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!
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