email dated 2/8/10
I was really worried as transfer calls came last night that I would get transferred to a new area, but I'm gonna stick around in New Haven with Elder Beals-I really love New Haven, and I still have so much work to do here. This week was a pretty amazing week-I see daily miracles out here-several stick out in my mind from this last week. We've been teaching an older woman who hated the church-her daughter was baptized a year ago, but was inactive for a while, and she just ripped on the church hardcore. She refused to even talk to the missionaries when they used to go over to her home a year ago, but 2 weeks ago, she told us that she wanted us to teach her everything from the beginning. Last Thursday, I was reading through her old teaching record of when missionaries tried to teach her a year ago, and the missionaries talked about her being a mean, grouchy woman who only argued with them and had no desire to learn or change. That evening, I taught her and she testified to me that she knew that the Mormon church is the only true church on the earth today, that the Book of Mormon is true, and that she finally found the strength she needs to quit smoking. She thanked me later, and said that the thing the finally clicked with her was the 'virtue in my face'. She said, "I look into your eyes and I see your conviction. I can see Jesus Christ in your countenance, and the virtue in your face convinces me that this is true." I have been praying for a long time that God would use me as an instrument in His hands, insomuch that others would be able to see Him through my example, and He answered my prayers in that woman's testimony. She will be baptized in coming weeks.
I am also teaching a couple right now with 2 daughters, ages 4 and 5. The parents both want to be baptized, and understand the doctrine very clearly-everything except the law of chastity. They're not married legally, and I told them that they had to be married to each other before they can be baptized. The husband still didn't want to, but the wife said, "I'm getting baptized, with our without my husband. So if I have to move out to convince him that I'm serious, I will." Her faith surprised me, and I couldn't help but chuckle at her husbands nervous and desperate response after that. "W-We-We'll get married! Just give me some time, woman!" They're getting married soon and will be baptized in coming weeks as well.
There are some amazing things happening, and I justly attribute them to the mercy and goodness of God. I have been so touched by the tender mercies of the Lord, in my life and in the lives of those whom I serve every day. He is preparing His children all over the world hear and accept the gospel, and He is working miracles in their lives as they come unto Him with broken hearts and contrite spirits. I eagerly anticipate the coming months, the miracles, and the personal growth I will have through my trials and struggles in His service.
I finished the Book of Mormon this week from start to finish in Spanish. Due the promise of an apostle that if I would read the Book of Mormon in it's entirety in Spanish that I would be fluent by the time I finished, my companion said,"It's official, you're fluent!" I still have a lot to learn, but I have definitely seen how I've been richly blessed in this righteous endeavor, and how, just through studying the Book of Mormon, I have grown in so many different ways. The Book of Mormon is a true book, and it has an amazing power to change us, help us, guide us, and strengthen us, in whatever endeavor we pursue. Read it-please! Just read it! There isn't a single person on the earth who won't benefit enormously, spiritually and temporally, from reading and abiding by it's precepts.
I love you all very much, and I pray continually for your welfare. I pray continually that God will bless and keep you.
With much love from your favorite Elder Shepherd,
-Elder Shepherd
Monday, February 8, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
I got a new email address
email dated 2/1/10
The church upgraded the missionary email, so this is my new email address. Make sure you mark the change! My address is now: blocked, (if you want it, please contact a family member)
Just so you know, this Friday is my 6-month mark. Weird, eh? Crazy. Wild. Unbelievable.
So I guess that Christian has 3 ulcers in his stomach. Christian is the last person in the family that I expected to have ulcers. I would have expected it from how high strung and stressed some of the rest of us are, but not in a million years from him. I guess it is due to all those jalapenos and hot sauce. I told you that stuff would kill you someday...
So I am teaching a super awesome family. The parents are both from Mexico, and they have 2 daughters who are 5 and 4 years old. They love reading and learning, and they are pretty much ready to get baptized. The only problem they have is that the parents aren't legally married, and in order to get married here, they would have go through the court (they aren't legal citizens here) which means that they would get married, baptized, and then immediately deported, and the family would be split apart. I've already seen it happen once with a family who got married, baptized, and then they sent the father and the 3 children back to Ecuador, and the mother was forced to stay here for loads of other money and legal issues. Immigration law is so annoying. Many of them had visas, and came here legally, but the law changed since then, and now they're legalization was made 'void', and they are no longer considered legal. I'm learning a lot about immigration law here. It's really heartbreaking to see the dire circumstances many of the Latinos here are in. We recently baptized a woman who was forced to leave her 5 children, parents, and brothers and sisters in Ecuador to come here so she can work at the McDonald's and support all 10 of them because there is NO food and NO hope for her family back in Ecuador. She can't go back because she doesn't have enough money, and she can't bring them here, and they are completely dependant upon her McDonald's salary for their livelihood. I could tell dozens of stories just like hers.
