tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19782073825940254212024-03-19T04:21:02.320-07:00 Josh's Country Roads JourneyYea . . . I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance: that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. . . . the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors;
Alma 36:24-25 Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17270810837965075033noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-51861174250046506352015-06-10T18:56:00.002-07:002015-06-10T18:57:43.409-07:00THE HOMECOMINGMarch 8, 2015<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGDS2qk_A36Cfs9JqJZkXPub0OnvAIq4tBAnK8ite04PhFtt8bAdzDgXSRcuKwUq1ZKFOiIeytV8EEceqXh3QHibZE0wKpvnhn2J5hK9B6G-Dkn6IECoCkzbdEWp-aJc_w9nEmbWs_mU/s1600/Well+Done+Thou+Good+and+Faithful++Servant+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGDS2qk_A36Cfs9JqJZkXPub0OnvAIq4tBAnK8ite04PhFtt8bAdzDgXSRcuKwUq1ZKFOiIeytV8EEceqXh3QHibZE0wKpvnhn2J5hK9B6G-Dkn6IECoCkzbdEWp-aJc_w9nEmbWs_mU/s400/Well+Done+Thou+Good+and+Faithful++Servant+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Josh reported on his mission on March 8, 2015. We were supported by so many wonderful friends and family. Josh gave a very impressive talk. He shared some neat stories from his mission and bore strong testimony. Even two months later, I still get comments on how impressed people were with him. With so many new ward members, many of these people had never met Josh before. Daniel and a friend played an “If You Could Hie to Kolob” duet. It was amazingly beautiful and made the meeting that much more special! <br />
<br />
After Sacrament Meeting, we gathered in the cultural hall for a meal and visiting. In honor of Josh’s new found love of West Virginia cuisine, we served slaw dogs along with salads, fruits, vegies, chips and desserts. Many generously contributed to the meal, which helped a lot. I think everyone had a nice time and it was good to just visit and spend time with one another. We are blessed with a marvelous family and many wonderful friends. Thank you all for your love and support!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhvwzSRcnMix9Fe7zlI_HpzIu914IA6Dnmi-WPsdlOP_muV34XJirCZ-gcmNcsxLjA9a1y1gKFpTIEFp262nGe4vFAxUM_mRna7bfhZV42W3dPvVhp5Zyrpl7TXJb5ei90DGpcSwILS8/s1600/IMG_3450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhvwzSRcnMix9Fe7zlI_HpzIu914IA6Dnmi-WPsdlOP_muV34XJirCZ-gcmNcsxLjA9a1y1gKFpTIEFp262nGe4vFAxUM_mRna7bfhZV42W3dPvVhp5Zyrpl7TXJb5ei90DGpcSwILS8/s400/IMG_3450.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitG0whxVwkLrvTwZb0e66NZiUN5h0HiviPAa4r3j8ZSLPZRb528jiIa94wAFCtovLHDD1YAaC6nMkGmzC0VLqUjf1F_CCIJQusuqlnRZVRj3zXpJ-TRLaBmWJPCg6Vkib8y_fF8SQSCl8/s1600/IMG_3162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitG0whxVwkLrvTwZb0e66NZiUN5h0HiviPAa4r3j8ZSLPZRb528jiIa94wAFCtovLHDD1YAaC6nMkGmzC0VLqUjf1F_CCIJQusuqlnRZVRj3zXpJ-TRLaBmWJPCg6Vkib8y_fF8SQSCl8/s400/IMG_3162.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtGKoF32qiVhyphenhyphenkHDhidD-1Ksr8K5zWq_VdXqy26sMbqZwoKQ-xPs1PhmkE_LyUxxpUAqmEFZu1AVzWxhfvmOX5GWlCvRug02M3pvN-su4NKIjt7zFZEICblKgNKNShAECZhuqe_nTTOE/s1600/IMG_3163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtGKoF32qiVhyphenhyphenkHDhidD-1Ksr8K5zWq_VdXqy26sMbqZwoKQ-xPs1PhmkE_LyUxxpUAqmEFZu1AVzWxhfvmOX5GWlCvRug02M3pvN-su4NKIjt7zFZEICblKgNKNShAECZhuqe_nTTOE/s400/IMG_3163.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFEbHpur-ixeYAa71yK_ybkW5YvqLv-X9PKH_eaMRuuNbjEG9iwYk5RHHyqzLdxJuytcvxIovez8_JDj-suIQ2SEcfFCfWfgK3PiMeSgNDkPxgHGMfkEQmFiE5l4RKeDkdxYbkPjIUfU/s1600/IMG_3164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFEbHpur-ixeYAa71yK_ybkW5YvqLv-X9PKH_eaMRuuNbjEG9iwYk5RHHyqzLdxJuytcvxIovez8_JDj-suIQ2SEcfFCfWfgK3PiMeSgNDkPxgHGMfkEQmFiE5l4RKeDkdxYbkPjIUfU/s400/IMG_3164.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTexlG_oQaLdS1HQlMGW6DjumfLfjePnur0a18iNTsgyoIJ1Ehn4Nl_M6LmSTqUtnhdD7uovjJTCn_XQAxEGIzXnuwowL-rAxcRSPME9OilVCnN2d5al_vFXsgPhhzm0o_YcUBjZ022_I/s1600/IMG_3166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTexlG_oQaLdS1HQlMGW6DjumfLfjePnur0a18iNTsgyoIJ1Ehn4Nl_M6LmSTqUtnhdD7uovjJTCn_XQAxEGIzXnuwowL-rAxcRSPME9OilVCnN2d5al_vFXsgPhhzm0o_YcUBjZ022_I/s400/IMG_3166.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6uCc2HFrAqJX_mG7dnkyPfB8AMHyyMJjkzsbDM4JYSs7T9_EFZDhI4orubOCqwyBwGSzFiqE-BmY62QnqlDbtTMjnUvod4EoWczo_XNlI9SEwDOw6vk0Jtdx7Z91zFqGiZvU7xJkFmk/s1600/IMG_3167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6uCc2HFrAqJX_mG7dnkyPfB8AMHyyMJjkzsbDM4JYSs7T9_EFZDhI4orubOCqwyBwGSzFiqE-BmY62QnqlDbtTMjnUvod4EoWczo_XNlI9SEwDOw6vk0Jtdx7Z91zFqGiZvU7xJkFmk/s400/IMG_3167.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUVRHAY8YxYBX-TuYO5uLgeHa7F-9Z0Lpl9hsiQQBteEQmlFI6lKG9mDWzAe7nNyw7Pg48maLkP-Sg6wg5umHsjTzU66IcRjzQmM6Ule1peOVXNtpXuwsj-xICDqNop_wnLZjZQnsL-c/s1600/IMG_3168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUVRHAY8YxYBX-TuYO5uLgeHa7F-9Z0Lpl9hsiQQBteEQmlFI6lKG9mDWzAe7nNyw7Pg48maLkP-Sg6wg5umHsjTzU66IcRjzQmM6Ule1peOVXNtpXuwsj-xICDqNop_wnLZjZQnsL-c/s400/IMG_3168.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fpIyKEj6uBL3m4yqOx1MBLBZ_dmkxwD-DqcxZpzJf8YmYdvU4wkh8evOy-KruokR_sQqE3_i_VELPVcOR2v6UQjr6VBVRjBaQMhzMwUNudXR1Ct5_HIERFvV2VdwID5Ss2WSrZt_ZDk/s1600/IMG_3169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fpIyKEj6uBL3m4yqOx1MBLBZ_dmkxwD-DqcxZpzJf8YmYdvU4wkh8evOy-KruokR_sQqE3_i_VELPVcOR2v6UQjr6VBVRjBaQMhzMwUNudXR1Ct5_HIERFvV2VdwID5Ss2WSrZt_ZDk/s400/IMG_3169.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYF9B_RDDtmQUcMV2EdjR1he7kFIlj65LgN_Dbi9LB6SBMTv1lgBrdMc2xfoZF_UGLlNSwe8vvQC5f4xG5VPk1poc7sc54MM5xngocfv5sxB2SuUfYWLM2jIaQljiLFhpuSBn_v1PNdE8/s1600/IMG_3170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYF9B_RDDtmQUcMV2EdjR1he7kFIlj65LgN_Dbi9LB6SBMTv1lgBrdMc2xfoZF_UGLlNSwe8vvQC5f4xG5VPk1poc7sc54MM5xngocfv5sxB2SuUfYWLM2jIaQljiLFhpuSBn_v1PNdE8/s400/IMG_3170.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzbYkJ5tZUVJfMeuLNfBYmxS_XDxPXRNVXZf6xY6hcYptRS47bDAcf30rwh0L6IRNnOGfRm7potGXBQHlYs7o9r8RudfzpW7-qtGlkU0wY2Y1XAlIVBOOIq1mzv2i04S_k6DrisHjv4Y/s1600/IMG_3171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzbYkJ5tZUVJfMeuLNfBYmxS_XDxPXRNVXZf6xY6hcYptRS47bDAcf30rwh0L6IRNnOGfRm7potGXBQHlYs7o9r8RudfzpW7-qtGlkU0wY2Y1XAlIVBOOIq1mzv2i04S_k6DrisHjv4Y/s400/IMG_3171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNrYnrYHZhd5qvd8Zpa3_K-zhN2AfSJHBrYMQseYdZ96smaAZw6zSsDLhgBjEkPXU392ROgHTmZDA3jI505kNqizSOYjFkFK1PmF6eCWpirwTfrVayvbt83iZF-v-4fAZm0AIPI7cYF0/s1600/IMG_3173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNrYnrYHZhd5qvd8Zpa3_K-zhN2AfSJHBrYMQseYdZ96smaAZw6zSsDLhgBjEkPXU392ROgHTmZDA3jI505kNqizSOYjFkFK1PmF6eCWpirwTfrVayvbt83iZF-v-4fAZm0AIPI7cYF0/s400/IMG_3173.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CngR4pvi4qTt_KcmFJah2z97ouFVLPL5a21Cs-du41uMcSpPlQyKN5UyD4fMDbDq4qH93ITPLgzSw00thSOOJ14qeJBdPlFLW2ISfeHo-XkNve8S5ZrpJtBcQqdksjATOHC8_MvesXg/s1600/IMG_3177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CngR4pvi4qTt_KcmFJah2z97ouFVLPL5a21Cs-du41uMcSpPlQyKN5UyD4fMDbDq4qH93ITPLgzSw00thSOOJ14qeJBdPlFLW2ISfeHo-XkNve8S5ZrpJtBcQqdksjATOHC8_MvesXg/s400/IMG_3177.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3ZHOlpAQHJ0aMHEza95ZEjegQVW5ZXgVCelDyeaKjoZHm93mAC6oJ131l2K_fgE06W7Z3tA_XIJddJlNflnRWpkW2V1XY-TAXoRr21HQKcgIRdf1-9Jef8IdlxQk3FhpFA-MYO6U15Y/s1600/IMG_3175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3ZHOlpAQHJ0aMHEza95ZEjegQVW5ZXgVCelDyeaKjoZHm93mAC6oJ131l2K_fgE06W7Z3tA_XIJddJlNflnRWpkW2V1XY-TAXoRr21HQKcgIRdf1-9Jef8IdlxQk3FhpFA-MYO6U15Y/s400/IMG_3175.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3KBZHwEdOYchdB_RK0xBHqLqoN4bGkL9y-cqVwSEoHIZiwgmJeZBLzJu3rSr7PnyuGuebILfyeVPmoWVjtltR0zC0Wz9mjF5A5euXNcK31GWkd0AFaRCJFEVLJlFJFq7oQzVjKInSX0/s1600/IMG_3176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3KBZHwEdOYchdB_RK0xBHqLqoN4bGkL9y-cqVwSEoHIZiwgmJeZBLzJu3rSr7PnyuGuebILfyeVPmoWVjtltR0zC0Wz9mjF5A5euXNcK31GWkd0AFaRCJFEVLJlFJFq7oQzVjKInSX0/s400/IMG_3176.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-83848263095814325572015-03-19T19:53:00.002-07:002015-11-30T20:35:44.564-08:00HE'S HOME!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">AT THE AIRPORT:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Dated: February 27, 2015</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPgXZmGbHzs6ZjeQCQD_4Zzac85RRySWYp38alrVo5rHjR4VYFOpsg7KPf0vO1DlCTtY6uLlP4R20uE5AXOr8slg9TdzUy5aey6i0nhLlKYC_jqr_q_yaldGoAD8ylfsKzSSsqS_GwW4/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPgXZmGbHzs6ZjeQCQD_4Zzac85RRySWYp38alrVo5rHjR4VYFOpsg7KPf0vO1DlCTtY6uLlP4R20uE5AXOr8slg9TdzUy5aey6i0nhLlKYC_jqr_q_yaldGoAD8ylfsKzSSsqS_GwW4/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The family is ready . . . </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmo96Kr6MLGcSZD_vPS9NlCE3TTTAGBBHExc2oOfKSu1g4FyhPBWDqWhGxZPsTU0zrrL4dohmW75QbOBRPAo9JI4U59zNj0lmMQpEtmNIvH46to3pxe4nbWF3vy6VXMocUURNfBFxdxQw/s1600/2015-02-27+12.44.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmo96Kr6MLGcSZD_vPS9NlCE3TTTAGBBHExc2oOfKSu1g4FyhPBWDqWhGxZPsTU0zrrL4dohmW75QbOBRPAo9JI4U59zNj0lmMQpEtmNIvH46to3pxe4nbWF3vy6VXMocUURNfBFxdxQw/s1600/2015-02-27+12.44.58.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">and waiting.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkwVBJ0CAbEiABajXToXqCccB1fe0Atu1gw3qVUjeZk1UJC00EdZWFGEq6p4CG2swNqZg11l1FvqpbR5_jWXok4qtTnBItnP8lul9aMGIYowSt8pCZ0od6nKjbDWQc1eh63R5ku4Rpz8/s1600/IMG_1088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkwVBJ0CAbEiABajXToXqCccB1fe0Atu1gw3qVUjeZk1UJC00EdZWFGEq6p4CG2swNqZg11l1FvqpbR5_jWXok4qtTnBItnP8lul9aMGIYowSt8pCZ0od6nKjbDWQc1eh63R5ku4Rpz8/s1600/IMG_1088.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The friends are ready and waiting.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyJAOVyi1GkGPUSe8CHp7CV0Mx0s6u16ufhcrGoKDTCvy2f3bU3aNCHvNv8D-MMamyIDipaNCuOlyWSRaHMzWXcIi2IjG0qd6pzuB93h_L5k8_m4DQZkoToGxW7_nSZSmESj3FXCyxKo/s1600/2015-02-27+12.46.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyJAOVyi1GkGPUSe8CHp7CV0Mx0s6u16ufhcrGoKDTCvy2f3bU3aNCHvNv8D-MMamyIDipaNCuOlyWSRaHMzWXcIi2IjG0qd6pzuB93h_L5k8_m4DQZkoToGxW7_nSZSmESj3FXCyxKo/s1600/2015-02-27+12.46.41.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Still waiting . . .</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLLQKWDz6Pv1J2mQBKWoQG9xywRWl2qAoGof9F4lU9cF0Fo9o1aadj-JlBjOuRwjnlqoAK1nlUQtF3wQ2hX6Uoy3pmztDrZUDzd7VYfMVwGdzGFvKKLxXfyOSqXnxRt1Aukl3TO1HABk/s1600/10423281_10205194921704323_8839594002911990041_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLLQKWDz6Pv1J2mQBKWoQG9xywRWl2qAoGof9F4lU9cF0Fo9o1aadj-JlBjOuRwjnlqoAK1nlUQtF3wQ2hX6Uoy3pmztDrZUDzd7VYfMVwGdzGFvKKLxXfyOSqXnxRt1Aukl3TO1HABk/s400/10423281_10205194921704323_8839594002911990041_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">HERE HE COMES!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx375caXtw3FSMLTdyoWFLem8EiZwdvB4bnwMNDqqgn-izO_GasUZ6--rKxe17BccJ457GQYakuJhf8J0IW9w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yay! He's Back!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjiM2d0tsad3DCoAcG0YaoqsE6WMl0vBU_g_qS57hJY8Ek5q1_Fy1I1H-k5jYDNkTf44WQlIaAp2j23CnLXMTeDAS7LH7pOo0ic353ZZjtZLxj0PJCHcWTODjF4P5aBc1nBn9q1MM0Dw/s1600/644362_10205194931624571_2710874551788544645_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjiM2d0tsad3DCoAcG0YaoqsE6WMl0vBU_g_qS57hJY8Ek5q1_Fy1I1H-k5jYDNkTf44WQlIaAp2j23CnLXMTeDAS7LH7pOo0ic353ZZjtZLxj0PJCHcWTODjF4P5aBc1nBn9q1MM0Dw/s400/644362_10205194931624571_2710874551788544645_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDcAglTvhFOmkrmQPodCbIDITxw_kQURKElM54M5v7sE7dYWMIylKO4NuUX3PFWqOM3LwL8C7-ciW0RBhyphenhyphenNUkub9KeuAi-j0yuQXZGep9qxO4kJahIzAevWiDxO-nSs7KV2EACl_RZTI/s1600/10378156_10205194933024606_802190004171538016_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDcAglTvhFOmkrmQPodCbIDITxw_kQURKElM54M5v7sE7dYWMIylKO4NuUX3PFWqOM3LwL8C7-ciW0RBhyphenhyphenNUkub9KeuAi-j0yuQXZGep9qxO4kJahIzAevWiDxO-nSs7KV2EACl_RZTI/s400/10378156_10205194933024606_802190004171538016_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVohFAPSOT5yEnShi_C3JnX5tP04CL0LlhRuy8nlbPgS8HeSkgbhwcfzIyOjAPlzLx9_p_3Y0-DxNZxbrva2FS9xjMR5gjXC7OleeZOP_bv7vBtn_ElISGVNRFnjjExRObkv6agBzKMlI/s1600/11025762_10205194934424641_7986140330441125141_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVohFAPSOT5yEnShi_C3JnX5tP04CL0LlhRuy8nlbPgS8HeSkgbhwcfzIyOjAPlzLx9_p_3Y0-DxNZxbrva2FS9xjMR5gjXC7OleeZOP_bv7vBtn_ElISGVNRFnjjExRObkv6agBzKMlI/s400/11025762_10205194934424641_7986140330441125141_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLw4sBYczD0aYJJVLoKbB78_uhvbskR17hQWAgNxcrADCVaB7daSHRQ2Fn0MSb60nb1Wfln4GnYtsWdqhQjaxw9gQ2I6xJ9V-JdKDSzTHwMe37g2ga2640CNyOATmNqURLFlBygvHNiAo/s1600/2015-02-27+13.01.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLw4sBYczD0aYJJVLoKbB78_uhvbskR17hQWAgNxcrADCVaB7daSHRQ2Fn0MSb60nb1Wfln4GnYtsWdqhQjaxw9gQ2I6xJ9V-JdKDSzTHwMe37g2ga2640CNyOATmNqURLFlBygvHNiAo/s1600/2015-02-27+13.01.28.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6asUZcWNPBjmtvHd3lnLXv85f6V3TYSbtEeEKB-T8zMX9VkWMKQCn2GLYWB5qj9Zm16n98eWYlqoIcNw-5EIPClZi1OnS2NTdcNLR8CfuB7UqAHbcJc2NN1-XNA2jwpo1-2_EZoo2Qdo/s1600/2015-02-27+13.01.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6asUZcWNPBjmtvHd3lnLXv85f6V3TYSbtEeEKB-T8zMX9VkWMKQCn2GLYWB5qj9Zm16n98eWYlqoIcNw-5EIPClZi1OnS2NTdcNLR8CfuB7UqAHbcJc2NN1-XNA2jwpo1-2_EZoo2Qdo/s1600/2015-02-27+13.01.30.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Lhjxfm7LdLRFVcs_hsdYpGe32PL4MRmUyDWjyYb_bpy5W2IIuHU-Q4DM0xhINeApEFN_Kg-5HS4-0JNOqFqjwWhBVU7SJR0BVB8YDfaGtEDvMCXvOidMwemAbj38IihtDRigYnQStQU/s1600/2015-02-27+13.03.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Lhjxfm7LdLRFVcs_hsdYpGe32PL4MRmUyDWjyYb_bpy5W2IIuHU-Q4DM0xhINeApEFN_Kg-5HS4-0JNOqFqjwWhBVU7SJR0BVB8YDfaGtEDvMCXvOidMwemAbj38IihtDRigYnQStQU/s1600/2015-02-27+13.03.33.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytvSPHbQ6-UhhNgb3Q1LRpF5Xoon9jpTPItVu5fmzHT0TEDA4xr_WgGvVLCr5JPBFGnKC6VD0kh-2Fqb5lcanbGeg61dyggoQSXJZpNgX24BuIRREF1kQzPPsBayayYhuCbE7p2RISOI/s1600/2015-02-27+13.04.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytvSPHbQ6-UhhNgb3Q1LRpF5Xoon9jpTPItVu5fmzHT0TEDA4xr_WgGvVLCr5JPBFGnKC6VD0kh-2Fqb5lcanbGeg61dyggoQSXJZpNgX24BuIRREF1kQzPPsBayayYhuCbE7p2RISOI/s1600/2015-02-27+13.04.25.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2oLdwFkQXiuCtouPNHsBvGUBaTaWep8rM5l-7OUdIJBUqbK8t7bi8ClrZUQOYSDB6ikQKBSN3xjQBlVpKxEpLTO8HvQ7KTU6dgV7K8ziti_IuIN0eldICWsU7m2bbpIo2M3kpMYoaYo/s1600/IMG_1092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2oLdwFkQXiuCtouPNHsBvGUBaTaWep8rM5l-7OUdIJBUqbK8t7bi8ClrZUQOYSDB6ikQKBSN3xjQBlVpKxEpLTO8HvQ7KTU6dgV7K8ziti_IuIN0eldICWsU7m2bbpIo2M3kpMYoaYo/s1600/IMG_1092.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfr90ot8rdTykvuTtQXpkDwzYQobvOEMR0OmFGzDOn1t1O6VVCrPv9QRuuyRA05saMpmTim5gUiYVruEv2xvU1psTOUmEY4h6IOP389aYd7ZgTxQD3EejlAdAOgxk41-0Oyvtys4jaJk8/s1600/Welcome+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfr90ot8rdTykvuTtQXpkDwzYQobvOEMR0OmFGzDOn1t1O6VVCrPv9QRuuyRA05saMpmTim5gUiYVruEv2xvU1psTOUmEY4h6IOP389aYd7ZgTxQD3EejlAdAOgxk41-0Oyvtys4jaJk8/s1600/Welcome+Home.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Oh1a0tMbB4KVLuCXrrEFCYFbTxbqF78IOZxsuM92W05Jxs0anYQjNDQNYeZBL68RIwDXIBmHYfPfhVTEmr1lwtXfGqpXNSCQznp_liEwARdE9k24WUk_OOgMZDSxKPwYJKN7fbZHNOU/s1600/IMG_1094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Oh1a0tMbB4KVLuCXrrEFCYFbTxbqF78IOZxsuM92W05Jxs0anYQjNDQNYeZBL68RIwDXIBmHYfPfhVTEmr1lwtXfGqpXNSCQznp_liEwARdE9k24WUk_OOgMZDSxKPwYJKN7fbZHNOU/s1600/IMG_1094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTrecYlhusET2htpRQTnbBiFDEjcv9cCZbW5Z6bnhwT1bXQCz0HZThsDC-omJYYRROB_72g0HOrZ70bwCJgQbxupDXqSP0VOZkw7j_08TUzhFYLyLhqMO2bEpiGn2pyc8LdTwwTD42Js/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTrecYlhusET2htpRQTnbBiFDEjcv9cCZbW5Z6bnhwT1bXQCz0HZThsDC-omJYYRROB_72g0HOrZ70bwCJgQbxupDXqSP0VOZkw7j_08TUzhFYLyLhqMO2bEpiGn2pyc8LdTwwTD42Js/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-16915383185574474522015-02-26T18:33:00.000-08:002015-02-26T18:33:22.019-08:00I KNOW THAT HE LIVESDated: February 25, 2015<br />
