Sarah: Sorry people for taking forever to post these past 4. I didn't even see a couple of them until just recently. Enjoy reading them!
Hello!
It's been a bit hard to write any letters lately but I have many people in mind and hope to get some out this week. I did write one and sent it today for you guys, Sarah Jo especially. Elder Maskell included one too for her. Please give Aunt Janae another visit and hello for me! :)
Hey Dad! How are you? I got word you played the organ in church this last sunday?! I got to play in my Branch too!! We're the great Ensign duo that like to play hymns. Tell him not to forget breakfast, lunch, or dinner. One of my newest favorite hymns is Arise O God And Shine 265. I would love to play that one in a Sacrament meeting sometime. Or An Angel From On High(13 I think or 15). Do you guys like those ones? There are some awesome hymns that we just don't hear enough.
Well it snowed here last week pretty good. It's pretty white outside.
We're praying hard for some baptisms. We had a less active Brother from our Branch attend Sacrament yesterday! It was awesome. He's a great guy we've been visiting many times and it's a joy to associate with him. He's the only member of his family. He's married and has a couple daughters but they're mostly Lutheran. He know's the church is true. We read the Book of Mormon with him.
Did you know that Repentence is a Divine Gift? It really, truly is. A talk given by D. Todd Christofferson makes it clear and fun to learn about. It was given this last conference. Sure repentence isn't something we want to do, mainly because we like to do things right the first and every time. But if we see repentence in the correct lens, it's something we want to do and we can do it willingly and joyfully. It gives us true joy. The essence of setting New Years Resolutions or any goal is practially repentence. Especially when we're doing it to truly improve our lives and bring them in harmony with Christ and Heavenly Father.
I love the Gospel, and it loves us! Heavenly Father loves us. Another talk was given by Robert D. Hales 'Waiting upon the Lord'. You are good examples of doing what he talks about in there.
Love Elder Ensign
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Tell congratulations to Matt for me. I'm happy to hear about Jack and Steph and JJ!
That's so nice of you for looking for that book, thanks! It'll come when the time is right and if you keep looking.
I haven't gotten a letter from Dad lately, how is he doing? He's probably busy. I hope that all is well there.
It is sunny, clear skies, cool temperatures with a high of 0 degrees here. I believe the current temp is around -14 give or take. The weather has been crazy here. It snowed just the other day and supposed to bring a blizzard in tonight till tomorrow. That's what they say anyway. It's very calm and dead cold out now.
This week has been pretty good. The past two weeks we've found new investigators and have taught them very good 1st lessons and left them with commitments. These people I talk about are really nice and show great potential for baptism and conversion. Their names are Carol(an older woman who's married, we teach them both.), Kristin, and Nathan. They are great people.
We also have had some great visits with some recent converts in the Branch and some less active members and they are working hard! Reading the intro. to the Doctrine and Covenants was fun. The other day we read it with a member from the Branch, a line in it says, this book is "of great value to the human family and of more worth than the riches of the whole earth"! I thought that was cool.
We've had the opportunity to give some blessings here and support the branch. It's been good. I'm on scheduled to play again for Sacrament meeting this Sunday in Church!
I love you. bye -- Elder Ensign
That's so nice of you for looking for that book, thanks! It'll come when the time is right and if you keep looking.
I haven't gotten a letter from Dad lately, how is he doing? He's probably busy. I hope that all is well there.
It is sunny, clear skies, cool temperatures with a high of 0 degrees here. I believe the current temp is around -14 give or take. The weather has been crazy here. It snowed just the other day and supposed to bring a blizzard in tonight till tomorrow. That's what they say anyway. It's very calm and dead cold out now.
This week has been pretty good. The past two weeks we've found new investigators and have taught them very good 1st lessons and left them with commitments. These people I talk about are really nice and show great potential for baptism and conversion. Their names are Carol(an older woman who's married, we teach them both.), Kristin, and Nathan. They are great people.
We also have had some great visits with some recent converts in the Branch and some less active members and they are working hard! Reading the intro. to the Doctrine and Covenants was fun. The other day we read it with a member from the Branch, a line in it says, this book is "of great value to the human family and of more worth than the riches of the whole earth"! I thought that was cool.
We've had the opportunity to give some blessings here and support the branch. It's been good. I'm on scheduled to play again for Sacrament meeting this Sunday in Church!
I love you. bye -- Elder Ensign
Monday, January 9, 2012
We had a day last week where the temp. was in the 60's!! It was so amazing! Everybody in Marshall was happy and so friendly! The light was truly shining in a physical and spiritual sense. We met a bunch of new people that day who invited us back!