A woman in a similar circumstance asked me the question this week, "Why do some of us have harder trials than others? Why is my life harder than theirs?" That's a very difficult question to answer, and I couldn't really relate to her circumstance from my own life experience, but I do know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer to all of life's questions and problems. I related to her why it was that we have trials, why we suffer sometimes, and what God expects of us through it all. All of us are unique in our life experiences and trials. God knows us, better than we know ourselves, and He has prepared a way for us in this life to learn, grow, and come back to Him. Each of us has a unique and different burden to overcome in this life. My problems aren't the same as someone elses, but that doesn't mean that God deals unjustly with His children. He knows the struggles that we must go through to grow in our faith and testimony, and He knows what we are capable of overcoming, even when we don't believe enough in ourselves to do it. He is just, but He is also infinitely merciful and compassionate.
Don't let your problems overshadow this eternal truth: God is our Heavenly Father, who loves us more the we can comprehend. Jesus Christ is our Savior, and he prepared the way for us to repent of our sins, and receive mercy at the Judgment. The best answer I can give is what Nephi said to the Angel in 1 Nephi 11:16-17. The angel asks Nephi, "Knowest thou the condescension of God?" and Nephi answers, "I know that God loves His children, nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things." At first, this answer kind of seems like a cop out, but in all reality, Nephi gave, in my opinion, the best answer possible; that is, "I know that He loves His children." How much suffering could we spare ourselves if we would just hold fast to this truth: God loves us, no matter what. How many people would be spared from depression if they just knew that God loved them? How many people would remain in fellowship with the church if they knew that regardless of what they've done, God still loves them? Doesn't this truth set us free? How differently do we look at life and our problems and trials when we hold fast to the knowledge that there is a supreme being who loves us with all His heart! What kind of attitude do we embrace? After a tragedy in our lives, we often say to ourselves, "Where was God?" The reply: "Well, I don't know the reason that happened, but I KNOW God loves His children." When we can take this attitude, we can overcome any problem that life throws at us. You don't need to know everything, or the reason for exactly why things happen the way they happen or in the time they happen; however, you do need to know that God loves you, and will never forsake you.
I have to go, but I love you all, and I pray continually for your welfare.
-Elder Shepherd
The church upgraded the missionary email, so this is my new email address. Make sure you mark the change! My address is now: blocked, (if you want it, please contact a family member)
Just so you know, this Friday is my 6-month mark. Weird, eh? Crazy. Wild. Unbelievable.
So I guess that Christian has 3 ulcers in his stomach. Christian is the last person in the family that I expected to have ulcers. I would have expected it from how high strung and stressed some of the rest of us are, but not in a million years from him. I guess it is due to all those jalapenos and hot sauce. I told you that stuff would kill you someday...
So I am teaching a super awesome family. The parents are both from Mexico, and they have 2 daughters who are 5 and 4 years old. They love reading and learning, and they are pretty much ready to get baptized. The only problem they have is that the parents aren't legally married, and in order to get married here, they would have go through the court (they aren't legal citizens here) which means that they would get married, baptized, and then immediately deported, and the family would be split apart. I've already seen it happen once with a family who got married, baptized, and then they sent the father and the 3 children back to Ecuador, and the mother was forced to stay here for loads of other money and legal issues. Immigration law is so annoying. Many of them had visas, and came here legally, but the law changed since then, and now they're legalization was made 'void', and they are no longer considered legal. I'm learning a lot about immigration law here. It's really heartbreaking to see the dire circumstances many of the Latinos here are in. We recently baptized a woman who was forced to leave her 5 children, parents, and brothers and sisters in Ecuador to come here so she can work at the McDonald's and support all 10 of them because there is NO food and NO hope for her family back in Ecuador. She can't go back because she doesn't have enough money, and she can't bring them here, and they are completely dependant upon her McDonald's salary for their livelihood. I could tell dozens of stories just like hers.
