Attention all followers!!! I would like to apologize that I am a horrible sister!!! All of Josh's letters will be updated within the next 2 weeks. Thank you for your patience!!
Kiera
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
A Public Announcement!
Hey All! This is Kiera! Josh's sister! I would like to apologize for any confusion that the names in the letters have posed. To protect the people that Josh is serving I changed all the names in the letters so the people you have been reading about are NOT the actual people and never have been. I was very sure to do that in the first place. I couldn't remove names or the letters wouldn't make sense. I completely changed all of them! So their identities have been protected. I'm sorry for the concern and I will make sure I post that the names have been changed when I post each letter.
Thank You!
Kiera Jorgensen
Thank You!
Kiera Jorgensen
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
We are Children of a loving Heavenly Father, May we never forget that includes everyone
Hey Hey!It's me again!
First off, I'd like to apologize at my terribleness of writing back to everyone. We've been doing a lot of work, so I haven't had any time... I will make sure to find some.Also, I will be sending pictures hopefully this time. There hasn't been much to take pictures off, so there may be few. But hey, a picture is better than no picture.
So we didn't end up going hiking. Elder Rossi has been diagnosed with Pergio, so he can't let his fingers and toes get cold, else they will get sores and go numb. It is really sad, and he will probably be getting transfered this week. However, our time together has been awesome. I've learned so much from him, and look forward to applying it all. We have had some arguments and at first it was really hard to get along, but we have worked it all out and are doing our best. On tuesday (the day after transfers), we had a meeting with the ward mission leader, to discuss the plan for the ward, and get Rossi all caught up on our goals. At the end of the meeting, Bro. Falepapalangi shared a scripture, and the Spirit his very strongly that Elder Rossi was meant to be in this area, and everything was going to work out. Elder Rossi didn't like the apartment we live in. It is kind of bleh, so we decided to go apartment hunting. Later, we found out that the lease wasn't going to be up for a while, so we gave the list to the Mission Office for when it does get closer.
We had a Ward Missionary Social at Brother Swaith’s house, and it was fun; good food, great conversation, and funny stuff. Brother Charles started talking about a government machine that can fix any health problem through your pinky. He said they don't want the people to know about it, and only use it for astronauts. He also said that the Russians are using space rocks for energy. HAHAHA!!! Rossi's bike has been broken, so we have been doing repairs when we have time. We mostly walk places, but do a ton of tracting while on the way. It has been really sweet, because we actually have some new potentials.
We've been trying to make some changes in the ward to make the missionary work more effective. However, it has been causing some contention with the ward members. The teacher for gospel essentials is supposed to be having the class every week, but won't teach because nobody goes there. We have plenty of people to be taught in that class, and explained that, but he ended up just yelling at Rossi to basically stay out of it. So we have some people going to get that worked out. There are other things, but due to limited time, I shall refrain haha.
So we have a baptism set up! The 4th of March, for Anne Knope. FINALLY!!! She has been doing great in the lessons, it's just hard to get her to understand the importance when she has so many other "fun"things to be doing. But, the last lesson when well, and we are going to be working hard to keep that date.
I will keep you updated on Rossi, because if he goes I'll be getting a new companion soon. I wish him the best though, and am again thankful for all that he has taught me. He's SWEET!
How's everything? Do you have anything you need that I can help with? Remember you can use my money to send the packages if you'd like. I'm sorry I keep asking for things. I will do better to returnthe favor I promise.
Alrighty, SPIRITUAL THOUGHT TIME
This is a quote by Pres. Gordon B Hinkley:
"Do you want to be happy? Forget yourself and get lost in the cause. Lend you efforts to helping people... Stand higher, lift those with feeble knees, hold up the arms of those that hang down. Live theGospel of Jesus Christ."
I really love this. Living the gospel is so much more than going to church, reading our scriptures, praying, etc. It's more than seeking to understand how we can change for the better. It is finding ways tochange for the benefit of others as well as ourselves. Remembering to be Christlike. His whole life, all he did was seek to lift others and show them how they can be happy. As members of this church He hasshown us the way, and we must share that joy with others, and remind those who have forgotten. If you are in a point know where you think your fire is burning out, LIVE THE GOSPEL. What have you done to feed your fire? The simple things of the gospel are a fuel, and through that we will not only feel the love of our Father, but a love of all men. Don't get greedy and become comfortable. If we are comfortable, we are doing it wrong. The Gospel doesn't take away our challenges, but helps us to face them; it helps us to have the strength to push forward, and to smile in times when no mere son of man can. We are the Children of a loving Heavenly Father, and may we never forget that that includes everyone. I leave you with this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I love you very much, and keep pressing forward,
Elder Jorgensen
First off, I'd like to apologize at my terribleness of writing back to everyone. We've been doing a lot of work, so I haven't had any time... I will make sure to find some.Also, I will be sending pictures hopefully this time. There hasn't been much to take pictures off, so there may be few. But hey, a picture is better than no picture.
So we didn't end up going hiking. Elder Rossi has been diagnosed with Pergio, so he can't let his fingers and toes get cold, else they will get sores and go numb. It is really sad, and he will probably be getting transfered this week. However, our time together has been awesome. I've learned so much from him, and look forward to applying it all. We have had some arguments and at first it was really hard to get along, but we have worked it all out and are doing our best. On tuesday (the day after transfers), we had a meeting with the ward mission leader, to discuss the plan for the ward, and get Rossi all caught up on our goals. At the end of the meeting, Bro. Falepapalangi shared a scripture, and the Spirit his very strongly that Elder Rossi was meant to be in this area, and everything was going to work out. Elder Rossi didn't like the apartment we live in. It is kind of bleh, so we decided to go apartment hunting. Later, we found out that the lease wasn't going to be up for a while, so we gave the list to the Mission Office for when it does get closer.
We had a Ward Missionary Social at Brother Swaith’s house, and it was fun; good food, great conversation, and funny stuff. Brother Charles started talking about a government machine that can fix any health problem through your pinky. He said they don't want the people to know about it, and only use it for astronauts. He also said that the Russians are using space rocks for energy. HAHAHA!!! Rossi's bike has been broken, so we have been doing repairs when we have time. We mostly walk places, but do a ton of tracting while on the way. It has been really sweet, because we actually have some new potentials.
We've been trying to make some changes in the ward to make the missionary work more effective. However, it has been causing some contention with the ward members. The teacher for gospel essentials is supposed to be having the class every week, but won't teach because nobody goes there. We have plenty of people to be taught in that class, and explained that, but he ended up just yelling at Rossi to basically stay out of it. So we have some people going to get that worked out. There are other things, but due to limited time, I shall refrain haha.
So we have a baptism set up! The 4th of March, for Anne Knope. FINALLY!!! She has been doing great in the lessons, it's just hard to get her to understand the importance when she has so many other "fun"things to be doing. But, the last lesson when well, and we are going to be working hard to keep that date.
I will keep you updated on Rossi, because if he goes I'll be getting a new companion soon. I wish him the best though, and am again thankful for all that he has taught me. He's SWEET!
How's everything? Do you have anything you need that I can help with? Remember you can use my money to send the packages if you'd like. I'm sorry I keep asking for things. I will do better to returnthe favor I promise.
Alrighty, SPIRITUAL THOUGHT TIME
This is a quote by Pres. Gordon B Hinkley:
"Do you want to be happy? Forget yourself and get lost in the cause. Lend you efforts to helping people... Stand higher, lift those with feeble knees, hold up the arms of those that hang down. Live theGospel of Jesus Christ."
I really love this. Living the gospel is so much more than going to church, reading our scriptures, praying, etc. It's more than seeking to understand how we can change for the better. It is finding ways tochange for the benefit of others as well as ourselves. Remembering to be Christlike. His whole life, all he did was seek to lift others and show them how they can be happy. As members of this church He hasshown us the way, and we must share that joy with others, and remind those who have forgotten. If you are in a point know where you think your fire is burning out, LIVE THE GOSPEL. What have you done to feed your fire? The simple things of the gospel are a fuel, and through that we will not only feel the love of our Father, but a love of all men. Don't get greedy and become comfortable. If we are comfortable, we are doing it wrong. The Gospel doesn't take away our challenges, but helps us to face them; it helps us to have the strength to push forward, and to smile in times when no mere son of man can. We are the Children of a loving Heavenly Father, and may we never forget that that includes everyone. I leave you with this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I love you very much, and keep pressing forward,
Elder Jorgensen
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
New Companion! Elder Rossi :)
Family and Other peeps who ready this...
HELLOOOOOO!!!SOOO I stayed in Powell Butte, but I have a new Companion, Elder Rossi. He is the District leader. Everyone else in the area is pretty much gone, so I'm the only one I know haha. But Rossi is awsome, and I think this transfer is going to be BEASTLY! Some things that have happened this past week:ANDY GOT BAPTIZED!!! It was sweet, and I know that he felt the Spirit. When I asked him what he was excited about now he said, "I get to wear a suit!" Kinda funny though because when Andy was gettingdipped under the water he grabbed hold of Bro. Connell because he was starting to slip. So Bro. Connell pushed him under the water to make sure it was a clean baptism and he wouldn't have to do it again.Everyone was laughing a little bit but overall it was awesome. The day before, we watched the Joseph Smith-Prophet of the Restoration movie with him, and he loved it. It was also nice to see that after Andywas confirmed on Sunday that during his classes, he was more open and more involved with what was going on. The power of the Comforter at work. We also had a great lesson with Sister Larson, and believe that she is pretty much re-activated now. She has been diving in and studying the scriptures and actually seeing a benefit from it. We taught Hannah, and she is super nice. Right at the beginning of the lesson, she said that she knows she wants to do this, and she wants to be baptized. She has some things she does need to work on, but we are going to help her through. We also had another lesson with the Knope's (teaching consecutively? WHAT!) and Anne voiced back to us the previous lesson, and understood what we taught this time. Hopefully, she willkeep her commitment to read, as well as her father helping her out. We found out that Gertrude and Sam moved, so we have been trying to get in contact with them to see if they are still in the area and if not, refer them to the other missionaries. Something else sweet, isthat the Keith's/Hansen's came to church this sunday, for the first time in a year. They didn't stay for the whole time, but it was good to see them make an effort. I will be sending pictures soon, there just isn't much to take pics of in this area, because there is nothing to do out here. However, next week we are going to go hiking to different waterfallsover by Multnomah. I'm STOKED!!!
So what's new with ya'll?
I LOVE YOU!!!!!!
__________
A BIG HONKIN' THANKS FOR ALL THAT YOU'VE DONE FOR MEH!!! The snacks and supplies have all been sweet, as well as letters and all that good stuff. I will try to do better on writing, it's just hard for me tofocus, because I have so much going on in my crazy dome piece.Alrighty, so I forgot my scrips, so here is what I felt to share today:As our mission president has said in the past, the Holy Ghost is the ultimate teacher. Whatever good that you hear from me or see me do, I want you all to know that it's not me. It is the power of God active in my life, it is the Holy Spirit moving through me to get His will done. I am simply the vessel or the tool in Heavenly Father's hands.
Love you all and keep being all swell and such!
Elder Jorgensen
HELLOOOOOO!!!SOOO I stayed in Powell Butte, but I have a new Companion, Elder Rossi. He is the District leader. Everyone else in the area is pretty much gone, so I'm the only one I know haha. But Rossi is awsome, and I think this transfer is going to be BEASTLY! Some things that have happened this past week:ANDY GOT BAPTIZED!!! It was sweet, and I know that he felt the Spirit. When I asked him what he was excited about now he said, "I get to wear a suit!" Kinda funny though because when Andy was gettingdipped under the water he grabbed hold of Bro. Connell because he was starting to slip. So Bro. Connell pushed him under the water to make sure it was a clean baptism and he wouldn't have to do it again.Everyone was laughing a little bit but overall it was awesome. The day before, we watched the Joseph Smith-Prophet of the Restoration movie with him, and he loved it. It was also nice to see that after Andywas confirmed on Sunday that during his classes, he was more open and more involved with what was going on. The power of the Comforter at work. We also had a great lesson with Sister Larson, and believe that she is pretty much re-activated now. She has been diving in and studying the scriptures and actually seeing a benefit from it. We taught Hannah, and she is super nice. Right at the beginning of the lesson, she said that she knows she wants to do this, and she wants to be baptized. She has some things she does need to work on, but we are going to help her through. We also had another lesson with the Knope's (teaching consecutively? WHAT!) and Anne voiced back to us the previous lesson, and understood what we taught this time. Hopefully, she willkeep her commitment to read, as well as her father helping her out. We found out that Gertrude and Sam moved, so we have been trying to get in contact with them to see if they are still in the area and if not, refer them to the other missionaries. Something else sweet, isthat the Keith's/Hansen's came to church this sunday, for the first time in a year. They didn't stay for the whole time, but it was good to see them make an effort. I will be sending pictures soon, there just isn't much to take pics of in this area, because there is nothing to do out here. However, next week we are going to go hiking to different waterfallsover by Multnomah. I'm STOKED!!!