<br />
The snow hasn't stopped this week. It snowed, then rained on the same day. We probably got about a foot of snow before it started raining. Then it was very warm the next day, but at night it got to near zero. So all the thawing snow and water on the roads just froze. Earlier this week, Elder Ence and I decided to just walk around and try to find someone to talk to. In the process of doing this we were able to help two people get unstuck.<br />
<br />
While we were walking, there was a lady out on her porch shoveling the snow. We asked her if she would like some help. She said no. We kept walking. As we got down the street we heard someone pealing out. We turned around and saw that someone was trying to leave, and they were stuck. We walked back up there and offered to push them. We pushed them out pretty easy, but after they were out we noticed they had a flat tire. They were asking us what they should do. We told them to pull off to the side of the road and we will change their tire for them. Elder Ence is a knowledgeable tire changer, and we were able to get the doughnut on pretty quick. In the process the guy was asking where we were from, and what church we were from. We told him about the church. He didn't know anything about it. His mom came out and she brought up the "7 wives" things. We cleared that misconception up for them though and asked if they would like to learn more. The guy said "since you guys helped us out, I’ll give you a shot. I want to learn more." He also said we were an answer to a prayer, and were so grateful that we were willing to walk back up the street to help them after they told us they didn't need our help.<br />
<br />
I’ll tell you what, one thing that I have just loved about being a missionary is being able to be a tool in the Lord’s hands to help other people. It feels really good when people tell you that you were heaven sent, or that you were an answer to a prayer.<br />
<br />
Last week we had Zone Conference. I was able to give my departing testimony at the end of the meeting with Elder Theuson and Elder Stechnij. The three of us all shared a room in the MTC. It was a really good meeting. I’ll miss having zone conferences.<br />
<br />
For my thought this week I would just like to share some recent thoughts I have had.<br />
<br />
Jesus Christ is everything to this work. He is the center of it all. He can heal and help anyone who is willing to be healed or helped. He loves us so much. He has felt all of our fears, stresses, worries, concerns, temptations, afflictions, pains, troubles, etc.. He knows how we feel. He wants to be our friend, our best friend. I know that He lives. He is real. He really knows you. Because he loves and knows you he will never, ever give up on you. He will always be there. You are never alone. John 14:18 says, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." He also has promised "I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." (D&C 84:88) We have the assurance that God does not leave or flea or run when our trials and temptations come. No, if anything he probably tries to get closer, or as close as we will allow him. He is with you every step of the way. Have faith in him. Trust him. I know that HE LIVES.<br />
<br />
See you all in a couple of days!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Joshua R. Spencer<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBot4SzRUE1L_-Nh9K_R_2dlQlrUxA28Qet9i1zAlD9rcdCP-h_g75d5Z3IKUhU93hbc0b8HRt_iQZaZWmFKAfkjGHm_WUkQGT0Iwk4Fv8jjHqUVzt19H69WX8aQo6WVe69hU6z1aKjEY/s1600/Some+of+their+eyes+fell+off,+but+that's%2Bok.%2B%2BThey%2Bstill%2Btasted%2Bgreat!.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBot4SzRUE1L_-Nh9K_R_2dlQlrUxA28Qet9i1zAlD9rcdCP-h_g75d5Z3IKUhU93hbc0b8HRt_iQZaZWmFKAfkjGHm_WUkQGT0Iwk4Fv8jjHqUVzt19H69WX8aQo6WVe69hU6z1aKjEY/s1600/Some+of+their+eyes+fell+off,+but+that's%2Bok.%2B%2BThey%2Bstill%2Btasted%2Bgreat!.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of their eyes fell off, but that's ok. They still tasted great! :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6RcZ0ipwSH8t_9ISM7qb8QHykgsoOvX1N-ekMEq7OGYgsqPZKHA5WbIdjyrDTGT1BC2OZ1o9WaikU5eZaEymYhw3OoWqkorgJBM3cjzfMaKsI4efH2BXSs7FWfy6XMnK0nrUGlRlydk/s1600/Buff+Snowman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6RcZ0ipwSH8t_9ISM7qb8QHykgsoOvX1N-ekMEq7OGYgsqPZKHA5WbIdjyrDTGT1BC2OZ1o9WaikU5eZaEymYhw3OoWqkorgJBM3cjzfMaKsI4efH2BXSs7FWfy6XMnK0nrUGlRlydk/s1600/Buff+Snowman.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buff Snowman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLj0hhezAryXfZeFMmYvz5F2Ds_JEVmACePstOQ-VNXvOn6Mlw806KcAiiHcSIcOpkgMOnlOAvKGb4MWwd3p2m6jWfALb93n7BbQbO719B0ip6S3WQJn7hFXalFrYQc-LjhKAP4d4Ihw/s1600/The+car+is+covered..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLj0hhezAryXfZeFMmYvz5F2Ds_JEVmACePstOQ-VNXvOn6Mlw806KcAiiHcSIcOpkgMOnlOAvKGb4MWwd3p2m6jWfALb93n7BbQbO719B0ip6S3WQJn7hFXalFrYQc-LjhKAP4d4Ihw/s1600/The+car+is+covered..JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The car is covered.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VCRuyceToR-HKU6nP3fM4O8c_HFjOKjjHQHsnXBzo7rtlFnoCUKx7EhW4Jqt4o8OONx5WMwBXulHCRNV9ZVo8Y0fFNZcu7sLkMV0loxk3-qwrsWZW9ox8U4hr3C_qWVcjdaofT7cc98/s1600/Snow!.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VCRuyceToR-HKU6nP3fM4O8c_HFjOKjjHQHsnXBzo7rtlFnoCUKx7EhW4Jqt4o8OONx5WMwBXulHCRNV9ZVo8Y0fFNZcu7sLkMV0loxk3-qwrsWZW9ox8U4hr3C_qWVcjdaofT7cc98/s1600/Snow!.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3fAHapufsQhOPoKp5hTTGeyXD-kCumspdE8ImfexLA8amEyS1b7bk4z7fLdOAdHrezExF0GAqyca7whnaNtzN_a4FwNqni1HItmzgRiW8rLszx40d-GNBn4M_04stU9Eu7Lv_Rr7ttU/s1600/District+Photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3fAHapufsQhOPoKp5hTTGeyXD-kCumspdE8ImfexLA8amEyS1b7bk4z7fLdOAdHrezExF0GAqyca7whnaNtzN_a4FwNqni1HItmzgRiW8rLszx40d-GNBn4M_04stU9Eu7Lv_Rr7ttU/s1600/District+Photo.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">District Photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvXwQpvqNYm-zbFBLM78xDh0WRy_l7GL6fnZjZqKgHKCpk6sho2X82Qz9tgVjBgos2YK7dlgocqWxZLaDVXHUXf1VRkUTRN8mEAvhmtQ0ASRYSRrstucfbh5FlleEXzXLnFBgCrFkG0w/s1600/They++buried+me+in+the+snow..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvXwQpvqNYm-zbFBLM78xDh0WRy_l7GL6fnZjZqKgHKCpk6sho2X82Qz9tgVjBgos2YK7dlgocqWxZLaDVXHUXf1VRkUTRN8mEAvhmtQ0ASRYSRrstucfbh5FlleEXzXLnFBgCrFkG0w/s1600/They++buried+me+in+the+snow..JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They buried me in the snow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkCfZrFp1885PZTFYnVKz6GQjI5TIARRF1x_tr6t4dWB7mIRbFKKETvg4vK5SYkTpJL42tCNMnwWoi4vZUitiqSP06FUmMEJ6lJfk7Z9a2bMB0y7EEjoJFm_t4bH9DEWrhozb7SyGiTc/s1600/See,+all+buried..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkCfZrFp1885PZTFYnVKz6GQjI5TIARRF1x_tr6t4dWB7mIRbFKKETvg4vK5SYkTpJL42tCNMnwWoi4vZUitiqSP06FUmMEJ6lJfk7Z9a2bMB0y7EEjoJFm_t4bH9DEWrhozb7SyGiTc/s1600/See,+all+buried..JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See, all buried.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-66925032147405392412015-02-22T19:38:00.000-08:002015-02-22T19:38:19.922-08:00SOME BOYS IN SHIRTS AND TIES WERE GOING AROUND SHOVELING DRIVEWAYSDATED: February 19, 2015<br />
<br />
Sorry to email so late. On Monday it snowed a ton! It was pretty much a white out. It has been snowing on and off all week. We are being as safe as possible. We have only gotten stuck once so far... hehe, its been pretty crazy.<br />
<br />
Because of the bad roads, we decided to go and shovel people’s walks for service on our street. We would look for people who were out shoveling, and we would ask them if they wanted help. None of them would let us help. So we just went to driveways not yet shoveled and did them. As we were finishing one of them, one of the guys up the street that we had offered to help came down the street to talk to us. He told us thank you, the driveway we did was his mom’s and he was dreading coming down to do it. He said we were an answer to a prayer. Then we did a few more afterwards and yesterday after zone conference a guy came and knocked on our door. He asked us if we had shoveled his driveway. We told him we had. He said he got up that morning and was about to go out and shovel it, but noticed that it was already done. He had no idea who would have done it. So he asked some of his neighbors. They told him that "some boys in shirts and ties were going around shoveling driveways." He said he thought "it must be those boys in 303." So he came up and thanked us for doing it. The neat thing about it is that apparently other people were watching us. And the people on the street know who we are. That tells me the importance of always acting as a representative of Christ, and you never know who is watching and how our actions could impact them.<br />
<br />
I have been learning so much. I don’t know if I can put it all in words.<br />
<br />
I love you all. See you soon!<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Spencer<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-64224599115581503732015-02-15T20:11:00.000-08:002015-02-15T20:11:16.860-08:00WE MET A 90 YEAR OLD GUY THAT WAS A GUNNER IN WWIIDATED: February 9, 2015<br />
<br />
This was a good week. We had dinner with a family last night. They texted us and asked what we wanted. We told them seafood. The dad of this family loves to cook. We show up and there were crab cakes, a seafood pasta dish, Mahi-mahi (dont know if that is spelled right), crab legs, and shrimp. In the pasta there was squid, octopus, mussels, and clams. It was all pretty good!<br />
<br />
We had a zone meeting this week. We drove up the Charleston. It about an hour and a half drive up there. After I went on an exchange with Elder Degooyer. We tracked quite a bit. We found a few potentials.<br />
<br />
We met a 90 year old guy that was a gunner in WWII. He told us a story about how his plane got shot down and he was the only survivor. He told a pretty crazy story about going to prison a ton and finally getting back to America. For a 90 year old he was getting around pretty good too. Those veterans sure did and go though a lot for us.<br />
<br />
For my thought this week, I made a list of 20 things to remember.<br />
<br />
1) You are a son or daughter of God.<br />
2) You can change.<br />
3) Jesus Christ loves you.<br />
4) You have lots of people on your team cheering for you.<br />
5) You are never alone.<br />
6) Doubt not, but be believing.<br />
7) Put your faith in God.<br />
8) Be a faithful servant. Turn outward.<br />
9) Be Humble. Have a broken heart and a contrite spirit.<br />
10) Give your all so God can give you all.<br />
11) Be grateful.<br />
12) If you do what you've done you'll get what you've got.<br />
13) Live and share your testimony.<br />
14) Keep things simple.<br />
15) Look for the tender mercies.<br />
16) Become converted.<br />
17) Have Faith, Hope, and Charity.<br />
18) Be submissive, meek, patient, and gentle.<br />
19) Fill your heart and thoughts with love for God and others.<br />
20) Smile.<br />
<br />
I love you all. Have a great week!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Spencer<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-11279170815318000042015-02-08T20:10:00.000-08:002015-02-08T20:10:39.557-08:00THEY ARE TOTALLY DRY MORMONSDATED: February 2, 2015<br />
<br />
This was a pretty good week. I’ll tell you about some of the neat things. Last week we were tracting and we found a guy that told us to come back the next week. He and his family were sick. So we went back yesterday and started talking to him. We asked him about his family and his career. He owns a towing company and he has 8 kids. That is not a typo. 8 kids! He has very good morals. He studies the bible and lives it as best as he can. He doesn't claim any denomination. He kept saying that he knows that there is truth missing and he is searching for it. We were pretty excited. So we taught him the Restoration and taught him about the Book of Mormon. It was a great lesson, but I am concerned that he is focusing on the wrong things in his study of the bible, and that may cause him to have doubts and not act. But we are hoping for the best. After we had our lesson, he fed us dinner and everything. He is a really neat guy and has a really great family. They are totally dry Mormons.<br />
<br />
We have been using family history to find this week. It has been neat because people are so much more receptive to us. Usually when we tract, and try to talk about the Gospel, people are pretty quick to shut us down and close the door, but when we have been using family history, they usually talk to us longer. And by the end of the conversation, they are saying how much they admire us for what we are doing and how much they respect us and telling us to be safe and stay warm and stuff like that. They are so much more kind. One lady we talked to said "do you guys get any pay for this?" and we told her we did not. Then we jumped into talking about how important families are and how family history can strengthen her family in this crazy world. She started to choke up and said "thank you so much for coming by my home." I have been using my "My Family Booklet" to show people and tell them a little about stories and things I have found from my family history. Thank you to everyone back home who has contributed to doing the work. It has blessed me and it is blessing the people I am showing it to.<br />
<br />
Uncle Bruce and Aunt Dennie came down and we had lunch. It was a lot of fun to see them. I am so grateful to have such great family and friends. My gratitude for all of you continues to grow. I don't know where I would be without such a firm and great support. Thank you.<br />
<br />