Elder Maskell has lost 40 lbs.! He is showing real dedication and discipline as he works to maintain goals for himself and for our companionship.
Have you all been to the temple lately? Please do.
Thanks for the great example you set by reading the Book of Mormon and being you. Keep it up!! :)
I can't tell you how much it means to receive the gifts of love and support that so many of you give to me. I pray that you may read the scriptures and be led and guided to the promised land of much happiness and joy, and success. Ah, I love all of you, so much.
The prophet's message in the Ensign this month is one I recommend for you to read, then every page after it :)
I received some awesome Emails this week from some people I value and treasure so greatly. Thank you. If they could send me their address at home I would definately write them back.
Mother, thanks for being there and dad, thanks for sharing you testimony. Thanks for your prayers. Please say hi to Beth, Lori, Alison and all our Bros and Sisters. I'll write Jack a letter soon. Please give my love to aunt Janae and tell her hi for me!
As we read of the life of George Albert Smith the love of God comes through its pages so thickly and purely. Serving the Lord here in Marshall Minnesota is so amazing. Christ is our Savior. He loves us.
--Elder Ensign
Elder Maskell has lost 40 lbs.! He is showing real dedication and discipline as he works to maintain goals for himself and for our companionship.
Have you all been to the temple lately? Please do.
Thanks for the great example you set by reading the Book of Mormon and being you. Keep it up!! :)
I can't tell you how much it means to receive the gifts of love and support that so many of you give to me. I pray that you may read the scriptures and be led and guided to the promised land of much happiness and joy, and success. Ah, I love all of you, so much.
The prophet's message in the Ensign this month is one I recommend for you to read, then every page after it :)
I received some awesome Emails this week from some people I value and treasure so greatly. Thank you. If they could send me their address at home I would definately write them back.
Mother, thanks for being there and dad, thanks for sharing you testimony. Thanks for your prayers. Please say hi to Beth, Lori, Alison and all our Bros and Sisters. I'll write Jack a letter soon. Please give my love to aunt Janae and tell her hi for me!
As we read of the life of George Albert Smith the love of God comes through its pages so thickly and purely. Serving the Lord here in Marshall Minnesota is so amazing. Christ is our Savior. He loves us.
--Elder Ensign
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Dear Family,
Yes, we made it through the New Year! Last year was a great one wasn't it!? I think and look back and can just be so grateful for the things that have come to pass for so many of us! Elder Maskell and I went to bed on time and woke up on time New Years Eve and Day and we had a good Sabbath a couple days ago. It was thrilling to get the new manuals for Priesthood, the new Prophets of the Church manual: George Albert Smith. I opened that up and knew right away it was inspired and the right stuff for us to know. One line in the Introduction Chap. was when a fellow of Pres. Smith's spoke at his funeral and made the quote, "God is Love. George Albert Smith is love." He was (and is) a true Prophet.
To go along with that thought and idea of the scriptures being used in our lives and how they can be used as an umbrella, was something I heard in church this week, Everything we do either moves of closer to, or farther from God, the question is: At what speed?
So I'm glad you had a nice few weeks off mother, I hope you are enjoying the time with the kids again. And yes the early hours aren't bad. And studying really is great. I'm focusing on becoming a Preach My Gospel Missionary that Elder Bednar gave a talk on recently. It emphasizes many things including letting the spirit do the real teaching, and listening, observing, discerning, THEN teaching(talking).
We have met a gentleman by the name of Alfredo recently! He is a good person who is from Mexico originally but has lived here for some time. We have met a couple times with him and taught him and he has started reading chapters of the Book of Mormon! Heavenly Father definately loves him and we can feel that and he is a great fellow. We will see him again later this week.
I hope hope hope that Aunt Janae is doing good!! That is very sweet that she is at Alpine! Sounds like a great opportunity to help and see her. She's probably grateful to be near you and other family! I love her, she is so sweet.
I have inquired about my bike and Pres. Layton has actually been working on the bicycle matter so I'm not sure what's going on, but he mentioned to get it in working condition and make the repairs if needed.
We have been tracting a lot. We've had some very nice experiences last weekend talking with some people(two separte families at two different homes) who attend an Evangelical Church a small distance from town. They were so nice, pleasant, and warm hearted! It was a blessing really, and we shared with them our message and left them with cards so they could contact us in the future if prompted. Even though they didn't invite us immediately back it was an uplifting and edifying experience to meet with them. The spirit and the love of the Savior was felt.