A woman in a similar circumstance asked me the question this week, "Why do some of us have harder trials than others? Why is my life harder than theirs?" That's a very difficult question to answer, and I couldn't really relate to her circumstance from my own life experience, but I do know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer to all of life's questions and problems. I related to her why it was that we have trials, why we suffer sometimes, and what God expects of us through it all. All of us are unique in our life experiences and trials. God knows us, better than we know ourselves, and He has prepared a way for us in this life to learn, grow, and come back to Him. Each of us has a unique and different burden to overcome in this life. My problems aren't the same as someone elses, but that doesn't mean that God deals unjustly with His children. He knows the struggles that we must go through to grow in our faith and testimony, and He knows what we are capable of overcoming, even when we don't believe enough in ourselves to do it. He is just, but He is also infinitely merciful and compassionate.
Don't let your problems overshadow this eternal truth: God is our Heavenly Father, who loves us more the we can comprehend. Jesus Christ is our Savior, and he prepared the way for us to repent of our sins, and receive mercy at the Judgment. The best answer I can give is what Nephi said to the Angel in 1 Nephi 11:16-17. The angel asks Nephi, "Knowest thou the condescension of God?" and Nephi answers, "I know that God loves His children, nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things." At first, this answer kind of seems like a cop out, but in all reality, Nephi gave, in my opinion, the best answer possible; that is, "I know that He loves His children." How much suffering could we spare ourselves if we would just hold fast to this truth: God loves us, no matter what. How many people would be spared from depression if they just knew that God loved them? How many people would remain in fellowship with the church if they knew that regardless of what they've done, God still loves them? Doesn't this truth set us free? How differently do we look at life and our problems and trials when we hold fast to the knowledge that there is a supreme being who loves us with all His heart! What kind of attitude do we embrace? After a tragedy in our lives, we often say to ourselves, "Where was God?" The reply: "Well, I don't know the reason that happened, but I KNOW God loves His children." When we can take this attitude, we can overcome any problem that life throws at us. You don't need to know everything, or the reason for exactly why things happen the way they happen or in the time they happen; however, you do need to know that God loves you, and will never forsake you.
I have to go, but I love you all, and I pray continually for your welfare.
-Elder Shepherd
Friday, January 29, 2010
The Mountains shall depart...
email dated 1/25/10
So one of our current investigators is in the hospital right now-she's been there for a couple of weeks with a strange skin infection. She's been on heavy antibiotics and the doctors are puzzled as to why they weren't working. We visited her again this last Friday night, and gave her a priesthood blessing, and read to her from the Book of Mormon. As we revisited her the next day, she told us that the second we left, she felt 'hot'- she said she couldn't explain the feeling, but that she just felt so warm, like her 'heart was on fire' (her words, not mine) and that she was feeling better. She knew that what we had told her was true, and she had tons of questions about the purpose of life, why we're here, and what happens after we die. She's always been really quiet, but she opened up to us as she felt our love for her and the spirits confirming witness that what we taught her was true. The gift and privilege to hold the priesthood is such a blessing. It's a sacred trust that God has in us to do His work, and he blesses us with His power to do it.
As I was reading in the Book of Mormon this week, I read a familiar passage of scripture that touches my heart more and more as I experience and learn about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It's in 3 Nephi chapter 22. The whole chapter is beautiful, but I particularly love several verses. Verse 7-8 the Lord says, "For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." Only for a brief moment do we suffer. Only for a brief moment does He let our faith be tried so that we can learn in whom we must trust and strengthen our dependence in Him. The most powerful promise is in verse 10: "For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, (and the valleys shall be lost beneath the sea), but my kindness shall not depart from thee..." I am reminded similar promises made throughout the scriptures ("Though the very jaws of hell gape open after thee, I am with thee..." "Peace, thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment...") He is with us. His kindness will NEVER depart from us. Though for a brief moment, our faith be tried with fire, He will ALWAYS regather us in His infinite mercy, and He is ALWAYS waiting for our return to Him with outstretched arms. He is the gate and passage to our relief, our peace and solace from a troubled and chaotic world, and He stands at the door, waiting for us to open it. If all you had to do was open the door, wouldn't you? He's not leaving! He's not going anywhere, He promised He wouldn't! The mountains shall be removed, and valleys shall be covered by the sea, but He will NEVER leave the door-He waits for you to open it. His kindness will never depart from you.
What a beautiful promise. More than being poetic, it's a true promise. I testify of it's truthfulness. I testify of God's incomprehensible love for His children, insomuch that He gave His only begotten son. How it must have hurt him to watch Christ suffer! How he must have wept at the sight of His rejection and crucifixion; and yet, how He must love us beyond our ability to comprehend. He weeps for our pains and sins, and rejoices in our triumphs. He truly will never forsake us-He will regather us in His compassion, mercy, and love.
