Friday, October 19, 2012

AND YOU GET A COMPUTER!


FAMILY!

Wow.  It has been yet another week.  Actually, this week was a very eye-opening week.

Investigators:
(This is why it was eye-opening) We realized that pretty much none of our investigators are actively doing anything to progress in the gospel.  They don't read unless we go over and read with them.  They don't come to church unless we wake them up by pounding on the door.  And they pray rarely if at all.  So...We are pretty much "dropping" almost all our teaching pool.  We only had 11 lessons this week, but that is because we are going to really start focusing on finding the elect.
B: She's doing great!  It is truly amazing how we receive revelation for those we teach.  During General Conference, I remember hearing someone speak that said, "Are you doing this for yourself or for the Lord?"  (Something along those lines).  Immediately, I thought of B, and how I LOVE teaching her and we have become great friends, BUT as a representative of Christ, I need to do what is best for her.  I thought that she needs to start attending or at least try out the singles ward.  After talking to my companion about it at length, we invited and suggested for her to try the singles ward.  She went on Sunday to Jeff's ward that he is serving in.  I am hoping she had a great time.  We will find out tomorrow when we meet with her with President B.

Food Report:
Monday: Tilapia
Tuesday: Chili
Wednesday: Beef sub with ajus
Thursday: Cheeseburgers
Friday: Roast Beef
Saturday: Sausage
Sunday: Roast Beef

This Week:
-I wrote home about this, but at P-Day Activity this last week I scored a TOUCHDOWN!!!  That's right!  Wooo!  And during my celebration, I threw the football on the ground and it bounced up and smacked me in the face.  Great...
-Zone Training Meeting went well.  I love my zone.  We are all really close.
-Interviews with President Black went well.
-It POURED this last week.  And, it started hailing!  Crazy.  We got pelted with ice from the sky.
-I finished reading "Jesus The Christ"!  Wow.  What an inspired book.  My testimony has grown immensly about the divine mission, message, and ministry of Christ.  You NEED to read this book.
-Did service for a member throwing away shingles.  They were heavy and I think I pulled a muscle in my back and it hurts a little every now and then.  Don't worry, I still worked out with the firemen this morning.  Now I'm dying.
-Did a finding activty called a "Treasure Exchange".  It is when people donate thing, and then we put them outside and give them away for free and talk to people about the gospel.  We gave away 10 computers and 5 TVs for free!  When we were carrying the computers out, we were all pretending to be Oprah and yelling, "AND YOU GET A COMPUTER!"  "AND YOU GET A COMPUTER!"  Haha!  And copy machines and lots of stuff.  It was very successful for the Spanish speaking missionaries.  Not so much for us.
-Went to D and A’s baptisms this weekend.  They requested we come.  They were both amazing.  A's was in Spanish.  It was fun to sing in Espanol!
-Taught the Priests in the Las Vegas Stake last night for a Fireside.  We had all the missionaries in the stake participate and we paired up with the Priests one on one and practiced teaching the Restoration and then taught it to one of the leaders who pretended to be an investigator.  It was so much fun and so great.  My "companion",  did really well and he is only 16.  I was impressed.

Spiritual Thought:
The service we gave to the member this last week took longer than expected.  I started thinking, "Ugh!  We need to do weekly planning, and mormon.org time, and [this] and [that],..."  Well, immediately, like flipping a light switch on in a room, revelation came immediately and reminded me of President Uchtdorf's General Conference talk.  I remembered the part about how life is a journey, not a race.  We need to enjoy the moments we are in.  I put away those negative thoughts and just focused on having fun.  I sang to myself, enjoyed the weather, etc.  It was great!  I need to do this more with my life.  Too often I feel like there is some destination I need to reach and I just need to hurry, hurry, hurry.  I need to slow down and enjoy my life.

I love you all!  Thank you for all your love and support and prayers and everything!  Uncle A!  Feel better soon!  I love you very much!

Love,
Elder Sean Edwards

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

L and L (Lobster and Logandale)


FAMILY!

Hey!

Transfers: Well, you already know the news, but for those of you on my e-mail list who don't know.  I will be staying in the Las Vegas Zone, Las Vegas Stake, serving in the Las Vegas 6th and 8th Wards.  I will be staying with Elder O.  Today I start my 11th transfer!  WOW!  Only like 6 left...CRAZY!

BAPTISM:
Ms baptism was incredible!  It was marvelous.  Her non-member parents came and her Mom cried the whole time.  She really felt the Spirit.  M's boyfriend, J, did an excellent job at baptizing her.  I shared a story about my experience teaching M and bore my testimony.  M got really emotional.  After the baptism, I asked M, "How do you feel?"  Her reply: "I feel light...like a feather.  I used to feel heavy, but now I feel so free."  WOW!  Her feelings are validated and made true because of the Gospel and Atonement of Jesus Christ.  I love how she very simply yet very powerfully described how she felt.  I had the wonderful opportunity to perform M's confirmation.  It was a great experience.  I love the ordinance of confirmation and I am so grateful I have had so many opportunities to confirm.

Food Report:
Monday: Pork
Tuesday: French Toast
Wednesday: Salmon
Thursday: Spaghetti
Friday: Cheeseburgers
Saturday: LOBSTER (Thanks to Sister Parker!)
Sunday: Gumbo

Weekly Summary:
-RAIN!!!  So much rain on Tuesday.  We were driving and went through a puddle (more like a lake) deeper than we thought and the water came up OVER our hood.  It was frightening!
-Went out with President Black on Tuesday evening.  It did not go very well.  We went to teach a new investigator who is married to a member and the member talked for 30 minutes about HER conversion story.  Whenever Elder O, President Black, or myself would try to say something, she would just talk right over us and keep going.  HELLO!  We don't care!  Just kidding.  We do care.  We just would have liked to have the opportunity to teach and testify...You know, that whole thing we were called to do.  It was good to be with him for the evening though.  He always has good and insightful things to say.
-I got to go to LOGANDALE!  Wow!  How fun!  Elder O got permission to go back to Logandale for the baptism of someone he taught.  I very sneakily ran up to Grandma and Grandpa's house and Aunt D's house and put letters on their doors!  No one saw me.  I'm like a ninja.  It was so great to go through that little town that I love so much.  The baptism was held in the room Grandpa teaches Sunday School class!  I didn't even know they had a font in that room.