Well bye for now. Thanks for the prayers and letters, and packages, and love. I hope you feel of my love and testimony. I know that God lives, and His son is our Savior and they are guiding and helping us along, even more as we allow them too.
Yes, we made it through the New Year! Last year was a great one wasn't it!? I think and look back and can just be so grateful for the things that have come to pass for so many of us! Elder Maskell and I went to bed on time and woke up on time New Years Eve and Day and we had a good Sabbath a couple days ago. It was thrilling to get the new manuals for Priesthood, the new Prophets of the Church manual: George Albert Smith. I opened that up and knew right away it was inspired and the right stuff for us to know. One line in the Introduction Chap. was when a fellow of Pres. Smith's spoke at his funeral and made the quote, "God is Love. George Albert Smith is love." He was (and is) a true Prophet.
To go along with that thought and idea of the scriptures being used in our lives and how they can be used as an umbrella, was something I heard in church this week, Everything we do either moves of closer to, or farther from God, the question is: At what speed?
So I'm glad you had a nice few weeks off mother, I hope you are enjoying the time with the kids again. And yes the early hours aren't bad. And studying really is great. I'm focusing on becoming a Preach My Gospel Missionary that Elder Bednar gave a talk on recently. It emphasizes many things including letting the spirit do the real teaching, and listening, observing, discerning, THEN teaching(talking).
We have met a gentleman by the name of Alfredo recently! He is a good person who is from Mexico originally but has lived here for some time. We have met a couple times with him and taught him and he has started reading chapters of the Book of Mormon! Heavenly Father definately loves him and we can feel that and he is a great fellow. We will see him again later this week.
I hope hope hope that Aunt Janae is doing good!! That is very sweet that she is at Alpine! Sounds like a great opportunity to help and see her. She's probably grateful to be near you and other family! I love her, she is so sweet.
I have inquired about my bike and Pres. Layton has actually been working on the bicycle matter so I'm not sure what's going on, but he mentioned to get it in working condition and make the repairs if needed.
We have been tracting a lot. We've had some very nice experiences last weekend talking with some people(two separte families at two different homes) who attend an Evangelical Church a small distance from town. They were so nice, pleasant, and warm hearted! It was a blessing really, and we shared with them our message and left them with cards so they could contact us in the future if prompted. Even though they didn't invite us immediately back it was an uplifting and edifying experience to meet with them. The spirit and the love of the Savior was felt.
Well bye for now. Thanks for the prayers and letters, and packages, and love. I hope you feel of my love and testimony. I know that God lives, and His son is our Savior and they are guiding and helping us along, even more as we allow them too.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011
Heyyy! It was great talking to you on Christmas. It was fun. Elder Maskell was happy to get a smile in and see you all. I showed him a few pictures before then.
Please tell Dennis 'Hi' for me. I hope he sends me a letter that way I'll have his address. Thanks to all the wonderful, loving family and friends who share their love with me.
With it being 2 days after Christmas, it stills feels like the holiday and that means a lot of people are hosting family and enjoying the break. Yesterday we worked for a few hours and talked to a few nice people and that felt good after the break.
I'm very pleased to hear Sarah sang in the choir. That sounds so fun! Yes they have a Branch Choir but we don't get too involved because of the practice involved. Maybe we will in the future.
I sure love you all. Here's a nice scripture to read: 2 Nephi 4:35(30-35)
Please tell Dennis 'Hi' for me. I hope he sends me a letter that way I'll have his address. Thanks to all the wonderful, loving family and friends who share their love with me.
With it being 2 days after Christmas, it stills feels like the holiday and that means a lot of people are hosting family and enjoying the break. Yesterday we worked for a few hours and talked to a few nice people and that felt good after the break.
I'm very pleased to hear Sarah sang in the choir. That sounds so fun! Yes they have a Branch Choir but we don't get too involved because of the practice involved. Maybe we will in the future.
I sure love you all. Here's a nice scripture to read: 2 Nephi 4:35(30-35)
Monday, December 12, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Hey dear loved ones! I missed the chance to Email you last week and I am really glad to be able to now. I'm listening to the Christmas Devotional from the First Pres. in one ear now as I type. It's beautiful.
I did have a Zone Conference during the first month of the mission. It was nice. We have what is called a Tri-Zone Conference this week. We'll be gathering up with half of the mission, and all going to the Bismarck Temple in North Dakota. The other half of the mission gets together and visits Martin's Cove. This Wed. night we'll begin our travels to another neighboring city called Pipestone to pick up the Companionship there, then travel to Brookings in order to gather in large vans to head up there. It's a far drive of about 9-10 hours. Then we'll spend the night up there and come back. It will be a good experience.