The scriptures inspire us-they inspire me everyday to work a little harder, walk a little taller, and testify with even more boldness and faith of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His church to the earth.I hope you are all doing well and I pray for you every day. Don't forget to open the door and let God help you. I promise He won't leave you comfortless.
I love you!
-Elder Shepherd
So one of our current investigators is in the hospital right now-she's been there for a couple of weeks with a strange skin infection. She's been on heavy antibiotics and the doctors are puzzled as to why they weren't working. We visited her again this last Friday night, and gave her a priesthood blessing, and read to her from the Book of Mormon. As we revisited her the next day, she told us that the second we left, she felt 'hot'- she said she couldn't explain the feeling, but that she just felt so warm, like her 'heart was on fire' (her words, not mine) and that she was feeling better. She knew that what we had told her was true, and she had tons of questions about the purpose of life, why we're here, and what happens after we die. She's always been really quiet, but she opened up to us as she felt our love for her and the spirits confirming witness that what we taught her was true. The gift and privilege to hold the priesthood is such a blessing. It's a sacred trust that God has in us to do His work, and he blesses us with His power to do it.
As I was reading in the Book of Mormon this week, I read a familiar passage of scripture that touches my heart more and more as I experience and learn about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It's in 3 Nephi chapter 22. The whole chapter is beautiful, but I particularly love several verses. Verse 7-8 the Lord says, "For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." Only for a brief moment do we suffer. Only for a brief moment does He let our faith be tried so that we can learn in whom we must trust and strengthen our dependence in Him. The most powerful promise is in verse 10: "For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, (and the valleys shall be lost beneath the sea), but my kindness shall not depart from thee..." I am reminded similar promises made throughout the scriptures ("Though the very jaws of hell gape open after thee, I am with thee..." "Peace, thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment...") He is with us. His kindness will NEVER depart from us. Though for a brief moment, our faith be tried with fire, He will ALWAYS regather us in His infinite mercy, and He is ALWAYS waiting for our return to Him with outstretched arms. He is the gate and passage to our relief, our peace and solace from a troubled and chaotic world, and He stands at the door, waiting for us to open it. If all you had to do was open the door, wouldn't you? He's not leaving! He's not going anywhere, He promised He wouldn't! The mountains shall be removed, and valleys shall be covered by the sea, but He will NEVER leave the door-He waits for you to open it. His kindness will never depart from you.
What a beautiful promise. More than being poetic, it's a true promise. I testify of it's truthfulness. I testify of God's incomprehensible love for His children, insomuch that He gave His only begotten son. How it must have hurt him to watch Christ suffer! How he must have wept at the sight of His rejection and crucifixion; and yet, how He must love us beyond our ability to comprehend. He weeps for our pains and sins, and rejoices in our triumphs. He truly will never forsake us-He will regather us in His compassion, mercy, and love.
The scriptures inspire us-they inspire me everyday to work a little harder, walk a little taller, and testify with even more boldness and faith of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His church to the earth.I hope you are all doing well and I pray for you every day. Don't forget to open the door and let God help you. I promise He won't leave you comfortless.
I love you!
-Elder Shepherd
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
MLK Day
email dated 1/19/10
Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr. day, and as a result, all the libraries were closed and we didn't have a computer to email. Our president gave us permission to do our email today, so I don't have much time, but I'm glad to hear that everyone is doing well and is healthy.
I just love my companion, Elder Beals. We are both pretty young missionaries (This is his 2nd transfer and this is my 3rd), but we are both strong willed and determined to do our best. We grow together, learn from one another, and lift each other up on one of us is down. I have a long time before I can even think of marriage, but I imagine that that's one of the beautiful things about having a 'companion': you have someone to turn to, to share everything with, and to rely on.
