Then I discovered that I am pathetically inept in aerobic activity as I tried to hike the Y. Made it just fine but was sucking wind after not too far. At least I felt better when so many others had to break also. Strength was fine, just out of wind fast. But it was the first time I had been up to it so it was nice to do. And fun with Ty and Kieren.
I then discovered that it is very discomforting to stay up until 2 AM, and then try to sleep on a plane. Which was not good for me. I got maybe 30 mins. So when I got home around 11 I was tired, hungry (mom took such good care of me as always), and sick. I did not get feeling better until Saturday.
Today I discovered that daily, personal, meaningful prayer and gospel study is a remarkable guard in life. Add that to following given counsel and being true to covenants and you will see that lasting joy is around every corner. Even as we travel through tough times. The Lord is so pleased when we make steps towards Him. He really is intent upon our personal growth and development. Days like today are both invigorating and exhausting. Contradicting I know, but they are such lifting days but I am worn out mentally, physically, and spiritually. I yearn to help others make the changes they so desire in their lives. The atonement really is an enabling way to become better than we are now. To be the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
I had vivid memories today of Norway and the people there. I reflected back on being able to talk to my mission president on Monday. While Ty and Kieren took the general tour, I sat down with him. What a flood of memories that we shared about Trondheim and serving there. The branch president really wanted a youth program to help out the branch, but had no one that could do it. He asked President Peterson for missionaries to help. "You got it, what else" was the reply. "Well, I need someone to teach Sunday School to those youth". Same reply. "We need to have Sunday firesides to give them another opportunity to learn the gospel". Again, same reply. So my companion and I started working with the youth. At first it was just a few. But each time President Peterson would come into the area ere would be many more. From 10 to 20 to 30 and more. All in a small branch. And I discovered that this small start was the beginning of a season that continues where youth have grown, joined the church, served missions, and are the leadership in that area now. I remember the activity nights when we started and having fun along with a spiritual lesson. And the firesides in the missionaries large apartment (6 of us living there, nicest place by far my whole mission) where we had interactive discussions, taught the gospel, and followed a pattern that is much like the come follow me curriculum of today. It was a most fulfilling time as we could see real progress.
Serving others really does an amazing thing as you leave yourself and help others, your joy fills up and you are happier than when you try to be happy by serving only yourself. This is the same concept in marriage. As you do all you can to serve your spouse, you become happier. Even if you don't "get" what you originally thought was needed, wanted, desired etc.
You all make me so happy, please make choices hat bring you closer to Christ every day.
Love you forever,
Dad
3 John 1:4
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