4/4/16

Tuesday we had transfers! Which meant I didn't have a car..! But luckily we were at Penn State talking to said peeps. My friend came to me with his BOM, with marked scriptures that he was confused with. But honestly you're probably not reading the book if you're in Alma but can't remember who the Nephites are. This must be what a elementary school teacher feels like when the child signs something as their parents. You think you're sneaky but you're as obvious as the pervert at the playground. He had brought up some concerns, some were a breeze and some I had to think it out and a thought came to my head thanks to the spirit. The easy one was, how did they know Jesus name when in the Old Testament he was only known as The Messiah? Oh because Joseph just wrote it himself! (In Syndergaard's mocking voice) NO, because God can tell his prophets whatever name he wants! The tougher one was the curse of blackness. He looked up online something that said we think the whiter you are the holier, and that black people are cursed. What a load! What got him was when I remembered that when the Lamanites repented and converted, that the curse was lifted. He had no idea what to say. Knowledge is power, and we have a whole lot more knowledge than he does.

Some members took us out to Olive Garden when Elder Smith got here. Our waitress was a very outgoing person and in contrast to the family taking us out. So when she spunkily grated the cheese and told them to " Just say when!" They were thrown into the ever so awkward situation where they had to say " uh uh, that's good..!" I got a kick out of it. Elder smith is a quality individual, I came out with him so you know he's got a good soul.

Wednesday was my first district meeting. #yikes. I successfully used the first 40 minutes to get to know everyone's favorite hobbies, most embarrassing moments, and their Spirit Animals. It was decided I'm a Meerkat, which is a suitable animal. I taught a bit about Charity and Our Purpose, it was aight. I had about 15 minutes left and plenty to talk about still. But then I thought, I'm bored and if I'm bored there's a chance someone else is bored. The only perk of this job is the ability to end meetings early. So that's what I did! It felt good. We had Book of Mormon class with the expectancy of the Hileman's and Kyle coming. Both bailed. 😭 so that was probably a worse let down then that Thursday was meh, well service was fun. I made 5 pans of stuffing and helped cooked 11 turkeys. I also got to learn how to carve a turkey! I carved 3 of them! Mom be proud ok, I'm making great strides here. That was pretty much it. Though beginning of the week was worse than the time I realized America never went to the moon. I've hoped on conference to make it all worth it.

Friday was another memorable day of forums. There were way too many of us in the little square so the sisters, the new ones especially, we're giving out cards to everyone and their dog. I mostly just sat at the pole and complemented people. I met a new friend, one who loves the bible. He believes Revelations 22:19. That says " For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book" Yeah to prophecies of that book, the book of Revelations! He believes it to mean the whole bible because men who put the Bible together put it last. Also that their process of knowing which books should be in it, was through making two groups of people, and whatever books they both chosen would make up the bible. The problem is with these Bible only people is that they don't see the big picture and they're too ignorant to look outside it.

Saturday was bomb. Conference did pull through, it was as if the clown act I had been performing all week now had the whole circus come to town to back him up. It was legit. It's seems that the main theme has been strengthening families, with different talks to different parts, parents, children, youth, young adults, etc. I severely enjoyed priesthood session. Monson had his guy sitting on the bench ready to catch him, kinda like a OBGYN but for old people on their way out of life.
Here's a few things I got.
Nelson- We were foreordained to be priesthood holders
Stephen Owen- The greatest leaders have always been the greatest followers.
Utchdorf- If you want a good marriage you best have some fat amounts of charity in there. Pride has no place in the priesthood.
Erying- The most important work is within the walls of your own home.
Monson- Be worthy and ready to use the priesthood whenever.
Also if I'm worthy, faithful, and using the power for a selfless cause there isn't a reason that the powers of heaven won't be opened up. Crazy how he didn't go even five minutes. Also the guy sitting on the bench behind him was interesting as well. Sunday was also awesome, the church is a wonderful thing. Have a great week.
-Super Simmons

Alice and Scruffy

Service for days!

5 Guys with the new District