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
Friday, January 17, 2014
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
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
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
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
Sunday, December 15, 2013
9 Dec 2013
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!
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!
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)