This week I studied 1 Nephi 3-4. I will share some of the things I have learned. So Lehi and his family left Jerusalem. Here is an excerpt from <u>The Book of Mormon Student Manuel</u> <i>"The distance from Jerusalem to the Red Sea is approximately 180 miles through hot, barren country infested anciently by many marauders. Lehi and his family “traveled three days”</i> <i>beyond this point (see 1 Nephi 2:5–6). This meant at least a 12- to 14-day trip one way from Jerusalem to their temporary home in the valley of Lemuel."</i> They traveled at least 12 days away from Jerusalem. Lehi then received a commandment that all the brothers, Laman, Lemuel, Sam, and Nephi, were to go back to Jerusalem and get the Brass Plates from Laban. Laman and Lemuel murmured, but Nephi did not. How is that an example of faith. They made the trip and Laman was chosen to go in and try to get the plates. Laban ended up chasing him out and tried to kill him. Nephi wrote <i>"And we began to be exceedingly sorrowful, and my brethren were about to return unto my father in the wilderness."</i> They were all sorrowful from the experience. I imagine it can be a little rattling to be chased by a bunch of people trying to kill you. I imagine it would kill all desire to go back and try again. Laman and Lemuel were ready to give up, but not Nephi. He said this powerful statement. <i>"As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us. Wherefore, let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord..."</i> Nephi was able to persuade his brothers to try again. This time they tried to buy the plates. Again they were chased away, fleeing from death. Laman and Lemuel beat Nephi and Sam with a rod and an angel appeared to them and told them that Laban would be delivered into their hands. Laman and Lemuel still didn't believe. Nephi did. He and his brothers went back to the city. <i>"I, Nephi, crept into the city and went forth towards the house of Laban. And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do. Nevertheless I went forth..."</i> Nephi didn't really have a plan. He was just going the way he thought he should go. He was putting his full and complete faith and trust in the Lord. He was putting his life on the line. The Lord did deliver Laban into Nephi's hands. Then Nephi had a another trial of faith, perhaps even harder than the first ones. He was told to smite Laban. Nephi still put his trust in the Lord and did as he was commanded. His faith was manifest in his works and his obedience. I believe that when Nephi returned to his Father, he was a different person. He probably learned much about God and himself.<br />
<br />
Nephi didn't give up. He used his faith as motivation. He had the belief that God would provide the way to get the plates. Even though he failed twice, perhaps almost losing his life, he kept trying. In our life, we may feel like we fail when we are trying to keep the commandments. We shouldn't be sorrowful too long or get way down on ourselves because that will distract us from faith. We should strive to be like Nephi and put our trust in the Lord and just keep doing our best. The Lord will provide the way when we trust him. Faith means never giving up. It means putting our doubts and fears behind us and "leading with our faith" as <u><span style="color: blue;">Elder Holland</span></u> puts it. It means have a hope that God is real and that he will keep his promises. It means that we <i>"press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a <span style="color: red;">perfect brightness of hope</span>, and a love of God and of all men."</i> (2 Nephi 31:20) Faith is a motivation to act in accordance with Gods commandments. Miracles happen as a result of our faith. Success is not determined by lack of failure, but by the determination to keep trying and doing your best.<br />
<br />
Faith is huge. It is the first principle of the gospel for a reason. I invite each of you to ponder Faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement and study it. Strengthen your faith and lead with your faith.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading this lengthy email. Sorry for any typos. I do my best. I love you all.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Joshua R. Spencer<br />
<br />P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-44159119601841875292015-02-01T10:38:00.000-08:002015-02-01T10:38:33.473-08:00NO HABLO ESPANIOLDATED: January 26, 2015<br />
<br />
We had a unique week this week. First off, it snowed a little bit this weekend. On Saturday morning, the other Elders and us were leaving at the same time. We were both cleaning off our cars, and then a snowball was thrown. For the next 5 minutes or so we had a snowball fight outside of our house. Just four Elders running around throwing snow at each other. It was a fun little start to the day.<br />
<br />
We had a couple of neat experiences this week. First, we went to try to find a LA member. The house wasn't there. We were about to leave but a feeling we had made us stop and decided to knock around the area. We walked by a group of three houses. It didn't look like anyone lived in the first two. We walked up to the third door and knocked on it. A lady came out and we told her who we were and what we were sharing. She said she was interesting in learning more. We gave her a pamphlet and got her phone number and set up a time we could come back when her husband was home. As we were walking away, she opened the door and ran out to us and said, "actually, can you guys just come by my work tomorrow and talk? I am pretty curious about this?" We told her we could do that and told her to read the pamphlet. We went to her work the next day and she had read the pamphlet and she asked us some questions. She told us of some of the things going on in her life. We can see how the gospel will bless her. We shared with her some of the unique things about the church. She is very interested. It is great to see how the Lord will put you where he needs you, and often you do even know it.<br />
<br />
Another time this week we were trying to find another member. We found the house and knocked on it. A Hispanic man came to the door, and he didn't speak much English at all. He came to the door and said (pardon my terrible Spanish) "no hablo engles." So I responded, "no hablo espaniol." He laughed. Elder Ence pulled out a Spanish "he is the gift card." I really don’t know why he had one, but he did. Weird right? The Hispanic man gestured for us to come in. We went into his home and we sat on his couch and tried to communicate with him. We were able to pick up pretty good what he was saying in Spanish. Neither Elder Ence or I speak Spanish, but I have taken Spanish classes and He had been around a lot of Hispanic people back home. So we were able to get a little bit of what he was saying. He saw Elder Ence had a Book of Mormon, and he said he had one. He walked into the other room and got a Spanish/English Bible and a Spanish Book of Mormon. He told us that he is from Mexico, but he came here to America to work so his family could have a better life than what he had growing up. He sends all his money to his family. He said he doesn't drink or smoke because it is a waste of money and he knows God doesn't like him to do that. So we showed him the scripture in the Bible about how our body is a temple. He said "Bueno!" We showed him some scriptures in the Book of Mormon like Moroni 10:3-5, 1 Nephi 1 and some others. We used the scriptures to try to communicate. It was neat. We had a good discussion for about 45 minutes. He said we could come back. It was pretty neat how that all panned out.<br />
<br />
So these were some of the cool things that happened this week. I love you all!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder SpencerP Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-35451072553434113792015-01-25T19:56:00.000-08:002015-01-25T19:56:59.779-08:00"THIS IS SPENCE AND ENCE"DATED: January 20, 2015<br />
<br />
Not too much has happened since I last emailed you. We were not able to email yesterday because the libraries were closed. So we are doing it today. We had a District Meeting this morning. Then we went to IHOP for lunch. Someone gave us some gift cards there.<br />
<br />
Elder Kaydn Ence is my new companion. So now when I answer the phone I can say "This is Spence and Ence." He got here in the morning, so we got his stuff together and took it to the house. We also had another missionary with us that was waiting for his companion. In the morning I met the transfer train to drop of Elder Carter. I was able to see a whole bunch of missionaries, probably for the last time in the mission field, that I have made good friends with. Elder Blaine transferred from Richlands. I was able to get a report on how that area was doing. It was fun. We took the 3rd missionaries around with us until the afternoon when the Transfer Train showed up with his companion. We had a lady give us a ton of cookies, so when the transfer train showed up, I went up to the 12 passenger van and opened the door and asked if anyone wanted some cookies. All the Elders in there were very excited to have something to eat so they devoured them pretty quick. I was glad. Haha.<br />
<br />
I would just like to share something that I was studying this morning. First off in Preach My Gospel it says <i>"Covenants place us under a strong obligation to honor our commitments to God. To keep our covenants, we must give up activities or interests that prevent us from honoring those covenants." </i>(pg. 63) I was studying about commitment. PMG also says<i> "Commitment is an essential part of repentance. It is the act of obligating oneself to a course of action and then diligently following through on that decision. When people are genuinely committed, they have real intent, meaning that they fully intend to do what they have committed to do. They make an unwavering and earnest decision to change."</i> (pg 195) As missionaries we leave commitments with people to help them repent and to help them become converted to the gospel. We invite them to do things like repent, pray, read, come to church, live the Word of Wisdom, and the other commandments. When they keep these commitments, miracles happen and they change. When they don’t keep the commitments, they don’t change. I have found the same is for everyone. As we repent, we need to commit to change. We need to follow through with the decision. There are many things that keep us from accomplishing our commitments. Usually though, it is lack of effort or excuses on our part. If we really want to change, and become, we need to put excuses in the past and really change. There are promised blessing for keeping our covenants and commitments. We should think of them often. God uses the principle of "Following up" every week as we partake of the sacrament. We can think "How did I do honoring my covenants. What do I need to change?" The Gospel is one of repentance. Repentance is a joyful thing because we CAN change. We CAN become more. Set goals and commit to achieve them. That is when progress starts to happen. Hold yourself accountable. You can study pg 146 and pg 150 to learn more about Goals and Accountability.<br />
<br />
Think about people in the scriptures who were committed and followed through with what they committed to do. What was their motivation? Think of the Strippling Warriors who were outnumbered and probably out skilled, yet they didn't fear. They made a covenant to defend their country, and they did. Think of Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah. They committed to go preach the gospel to the Lamanites. They were treated pretty badly a lot of the time, but they stuck to their commitment and look at the results. Think of Nephi, Enos, Moroni, and The Brother of Jared. Each of these men were people who committed to something and then did all they could to accomplish it. They were motivated and firm. They are people to emulate. The best example is probably the Savior in Gethsemane. He followed through. So, what motivates you to keep your commitments and covenants?<br />
<br />
I love you all. Keep up the great work!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Josh Spencer<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBobRGL7F3wA54t3QntosCORUWU2Mt_cndq-Vnu8iJ0T4laeetnnvj91v2q-BwXMc-5AjQ9fyK6T-e8XtP2MkUekp-qu4CM2IZYAT3kwtKiyGeUrE_qkVglySAD6fc5moi4R1Fd8juDP0/s1600/Elder+Blaine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBobRGL7F3wA54t3QntosCORUWU2Mt_cndq-Vnu8iJ0T4laeetnnvj91v2q-BwXMc-5AjQ9fyK6T-e8XtP2MkUekp-qu4CM2IZYAT3kwtKiyGeUrE_qkVglySAD6fc5moi4R1Fd8juDP0/s1600/Elder+Blaine.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Spencer and Elder Blaine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDS-rjcSzoZGMP3p1m0vg0DYE-iEk9Sq3Xcb9Kkp4lv1AZUI7PJhfYfRjtu_f_yk26m4h6GiYBMX7kgdpOAQi5V8rhlBQ5O-1QuTyMPemSgMG9_len90zcUlZIaKA1x7EjDVHcbaHweB0/s1600/Elder+Carter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDS-rjcSzoZGMP3p1m0vg0DYE-iEk9Sq3Xcb9Kkp4lv1AZUI7PJhfYfRjtu_f_yk26m4h6GiYBMX7kgdpOAQi5V8rhlBQ5O-1QuTyMPemSgMG9_len90zcUlZIaKA1x7EjDVHcbaHweB0/s1600/Elder+Carter.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Spencer and Elder Carter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ckhtkfKrNKffg29lUAbrMqXVu7PkZkUlCTFIOcriBWzegn3WhKHIf0ujtZDKlL3HkEyNb1qjYlzas1xMPkz_3QuZlfK5UEQYTLduGGlzLDXct0U7uXvAdtd9uMQ4m2Ehvqd2quuC3y0/s1600/Elder+Stout.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ckhtkfKrNKffg29lUAbrMqXVu7PkZkUlCTFIOcriBWzegn3WhKHIf0ujtZDKlL3HkEyNb1qjYlzas1xMPkz_3QuZlfK5UEQYTLduGGlzLDXct0U7uXvAdtd9uMQ4m2Ehvqd2quuC3y0/s1600/Elder+Stout.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Stout and Elder Spencer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-8652522776141564822015-01-18T21:19:00.002-08:002015-01-18T21:19:41.777-08:00WE TOOK CARE OF EACH OTHER AND THE MEMBERS TOOK CARE OF US TOODATED: January 14, 2015<br />
<br />
Transfers are this week. I am staying in Beckley. This is my last transfer. Elder Carter is transferring to Portsmouth Ohio. He is going to be with an Elder Gardener. I am going to be with Elder Ence. He came out with Elder Blaine.<br />
<br />
I’ll tell you about a few neat things that happened this week. So on Sunday, I was standing at the door waiting for investigators, and I saw Uncle Bruce, and Aunt LahDonna, and Evan Thomas pull up in the parking lot. It was pretty awesome. They came down to church. They brought us a bunch of food, which I am so very grateful for. I sat with them during church (our investigators didn't show up). Also on Sunday, our bishopric was reorganized. That was also a neat thing to see. The Previous bishop was great. I really enjoyed serving with him. I am excited for the new bishop though as well because he is also a very great man.<br />
<br />
On a not so good note, and I am not really sure if I should share this anyway... But I will... Elder Carter and I got very sick this week. We think we picked it up at Church. But Sunday night, we both went to bed feeling a little nauseous. Well all night my stomach was hurting. Ugg, it was terrible. I got up and went and threw up about 5:00 in the morning. Then I slept till 6:30. Then Elder Carter went and threw up. Then I threw up again. All morning we were pretty much playing leap frog, switching places in the bathroom about every hour to puke. Ugg. In the afternoon we stopped throwing up, and we just ached all over and had fevers. Even though we were sick, we were still able to joke around with each other and sympathize with each other. We each had the same symptoms, around the same time. I got a fever, then he did. I started to have muscle aches, then he did. O man, it was terrible, but by the next day we were feeling pretty much all better. We had a few people bring us Sprite, chicken noodle soup, Ginger Ale, and lots of saltine crackers. We took care of each other and the members took care of us too. I haven’t been that sick my whole mission. Apparently it was a stomach bug that has been going around.<br />
<br />
I learned a lot this week. I am excited for what this next transfers bring.<br />
<br />
I love you all. Take care of each other!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Josh Spencer<br />
<br />
