And I'm still not sure whether it's a good crazy or a bad crazy. With Christmas being this week things got really busy in the middle of the week and then just slumped on the weekend. We have found a lot more people are open and receptive to a message about Christ during Christmas time, much like a Japanese missionary I know said this week. People are just more open, whether they know it or not.
Unfortunately with this week being what it was, I haven't had a lot of time to sit down and think about what I wanted to write in this email. Half my time was running around trying to stay sane, and half of it was sick in bed. (Don't worry, I'm alright. Just had a stomach bug take me down for a few days) but there was one story in particular that stood out to me this week.
On Christmas Day we spent most of our time over at a members house, and tried to bond with the family as well as his children and grandchildren who are non-members. One grandson and I started talking, who I will refer to as G. So G. and I were talking and he showed me some pictures of his dog back home, who is a beautiful Pitt Bull, and then he started asking me questions about why I am living in Chicago, and why my phone isn't mine, and about our car. From those questions we got into a very deep spiritual discussion where I taught him one on
one about The Plan of Salvation and The Restoration and The Gospel of Jesus Christ. This all started because he asked me if I wanted to see his dog, and I said yes and put away the article I had been reading. We talked for almost two hours, read from the scriptures, and prayed together, at which point he told me he believed what I told him, and he wanted to learn more and he thought I should talk to his parents because they would like what I was talking about. I talked with his Dad for a few minutes and told him what G and I had been talking about, and that he seemed very interested. His grandpa thanked me for talking to him, and unfortunately we had to leave around that time, so we talked to him at church on Sunday. G and his parents flew back home on Saturday, but before that they had discussed the possibility of him learning more, and his parents agreed that they would like and support that, and asked if it would be possible for me to start teaching him even though they live on the other side of the country. His grandpa told me this was very out of character for G because he doesn't connect with people easily, and doesn't ever just sit and talk with someone. He told me, "There must just be something about you." But I know it's not me that G connected with.
Now we are trying to work it out so that I can teach this young man over Skype on the other side of the country, all because he trusts me and I developed a relationship with him. This all because I was interested in him. This is such a testimony boost to me to know that simply by being ready to listen, and reaching out to someone who
'doesn't connect easily', he may receive the gospel and possibly join the church because of this. I don't know what is going to happen with G, but that experience alone gave me an insight I didn't have before about the power of the Spirit.
I know that if we each reach out and show genuine love and interest for someone, they will feel that connection to the Spirit, and through us He can testify. This is short and simple, but it's what has been on my mind lately.
I love you all. Happy New Years! Make it a great one!
-Elder Logan Gifford
Monday, December 30, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
50 Things you learn really quickly as a missionary in Buffalo Grove:
1. Sometimes The Lord lets the work simmer for a little while, and then he throws a Bro. F in there and the whole place catches fire.
2. 99% of the people you meet are amazing, loving people. Whether or not they are interested has nothing to do with the quality of their ppersonality.
3. How to comfortably wear two layers of socks at the same time and not feel like your foot is in a tourniquet.
4. Silence, it's okay. Sometimes, it's really nice.
5. Personal Study is manna from Heaven, and the hour of free time at the end of the day is just Personal Study waiting to be relabeled.
6. Children know more than we think. Sometimes they know more than we do.
7. Everybody has a past.
8. Nobody cares about your past. The future is what matters.
9. A regular sized desk is not enough. Proper study space requires a large closet door.
10. How to remove a large closet door without hearing any snaps or pops.
11. How NOT to remove a large closet door.
12. The hot water heater in your apartment holds exactly enough water for one 20-minute hot shower and one 2-minute Luke-warm shower, or two 15-minute hot showers. Don't ask me how the math works out.
13. If the dishwasher is running, the hot water heater holds exactly enough water for two 2-minute freezing cold showers.
14. The entire state of Illinois is strictly against the idea of originality; i.e.- If you are looking for a road called Washington, and find one, it is NOT safe to assume that this is the same Washington you are looking for.
15. How to use a map. REALLY quickly.
16. The map gets us there far sooner than the Sister's GPS gets them there. Boo-yah.
17. Tracting isn't the nightmare most RM's make it out to be.
18. Unless there is freezing rain. Then it's a nightmare.
19. If you don't know the name of the family, it's better to leave it out of the prayer than to try anyway, and get it wrong.