Investigator Report:
Everyone is the same and good.  We were able to meet with M and solve some concerns and do damage control.  She didn't come to church on Sunday, hopefully next Sunday.  B, our investigator from Iraq, read from the beginning of the Book of Mormon to the middle of Jacob in 2 days!  WOW!  He says he knows it is true and loves the book.  So great!

Well, I love you all so very much.  Continue to write me and pray for me and think about me!  Tell the ward "Hello!"  K, tell Provo, "Hello!"

Love,
Elder Sean Edwards

Monday, August 20, 2012

No longer nervous

Sorry to any readers, but I am very bad at remembering to post Elder Edwards' emails onto the blog.  He is however doing wonderfully, less than a year to go on his mission.


FAMILY!
 
First and foremost (I did not forget): HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MOM AND DAD!!!  :)  YAY!!!  100 years of being married!  What's the secret?!?  Peace and Love and Good Food!
 
BAPTISM:
S was baptized on Saturday, August 18th.  Elder O had not been "in the water" to baptize anyone his whole mission, so we let him perform the ordinance.  He did a good job.  I gave a talk on Baptism and the Holy Ghost.  It went well.  President Black said that he loved my talk.  I was glad considering I only had notes and nothing scripted written down.  S is so wonderful.  I love her.  She was crying and so happy to be baptized.  I shared with her Mosiah 2:41 with her after she was baptized and told her that is her!  She cried some more.  She said to me, "Your parents must be really proud of you."  I said, "They better be."  Just kidding...I just smiled.  It was great.
 
Investigators:
T and A: These are the P.  girls.  They are so fun.  We love them.  They will be baptized this Saturday.
M: Her baptism is changed to September 15th.  See Spiritual Thought below for explanation.
M: New investigator.  She is the girlfriend of a less active.  Very nice.
T: Same
M and L: Same
N: Same
N and E: Same
B: So awesome!  I love the discussions we have with her.  She has great faith.  Her brother just died this last Christmas and so the Plan of Salvation lesson brought her a lot of happiness.
N: Same..He is going back to his Dad's this week on the East side so we won't get to see him as often anymore.
P and L: New investigators.  They just moved here from the East side.  They were taught everything and are ready for baptism once L marries her boyfriend.
C: A member in the ward met her at Wal Mart and spent 3 hours on the bench until 1 in the morning talking about the gospel with her.  She invited her to dinner and so we had dinner and a discussion.  She is awesome.  I love her.
R: New investigator.  Actually, Elder O taught him in the other mission and now he just moved into our ward boundaries.  Funny!
 
Food Report:
Monday: Chicken Pillows
Tuesday: Cancelled our dinner appointment because we were so busy teaching discussions
Wednesday: Stuffed Peppers
Thursday: Spaghetti
Friday: Pizza
Saturday: Tacos
Sunday: Grilled Chicken
 
Things:
-President Black came out with us for the evening on Thursday.  It was great!  We taught three discussions with him.  He had really good input to give.  He said to me while in the car, "Elder Edwards, I really like how you ask inspired, Heaven-sent questions to your investigators."  So nice of him.
-President Black asked me to bear my testimony at Zone Conference on Friday.  So I did.
-22 lessons this week!  Yay!
-Oh, we saw a broken down truck on Decatur on the way to our dinner appointment during rush hour.  We pulled our car over and pushed the truck to a gas station.  I'm like this tiny little person pushing this monster thing and no one else could get out to help!  Just kidding.  It was fun to give service.
 
Spiritual Thought:
M was set to be baptized this weekend.  However, the person who she wants to have baptize her is going through a repentance process and Bishop said he would not be ready to baptize by the time of the baptism.  M this whole time since we set her with a baptism date has been saying, "I'm nervous" about her baptism.  Well, now she is saying, "I'm excited!" about her baptism.  What changed?  The fact that now she has to wait until September 15th really hit her.  When she first heard this, it brought her sadness.  When she realized she was sad and disappointed she would not be baptized this weekend, she realized that she really is excited and not nervous.  It is so interesting how the Lord answers our prayers...Many times in the very LEAST way we expect answers.  I am so glad M is excited for her baptism instead of nervous and scared.
 
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!  Keep sending letters!
 
Love,
Elder Sean Edwards

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Everything is going Great!


FAMILY!!

This has been a WILD week!

BAPTISM:
Charlene was baptized on Saturday, July 14th.  It was a wonderful service and we had a good turn out.  Her husband, Jay, performed the baptism.  She is such a sweet spirit and is very excited about being a member.  I just love her!  President and Sister Black came to the service and it was great to have their support as well.  I gave the opening prayer.