So what's new with ya'll?
I LOVE YOU!!!!!!
__________
A BIG HONKIN' THANKS FOR ALL THAT YOU'VE DONE FOR MEH!!! The snacks and supplies have all been sweet, as well as letters and all that good stuff. I will try to do better on writing, it's just hard for me tofocus, because I have so much going on in my crazy dome piece.Alrighty, so I forgot my scrips, so here is what I felt to share today:As our mission president has said in the past, the Holy Ghost is the ultimate teacher. Whatever good that you hear from me or see me do, I want you all to know that it's not me. It is the power of God active in my life, it is the Holy Spirit moving through me to get His will done. I am simply the vessel or the tool in Heavenly Father's hands.
Love you all and keep being all swell and such!
Elder Jorgensen
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Letters are all caught up!! What?!
Notice: the Names have been changed for privacy!
12/19/12
Lots of things have been happenin!
This past week has been awesome! We have 4 new investigators: Brinton, Dalila, Pheobe, and Karen. How we met them:
We had planned the night before all the people we were going to see. One of them was Taylor, a less-active member who we haven't been able to catch. Well, when we went over to see her, she wasn't there, but a man stopped us and asked if we were missionaries, if we'd come to his house, and if we had a mormon bible with us. This is Brinton and Dalila. They are two people who pretty much hit rock bottom; lost both of their jobs, grandparents died, etc. Brinton has been in and out of prison, but decided he wants to change his life and look for God. It was a crazy lesson we had tho, people crying all over, Brinton trying to tear us apart, teaching two lessons at once, and eventually commiting them to read the Book of Mormon and set up a return appointment. Pheobe is a lady I tracted into a while back who had some misunderstandings about the church. We aren't really sure if she is completely interested in learning; it started to feel like she just wants money. But she said she is willing to take the lessons and learn more about the church. Karen is an investigator that the old missionaries had, but dropped. A member in our ward called her and asked her if she still wanted to take the lessons and she said yes! So we went over, and have been teaching her. She is willing to listen, and says she believes that the missionaries are true, just doesn't know if the church is yet.
Our work with less-actives has been good! We set up appointments with a bunch of people we haven't been able to find since we got here. However, this week was also sad because we had to drop Leslie. We have been teaching her since week 4, and she hasn't followed through on any of the commitments we leave with her. In the most loving way possible we said that we can't help her progress if she doesn't do her part, told her that when she reads we'll come right back, and then we left. Me and Elder skousen walked all the way back to are apartment with our eyes red and watery. At this moment I knew that I had finally reached my goal of loving the people. Also, I should mention that it was a prompting of the Spirit that said we needed to drop her. Maybe for her to have thinking time, not sure, all I know is that as soon as we stood up to leave the Spirit hit so strong letting us know we did what needed to be done.
CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!! I am so excited to talk to you! We are going to be spending the day with the Hatheford family (their son Thom came with us to our first appointment with Karen) and they are super awesome. I believe I will be calling around 4pm, but I will let you know for sure on Friday. What are ya'll doing for the holiday? The usual? I'm going to send our cards, they may be a little late, it all depends on when I have time to do them. Hope you have lovely holidays and look forward to sprackining.
Alrighty so I think it would be sweet to do this 14 Day Walk with Christ:
Day 1:
QUESTION: How can I follow in His steps?
READ: 1 Peter 2:21, Abraham 1:2, Moroni 7:48
PONDER: How can I follow in Christ's steps today? In all my decisions I will ask: "What would Christ do?"
I think this would be an awesome way to hear from you all, as a small group study like thing. Elder Skousen gave me the paper with these on it, so I figured I'd do it once a week with all of you.
Let me know what ya think!
I love you all and am greatful for all you do for me. I am glad I came on my mission and wouldn't trade it for anything because it may be hard, but I have seen changes in myself, learned so much, and have really started to understand what it means to rely on the Lord. Hope you are doing great, accomplishing great things, staying alive, and all that good stuff.
LOVE YA!
ELder Jorgensen
______________________________
12/27/12
Hello there!
Well not sure what all to say, seeing as how I talked to so many people on the phone for Christmas, but I'll do what I can.
So Christmas was great! First off, Elder Skousen is still my companion; we survived! Haha we have one more transfer before he probably really will leave, so we are going to make sure I am all trained up. Anyways back to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we went and bought a bunch of presents to give out to the peeps we teach, knocked on there door, and ran, It was sweet. Sunday at Church was just sacrament meeting, and a new member was confirmed (what a great Christmas present!) and then right after it, we went to the Hatheford's house. We played games, ate lots of ridiculously good food, met more family, and just lots of hangin;. Then yesterday (Monday), we didn't do all of P-Day, because all we did was go buy a ton of cleaning supplies. The missionaries here before us left a pretty bad mess of things, and we haven't been able to fully clean, until today. It’s looking sweet.
Something cool from studies:
Alma 18:3,34-35
3 And they answered the king, and said: Whether he be the Great Spirit or a man, we know not; but this much we do know, that he cannot be slain by the enemies of the king; neither can they scatter the king's flocks when he is with us, because of his expertness and great strength; therefore, we know that he is a friend to the king. And now, O king, we do not believe that a man has such great power, for we know he cannot be slain.
34 Ammon said unto him (the king): I am a man; and man in the beginning was created after the image of God, and I am called by his Holy Spirit to teach these things unto this people, that they may be brought to a knowledge of that which is just and true.
35 And a portion of that Spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth me knowledge, and also power according to my faith and desires which are in God.
So this is when Ammon becomes a servant of the king, and there are people trying to scatter the flocks. Ammon knows that the king will kill the servants if the flocks are scattered, so he defends them and cuts off the arms of all those trying to scatter the flocks. What I think is so sweet, is that because of his faith in God; because of the calling to teach the people his gospel, he was preserved. The people saw that he had the power of God backing him, they just couldn't explain it. Ammon was put in this place for a reason, as to provide a way to teach not only the people, but the king as well. I love that whole conversation he has with the king, and how he asks inspired questions (gives inspired answers) to get the king to allow him to talk about the gospel. To I guess pull together all that, Really the message to me about having the faith that God will be at you back in times of need. God wants his work done, and as we are willing to do so, he will provide a way for us to accomplish it. For example, Nephi when he goes to get the plates. He bears testimony of that exact subject that God provides a way to accomplish that which he commands us to do. Also, If we have that faith and that determination to serve, it shows. I know that this work cannot be accomplished by me alone, but with the companionship of the Spirit, and being obedient to all its promptings. By seeking out new ways to be obedient. By helping at every opportunity I can. By being who I've always been, one who likes to see people smiling. I know that as we all do what is necessary, God will do his work through us, and not only will it help others, but it will help us as well. I have learned so much while being out here these past few months, and I know that I never would have learned some vital things had I not decided to serve. May we all seek to do the will of our Heavenly Father, having faith in times of hardship, that he will see us through. I know that God will be there and is there, we just have to let Him in. I say this in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
LOVE YA!!!
Elder Jorgensen
_________________
1/02/12
Greetings Peeps,
This week was kinda meh. Just because the Holidays took away most of our lessons. So we ended up just doing a lot of other things like cleaning, studies, and all that good stuff. I'm about halfway throughAlma tho :D But yea, we've been working with a couple people towards baptism in the next couple of weeks, the only problem is that they keep partying because of the holidays and such, so they keep missing church (They have to come to church at least three times before baptism). We did, however, attend a baptism for an investigator in Elder Skousen's old area. He would have been baptized when Skousen was still there, but his parents said that he had to wait till he was older so he would be old enough to make the decision for himself. We took Andy with us, and he seemed to semi-enjoy it; as much as a 13 year old kid can. During the week, we also got to spend some time with fellow elders, and played Settlers of Catan, which is pretty sweet. Oh, and I've been doing some art lately, to get rid of stress and such, and It's actually turning out pretty decent (In the MTC, everything came out terrible, like elementary style). For new years we sat in our apartment and talked, then I started to do some scripture study. For some reason, people were lighting off fireworks at like 10. It was weird.
Aside from all that, we have some great goals set for this week, and are hoping to get a lot of work done. OH!!! I found out Brother Falepapalangi's son's name is Antai Nefai Lehai. Pretty intense.
Sorry I'm keeping this one so short, there wasn't very much that happened. So I think I will go right into what I learned from study.
So this morning, I was reading in Alma, just after a thousand Anti-Nephi-Lehies are slain. The Anti-Nephi-Lehies decided that when the army came against them they would not pick up their weapons and fight, but they would get down and pray to their Heavenly Father. After a thousand were killed ("...those who had been slain were righteous people, therefore we have no reason to doubt but what they were saved."-Alma 24;26), the Lamanites realized that they weren't going to fight back, and they felt terrible because their hearts were softened towards there brothers ("...there were more than a thousand brought to the knowledge of the truth; thus we see that the Lord worketh in many ways to the salvation of his people." 24:27).
A couple things that stand out to me in this chapter, is truly being anexample. The Anti-Nephi-Lehiesk new that they were going to be killed but they wanted to show their dedication to God, knowing that they would be saved because of their righteousness; they wanted to be an example to the Lamanites so that they might see and come unto God. They really are such great examples of true conversion, meaning that after they came to the gospel they knew no matter what that they must endure to the end, and trust in their Father. Next thought, reminds me of 1st Nephi, when he is told to kill Laban. It is better for one man to perish than a nation to dwindle in unbelief. The reason this comes to mind (not in the same way) but how it took slaying a thousand people before they realized what they were doing is wrong. It was theonly way that they could truly learn the awful truth of the teachings of their fathers. In this case, I think it is amazing that the people that were killed were a righteous people, therefore being saved, and not having a ton of people die without accepting the gospel. Again, the Nephi story doesn't necessarily fit, but it just is something that related it to me in a round-about way. SOoooo, to me it really comes down to being that example to others; being strong no matter the cost, because in the end it will be worth it. Relating to a simple thing as sharing the gospel with a friend. For example, my Bishop said that at his 50 year reunion, he found out that one of his best friends is now a member of the church. Bishop was sad, because he never knew his friend was even interestedin it, let alone thought about talking to him about it.
D&C 18;15 "And if it be so that you labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my father!"
Pretty much what I'm saying is let your beliefs show. Don't be ashamed of something that you know has made your life better. Don't take somebody else’s chance away to experience the blessings of living the gospel. One of my favorite things about the mission, is bringing the Spirit into others homes and having them testify that they do indeed feel it.Alrighty family, that is my thoughts for today, thank you for the emails, I will write back when I get the chance, hopefully soon!
LOVE YA PUNKS!!!!
Elder Jorgensen
________________________________
1/9/12
Day 2-Walk with ChristQuestion: Am I seeking Christ's help?Read: Proverbs 3:5-6, 2 Cor 12:9-10, Jacob 4:7, Ether 12:27Ponder: Am I seeking the Lords help in all I think and do? How canthe Lord help me to overcome my weaknesses?
_________
HHHHHHHHHHeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyy!!!!
How ya'll doin? Goodly? Still human? Yoga? All that Jazz?
Well I'm doing awesome, and I hope you are too! This week was pretty sad on numbers, but Elder Skousen was sick again. However, I went on an exchange with Elder Hatch for a day and the lessons we had were sweet! For the first time I wasn't nervous at all, I led out, the Spirit was strong, and Hatch wasn't nervous at all either. The people we taught made solid commitments, and we learned a lot aboutconfidence. I learned that when changes come this next transfer, I will stay alive. I'm so thankful to be doing this work, and it's awesome to see what God does to get it accomplished. Oh! Again, miracles do happen on exchanges. The Hartly Park Elders (Elder Hatch and Mecham) haven't had any investigators for a long time, but during the exchange they picked up a guy who is really ready to learn. He hasalready read the Book of Mormon, believes it, he just says it’s now time for him to try and live it. I'm pretty stoked for them. So whats new and excited with you people? How's work/school/life? Anything sweet from scripture study?? I hope to hear about that soon! I think I already told you about Aiyola (the guy from Africa), but everytime we go over to his house we get a new potential investigator. I think we have at least 5 from that place that want to learn, and we still have more we haven't met. They just keep coming; it's like Narnia!!!