20. Not everybody knows every word to every Billy Joel song like you do, and they may even have to ask what you were singing in the shower this morning.
21. "It may not come now, it may not come later, it may not come until Heaven, but it will come." Is also directly applicable to mail expected from different countries.
22. Even though there is plenty (150-200) of missionary appropriate music loaded onto the USB you have plugged in, the shuffle option on your car will undoubtedly prefer the few (15-20) songs that are not appropriate.
23. When members ask if you're getting a lot of packages for Christmas, the proper response is not, "No, but that's okay." In fact, the proper response is, "Oh, not much, but I have everything I need." People react really sadly with the first one. Not so much with the second.
24. The fine line that is true comfort lies directly on the borders of spontaneous combustion, and teeth-chattering cold.
25. You often find yourself staggering around in a Jack Sparrow-like manner, muttering questions like, "Why is the milk always gone?"
26. When the power goes out, the dishwasher turns off. When you don't realize that, your cereal bowls will STILL not be clean the next morning.
27. Such things as shower curtains and couches, are apparently non-essential to missionary life.
28. When you need an investigator to practice with, it's perfectly reasonable to name a vacuum and put a box on top. (Humphrey. His name is Humphrey.)
29. When arriving to a meeting, never walk in at the same time as the Sister missionaries. It looks suspicious.
30. The past tense of purchase is definitely boughten. Just like the plural of watch is watcheses.
31. If one of your ward members is in a nursing home, go visit them. They need the attention more than you need that hour of your day.
32. When you get a real investigator, dancing for joy is totally acceptable, in the confines of your own apartment.
33. Sincere prayer and solid faith solve every problem. (Including broken elevators in nursing homes. Cool story, ask me about it sometime.)
34. It's okay to pray for the small things. God gave you those too.
35. Even across thousands of miles, The Lord will touch hearts if you ask Him to. (Over 6,296 miles to be exact)
36. Godly love is unlike anything you've ever felt, and when you truly experience it, it can scare the living day-lights out of you.
37. Being weak is okay. In fact, it's kind of expected.
38. The Atonement applies to every moment of every day.
39. If you don't feel like you need to repent at the end of the day, think harder. You'll find something.
40. If it's not a challenge, it's not worth it.
41. Consecration is a much larger commitment than you thought, with much larger blessings than you could ever imagine.
42. Smiling is guaranteed to kill 99.99% of all bad feelings. A firm handshake usually kills the rest.
43. When another missionary sends you a text message that says, "We got a return appointment!" You respond just as enthusiastically as they do!
44. The Lord blesses the diligent, not the ignorant.
45. Companionships -missionary and eternal alike- aren't always going to be perfect, but they are always a blessing.
46. A no never really means no. It just means they aren't ready yet. YET.
47. Missing home seems silly when there is so much work to be done. That's what college is for in two years.
48. With Christ by your side, you never have to feel alone.
49. No matter the denomination, all Christians respect and appreciate it when you tell them you are trying to help bring people closer to Christ. In fact, one middle-aged woman might even get teary-eyed at your love and dedication to Christ.
50. Trials without Christ make you hard. Trials WITH Christ make you humble.
These are just a few of the things I have learned in my few weeks in the field. When I tell people this is my first area, and my first Christmas away from home, they feel really bad for me.
They say things like, "Oh that must be hard!" Or, "You must really miss your family."
Well sure, I miss my family. But I know that they are safe and happy, and I am too.
The one that I adamantly disagreed with was, "That must be the worst time of year to start a mission!"
No, in fact, it's quite the opposite. Everyone has some small idea of what Christmas is really about. I mean for goodness sakes, it says His name in the word! Spending my time away from home and helping other people to see the true meaning of Christmas, there's no better time to start serving a mission.
Now it's true, not everybody wants to hear a message from us. But every time that someone does, we tell them about the Atonement. That act alone was the best Christmas present ever given, and if we receive it, it will be the greatest gift we could ever imagine.
I have seen miracles in my short time here. Small miracles that change big things. People who slammed doors on missionaries six months ago, will smile and ask us how we are during the Christmas season. Christmas changes attitudes, but Christ changes lives. I invite you to let the Atonement change your life.