PS Every day when you wake up, Ask yourself "What kind of adventure am I going to have today?"<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwONNaNPhZLvMY6NmdeEHAsC6UOttiVEgM5bRj4kP1J2cy3TOge_Rot0LxYRujvMWAHc-pIwJ5xEknS-orSA6rkTznPWkGlLcQPwGLwetXxr_-SRygAgmiWu4YWHunkFQ2Vywgq-z_Gc/s1600/Elder+Carter,+Elder+Brenchley+and+Elder+Caldwell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwONNaNPhZLvMY6NmdeEHAsC6UOttiVEgM5bRj4kP1J2cy3TOge_Rot0LxYRujvMWAHc-pIwJ5xEknS-orSA6rkTznPWkGlLcQPwGLwetXxr_-SRygAgmiWu4YWHunkFQ2Vywgq-z_Gc/s1600/Elder+Carter,+Elder+Brenchley+and+Elder+Caldwell.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Carter, Elder Brenchley and Elder Caldwell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgso8Cu5WvcUFD0wFZe5Ijx7wrHK3Yx-vObi7B9yLwxiCqtfxUCpmCM9yi9Muo_FCc1AeAuIZWzqVlahGJc3ECgOTcx9VQU0ics5aljvQfhDIG6e495-UOMrmq3Q6UVLSiz9QTAmAqsoyQ/s1600/IMG_1780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgso8Cu5WvcUFD0wFZe5Ijx7wrHK3Yx-vObi7B9yLwxiCqtfxUCpmCM9yi9Muo_FCc1AeAuIZWzqVlahGJc3ECgOTcx9VQU0ics5aljvQfhDIG6e495-UOMrmq3Q6UVLSiz9QTAmAqsoyQ/s1600/IMG_1780.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It snowed a ton this week. The roads were ice packed, so we decided to walk to the library. We Bundled up. As we were walking, there was 2 older gentlemen in a car trying to get up a hill. We offered to help them. They agreed and pushed the car and got them up the hill. They said we were Heaven sent. I think so too. :D<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU2WCg92d37155VzNNl0naSn_8yGmdvbTXU4N09kIX0Ay6pIsQjc3PWHSJv5MEl7L2i3LRveQkb1kdbyEqtton0-0LinsmdAOXpHe8b2dUovcwl0U0Mu6ConuZwQf3Kb2Wpercpg2Yb8/s1600/After+walking+to+the+library+-+It+was+snowing+the+whole+time.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU2WCg92d37155VzNNl0naSn_8yGmdvbTXU4N09kIX0Ay6pIsQjc3PWHSJv5MEl7L2i3LRveQkb1kdbyEqtton0-0LinsmdAOXpHe8b2dUovcwl0U0Mu6ConuZwQf3Kb2Wpercpg2Yb8/s1600/After+walking+to+the+library+-+It+was+snowing+the+whole+time.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After walking to the library. It was snowing the whole time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3FXFPnzcxke0_FySoEGI2ckXuUNASoYivMqIbNzAmsqLUhoGdt7DFp18YHqJoZdk-gZi-FD4tG-J_ZffKNS-2CMiSKHp3mjO-FewZQe03NcV3UCfkxW6xL8ClMPm4G9Am_868ta9bK4/s1600/At+the+New+River+Gorge+Bridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3FXFPnzcxke0_FySoEGI2ckXuUNASoYivMqIbNzAmsqLUhoGdt7DFp18YHqJoZdk-gZi-FD4tG-J_ZffKNS-2CMiSKHp3mjO-FewZQe03NcV3UCfkxW6xL8ClMPm4G9Am_868ta9bK4/s1600/At+the+New+River+Gorge+Bridge.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's the new "Eyes Closed Pose." ;D At the New River Gorge.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-57217751714843848702015-01-11T18:57:00.000-08:002015-01-11T18:57:52.502-08:00WELL, WE'LL HAVE TO GO SEE HIM!DATED: January 5, 2015<br />
<br />
So I went on a couple of exchanges this week. First off I went up to Oak Hill and spent the day with Elder Chinn, and then on Thursday we went to Charleston for a zone meeting, and I exchanged with the Zone Leaders. I went with a missionary named Elder Degooyer. So, I’ll tell you how I met up with Bro. Thomas.<br />
<br />
We got there and I asked Elder Degooyer if he heard about an Evan Thomas moving in. He said yes, he was going to live with Agus. So I told him that he was one of my Young Men's leaders from my home ward. He said "Well we have got to so see him!" So we got a hold of Agus and found out that Evan was going to be arriving that night. Perfect timing right! So we wanted to see him that night. We called Bro. Stratford, a member that was going to have Evan over for dinner that night, and it turned out that Evan wasn't gong to be at Agus's house until past 9:30. So we decided to try to see him before we went down to Beckley to exchange back. So we got his number from Agus, and texted him the next day. I didn’t let him know it was me, hehe. We texted him and asked if we could make a quick visit. He said yes. We went over and I got to see him. It was really neat!<br />
<br />
We had a really neat experience while I was up in Charleston. We went to visit a member, and ask him if he could go with us to see another less-active member. He was all for it. The less-active member was the next street over, so we went to see her, but she was leaving as we arrived. Elder Degooyer wanted to try to see another lady that is less-active. She was the next street over. We walked there and found all her lights out. Now, to give a little bit of info about this member, she is completely bed ridden and can’t really do anything by herself. So it was weird that the lights were out because she couldn't turn them out herself. So we walked in and there she was just laying down still, but her power is out, and she had NO heat. This was a very cold day by the way. So we go and find out the breaker just got tripped, so we flipped it and the power came back on. This lady was freezing cold when we showed up. But she is fine now. I am so glad we were able to go by. The Lord was using us. She couldn't call anyone, and she doesn't really have anyone else to check on her except for the missionaries. I am glad we showed up. It's no coincidence that our previous plan didn't work out.<br />
<br />
I would like to just share some thoughts that I have had this week.<br />
<br />
I have been pondering why people do what they do. And I have asked people about this, and everyone always seems to go to the same thing, they want to be happy. I think I have talked about this before, but I am going to do it again. People are searching for happiness. Some try to find it in money, others in drugs or addictive substances, others try to find it in social status, and there are many other ways people try to find happiness. I really feel though, that true happiness is found from Godly things. Things like Family, Faith, Repentance, Progression, Service, and Love. Those things bring TRUE and LASTING happiness. The Book of Mormon teaches the truth, Alma 41:10 <i>Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness. </i><br />
<br />
Another thought I have had is "Be your Best Self." Each of us are Children of God, with divine potential. I heard this week a definition of hell. It is "Hell is when the person you are, comes face to face with the person you could have been." As disciples of Jesus Christ "we are not trying to earn heaven, we are trying to learn heaven" (Brad Wilcox "His Grace is Sufficient"). We are trying to become heavenly beings. So remember what your best self is. If you are tempted to make a wrong choice, remember your potential and make the choice to help you achieve it.<br />
<br />
I love you all!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Spencer<br />
<br />P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-52990626517890417872015-01-08T20:26:00.000-08:002015-01-08T20:26:35.740-08:00A Surprise TextI received an awesome text and photo the other day from a family friend.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3a2a4LunuVmMZjpPvJG-FO9-7keIyirro69jr6sKIoa2qCsmSEOw30qMH3nK8oa6BMSzYgBYLLOK7h-zWBCE2BbU31f2Idyh5nlRFTWQ8E_DrCRZuQt1ZEYUGS_U90XdiQn2zV2RhIE/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3a2a4LunuVmMZjpPvJG-FO9-7keIyirro69jr6sKIoa2qCsmSEOw30qMH3nK8oa6BMSzYgBYLLOK7h-zWBCE2BbU31f2Idyh5nlRFTWQ8E_DrCRZuQt1ZEYUGS_U90XdiQn2zV2RhIE/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Look who just found me! I love this man. What a spirit."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is Elder Josh with Bro. Evan Thomas, a member of our ward who just moved to West Virginia. Bro. Thomas was one of Josh’s Young Men leaders and a good friend. How cool is that?!<br />
- Patsy<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-72756646407455720912015-01-03T21:22:00.000-08:002015-01-03T21:22:25.443-08:00ELDER CARTER AND I HAVE BEEN TRACTING AND WALK-N-TALKING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
DATED: December 29, 2014<br />
<br />
It was a good Christmas. Skyping was really fun. We went to Bishop Geisler’s house for dinner and then they let us Skype there. There were many members that gave us a bunch of Christmas presents. We are very grateful for that. Our Christmas was great.<br />
<br />
So I don’t know how many of you have heard of the Scout camp called "The Summit." But it is here near Beckley. It is the largest scout camp in the United States. We had a member give us a tour of it this morning. It opened in 2012. <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-andersen-visits-national-scout-jamboree?lang=eng&query=The+summit+anderson" target="_blank">HERE</a> is a news article about it. Elder Anderson came during the National Scout Jamboree, and they did a huge sacrament meeting. It was a pretty cool place. They have a 3100 ft zip line. They had everything from skeet shooting to BMX to Skateboarding, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing and much more. It was a pretty neat place.<br />
<br />
Church was pretty great yesterday. As a district we had 5 people come to church. Our whole district shares the same ward. It was pretty exciting. Elder Carter and I have been tracting and walk-n-talking, but haven't see any success from it yet. We are going though our Ward Roster to try to clean it up a bit. There are lots of people that have either moved, or died. So we are going to get that info to the Clerk. That’s the best update I can give as far as the work goes right now.<br />
<br />
So, I’ll just share a short thought this week. As our conversion grows, we grow in our desire to deepen our relationship with our Father and with Jesus Christ. We want to know them, we want them to be our best friends. So how then do we come to know God? What can you change in your life so that you can come to know God? Here is a scripture to go along with this.<br />
<br />
Mosiah 5:13 <i>For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?</i><br />
<br />
We can come to know God by serving him.<br />
<br />
John 17:3 <i>And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.</i><br />
<br />
I love you all. Have a happy new year!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Spencer<br />
<br />
P.S. So I forgot to tell you about another part of my week. We had a guy give us two $20 dollar gift cards to a restaurant called Lavash. It is a Mediterranean Restaurant. We took the Beaver Elders with us for lunch. I’ll tell you what we got. A Chicken Shawarma Wrap, A Kefta Kabob Wrap, A Pesto Chicken Sandwhich, and Honey Garlic Chicken Wings. IT was SOOO GOOD. And for Dessert we had Kanafah. We had a member call us afterwards and tell us she wanted to take us out to eat. She asked where we wanted to go. We told her Lavash. So we went there again for dinner. That time I got Salmon, and we also got Greek Lasagna. It was again really good. I’ll send Pictures. :D<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UR8BW67VsSNVm6t1M_4AF7Mdvlyd828_cJJ4_xAN-N7czff7liam67wKyObWUyFI5FFmqHxlxAU1VaurhNUh_SxdU2AdHaOGH_6z5JtoePI1ZWnlgnTtQ4ssSCUOMmmg3xWg2EgUElE/s1600/Christmas+Eve+Dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UR8BW67VsSNVm6t1M_4AF7Mdvlyd828_cJJ4_xAN-N7czff7liam67wKyObWUyFI5FFmqHxlxAU1VaurhNUh_SxdU2AdHaOGH_6z5JtoePI1ZWnlgnTtQ4ssSCUOMmmg3xWg2EgUElE/s1600/Christmas+Eve+Dinner.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve Dinner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCexkCPiFpMTsJUmRUYsoPD__NdI9tB7L9AawtP76zs6TxmYNW0uQ-5TqWbdxI3t_bkFA8hoKlUo1Zd3A9Emz7JuUdul4_xR2LvkOrtw5HNThxI9lFZQ36yS8_5uie5Gfx6HNtRKaLcHY/s1600/Christmas+Morning+Breakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCexkCPiFpMTsJUmRUYsoPD__NdI9tB7L9AawtP76zs6TxmYNW0uQ-5TqWbdxI3t_bkFA8hoKlUo1Zd3A9Emz7JuUdul4_xR2LvkOrtw5HNThxI9lFZQ36yS8_5uie5Gfx6HNtRKaLcHY/s1600/Christmas+Morning+Breakfast.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU419lDa2gYGwfsqxO4iVBq5JR7e8bL7obOC7pFRio9k4fHdxt7YZt5TSL4WRSQNK7x-Mpj5Sd1mbTDHOboOLgkvk8mnJQ4dogLrK8wrb1wxTF1yOUEQWTrUUU-rxaQsFBLR2uVIQI9O0/s1600/Breakfast!.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU419lDa2gYGwfsqxO4iVBq5JR7e8bL7obOC7pFRio9k4fHdxt7YZt5TSL4WRSQNK7x-Mpj5Sd1mbTDHOboOLgkvk8mnJQ4dogLrK8wrb1wxTF1yOUEQWTrUUU-rxaQsFBLR2uVIQI9O0/s1600/Breakfast!.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pmUbBSFFUIXfnPk9Dl_u0BRGTFuJABnTJ4nWMGi6DC8RRp90sZS6ENgF3DcxFK9j1woTrTwxVN42G_-_Hw5PrhS8PZ0vSJDg636xBva2iIb576EwRHhYQwqhcFcHJc_Byje0I7MclGA/s1600/Opening+Presents.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pmUbBSFFUIXfnPk9Dl_u0BRGTFuJABnTJ4nWMGi6DC8RRp90sZS6ENgF3DcxFK9j1woTrTwxVN42G_-_Hw5PrhS8PZ0vSJDg636xBva2iIb576EwRHhYQwqhcFcHJc_Byje0I7MclGA/s1600/Opening+Presents.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening Presents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFbMzYwETvveN_c-XbtwUr7ento6SjFlAIV86jtGbdDb_1QHQAKDudQUskeJk8HUQKwNoLZy1t2e1xl6WJQzGVmkCk2PRKjkyDyNqQJ18cGq25jzQTYi7soM6k1KAU-z_tVPZyYQkS2c/s1600/Elder+Spencer+&+Elder+Sister.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFbMzYwETvveN_c-XbtwUr7ento6SjFlAIV86jtGbdDb_1QHQAKDudQUskeJk8HUQKwNoLZy1t2e1xl6WJQzGVmkCk2PRKjkyDyNqQJ18cGq25jzQTYi7soM6k1KAU-z_tVPZyYQkS2c/s1600/Elder+Spencer+&+Elder+Sister.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Spencer and Elder Sister</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHbbILf8_ULMIeI3toh8Eo919UNSR9Tij0uSTcfLya18_tI44J7F-9-q0mcINa4lmnj_CkeFNIYudO4tkzzY17Y0hlTA6CGtSZYBoFAq5TlS6shnSL7p3jw_-8y4PF7LhT1CR4CoMDu4/s1600/Playing+Missionary+Impossible.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHbbILf8_ULMIeI3toh8Eo919UNSR9Tij0uSTcfLya18_tI44J7F-9-q0mcINa4lmnj_CkeFNIYudO4tkzzY17Y0hlTA6CGtSZYBoFAq5TlS6shnSL7p3jw_-8y4PF7LhT1CR4CoMDu4/s1600/Playing+Missionary+Impossible.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing Missionary Impossible</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGsc8u4DFUJ5yVWZo6nJwuAe8ElgcYX17inH4TMUBblYLRzT4DmL2q9iI3eKWBMfbw-XDCf7vkFcVd1TyS5W0_wPolulmEOhXxWQwmnHrQgGyTvgMQowIdNV3YcL4-RxESAk4G9wk4eU/s1600/Brass+Plates.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGsc8u4DFUJ5yVWZo6nJwuAe8ElgcYX17inH4TMUBblYLRzT4DmL2q9iI3eKWBMfbw-XDCf7vkFcVd1TyS5W0_wPolulmEOhXxWQwmnHrQgGyTvgMQowIdNV3YcL4-RxESAk4G9wk4eU/s1600/Brass+Plates.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brass Plates?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBHmoNWOKwBniAJKk-mBZPBHcNhHUeusfiJFZRN1YMWXJL1LBQHhKD2Q_TLEsONyITo4qBm3rWcClnCu1UHZ9-14dH1M2y6zpUiTLe5wvbE6tli_l3EKdUPpNSz5Olgk8mLAq-2Yy2Hk/s1600/The+Summit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBHmoNWOKwBniAJKk-mBZPBHcNhHUeusfiJFZRN1YMWXJL1LBQHhKD2Q_TLEsONyITo4qBm3rWcClnCu1UHZ9-14dH1M2y6zpUiTLe5wvbE6tli_l3EKdUPpNSz5Olgk8mLAq-2Yy2Hk/s1600/The+Summit.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Summit Scout Camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY669-aJBOLxln5PvHhSH5X_lwcXt0cB5ii-MxhBT00R8xqKYbh1SK6QNqfQB3C83JmvdEY_u-2WzRkI1Z-eJOoJUTMYsdrZatYn105P9u_1IcPxiq2NtGjip0ya0QLE9QuIHkCi4SqeM/s1600/The+Zip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY669-aJBOLxln5PvHhSH5X_lwcXt0cB5ii-MxhBT00R8xqKYbh1SK6QNqfQB3C83JmvdEY_u-2WzRkI1Z-eJOoJUTMYsdrZatYn105P9u_1IcPxiq2NtGjip0ya0QLE9QuIHkCi4SqeM/s1600/The+Zip.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zip Line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-XmF-UfMCzYzrxvTYvyWew-M2gidA007__RkGuDU-iRHsgEb06Rhyphenhyphen-9wkUeyNPnyELNZENYyH8p60O5gL5IBQTr4W5pbDH25mf6B64-dsL02oMjQeYonc8MvBkN5dyrVKj3eyPWV7NE/s1600/IMG_1716+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-XmF-UfMCzYzrxvTYvyWew-M2gidA007__RkGuDU-iRHsgEb06Rhyphenhyphen-9wkUeyNPnyELNZENYyH8p60O5gL5IBQTr4W5pbDH25mf6B64-dsL02oMjQeYonc8MvBkN5dyrVKj3eyPWV7NE/s1600/IMG_1716+(1).