I've been puttin along through the scriptures and have learned a bunch! I am currently in Alma 34, and I can't wait to finish so I can go through a 3rd time. The reason I want to get done is so that I can learn more from what I already read. The Lord promises that we will always learn something new, even from the same verse. I have already learned new things when I go back to what I read, because it stands out in a way that it is needed at the time. But yea, the scriptures are awesome.My thought for today is from Alma 27:27-30 I call these verses the guidlines to being the best example of a Latter-Day Saint. They talk about the people of Ammon (the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, who's name changed after inhabiting the land ofJershon) and how they were distinguished:
27 And they were among the people of Nephi, and also numbered among the people who were of the church of God. And they were also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; forthey were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end.
28 And they did look upon shedding the blood of their brethren with the greatest abhorrence; and they never could be prevailed upon to take up arms against their brethren; and they never did look upondeath with any degree of terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection; therefore, death was swallowed up to them by the victory of Christ over it.
29 Therefore, they would suffer death in the most aggravating and distressing manner which could be inflicted by their brethren, before they would take the sword or cimeter to smite them.
30 And thus they were a zealous and beloved people, a highly favored people of the Lord.
So here are the points we can use to be true examples:
* Perfectly Honest and upright in all things
* Firm in faith of Christ, even to the end
* Refuse to cause pain and sorrow to others; seek to uplift them.
* Hope and faith that through Christ we can be saved, and do all that is necessary to remain worthy to recieve it "Perfect love casteth out fear"; always seeking to build our testimony so that we will not beafraid, but instead look forward with a smile and heart full of joy.
* Enduring to the end and pushing through our trials, always seeking to help another.
If you want to add to the list feel free, these are just some of the main points. But yea, not much expounding, because it is pretty straight forward. But I woud like to point out how none of those are just for the benefit of ourselves but for others. Hence being an example. Being able to bring the Spirit to those who need it. Not being a judge, but seeking to help others prepare for the judgement.Well family and friends, that’s all I've got for today. Hope there is something in there that will help you have a better week!
Love,
Elder Jorgensen
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1/17/12
Hola Family!
So this past week has been pretty slow, Elder Skousen just got over his sickness. So not very much work done. We did have a couple sweet appointments, and this week we are going to make a comeback. Also, we got a nice paper thin sheet of snow today. It's weird to think that there are only two weeks left in the transfer, meaning one of us will be leaving the area. The past 4 weeks have gone by way fast. For P-day yesterday we just went to some stores and looked around, bought some stuff, and then were with Hartly Park elders for a few hours before dinner. Not a great P-Day, but still pretty fun. Oh! And I used a fed ex envelope to make a new wallet (Pretty much the samestuff as the paper wallet, I just used it as a pattern. It's sweet. I feel bad that I don't have too much to talk about today, but it was kind of a blah week. I don't like sitting idle, and there's only so much study you can do before you go crazy. So it seems that it's time for the Spiritual Thought.
15 And now behold, I tell you by the spirit of prophecy, that if ye transgress the commandments of God, behold, these things which are sacred shall be taken away from you by the power of God, and ye shallbe delivered up unto Satan, that he may sift you as chaff before the wind.
16 But if ye keep the commandments of God, and do with these things which are sacred according to that which the Lord doth command you, (for you must appeal unto the Lord for all things whatsoever ye must do with them) behold, no power of earth or hell can take them from you, for God is powerful to the fulfilling of all his words.
This is Alma the younger counseling with his son Helaman as he gives him the plates. I think this relates to any of the blessing that God gives us, for just as he can bless us, he can take those things away. I like where it says to "appeal unto the Lord for... whatsoever ye must do with them." Some things we don't really know are blessings. Maybe it’s a talent, maybe a thought or idea that we aren't sure where to take it. Maybe it's an answer that we are unsure how to act upon. Whatever it may be, all things are given to us for a purpose, and we shouldn't waste it. Always make sure that we are see them as sacred or precious to us, and really seek to understand the value.
36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
I am sad that I didn't have the chance to do more study for this, because I feel there is a message that needs to be shared that I haven't gotten yet. I hope you get something from this that will help you to see more clearly the fullness of God’s love.Also, I am super tired, so it's really hard to think at the moment, else there would be some more I would write but i can't keep my thoughts straight. Next week will be better tho.Well I love ya!!! Hope you're all doing well, and seeking to improve everyday. I know that I am nowhere near perfect and I have a long way to go, but this gospel truly does help us to get close as we apply itour entire lives. I hope that when you next see me, you will not recognize me. I am working on changes that are not for me, but for my Father in Heaven. I want to become the servant he has promised me Ican be, for the benefit of his children. I love this gospel and am thankful for all the many trials God has given me, so that I can become strong. I know that as we all see the hardships as blessings we can truly be freed from the pains and sorrows of the world. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."I know that my Father lives, and wants us back. I bear you my testimony that this is the kingdom of God restored to the earth, that Jesus is our Savior, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Elder Jorgensen
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1/23/12
Hey-hey!
So I forgot to tell you some things in my last letter! So I've been asked by some people how the baptism on the 24th went, and it went awesome. However, he dissappeared after sunday, and we just found outhe is in jail. Sooooo we haven't been able to get his baptism record filled out. As for Andy, he is doing great and definitely progressing. We will be welcoming him into the ward next week :D Brinton and Dalila are amazing people. Still kind of crazy, but awesome. Brinton told us that the reason he asks us so many questions is because he really wants to know, and is not just trying to tear usapart. We are going to be teaching them this week, and hopefully going to finally start the lessons. It was funny, I was carrying a loaf of bread that a member gave us when we visited Brinton and Dalila, and they said, "ARE YOU HUNGRY!??! Here, have some more bread, and we won't take no for an answer!" So we've been eating a lot of sandwiches this past week haha. We haven't had the chance to meet with Sam in a while, because things keep coming up, but I feel he still has the desire to progress in this gospel, it just is a scary step to take for him. We will keep trying, and I will keep you updated. OH! and we just got a new lady to teach! Brother Patton talked to us on suday about his neighbor. She used to take the lessons before she moved, and has felt like the spirit keeps pushing her to finish them and be baptized. So we are hopefully going to start meeting with her soon. Again, I'm heckin’ excited. I'm scared we may be dropping some more people soon. I will keep praying for them, because it is super hard to have to do. I really love these people.Other than that, things have been awesome. I think my companion is hitting his super trunky time, because he only has three months left. I'm glad he has such a strong desire to do the work, which helps him to get moving. So I constantly have been praying for the desire to stay with us. It's crazy that we only have a few weeks left until one of us is moved. I know the Lord has done some great work in this area.I think that is pretty much it for this week. Love of Spirit feelin; loving it!On to the Spiritual Thought!!!!!!Reading in Alma, and this is during the war between the army of Zarahemna and the Nephites. Also, it takes too long to type out the verses, so you'll have to look them up.
Alma 43:21
The army of Zara. is afraid of the Nephites because of their armor; the Zara. army only has on a little cloth, and are still afraid even though they outnumber the Nephites. I liken this to the world today,compared to us as Latter-Day Saints. As Christ’s followers, we have God backing us up in our righteous actions, direction from the Spirit, promises that will be kept, and a determination to reach eternity. Atleast, I hope that we do. As members of this church we cannot afford to put away our armor, because we ARE sadly outnumbered by the world. If will let down our protection, we are risking our salvation.Remember President Monson's talk "Dare to Stand Alone." If we truly are willing to do what God asks, we must be willing to stand alone if necessary, and not just follow when it is easy. This chapter in Almatalks about how the Zara. army is fighting stronger than they ever have since the beginning (the beginning of the Lamanites), because they have leaders who are raising them up for their cause; power,riches, etc. How much greater is our cause, to fight for "their homes, their liberties, their wives, and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church. And they weredoing that which they felt was the duty which they owed to their God..." We must remember that we never truly stand alone; that God will always be there for us. Remember the words in 1st John "We loveHim, because he first loved us." I bear you my testimony that we must never forget the love of God, and that he asks these things of us not to be obeyed, but because he wants to see his children again. May we all keep our promises to ourbeloved Father, that we may partake of His everlasting love, is my humble prayer, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love you all!
Elder Jorgensen
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1/30/12
HOLA YO!
So, we have been back on track!!! Beastin it up and doing the beautiful work! Andy's baptism is now this Saturday instead of tomorrow; going to be awesome! Things that have happening this past week... Feasting with the tongan's (4 plates. YE-UH!). Have you ever had tapioca? Like the plant? It's like a weird potato. I think they are awesome. However, I refuse to eat the mystery meat they always have (ingredients on the can include beef lips and tongue). Hmmmm we taught some epic lessons, and the Spirit was very strong. When we were teaching Andy, his in-active uncle was in the room and we didn't know he was listening, but he came up to us afterward and, with tears in his eyes, said, "I felt it, what you said makes sense, I felt it." His name is Ron, he's Samoan and just moved back from Utah. We are going to have a lesson this week with a lady who already wants to be baptized, she just needs to finish the lessons. We finally taught the Knope's again!!! It went well, and Anne (the daughter) is preparing to get baptized. We went to visit Sam, but there was no answer and caution tape around the front of his house, so that was kind of strange. Karie, a less active, got hit by a car, so our appointment got moved to Wednesday. Most of our investigators are missing, but the work is still somehow moving forward haha. Oh! We also had zone conference, at which I got the package full of food (Thanks a bunch!!!), and we learned a lot of good stuff. It's always awesome to get to see everybody in the zone, because most of the time they are too far away to visit. Transfers next Monday!!! I'm thinking I'm going to be going, but Skousen thinks he is. We will find out Saturday. CRAZY!!!!! It doesn't feel like we've been together for 4 months, only 1 tops. However, I am excited to meet my new comp. Skousen keeps joking that they are going to make me train. But yea, just thought I'd let ya know!!! This means, hold off on sending things to the apartment address, and just send them to the mission office, until after transfers.
So all in all, this week has been crazy, and wonderful. Now, on to......... THE SPIRITUAL THOUGHT!!!
Jacob 3:2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.I love this. It really says what the gospel is all about. Love. He wants everyone to partake of it, weather they feel unworthy or not, the gospel is for everyone; it is for those who aren't perfect. Don't be ashamed of the gospel, but "lift up your heads." I know that as we really seek to enjoy this gospel, and as we really seek to let others partake of the Spirit we bring, we truly can "feast upon his love." I know this is true, because he has always been with me in my hardest times, I just never lifted my head to see Him. I know that he was there when Kiera was in the hospital, because how I was happy in that situation was by the hand of God, and not myself. I know that he used that time to bring our family closer together. I know that God has a wise purpose for everything and, like Nephi, though we may not fully know it, we must do as he says, and we we will be lifted up at the last day; we can return to our beloved Father, who only acts out of love for his children. I love this gospel and I love you, and I say this in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
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I will be writing letters this week and sending them out, so I don't have to rush emails.
Love,
Elder Jorgensen
12/19/12
Lots of things have been happenin!
This past week has been awesome! We have 4 new investigators: Brinton, Dalila, Pheobe, and Karen. How we met them:
We had planned the night before all the people we were going to see. One of them was Taylor, a less-active member who we haven't been able to catch. Well, when we went over to see her, she wasn't there, but a man stopped us and asked if we were missionaries, if we'd come to his house, and if we had a mormon bible with us. This is Brinton and Dalila. They are two people who pretty much hit rock bottom; lost both of their jobs, grandparents died, etc. Brinton has been in and out of prison, but decided he wants to change his life and look for God. It was a crazy lesson we had tho, people crying all over, Brinton trying to tear us apart, teaching two lessons at once, and eventually commiting them to read the Book of Mormon and set up a return appointment. Pheobe is a lady I tracted into a while back who had some misunderstandings about the church. We aren't really sure if she is completely interested in learning; it started to feel like she just wants money. But she said she is willing to take the lessons and learn more about the church. Karen is an investigator that the old missionaries had, but dropped. A member in our ward called her and asked her if she still wanted to take the lessons and she said yes! So we went over, and have been teaching her. She is willing to listen, and says she believes that the missionaries are true, just doesn't know if the church is yet.