You all have an extra Book of Mormon on hand, right? Good. Turn with me to Alma chapter 7. Let's read verses 10-12 together. Isn't it amazing the things that He has done for us? There is a Christian rock song most of you have probably heard called "I can only Imagine...." This is how I feel when I read these verses. I can only imagine he must have felt. I can only imagine the love He has for each and every one of us. I can only imagine the kind of happiness He feels when we turn to him, and receive the greatest gift ever given. Let's skip down a little ways to verse 17. I'll put it here for those of you who aren't reading along.
And now my beloved brethren, do you believe these things? Behold, I say unto you, yea, I know that ye believe them; and the way that I know that ye believe them is by the manifestation of the Spirit which is in me. And now because your faith is strong concerning that, yea, concerning the things which I have spoken, great is my joy. (Alma 7:17)
How great is my joy. I love that. Because it's precisely how I feel when I share His gospel with others, and exactly how you will feel when you do the same. Now, you all know I love stories, so I'm going to tell just one story, and then leave you with an invitation.
Bro. F is a member of our ward here, and about the best missionary in the entire world. He owns his own business, and has a client list of about 500 people. The second day we were in the area, he called and
asked if he could come over. We said absolutely, and he showed up a few minutes later. We chatted and got to know each other, and then he reached into his pocket and pulled out the second best Christmas present I have ever received. He handed us a stack of post-it notes and said,
"Well Elders, I've taken your being here as a sign. I figure with two sets of missionaries in one ward, we need to be doing twice as much missionary work. Over the last few days I've been prayerfully considering every name on my customer list and choosing those who I feel are ready for you. You should have about 25 names there. Let me know when you're finished with those, and I'll make you another list."
I almost cried. Literally, my eyes filled with tears. I have never been so grateful for a little stack of post-it notes in my entire life. Now this isn't doctrine, this is opinion, but I'm pretty sure with that one act, Bro. F added two more floors to his Heavenly mansion. The members can be your best asset if they know how much you care, and if you use them. A few days later, after we had checked in with him about most of the names on his list, he called us in child-like excitement!
"Elders! Elders! I placed a Book of Mormon!"
"That's great Bro. F, we appreciate the work you do!"
"That's not all! They want us to come and share a message with them!!
Are you free Monday afternoon?"
After much singing and dancing and many prayers of gratitude, we met with this couple Monday afternoon. They are an amazing couple, and I will never forget them. Not because of their curiosity, or that they were open and receptive to learn, even if they weren't interested in a second discussion. The reason I will never forget the Hall's is because of the fire they set in Bro. F's heart. When we left that lesson, we could hardly keep his feet on the ground. I'm sure his wife didn't sleep a wink that night, because all he could think about was what we could do NEXT.
Now our ward is full of amazing members, and great missionaries, Bro.F is just one of them. My invitation to each of you today, is to have a few more member moments. You know that extra Book of Mormon you had earlier? Great, grab that. I invite you today, to hold that book in your hands and pray. Find someone, anyone, who will be willing to accept that book. I can testify to you that if you do that, with a sincere desire, The Lord will bless you with that name. I know that is true. With all of my heart, I know it. Place that Book of Mormon. Put a bow on it, make it a Christmas gift. And don't forget the next step. Contact your local Elders or Sisters. They will be thrilled! Ask for return appointments. Bear your testimony. Bear your testimony. Bear your testimony. No, that wasn't a typo. The Lord tells people important things in 3's, I'm going to follow His example. That is the most important part of any of this. Bearing your testimony invites the Spirit into your heart, and into theirs. That is the way that God is going to tell people of the truth. Let him do it. He wants to, He's just waiting.
Now here's the thing about invitations, you need to commit, and I need to follow up. Because of the nature of this invitation and how it has been extended, we are going to skip over that second part, assuming that you have all committed to accept this invitation. (Thanks guys!) And next week, I will expect a report on how this went. I promise you that as you put forth that effort to pray and search for someone, you will find someone.
Everybody, this was long. I know. If you made it this far, I applaud your dedication, and love you for it.