Investigators:
Wow...We have been so busy!  There were days this week where we didn't even take our full hour lunch or dinner break.  It is an excellent and wonderful feeling to be so BUSY!  I love it!
Khim: Came to church!  As long as he stays away from smoking this week, he can be baptized on Saturday!  Exciting!  I believe and have faith in him.
Alexis: She will be baptized this Saturday.  She asked me to be the one to baptize her, and as much as I would LOVE to, I felt that it would be even more special to her and her family to have her best friend/cousin, Nicholas, baptize her.  She is so awesome!
Justine: She is overcoming some Word of Wisdom issues right now.  She is doing great though and is still very excited for her baptism on July 28th.
Mari and M: THEY ARE BACK!  Hopefully they don't have to up and leave again soon.  We will start up teaching them again on Thursday.
Mi and L: I love them!  They are refugees from the Congo.  They are such a sweet couple.  After teaching the Plan of Salvation, M said, "So, what you are saying is, I can be with my family forever?"  He was so excited to hear that!  They don't want to "rush" into anything, which is understandable because new country, new language, new everything.  They want to take it a little more slow, but I have no doubt they will enter into the Church and be baptized.
M: We didn't get to see her this week because she was out of town.  We hope to see her this week.
T: We met with her twice.  We are trying to get the Dad to allow her to be baptized by another Priesthood holder because he isn't making any steps to be worthy to do so himself.
T: He is doing well on vacation.
A: She is a 10 year old daughter of a less-active that wants to start coming back to church.  We committed her to baptism, but she didn't show up to church on Sunday.  Hopefully we can resolve whatever happened there.
Will: He has taken discussions before but now wants to start over.  He is more serious and ready about coming into the Church.  He is really hard on himself and has a lot of guilt for the things he has done in the past, so that will be a hurdle to overcome.  But, we are excited to be teaching him as well.
At church, a non-member couple (Miguel and Jessica) showed up and we are going to start teaching them this week.  Also, an elderly Black lady, Barbara, came to church and we are going to start teaching her as well.  She already said, "I want to join your church."
...A lot of great work going on right now!!  I LOVE IT and I attribute it all to the Lord! :)

Food Report:
Monday: Chicken
Tuesday: Chicken
Wednesday: Cheeseburger
Thursday: Pork Tortillas
Friday: LOBSTER and crablegs (Sister Parker took us to Red Lobster.  Yum!  I love her!)
Saturday: Turkey and Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce Sub
Sunday: Chicken Salad

News:
I just realized that I currently have no previous companions in my mission.  Elder N is in the Reno Mission.  Elder T is home.  Elder S went home early.  Elder M is in the Reno Mission.  Elder P is in the Reno Mission.  Elder C is in the Reno Mission.  Elder H just went home early this last weekend (very sad).  I hope Elder F stays after we are done serving together!

Small World:
1) Kim's new mission president's kids (I believe) went to Timpview High School.  I was teaching while some of them were there!
2) I met Elder B who knows and loves Charee!  He was sooooo excited when I told him I was Charee's cousin.  He couldn't believe it.

This Week:
-We met with a couple of bishops from the Sandstone Stake.  It was fun to meet with them and try to help with the missionary efforts in their ward.  One of the bishops we met with, Bishop T, knows the Edwards Family very well.  He told me to ask Dad if he remembers a Ron T (I think his brother).  Anyway, he showed me a wall where Grandpa would try to shove youth through the cinderblocks saying, "You'll be ready to be translated then you can go through this wall."  Hahaha.  And, then he called Grandpa right when I was there (I didn't ask him to, I promise haha).  But, I got to tell Grandpa I love him and it was such a great tender mercy to hear his voice.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA!
-Leadership Training was this last Wednesday.  I met Elder O who is serving in Grandma and Grandpa's Ward!  I also met Elder Z who is serving in Panaca who went to the Edwards' Reunion and met like...everyone.  At Leadership Training, Elder F and I did a 45 minute presentation on working with the Ward Council.  We did a "mock Ward Council" and role played a bit.  It was so much fun and everyone seemed to really enjoy it.  I am glad it went well.

I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!  Keep sending me your prayers and letters!

Love,
Elder Sean Edwards

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Obedience


FAMILY!

Dad: I hope you had an excellent Father's Day!
Mom: I hope you are having fun in Utah!
Elaine: I hope you are being nice to people!
Krista: I hope you have an excellent first day of college classes!

Everything in the mission world is going great.  Elder Horning is awesome and we get along really well.  The rumor is that I will be transferred next Monday.  We will get transfer calls sometime this week.  I wish I could just stay in this area the rest of my mission.  I love Summerlin.  I love the members.  I love the people we are teaching.  I just love it all.

Food Report:
Monday: Cheeseburgers
Tuesday: Fish Tacos
Wednesday: Tacos
Thursday: Sesame Chicken (Pei Wei)
Friday: Chicken Alfredo
Saturday: Salmon
Sunday: Pizza

Weekly Summary:
Monday: After e-mailing you, Elder H and I went out with Brother M, his son, Mark, and daughter Katie, Sister P, her two daughters, Marinne and Madelyn, Tanner, Tyler, and Trevor and we went riding in the back of Brother M's truck up on dirt into the desert to Redrock.  It was so much fun to bounce around in the back of the truck.  I thought I was going to bounce out of the truck at one point, but I didn't (obviously).  We had a lot of fun as we walked around and found petroglyphs.  It reminded me of the time Dad, Grandpa, and I would go into Redrock at find petroglyphs.  We had dinner with the T’s that night.  Brother T was Lyman's best friend growing up.  He also works with Jeff E.
Tuesday: President and Sister Black came to Zone Meeting.
Wednesday: I spent the whole day on exchanges with one of the Zone Leaders, Elder T in his area.  We had a very busy day.  We taught one of their new investigators, Cindy.  She started crying as I testified to her that she was feeling the Holy Ghost.  Then, we taught Ryan.  He is 19 years old.  He was the best lesson of the day.  He has been meeting with the missionaries 3 to 4 times a week, and he will be baptized on June 23 as well.  He is so impressive.  He recognized he was not happy living his current lifestyle, so he turned to the Church for hope of finding happiness.  I got to teach him about Tithing, Fasting, and the Law of Chastity.  After the discussion, he said to me, "Will you be at my baptism?"  It made me so happy that he invited me to be at his baptism.  So, now I have his baptism to go to right before Mathew's.  I am so excited.  We taught a recent convert gone less-active about Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy.  We had dinner with a girl named Cassidy (single's ward) and her family.  She has a disability, and she always signs up on the missionary calander...then her parents have to cook and feed us.  It's so funny.  She is so sweet and nice.  It was so fun to meet her.  She just is one of those special spirits that radiates the love of Christ.  Our day ended by visiting a recent move-in, less-active family.
Thursday: A day.
Friday: Teaching, teaching, teaching.
Saturday: We watched The Testaments with Mathew.  He LOVED it.  We asked him to say a prayer at the end and he was crying.  He really felt the Spirit.  I love that movie.
Sunday: Elder H and I taught Baptism to the Gospel Principles class in the A. Ward.  We taught Priest Quorum in the Alta Vista Ward and Town Center Ward.  Bishop R talked to the Priests about the importance of going to the baptism on Saturday for Mathew.  He talked about the great relationship I have been able to establish with Mathew.  It made me happy to hear.