Our work with less-actives has been good! We set up appointments with a bunch of people we haven't been able to find since we got here. However, this week was also sad because we had to drop Leslie. We have been teaching her since week 4, and she hasn't followed through on any of the commitments we leave with her. In the most loving way possible we said that we can't help her progress if she doesn't do her part, told her that when she reads we'll come right back, and then we left. Me and Elder skousen walked all the way back to are apartment with our eyes red and watery. At this moment I knew that I had finally reached my goal of loving the people. Also, I should mention that it was a prompting of the Spirit that said we needed to drop her. Maybe for her to have thinking time, not sure, all I know is that as soon as we stood up to leave the Spirit hit so strong letting us know we did what needed to be done.
CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!! I am so excited to talk to you! We are going to be spending the day with the Hatheford family (their son Thom came with us to our first appointment with Karen) and they are super awesome. I believe I will be calling around 4pm, but I will let you know for sure on Friday. What are ya'll doing for the holiday? The usual? I'm going to send our cards, they may be a little late, it all depends on when I have time to do them. Hope you have lovely holidays and look forward to sprackining.
Alrighty so I think it would be sweet to do this 14 Day Walk with Christ:
Day 1:
QUESTION: How can I follow in His steps?
READ: 1 Peter 2:21, Abraham 1:2, Moroni 7:48
PONDER: How can I follow in Christ's steps today? In all my decisions I will ask: "What would Christ do?"
I think this would be an awesome way to hear from you all, as a small group study like thing. Elder Skousen gave me the paper with these on it, so I figured I'd do it once a week with all of you.
Let me know what ya think!
I love you all and am greatful for all you do for me. I am glad I came on my mission and wouldn't trade it for anything because it may be hard, but I have seen changes in myself, learned so much, and have really started to understand what it means to rely on the Lord. Hope you are doing great, accomplishing great things, staying alive, and all that good stuff.
LOVE YA!
ELder Jorgensen
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12/27/12
Hello there!
Well not sure what all to say, seeing as how I talked to so many people on the phone for Christmas, but I'll do what I can.
So Christmas was great! First off, Elder Skousen is still my companion; we survived! Haha we have one more transfer before he probably really will leave, so we are going to make sure I am all trained up. Anyways back to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we went and bought a bunch of presents to give out to the peeps we teach, knocked on there door, and ran, It was sweet. Sunday at Church was just sacrament meeting, and a new member was confirmed (what a great Christmas present!) and then right after it, we went to the Hatheford's house. We played games, ate lots of ridiculously good food, met more family, and just lots of hangin;. Then yesterday (Monday), we didn't do all of P-Day, because all we did was go buy a ton of cleaning supplies. The missionaries here before us left a pretty bad mess of things, and we haven't been able to fully clean, until today. It’s looking sweet.
Something cool from studies:
Alma 18:3,34-35
3 And they answered the king, and said: Whether he be the Great Spirit or a man, we know not; but this much we do know, that he cannot be slain by the enemies of the king; neither can they scatter the king's flocks when he is with us, because of his expertness and great strength; therefore, we know that he is a friend to the king. And now, O king, we do not believe that a man has such great power, for we know he cannot be slain.
34 Ammon said unto him (the king): I am a man; and man in the beginning was created after the image of God, and I am called by his Holy Spirit to teach these things unto this people, that they may be brought to a knowledge of that which is just and true.
35 And a portion of that Spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth me knowledge, and also power according to my faith and desires which are in God.
So this is when Ammon becomes a servant of the king, and there are people trying to scatter the flocks. Ammon knows that the king will kill the servants if the flocks are scattered, so he defends them and cuts off the arms of all those trying to scatter the flocks. What I think is so sweet, is that because of his faith in God; because of the calling to teach the people his gospel, he was preserved. The people saw that he had the power of God backing him, they just couldn't explain it. Ammon was put in this place for a reason, as to provide a way to teach not only the people, but the king as well. I love that whole conversation he has with the king, and how he asks inspired questions (gives inspired answers) to get the king to allow him to talk about the gospel. To I guess pull together all that, Really the message to me about having the faith that God will be at you back in times of need. God wants his work done, and as we are willing to do so, he will provide a way for us to accomplish it. For example, Nephi when he goes to get the plates. He bears testimony of that exact subject that God provides a way to accomplish that which he commands us to do. Also, If we have that faith and that determination to serve, it shows. I know that this work cannot be accomplished by me alone, but with the companionship of the Spirit, and being obedient to all its promptings. By seeking out new ways to be obedient. By helping at every opportunity I can. By being who I've always been, one who likes to see people smiling. I know that as we all do what is necessary, God will do his work through us, and not only will it help others, but it will help us as well. I have learned so much while being out here these past few months, and I know that I never would have learned some vital things had I not decided to serve. May we all seek to do the will of our Heavenly Father, having faith in times of hardship, that he will see us through. I know that God will be there and is there, we just have to let Him in. I say this in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
LOVE YA!!!
Elder Jorgensen
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1/02/12
Greetings Peeps,
This week was kinda meh. Just because the Holidays took away most of our lessons. So we ended up just doing a lot of other things like cleaning, studies, and all that good stuff. I'm about halfway throughAlma tho :D But yea, we've been working with a couple people towards baptism in the next couple of weeks, the only problem is that they keep partying because of the holidays and such, so they keep missing church (They have to come to church at least three times before baptism). We did, however, attend a baptism for an investigator in Elder Skousen's old area. He would have been baptized when Skousen was still there, but his parents said that he had to wait till he was older so he would be old enough to make the decision for himself. We took Andy with us, and he seemed to semi-enjoy it; as much as a 13 year old kid can. During the week, we also got to spend some time with fellow elders, and played Settlers of Catan, which is pretty sweet. Oh, and I've been doing some art lately, to get rid of stress and such, and It's actually turning out pretty decent (In the MTC, everything came out terrible, like elementary style). For new years we sat in our apartment and talked, then I started to do some scripture study. For some reason, people were lighting off fireworks at like 10. It was weird.
Aside from all that, we have some great goals set for this week, and are hoping to get a lot of work done. OH!!! I found out Brother Falepapalangi's son's name is Antai Nefai Lehai. Pretty intense.
Sorry I'm keeping this one so short, there wasn't very much that happened. So I think I will go right into what I learned from study.
So this morning, I was reading in Alma, just after a thousand Anti-Nephi-Lehies are slain. The Anti-Nephi-Lehies decided that when the army came against them they would not pick up their weapons and fight, but they would get down and pray to their Heavenly Father. After a thousand were killed ("...those who had been slain were righteous people, therefore we have no reason to doubt but what they were saved."-Alma 24;26), the Lamanites realized that they weren't going to fight back, and they felt terrible because their hearts were softened towards there brothers ("...there were more than a thousand brought to the knowledge of the truth; thus we see that the Lord worketh in many ways to the salvation of his people." 24:27).
A couple things that stand out to me in this chapter, is truly being anexample. The Anti-Nephi-Lehiesk new that they were going to be killed but they wanted to show their dedication to God, knowing that they would be saved because of their righteousness; they wanted to be an example to the Lamanites so that they might see and come unto God. They really are such great examples of true conversion, meaning that after they came to the gospel they knew no matter what that they must endure to the end, and trust in their Father. Next thought, reminds me of 1st Nephi, when he is told to kill Laban. It is better for one man to perish than a nation to dwindle in unbelief. The reason this comes to mind (not in the same way) but how it took slaying a thousand people before they realized what they were doing is wrong. It was theonly way that they could truly learn the awful truth of the teachings of their fathers. In this case, I think it is amazing that the people that were killed were a righteous people, therefore being saved, and not having a ton of people die without accepting the gospel. Again, the Nephi story doesn't necessarily fit, but it just is something that related it to me in a round-about way. SOoooo, to me it really comes down to being that example to others; being strong no matter the cost, because in the end it will be worth it. Relating to a simple thing as sharing the gospel with a friend. For example, my Bishop said that at his 50 year reunion, he found out that one of his best friends is now a member of the church. Bishop was sad, because he never knew his friend was even interestedin it, let alone thought about talking to him about it.
D&C 18;15 "And if it be so that you labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my father!"
Pretty much what I'm saying is let your beliefs show. Don't be ashamed of something that you know has made your life better. Don't take somebody else’s chance away to experience the blessings of living the gospel. One of my favorite things about the mission, is bringing the Spirit into others homes and having them testify that they do indeed feel it.Alrighty family, that is my thoughts for today, thank you for the emails, I will write back when I get the chance, hopefully soon!
LOVE YA PUNKS!!!!
Elder Jorgensen
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1/9/12
Day 2-Walk with ChristQuestion: Am I seeking Christ's help?Read: Proverbs 3:5-6, 2 Cor 12:9-10, Jacob 4:7, Ether 12:27Ponder: Am I seeking the Lords help in all I think and do? How canthe Lord help me to overcome my weaknesses?
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HHHHHHHHHHeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyy!!!!
How ya'll doin? Goodly? Still human? Yoga? All that Jazz?
Well I'm doing awesome, and I hope you are too! This week was pretty sad on numbers, but Elder Skousen was sick again. However, I went on an exchange with Elder Hatch for a day and the lessons we had were sweet! For the first time I wasn't nervous at all, I led out, the Spirit was strong, and Hatch wasn't nervous at all either. The people we taught made solid commitments, and we learned a lot aboutconfidence. I learned that when changes come this next transfer, I will stay alive. I'm so thankful to be doing this work, and it's awesome to see what God does to get it accomplished. Oh! Again, miracles do happen on exchanges. The Hartly Park Elders (Elder Hatch and Mecham) haven't had any investigators for a long time, but during the exchange they picked up a guy who is really ready to learn. He hasalready read the Book of Mormon, believes it, he just says it’s now time for him to try and live it. I'm pretty stoked for them. So whats new and excited with you people? How's work/school/life? Anything sweet from scripture study?? I hope to hear about that soon! I think I already told you about Aiyola (the guy from Africa), but everytime we go over to his house we get a new potential investigator. I think we have at least 5 from that place that want to learn, and we still have more we haven't met. They just keep coming; it's like Narnia!!!
I've been puttin along through the scriptures and have learned a bunch! I am currently in Alma 34, and I can't wait to finish so I can go through a 3rd time. The reason I want to get done is so that I can learn more from what I already read. The Lord promises that we will always learn something new, even from the same verse. I have already learned new things when I go back to what I read, because it stands out in a way that it is needed at the time. But yea, the scriptures are awesome.My thought for today is from Alma 27:27-30 I call these verses the guidlines to being the best example of a Latter-Day Saint. They talk about the people of Ammon (the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, who's name changed after inhabiting the land ofJershon) and how they were distinguished:
27 And they were among the people of Nephi, and also numbered among the people who were of the church of God. And they were also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; forthey were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end.
28 And they did look upon shedding the blood of their brethren with the greatest abhorrence; and they never could be prevailed upon to take up arms against their brethren; and they never did look upondeath with any degree of terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection; therefore, death was swallowed up to them by the victory of Christ over it.
29 Therefore, they would suffer death in the most aggravating and distressing manner which could be inflicted by their brethren, before they would take the sword or cimeter to smite them.
30 And thus they were a zealous and beloved people, a highly favored people of the Lord.
So here are the points we can use to be true examples:
* Perfectly Honest and upright in all things
* Firm in faith of Christ, even to the end
* Refuse to cause pain and sorrow to others; seek to uplift them.
* Hope and faith that through Christ we can be saved, and do all that is necessary to remain worthy to recieve it "Perfect love casteth out fear"; always seeking to build our testimony so that we will not beafraid, but instead look forward with a smile and heart full of joy.
* Enduring to the end and pushing through our trials, always seeking to help another.
If you want to add to the list feel free, these are just some of the main points. But yea, not much expounding, because it is pretty straight forward. But I woud like to point out how none of those are just for the benefit of ourselves but for others. Hence being an example. Being able to bring the Spirit to those who need it. Not being a judge, but seeking to help others prepare for the judgement.Well family and friends, that’s all I've got for today. Hope there is something in there that will help you have a better week!
Love,
Elder Jorgensen
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1/17/12
Hola Family!