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zip Line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6r6EvASGGlN3fvB4C-6t7j25nZp2w1mrSbV7DKFP2kUzuFVniZQldT6Q8YZKJbj_7y40EXv98qEzWNEB-u5b0SHqZJJS-Ko68Mw9xwPnVuKx6O_m-SAr3DFYwdqvbbxh0KjUJXi1MWM/s1600/You+can+see+some+of+it+here,+it's%2Bpretty%2Bbig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6r6EvASGGlN3fvB4C-6t7j25nZp2w1mrSbV7DKFP2kUzuFVniZQldT6Q8YZKJbj_7y40EXv98qEzWNEB-u5b0SHqZJJS-Ko68Mw9xwPnVuKx6O_m-SAr3DFYwdqvbbxh0KjUJXi1MWM/s1600/You+can+see+some+of+it+here,+it's%2Bpretty%2Bbig.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skate Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPnGa7T9ahWeB4ytae0sQz2klDEQzC12rgTO03XzLTYmH-g3bLow2wdnhZBjQZUN3ZtqI8JtBPJRTB11E44FsiqrGJ3zjsQWG1gvwlAxeA_p8lKmxGmxJWJ3Cju91ADbLJgbPwOrTcoU/s1600/The+Climbing+Rocks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPnGa7T9ahWeB4ytae0sQz2klDEQzC12rgTO03XzLTYmH-g3bLow2wdnhZBjQZUN3ZtqI8JtBPJRTB11E44FsiqrGJ3zjsQWG1gvwlAxeA_p8lKmxGmxJWJ3Cju91ADbLJgbPwOrTcoU/s1600/The+Climbing+Rocks.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing Walls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavcFSwt3Qcu8qnuEye-vGnaHZueULUTM3eepK0NGG7LczgssbpjoJ0Y3_FPu_k9PY64-Ltp3RgzZTBRattmadLA_Vx4-OVXUsbOxahCL0rpQCUdFg6iYJ4AtBhOfnpC7xMJRRqkbPOQc/s1600/The+Ropes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavcFSwt3Qcu8qnuEye-vGnaHZueULUTM3eepK0NGG7LczgssbpjoJ0Y3_FPu_k9PY64-Ltp3RgzZTBRattmadLA_Vx4-OVXUsbOxahCL0rpQCUdFg6iYJ4AtBhOfnpC7xMJRRqkbPOQc/s1600/The+Ropes.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ropes Course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5mltXjSyzNCE4zQrCqDEbYgrYbSamLfp6SjG_g3whiEf_1sGJ3hDM8-r9MbZJb9PMZW5AGh8cI0a7M7SCA3LyFeRJzeYb0UAn8RFkZ8yUU95wqeClxLBZlz-0vAE6pmb4EAi7OO3Zjg/s1600/IMG_1744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5mltXjSyzNCE4zQrCqDEbYgrYbSamLfp6SjG_g3whiEf_1sGJ3hDM8-r9MbZJb9PMZW5AGh8cI0a7M7SCA3LyFeRJzeYb0UAn8RFkZ8yUU95wqeClxLBZlz-0vAE6pmb4EAi7OO3Zjg/s1600/IMG_1744.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Big Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZHRDkLlwVbbXA0QLrBVGz2PivfwRnzammTD_XLwdvaKXlRNWOA-VP3AJ4sS-aBbOmNhcxV87uKHKEi3b7SqjnDYzRvh4XyCIwpEkW7hYwSY-BOq0scufoUId9hN1noZ2W0dq6Cy3qYw/s1600/The+Tree+House.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZHRDkLlwVbbXA0QLrBVGz2PivfwRnzammTD_XLwdvaKXlRNWOA-VP3AJ4sS-aBbOmNhcxV87uKHKEi3b7SqjnDYzRvh4XyCIwpEkW7hYwSY-BOq0scufoUId9hN1noZ2W0dq6Cy3qYw/s1600/The+Tree+House.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Treehouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4k9A9oLQGB6PKgsTFqA8gGfK_2flvcgrOpzS4muGKFv2fhzvQfn_ZER_ljs0bYAeKHxAvIvg-TDxCdFgPL9PieUC-LnvxyvIidMMH8Jrf3XdnZaHk4b29FsJD7pQnMG7FO73vmAdtuU/s1600/This+picture+doesn't%2Bdo%2Bit%2Bjustice.%2B%2BIt's%2Ba%2Bpretty%2Bbig%2Bbike%2Btrack..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4k9A9oLQGB6PKgsTFqA8gGfK_2flvcgrOpzS4muGKFv2fhzvQfn_ZER_ljs0bYAeKHxAvIvg-TDxCdFgPL9PieUC-LnvxyvIidMMH8Jrf3XdnZaHk4b29FsJD7pQnMG7FO73vmAdtuU/s1600/This+picture+doesn't%2Bdo%2Bit%2Bjustice.%2B%2BIt's%2Ba%2Bpretty%2Bbig%2Bbike%2Btrack..JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike Trail<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ORiZjD8z1DKM11FpV8Iixz8youRpA2-j4DYob0H9ByGUpF4g4TGV7muvkUsssxKTPk8sZU4J4xUL93xSr7vEnmXw3qK7sRtlLxixJDavOSYLZRA32vB7mXVjqn2BTlo93L7RCycoZ2M/s1600/This+is+Shawarma.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ORiZjD8z1DKM11FpV8Iixz8youRpA2-j4DYob0H9ByGUpF4g4TGV7muvkUsssxKTPk8sZU4J4xUL93xSr7vEnmXw3qK7sRtlLxixJDavOSYLZRA32vB7mXVjqn2BTlo93L7RCycoZ2M/s1600/This+is+Shawarma.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Shawarma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-31489650757821617612014-12-28T20:51:00.002-08:002014-12-28T20:51:38.131-08:00Christmas Skype with Elder Josh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4t6nhlGwpWp6sPfl0-lKOFVjVi19xKBI7WomX1hKL_zr-73r1jorzcu1pJ4XMHSBULCJw152XkZrAD_3MP0jGYaq-yRLkdLjP_uop0chbe0LbxctGcwDgktAa4xLkoXiQ8DkXa1Qeq8/s1600/Josh+horse+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4t6nhlGwpWp6sPfl0-lKOFVjVi19xKBI7WomX1hKL_zr-73r1jorzcu1pJ4XMHSBULCJw152XkZrAD_3MP0jGYaq-yRLkdLjP_uop0chbe0LbxctGcwDgktAa4xLkoXiQ8DkXa1Qeq8/s1600/Josh+horse+head.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCSr9-dPE17Sfuf5v32Vw5BodUApRD_i5h4LX-l2mbEsx-hk4wgRZ5KO5HBK680YmOfgDccuDFxvEK5R54GGwdN-2w-AQPWzbg8f9RhRGf45CkARViPAHKNKgE6X0vGCEXAaWgKlFPto/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCSr9-dPE17Sfuf5v32Vw5BodUApRD_i5h4LX-l2mbEsx-hk4wgRZ5KO5HBK680YmOfgDccuDFxvEK5R54GGwdN-2w-AQPWzbg8f9RhRGf45CkARViPAHKNKgE6X0vGCEXAaWgKlFPto/s1600/Untitled.png" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-70691145492634785182014-12-28T20:50:00.001-08:002014-12-28T20:50:46.050-08:00THERE ARE GREAT THINGS IN STORE FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW CHRISTDATED: December 22, 2014<br />
<br />
I would like to report on all the fun stuff we did this last week. On Thursday we had Specialized Training. It was a good meeting. After the meeting we had lunch and we had some fun. They did a white elephant gift exchange. Every companionship in the Stake brought a gift, under $5. It was fun, we took a bottle of Martinelli's sparkling cider. We stole it back though because we really wanted it. haha. After we had District Presentations. They had each district prepare either a skit, talk, musical performance or something like that. We read a Silent Night Talk, then Elder Carter sang the first verse of "Silent Night" A Capella and then we had everyone in the room join in on singing the 2nd and 3rd verses, also A Capella. We wanted it to be kind of like how it may have been in the trenches of WW1. We were the last district to go. The spirit was already in the room, but after that the spirit was very, very strong. It was neat.<br />
<br />
On Sunday we had church, but we only had sacrament meeting so that we could go up to the Stake devotional in Charleston. After church, some members named the Matsons took us to their house for lunch and then we rode with them up to Charleston. Sister Matson is the one that wrote the skit that we did, and Bro. Matson was the main character, Ebeneezer Scrooge. The Skit went great at the devotional. I’ll send you all a picture. Elder Carter and I played the part of Missionaries, and we went and knocked on Ebeneezer's door to stop by to visit him at the request of his Nephew, Bob Crachet. There were about 400 people at the devotional. It was fun. All the Missionaries also got up and sang "O come all ye Faithful" during the devotional. That was also really neat.<br />
<br />
For a thought today I would like to share some things from an awesome talk called "Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence." We listened to this on our way up to Charleston yesterday. I would like to share some quotes.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"The adversary knows that faith in Christ—the kind of faith that produces a steady stream of tender mercies and even mighty miracles—goes hand in hand with a personal confidence that you are striving to choose the right. For that reason he will seek access to your heart to tell you lies—lies that Heavenly Father is disappointed in you, that the Atonement is beyond your reach, that there is no point in even trying, that everyone else is better than you, that you are unworthy, and a thousand variations of that same evil theme.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>As long as you allow these voices to chisel away at your soul, you can’t approach the throne of God with real confidence. Whatever you do, whatever you pray for, whatever hopes for a miracle you may have, there will always be just enough self-doubt chipping away at your faith—not only your faith in God but also your confidence in yourself. Living the gospel in this manner is no fun, nor is it very healthy. Above all, it is completely unnecessary! The decision to change is yours—and yours alone.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I would like to share six practical suggestions that, if heeded, will dissipate these evil voices and restore to you the kind of peaceful assurance and spiritual confidence that is yours to have if you only want it."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Here is a summery of those 6 things.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>1. Take responsibility for your own spiritual well-being.</i><br />
<i>2. Take responsibility for your own physical well-being.</i><br />
<i>3. Embrace voluntary, wholehearted obedience as part of your life.</i><br />
<i>4. Become really, really good at repenting thoroughly and quickly.</i><br />
<i>5. Become really, really good at forgiving.</i><br />
<i>6. Accept trials, setbacks, and “surprises” as part of your mortal experience.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I just want to encourage you all to go and study this talk. You can find it by Clicking <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/approaching-the-throne-of-god-with-confidence?lang=eng">https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/approaching-the-throne-of-god-with-confidence?lang=eng</a></i><br />
<br />
I would also just like to share some things I have been thinking about lately.<br />
<br />
Things wont change unless you do something about it. You wont change until you do something about it. We have to want to and be willing to change. Change takes commitment, Real commitment.<br />
<br />
This life is a mortal experience where our spirit gets to be in a body and learn new things. We are spirits in a body. Your spirit was created by your Heavenly Father who loves you. Every time you pray you are talking to your Father. He knows you!<br />
<br />
Every single person on this earth has trials, and has always had trials. There are hard times for every single one of us. There is no anomaly where someone is able to go though this life without experiencing something tough. God is very aware that we have these trials. They are part of the purpose of us being here. Don’t give up when you are going though hard trials. There are billions of people on this earth that are successful in overcoming hard things. You are not an anomaly to that either. (I hope that one makes sense)<br />
<br />
Ponder what it means to be a True Follower of Jesus Christ. And look at the Blessings.<br />
In the Guide to the Scriptures it says this under the definition of "Perfect." <i>Complete, whole, and fully developed; totally righteous. Perfect can also mean <span style="color: red;">without sin or evil</span>. Only Christ was totally perfect. <b>True followers of Christ may become perfect</b> through his grace and atonement.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Or in Moroni 7:47-48 it states <i>"But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are t<b>rue followers of his Son</b>, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that <b>we may be purified even as he is pure</b>. Amen."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>And then the definition of Pure in the Guide to the Scriptures says "<span style="color: red;">Free from sin or guilt;</span> blameless. A person becomes pure when his thoughts and actions are clean in every way. A person who has committed <b>sin can become pure</b> through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and receiving the ordinances of the gospel."</i><br />
<br />
All of these things relate. True Followers are those who strive to live like, think like, and be like the Savior. As it states in 2 Nephi 31:13 <i>"...follow the Son, with <b>full purpose of heart</b>, acting <b>no hypocrisy</b> and <b>no deception</b> before God, but with <b>real intent.</b>.."</i> If we do this then we will have charity and will become pure, as He is pure and will be able to, through the atonement, become complete and pure and perfect and qualify to live with Heavenly Father again. We will be freed from our sins. Those weaknesses that we have can become strengths.<br />
<br />
So the Invitation? 2 Nephi 31:10 <i>"And he said unto the children of men: <b>Follow thou me...</b>"</i><br />
<br />
I think I kind of shared about this in a previous letter, but here it is again, maybe with something new. I am very grateful for my Savior who shows me the way. I hope I can be like him.<br />
<br />
I love you all. Keep you heads up, and your hopes high. There are great things in store for those who follow Christ. :D MERRY CHRISTMAS!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Spencer<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-40765220985408536882014-12-21T19:14:00.000-08:002014-12-21T19:14:33.072-08:00CHRISTMAS IS SUCH A FUN TIME OF YEARDATED: December 15, 2014<br />
<br />
This week has been a good one. We have been able to find some potentials that we are going to be able to see next week. The people here are very nice. We offer lots of "Christmas Cards", which are the "He is the Gift" cards. Pretty much everyone says they would like one, and then we try to talk to them and we invite them to learn about the "Mormon Church" or "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." We have found some people that are really curious about it and want to learn. It's neat.<br />
<br />
We had the Ward Christmas Dinner this week. There was so much great food! We had a Santa Clause, and all of us in the District got our picture with him. We have 3 sets of missionaries serving here. Oakhill, Beaver, and Beckly are the 3 areas. We are all in the same ward. Here in Beckley, we are blessed to have many great members. We have dinner appointments every day until the 30th. That’s really great! I really enjoy dinner appointments for a few of reasons, 1: I get to try awesome food from a ton of different people. 2: You get to fellowship with the members and get to know them in a better way then you can at church. 3: You get to help build the members and help them do missionary work. I have noticed that Units that feed the missionaries do a lot better at missionary work then those that don't.<br />
<br />
So this next week we have a very busy schedule. We have specialized training, and as a part of that we are doing a Christmas Devotional within our zone. Each District has about 3 minutes to so something. Either a skit, talk, song, etc. We are going to read the Silent Night talk and then Elder Carter is going to ACapella sing the first verse of the song, with everyone else joining him for the last 2 versus. Then on Sunday, Elder Caldwell and I get to speak in Sacrament Meeting, after we are going to practice our Skit that we are doing for the Stake Christmas Devotional in front of the Ward, and then we are going to head up to Charleston. The missionaries are going to sing "O Come All ye Faithful" in the Devotional and then we are going to do our skit that we are doing with the ward. Lots to happen next week. Christmas is such a fun time of year.<br />
<br />