Spiritual Thought:
A few weeks ago we had Zone Conference.  For the meeting, we were all asked to prepare a few minute talk on a Christ-like attribute.  Then, at the meeting, they would pick out of a hat and see who got chosen to share their talk.  I was not chosen, but here is the talk I had prepared:

Obedience

Elders and Sisters, think back to that exciting day when you opened up your mission call.  Think about the feelings of anxiety, excitement, anticipation, and joy.  I opened my mission call just over a year ago on May 6, 2011.  Each of our call letters stated, "You will be an official representative of the Church.  As such, you will be expectd to maintain the highest standars of conduct and appearance by keeping the commandments, living mission rules, and following the counsel of your mission president."  The fact that we are all here is evidence of our promise and committment to be obedient.
I got an interesting letter from my cousin who is serving his mission in Chile right now.  This is what he said:
"After being a couple weeks in Antofagasta, I thought my mission was in apostasy!  There are massive amounts of rules being broken.  My...leaders...stay up until three in the morning talking about obscure subjects...and watching movies....In our mission, this is against the rules.
I was super concerned about our district and zone being in apostasy so I tried to approach my companion who is the district leader.  I told him we should probably be out proselyting during proselyting time and things like this.  He said that he still felt the spirit during the day even as he stayed up until three or watched movies or slept in during proselyting times...
As missionaries, we have extra rules.  If a 'normal' person stays up [until] three [in the morning] watching [movies] does that mean he won't have the spirit?  He probably could still feel the spirit....My companion feels the spirit still, but doesn't realize he is forsaking the blessings of obedience to the rules as a missionary.  In essence, he is choosen to be a 'normal' person."
Elders and Sisters, our reponsibility as missionaries is a celestial calling.  We much overcome the natural man to be truly effective.  Are we choosing to be 'normal' when we should be extraordinary?
President James E. Faust said, "If you will...be obedient...and follow the mission rules, you will be a successful missionary."  We must be obedient to the Lord, His commandments, the mission rules, and the mission president in order to receive an added portion of the Spirit and His constant companionship that is necessary in doing this work.
If you are being disobedient, you may rationalize success as you teaching and baptize.  However, you will never have the sure conviction and blessing of knowing you are doing all you can to assist the Lord in His work and glory.
Hebrews 5:8 speaks about Jesus Christ and says, "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience..."  Christ was perfectly obedient to the will of the Father and we are to become even as He is.
Obedience is the first law of Heaven.  We must live it and pattern our lives after the Savior's to effectively teach others to make and keep committments and covenants.  The blessings of obedience are sublime and supreme.

I AM SO EXCITED FOR MATHEW'S BAPTISM!

I LOVE YOU ALL!  Keep writing me and praying for me!

LOVE,
Elder Sean Edwards

BIRTHDAY!!


FAMILY!!

Wow...I had a lot of e-mails to read this week.  Soooo...my e-mail may be a tad shorter than usual.

BAPTISM!
Mathew's baptism was on Saturday, June 23rd.  It was the best birthday gift!!  I don't even know where to start.  First, so many people came, we had to hold the meeting part of the service in the Chapel  His non-member family members came (all except his Mom).  It was a special experience for them as well.  His fellowshipper friend from the Willows Ward, Jonah, gave the talk on Baptism.  Ernie D. performed the baptism.  Elder H and I did a tag-team presentation on The Restoration to the congregation while Mathew was changing.  Then, we both tag-teamed a Talk on the Holy Ghost.  After that, we had about 30 youth/missionaries sing a musical number, "I Will" by Hillary Weeks.  It turned out amazing.  The Spirit was so strong.  Mathew closed the service by bearing his testimony.  It was excellent.  The Stake President and the High Stake Councilor over Missionary Work came to the baptism.  President P said he wishes Mathew's baptism could have been filmed by the Church on "The Perfect Baptismal Service."  He was so thrilled and excited.  The High Stake Councilor said that he was very impressed.  It was a HUGE success.  I am still SO excited from his baptism.  It was amazing.

TRANSFER TIME!
Today is transfers.  I am leaving the 2 wards.  I am so sad.  I love it here so much.  I love the members, the recent converts, investigators, everyone.  I think I cried all day yesterday.  This is the hardest transfer/separation for sure.  Members were crying.  The time that I have spent serving in this area.  The people's lives I have touched.  This area has made my mission a success.  I don't think I can be any happier than I am with my time I have spent here.  Mathew gave me a hug good-bye after Sacrament Meeting.  We were both emotional wrecks.  I am so blessed to have met him.  He has strengthened my testimony tremendously.  Here is my new adventure: I will be serving in the Las Vegas Stake with Elder F.  I will be a Zone Leader, and my Zone will cover Las Vegas Stake and Sandstone Stake.  Both of which my Dad lived in the mission boundaries of!  I am excited!

MY BIRTHDAY!
Thanks to everyone who sent me cards and gifts and everything!  I had an excellent birthday.  I went to Ryan R's baptism (Redrock YSA Ward) and Mathew's.  My cousin, Sarah, was at R's Baptism.  It was so fun to get to see family on my birthday!  A member from a previous area took me out to dinner at Cheesecake Factory and I got a huge Ahi Tuna Fillet.  Then, Brother S through a get-together birthday party for me at his home.  It was a lot of fun.  Excellent 24th Birthday!