So this past week has been pretty slow, Elder Skousen just got over his sickness. So not very much work done. We did have a couple sweet appointments, and this week we are going to make a comeback. Also, we got a nice paper thin sheet of snow today. It's weird to think that there are only two weeks left in the transfer, meaning one of us will be leaving the area. The past 4 weeks have gone by way fast. For P-day yesterday we just went to some stores and looked around, bought some stuff, and then were with Hartly Park elders for a few hours before dinner. Not a great P-Day, but still pretty fun. Oh! And I used a fed ex envelope to make a new wallet (Pretty much the samestuff as the paper wallet, I just used it as a pattern. It's sweet. I feel bad that I don't have too much to talk about today, but it was kind of a blah week. I don't like sitting idle, and there's only so much study you can do before you go crazy. So it seems that it's time for the Spiritual Thought.
15 And now behold, I tell you by the spirit of prophecy, that if ye transgress the commandments of God, behold, these things which are sacred shall be taken away from you by the power of God, and ye shallbe delivered up unto Satan, that he may sift you as chaff before the wind.
16 But if ye keep the commandments of God, and do with these things which are sacred according to that which the Lord doth command you, (for you must appeal unto the Lord for all things whatsoever ye must do with them) behold, no power of earth or hell can take them from you, for God is powerful to the fulfilling of all his words.
This is Alma the younger counseling with his son Helaman as he gives him the plates. I think this relates to any of the blessing that God gives us, for just as he can bless us, he can take those things away. I like where it says to "appeal unto the Lord for... whatsoever ye must do with them." Some things we don't really know are blessings. Maybe it’s a talent, maybe a thought or idea that we aren't sure where to take it. Maybe it's an answer that we are unsure how to act upon. Whatever it may be, all things are given to us for a purpose, and we shouldn't waste it. Always make sure that we are see them as sacred or precious to us, and really seek to understand the value.
36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
I am sad that I didn't have the chance to do more study for this, because I feel there is a message that needs to be shared that I haven't gotten yet. I hope you get something from this that will help you to see more clearly the fullness of God’s love.Also, I am super tired, so it's really hard to think at the moment, else there would be some more I would write but i can't keep my thoughts straight. Next week will be better tho.Well I love ya!!! Hope you're all doing well, and seeking to improve everyday. I know that I am nowhere near perfect and I have a long way to go, but this gospel truly does help us to get close as we apply itour entire lives. I hope that when you next see me, you will not recognize me. I am working on changes that are not for me, but for my Father in Heaven. I want to become the servant he has promised me Ican be, for the benefit of his children. I love this gospel and am thankful for all the many trials God has given me, so that I can become strong. I know that as we all see the hardships as blessings we can truly be freed from the pains and sorrows of the world. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."I know that my Father lives, and wants us back. I bear you my testimony that this is the kingdom of God restored to the earth, that Jesus is our Savior, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Elder Jorgensen
________________________
1/23/12
Hey-hey!
So I forgot to tell you some things in my last letter! So I've been asked by some people how the baptism on the 24th went, and it went awesome. However, he dissappeared after sunday, and we just found outhe is in jail. Sooooo we haven't been able to get his baptism record filled out. As for Andy, he is doing great and definitely progressing. We will be welcoming him into the ward next week :D Brinton and Dalila are amazing people. Still kind of crazy, but awesome. Brinton told us that the reason he asks us so many questions is because he really wants to know, and is not just trying to tear usapart. We are going to be teaching them this week, and hopefully going to finally start the lessons. It was funny, I was carrying a loaf of bread that a member gave us when we visited Brinton and Dalila, and they said, "ARE YOU HUNGRY!??! Here, have some more bread, and we won't take no for an answer!" So we've been eating a lot of sandwiches this past week haha. We haven't had the chance to meet with Sam in a while, because things keep coming up, but I feel he still has the desire to progress in this gospel, it just is a scary step to take for him. We will keep trying, and I will keep you updated. OH! and we just got a new lady to teach! Brother Patton talked to us on suday about his neighbor. She used to take the lessons before she moved, and has felt like the spirit keeps pushing her to finish them and be baptized. So we are hopefully going to start meeting with her soon. Again, I'm heckin’ excited. I'm scared we may be dropping some more people soon. I will keep praying for them, because it is super hard to have to do. I really love these people.Other than that, things have been awesome. I think my companion is hitting his super trunky time, because he only has three months left. I'm glad he has such a strong desire to do the work, which helps him to get moving. So I constantly have been praying for the desire to stay with us. It's crazy that we only have a few weeks left until one of us is moved. I know the Lord has done some great work in this area.I think that is pretty much it for this week. Love of Spirit feelin; loving it!On to the Spiritual Thought!!!!!!Reading in Alma, and this is during the war between the army of Zarahemna and the Nephites. Also, it takes too long to type out the verses, so you'll have to look them up.
Alma 43:21
The army of Zara. is afraid of the Nephites because of their armor; the Zara. army only has on a little cloth, and are still afraid even though they outnumber the Nephites. I liken this to the world today,compared to us as Latter-Day Saints. As Christ’s followers, we have God backing us up in our righteous actions, direction from the Spirit, promises that will be kept, and a determination to reach eternity. Atleast, I hope that we do. As members of this church we cannot afford to put away our armor, because we ARE sadly outnumbered by the world. If will let down our protection, we are risking our salvation.Remember President Monson's talk "Dare to Stand Alone." If we truly are willing to do what God asks, we must be willing to stand alone if necessary, and not just follow when it is easy. This chapter in Almatalks about how the Zara. army is fighting stronger than they ever have since the beginning (the beginning of the Lamanites), because they have leaders who are raising them up for their cause; power,riches, etc. How much greater is our cause, to fight for "their homes, their liberties, their wives, and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church. And they weredoing that which they felt was the duty which they owed to their God..." We must remember that we never truly stand alone; that God will always be there for us. Remember the words in 1st John "We loveHim, because he first loved us." I bear you my testimony that we must never forget the love of God, and that he asks these things of us not to be obeyed, but because he wants to see his children again. May we all keep our promises to ourbeloved Father, that we may partake of His everlasting love, is my humble prayer, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love you all!
Elder Jorgensen
_________________________
1/30/12
HOLA YO!
So, we have been back on track!!! Beastin it up and doing the beautiful work! Andy's baptism is now this Saturday instead of tomorrow; going to be awesome! Things that have happening this past week... Feasting with the tongan's (4 plates. YE-UH!). Have you ever had tapioca? Like the plant? It's like a weird potato. I think they are awesome. However, I refuse to eat the mystery meat they always have (ingredients on the can include beef lips and tongue). Hmmmm we taught some epic lessons, and the Spirit was very strong. When we were teaching Andy, his in-active uncle was in the room and we didn't know he was listening, but he came up to us afterward and, with tears in his eyes, said, "I felt it, what you said makes sense, I felt it." His name is Ron, he's Samoan and just moved back from Utah. We are going to have a lesson this week with a lady who already wants to be baptized, she just needs to finish the lessons. We finally taught the Knope's again!!! It went well, and Anne (the daughter) is preparing to get baptized. We went to visit Sam, but there was no answer and caution tape around the front of his house, so that was kind of strange. Karie, a less active, got hit by a car, so our appointment got moved to Wednesday. Most of our investigators are missing, but the work is still somehow moving forward haha. Oh! We also had zone conference, at which I got the package full of food (Thanks a bunch!!!), and we learned a lot of good stuff. It's always awesome to get to see everybody in the zone, because most of the time they are too far away to visit. Transfers next Monday!!! I'm thinking I'm going to be going, but Skousen thinks he is. We will find out Saturday. CRAZY!!!!! It doesn't feel like we've been together for 4 months, only 1 tops. However, I am excited to meet my new comp. Skousen keeps joking that they are going to make me train. But yea, just thought I'd let ya know!!! This means, hold off on sending things to the apartment address, and just send them to the mission office, until after transfers.
So all in all, this week has been crazy, and wonderful. Now, on to......... THE SPIRITUAL THOUGHT!!!
Jacob 3:2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.I love this. It really says what the gospel is all about. Love. He wants everyone to partake of it, weather they feel unworthy or not, the gospel is for everyone; it is for those who aren't perfect. Don't be ashamed of the gospel, but "lift up your heads." I know that as we really seek to enjoy this gospel, and as we really seek to let others partake of the Spirit we bring, we truly can "feast upon his love." I know this is true, because he has always been with me in my hardest times, I just never lifted my head to see Him. I know that he was there when Kiera was in the hospital, because how I was happy in that situation was by the hand of God, and not myself. I know that he used that time to bring our family closer together. I know that God has a wise purpose for everything and, like Nephi, though we may not fully know it, we must do as he says, and we we will be lifted up at the last day; we can return to our beloved Father, who only acts out of love for his children. I love this gospel and I love you, and I say this in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
_________________________
I will be writing letters this week and sending them out, so I don't have to rush emails.
Love,
Elder Jorgensen
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
5 dollars worth of letters!
11/07/11
Relatives!
WHAT UP??!
This past week has been awesome, not as much work got done because people keep cancelling, but the appointments we did have went really well! There is a guy we've started teaching. He goes to a Christian church, and his pastors have been telling him some ridiculous things. But we bore our testimony of the Book of Mormon and he said that he would read it because, "If it can help you, then I believe that it can help me too."
He's got a lot of strange views that we've got to talk to him about, but he's sweet. He also speaks 8 different languages.
Anyway, the work has still been at least moving forward. Getting closer to having baptismal dates, but still hasn't been the right time. This week I hope that they will be ready to set a date. That'd be awesome, not just because it would be a baptism, but because just getting to know these people I can really see how the Gospel can truly make their life better. One of them we just taught the Plan of Salvation. He is taking it all really well, we just have to simplify it and define things. He finally started actually reading the Book of Mormon this week, so he is now officially progressing! The others are a married couple and they waved over the missionaries after he got back from the hospital, because he decided he needs God in his life. Every time we are there he tells us that he feels the things that we teach him are true, and loves it. His wife is a little quiet, and said that it will take her longer to accept things, but she said she is still willing to learn. Lastly there is an ex-minister, who realized something was missing in the Baptist church. He believes that the Book of Mormon is true, Joseph did in fact restore this gospel, and that this church is true. All he needs to do is stop smoking. We committed him to praying and picking a date that he wants to quit smoking, as well as being baptized. If you guys could help pray for these people that would be much appreciated. (To those who don't see the names, just investigators in general).
I learned this week how important it is to focus on the good in life, and look for the blessings of God. One of our in-active members says that she has been praying for 8 years and hasn't gotten a single answer from God. As she was telling us about her life, how none of her children/grand kids love her, and was crying, her grandson was running out to play football, stopped, hugged her, and then continued out the door. She was shocked! We told her THAT was an answer. She then remembered a time she was crying and she randomly got a text from her grandson saying "Grandma, I'm crying right now, but I just want you to know that I am thankful for what you do for me, and I love you." She has been so focused on the bad in her life that when good things come along, she pushes them aside and forgets. If we want to be happy in this life, we can't allow ourselves to focus on bad things. Even the smallest happy moment we need to cherish, because it is one more piece to build us up.
Well family, I love you very much and keep being coolio.
Love,
Elder Jorgensen
Alma 7:23
And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
Oh! We also did an exchange, so Elder Pehlam (one of the Zone Leaders) was my companion for a day. That was the day we met one of our investigators. We also met a guy who thought that nobody should have pictures of what they think Jesus looks like, because "In the Bible Jesus is covered in Jewels and Rubies." But yea, that day was sweet, but glad to be back with Elder Skousen.
11/16/11
Sorry I didn't email on Monday!
Things got all mixed up and we wound up with no time, but here I am!
So first things first, I have an idea. Each week, I think it would be awesome if ALL OF YOU told me something you learned from scripture study. I will each week as well, but I just think it would be sweet. Pray beforehand as well, so that you can receive personal revelation.
Also, I haven't had time to write in my journal since like week 3, so I am going to count these letters as journal entries until I find more time.
With letters home, it probably doesn't take as long as you think, just because it is really hard for me to find time to write them, and when I have them done, I have forgotten to send them out. I will try to do better.
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I'll go over the best parts of each day over the past week:
MONDAY Nov. 7th: We had zone dodge ball for 4.5 hours, because one of the Elder's would be going home next transfer (which was the 14th).
TUESDAY: Pretty much normal day.