I know that this Gospel is the only true Gospel of The Savior Jesus Christ. I know that The Atonement is for each and every one of us individually. I know that God has us all in these places for a reason, and we only need to ask him, and he will show us that reason. I know that Joseph Smith restored this Gospel through proper priesthood
authority, and that authority still exists and guides the Church today. I know this for myself, and if you do not, I invite you to find out for yourself. Whatever stage of life you are in, whatever you are going through, you will receive that answer if you inquire with sincere intent. The Gospel has blessed my life in more ways than I can
count, and if you find out for yourself, it will do the same for you.
I love you all.
God loves you all.
This Gospel is true.
-Elder Logan Dee Gifford
2. 99% of the people you meet are amazing, loving people. Whether or not they are interested has nothing to do with the quality of their ppersonality.
3. How to comfortably wear two layers of socks at the same time and not feel like your foot is in a tourniquet.
4. Silence, it's okay. Sometimes, it's really nice.
5. Personal Study is manna from Heaven, and the hour of free time at the end of the day is just Personal Study waiting to be relabeled.
6. Children know more than we think. Sometimes they know more than we do.
7. Everybody has a past.
8. Nobody cares about your past. The future is what matters.
9. A regular sized desk is not enough. Proper study space requires a large closet door.
10. How to remove a large closet door without hearing any snaps or pops.
11. How NOT to remove a large closet door.
12. The hot water heater in your apartment holds exactly enough water for one 20-minute hot shower and one 2-minute Luke-warm shower, or two 15-minute hot showers. Don't ask me how the math works out.
13. If the dishwasher is running, the hot water heater holds exactly enough water for two 2-minute freezing cold showers.
14. The entire state of Illinois is strictly against the idea of originality; i.e.- If you are looking for a road called Washington, and find one, it is NOT safe to assume that this is the same Washington you are looking for.
15. How to use a map. REALLY quickly.
16. The map gets us there far sooner than the Sister's GPS gets them there. Boo-yah.
17. Tracting isn't the nightmare most RM's make it out to be.
18. Unless there is freezing rain. Then it's a nightmare.
19. If you don't know the name of the family, it's better to leave it out of the prayer than to try anyway, and get it wrong.
20. Not everybody knows every word to every Billy Joel song like you do, and they may even have to ask what you were singing in the shower this morning.
21. "It may not come now, it may not come later, it may not come until Heaven, but it will come." Is also directly applicable to mail expected from different countries.
22. Even though there is plenty (150-200) of missionary appropriate music loaded onto the USB you have plugged in, the shuffle option on your car will undoubtedly prefer the few (15-20) songs that are not appropriate.
23. When members ask if you're getting a lot of packages for Christmas, the proper response is not, "No, but that's okay." In fact, the proper response is, "Oh, not much, but I have everything I need." People react really sadly with the first one. Not so much with the second.
24. The fine line that is true comfort lies directly on the borders of spontaneous combustion, and teeth-chattering cold.
25. You often find yourself staggering around in a Jack Sparrow-like manner, muttering questions like, "Why is the milk always gone?"
26. When the power goes out, the dishwasher turns off. When you don't realize that, your cereal bowls will STILL not be clean the next morning.
27. Such things as shower curtains and couches, are apparently non-essential to missionary life.
28. When you need an investigator to practice with, it's perfectly reasonable to name a vacuum and put a box on top. (Humphrey. His name is Humphrey.)
29. When arriving to a meeting, never walk in at the same time as the Sister missionaries. It looks suspicious.
30. The past tense of purchase is definitely boughten. Just like the plural of watch is watcheses.
31. If one of your ward members is in a nursing home, go visit them. They need the attention more than you need that hour of your day.
32. When you get a real investigator, dancing for joy is totally acceptable, in the confines of your own apartment.
33. Sincere prayer and solid faith solve every problem. (Including broken elevators in nursing homes. Cool story, ask me about it sometime.)
34. It's okay to pray for the small things. God gave you those too.
35. Even across thousands of miles, The Lord will touch hearts if you ask Him to. (Over 6,296 miles to be exact)
36. Godly love is unlike anything you've ever felt, and when you truly experience it, it can scare the living day-lights out of you.
37. Being weak is okay. In fact, it's kind of expected.
38. The Atonement applies to every moment of every day.
39. If you don't feel like you need to repent at the end of the day, think harder. You'll find something.
40. If it's not a challenge, it's not worth it.
41. Consecration is a much larger commitment than you thought, with much larger blessings than you could ever imagine.
42. Smiling is guaranteed to kill 99.99% of all bad feelings. A firm handshake usually kills the rest.
43. When another missionary sends you a text message that says, "We got a return appointment!" You respond just as enthusiastically as they do!