I love you all!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Spencer<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEvymxuutYf_BTm4H0d1-s2dTuI1EGQwJjghD9FGudFRQ8TPTF0RC1CzPvXdDxVEv-aN10O87DQ65_lKNDL6XlPLb9JIzqGJhbbwgGEuAo2W-7gCkgo6t712jWE9wj6fzcCDdWIO71_0/s1600/Elders+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEvymxuutYf_BTm4H0d1-s2dTuI1EGQwJjghD9FGudFRQ8TPTF0RC1CzPvXdDxVEv-aN10O87DQ65_lKNDL6XlPLb9JIzqGJhbbwgGEuAo2W-7gCkgo6t712jWE9wj6fzcCDdWIO71_0/s1600/Elders+2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyB77jwS8p8cmYqUuF9BdjdV6y6nAyul2fnXrukieDbraX5giCfOelyc93Auz2TU449tYBF77c7hzz-cnALrt85aY6eoUd9kjcY9Xw8D8oyr6s6n1Pbx6iDWI-59VJwSN1uyANTHYm8c/s1600/Elders+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyB77jwS8p8cmYqUuF9BdjdV6y6nAyul2fnXrukieDbraX5giCfOelyc93Auz2TU449tYBF77c7hzz-cnALrt85aY6eoUd9kjcY9Xw8D8oyr6s6n1Pbx6iDWI-59VJwSN1uyANTHYm8c/s1600/Elders+3.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJXuvP67iZQj34ovik3NCeWcNOzYHs_U-d58pRsdgLUj4uvk1vJ0YUWCirVYUjXZTbr0_B6EfMQvtc3B7w4FuCVOC2VRXf2ZSit6fVw1wwh91vwT5fEMzEjKnea3MbHVpuEJD9nr_V48/s1600/Elders+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJXuvP67iZQj34ovik3NCeWcNOzYHs_U-d58pRsdgLUj4uvk1vJ0YUWCirVYUjXZTbr0_B6EfMQvtc3B7w4FuCVOC2VRXf2ZSit6fVw1wwh91vwT5fEMzEjKnea3MbHVpuEJD9nr_V48/s1600/Elders+4.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-33760074144530559462014-12-14T19:32:00.000-08:002014-12-14T19:32:00.887-08:00A CHRISTMAS CARD FROM ELDER SPENCERBLAINE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBc0be_aS8G6FMNC6Tj40X_L9lwLOvFjukYM5-613-3oeRWplyIEtYcYYH3FvNSyVxdWiP8AEfiakyO0_kOn6jmXNm8iVOq_snUr4AieabkwVrp14QQtj67FoS1-XIBCP_d_sr8xvAHbI/s1600/CARD+FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBc0be_aS8G6FMNC6Tj40X_L9lwLOvFjukYM5-613-3oeRWplyIEtYcYYH3FvNSyVxdWiP8AEfiakyO0_kOn6jmXNm8iVOq_snUr4AieabkwVrp14QQtj67FoS1-XIBCP_d_sr8xvAHbI/s1600/CARD+FINAL.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-62662738888422827792014-12-14T19:29:00.000-08:002014-12-14T19:29:24.813-08:00THE LAND OF BECKLEYDATED: December 8, 2014<br />
<br />
Transfers went really good. I woke up at 4:00 on Thursday Morning and got a ride up to Princeton to catch the Transfer Train. The Transfer Train is two, 15 passenger vans and a big box truck that goes from Roanoke to Charleston and every missionary gets on it to go up to Charleston. Beckley is between Princeton and Charleston, so normally I would have gotten off there, but for some reason things worked out so I got to go all the way up to Charleston. It was fun. I got to see a bunch of really great missionaries. There are many friends that I have made out here. Serving with people is so great! After Transfers, I rode back down to Beckley on the Train and met Elder Carter. He is great. He has been serving for about 8 months now. We live in a house with 2 other missionaries. Elder Brenchley, From Farmington Utah, and Elder Caldwell from Morgan Utah. Elder Brenchley knows Kevin and Maggie Bullock. He is in their ward. Kevin was his Bishop. SMALL WORLD!<br />
<br />
Church yesterday was great. There are quite a few people that know the Vests very well. All the new missionaries got a very warm welcome. One of the Sisters here in the ward came up to me, her name was Sister Doolittle, and said that she went to Utah once with Deanie for Christmas and met our family. She said she remembers talking to Dad, and she remembers that I was there too. I was a baby at the time. I think I was about 1 year old, is what we figured. SMALL WORLD!<br />
<br />
On Sunday, Elder Carter and I also got asked to participate in the Stake Christmas Devotional. We are part of a 3 minute skit. We are playing the part of "Elder" who knock on someone's door. My line is "Very well" and Elder Carters is not much longer. It's a small part, but It think it's awesome!<br />
<br />
For a short thought. Who are you? What are your Names and Titles? I have been thinking about this lately. Think of all the Names that Jesus Christ has. i.e. Savior, Redeemer, Creator, The Son of God, etc. All these names identify who He is and what He does. So think of different titles and names that you have. Father, Mother, Home Teacher, Visiting Teacher, Friend, Brother, Sister, or maybe even think of your own name. It identifies what you do. When we are baptized we make the covenant that we are willing to take upon ourselves the Name of Christ. Now, our name, my name even, Elder Josh Spencer is an imperfect name, imperfect person, but Christ's name is perfect. So, as we make and keep our covenants, we take his name upon us so we can be identified with his name. So who are you? Each of us has a perfect potential. We each have goodness and light within us. No matter what mistakes me make or how bad we mess up, we will always be Children of The Most High God. That will never change. Because of that identity, we don't need to stoop to give in to sin. Sin can be put beneath us so it is not a stumbling block, but we first need to find out who we are and what we can become.<br />
<br />
Each of us has certain rights. We know we have rights legally, but do we know our rights spiritually? We have the right to find out truth. We have the right to find out that we are children of God. We have the right to act, to use our agency. We have the right to gain revelation. We have certain rights because of who we are. Now we know that in order to receive we must act. It is our Right and Privilege and Obligation to learn who we really are, and to Learn what the Truth really is.<br />
<br />
I love you all. Remember your Names and Titles (and not the negative ones). Act accordingly with Who You <b>Really</b> Are.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Josh Spencer<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTXvWBDMZ6HaBII5DXPf6m01kEFPUaMjlARjACB_yxOD5-76LhRlDFhITkIT-dj7bl_ua1lQ_P5z1iM53gXVq9KUTyGnv2otWyo66Yy5eUzdBVhKw1_fODdKRgqAfJVf24IpjStHJcW8/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTXvWBDMZ6HaBII5DXPf6m01kEFPUaMjlARjACB_yxOD5-76LhRlDFhITkIT-dj7bl_ua1lQ_P5z1iM53gXVq9KUTyGnv2otWyo66Yy5eUzdBVhKw1_fODdKRgqAfJVf24IpjStHJcW8/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Tree in Richlands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fsAUFhrYvDeM9n1fOI6L383DBVZm7rNzAE5_bINEAMFEqh63AmCaYvERKYxD62B6gHWMZ5VW_f3uYWuPs3yhttlW2dpM3ieZczCueYwg5nuB_Hz7IShI-pUamIuOKUcK_1qawa3CIVM/s1600/IMG_1662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fsAUFhrYvDeM9n1fOI6L383DBVZm7rNzAE5_bINEAMFEqh63AmCaYvERKYxD62B6gHWMZ5VW_f3uYWuPs3yhttlW2dpM3ieZczCueYwg5nuB_Hz7IShI-pUamIuOKUcK_1qawa3CIVM/s1600/IMG_1662.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Spencer and Elder Blaine<br />Our last picture together :*(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg428LxzB6GVv21_ApvQdXt7hlpxmQuW7ADl_2YPnSx8t1USJyP387hTFct0yargKhk__zR31Nqa5HiBhTxM5dik9wiiurduadeE9vf2kiLOvf-Rb1GejcYJYdqGPrk67gxqlpIELtGQ68/s1600/IMG_1664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg428LxzB6GVv21_ApvQdXt7hlpxmQuW7ADl_2YPnSx8t1USJyP387hTFct0yargKhk__zR31Nqa5HiBhTxM5dik9wiiurduadeE9vf2kiLOvf-Rb1GejcYJYdqGPrk67gxqlpIELtGQ68/s1600/IMG_1664.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Rasmussen, Elder Robbins, Elder Hess, Elder Ramirez, Elder Spencer<br />and Elder Tan. All of these missionaries have served or are serving<br />in The West Side of Charleston. WEST SIDE, STRONG SIDE!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-29706821611078040632014-12-07T19:21:00.000-08:002014-12-07T19:21:24.209-08:00TRANSFERS, PROBABLY THE LAST ONEDATED: December 3, 2014<br />
<br />
Well, I am transferring from Richlands to Beckly, WV. I am going to be with Elder K. Carter. I am pretty excited. It's a good sized city. I am, however, pretty sad to be leaving Richlands. There are some really great people here. I am also really going to miss Elder Blaine.<br />
<br />
Well, I’ll tell you about my Thanksgiving. First we had a Thanksgiving lunch on Wednesday, Then we had a lunch on Thursday, and then we had a dinner on Saturday. I have been stuffed most of the week. It was a lot of fun. There was some really good food. I know this is a little worldly, but one reason I do love being a missionary is being able to try so many different ways of making food. It has been fun.<br />
<br />
Elder Blaine’s Birthday was also this week. Jeremy, an awesome member down here, had us over to his house for dinner. He made a Lasagna. After, we had a "Cake in the Face" fight. We didn't start it, Jeremy and his family did. Poor Elder Blaine kept on getting hit. I’ll send some pictures. Every time he went and cleaned it off, they got him again. They probably got him 7 or 8 times. I got hit once, and I hit Jeremy once, but other then that, I just ran. haha. It was really good cake too. :D<br />
<br />
So, I don’t know how many of you have seen this yet, but if you go to christmas.mormon.org there is a new "He is the Gift" video. It's pretty sweet. They gave us special pass along cards to go with it, and they are doing a YouTube take over on December 7th and also doing some advertising for it in Times Square. It is sweet. The initiative invites everyone to do 3 things. To Discover the Gift, Embrace the Gift and Share the Gift. We received an Email that contained this in it:<br />
<br />
<i>"As you seek to help others discover, embrace, and share the gift of Jesus Christ, the foundation for success is your own life. What can you do this month to come more fully unto Jesus Christ? What can you offer Him? How can you become more like Him? As you seek to be more like Him, your capacity to help others to do likewise will be magnified."</i><br />
<br />
I really like those questions. I have been pondering them and making plans to make this Christmas, the most Christ Centered Christmas I have ever had. I want to invite each of you to do the same. Look at this quote and apply it in your life. People are often so grumpy and stressed at Christmas time, yes it really can be stressful, but, why? Why are we buying gifts, making meals, and putting up lights, why are we doing all of this? Because we are trying to, or at least we should be, doing it to remember the First Gift. The Gift of Jesus Christ. We should be trying to be more kind, more gracious, more charitable, and more like Christ. Christmas is not about what you get, but what you give. What have you been given? Christmas time is awesome. I love the gifts, the food, the family, the decorations, the movies, and just so much about it is just awesome. This year though, I am wanting to remember the WHY of it all. IT is all become of Christ. "HE is Christmas."<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Share the Gift. Watch the video and share it on facebook or email. Show it to people at work or school. </div>
<div>
<i>“Remember, that which one willingly shares he keeps, while that which he selfishly keeps he loses." </i>– ELDER THOMAS S. MONSON</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As you share the gift though your testimony, actions, and whatever else you can come up with, this will become the most Christ Centered Christmas of your life! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you all! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elder Spencer</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvsydy5WIDJ97dc0QsZh6snd_XBrF6x8N6bgB9JVaS8vil0lof_QsgO-IhJe5LyxpRZAZJHd7JS3d8LYdcj6HjJRiOnfB5FA4EQ7diK89N6bZr_T5sFHklrq5GFSzsiLfbZ_ssbIdAbc/s1600/Big+Lazagne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvsydy5WIDJ97dc0QsZh6snd_XBrF6x8N6bgB9JVaS8vil0lof_QsgO-IhJe5LyxpRZAZJHd7JS3d8LYdcj6HjJRiOnfB5FA4EQ7diK89N6bZr_T5sFHklrq5GFSzsiLfbZ_ssbIdAbc/s1600/Big+Lazagne.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Lazagne!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJH3W3RoPXTAUsHxgdF65S35aMbJFrmsODNdG46WoEb2dOcVTNwyhdQH4mp3um0JlTJz7IZPwkEraIO6pMM8z4UiYZqOh7Ish2zyfgPHwAI3050KNHnNs_7lRS-1e2gD121C77wf5U8MQ/s1600/I+Got+Jeremy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJH3W3RoPXTAUsHxgdF65S35aMbJFrmsODNdG46WoEb2dOcVTNwyhdQH4mp3um0JlTJz7IZPwkEraIO6pMM8z4UiYZqOh7Ish2zyfgPHwAI3050KNHnNs_7lRS-1e2gD121C77wf5U8MQ/s1600/I+Got+Jeremy.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got Jeremy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAc5hJM3OBmtD-db30ruw8AZIrsj06eO02iEi7-VhDQ6aaUSjvo-wM3O3eDaeNndwgbYPJazGItBWXm0igsmcD23YLYyT1bS66e-y89swwmKXQuws-CDpqhh4abjp5bMs4b46Q4ujLZLA/s1600/Really+Really+Good+Cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAc5hJM3OBmtD-db30ruw8AZIrsj06eO02iEi7-VhDQ6aaUSjvo-wM3O3eDaeNndwgbYPJazGItBWXm0igsmcD23YLYyT1bS66e-y89swwmKXQuws-CDpqhh4abjp5bMs4b46Q4ujLZLA/s1600/Really+Really+Good+Cake.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really, really good cake!<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFa4z06ZrGjiNu9AanAeZliZCb8ZKwbG_hyphenhyphen_kZKHObSxnrkD305wdPRsbNXdPLgDjS3NRjx6RlveUiH5EUQUXdfiXO2aL62nC5vfC8cXunChXGgNcFKm2xHq5xbmR5m7vrBSvmMPBa4c/s1600/Cake+2+Face.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFa4z06ZrGjiNu9AanAeZliZCb8ZKwbG_hyphenhyphen_kZKHObSxnrkD305wdPRsbNXdPLgDjS3NRjx6RlveUiH5EUQUXdfiXO2aL62nC5vfC8cXunChXGgNcFKm2xHq5xbmR5m7vrBSvmMPBa4c/s1600/Cake+2+Face.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake 2 Face!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-27781466106660467612014-11-30T18:33:00.001-08:002014-11-30T18:33:18.941-08:00THERE IS SO MUCH THAT I AM GRATEFUL FORDATED: November 24, 2014<br />
<br />
Howdy Howdy. I am short on time and don’t have much to share. I am excited for Thanksgiving. There is so much that I am grateful for. Maybe I’ll just make a list of gratitude.<br />
<br />
I am grateful for my Mom, Dad, Brother and Sister. They have always been there for me and have helped me though my various trials in life. They have been a strength and a refuge for me. I love them so very much and I am grateful for the Temple, and for Covenants, and for the Priesthood, which makes it so that I can be with these wonderful people forever.<br />
<br />
I am grateful for my extended family also. All of my Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents. I am so blessed to have all of you in my life. You have been an example to me. Together we have experienced so many fun fun times. We have enjoyed dinners, vacations, moving parties and much more together. It's been great.<br />
<br />
I am grateful for all of my wonderful friends. They have been there for me also. They have been there to help me make good choices, and to help me become a better person. They have helped me learn how to communicate with people and get a long with others. We too have had much fun together, playing games, pool, going to different activities, and studying the gospel together.<br />
<br />
I am grateful for my Ward family. All of my Bishops, Young Men's leaders, Quorum Advisers, and just all the friends I have in my Ward. We have done so many fun things from camp outs, hikes, scouts, and service projects.<br />
<br />
I am also VERY VERY grateful for The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for living in a day with the Fullness of the Gospel. I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, who bled, was judged, was whipped, who was spit upon, and who died for ME. I am so grateful that I get to be a missionary who can go out and tell people about HIM. I am so grateful for the many people who I have met, who have taken time to listen, and who have acted on the invitations they have received from Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
