19 April 2014

Hey Mom!

.... 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Élder Jared Knotts

12 April 2014

Hey Mom!
...

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

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

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

Élder Jared Knotts

5 April 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Élder Jared Knotts

29 March 2014

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

Elder Knotts' is on the far left!

Elder Knotts is on the right

22 March 2014

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

......

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

......

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

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

Élder Jared Knotts

15 March 2014

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

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

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

Élder Jared Knotts

8 March 2014

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

1 March 2014

Mom!
First off, I'm excited that the first week at home is stake conference. That'll be a great experience and will give me the opportunity to see so many people at one time. The 10th, I would like to go to the Temple. Let me know if that works out for you and your schedule. Also, the 11th sounds good to be home and visit the Connersville Ward. ..... It'll be a great Mother's Day for sure!!

I was very touched as you shared your thoughts, feelings and the spiritual truths that the Spirit taught you. This builds my testimony. Everyone has something to give. Sacrifices are essential for a spiritual progress. This concept of a "refiners fire" is an interesting idea for me. I think of how the Savior purifies us. How He invites us to come unto Him and deny ourselves of all ungodliness. In Moroni's last testimony he says that through the grace of Christ we can be sanctified. As I think of this sanctification or the process of becoming holy without spot, I think of the Temple. The Temple is dedicated and given to the Lord as a sacrifice and an offering to Him. May we ponder and reverence these sacred words, "Holiness to the Lord, The House of the Lord!" May we be reverent to holy things and the whisperings of the Spirit. May we treasure up in our hearts the words of life. Give thanks unto God with full purpose of heart! This is His house and His work and His plan and we are His children. I'm slowly but surely coming to understand and feel the truth of this scripture. Matthew 10:39. We must lose our lives for the Lord. That is how we can find purpose and meaning and value and understanding. Giving our lives in unselfish service to the Lord and His children is the key to happiness and will free us from our sins. I know this is true and am dedicated to give more than 2 years of my life but to use these 2 years of "training" to give my whole life to the Lord. Give Him all that I have and all that I am.

This week, a family that we are teaching got married and next Saturday they will get baptized! Its a mom, dad and two daughters. I'm so excited. Today is exactly 2 months until I get home. Its scary but I'm so excited to end my mission well and endure to the end and then get home and continue giving my life to the Lord for the rest of my life. Its possible. Some think that you serve a mission for 2 years and then you go home and you focus on other things and that you cant be a missionary anymore. Some people think that you're a fanatic if you think you're still a missionary and that you need to get a clue and stop living a dream or a reality that only exists when you use a name tag everyday. This is depressing to think and to hear. But, I know that its not the truth if you don't want it to be the truth. I'm not implying that I have to use social clothing everyday and only think about church stuff and that I have to be extreme and over the top with missionary work. What I am implying is that 2 years of faithful missionary service has caused a mighty change in my heart that I never want to be exactly who I was before or do all of the same things that I did before and, especially, think and feel the same that I thought and felt before. God is real. He exists. He is our loving Heavenly Father. He sent is only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to come to earth and to give His life for all of God's children. I know this is true and this burns within me and never can this fire be extinguished. Just as the apostles couldn't return to their nets after Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, I cant return to "my nets" after the Lord has touched my heart and shown me that this is true. I know that the family can be together forever. I know that the family is essential in God's eternal plan of happiness. I know that the priesthood is given to men to carry out God's work and that through ordinances and promises and covenants, God will draw us close to Him and if we choose to obey and endure, He will never let us go. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. They live and this is Their Church. I love you mom and am anxious to hear about all of the great things that are going on with you. All of the things youre learning and sharing with the wonderful sisters in our ward. I love you and hope to hear from you soon.
Élder Jared Knotts

22 Feb 2014

signed up for my German Program for this summer. ...I get home May 1st and May 12th (I think) starts summer classes at BSU. They have an intensive summer program for German that I can study from 8 until 11:30 and then from 1 to 2 monday till friday for about 12 weeks. I'm really excited ...
This week was really great! We had Zone Conferences and I got to go to these Conferences and give trainings with Elder Maciel and President Lima. It was a great experience and I learned a lot. One of the many many things that were spoken in the conferences that I liked was about how our choices today will influence our future and who we are here in the mission is who we will be for the rest of our lives. I am certain that this is true. Once we have experimented a mighty change of heart, you cant return to who you were before. I thought of several examples such as Enos who once he prayed and was forgiven of his sins, he changed his life and spent the rest of his days bringing others unto Christ. Also with Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah. They completely changed and they never went back to who they were before. Joseph Smith was never the same person after he had the first vision. I can not and will not be the same person that I was before the mission. I refuse to let this mighty change of heart be only 2 years and then its over. I love the Lord and His plan of redemption is a plan of happiness. Sorry this is so short but I will talk to you more next week. I love you Mom!