I continue to see daily miracles out here. Some days it can be something small, and some days I see very grand miracles. Whatever the case, I'm convinced that our lives are full of miracles and tender mercies that often go unnoticed by us. We don't realize how involved God really is in our personal lives and in many intimate ways. How many times have we prayed after an activity that everyone would go home safely and they did? That's an answer to a prayer, a miracle, even if it is a small thing. I've seen how God has answered my prayers in very big ways too, like my decision to serve a mission, go to college, select a career or friends, etc. That's the wonderful thing about our Heavenly Father, no matter how insignificant our problems our individual struggles may seem, He cares and desires with ALL His heart to bless and help us and see us succeed. How many things has He blessed you with that you didn't even specifically pray or work for? I know I've been richly blessed with so many things that I can't attribute to my own abilities. I have things that I can't merit, things that I don't even deserve, but things that a loving Father in Heaven has bestowed upon His son. Take some time to reflect on the 'tender mercies' of the Lord, and take a good look at what you have. You've been blessed with many things that you can't merit to your own goodness. Does your Father in Heaven not deserve your love or devotion? Will you find the time to pray and thank Him, and go to His church, and serve His other children? We are so blessed, and so loved. Love Him back.I don't have much more time, but I love you all. I wouldn't be spending my time out here in Connecticut if this church wasn't true, and I didn't know it with all my heart.
-Elder Shepherd
Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr. day, and as a result, all the libraries were closed and we didn't have a computer to email. Our president gave us permission to do our email today, so I don't have much time, but I'm glad to hear that everyone is doing well and is healthy.
I just love my companion, Elder Beals. We are both pretty young missionaries (This is his 2nd transfer and this is my 3rd), but we are both strong willed and determined to do our best. We grow together, learn from one another, and lift each other up on one of us is down. I have a long time before I can even think of marriage, but I imagine that that's one of the beautiful things about having a 'companion': you have someone to turn to, to share everything with, and to rely on.
I continue to see daily miracles out here. Some days it can be something small, and some days I see very grand miracles. Whatever the case, I'm convinced that our lives are full of miracles and tender mercies that often go unnoticed by us. We don't realize how involved God really is in our personal lives and in many intimate ways. How many times have we prayed after an activity that everyone would go home safely and they did? That's an answer to a prayer, a miracle, even if it is a small thing. I've seen how God has answered my prayers in very big ways too, like my decision to serve a mission, go to college, select a career or friends, etc. That's the wonderful thing about our Heavenly Father, no matter how insignificant our problems our individual struggles may seem, He cares and desires with ALL His heart to bless and help us and see us succeed. How many things has He blessed you with that you didn't even specifically pray or work for? I know I've been richly blessed with so many things that I can't attribute to my own abilities. I have things that I can't merit, things that I don't even deserve, but things that a loving Father in Heaven has bestowed upon His son. Take some time to reflect on the 'tender mercies' of the Lord, and take a good look at what you have. You've been blessed with many things that you can't merit to your own goodness. Does your Father in Heaven not deserve your love or devotion? Will you find the time to pray and thank Him, and go to His church, and serve His other children? We are so blessed, and so loved. Love Him back.I don't have much more time, but I love you all. I wouldn't be spending my time out here in Connecticut if this church wasn't true, and I didn't know it with all my heart.
-Elder Shepherd
Monday, January 11, 2010
Tithing+Church=Blessings?
email dated 1/11/10
This week was full of great stuff. I saw a lot of miracles and prayers answered this week.
So I was visiting a woman who has been more or less inactive for the past year. She lost her job and has been selling products for Mary Kay, but she lost her apartment is now living in a 6x7 room in a basement with a mattress on the floor with her 15 year old daughter. She's a single mom, and she literally has nothing. She had a gallon of milk and a carton of eggs, and is living a cramped, cold room with her 15 year old daughter. They have NOTHING. I found myself at a complete loss for words. I didn't know what to say to her-I didn't know what kind of help I could offer her. Then I felt a powerful prompting that I couldn't deny. It was telling me to promise her that if she would come to church every Sunday and pay her tithing that the Lord would improve her circumstances, insomuch that she would have a place to live and food to feed her and her daughter. The temptation to keep my mouth shut was great, but I couldn't quench the spirit. I boldly promised her that if she would come to church and pay her tithing that she would have a place to live and food to feed herself and her daughter. The confirming witness of the spirit was intense as the spirit flooded the room and brought tears to her eyes. I know at least one persons conversion was challenged and strengthened by that experience-it was mine. After that appointment, I thought to myself how bold what I said was, and, in a way, challenged my own faith in the promise I had given her. My faith in the law of tithing and of regular sabbath day observance were both challenged. I was grateful for the times in my life when I had seen the blessings of paying my tithing and attending church, and I was able to recall these past miracles to my mind. Then the spirit confirmed again to me that I did indeed have faith in these things, and that by following the prompting I received and by being bold, my faith was strengthened, and my testimony made firm.