I just want everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is TRUE. IT's the truth. I know it! The Commandments, if kept lead to happiness. I am so grateful for the opportunity my heavenly Father has given me to come to the earth, receive a body, and experience mortality. WHAT AN AWESOME PLAN! I love you all. Keep up the great work!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Spencer<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-3484325538246878822014-11-23T19:52:00.002-08:002014-11-23T19:52:18.530-08:00HE WILL SUSTAIN USDATED: November 17, 2014<br />
<br />
This week has been a cold one. We have had snow a few times, but it melts quickly. It is pretty gray and raining a lot today.<br />
<br />
Last week we had interviews with President Salisbury. It is unique, because instead of doing them inside, he decided to have us just walk around outside with him during our interview. So we all just hung out inside awaiting our turn, and then he would come in, and say get one of us and we would just go walk around outside. It was a nice day that day.<br />
<br />
I found a scripture that I really like. It's Psalms 55:22. It states:<br />
<br />
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."<br />
<br />
We can cast our burden upon the Lord and he will help us. When you are stressed or overwhelmed, "did you think to pray?" Prayer is one of the greatest ways to de-stress. We can really cast our problems, concerns, worries, and trials upon Him, and He will Sustain us. He will help us. This is just such a simple but powerful verse. I love it. I love you all!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Spencer<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-81392830109576513302014-11-16T14:19:00.000-08:002014-11-16T14:19:30.079-08:00IT'S SPENCERBLAINEDATED: November 10, 2014<br />
<br />
This week we had our Zone Meeting in Bluefield. It was a good meeting. We talked about the Book of Mormon, and about Preach My Gospel. We also talked about different things that Elder Renlund talked to us about.<br />
<br />
Chad has his Baptismal Interview this week which was very exciting. Jeremy (a member) has weekly barbecues, and he often invites different people, so he invited Chad and his wife, and us and we went to his house for a fun barbecue. Chad has a little girl that calls Elder Blaine and I "SpencerBlaine" She doesn't know our names separately, but she knows if she sees white shirts in ties, it’s "SpencerBlaine!” <br />
<br />
Elder Blaine and I got to speak yesterday in sacrament meeting. They wanted us to report on what Elder Renlund taught us. Brother and Sister Leight like to challenge us to put certain words in our talks. Last time I spoke the word was "skunk." This time they gave me a word and a phrase. They are "As Mary Poppins once said 'a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down'" and "Supercalifradulisticexpealidocis" (I doubt that is spelled correctly, but you get the point). I made the first phrase the theme of my talk. We have bitter things we need to do sometimes, but there is always sugar to help us through it. :D And don’t even ask how I put the other word in, I just did. Ha ha. Elder Blaine’s words were "Sweet" and "Squirrel". It was fun.<br />
<br />
This week was a little slower than the previous week. We have lost contact with many of our investigators, but there are more to find. I love you all!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Spencer<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSTkyX54glI56DdV41nc5S3E9ZGx_iRwP07oP2bYbmCIhznFTbUnM29NOaSLpHHpsE2Jf0yS76DjazTu_1_buCTXSU1_QbVvRoUijXxh7cZ7UQopwEfb3HqRp2FrCft4OmUUDws5vkdQ/s1600/Josh+-+From+a+Member.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSTkyX54glI56DdV41nc5S3E9ZGx_iRwP07oP2bYbmCIhznFTbUnM29NOaSLpHHpsE2Jf0yS76DjazTu_1_buCTXSU1_QbVvRoUijXxh7cZ7UQopwEfb3HqRp2FrCft4OmUUDws5vkdQ/s1600/Josh+-+From+a+Member.jpeg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elders SpencerBlaine<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-67699520825936039022014-11-09T19:18:00.001-08:002014-11-09T19:18:49.512-08:00PREACH MY GOSPEL IS AN AMAZING BOOKDATED: November 3, 2014<br />
<br />
This week we had Elder Renlund of the 70 come to the mission and address us. It was great. We woke up at 3:00 in the morning so we could get there. He talked about a lot of things. President and Sister Salisbury also instructed us. We then had lunch, some more instruction and then we went home. It was a really great experience. I’ll tell you what, there is nothing like singing "The Spirit of God" with a room full of missionaries. The spirit was very strong and I left feeling very tired, but spirituality filled.<br />
<br />
One thing that I have noticed, is how much the members of the 70 study Preach my Gospel. Preach my Gospel is an amazing book. We are all missionaries, and it teaches us how to be missionaries. I encourage everyone to add it to your daily study. It will bless your life.<br />
<br />
I can’t really think of much more that happened this week. The great people we are working with are still moving forward. We had 5 people come to church this week. It was awesome. The members here were very excited about it. It was a very good fast and testimony meeting.<br />
<br />
We also attended another church with an investigator this week. It was interesting. It was a Baptist/Pentecostal church, or as some say Baptistcostal. It was a good insight on how people feel when they come to our church for the first time.<br />
<br />
For a short thought today I would like to talk about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This includes Faith, Repentance, Baptism/Making/keeping Covenants, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and Enduring to the End. These are the steps for being able to come close to Jesus Christ. We need to have faith, and that faith leads us to repent. We make covenants with God, and Receive his Promised Blessing. For example with Baptism, we receive the promise of Remission of Sins, and Being born again, and Having the Spirit as a constant companion. As we continue this process we are Enduring to the End. We have to keep going. This is how we Come unto Christ. We need to constantly be striving to strengthen our Faith. That leads to the rest of the process. We trust God and Change, and bring our lives and will in line with his life and will. As we do this we become "redeemed of the Lord". It’s all worth it. Look at this scripture I found this morning.<br />
<br />
<i>2 Nephi 8:11 Therefore, <span style="color: red;">the redeemed of the Lord</span> shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and <span style="color: red;">everlasting joy</span> and <span style="color: red;">holiness</span> shall be upon their heads; <span style="color: red;">and they shall obtain gladness and joy</span>; <b>sorrow and mourning shall flee away.</b></i><br />
<br />
Something else that Elder Renlund told us come from this scripture.<br />
<br />
<i>D&C 84:77 And again I say unto you, my friends, for from henceforth I shall call you friends, it is expedient that <b>I give unto you this commandment, that ye become even as my friends</b> in days when I was with them, traveling to preach the gospel in my power;</i><br />
<br />
Jesus Christ has given us a commandment to be his friend. Just ponder that.<br />
<br />
Love you all!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Spencer<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-62070188048595389912014-11-02T14:41:00.000-08:002014-12-14T20:04:19.795-08:00JESUS CHRIST WILL NEVER FORSAKE USDATED: October 27, 2014<br />
<br />
This week has been really good. I have so many thoughts and feeling flowing around in my head.<br />
<br />
First off, we were able to teach quite a bit this week. We have been meeting with some amazing individuals, who are really demonstrating their Faith. I will give one example. We are working with a really neat young couple named S___ and T___. We have been teaching them for about 2 months or so and they have become very good friends to us. Last week we taught them the Word of Wisdom. We were a little nervous to teach it because we knew they have some struggles with it. After we taught it we asked if they would live it. They agreed and said they would do the best they could. We asked if we could take their coffee (they just bought it like 2 days before this so it was very full) and coffee pot. They said we could. I could tell that T___ was very nervous to do it because she drinks a lot of coffee and she was worried about how much it would affect her. But in faith she let us take the coffee stuff. I was very amazed by her faith and her willingness. The next day we asked her how she was doing, and she said she has had no problem giving up the coffee. It hasn't been hard for her. I feel that because of her faith, God has helped her give it up.<br />
<br />
I would like to share another experience we had with S___ this last week. So S___ works for the city on the sewer lines. Sometimes when there is a problem with the sewer, it is often on someone’s property, and if that is the case, the person is responsible for fixing it themselves. The city doesn't do it. But S___ will tell the person he will come and fix their sewer lines for free if they will provide the parts (and that is if he doesn't already have them). On Saturday, Elder Blaine and I accompanied S___ to do some work on this old lady's house in fixing her sewer. We dug down outside her house, cut out the old line, and put in a new one. It wasn't a ton of work, but if a plumber would have been called out to do it, it probably would have been $600 or so. She was very grateful for the service. Later that day S___ and T___ came to our chili cook off. It was great to see them there. Then that evening, we went over to see a member named Brother L___. He had in-laws over from out of town. Bro. L___'s sister-in-law accidently flushed her keys for her car, house, and whatever else a mom has on her keys, down the toilet. Bro. L___ asked us to call S___ to see if he could come over and maybe help us recover them. So S___ came down and we opened up a flush drain outside the house, and spent the next hour or so trying to flush the keys out. We didn't think they went all the way to the main line because they are heavy keys. We didn't have any luck getting them. We got word this morning though that S___ stopped by during work and put a camera down their line to see if the keys were in there. He found them right by where the house line goes into the main line. He got the keys. I was again amazed by his charity and how selflessly he serves others. This is just what he does. If he can help you, he will.<br />
<br />
The other day Elder Blaine and I sang "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" during Comp Study. I love this song. Here are the lyrics. Read it as a story.<br />
<br />
<i>A poor, wayfaring Man of grief</i><br />
<i>Hath often crossed me on my way,</i><br />
<i>Who sued so humbly for relief</i><br />
<i>That I could never answer nay.</i><br />
<i>I had not pow'r to ask his name,</i><br />
<i>Whereto he went, or whence he came;</i><br />
<i>Yet there was something in his eye</i><br />
<i>That won my love; I knew not why.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="color: red;"><i>Once, when my scanty meal was spread,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><i>He entered; not a word he spake,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><i>Just perishing for want of bread.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><i>I gave him all; he blessed it, brake,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><i>And ate, but gave me part again.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><i>Mine was an angel's portion then,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><i>For while I fed with eager haste,</i></span><br />
<b><i>The crust was manna to my taste.</i></b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="color: lime;"><i>I spied him where a fountain burst</i></span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><i>Clear from the rock; his strength was gone.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><i>The heedless water mocked his thirst;</i></span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><i>He heard it, saw it hurrying on.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><i>I ran and raised the suff'rer up;</i></span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><i>Thrice from the stream he drained my cup,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><i>Dipped and returned it running o'er;</i></span><br />
<b><i>I drank and never thirsted more.</i></b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="color: blue;"><i>'Twas night; the floods were out; it blew</i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i>A winter hurricane aloof.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i>I heard his voice abroad and flew</i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i>To bid him welcome to my roof.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i>I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest</i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i>And laid him on my couch to rest,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i>Then made the earth my bed and seemed</i></span><br />
<b><i>In Eden's garden while I dreamed.</i></b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="color: purple;">Stript, wounded, beaten nigh to death,</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;">I found him by the highway side.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;">I roused his pulse, brought back his breath,</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;">Revived his spirit, and supplied</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;">Wine, oil, refreshment--he was healed.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;">I had myself a wound concealed,</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;">But from that hour forgot the smart,</span></i><br />
<b><i>And peace bound up my broken heart.</i></b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="color: magenta;"><i>In pris'n I saw him next, condemned</i></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><i>To meet a traitor's doom at morn.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><i>The tide of lying tongues I stemmed,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><i>And honored him 'mid shame and scorn.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><i>My friendship's utmost zeal to try,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><i>He asked if I for him would die.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><i>The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><i>But my free spirit cried, "I will!"</i></span><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Then in a moment to my view</i><br />
<i>The stranger started from disguise.</i><br />
<i>The tokens in his hands I knew;</i><br />
<i>The Savior stood before mine eyes.</i><br />
<i>He spake, and my poor name he named,</i><br />
<i>"Of me thou hast not been ashamed.</i><br />
<span style="color: red;"><i>These deeds shall thy memorial be;</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><i>Fear not, thou didst them unto me.</i></span><br />
<br />
I then read the Scripture Matthew 25:31-40<br />
<br />