WEDNESDAY: Blitz with the Spanish Elders!!! We found a potential investigator at our first door. He is from Africa. We taught the first lesson to him, and he said he would read as much of the Book of Mormon as he could before we visited him next, and he seemed genuinely interested. Later that night we went out with the Ward Missionaries to visit Less-Active members. We went to our sister investigator’s house, and taught her a lesson based off of the General Relief Society talk about the Forget-Me-Not Flower. Look it up, it’s pretty sweet! Although I didn't get much of a chance to speak in that lesson that talk was the perfect thing I had been searching for to share with one of the people we are teaching!
THURSDAY: CRAZY DAY!!! My planner was overfilled, so much so that lunch was a backup plan if an appointment fell through. The best part of the day was when we taught a newly re-activated member. He has been struggling with smoking, but said that he hasn't smoked for two weeks, and the urges haven't been that bad because God has been helping him. However, he keeps a cigarette in his garage just in case. I told him that God has been helping him, but with that help, we are not meant to test how much he will give us by keeping that temptation around. He looked at me, got up, and left the room! I thought I had upset him, but then he came back in the room with the cigarette, tore it up, and threw it in the fire saying, "See, now I'm done for sure." Frackin awesome!!!
FRIDAY: (On exchanges with Hartly Park) pretty much all our appointments fell through. Crazy miracle day though! I'll tell you more in a letter, but long story short- beans, timing, a transient who got on the wrong bus, and Spiritual promptings, led to an accidental service, saving a batch of chili, and meeting an inactive member who will be at church on Sunday and is going to start meeting with missionaries.
Dinner was awesome, because I realized that the people who were feeding us where a less-active family we were going to try and visit! We set up an appointment to meet with them, and they are such great/funny people. Also, another inactive family ALL SAT DOWN IN THE SAME ROOM TOGETHER FOR A LESSON!!! This is the first time we've actually gotten them all together since my first week here. And I'd only met the parents. Their daughter committed to being baptized, so we are going to be working with her and hopefully having a baptism within the next couple weeks!
SATURDAY: We went with the Tongan Elders to help do service for a family; prepping the walls for painting. We did some tracting, and found some Potentials. Again, all our appointments fell through.
SUNDAY: One of our inactive families came to church!!! It was so awesome, and the people in the ward went up and talked with them and were very welcoming. It was SWEEEEET. Did a lot of personal study, and visited some people, who changed their minds about listening to us. Oh well, still an awesome day.
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Alrighty so what I learned in study this week is that personal revelation is KEY!!! That is what the scriptures are meant for; not just to be a history book, but to help us understand the things we need to be doing, as well as help us in any situation. For example, I felt the need to write, "Love everyone no matter what, and be humble before Heavenly Father" in my planner, just because of things that had happened in lessons that day, but I didn't know why I wrote it for sure. The next morning in study, that is what all the chapters I read were talking about! I found a lot of things that not only helped me, but that I felt could really help those we are teaching. I know that the scriptures are inspired, and truly contain the words of God. If not, we might as well be reading an A.P. history book. We really need to understand the importance of it in our lives, and USE IT ALWAYS. Too many times out here people commit to reading and don't do it, and then when we read what was assigned, they say, "Oh, I really needed to hear that." And yet STILL THEY DON"T READ!!! It makes me sad and upset because they see what it can do, but are unwilling to take the time to do it.
I love you all, and hope all is well. Keep being super cool, and I can't wait to hear from ya!!!
LOVE YOU!!!!
Elder Joshua Jorgensen
11/21/11
SUP!
This past week was pretty awesome! The first part of the week every lesson we had planned actually happened, and we set some good commitments with the people. The second half of the week everyone kept cancelling, but all of our backup plans worked out, so we now have 4 new people to teach! Pretty excited.
I'm not sure what all to talk about in this letter, but I'll start off with the craziness of Portland. Apparently there is a big protest going on, but no one is sure what it is for anymore. It started as something to do with government, but then just became this mass hobo gathering. Not sure what it is, but that shows how ridiculous it gets; a bunch of people wasting their time to stand around for no other reason but someone told them to.
I also got mooned by some people, and a 7 year old kid on the street ran up, head-butted me, punched me, swore at me, and then ran off. I thought he was going to break his face on my back, because I didn't budge but his feet came off the ground. It's been a random week haha.
Thanksgiving is coming up!!! Pretty excited, one of the members is having us over, and they are partying all day. Not sure what we are going to do for the whole day, but definitely going to eat well. I love how willing the people are to help us out. When the dinner calendar gets passed around, people actually argue over who gets what days to feed us. We almost always have a ride to places, and they are willing to come help with lessons if need be.
Alma 34:38: That you contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye may live in THANKSGIVING daily, for the many mercies and blessings which He doth bestow upon you.
I am indeed thankful for all that God has given me, from my family, to this mission, as well as all those others he puts in my life to help me learn and grow. It is so important to LISTEN to the Holy Ghost as well. For example, a couple days ago we were about to head to a lesson and we decided we should take another way, because we always go the same way. As we were walking, a man from the Tongan Ward walked up to us, introduced himself, and gave us twenty bucks for food. We were running low on money, and this helped out so much. Heavenly Father knows our needs; we just need to be willing to listen to what he tells us to do.
I only have 5 weeks left until the next transfer, meaning that Elder Skousen will be moving to a new area. Crazy! It's going to be sad, but I'm excited to see who my next companion will be. Hopefully he is awesome, because there are a few who just sit around and never want to do anything.
How've studies been going? Learn anything new this week? Hope so, because the scriptures are super! Well I guess that’s all for today, but I'll talk to you again next Monday. Love you all and hope you’re having a grandtastic time!
LOOOOOOOOOOOVE,
Elder Joshua B. Jorgensen
11/28/11
HHHHola!
SO this past week everyone was cancelling again. We only were able to teach 2 people I believe. TIME TO STEP IT UP!!!
I've been trying to do a lot more study, and have gone from Jacob to Alma in like 3 days marking referencing and all that fun stuff. I love the things that can be learned when the Spirit is present. I've been having a hard time focusing, so that is why I kicked up how much study I do, because when I have nothing to do, my mind wanders and I can't focus on promptings/impressions from the Spirit, and it has really made me upset with myself after a lesson (there have been a few while being here where I end up giving little if even any input). But this week lots of study, prayer, fasting, and so on has really helped and I loved every minute. I just wish we could have had MORE LESSONS!!!
I also realized that I need to manage money better. We ran out way to early this month because of the P-Day activities (leading us to eat out as well). I also had to buy some more pants, because my favorite jeans tore and the zipper broke, so I may be sending those hope to see if there is a way to replace the zipper/patch the hole.
All that aside, THANKSGIVING WAS SWEET!!! We went to a members house, expecting to be eating turkey broth and breadsticks (last time we ate with them it was tomato soup with nothing else haha. However, it was delicious soup) but they had a ridiculously awesome ham, turkey, pies, cheese, hot chocolate, and all that good stuff. Then we pretty much entertained the kids all day so that the parents could spend time with their visiting friends. Oh! And we did a Turkey Bowl earlier in the rain, so Skousen got covered in mud. I just took pictures and watched, it was pretty intense.
HOW WAS THANKSGIVING FOR YOU??
There is a lady we are working with who is continuously depressed about her life and won't give happiness a chance. It has been really hard because no matter what we say, testimony we bear, and how much WE as the missionaries feel the Spirit, remembering that the Spirit is brought unto them, not into. So they have to be willing to soften their hearts and let it in. We have another lesson with her today, and feel like this lesson will do some good for her. Praying hard! She is in-active by the way, not an investigator. Elder C. Scott Grow came and visited the mission, and said that more than half of our efforts should be put towards less/in active members, because by bringing them back, it will cause others who are not members to be interested.
Then there is the one who has a baptismal date set for Christmas Eve. We had another lesson with him, and challenged him to stop smoking by the 3rd, and he accepted. Hopefully he follows through; he has done most everything else we've asked him. I have faith that he can do it, he just needs to humble himself and let the Lord help him.
I've been sad about one of our inactive families, because we haven’t met with them in like 4 weeks. They keep cancelling. We aren't giving up on them, and will keep trying and praying. I really believe that if we can start meeting with them again, there will be progress in their home.
Another of our investigators has been doing better and says that he will be baptized if we want him to. That being said, we only want him to if he has that desire for himself. He is very loyal and willing to do what we ask, we just need to help him see that this is a very great and wonderful thing. We are meeting with him tonight as well, and have some good plans. I am excited to see how the Spirit will help in this lesson.
We gave another one of our investigators his book, but have yet to schedule an appointment with him. His sister still seems interested; she just needs to find out her schedule. They are really awesome people, and are willing to listen to and do the things we say. I love how that when we tell them something, at first they have a hard time with it, but when we re say it and bear testimony, they know that it can be true, and do have that desire to know. I look forward to seeing their progress.
Oh and our less active family! So we haven't had a lesson with them for about a week, but their daughter has the desire to be baptized and to learn. They are great people and have a lot of goals; it is just the getting started part they are having trouble with.
Again, I love that we are told to love everyone, because I truly do. Everyone I have met and talked with has been such a blessing and growing experience for me.
Alrighty, on to what I've learned this week. So in those books I read, there is a lot about repentance, judgment, war, and so on. What stood out to me the most was being an example to others. For example, Abinadi, when he was brought before the king. The priests were saying they were teaching the Law of Moses, and Abinadi comes back with "If ye teach the law of Moses why do ye not keep it?" and starts to call them out on all the stuff they do. While he is teaching them and saying the things that God has commanded and that should be done, Alma, one of the king’s priests believes him and ends up leading a great people and organizing the Church of God. All throughout those many chapters it talks about how the kings where prideful as well as the priests, and put themselves above everyone, but when the kings were done away with and the people wanted a king, they were told not to have one. It talks about the corrupting effect power can have on people. It talks about keeping people at an equal and serving one another. I love how when Alma the younger is Chief Judge, all the people of the Church of God have more riches and prosperity than those who are vain. Through all this I realized how much I do need to step it up, and be the best example I can be. In my Patriarchal Blessing, it says that I need to be the best example of a disciple of Christ as I can, and that it will show to my family, friends, and future children, making them strong as well. My goal is that for the next two years, Elder will be my first name. I want to become the missionary God wants me to be, and I have to make some changes to get there, but I know it will be worth it. I love this gospel and all that I have learned so far here in Oregon, and I can't wait to look back and see how far I've come as well as those who God has prepared for me to help.
Again, I encourage you all to email me each week and tell me what you learned from study. It can be as simple as expounding on a verse that stood out to you. But I encourage it to be not just something you read, but something that really can bless your life and help you.
I love you all and am thankful for all that you do for me. Hope all is well, and that you get something out of what I have said today. You are wonderful!!!
Love ya!
Elder Jorgensen
12/05/11
Hello there! Whatcha up to?
Alrighty so here's the low down on what’s up. First off, I'm trying to be better at 100% obedience, but it is hard!!! I did a lot of fasting, praying, scripture study, and found a lot of things that really helped me to focus on the work. However, I am definitely not there yet, and for that I apologize. We have been doing pretty dang good though the past couple weeks, and its sweet. We had a district meeting last Wednesday and where supposed to be talking about recognizing the Holy Ghost, but two of the Elders got hung up on obedience to the Missionary Handbook, and said, “they’re just guidelines, and it’s not like we are sinning to break them." My companion proceeded to tell them that in the front of the book it specifically says that when we signed up for the mission, we promised that we would obey all the rules and standards, and that the Prophet himself asks it. It also says that disobedience means you are accountable to the Lord and your mission president. Anyways, this led to a big argument because the people were trying to find a way out of feeling guilty; the Spirit was gone and everyone was upset. Because I was prompted, I got up and bore my testimony. By the time I was done, I knew that the Spirit was back. Everyone else one by one bored their testimony, and then we were able to proceed with the rest of the lesson.
I do know that I am not perfect, and I still have a lot to work on, but I am doing what I can to be where I need to be. In my Patriarchal Blessing it says that I need to be the best example of a Latter-Day Saint that I can be, and that people will come to the gospel just by being around me. There are more things in my blessing that say what I can become, and I have made it a goal to become the Missionary that not only I know I can be, but what God wants and expects me to be.