44. The Lord blesses the diligent, not the ignorant.
45. Companionships -missionary and eternal alike- aren't always going to be perfect, but they are always a blessing.
46. A no never really means no. It just means they aren't ready yet. YET.
47. Missing home seems silly when there is so much work to be done. That's what college is for in two years.
48. With Christ by your side, you never have to feel alone.
49. No matter the denomination, all Christians respect and appreciate it when you tell them you are trying to help bring people closer to Christ. In fact, one middle-aged woman might even get teary-eyed at your love and dedication to Christ.
50. Trials without Christ make you hard. Trials WITH Christ make you humble.
These are just a few of the things I have learned in my few weeks in the field. When I tell people this is my first area, and my first Christmas away from home, they feel really bad for me.
They say things like, "Oh that must be hard!" Or, "You must really miss your family."
Well sure, I miss my family. But I know that they are safe and happy, and I am too.
The one that I adamantly disagreed with was, "That must be the worst time of year to start a mission!"
No, in fact, it's quite the opposite. Everyone has some small idea of what Christmas is really about. I mean for goodness sakes, it says His name in the word! Spending my time away from home and helping other people to see the true meaning of Christmas, there's no better time to start serving a mission.
Now it's true, not everybody wants to hear a message from us. But every time that someone does, we tell them about the Atonement. That act alone was the best Christmas present ever given, and if we receive it, it will be the greatest gift we could ever imagine.
I have seen miracles in my short time here. Small miracles that change big things. People who slammed doors on missionaries six months ago, will smile and ask us how we are during the Christmas season. Christmas changes attitudes, but Christ changes lives. I invite you to let the Atonement change your life.
You all have an extra Book of Mormon on hand, right? Good. Turn with me to Alma chapter 7. Let's read verses 10-12 together. Isn't it amazing the things that He has done for us? There is a Christian rock song most of you have probably heard called "I can only Imagine...." This is how I feel when I read these verses. I can only imagine he must have felt. I can only imagine the love He has for each and every one of us. I can only imagine the kind of happiness He feels when we turn to him, and receive the greatest gift ever given. Let's skip down a little ways to verse 17. I'll put it here for those of you who aren't reading along.
And now my beloved brethren, do you believe these things? Behold, I say unto you, yea, I know that ye believe them; and the way that I know that ye believe them is by the manifestation of the Spirit which is in me. And now because your faith is strong concerning that, yea, concerning the things which I have spoken, great is my joy. (Alma 7:17)
How great is my joy. I love that. Because it's precisely how I feel when I share His gospel with others, and exactly how you will feel when you do the same. Now, you all know I love stories, so I'm going to tell just one story, and then leave you with an invitation.
Bro. F is a member of our ward here, and about the best missionary in the entire world. He owns his own business, and has a client list of about 500 people. The second day we were in the area, he called and
asked if he could come over. We said absolutely, and he showed up a few minutes later. We chatted and got to know each other, and then he reached into his pocket and pulled out the second best Christmas present I have ever received. He handed us a stack of post-it notes and said,
"Well Elders, I've taken your being here as a sign. I figure with two sets of missionaries in one ward, we need to be doing twice as much missionary work. Over the last few days I've been prayerfully considering every name on my customer list and choosing those who I feel are ready for you. You should have about 25 names there. Let me know when you're finished with those, and I'll make you another list."
I almost cried. Literally, my eyes filled with tears. I have never been so grateful for a little stack of post-it notes in my entire life. Now this isn't doctrine, this is opinion, but I'm pretty sure with that one act, Bro. F added two more floors to his Heavenly mansion. The members can be your best asset if they know how much you care, and if you use them. A few days later, after we had checked in with him about most of the names on his list, he called us in child-like excitement!
"Elders! Elders! I placed a Book of Mormon!"
"That's great Bro. F, we appreciate the work you do!"
"That's not all! They want us to come and share a message with them!!
Are you free Monday afternoon?"