I've enjoyed reading and receiving the wonderful letters and emails from you. It is nice! I've heard of many engagements lately and it's so awesome!
We recognize that Christmas is on its way and coming fast. There are some beautiful light jobs around here.
Thanks for the wonderful example you're setting for me. I am being shown love in many ways from people sharing their thoughts and time, and testimonies with me via mail etc.
You are truly a blessing to me.
This past week was an interesting one, we worked hard to knock doors and find new investigators. There was a man named Lyle, a 91 year old gentleman that we met in his home. He invited us in and we talked much about the gospel and the Book of Mormon. He explained that his roots were very deep, but he would read the Book of Mormon. He expressed great faith, hope, and charity to us. He wasn't bashful at expressing respect and kindness to us. As we met with him I felt so grateful to associate with him. We haven't met up with him since to see what he learned or read from the Book, but we will some time. He shared with us some words of wisdom from his many years on earth, one thought of the ability or characteristic of some people that are more angelic and pure. I'm so grateful for him, because he helped me to be grateful for the people in my life who exemplify this. Many are my close friends and family, and leaders. At the same it encourages me to be sure to love everyone as best I can.
I'm very grateful for the Wayment family, they are amazing. I'm grateful for the Sadlers, and scores of others back home. Well, I'll try to write some more experiences next time.
--Elder Ensign
I did have a Zone Conference during the first month of the mission. It was nice. We have what is called a Tri-Zone Conference this week. We'll be gathering up with half of the mission, and all going to the Bismarck Temple in North Dakota. The other half of the mission gets together and visits Martin's Cove. This Wed. night we'll begin our travels to another neighboring city called Pipestone to pick up the Companionship there, then travel to Brookings in order to gather in large vans to head up there. It's a far drive of about 9-10 hours. Then we'll spend the night up there and come back. It will be a good experience.
I've enjoyed reading and receiving the wonderful letters and emails from you. It is nice! I've heard of many engagements lately and it's so awesome!
We recognize that Christmas is on its way and coming fast. There are some beautiful light jobs around here.
Thanks for the wonderful example you're setting for me. I am being shown love in many ways from people sharing their thoughts and time, and testimonies with me via mail etc.
You are truly a blessing to me.
This past week was an interesting one, we worked hard to knock doors and find new investigators. There was a man named Lyle, a 91 year old gentleman that we met in his home. He invited us in and we talked much about the gospel and the Book of Mormon. He explained that his roots were very deep, but he would read the Book of Mormon. He expressed great faith, hope, and charity to us. He wasn't bashful at expressing respect and kindness to us. As we met with him I felt so grateful to associate with him. We haven't met up with him since to see what he learned or read from the Book, but we will some time. He shared with us some words of wisdom from his many years on earth, one thought of the ability or characteristic of some people that are more angelic and pure. I'm so grateful for him, because he helped me to be grateful for the people in my life who exemplify this. Many are my close friends and family, and leaders. At the same it encourages me to be sure to love everyone as best I can.
I'm very grateful for the Wayment family, they are amazing. I'm grateful for the Sadlers, and scores of others back home. Well, I'll try to write some more experiences next time.
--Elder Ensign
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Mon, November 28, 2011
Hey! Nice to hear from you again! I'm glad you had a great Thanksgiving. It sounds like you had a nice time. We ate with a nice family. The one I told you is sortof like our family. I got the latest batch of letters last week. I got one from Dad and Lori, and Crystal and Sarah! I'm so appreciative for Meredith and Kristin who have sent goodies! That stuff made life enjoyable -- Just like all the letters and love from everyone. I'm so grateful for the wonderful words of wisdom and kindness that everyone gives! It's so exciting to get mail and packages! I love you all so very much!
About the Jerky, if you could just send it to the mission office that would be best. We're moving early this week and I don't know the address there and it would be safer, and more likely to reach me via the office. They recommend that. Thanks, feel free to stuff it full of whatever sounds good. :)
I think I'll be here in Marshall for at least 6 more weeks. Usually you stay in an area for two transfers which are 6 weeks. But I have no real clue, I could be there for longer. I guess and pray that it's where the Lord wants me and I know that's true.
Elder Maskell and I have really been working to increase the amount of hope we have for our area and people here. We are working to have the 3 main supports -- Faith, Hope, and Charity. Without these we can't do much. With these we can do great great things.