Food Report:
Monday: Chicken Enchiladas
Tuesday: Noodles, Salmon, Chicken
Wednesday: Tri-Tip
Thursday: Hot Dogs (Picnic-In-The-Park)
Friday: Salmon
Saturday: Seared Ahi Tuna (Cheesecake Factory)
Sunday: Steak and Scallops

Weekly Summary:
Monday: Surprised Devin for his birthday.  Got frozen yogurt with Elder N...He flies back to New Jersey TOMORROW!
Tuesday: Had dinner with a member from Taiwan.  Her son is a non-member.  Josh is not interested and MeiLing can't express her feelings too clearly so we can to translate for them.  MeiLing played the Zither (Asian string instrument).  It was really cool.
Wednesday: Marinne and Madelyn  put a Scorpion lollipop and gummy bugs into my backpack.  How nice...
Thursday: Picnic-In-The-Park was fun!
Friday: Did a run-through with Mathew at the Church.
Saturday: Well..I pretty much told you everything.
Sunday: My last day in the Wards.  Mathew's confirmation was great.  I got to bear my testimony in one of the wards.

Small World:
1) Already told you about Sarah
2) The Js are in the Town Center Ward.  I bore my testimony and talked about Jace.  Sister J came up to me after church and said, "I am related to your cousin's companion."  I said, "Oh..McKay?"  She said, "No...Jace."  They are related to Uncle Larry.
3) The Ls in my ward also know Aunt Donna and Uncle Larry very well.

Well!  Wish my luck on my new adventure.  I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOO MUCH!!!!!!

SO SO MUCH!!!

Love,
Elder Sean Edwards

Saturday, June 2, 2012

May 28, 2012


FAMILY!!!

What an eventful week!

President B and Sister B came to an investigator discussion with Elder H. and me.  He doesn't go out with missionaries all that often, so when he told me he wanted to go to a discussion with me, I was excited.  The investigator we taught was our 8th grader, Mathew.  At the lesson was President and Sister B, Mathew, Sister P, Ernie Jr., Jayden, Mark, Davis, Sister W, Elder H, and me.  We taught the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity.  The lesson went extremely well (I think).  It was so great to have President and Sister B there.  Afterwards, President and Sister B offered us a ride home, but the member's home that we were at was also our dinner appointment, so we stayed and didn't really get to talk to President about how he thought the lesson went.  Sister B did come up to me after the lesson and said, "I LOVED IT!"  So, that's a good sign.  The spirit was there and that is all that matters.

Food Report:
Monday: Cheeseburgers
Tuesday: Pasta
Wednesday: Pizza
Thursday: Chicken Fajitas
Friday: Pizza
Saturday: Spaghetti
Sunday: Ziti
Monday: Cheeseburgers

Investigator Report:
Mathew: Great.
RJ: He will be baptized this Saturday!  YAY!  His mom was giving Kim (grandma and recent convert) a hard time about him being baptized.  Kim decided to fast (non-prompted) and pray for an answer on what to do about the situation.  She got a feeling to say to her daughter, RJ's Mom, "Ask your boyfriend what he thinks."  Her boyfriend is also a non-member.  She asked her boyfriend and he said, "Yeah!  I think that is a great idea for him to be baptized.  He needs to do it."  So AWESOME!  Kim definitely got her answer and we are excited for RJ's baptism.
...We need more investigators.

Yesterday for P-Day activity we went hiking up a train in Red Rock.  It was a lot of fun.  My camera dropped into the river in this whole water-forsaken desert, but such is my life.  It is completely dead, but I am surprised it has lasted this long.  I don't think any electronic anything has lasted this long in my hands.  2006-2012.

Went to a Memorial Day BBQ with a lot of the younger families in the T Ward yesterday.  That was a lot of fun.  We did relay races with the kids and they loved it.  All the adults said they loved our "crabwalk".

This last week I had a prompting to open up Preach My Gospel.  I didn't know what for, so I started flipping the pages.  I came to a page with a lot of member-missionary quotes on it by prophets.  I got the immediate idea to print off one of the quotes and attach it to a pass along card and hand them out to members in the wards to encourage missionary work.  So, we did just that.  We made over 500 pass along cards and handed them to the members as they walked into church on Sunday.  Here is the quote we used by President George Albert Smith: We will attain our exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom only on the condition that we share with our Father’s other children, the blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ."  I love that!  So...to all members: START SHARING, INVITING, TEACHING, AND TESTIFYING.  (The sooner the better).

Elder H is a great teacher.  We have 26 new missionaries coming into the mission this next transfer.  I am recommending him to be a trainer.

I'm so sad Jake and Lauren get off their missions so soon...It makes me sick to even think about it.  I'm so glad Charee is going to Portugal!  WOOO!!!!  She will be incredible.

Well, I love you all so very much!  Thank you for the support and prayers.  I need them.  Keep writing!

I LOVE YOU

Love,
Elder Sean Edwards

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Cinco de Macayo's


FAMILY!!

Because I got to e-mail recently, this e-mail will cover Wednesday, May 2 to today!

Well, this has been a not-so-eventful couple of days.  We really need to find more people to teach.  That's the hard thing.  You find, teach, baptize...then you have to start the whole process over again.  I just want a steady teaching pool.

Well, I've gotten letters from Lauren, Jake, and Isaac recently and it sounds like they are all doing great.  I love them!  They are such great examples to me.  I am so sad Lauren and Jake will be leaving their missions soon.  It's just too fun for me to think of how we are all on missions right now...I don't want that to end.  I love them!

Investigator Report:
S: Same
G: Flakey
RJ: He has had all the discussions.  Now we are just waiting to set a good baptismal date for when his Mom can be there, too.
J and A: Her job discription just changed (she is a manager at the Wynn) and so she has even more work hours now.  We didn't get to meet with them this last week.
D and M: We had dinner with them on Saturday night.  Then, we had a discussions with the missionaries who will now be teaching them.  They are now going to be in Uncle Arthur's ward!  I was so sad to have to pass them on.  I love them.  They are so incredible.