It is in the trial of our faith that we are made strong. It is only when faith is tried do we become firm and steadfast in what we believe. It is only in the trial of our faith can we truly exhibit faith. When your faith is tried, beware the temptation to back down when the pressure mounts. If it was right when you prayed about it and had a testimony of it and lived it, it is still right now. It hasn't changed. Beware the temptation to back down from a good thing, just because it gets hard or you have doubts. It isn't until you take a step into the dark and take a couple hits that your faith becomes strong and is confirmed by the spirit. Give God the time He needs to mold you into the person you need to be. Let it be according to His timetable, and His plans. Don't waste your life asking 'WHY? why me? why this? why now?' - rather, ask Him 'WHAT do you want me to do? HOW do you want me to do it?'. I am convinced that as we approach life's difficulties with a 'what' and 'how' attitude rather than a 'why' mentality, we will see our dreams fulfilled, our goals achieved, and our grand potential more fully realized.
Just do what it is right, and stop fighting the Lord and His path. He knows whats best for you better than you do.I love you all so much. I am learning and growing so much through my trials and experiences. I thank God for my many blessings and for the wonderful life He has blessed me with. It's certainly not because I deserve it, or merit such love and blessings, but because I am His son, and He loves me in a way that I can't possibly understand.
Take care! Don't forget what your knees are really for...
-Elder Shepherd
This week was full of great stuff. I saw a lot of miracles and prayers answered this week.
So I was visiting a woman who has been more or less inactive for the past year. She lost her job and has been selling products for Mary Kay, but she lost her apartment is now living in a 6x7 room in a basement with a mattress on the floor with her 15 year old daughter. She's a single mom, and she literally has nothing. She had a gallon of milk and a carton of eggs, and is living a cramped, cold room with her 15 year old daughter. They have NOTHING. I found myself at a complete loss for words. I didn't know what to say to her-I didn't know what kind of help I could offer her. Then I felt a powerful prompting that I couldn't deny. It was telling me to promise her that if she would come to church every Sunday and pay her tithing that the Lord would improve her circumstances, insomuch that she would have a place to live and food to feed her and her daughter. The temptation to keep my mouth shut was great, but I couldn't quench the spirit. I boldly promised her that if she would come to church and pay her tithing that she would have a place to live and food to feed herself and her daughter. The confirming witness of the spirit was intense as the spirit flooded the room and brought tears to her eyes. I know at least one persons conversion was challenged and strengthened by that experience-it was mine. After that appointment, I thought to myself how bold what I said was, and, in a way, challenged my own faith in the promise I had given her. My faith in the law of tithing and of regular sabbath day observance were both challenged. I was grateful for the times in my life when I had seen the blessings of paying my tithing and attending church, and I was able to recall these past miracles to my mind. Then the spirit confirmed again to me that I did indeed have faith in these things, and that by following the prompting I received and by being bold, my faith was strengthened, and my testimony made firm.
It is in the trial of our faith that we are made strong. It is only when faith is tried do we become firm and steadfast in what we believe. It is only in the trial of our faith can we truly exhibit faith. When your faith is tried, beware the temptation to back down when the pressure mounts. If it was right when you prayed about it and had a testimony of it and lived it, it is still right now. It hasn't changed. Beware the temptation to back down from a good thing, just because it gets hard or you have doubts. It isn't until you take a step into the dark and take a couple hits that your faith becomes strong and is confirmed by the spirit. Give God the time He needs to mold you into the person you need to be. Let it be according to His timetable, and His plans. Don't waste your life asking 'WHY? why me? why this? why now?' - rather, ask Him 'WHAT do you want me to do? HOW do you want me to do it?'. I am convinced that as we approach life's difficulties with a 'what' and 'how' attitude rather than a 'why' mentality, we will see our dreams fulfilled, our goals achieved, and our grand potential more fully realized.
Just do what it is right, and stop fighting the Lord and His path. He knows whats best for you better than you do.I love you all so much. I am learning and growing so much through my trials and experiences. I thank God for my many blessings and for the wonderful life He has blessed me with. It's certainly not because I deserve it, or merit such love and blessings, but because I am His son, and He loves me in a way that I can't possibly understand.
Take care! Don't forget what your knees are really for...
-Elder Shepherd
Monday, January 4, 2010
2010
email dated 1/4/10
So this week, someone who I spoke to on the street was deathly afraid that December 21st, 2012, was going to be the end of the world, and they wanted to know how to prepare for it. We've gotten that a lot lately-have any of you seen the movie "2012"? We've gotten questions about it, but we're not allowed to watch it. I know that we're in the 'last days', but I also know that "no man knoweth the hour in which the son of man will appear..." And so I can't really safely assume anything when it comes to the end of the world, just that it's coming, and we need to prepare every single day of our lives. It was pretty random, but I guess it got her thinking about her life and some of the changes she needs to make. That's fine with me.