15 Feb 2014

Hey Mom!
This week went well and I'm doing good. Tonight and tomorrow is our Stake Conference. Last PDay we went and played ultimate frisbee with some other missionaries and that was great. We went to an island this week called the Ilha do Governador where we had an activity and open house with the missionaries in that stake. It was great! We did the same thing in a stake that I've already served in, Madureira. This week I'm going to Macaé which is about 4 hours from where I'm at now, to give a training for the missionaries in the stake there. On wednesday we will go to Jacarepaguá and give a training for 2 stakes worth of missionaries and on Thursday will be a big meeting with 4 stakes worth of missionaries. The week after should have another 2 of these Zone Conferences. I'm really excited! We've got a lot to plan for but thats nothing new. Next Saturday we are gonna have a baptism so in my next letter I'll give you more details about that. This is basically whats going on with me right now. I went to Copacabana last night to visit a couple of families and we found a new family to reactivate that is awesome! I studied a lot this morning about how important it is to remember. If you look in the topical guide about "remember" there is a lot to read. Many people that have fallen away from the church is just because they forget. They forget how it is to feel the Spirit and they stop reading the scriptures and praying and going to church and they "forget the Lord" so to speak. The word remember is used frequently in the Book of Mormon. Many times we read, for example Helaman 5 the word remember is used 15 times in the first 14 verses. Remember remember! We can never forget the Lord. Sin, pride, hate, anger, laziness, and many other things cause us to forget the Lord. We must, as King Benjamin says, "remember and perish not." When we partake of the sacrament, we promise to "always remember Him". When we talk to people that have fallen away from the church, we must remind them! Help them to feel the Spirit again and they will "remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men" (Moroni 10:3). Read the scriptures, pray, sing hymns, go to church, go to the temple and bear your testimony! Dont forget the Lord. He will never forget us. We must avoid the temptation to have other priorities that become "false idols" and become more important than God is. King Benjamin warns us again in chapter 5:13, "For how knoweth the man a master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?" How can we remember the Lord? We must serve Him. He must be close to our hearts. You will come to know Jesus Christ on a personal level as you serve Him and serve God's children. This will help you to "always remember Him". I know that this will bring happiness and an abundance of the Spirit. There is a talk that I have read many times and is very important to me and has encouraged me to always remember the Lord. I hope you feel the Spirit as much as I do when I read it. 
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/o-remember-remember?lang=eng
Its called, "O Remember, Remember" by Pres Eyring. I hope you really enjoy it and I hope it causes a change in your heart and gives you a greater desire to serve the Lord with love and always remember Him. I love you so much and hope to hear from you soon.
Élder Jared Knotts

8 Feb 2014 Coming home 1 May 2014

Hey Mom! …. I'm doing great and I'm feeling great. So many new things are happening. My new area and calling are incredible. I love the people here and the trainings that I gave this week went really well. Its awesome to be closer to President because he is so inspired. We ate lunch at his house yesterday and I shared a message with him and Sister Lima after lunch. I'm really excited to go to church tomorrow. President said that our Bishop sings classical music so I'm excited to meet him and sing with him. I'll need to practice for sure. Not all of our area is beach and big buildings but some of it is. Leblon (which is right next to Ipanema and Copacabana) is the most expensive place to live in South America and its one of the most expensive in the world! How crazy is that? I'll be sure to take tons of pictures. How are you doing? How was your week? How was Adam´s birthday? Jordan turns 19 Monday! I'm excited for him. I'm not sure what else to say right now but I hope you're great and happy and doing well. I love you so much and am thankful for your wonderful example and for your testimony and conversion to the gospel. I love the Lord. "In Him my soul delights." These are lyrics to a song that they made other lyrics for the Hymn Be Still My Soul. They took many ideas from 2 Nephi 4. I absolutely love this hymn. Its sang by the BYU mens choir and its incredible. Read 2 Nephi 4 and then listen to this song. I promise that the Spirit will testify to you that the things you read are true. I know that the Book of Mormon is true because it has caused a mighty change in my heart. This is conversion. I have received a testimony but to be converted is to give all of my heart, might, mind and strength to defend, preach and testify about the wonderful truths that the Spirit has taught me. I love the Lord. In Him my soul delights.
I'm inspired and am very pleased with your wonderful experience and how you are sensitive to the Spirit! Keep going!! These ideas come from our Heavenly Father and He is using you as a tool in His hand. I have a part of my Patriarchal Blessing that talks about my mission and how if I work with the Spirit, the Lord will use me to do His work. Keep going Mom! Pray for opportunities to bear your testimony and spread the Gospel. These people desperately need you... So much more than you think they do. … the Lord has made many promises that He will seek for His lost sheep. He knows where they are and when they are ready and He sends us, imperfect people, to find them and heal up their wounds and cure their hearts. They need our help. Run to their rescue. I imagine the Savior running to save me when I fall. He picks me up and carries me in His arms. He is gentle and loving in deed and in thought. The Savior wants to help us and is coming to our rescue. Mom, the Savior is asking you to fulfill your baptismal covenant and to run to the rescue of the hurt, the suffering, the sad, the depressed and the lost ones. I promise you as a representative of Jesus Christ that as you run daily to the rescue of the Lord's lost sheep, that He will heal your wounds, comfort your heart, strengthen your weaknesses and He will run to your rescue. You will feel your Savior's love in all the world around you. I know this is true because I also feel it. You're never alone. God knows you and loves you so much and He is proud of your sacrifice and service. I love you so much and can’t wait to hear from you next week!
Élder Jared Knotts