With our investigators things are kind of in a weird place. The one, who has the baptism on the 24th, hasn't shown up to church in 3 weeks. However, he told us that he has stopped smoking and seems like he still wants baptism to happen. We've had a hard time trying to catch another investigator and his sister home, but we have met someone new at their house each time we try to see them, and they all seem willing to listen. There is an old lady who seems excited to hear about the Gospel, she just has health problems that cause her to keep cancelling. However, we have an appointment this week to take her to the church and give her a tour, as well as teach her. I'm pretty excited. One thing she said that really stood out to me was; "You boys always smile so good. I don't know what it is, but whatever makes you so happy, I want some of that." She's awesome. The other day I tracted into a lady who has had missionaries come by before, but her husband hasn't been home, so they weren't able to sit down with her. This time, she got our number from us, set up a time, and kept calling to make sure everything was still good. I felt bad, because on the day that we were going to teach her, President Morby called and had us go to the hospital to give a man a blessing. When we rescheduled, she ended up having to go in to work. But she still seems excited to talk with us, so hopefully we can get something set up.
How was thanksgiving? I haven't received emails from y'all in a long time! Haha
I got letters from Jake and McKenna in the middle of a really rough week, and I have to say it was truly a tender mercy of the Lord. Things were just not going well, and I was seeking answers I couldn't find, but those letters turned the week around and made me look up again.
Hmmmmm what else to say..... not sure what to do about Christmas, I will try to find something cool, it’s just hard with no money, so I may just find ridiculous cards or something, especially since all the interesting things in Oregon are ridiculously expensive. So if stuff comes after Christmas, I'm sorry, I just need more time to search around.
But yea, I would love to hear from you all, emails get to me the fastest and I like hearing from you each week.
Hope all is well and I love you a bunch,
Elder Jorgensen
12/12/11
Alrighty time to throw down!
Nah just kiddin, but here's this nicely worded letter for ya.
SOooooooo, everything’s been good! We've been doing a lot of looking over the people we teach, and are about to do some drop-lessons because some just aren't progressing. Hopefully it will help them understand the importance of the message, and moving forward. But we do have some sweet news! So the baptism for the 24th is still a go, and will be at 11am. Our other investigator finally said he wants to be baptized and so we are going to be setting a date with him tonight. Our inactive family’s daughter still wants to get baptized, and we finally met with her again, and the family said they are going to start reading a chapter a night so that they can actually make some progress. I hope they keep their word, as we are going to be following up with them. We just picked up 2 new investigators, one is going to be taught by us and the Sister missionaries and the other used to be an investigator, but got in an argument with the last missionaries and they had to drop her, so we'll see what happens this time. I am excited to see where the work will go this week, and will be doing a lot of contacting to get track down the others we haven't seen in a while.
As for the question on my obedience, it's the morning schedule. But we are doing much better. Just a couple other small things, but even the small things matter, and that's why I've made it a goal for 100% obedience. It’s pretty sweet/hard, but it’s easier to be obedient than to pick and choose which rules to follow.
In two weeks Elder Skousen will be moved! BAH!!!!! Kinda freaking out, but excited to get to know my next comp.
Alrighty, this one may be a bit short, but I will try to write letters today (Still got a little bit of stomach flu, so while everyone plays dodge ball I'm going to write), and send them off tomorrow. But it is time for WHAT I LEARNED:
So I've been reading in Alma (started reading the B.O.M. in the M.T.C., and am now here), and it’s pretty sweet. In Alma 7:23, I thought it was interested that it said "asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal." When I read this, I was trying something new, where when I prayed, I would only give thanks, so that I could focus on all the things that God has blessed me with. However, Quickly I realized, that even in personal prayers, missionary work was always so in my mind that I couldn't do only that, and when I read this scripture, I realized that I need as much help from God as I can get, and should always be making sure I am doing the work through prayer as well. With asking I shall refer to D&C 88:64-65
"Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you; and if ye ask anything that is not expedient for you, it shall turn unto your condemnation."
Asking for which is needful. Nuff said.
Just a short thought that that helped me to better focus my prayers. Also, when we had a lesson with one of our investigators, one of the Sister missionaries was explaining prayer and said,
"Talk to God like he is your father, your friend. I feel very comfortable when I talk to him and even sometimes say Dear God, What's up?"
No no no no no..... no. Sacred language of prayer. It is stressed in the scriptures about being humble and submissive before God, and using the language of prayer, and not everyday language.
But yea, just loving prayer and treating it with respect because it is the sacred way we converse with our Heavenly Father; the Creator of Worlds.
Love you all, Hope your good, write to ya'll soon and be HAPPY!!!! P.S, be on the computer Dad or someone so that I can email back and forth about the Christmas call (In two weeks!!!!!)
Love ya!
Elder Jorgensen
Relatives!
WHAT UP??!
This past week has been awesome, not as much work got done because people keep cancelling, but the appointments we did have went really well! There is a guy we've started teaching. He goes to a Christian church, and his pastors have been telling him some ridiculous things. But we bore our testimony of the Book of Mormon and he said that he would read it because, "If it can help you, then I believe that it can help me too."
He's got a lot of strange views that we've got to talk to him about, but he's sweet. He also speaks 8 different languages.
Anyway, the work has still been at least moving forward. Getting closer to having baptismal dates, but still hasn't been the right time. This week I hope that they will be ready to set a date. That'd be awesome, not just because it would be a baptism, but because just getting to know these people I can really see how the Gospel can truly make their life better. One of them we just taught the Plan of Salvation. He is taking it all really well, we just have to simplify it and define things. He finally started actually reading the Book of Mormon this week, so he is now officially progressing! The others are a married couple and they waved over the missionaries after he got back from the hospital, because he decided he needs God in his life. Every time we are there he tells us that he feels the things that we teach him are true, and loves it. His wife is a little quiet, and said that it will take her longer to accept things, but she said she is still willing to learn. Lastly there is an ex-minister, who realized something was missing in the Baptist church. He believes that the Book of Mormon is true, Joseph did in fact restore this gospel, and that this church is true. All he needs to do is stop smoking. We committed him to praying and picking a date that he wants to quit smoking, as well as being baptized. If you guys could help pray for these people that would be much appreciated. (To those who don't see the names, just investigators in general).
I learned this week how important it is to focus on the good in life, and look for the blessings of God. One of our in-active members says that she has been praying for 8 years and hasn't gotten a single answer from God. As she was telling us about her life, how none of her children/grand kids love her, and was crying, her grandson was running out to play football, stopped, hugged her, and then continued out the door. She was shocked! We told her THAT was an answer. She then remembered a time she was crying and she randomly got a text from her grandson saying "Grandma, I'm crying right now, but I just want you to know that I am thankful for what you do for me, and I love you." She has been so focused on the bad in her life that when good things come along, she pushes them aside and forgets. If we want to be happy in this life, we can't allow ourselves to focus on bad things. Even the smallest happy moment we need to cherish, because it is one more piece to build us up.
Well family, I love you very much and keep being coolio.
Love,
Elder Jorgensen
Alma 7:23
And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
Oh! We also did an exchange, so Elder Pehlam (one of the Zone Leaders) was my companion for a day. That was the day we met one of our investigators. We also met a guy who thought that nobody should have pictures of what they think Jesus looks like, because "In the Bible Jesus is covered in Jewels and Rubies." But yea, that day was sweet, but glad to be back with Elder Skousen.
11/16/11
Sorry I didn't email on Monday!
Things got all mixed up and we wound up with no time, but here I am!
So first things first, I have an idea. Each week, I think it would be awesome if ALL OF YOU told me something you learned from scripture study. I will each week as well, but I just think it would be sweet. Pray beforehand as well, so that you can receive personal revelation.
Also, I haven't had time to write in my journal since like week 3, so I am going to count these letters as journal entries until I find more time.
With letters home, it probably doesn't take as long as you think, just because it is really hard for me to find time to write them, and when I have them done, I have forgotten to send them out. I will try to do better.
____
I'll go over the best parts of each day over the past week:
MONDAY Nov. 7th: We had zone dodge ball for 4.5 hours, because one of the Elder's would be going home next transfer (which was the 14th).
TUESDAY: Pretty much normal day.
WEDNESDAY: Blitz with the Spanish Elders!!! We found a potential investigator at our first door. He is from Africa. We taught the first lesson to him, and he said he would read as much of the Book of Mormon as he could before we visited him next, and he seemed genuinely interested. Later that night we went out with the Ward Missionaries to visit Less-Active members. We went to our sister investigator’s house, and taught her a lesson based off of the General Relief Society talk about the Forget-Me-Not Flower. Look it up, it’s pretty sweet! Although I didn't get much of a chance to speak in that lesson that talk was the perfect thing I had been searching for to share with one of the people we are teaching!
THURSDAY: CRAZY DAY!!! My planner was overfilled, so much so that lunch was a backup plan if an appointment fell through. The best part of the day was when we taught a newly re-activated member. He has been struggling with smoking, but said that he hasn't smoked for two weeks, and the urges haven't been that bad because God has been helping him. However, he keeps a cigarette in his garage just in case. I told him that God has been helping him, but with that help, we are not meant to test how much he will give us by keeping that temptation around. He looked at me, got up, and left the room! I thought I had upset him, but then he came back in the room with the cigarette, tore it up, and threw it in the fire saying, "See, now I'm done for sure." Frackin awesome!!!
FRIDAY: (On exchanges with Hartly Park) pretty much all our appointments fell through. Crazy miracle day though! I'll tell you more in a letter, but long story short- beans, timing, a transient who got on the wrong bus, and Spiritual promptings, led to an accidental service, saving a batch of chili, and meeting an inactive member who will be at church on Sunday and is going to start meeting with missionaries.
Dinner was awesome, because I realized that the people who were feeding us where a less-active family we were going to try and visit! We set up an appointment to meet with them, and they are such great/funny people. Also, another inactive family ALL SAT DOWN IN THE SAME ROOM TOGETHER FOR A LESSON!!! This is the first time we've actually gotten them all together since my first week here. And I'd only met the parents. Their daughter committed to being baptized, so we are going to be working with her and hopefully having a baptism within the next couple weeks!
SATURDAY: We went with the Tongan Elders to help do service for a family; prepping the walls for painting. We did some tracting, and found some Potentials. Again, all our appointments fell through.
SUNDAY: One of our inactive families came to church!!! It was so awesome, and the people in the ward went up and talked with them and were very welcoming. It was SWEEEEET. Did a lot of personal study, and visited some people, who changed their minds about listening to us. Oh well, still an awesome day.
____
Alrighty so what I learned in study this week is that personal revelation is KEY!!! That is what the scriptures are meant for; not just to be a history book, but to help us understand the things we need to be doing, as well as help us in any situation. For example, I felt the need to write, "Love everyone no matter what, and be humble before Heavenly Father" in my planner, just because of things that had happened in lessons that day, but I didn't know why I wrote it for sure. The next morning in study, that is what all the chapters I read were talking about! I found a lot of things that not only helped me, but that I felt could really help those we are teaching. I know that the scriptures are inspired, and truly contain the words of God. If not, we might as well be reading an A.P. history book. We really need to understand the importance of it in our lives, and USE IT ALWAYS. Too many times out here people commit to reading and don't do it, and then when we read what was assigned, they say, "Oh, I really needed to hear that." And yet STILL THEY DON"T READ!!! It makes me sad and upset because they see what it can do, but are unwilling to take the time to do it.
I love you all, and hope all is well. Keep being super cool, and I can't wait to hear from ya!!!
LOVE YOU!!!!
Elder Joshua Jorgensen
11/21/11
SUP!
This past week was pretty awesome! The first part of the week every lesson we had planned actually happened, and we set some good commitments with the people. The second half of the week everyone kept cancelling, but all of our backup plans worked out, so we now have 4 new people to teach! Pretty excited.
I'm not sure what all to talk about in this letter, but I'll start off with the craziness of Portland. Apparently there is a big protest going on, but no one is sure what it is for anymore. It started as something to do with government, but then just became this mass hobo gathering. Not sure what it is, but that shows how ridiculous it gets; a bunch of people wasting their time to stand around for no other reason but someone told them to.
I also got mooned by some people, and a 7 year old kid on the street ran up, head-butted me, punched me, swore at me, and then ran off. I thought he was going to break his face on my back, because I didn't budge but his feet came off the ground. It's been a random week haha.
Thanksgiving is coming up!!! Pretty excited, one of the members is having us over, and they are partying all day. Not sure what we are going to do for the whole day, but definitely going to eat well. I love how willing the people are to help us out. When the dinner calendar gets passed around, people actually argue over who gets what days to feed us. We almost always have a ride to places, and they are willing to come help with lessons if need be.