Food Report:
Wednesday: Cheeseburgers
Thursday: Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwiches
Friday: Chicken Enchiladas
Saturday: Shredded Beef Enchilada, Chile Relleno (Macayos) OH, and Dad: Sister Terry told me to tell you we also had a TCT and you would know what that is. Dinner: Grilled Chicken and Peppers and Onions Fajitas
Sunday: Grilled Chicken

Funny Story:
1) So, I wrote this in a letter to Dad already, but the other day, Sister T said she would take us to lunch on Saturday.  She asked us where we want to go.  Elder C said, "I don't know...What is your favorite place?"  She said, "Oh, only people from Las Vegas would get it."  I said, "Is it Macayos?"  She said, "YES!!!"  Haha...I was happy to know I understood something "only" Las Vegas-ians would.  My Dad taught me well.  And we went on Cinco De Mayo which wasn't even planned so it was perfect.  Now we call it...CINCO DE MACAYO!!! hahahahahaha...I think I'm so funny.
2) So, remember how the Weldons dropped us?  Well...They just moved into the Town Center Ward boundaries.  Guess who they moved in next to...Yep...Sister Parker!!!  Haha...They don't stand a chance.

Spiritual Thought:
We let the other missionaries now taking over for D and M take over the discussion since they will be the ones now teaching them.  The lesson was on The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They talked about Faith, Repetance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring To The End.  However, I was disappointed.  They left out some important details.  They neglected to discuss the following: how to help your faith to grow, how to recognize it growing, the proper steps of repentance, the blessings that come from repentance, the covenants made at baptism, the sacrament, what it means to endure to the end, etc.  I know they did their best.  I jumped in where needed and tried to help out.  Maybe I should have sit back and been more of an observer.  However, it is hard for me to watch investigators not get everything they need.  This was my conclusion: WE MUST GIVE LITTLE OR NO ATTENTION TO MATTERS THAT ARE NOT OF ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE.  It is eternally significant that we understand the sacrament, how to endure to the end, how to help our faith to grow.  I know they tried their best and that was great.  What matters MOST is that the spirit is there.  The Holy Ghost is the true teacher.  Not me, not my companion, no one else.  And, the spirit was there. :)

Well...I love you all so very much!  Thank you for all you do!  I will tell you if any transfer calls come on Sunday...When I talk to you...On MOTHERS DAY!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Love,
Elder Sean Edwards

Thursday, May 3, 2012

I LOVE BAPTISMS


FAMILY!

I am starting this e-mail a LOT later than I usually do because I had a TON of e-mails to read today in my inbox from Elder Isaac, J, other mission friends, etc.  So...I will have to make this e-mail short because I still need to e-mail President B.

BAPTISM!
K and A's Baptism was INCREDIBLE.  The Spirit was so very strong.  K looked beautiful.  A looked great.  Watching K walk into the font as she cried was just one of those Celestial Moments.  We (with some other youth) sang an EFY song, "These Are The Days."

Investigator Update:
J and A: Taught Lesson 2.   They are so wonderful and attentive and have great questions.  We gave A an Italian and French Book of Mormon since those are her first languages.  We didn't get to meet with them this week yet.  Hopefully we will be able to find a time.  A works at the Wynn, so she is very busy and hard to get a hold of.
D and M: Taught Lesson 2.  I am SO excited for them.  They have TRULY been prepared by the Lord and it is so obvious in our discussions.  I shared a very special experience with them in our last discussion.  The spirit is working on them so strong.  I love them SOOOO much!  We are having dinner with them on Saturday and teaching Lesson 3.
RJ: Teaching him the last part of Lesson 4 tomorrow and going to find a baptismal date for him.  Hopefully we can do May!
Sl: Had dinner with him on Sunday and taught a lesson (Read 1 Nephi 8 about the Tree of Life).  We are really trying to push reading the Book of Mormon with him.
G: He cancelled on us every day last week.  We met with him yesterday.  Hopefully we can continue bringing him the Spirit and prepare him for baptism.

Food Report:
Monday (23rd): Pulled Pork Tacos
Tuesday (24th): Grilled Chicken Bow Tie Pasta
Wednesday: Pancakes
Thursday: Pork
Friday: Chicken and Stuffing
Saturday: Seared Ahi and Mahi-Mahi (YUM!)
Sunday: Chicken
Monday: Roast Beef
Tuesday: Waffles

I got a letters from Kim and Kelsie this week!  They are doing great.

We got to go to the Las Vegas Temple today.  That was amazing...As always!  I got up at 4AM to get ready and now I am exhausted.

I LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH!!! I can't wait to Skype and see you on Mother's Day!!!  This will probably be the only time on my mission where you can hear my transfer call before a Monday!  We will see what happens!

LOVE,
Elder Sean Edwards

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Happy Easter!


FAMILY!!

I can't believe you are so close!  Yet so far!  ... You definitely came here on a good weekend.  The weather is beautiful out!  I can't wait to hear about your trip!  That is so exciting about Bishop Hong!  Wooo!!  He is going to be so great!

Well, it has been yet another great and eventful week!

BAPTISM:
C, C, and C were all baptized this last Saturday!  It was a wonderful service.  Elder C and I spoke on Baptism and the Holy Ghost.  The Spirit was strong.  It has been so much fun teaching these children.  Their Dad wasn't able to baptize them, but he gave a wonderful prayer at the end of the service.  He started crying and it was very powerful and moving.  We had a great time!