3 Feb 2014

Hey Mommy!
Sorry I didnt send an email last week. This week was really great and today is the last day of the transfer. I will be transfered to a new area (and probably my last area in the mission). My new companion is.... Élder Maciel again! I'm really excited to work with Elder Maciel again! This time though I wont be Zone Leader. I'm the new Assistent to President Lima. Out of the, more or less, 150 or 160 missionaries, There are 22 Zone Leaders and 2 Assistents to the President and now Elder Maciel and I will be the Assistents. ........ I wont be working as much in the street and knocking doors and stuff like that. I will still work and teach and baptize but now I will travel A LOT over all of Rio and I will be giving tons of trainings for other missionaries and also I will do a lot of number and technical work. My new area is called Jardim Botânico which would be Botanical Garden in english. My area includes Copacabana, Ipanema, Le Blaun and several other parts of the South Zone in Rio. Its incredible. I'm gonna go there tomorrow. President Lima and his family will be members of my new ward. I cant believe it! Its really exciting and now I'm even more excited to work hard and teach and give everything I have for my last 3 months in the mission. Its gonna be incredible. ..... Its gonna be awesome! I'm so glad that Mia ate with you at home and went to church. We gotta do everything we can to help... And dont wait! Serve people and you will see miracles happen. In our ward, the 2nd counselor of the Primary was called to be the Relief Society Presidetne and she said something really interesting in the Ward Counsil yesterday. SHe said that in the Primary, you feel close to the Savior because the children are pure and innocent but in the Relief Society you learn to serve and be like the Savior. I thought this was really special and essential in our callings and in our duty as members of the Lord's church and as His disciples. As we serve others every day, we will grow to be like the Savior and truly come to know Him. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ and I want to be more like Him. I feel His love for me and this love motivates me.... To lift up the hands that hang low and to strengthen the feeble knees. I am constantly reminded of those simple words in the Primary Hymns. Especially in "Im trying to be Like Jesus", "try to show kindness in all that you do, be gentle and loving in deed and in thought!" Reflect through out the day. Am I showing kindness for others? Am I being gentle and loving in my deeds (what I do) and in my thoughts? I hope you're doing great and I hope to hear from you soon!
Elder Knotts

20 Jan 2014

Hey Mom!
This week went really well. We're probably gonna move tomorrow afternoon for our new apartment. Tomorrow morning will be an interview with President Lima. I'm excited to see the new house. This week was really hot again but thats not new. I'm doing well and yes I'm using sunblock. Thats great that you gave another talk in Sacrament Meeting. Its been a long time (maybe 5 months) since I've given a talk at church but we talk so much that I think the members get tired of it haha. I've been reading more General Conference talks as usual and am impressed by how much I learn sometimes. I read a great talk about the Atonement this morning by Elder Scott. "It is a fundamental truth that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be cleansed. We can become virtuous and pure. However, sometimes our poor choices leave us with long-term consequences. One of the vital steps to complete repentance is to bear the short- and long-term consequences of our past sins."
This made a lot of sense for me because of another talk that I read this week that Sister Oscarson says, "We live in perilous times, and the decisions which you are called upon to make on a daily, or even hourly, basis have eternal consequences."
With these two quotes in mind, we are able to feel a deep hope and gratitude for the Plan of Salvation. Our choices today are vitally important for our eternal progress. When we sin, we can be forgiven but it is still necessary to deal with the good and bad consequences of our actions. This helps us to set goals, make priorities and be disciplined to choose the right. A loving Heavenly Father has provided a way to return to His presence and independent of how many times we fall we can always get back up. But just to be safe, let's be cautious and careful to lessen the frequency of our falls.
I'm doing well and I'm happy. I'm gonna get my hair cut today. I'm also gonna buy new contact lenses and maybe do some other chores. I love you and pray for you often.
Jared

