dificuldades da vida e distrações do mundo são ruim demais. Temos muito tentação e vemos muitos pessoas fazendo coisas erradas. Isso não é o plano de Deus. Ele não quer isso para nós. Faz seu máximo evitar estas coisas. Não precisa e trarão sentimentos de angústia e culpa. Realmente, eu não conheço um sacrifício muito grande, o pecado muito pesado, ou temem muito profunda que poderia valer a pena perder sequer um momento de uma eternidade com a nossa família, o amor do Pai Celestial e Salvador.

Élder Jared Knotts

11 March 2013

Well tomorrow is the transfer and.... 6 more weeks in Irajá! I wasnt too surprised because there is 6 more weeks in the training for my new companion, Elder I Ferreira. Yesterday was exactly 8 months in Irajá and Saturday was 10 months in Brazil. Its sad how fast the time has gone but luckily I have tons of time left. We've had some crazy rain here this week and I've returned home completely soaked a couple of times! An umbrella doesnt help too much when its raining really hard. Luckily, we've been able to get home fine every day and the buses are all running smoothly despite the rain. Its been a good week and I'm excited to see what this next transfer (6 week interval of time) will bring. A lot of missionaries in my zone (group of 10 missionaries) left this transfer but its always nice to get to know new Elders. We have TONS of people ask us why our names are both Elder. Its just a missionary title. Its funny how often it happens. A lot of times they think its a cool coincidence or they think we're brothers. The mission is never boring. Always have a lot of work to do. We've started this new program in our ward (congregation). Every two weeks, we're gonna have a fun activity at the church to invite members, investigators, recent converts and friends. Its a great opportunity for them to get to know the church and do something fun in a spiritual environment. I've been teaching my companion more English and hes doing way better! Just simple phrases and grammar but 6 more weeks will help a lot. I've been forgetting some of my english but mostly just how to spell words! Luckily I get to email home every week so I have a little practice.

So the Spritual message this week is a talk by President Henry B Eyring from this past General Conference. I'm extremely excited for General Conference next month! President Eyring spoke about how prayer enables us to understand the will of the Lord and that we can grow closer to Him and see more blessings in our lives. The talk is called, "Where is the Pavilion?" 

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/where-is-the-pavilion?lang=eng

He relates a personal experience that guided him as he saught the counsel of the Lord with his career plans. I know that through the whisperings of the Spirit and careful prayer and study, we also may receive personal revelation in response to questions, doubts and desires. I love our Heavenly Father and thank Him daily for the guidance that He gives me. Seek the Lord and you shall find Him!

I hope that everyone is having a good week. March will be over before we know it. Live each day to the fullest and you'll find satisfaction in who you are and the person you're becoming. I'm seeing a personal change in me on a daily basis. I love you guys and cant wait to hear from you soon!

Elder Jared Knotts

11 March 2013

Por todo mundo,

Esta semana choveu. Fiquei sem um guarda chova mas felizmente roupa seca. Fizemos muito esta semana e realmente o Senhor vai nos abençoar! Quinta- feira, teremos uma Reunião de Integração na Igreja de Irajá 19:30 horas! Todo mundo deve ir lá e participar nas atividades. Com certeza, vai ser show de bola! Traz seus amigos pra igreja. Uma oportunidade conhecer a igreja e faz uma coisa divertido e espiritual. Estamos bem animados! Também, vamos ficar em Irajá pelo menos mais 6 semanas! Vou estar aqui a mês que vem por Conferencia Geral. Vamos preparar e estudar os discursos da Conferencia passada. Sei que realmente nos temos um profeta de Deus aqui na terra hoje. Ele fala com nosso Pai Celestial e nos guia para saber os deveres e conselhos de Deus. Amo vocês e espero que estejam bem!

Élder Knotts

So this week was great and not blazing hot. Our week was really busy and we taught tons of new people and met some really nice families. I've been working out more in the morning and doing my exercises so thats always a plus. I 100% will not be one of those missionaries that comes home heavier! Taking care of our physical health definitely helps our spiritual health. Next week is the transfer and this Saturday will be 10 months in Brasil! I cant believe how fast the time has flown. Its been a great 10 months and the next 14 will be even better! So its starting to cool off a little here and for you guys it must be getting a little warmer. My baby brothers graduation will be here soon and that makes me feel incredibly old. I cant imagine how my brother Adam must feel. Unfortunately time flies even faster when you're busy but I am reaffirmed daily that this is absolutely where I should and need to be. Incredible how the Lord teaches us through trials, challenges, difficulties and new experiences in general. I was just thinking and sorry for all the spelling and grammatical errors. The only time I write in english is each Monday for these emails. 

So the Spiritual message of the week is actually a hymn. It became one of my favorite hymns after an emotional talk by President Jacobson at church more than a year and a half ago. Its number 105, Master the Tempest is Raging! I remember often the talk and inspired explanation given by Presidnet Jacobson and the Spirit that I felt as he read the lyrics. Unfortunately it would be a lot of space to put all of the lyrics here but the message that I would like to share that in the moments of disappointment, depression and despair, our Savior, Jesus Christ, will always be there to comfort and rescue us. Our beloved living prophet, Thomas S Monson gave an elequent message about this same scripture/hymn in the liahona. Always. Always remember that through the torrents and trials of life, our Father in Heaven will never abandon us.

http://www.lds.org/liahona/2013/03/peace-be-still?lang=eng

Well I've gotta go but I hope that you're all well. I hope you enjoyed the short update and I will write here again next week.

Elder Jared Knotts

Por todo mundo,

Infelizmente, tenho 5 minutos para escrever rapidinho. A semana foi show de bola. Ensinamos muito e conhecemos pessoas muito legais. A transferência vai ser a semana que vem mais acho que eu e Élder Ferreira vamos ficar aqui de novo. Esta sábado farei 10 meses no Brasil!! O tempo foi muito muito rapido! Estou muito feliz que tenho muito tempo ainda servir. Quero trabalhar mais para mostrar o Senhor que realmente amo ele e Seus filhos. Realmente amo as pessoas aqui e vai ser difícil sair aqui um dia. Li um discurso muito bom esta semana de Presidente Monson, nosso profeta. Ele é um homem muito inspirada. Na Liahona de Março tem a discurso chamado,  "Sossegai". Fala um pouco sobre um de meus hinos favoritos. Sei que quando vocês lerem, vão sentir o Espirito e ainda mais amor de nosso Salvador, Jesus Cristo.

http://www.lds.org/liahona/2013/03/peace-be-still?lang=por  Amo vocês e agradeço pela ajuda que eu e meu companheiro recebemos. Realmente o Senhor está conosco. 

Élder Jared Knotts