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!
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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