<i>"When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:<span style="color: orange;"> For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat:</span> <span style="color: lime;">I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink:</span> <span style="color: blue;">I was a stranger, and ye took me in:</span> <span style="color: purple;">Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me:</span> <span style="color: magenta;">I was in prison, and ye came unto me.</span> Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an <span style="color: orange;">hungred, and fed thee?</span> <span style="color: lime;">or thirsty, and gave thee drink?</span> <span style="color: blue;">When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in?</span> <span style="color: purple;">or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick,</span> or <span style="color: magenta;">in prison, and came unto thee?</span> And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, <span style="color: red;">Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."</span></i><br />
<br />
I read a definition of faith this week that said "when you have faith you obey the Laws and Ordinances of the Gospel <span style="color: red;">and Serve Christ."</span> It has been weighing on my mind the importance of serving our fellow man. As we take care of each other, we will be happy and receive blessings. In the song above, I put in <b>bold</b> the blessings that I noticed the man received for his service. I feel like this "though" it is kind of random, but I’ll try to sum it up. True faith leads to action. The action we do is obeying and service. That is the covenant we make at baptism. We need to be serving every day. S___ is a great example to me of this kind of service. Having Charity towards our fellow man is so important. I know that as we serve others, and go out of our way to serve others, we will have an immense measure of happiness. I love also how much of an example President Monson is of this principle. We are His hands.<br />
<br />
Another quick thought that I had this morning. We sang one of my favorite hymns #85 "How Firm a Foundation." I’ll post it here also.<br />
<br />
<i>How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord,</i><br />
<i>Is laid for your faith in his excellent word!</i><br />
<i>What more can he say than to you he hath said,</i><br />
<i>Who unto the Savior, who unto the Savior,</i><br />
<i>Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>In ev'ry condition--in sickness, in health,</i><br />
<i>In poverty's vale or abounding in wealth,</i><br />
<i>At home or abroad, on the land or the sea--</i><br />
<i>As thy days may demand, as thy days may demand,</i><br />
<i>As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,</i><br />
<i>For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.</i><br />
<i>I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,</i><br />
<i>Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous,</i><br />
<i>Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>When through the deep waters I call thee to go,</i><br />
<i>The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o'erflow,</i><br />
<i>For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,</i><br />
<i>And sanctify to thee, and sanctify to thee,</i><br />
<i>And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,</i><br />
<i>My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.</i><br />
<i>The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design</i><br />
<i>Thy dross to consume, thy dross to consume,</i><br />
<i>Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>E'en down to old age, all my people shall prove</i><br />
<i>My sov'reign, eternal, unchangeable love;</i><br />
<i>And then, when gray hair shall their temples adorn,</i><br />
<i>Like lambs shall they still, like lambs shall they still,</i><br />
<i>Like lambs shall they still in my bosom be borne.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The soul that on <b>Jesus</b> hath leaned for repose</i><br />
<i><b>I</b> will not, <b>I</b> cannot, desert to his foes;</i><br />
<i>That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,</i><br />
<i><b>I'll</b> never, no never, <b>I'll</b> never, no never,</i><br />
<i><b>I'll</b> never, no never, no never forsake!</i><br />
<br />
So, I really like the last verse of this song. Whenever I sing it, I think of "I" as talking about me. So I usually think of "I, Elder Spencer, Will never forsake." But, I read it different this morning. This is my personal feeling. I could be wrong, but I realize and believe that when this song uses the word "I" it is referring to God, or Jesus Christ. So now look at the last line. "I, Jesus Christ, Will never forsake YOU!" This just helped me realize and remember the promise that Jesus Christ will never forsake us. He will help us and carry and protect us. He has not and will not ever, ever, ever leave you! I like thinking of it like this.<br />
<br />
<i>The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose</i><br />
<i>HE will not, HE cannot, desert to OUR foes;</i><br />
<i>That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,</i><br />
<i>HE WILL never, no never, HE WILL never, no never,</i><br />
<i>HE WILL never, no never, no never forsake!</i><br />
<br />
D&C 84:88 <i>And whoso receiveth you, there <b>I </b>will be also, for<b> I</b> will go before your face. <b>I</b> will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and <b>mine</b> angels round about you, to bear you up.</i><br />
<br />
Sorry for the long letter, but the last part of this come from Elder Hollands Talk "None were with him."<br />
<br />
<i>"For His Atonement to be infinite and eternal, He had to feel what it was like to die not only physically but spiritually, to sense what it was like to have the divine Spirit withdraw, leaving one feeling totally, abjectly, hopelessly alone.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>But Jesus held on. He pressed on. The goodness in Him allowed faith to triumph even in a state of complete anguish. <span style="color: red;">The trust He lived by told Him in spite of His feelings that divine compassion is never absent, that God is always faithful, that He never flees nor fails us.</span> When the uttermost farthing had then been paid, when Christ’s determination to be faithful was as obvious as it was utterly invincible, finally and mercifully, it was “finished.” Against all odds and with none to help or uphold Him, Jesus of Nazareth, the living Son of the living God, restored physical life where death had held sway and brought joyful, spiritual redemption out of sin, hellish darkness, and despair. With faith in the God He knew was there, He could say in triumph, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” 19 </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that <span style="color: red;">because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so.</span> <span style="color: blue;">His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel.</span> Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said: “I will not leave you comfortless: [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you]."</i><br />
<br />
I am grateful for the "angels" in my life. There are so many. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and his Atonement. This life isn't so hard when you realize that you really don’t face it alone. Each of us have our own team cheering us on. God Will Never Forsake! That is the Truth.<br />
<br />
I love you all.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Josh Spencer<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
P.S. I forgot to talk about this in my last email. This last week our branch held a Fall Festival. As part of the festival we did a Chili Cookoff. Elder Blaine and I entered into it. We have been telling everyone all month that our chili was going to win. haha. Well, we didn't have a recipe, so we asked T____ if she had a chili recipe. She gave us a Campbell's soup recipe book that she didn't want anymore. We looked through it and found a simple chili recipe. We made a trial run of it. It was ok. We decided to modify it a little bit, and we made our chili and took it to the cook off. It won! HAHA! We were pretty tickled that it actually wont. There were 5 other chili's there. They were all really good. It was pretty funny to watch people's faces when they asked us where we got the recipe and we would tell them, "it's from a Campbells Soup Recipe Book!" It was super fun. The sad thing is I really didn't get to eat much of our chili because it was all gone at the end.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We did Pumpkin Bowling for the kids after the cook off. It was fun. Elder Blaine and I also Participated in some games. I’ll attach a picture. That was just a fun part the week I wanted to share with you all.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love ya!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xe_812ms18yiHXpPSI9nsDwUoUmSNy1_Bp9PWwgfiy4rsrw4DD4Vz5-OE9S3FTA02m-0N8IJoWzduM6E90F3qv8044K8G3SNNRDCfF4gTLRklg1O-NRvLK1TiJ6TO1wg89pTLTrOKtY/s1600/IMG_1539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xe_812ms18yiHXpPSI9nsDwUoUmSNy1_Bp9PWwgfiy4rsrw4DD4Vz5-OE9S3FTA02m-0N8IJoWzduM6E90F3qv8044K8G3SNNRDCfF4gTLRklg1O-NRvLK1TiJ6TO1wg89pTLTrOKtY/s1600/IMG_1539.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsYXOE35CT3XTAyEyTJUweCxfva0sElOnQZvDFNgF_K4byYhQm82Qqou-EyXqckFiJnmZqtbper3RaUnjrshDTtTQnm7AygdiuruD9cUqn-E77nkcaGkyg5e2YVe0JKbAvh9COfWeYiw/s1600/Donuts+on+a+String.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsYXOE35CT3XTAyEyTJUweCxfva0sElOnQZvDFNgF_K4byYhQm82Qqou-EyXqckFiJnmZqtbper3RaUnjrshDTtTQnm7AygdiuruD9cUqn-E77nkcaGkyg5e2YVe0JKbAvh9COfWeYiw/s1600/Donuts+on+a+String.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donuts on a string!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglr5aco7GUKB6U0hgTdmR6SOKkPYQHoUakyVz7ddJMu2crcGzU-Bc688ll8fpm7mD1TdZRmV2qQVkdMdc_VWgUI7kL5h3y15pfSTiGM8s2QKJbqSeftx05HYw83pWVF9Pg_F9BPtPIxAA/s1600/IMG_1541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglr5aco7GUKB6U0hgTdmR6SOKkPYQHoUakyVz7ddJMu2crcGzU-Bc688ll8fpm7mD1TdZRmV2qQVkdMdc_VWgUI7kL5h3y15pfSTiGM8s2QKJbqSeftx05HYw83pWVF9Pg_F9BPtPIxAA/s1600/IMG_1541.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBkPL02iEl2Xj6_BnGEwpLNn4PLTl6Ieq3zeQci3bXmffqqgioKwKNz766ajj42o-a08AOSitrKnaO_3FUqa6g5f4bTjwNjBdObUF2davJytxBuf76fgJ-ldQscFa8WodtyhxzXgV6HI/s1600/This+is+what+we+won+for+wining+the+chili+cookoff.++It's%2Ba%2Bsticker%2Bthat%2Blights%2Bup!.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBkPL02iEl2Xj6_BnGEwpLNn4PLTl6Ieq3zeQci3bXmffqqgioKwKNz766ajj42o-a08AOSitrKnaO_3FUqa6g5f4bTjwNjBdObUF2davJytxBuf76fgJ-ldQscFa8WodtyhxzXgV6HI/s1600/This+is+what+we+won+for+wining+the+chili+cookoff.++It's%2Ba%2Bsticker%2Bthat%2Blights%2Bup!.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what we won for winning the Chili Cook Off. It's a sticker<br />
that lights up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-60846856042859683142014-10-26T19:10:00.000-07:002014-10-26T19:10:10.292-07:00JUST SO Y'ALL KNOW EVERYTHING IS OKDATED: October 22, 2014<br />
<br />
The computers at the library are down right now, so we were not able to email today. We are using a members to send these quick emails home just so y'all know everything is ok. I’ll email as soon as we can, maybe not till Monday. We will see. TTYL!!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder JOSH!P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1978207382594025421.post-58159008568965796042014-10-19T07:40:00.000-07:002014-10-19T07:40:47.870-07:00IT'S SO MUCH FUN TO TEACH PEOPLE ABOUT THE RESTORED GOSPEL!DATED: October 14, 2014<br />
<br />
This week has been great! We had our Book of Mormon Class last Tuesday. We have 10 people come. It is a great success. We talked about 1 Ne 11-15. It's an amazing prophecy that Nephi is shown. It is so detailed about the Savior and his life. And it has so much detail about our day and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Tonight in the Class we are talking about 1 Nephi 16-18. Wow, these are some amazing chapters. I am just so much in awe at the faith of Nephi. He never waivers. He doesn't let anyone or anything shake his trust in God.<br />
<br />
<b>1 Nephi 17:49-51 </b><br />
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto them that they should murmur no more against their father; neither should they withhold their labor from me, for <span style="color: red;">God had commanded me that I should build a ship.</span><br />
And I said unto them: <span style="color: blue;">If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them.</span> If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done.<br />
And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, <span style="color: red;">how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship?</span><br />
<br />
I really like this because Nephi knew his duty. He knew what God had commanded him to do, and he knew that he could do it with God’s help. We should all strive to have the faith and diligence that Nephi had. He is an amazing example. First Nephi is so awesome!<br />
<br />
We had Zone P-day yesterday. We went up to Bluefield and carved pumpkins and played corn hole and had lunch. It was a lot of fun. It is just so much fun to be with and around missionaries.<br />
<br />
Elder Blaine is so much fun. We get along really great and we have been having a lot of fun together. (just look at the attached picture. :) )<br />
<br />
Things are going well. It's so much fun to teach people about the restored gospel! We just have to find those who will listen! haha.<br />
<br />
Love you all. Keep going forward!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Elder Spencer<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwgi74IRHM0KBS7uj8OMrCHrkiVGNkkhAqvLZTAmH_QA4aRWFgwylQAjUGUzaxRzM6zDGle-ndj26Fggxy-KlyU6VC4lbj-nqiZw0EbbanJDJHsnYnbA_WQCSPZtXdXw3FUdpAPDdDFw/s1600/It's%2Ball%2Bgood%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bhood..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwgi74IRHM0KBS7uj8OMrCHrkiVGNkkhAqvLZTAmH_QA4aRWFgwylQAjUGUzaxRzM6zDGle-ndj26Fggxy-KlyU6VC4lbj-nqiZw0EbbanJDJHsnYnbA_WQCSPZtXdXw3FUdpAPDdDFw/s1600/It's%2Ball%2Bgood%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bhood..JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's all Good in the Hood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyGzjsTzl7ZWLovzYbw06DnrbAfhpgPIFF94BG-6X_Kv_0wCThyphenhyphen2HspWC6vitVqI7g2cHB_i9oURTfRtRXUahz8WYBFv3SJuNF3XgwMvnC5m33SCkMX5brapeyTZk0QNFeJrCmi3ph0s/s1600/Still+in+the+hood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyGzjsTzl7ZWLovzYbw06DnrbAfhpgPIFF94BG-6X_Kv_0wCThyphenhyphen2HspWC6vitVqI7g2cHB_i9oURTfRtRXUahz8WYBFv3SJuNF3XgwMvnC5m33SCkMX5brapeyTZk0QNFeJrCmi3ph0s/s1600/Still+in+the+hood.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFQWCNScVCrX0Sq-DprlXNeBXO3Fm3Tnk2ZYbP1P7yu_y3qPznGt5wl42zU-Dy7p4Dmnwnzzl4Pi63wGDAI4WxwFdlcs1me8c4DZ4BIh-nD4gkYxkWhrwzmMZJ8zGV9BO9Be0vDnP5yE/s1600/Temple+too.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFQWCNScVCrX0Sq-DprlXNeBXO3Fm3Tnk2ZYbP1P7yu_y3qPznGt5wl42zU-Dy7p4Dmnwnzzl4Pi63wGDAI4WxwFdlcs1me8c4DZ4BIh-nD4gkYxkWhrwzmMZJ8zGV9BO9Be0vDnP5yE/s1600/Temple+too.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
P Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396652990556535019noreply@blogger.com0