Investigator Report:
El: Finished the 2nd half of Lesson 4.  Getting baptized this Saturday!
J, Ai, Ni: Didn't get to meet with this week because of Spring Break.  Set to be baptized on the 21st!
Ki, Al, RJ: Didn't get to meet with because of Easter.  Set to be baptized on the 28th!
G: Taught Lesson 2.  Still working towards baptism for May 5th.
A: Taught the first half of Lesson 4.
S: He was out of town this week, too.
Jand A: Didn't get to meet with them.  Brother E said A has really been reading the Book of Mormon and writing down all her questions.  I'm excited to meet with her hopefully soon!

Food Report:
Monday: Chicken Casserole
Tuesday: Prime Rib (Yumm!)
Wednesday: Pork Chop
Thursday: Chicken Katsu
Friday: Pei Wei Spicy Chicken (Pei Wei!)
Saturday: Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Sunday: Ham, Fruit Salad, Mashed Potatoes, Deviled Eggs, Green Beans, etc. (EASTER!)

Did you know that Tuesday was Tucker's Birthday.  Thursday was Krista's Birthday.  Friday was the Church's Birthday.  Saturday was the Baptism.  Sunday was Easter!!  So much cause for celebration this week!

Oh!  We had dinner at the Terry's for Easter (Sister T is the one that went to Clark High School and showed me Dad's picture in the yearbook).  Sister T put together an awesome Easter Egg Hunt for us!  I found 3 eggs and Elder C found 9.  The eggs were hiding so well!  They made it too hard...But it was so much fun!

Spiritual Thought:
(You get another long one for this week!  I typed it up in a Word Document so that is why it looks the way it does).

To Facilitate And Nourish Testimony
Elder Sean Edwards April 2012

Our Testimonies Must Be Strong

We live in a day of moral decay. We live in an era of uncertainty. We all need to gain a personal testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ so strong and resolute that it will motivate and promote a righteous lifestyle that will help us to press forward with faith in this ever-changing world. A testimony is a sacred witness of truth. President Uchtdorf said, “When we talk about testimony, we refer to feelings of our heart and mind rather than an accumulation of logical, sterile facts,” (1). We are blessed to have access to magnificent examples of powerful testimonies. These examples of solemn attestations of eternal gospel truths are found in the words of ancient prophets, which we read in the scriptures, and modern day prophets and church leaders, who we hear from every General Conference. Sometimes the seemingly perfect, steadfast testimonies of others cause us to ask ourselves,“Why can’t my testimony be as strong as his or hers?” Sometimes these questions of doubt can come even when we feel we are doing all that we can: reading our scriptures, saying our prayers, keeping the commandments, fasting, and going to church. I would like to give 4 examples of things that prophets in the Book of Mormon did to strengthen and fortify their testimonies that we can then apply to our lives.

Lean On Another’s Testimony

In the beginning stages of building our testimony, we must understand that a testimony is a process. Alma said,“[we] cannot know of [a] surety at first, unto perfection,” (2). Sometimes we need an example to look towards. This same Alma that I just spoke of had a father named Alma who solidified his testimony by leaning on another’s. There was a time when the Nephites were ruled by a wicked king named Noah. King Noah willfully disobeyed God’s commandments and “he did cause his people to commit sin, and do that which was abominable in the sight of the Lord,” (3) so the Lord sent his chosen servant, Abinadi, to preach repentance. Within the royal court of King Noah were his priests who also heard Abinadi “[speak] with power and authority from God,” (4). We read in the seventeenth chapter of Mosiah,“But there was one among them whose name was Alma, he also being a descendant of Nephi. And he was a young man, and he believed the words which Abinadi had spoken, for he knew concerning the iniquity which Abinadi had testified against them; therefore, he began to plead with the king that he would not be angry with Abinadi, but suffer that he might depart in peace. But the king was more wroth, and caused that Alma should be cast out from among them, and sent his servants after him that they might slay him. But he fled from before them and hid himself that they found him not. And he being concealed for many days did write all the words which Abinadi had spoken,” (5). This marks the beginning of a wonderful change within Alma. Abinadi's testimony ignited Alma's spirit. It was his jumpstart to an unfailing testimony of the gospel which commenced at his trust and interest in Abinadi’s witness. Because Alma leaned on Abinadi’s testimony, he gained the testimony sufficient enough to help the work of the Lord in baptizing about 204 people at the waters of Mormon, establishing the“Church of Christ” (6), conferring the priesthood, teaching and preaching the gospel, helping his son, Alma, gain a testimony, and much more. President Packer said of his youth, “I did not then have a firm testimony that the gospel was true, but I knew that my seminary teachers…knew it was true. I had heard them testify, and I thought to myself, ‘I will lean on their testimonies until I gain one of my own.’ And so it was,” (7). For me, I have used my parent's and my grandparent’s testimonies as a framework for building my own. It has helped me immensely.

Find Something To Hope For

There are so many people in the Church, our brothers and sisters, who are wavering in faith and unsure in testimony. Many are ready to “call it quits.” If the previous statement rings true to you: Do not leave! Do not quit! It is my promise to you that there is in the Church at least one gospel doctrine intriguing enough to prompt you to stay. For non-members, surely there is a gospel doctrine intriguing enough to give you the push to start. Enos said the doctrine he favored was “the words which [he] had often heard [his] father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints,” which he allowed to “[sink] deep into [his] heart,” (8). Enos said that he “often” heard about eternal life and joy. This leads me to believe that Enos “often” thought about this particular doctrine. Because Enos found something to hope for, it led to prayer, a forgiveness of his sins, stronger faith, his own conversion, and, of course, an increased testimony. As a youth, I recall singing Hymn No. 256, “As Zion’s Youth in Latter Days.” Some of the lines read: “As Zion’s youth in latter days, we stand with valiant heart, with promise shining in our eyes, resolved to do our part,” and “As Zion’s youth in latter days, triumphant, pure, and strong.” In my teenage years, I did not feel so “triumphant, pure, and strong.” In fact, I felt crippled in my testimony of the gospel, but I found something to hope for. The doctrine of eternal families fascinated me. I could not imagine my life without my family and the thought of being with my family forever brought me much happiness. Although I struggled in my youth, the hope I had in eternal families helped me to endure, and sometimes that enduring meant conquering challenges day by day and little by little. The hope I had helped me to stay active in the Church, continually pray, and not give up. Because I found hope in a gospel doctrine, my testimony was nourished and strengthened. You, too, can apply this principle, like Enos did, and hope in eternal life, eternal families, prayer, the Atonement, the Resurrection, and whatever eternal truth excites you.

