June 27, 2011

Hey McBrides!

 

This week was 100 times better than last week. Not a whole lot happened, but it just seemed like a better week.

 

I guess it all started with my studies on Monday. I read this awesome talk titled "the 4th missionary." unfortunately i can't remember who wrote it.... But wow. So in the talk it mentions 4 kinds of missionaries.

 

1st missionary: Disobedient, Hates the work, and eventually gets sent home early either because he's done something wrong or he doesn't want to do it anymore.

 

2nd missionary: Disobedient, but finishes his mission, but has regrets.

 

3rd missionary: serves diligently, baptizes many, learns from his mission, gives all his might and strength, But, he doesn't doesn't give his heart or his mind. he doesn't enjoy the mission, stays active in the church, but doesn't really enjoy it.

 

4th missionary: Serves diligently, baptizes many, learns from his mission, gives all his heart, might, mind and strength to the Lord so he can become what the Lords wants him to be. Loves his mission and becomes even more active in the church.

 

This week i realized that I'm absolutley worthless on my own. But, If I give myself to the Lord to be molded into what he wants me to be, I can do anything. I will be happier with the work, the days will seem short, we'll find much more success, and I'll become the person i want to be. One of my goals i wanted to achieve while on my mission was to become a better person. Someone whom others would look up to. And I know that by completely giving myself to the work, I'll become that person.

 

So i've tried to apply that this week. Smile more, study harder, pray more fervently, and give myself to the Lord. And immediately after I made that decision, The mission has gotten easier.

 

Tuesday, we had an amazing lesson with one of our investigators. i don't think i've ever felt the spirit more strongly in my life. We talked about how church blesses our lives and invited her to come with us. She said yes, but unfortunatley, she didn't show up. Hopefully next week.

 

Wednesday, I went on exchanges with Elder Payne, our district leader. I went to his area, West Chester. West Chester is a college town full of kids. And about 75% of those kids are girls... pretty girls. At least they weren't distracting. Anyways.... We taught a few people, had an awesome dinner with some members and tracted. It was really cool. Loved that day.

 

Thursday, we had the oppurtunity to go to the Moromon Tabernacle choir concert in Philly. Holy cow. They are amazing. I took a whole bunch of pictures and a few videos of it. I'll send you pictures soon. I promise. So the concert was awesome. They sang a couple of cool songs: Come, come ye saints, I got the whole world in my hands, Sunrise Sunset, Down to the river to pray, and many more. We took an investigator with us, Mike Billings, and he loved it!  I don't remember if i told you, but Mike is getting baptized on July 24th!

 

Friday, I don't even remember what happened friday. it seems like it was forever ago....

 

Saturday, I can't remember what happened that day either....

 

Sunday, Awesome day. Church was awesome! Bill Stewart, one of our investigators, came and loved it. Mike was there, as usuall. and Yeah. good day. After church we had dinner with a Less-Active family and had a really good conversasion why they don't come to church. They told us all these reasons and i simply said, "yeah, those are all good reasons why not to go. But what is the reason we do go?" They were kinda shocked that i would ask them something like that. They then said that they would be at church next week. Super excited for them.

 

So yeah. good week, and it's only gonna get better.

 

Glad that everyone is having fun! Not gonna lie, I miss swimming. It really sucks when you're walking down a street, it's 100 degrees outside and you hear a family splashing in a pool. All you want to do is jump in a soak it all up. Maybe someday.

 

I can't believe that J'Nell will be driving soon. She's not allowed to do that. She's still too young =P.

And Maddie's 10? Sheesh. You guys need to stop growing up.

That's no fun with Conner. Hopefully he starts feeling better.

 

And no, I haven't been able to pick up the package you sent yet. I also haven't recieved the letter, but it should be here later today.

 

Anyways, Love you all!

 

Elder McBride