It's 2010, and I think that's crazy! It seems like every letter I write talks about how fast time flies by, but that's just because it really flies by.
My new companion, Elder Beals, is super cool. He plays Guitar and Harmonica at the same time-he was telling me how he played "1 year 6 months ago" by yellowcard on guitar, and the violin part on his harmonica. I hereby challenge Andy to figure that one out. You can do it!
I'm learning that missionary work, if it's done right, involves a lot of heartbreak. I understand now a little more what the Sons of Mosiah meant when they said that they couldn't bear to see their brethren perish in unbelief, and when they saw the iniquities of their brethren, it actually caused the Sons of Mosiah pain in the hearts. I yearn for those whom I serve every day that they will open their hearts and do what they know is right. Fear plays a crippling role in every aspect of our life. Fear will destroy faith, families, and opportunity. Fear is the weapon of the adversary, and the poison to our hopes, dreams, and happiness. There is much to fear, but we must not be afraid-we must have faith. Faith will overpower fear. Faith cannot coexist with fear. Where there is fear and doubt, faith cannot take hold to shape our thoughts into actions, and our actions into our destiny. Faith is the principle of power and action that leads us through the darkest of times. Do what you know is right and be not afraid. Have the faith to stand up for what you believe in.
I'm running out of time to type right now, so I'll have to sign off once again. I love you all! Keep the faith!
-Elder Shepherd
So this week, someone who I spoke to on the street was deathly afraid that December 21st, 2012, was going to be the end of the world, and they wanted to know how to prepare for it. We've gotten that a lot lately-have any of you seen the movie "2012"? We've gotten questions about it, but we're not allowed to watch it. I know that we're in the 'last days', but I also know that "no man knoweth the hour in which the son of man will appear..." And so I can't really safely assume anything when it comes to the end of the world, just that it's coming, and we need to prepare every single day of our lives. It was pretty random, but I guess it got her thinking about her life and some of the changes she needs to make. That's fine with me.
It's 2010, and I think that's crazy! It seems like every letter I write talks about how fast time flies by, but that's just because it really flies by.
My new companion, Elder Beals, is super cool. He plays Guitar and Harmonica at the same time-he was telling me how he played "1 year 6 months ago" by yellowcard on guitar, and the violin part on his harmonica. I hereby challenge Andy to figure that one out. You can do it!
I'm learning that missionary work, if it's done right, involves a lot of heartbreak. I understand now a little more what the Sons of Mosiah meant when they said that they couldn't bear to see their brethren perish in unbelief, and when they saw the iniquities of their brethren, it actually caused the Sons of Mosiah pain in the hearts. I yearn for those whom I serve every day that they will open their hearts and do what they know is right. Fear plays a crippling role in every aspect of our life. Fear will destroy faith, families, and opportunity. Fear is the weapon of the adversary, and the poison to our hopes, dreams, and happiness. There is much to fear, but we must not be afraid-we must have faith. Faith will overpower fear. Faith cannot coexist with fear. Where there is fear and doubt, faith cannot take hold to shape our thoughts into actions, and our actions into our destiny. Faith is the principle of power and action that leads us through the darkest of times. Do what you know is right and be not afraid. Have the faith to stand up for what you believe in.
I'm running out of time to type right now, so I'll have to sign off once again. I love you all! Keep the faith!
-Elder Shepherd
A New Year
email dated 12/28/09
We're approaching the year 2010! That's a really big number. It's so hard to believe how fast time flies by. I'll have been a missionary for 5 months in 1 week. 2 of those months feel like they don't even count, because I was in the MTC. but I feel as if I've only been here in Connecticut for a week at most.
I get my new companion tomorrow! His name is Elder Biels. He came out the transfer (1 transfer is 6 weeks) after me. What that means is that this will be my 3rd transfer, and his 2nd. Neither of us can speak Spanish very well, so it will be very interesting, but it will be quite an experience. I've already gotten to talk with Elder Biels and get to know him, and I think that I'm going to have a great time with him. He's a hard worker, so all will be well.
I spent the whole morning today cleaning our apartment-it felt really nice to finally be able to relax in an apartment that is clean and doesn't smell like a butt. Living with 4 guys is gross. I just thought I'd throw that out there.