from 13 Jan 2014

from Jan 13 2014
Mom!
This week was absolutely great! Laurindos baptism was awesome! We got there with two members that have known him for several years. We shared a message about the Plan of Salvation and it was great. When we started to talk about baptism he said that maybe not this week but next week. We said that there's no more time to wait. One of the brethren that was there with us has known him for 45 years. He said that it was his birthday that day (no one else knew that it was his birthday so that was completely unplanned) and that he wanted him to be baptized. Laurindo said, "Well let's go then. I'll be baptized today." His wife (who has been a member for 13 years) started to cry and the Spirit was really strong. When we got to the chapel, we started calling several people and we filled up the baptismal font. We were so excited! When Laurindo got to the chapel he had an interview with another missionary and then he asked who would baptize him. I said that he can choose whoever he wants. There were several people there. He asked me if I could baptize him and I just gave him a hug. There were so many people that could have done it that he has known for years but he asked me. It was great! I've got some photos that I will send you another week. I've got so many photos!

I absolutely loved the experience that you had with Courtney's dad. I met him one time about 4 or 5 years ago at his house out in the country. What an amazing experience! You felt the Spirit and saw the Spirit touch and change her heart. I am 100% convinced that people just need help. No one is lost or impossible or too hard. Everyone just needs help. Some more than others but when you search for people's needs and do everything to meets those needs, the person will feel your love and the Spirit will change their heart. Never forget these spiritual experiences. Search every day to have spiritual experiences. If you feel the Spirit every day of your life, you know that you're doing something right.

We had several other things this week that were really great but this was the high light. The day of Laurindos baptism, I made 1 year and 8 months on the mission. It was a great day and a great week. I love you mom and hope to hear from you soon!
Jared

from 6 Jan 2014

from Jan 6 2014
Hey Mommy!
Thanks for the pics of snow. Dad told me that they canceled church and that its like negative 8 degrees at home. That's crazy! Its super hot here. Several days its getting up to 106 or 108 degrees but they say that you feel 125 degrees. Extremely hot! They want us to drink 5 liters of water per day. That's almost a gallon and a half. So much water. I'm fine though. This week was awesome and this next week willl be even better. Saturday was my companions birthday and I love him. He's awesome. He turned 20 years old and I bought him a milkshake. Saturday we had a baptism and it was wonderful. Sorry I dont send many pics right now but I've got tons of pics on my camera that I will show you afterword. Sunday we participated in the Ward Counsel and it was the most productive ward counsel I've had so far in the mission. It was awesome and the ward is excited to work more with us. We're gonna start giving English and Spanish courses at church on Saturday mornings for an hour and inviting investigators. We're gonna have a big FHE at a members house on Sunday. Tuesday is our Leadership Counsel of the Mission with Pres Lima and then Wednesday morning we will give that training for our missionaries in our stake. Thursday, a sister missionary that's serving at Temple Square in Utah will come home and on Friday night she's gonna have a big presentation at her Aunts house and she's gonna invite tons of non members so that they can learn about what she did for a year and a half. I'm gonna sing this song in English and in Portuguese at this presentation of her homecoming.
https://www.lds.org/new-era/1997/04/faith-in-every-footstep?lang=eng
Its called "Faith in Every Footstep". Then on Saturday there is a wedding at church that will also have a bunch on non members that we can meet. The best part of this week will be something that we planned with the Ward Counsel. There is a sister in our ward that was baptized almost 20 years ago and now she's a counselor in the Relief Society. Her husband was never baptized and tons of missionaries have already taught him but he never got baptized. We planned with the Ward counsel to go to their house on Thursday night with some members (one man being the member that baptized this sister almost 20 years ago) and now they're going to invite this man to be baptized Thursday night. My companion and I are fasting for him and the Bishop is going to call the temple and put his name on the prayer role. I know that this will work. His name is Brother Laurindo (thats his first name and its pronounced like Lauw-reen-doh) Its kinda tough haha. But its gonna be a miracle and we're praying every day that the Lord will bless him and help him. He is 70 years old and doesn't hear very well but he's known the church for years and now is the time. I feel it. This sister, Sister Juracy (pronounced Jew-rah-see) deserves an eternal family and we're gonna do everything we can to make it happen. There are so many things going on and I can see the miracles coming. When you have an attitude of hope and faith, you search for the miracles. Don't just wait for them to happen or fall on your lap. Miracles happen and when we are obedient and diligent and do everything we can, the Lord will bless us. He wants to help us. I love you Mom and am glad for all of the miracles that have happened in my life. I hope to hear from you soon!
Jaredhttps://www.lds.org/new-era/1997/04/faith-in-every-footstep?lang=eng

from 30 Dec 2013

from December 30, 2013 3:18 PM
Subject: Re: Happy New Year!!

