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