Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Familia...

May 2, 2011 ...Hello Family,



It has been a busy week! Elder Allen and I were blessed to find many new investigators. I feel very humbled by how much the Lord has been blessing us. A few of the people we met were the first door we knocked on while tracting. That rarely happens. Most of them seem more sincere in their search for the truth. It's been fantastic working with them, and getting to know the area better.



It was much different being in the car all last week. We covered a lot of miles and were able to see a lot of people. I enjoyed it. I am looking forward to being on bike this week again. It's good exercise, and gives us a lot of opportunities to talk to people and share our unique message.


We had a cool experience on Saturday. For the Church's day of service our ward had a blood/food/clothing drive. We didn't get to donate blood, but a member gave us a bunch of clothes to take. We got there and dropped off the clothing then went around looking for people to talk to. We met a really cool guy who lives in Jacksonville. He was one of the employees for the group that was taking the clothing. We talked to him for awhile, and during our conversation a lady from a newspaper out here came and asked for our picture. So, we had our picture taken and it should be in their paper along with the story. I think the name of the paper is the Suwanee Times, or something like it. You might be able to see it online, but I'm going to grab a couple of copies for myself.


I will be calling next Sunday...Mother's Day. I'll call at six o'clock your time. Hope that works for you. If not...too bad.


I made a discovery this week. I have a hole in the sole of my right shoe. It's not very big, but water and dirt get in. It actually hasn't been much of a problem. I think it's neat. This pair of shoes has been through a lot. I'd hate to get rid of them.


It's also very humbling to see all that people go through and struggle with. I never realized how blessed I really am until I came out here. I've met several people who can't even read. That's something that we all take for granted each day. We live such comfortable lives yet we often fail to realize it.


Speaking of reading, this last week I made a decision to make sure I spend at least five minutes reading from the Book of Mormon each day. During studies I would always end up reading something out of it, but I want to read it and just it for at least those five minutes. I started it on Friday. It has been really wonderful! It's the first thing I do each day. I get up and turn off my alarm clock and then sit and read. It's very peaceful, and is a great way to start out the day. As I've been doing it I've also felt the Spirit more. I'm not at all surprised by this, but it is a welcome experience. I remember I used to have such a hard time reading the Book of Mormon. Now I love it! There is so much that can be learned from it. It's the best self-help book ever. No matter what struggle we may be having we can find answers within it's pages. We can find that true peace and happiness that we're all looking for. I strongly encourage each of you to start prayerfully reading it each day. You will see a difference in your life. There is an article in an old Ensign written by President Marion G. Romney. This is a quote I got from it, "I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase, mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, charity-the pure love of Christ-will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness..." My family, I know those words are true. I have felt that change within my heart as I've read the Book of Mormon. I have seen my faith, hope and charity grow. I feel that peace, joy, and happiness. Please read the Book of Mormon daily. You will be changing your lives for the good.




Love Always, Zach







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