Hey Mom
Sorry I dont have any time to write emails today. We had a super busy Pday and went to the secretarys office. Oh well. Doesnt matter. But it was great to talk to you this week and with the family. It was great to meet Kiki and I hope that she and Adam are doing well. ... Is Jordan dating someone? I'm not haha. I'm so glad thatyour talk went well. I think what happens is that sometimes we say things that we think we ought to say or say things that we think other people want to hear. But sometimes we just need to say what comes from the heart and what the Spirit guides us to say. Its your testimony. It'd be useless to read someone else's testimony. Just continue to read the scriptures and the inspired words of our church leaders and with your increased knowledge, you will know what to say at the right time. Testify! Bear your testimony. That's what the Lord asks us to do. I love you and am grateful for your testimony that strengthens mine. I hope to hear from you soon!
Jared

from 23 Dec 2013

from December 23, 2013 9:00 AM
Subject: Re: two days!

Hey Mommy!
Sorry I have such little time to write you today but I will talk to you on Christmas. I will send you an email when I'm getting ready to call you. ..... I loved the Christmas package that you sent me. Sorry that I'm a bad boy and opened it early but the other missionaries wanted to see what it was also. The book by Pres Monson is sooo cool! I really liked it! I havent started reading yet but I'll let you know. I also loved the small pic of you. I carry it with me everywhere and sometimes I show the members so that they can see my favorite person back at home! I read that talk by Elder Bednar this morning and I loved it. I learned so much and am extremely grateful that you taught me to pay my tithing. I am 100% determined to diligently pay my tithing at home. I know that the Lord may not bless me with money but he will help me to study and learn and do well at school so that I can get a good job and work well and do well for my family. Start writing questions and stuff that you wanna talk about on Christmas. I love you and cant wait to talk to you soon!

Jared

from 16 Dec 3013

from December 16, 2013 9:18 AM
Subject: Re: package sent a couple of weeks ago....hopefully get before Christmas!

Hey Mom!
I'll ask the secretarys if your package has gotten here yet. Probably I'll get it this week. I'll let you know.

Tomorrow is the transfer and I'll be staying here! I'll get my new companion tomorrow morning. He is from Argentina and his name is Elder Miño. I'm excited to work with him.

This Friday night will be our Ward Christmas Party. Last year in Irajá we had a big party also and the Bishopric gave a message about the Christmas story and one of the members came dressed up like Santa. Just like at home. I assume that it'll be the same thing here also but I'll let you know. I'll take a bunch of pics. I have several pics of the Christmas party last year also.

Thats great to hear about the baptism in Connersville. We had a baptism on Saturday for a man named Gaston. Hes awesome and it was great to teach and help him. Now we're gonna work with his family. We should have another baptism this Saturday for a woman who has tons of family that are members of the church. Her children and sister and nephew. Its gonna be great!

I saw the Christmas devotional last night and I loved it. I wrote down my thoughts and feelings when I was watching it but I think that the part that touched me the most was when Elder Nelson was talking and it had a video clip of the children that sang, "Im trying to be like Jesus". Its amazing how music, but in particular, the primary hymns warm your heart and invite the Spirit. I pondered on those poetic lyrics and thought of my own deep desire to be like Jesus. I love Him so much and am thankful for His perfect example. Read the lyrics,

I'm trying to be like Jesus;
I'm following in his ways.
I'm trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.
At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,
But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers,

"Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught."

If there exists one thing that can truly change the world and the hardened hearts of men, it is through the teachings of this childrens hymn. I have sang this song hundreds of times but was moved as the Spirit whispered to me to "show kindness" and "be gentle and loving in deed and in thought". What a wonderful message. Remember to be kind and gentle and loving in what you do and say and think. Be compassionate and merciful and forgiving just like the Savior is with us. I know that this will bring inner peace and true happiness.

I hope your last week of school before break goes well. Next Monday in my email I will tell you when I'll be able to talk to you. It'll probably be in the afternoon after lunch. It'll be about 20 minutes and thats really short but I'll also get to see you in about 4 and a half months. Oh how the time flies fastly. I love you so much and cant wait to hear from you soon!

Jared