Alma 34:38: That you contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye may live in THANKSGIVING daily, for the many mercies and blessings which He doth bestow upon you.
I am indeed thankful for all that God has given me, from my family, to this mission, as well as all those others he puts in my life to help me learn and grow. It is so important to LISTEN to the Holy Ghost as well. For example, a couple days ago we were about to head to a lesson and we decided we should take another way, because we always go the same way. As we were walking, a man from the Tongan Ward walked up to us, introduced himself, and gave us twenty bucks for food. We were running low on money, and this helped out so much. Heavenly Father knows our needs; we just need to be willing to listen to what he tells us to do.
I only have 5 weeks left until the next transfer, meaning that Elder Skousen will be moving to a new area. Crazy! It's going to be sad, but I'm excited to see who my next companion will be. Hopefully he is awesome, because there are a few who just sit around and never want to do anything.
How've studies been going? Learn anything new this week? Hope so, because the scriptures are super! Well I guess that’s all for today, but I'll talk to you again next Monday. Love you all and hope you’re having a grandtastic time!
LOOOOOOOOOOOVE,
Elder Joshua B. Jorgensen
11/28/11
HHHHola!
SO this past week everyone was cancelling again. We only were able to teach 2 people I believe. TIME TO STEP IT UP!!!
I've been trying to do a lot more study, and have gone from Jacob to Alma in like 3 days marking referencing and all that fun stuff. I love the things that can be learned when the Spirit is present. I've been having a hard time focusing, so that is why I kicked up how much study I do, because when I have nothing to do, my mind wanders and I can't focus on promptings/impressions from the Spirit, and it has really made me upset with myself after a lesson (there have been a few while being here where I end up giving little if even any input). But this week lots of study, prayer, fasting, and so on has really helped and I loved every minute. I just wish we could have had MORE LESSONS!!!
I also realized that I need to manage money better. We ran out way to early this month because of the P-Day activities (leading us to eat out as well). I also had to buy some more pants, because my favorite jeans tore and the zipper broke, so I may be sending those hope to see if there is a way to replace the zipper/patch the hole.
All that aside, THANKSGIVING WAS SWEET!!! We went to a members house, expecting to be eating turkey broth and breadsticks (last time we ate with them it was tomato soup with nothing else haha. However, it was delicious soup) but they had a ridiculously awesome ham, turkey, pies, cheese, hot chocolate, and all that good stuff. Then we pretty much entertained the kids all day so that the parents could spend time with their visiting friends. Oh! And we did a Turkey Bowl earlier in the rain, so Skousen got covered in mud. I just took pictures and watched, it was pretty intense.
HOW WAS THANKSGIVING FOR YOU??
There is a lady we are working with who is continuously depressed about her life and won't give happiness a chance. It has been really hard because no matter what we say, testimony we bear, and how much WE as the missionaries feel the Spirit, remembering that the Spirit is brought unto them, not into. So they have to be willing to soften their hearts and let it in. We have another lesson with her today, and feel like this lesson will do some good for her. Praying hard! She is in-active by the way, not an investigator. Elder C. Scott Grow came and visited the mission, and said that more than half of our efforts should be put towards less/in active members, because by bringing them back, it will cause others who are not members to be interested.
Then there is the one who has a baptismal date set for Christmas Eve. We had another lesson with him, and challenged him to stop smoking by the 3rd, and he accepted. Hopefully he follows through; he has done most everything else we've asked him. I have faith that he can do it, he just needs to humble himself and let the Lord help him.
I've been sad about one of our inactive families, because we haven’t met with them in like 4 weeks. They keep cancelling. We aren't giving up on them, and will keep trying and praying. I really believe that if we can start meeting with them again, there will be progress in their home.
Another of our investigators has been doing better and says that he will be baptized if we want him to. That being said, we only want him to if he has that desire for himself. He is very loyal and willing to do what we ask, we just need to help him see that this is a very great and wonderful thing. We are meeting with him tonight as well, and have some good plans. I am excited to see how the Spirit will help in this lesson.
We gave another one of our investigators his book, but have yet to schedule an appointment with him. His sister still seems interested; she just needs to find out her schedule. They are really awesome people, and are willing to listen to and do the things we say. I love how that when we tell them something, at first they have a hard time with it, but when we re say it and bear testimony, they know that it can be true, and do have that desire to know. I look forward to seeing their progress.
Oh and our less active family! So we haven't had a lesson with them for about a week, but their daughter has the desire to be baptized and to learn. They are great people and have a lot of goals; it is just the getting started part they are having trouble with.
Again, I love that we are told to love everyone, because I truly do. Everyone I have met and talked with has been such a blessing and growing experience for me.
Alrighty, on to what I've learned this week. So in those books I read, there is a lot about repentance, judgment, war, and so on. What stood out to me the most was being an example to others. For example, Abinadi, when he was brought before the king. The priests were saying they were teaching the Law of Moses, and Abinadi comes back with "If ye teach the law of Moses why do ye not keep it?" and starts to call them out on all the stuff they do. While he is teaching them and saying the things that God has commanded and that should be done, Alma, one of the king’s priests believes him and ends up leading a great people and organizing the Church of God. All throughout those many chapters it talks about how the kings where prideful as well as the priests, and put themselves above everyone, but when the kings were done away with and the people wanted a king, they were told not to have one. It talks about the corrupting effect power can have on people. It talks about keeping people at an equal and serving one another. I love how when Alma the younger is Chief Judge, all the people of the Church of God have more riches and prosperity than those who are vain. Through all this I realized how much I do need to step it up, and be the best example I can be. In my Patriarchal Blessing, it says that I need to be the best example of a disciple of Christ as I can, and that it will show to my family, friends, and future children, making them strong as well. My goal is that for the next two years, Elder will be my first name. I want to become the missionary God wants me to be, and I have to make some changes to get there, but I know it will be worth it. I love this gospel and all that I have learned so far here in Oregon, and I can't wait to look back and see how far I've come as well as those who God has prepared for me to help.
Again, I encourage you all to email me each week and tell me what you learned from study. It can be as simple as expounding on a verse that stood out to you. But I encourage it to be not just something you read, but something that really can bless your life and help you.
I love you all and am thankful for all that you do for me. Hope all is well, and that you get something out of what I have said today. You are wonderful!!!
Love ya!
Elder Jorgensen
12/05/11
Hello there! Whatcha up to?
Alrighty so here's the low down on what’s up. First off, I'm trying to be better at 100% obedience, but it is hard!!! I did a lot of fasting, praying, scripture study, and found a lot of things that really helped me to focus on the work. However, I am definitely not there yet, and for that I apologize. We have been doing pretty dang good though the past couple weeks, and its sweet. We had a district meeting last Wednesday and where supposed to be talking about recognizing the Holy Ghost, but two of the Elders got hung up on obedience to the Missionary Handbook, and said, “they’re just guidelines, and it’s not like we are sinning to break them." My companion proceeded to tell them that in the front of the book it specifically says that when we signed up for the mission, we promised that we would obey all the rules and standards, and that the Prophet himself asks it. It also says that disobedience means you are accountable to the Lord and your mission president. Anyways, this led to a big argument because the people were trying to find a way out of feeling guilty; the Spirit was gone and everyone was upset. Because I was prompted, I got up and bore my testimony. By the time I was done, I knew that the Spirit was back. Everyone else one by one bored their testimony, and then we were able to proceed with the rest of the lesson.
I do know that I am not perfect, and I still have a lot to work on, but I am doing what I can to be where I need to be. In my Patriarchal Blessing it says that I need to be the best example of a Latter-Day Saint that I can be, and that people will come to the gospel just by being around me. There are more things in my blessing that say what I can become, and I have made it a goal to become the Missionary that not only I know I can be, but what God wants and expects me to be.
With our investigators things are kind of in a weird place. The one, who has the baptism on the 24th, hasn't shown up to church in 3 weeks. However, he told us that he has stopped smoking and seems like he still wants baptism to happen. We've had a hard time trying to catch another investigator and his sister home, but we have met someone new at their house each time we try to see them, and they all seem willing to listen. There is an old lady who seems excited to hear about the Gospel, she just has health problems that cause her to keep cancelling. However, we have an appointment this week to take her to the church and give her a tour, as well as teach her. I'm pretty excited. One thing she said that really stood out to me was; "You boys always smile so good. I don't know what it is, but whatever makes you so happy, I want some of that." She's awesome. The other day I tracted into a lady who has had missionaries come by before, but her husband hasn't been home, so they weren't able to sit down with her. This time, she got our number from us, set up a time, and kept calling to make sure everything was still good. I felt bad, because on the day that we were going to teach her, President Morby called and had us go to the hospital to give a man a blessing. When we rescheduled, she ended up having to go in to work. But she still seems excited to talk with us, so hopefully we can get something set up.
How was thanksgiving? I haven't received emails from y'all in a long time! Haha
I got letters from Jake and McKenna in the middle of a really rough week, and I have to say it was truly a tender mercy of the Lord. Things were just not going well, and I was seeking answers I couldn't find, but those letters turned the week around and made me look up again.
Hmmmmm what else to say..... not sure what to do about Christmas, I will try to find something cool, it’s just hard with no money, so I may just find ridiculous cards or something, especially since all the interesting things in Oregon are ridiculously expensive. So if stuff comes after Christmas, I'm sorry, I just need more time to search around.
But yea, I would love to hear from you all, emails get to me the fastest and I like hearing from you each week.
Hope all is well and I love you a bunch,
Elder Jorgensen
12/12/11
Alrighty time to throw down!
Nah just kiddin, but here's this nicely worded letter for ya.
SOooooooo, everything’s been good! We've been doing a lot of looking over the people we teach, and are about to do some drop-lessons because some just aren't progressing. Hopefully it will help them understand the importance of the message, and moving forward. But we do have some sweet news! So the baptism for the 24th is still a go, and will be at 11am. Our other investigator finally said he wants to be baptized and so we are going to be setting a date with him tonight. Our inactive family’s daughter still wants to get baptized, and we finally met with her again, and the family said they are going to start reading a chapter a night so that they can actually make some progress. I hope they keep their word, as we are going to be following up with them. We just picked up 2 new investigators, one is going to be taught by us and the Sister missionaries and the other used to be an investigator, but got in an argument with the last missionaries and they had to drop her, so we'll see what happens this time. I am excited to see where the work will go this week, and will be doing a lot of contacting to get track down the others we haven't seen in a while.
As for the question on my obedience, it's the morning schedule. But we are doing much better. Just a couple other small things, but even the small things matter, and that's why I've made it a goal for 100% obedience. It’s pretty sweet/hard, but it’s easier to be obedient than to pick and choose which rules to follow.
In two weeks Elder Skousen will be moved! BAH!!!!! Kinda freaking out, but excited to get to know my next comp.
Alrighty, this one may be a bit short, but I will try to write letters today (Still got a little bit of stomach flu, so while everyone plays dodge ball I'm going to write), and send them off tomorrow. But it is time for WHAT I LEARNED:
So I've been reading in Alma (started reading the B.O.M. in the M.T.C., and am now here), and it’s pretty sweet. In Alma 7:23, I thought it was interested that it said "asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal." When I read this, I was trying something new, where when I prayed, I would only give thanks, so that I could focus on all the things that God has blessed me with. However, Quickly I realized, that even in personal prayers, missionary work was always so in my mind that I couldn't do only that, and when I read this scripture, I realized that I need as much help from God as I can get, and should always be making sure I am doing the work through prayer as well. With asking I shall refer to D&C 88:64-65
"Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you; and if ye ask anything that is not expedient for you, it shall turn unto your condemnation."
Asking for which is needful. Nuff said.
Just a short thought that that helped me to better focus my prayers. Also, when we had a lesson with one of our investigators, one of the Sister missionaries was explaining prayer and said,
"Talk to God like he is your father, your friend. I feel very comfortable when I talk to him and even sometimes say Dear God, What's up?"
No no no no no..... no. Sacred language of prayer. It is stressed in the scriptures about being humble and submissive before God, and using the language of prayer, and not everyday language.
But yea, just loving prayer and treating it with respect because it is the sacred way we converse with our Heavenly Father; the Creator of Worlds.
Love you all, Hope your good, write to ya'll soon and be HAPPY!!!! P.S, be on the computer Dad or someone so that I can email back and forth about the Christmas call (In two weeks!!!!!)
Love ya!
Elder Jorgensen
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