After much singing and dancing and many prayers of gratitude, we met with this couple Monday afternoon. They are an amazing couple, and I will never forget them. Not because of their curiosity, or that they were open and receptive to learn, even if they weren't interested in a second discussion. The reason I will never forget the Hall's is because of the fire they set in Bro. F's heart. When we left that lesson, we could hardly keep his feet on the ground. I'm sure his wife didn't sleep a wink that night, because all he could think about was what we could do NEXT.
Now our ward is full of amazing members, and great missionaries, Bro.F is just one of them. My invitation to each of you today, is to have a few more member moments. You know that extra Book of Mormon you had earlier? Great, grab that. I invite you today, to hold that book in your hands and pray. Find someone, anyone, who will be willing to accept that book. I can testify to you that if you do that, with a sincere desire, The Lord will bless you with that name. I know that is true. With all of my heart, I know it. Place that Book of Mormon. Put a bow on it, make it a Christmas gift. And don't forget the next step. Contact your local Elders or Sisters. They will be thrilled! Ask for return appointments. Bear your testimony. Bear your testimony. Bear your testimony. No, that wasn't a typo. The Lord tells people important things in 3's, I'm going to follow His example. That is the most important part of any of this. Bearing your testimony invites the Spirit into your heart, and into theirs. That is the way that God is going to tell people of the truth. Let him do it. He wants to, He's just waiting.
Now here's the thing about invitations, you need to commit, and I need to follow up. Because of the nature of this invitation and how it has been extended, we are going to skip over that second part, assuming that you have all committed to accept this invitation. (Thanks guys!) And next week, I will expect a report on how this went. I promise you that as you put forth that effort to pray and search for someone, you will find someone.
Everybody, this was long. I know. If you made it this far, I applaud your dedication, and love you for it.
I know that this Gospel is the only true Gospel of The Savior Jesus Christ. I know that The Atonement is for each and every one of us individually. I know that God has us all in these places for a reason, and we only need to ask him, and he will show us that reason. I know that Joseph Smith restored this Gospel through proper priesthood
authority, and that authority still exists and guides the Church today. I know this for myself, and if you do not, I invite you to find out for yourself. Whatever stage of life you are in, whatever you are going through, you will receive that answer if you inquire with sincere intent. The Gospel has blessed my life in more ways than I can
count, and if you find out for yourself, it will do the same for you.
I love you all.
God loves you all.
This Gospel is true.
-Elder Logan Dee Gifford
Monday, December 16, 2013
Buffalo Grove
Hey all!
My time is short, but I will do my best. To start, I'm pretty sure this will be my motto for every email I write while here on my mission, so just assume that it's going to start with this phrase, "Let me explain...... No, there is too much. Let me sum up."Wednesday, December 4, 2013
No, there's too much, let me sum up!
There is too much. No other way to describe how I am feeling right now. The biggest things I want to touch on are really scattered, but I hope the connections are okay. I also only have about 20 minutes right now, but that's okay. The next time you hear from me, I will be in the Windy City itself! Pretty awesome right?
Okay let's start with this. There was a General Conference talk that was given by Pres. Uchtdorf in October 2011 entitled "You Matter to Him",
and I would suggest that everyone read it. I have used it so many times this week, it is phenomenal really. I can't even cover everything I want to say about that talk in this time, so I'm just going to ask you to read it, and study how it can be applied to you. In this case, I'm just providing information, it's up to you to get the revelation! Good luck, and I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
The second thing is about the idea of an "Average Life". I hate that idea. In Abraham chapter 3 it talks about you and me. It tells us that we were among the noble and great ones in the pre-existence, and destined to remain as such. We were destined for much more than an average life. So always live in such a way that your life can be recorded as "noble and great".
The last that I wanted to touch on, and the last I really have time for, is something I heard in a talk given by Elder Bednar a few years ago. He was talking about people who talk about their ancestors and the wonderful things that they have done, and how they know the church is true because of those ancestors, but I would invite you all to think about it more generally. I would invite you to think about this phrase when in any situation. "That's great, and what have you done lately?" The purpose behind this quote was not to demean or chastise those who are proud of their heritage, or even of their parents or friends. The purpose was to invite people t more actively live our religion. We need to be living our lives so that we are our own source of example and testimony, (besides the Savior of course) and that we don't use others as a crutch or need to rely on them for their testimony. I also invite everyone to live their lives in that same way.
I love you all, but my time is out.
Talk to you next week!
-Elder Gifford
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