Notice God’s Hand In Your Life

A natural byproduct of recognizing God’s hand in our lives is a reinforced testimony. As we think in our minds, see with our eyes, and feel in our hearts the tender mercies we have received, the blessings we have been bestowed, and how the Lord leads us to righteousness and joy, our testimonies are fortified. Sometimes events occur that cause us to immediately see God’s hand in our life. A few years ago my Mom, Dad, and younger sister were traveling back to New Jersey from spending a Summer in Utah. My Mom was driving on a highway in the left lane on a beautiful, clear, sunny day. All of the sudden, a thought came into her head to move into the next lane to the right. She signaled and moved. The next thing she saw was a car from opposite traffic come flying across the median going 70 miles an hour. The car hit a semi-truck that had pulled up beside my family in result of my Mom changing lanes. It was a devastating and horrific scene. My Mom, Dad, and younger sister would not have survived the crash had my Mom not heeded the quiet whisperings of the Holy Ghost. That day, I immediately saw God’s hand in my life and my testimony of God’s love and the protection the Holy Ghost provides when we listen to His promptings increased and grew. Other times, more often than not, we have to think and ponder to notice God’s hand in our life. Nephi gives a great example of this. On the third attempt to get the brass plates from Laban, Nephi found Laban on the floor “drunken with wine,”(9). The Spirit exhorted Nephi to slay Laban with his own sword for “it is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief,” (10). Nephi then says, “And now, when I, Nephi, had heard these words, I remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness, saying that: Inasmuch as thy seed shall keep my commandments, they shall prosper in the land of promise. Yea, and I also thought that they could not keep the commandments of the Lord according to the law of Moses, save they should have the law. And I also knew that the law was engraven upon the plates of brass. And again, I knew that the Lord had delivered Laban into my hands for this cause – that I might obtain the records according to his commandments. Therefore I did obey…” (11). Through careful thinking, Nephi recognized, “The Lord promised my seed prosperity, but in order to receive blessings, they need to keep the commandments. In order to keep the commandments, they need to know the commandments. In order to know the commandments, they need the brass plates on which they are written. And, that is why I am here now.” In noticing God’s hand, was Nephi’s testimony strengthened? Yes, indeed tremendously. If we recognize God’s hand in our lives daily, our testimonies, too, will become like Nephi’s.

Bear Testimony Frequently

In helping a testimony to grow, it must be born and shared with others. We can bear our testimonies privately to a friend or publicly in church. Whatever the situation, whenever testimony is shared, testimony is strengthened. Alma the younger bears his testimony often throughout the Book of Mormon. Some of my favorite examples of Alma bearing his testimony is when he shares what he knows to be true with his sons, Helaman, Shiblon, and Corianton. To each of his sons, Alma bears testimony of Jesus Christ. To Helaman: “…the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise,” (12). To Shiblon:“…there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness,” (13). To Corianton: “And now, my son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning the coming of Christ. Behold, I say unto you, that it is he that surely shall come to take away the sins of the world; yea, he cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people,” (14). Was Alma’s testimony strengthened as he bore it? Undoubtably. Elder Oaks said,“Another way to seek a testimony seems astonishing when compared with the methods of obtaining other knowledge. We gain or strengthen a testimony by bearing it. Someone even suggested that some testimonies are better gained on the feet bearing them than on the knees praying for them,” (15). However small or simple or even non-existant we think our testimony is, if we bear our testimonies of what we do know to be true or even of things we hope to gain a spiritual witness of, our testimonies will strengthen, grow, and climb to new spiritual heights, for we know that we cannot obtain all knowledge at once. The Lord has said, “…I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an hear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more…” (16).

Testimony Blessings

As you implement these suggestions, according to your choice, I encourage you to continue to read the scriptures, pray, fast, go to church, keep the commandments, and seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost. And, if you are not doing these things: Start now! It is true that we live in a time when we each need to gain a personal testimony. It is a solid testimony combined with righteous actions that will allow us to withstand the earthquakes of adversity and when the Richter scale of temptation is at its worst, we will remain calm, steadfast, and unshaken. As we lean on another’s testimony, find something to hope for, notice God’s hand in our life, and bear testimony frequently, we can develop a firm, self-reliant testimony that will change our lives and the lives of those we come in contact with. It is my testimony that God loves His children. Jesus is the Christ. Joseph Smith is the prophet of God who, through the Lord, restored Christ’s true church for these days. The Book of Mormon is true. I know it is. President Thomas S. Monson is the prophet today who leads, guides, and directs our course back to Heaven. Following and living the gospel of Jesus Christ: faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, is the only way to eternal life with our Father in Heaven, Savior Jesus Christ, and families. A testimony of these unchanging truths is essential. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

References:
1) "The Power of A Personal Testimony," 2006.
2) Alma 32:26
3) Mosiah 11:2
4) Mosiah 13:6
5) Mosiah 17:2-4
6) Mosiah 18:17
7) "Counsel To Youth," 2007.
8) Enos 1:3
9) 1 Nephi 4:7
10) 1 Nephi 4:13
11) 1 Nephi 4:14-18
12) Alma 37:45
13) Alma 38:9
14) Alma 39:15
15) "Testimony," 2008.
16) 2 Nephi 28:30

....End of Spiritual Thought.

Well...I love you all SOOOO MUCH!!!  Thanks for all the love, support, and encouragement.  Keep writing!  I love hearing from you!

Love,
Elder Sean Edwards