Christmas was a fantastic-I had a breakfast appointment at 10, brunch and 12, dinner at 3, and then another dinner at 6. I'm definitely gaining weight. I was shocked to find out that I'm now the fattest boy in the family, weighing in at 185-190 pounds. I only weighed 165-170 when I entered the MTC... The members here in New Haven keep us very well fed, so I guess I shouldn't complain. The other 2 Elders who I live with have both gained 35-40 pounds so far, and they've both been out for just over a year. What a tough life...
Getting back to Christmas, it was really great. We were really busy all week long, and we were able to get a lot of work done despite the awkward 'threesome' that we were stuck into. I'm excited to have my own companion again and to get back to full-time Spanish work.
Goal-setting is a really big part of missionary work, an important life skill, and it's something that I've come to grow very fond of. L. Tom Perry said that we don't frequently set challenging goals, push ourselves, and re-evaluate and reset our goals, than we'll reach a ripe old age only to realize that we achieved but a fraction of our potential. I'm thoroughly convinced that setting personal goals to better our habits, behaviors, and characters will help us live happier, more successful lives. We will see strengths in areas where we were once weak, and we will tap into potential that we might not have even known that we had. As we approach the New Year and everyone is setting "New Years Resolutions", take some time to ponder about this last year. Think about ways in which you grew, challenges that made you stretch and adapt, and valuable lessons that you learned for the future. Set some goals on what you want to do this year, things you want to accomplish, and the person you want to be by 2011. Find the little things that you can do each day to achieve your great aspirations.
Goal setting sounds dumb sometimes. I know that I thought that it was dumb and boring before I came out on a mission. Now I look back to see a lot of missed opportunity and potential in my youth. The only thing for us to do is look to the future, with a bright faith and hope.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and that you will set your goals for this new year through prayer and careful consideration.
I love you all,
-Elder Shepherd
We're approaching the year 2010! That's a really big number. It's so hard to believe how fast time flies by. I'll have been a missionary for 5 months in 1 week. 2 of those months feel like they don't even count, because I was in the MTC. but I feel as if I've only been here in Connecticut for a week at most.
I get my new companion tomorrow! His name is Elder Biels. He came out the transfer (1 transfer is 6 weeks) after me. What that means is that this will be my 3rd transfer, and his 2nd. Neither of us can speak Spanish very well, so it will be very interesting, but it will be quite an experience. I've already gotten to talk with Elder Biels and get to know him, and I think that I'm going to have a great time with him. He's a hard worker, so all will be well.
I spent the whole morning today cleaning our apartment-it felt really nice to finally be able to relax in an apartment that is clean and doesn't smell like a butt. Living with 4 guys is gross. I just thought I'd throw that out there.
Christmas was a fantastic-I had a breakfast appointment at 10, brunch and 12, dinner at 3, and then another dinner at 6. I'm definitely gaining weight. I was shocked to find out that I'm now the fattest boy in the family, weighing in at 185-190 pounds. I only weighed 165-170 when I entered the MTC... The members here in New Haven keep us very well fed, so I guess I shouldn't complain. The other 2 Elders who I live with have both gained 35-40 pounds so far, and they've both been out for just over a year. What a tough life...
Getting back to Christmas, it was really great. We were really busy all week long, and we were able to get a lot of work done despite the awkward 'threesome' that we were stuck into. I'm excited to have my own companion again and to get back to full-time Spanish work.
Goal-setting is a really big part of missionary work, an important life skill, and it's something that I've come to grow very fond of. L. Tom Perry said that we don't frequently set challenging goals, push ourselves, and re-evaluate and reset our goals, than we'll reach a ripe old age only to realize that we achieved but a fraction of our potential. I'm thoroughly convinced that setting personal goals to better our habits, behaviors, and characters will help us live happier, more successful lives. We will see strengths in areas where we were once weak, and we will tap into potential that we might not have even known that we had. As we approach the New Year and everyone is setting "New Years Resolutions", take some time to ponder about this last year. Think about ways in which you grew, challenges that made you stretch and adapt, and valuable lessons that you learned for the future. Set some goals on what you want to do this year, things you want to accomplish, and the person you want to be by 2011. Find the little things that you can do each day to achieve your great aspirations.
Goal setting sounds dumb sometimes. I know that I thought that it was dumb and boring before I came out on a mission. Now I look back to see a lot of missed opportunity and potential in my youth. The only thing for us to do is look to the future, with a bright faith and hope.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and that you will set your goals for this new year through prayer and careful consideration.
I love you all,
-Elder Shepherd
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