We have a Branch Christmas Breakfast activity coming up on Dec. 3. It's a talent show kindof event. The Branch Presidency asked if we had any talents that we could share. I told him that I would love to sing in a quartet of sorts or a small choir and he was thinking something along those lines too. I don't think Elder Maskell would sing, but he has an ability to juggle quite well! It's a bit amazing, so he will definately do some of that.
Some of the nicest ladies I've met out here, two in particular remind me a lot of Alison and Lori. The one who reminds me of Lori's name is Lori, and she is Methodist or Lutheran I believe, but when we knocked on her door she was so friendly and was curious about the church. She wasn't anxious to be baptized or learn too much real quick, but I think in the future that visiting back with her would be well. The other woman we visited with just on Saturday was a lady named Lisa. Her husband is an attorney and she has a few young daughters but she reminded me of Alison a bit! She was so nice, and we gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon and explained why it's important and that she can know if it's true by reading it and having Heavenly Father answer her pray. The spirit was definitely with us while meeting with her. We plan to get back with her in Feb. because she said that she has so much going on the timing isn't right, so we hope and pray that she'll read the Book of Mormon and ask if it's true.
I'm going to be writing Dad another letter as soon as I can as well as reply to everyone else. With the bike situation, I'm going to work on it and just see if it's something easy and fixable which I think and hope it is. If it isn't I'll definately contact the office and let them know. It snowed here about two weeks ago but has since melted. I'll definately be singing more because it truly does lift the heart and liven the soul! Thanks!
I know that Christ lives and he is with us today. That we have his constant guidance and companionship through the holy spirit. I also know that when no man or woman is there to turn to you can open the scriptures and feel of God's love, and have instant friends like Elder Scott said in his talk! You are all so wonderful! I love you. I'm grateful to be on a mission! God Bless you all, and keep up the good work. Love you Dad and Mom, Sarah Meredith Darin Cameron Dallin Lori Everyone who reads these!
About the Jerky, if you could just send it to the mission office that would be best. We're moving early this week and I don't know the address there and it would be safer, and more likely to reach me via the office. They recommend that. Thanks, feel free to stuff it full of whatever sounds good. :)
I think I'll be here in Marshall for at least 6 more weeks. Usually you stay in an area for two transfers which are 6 weeks. But I have no real clue, I could be there for longer. I guess and pray that it's where the Lord wants me and I know that's true.
Elder Maskell and I have really been working to increase the amount of hope we have for our area and people here. We are working to have the 3 main supports -- Faith, Hope, and Charity. Without these we can't do much. With these we can do great great things.
We have a Branch Christmas Breakfast activity coming up on Dec. 3. It's a talent show kindof event. The Branch Presidency asked if we had any talents that we could share. I told him that I would love to sing in a quartet of sorts or a small choir and he was thinking something along those lines too. I don't think Elder Maskell would sing, but he has an ability to juggle quite well! It's a bit amazing, so he will definately do some of that.
Some of the nicest ladies I've met out here, two in particular remind me a lot of Alison and Lori. The one who reminds me of Lori's name is Lori, and she is Methodist or Lutheran I believe, but when we knocked on her door she was so friendly and was curious about the church. She wasn't anxious to be baptized or learn too much real quick, but I think in the future that visiting back with her would be well. The other woman we visited with just on Saturday was a lady named Lisa. Her husband is an attorney and she has a few young daughters but she reminded me of Alison a bit! She was so nice, and we gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon and explained why it's important and that she can know if it's true by reading it and having Heavenly Father answer her pray. The spirit was definitely with us while meeting with her. We plan to get back with her in Feb. because she said that she has so much going on the timing isn't right, so we hope and pray that she'll read the Book of Mormon and ask if it's true.
I'm going to be writing Dad another letter as soon as I can as well as reply to everyone else. With the bike situation, I'm going to work on it and just see if it's something easy and fixable which I think and hope it is. If it isn't I'll definately contact the office and let them know. It snowed here about two weeks ago but has since melted. I'll definately be singing more because it truly does lift the heart and liven the soul! Thanks!
I know that Christ lives and he is with us today. That we have his constant guidance and companionship through the holy spirit. I also know that when no man or woman is there to turn to you can open the scriptures and feel of God's love, and have instant friends like Elder Scott said in his talk! You are all so wonderful! I love you. I'm grateful to be on a mission! God Bless you all, and keep up the good work. Love you Dad and Mom, Sarah Meredith Darin Cameron Dallin Lori Everyone who reads these!
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