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
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Here I Go....Again!!!!
For those who don't know, I'm back. And more excited than ever to be here!
My first couple of days back here in the MTC have felt just like I remembered before. Things move fast, and there is little time to rest, but that's the way I like it! My district is alot of fun, and all great people. We are split between Chicago and Baton Rouge, which is really cool! My companions name is Elder H, and he is a lot of fun so far. He is very shy and has a hard time opening up with people he doesn't know, but don't worry, I'll take care of that! ;)Saturday, June 29, 2013
The Middle of Nowhere, Arizona 86022
Well folks, it's been a while. I don't really know how many people have read this in the past, or continue to read, or whatever. But for me anyway, it's been a while. A lot has changed. I got SUPER sick in the MTC, and they sent me home. But fear not, I shall return!
For the last two months, I have been in, you guessed it, Middle of Nowhere Arizona. This summer I am working at a place called Jacob Lake Inn. We are located in Jacob Lake Arizona, where the only thing around, is us. We are about forty minutes from the North rim of the Grand Canyon. It's pretty amazing out here. The people are awesome, the job is great, the scenery is beautiful, but I think the best part is that (don't be too offended) it is nowhere near Magna. I have needed to get out of town, and move to a new part of my life. Right now, this is my new part. It's all I need, and it's enough.
I am currently sitting in the Rec Room, which is sort of our chilling spot. We have a piano, and a TV, it's where we eat all of our meals, and at the moment, it's the spot where all the Spanish speaking guys around the place gather and compare accents. It's actually quite entertaining.
The place is small, and it is totally isolated. I started this blog thinking I would have a lot more to say, however, I do not. I'm just trying to ease back into this blogging thing. Welcome to Middle of Nowhere folks. It's not much, but it's home.
-Tenacious Tenor
For the last two months, I have been in, you guessed it, Middle of Nowhere Arizona. This summer I am working at a place called Jacob Lake Inn. We are located in Jacob Lake Arizona, where the only thing around, is us. We are about forty minutes from the North rim of the Grand Canyon. It's pretty amazing out here. The people are awesome, the job is great, the scenery is beautiful, but I think the best part is that (don't be too offended) it is nowhere near Magna. I have needed to get out of town, and move to a new part of my life. Right now, this is my new part. It's all I need, and it's enough.
I am currently sitting in the Rec Room, which is sort of our chilling spot. We have a piano, and a TV, it's where we eat all of our meals, and at the moment, it's the spot where all the Spanish speaking guys around the place gather and compare accents. It's actually quite entertaining.
The place is small, and it is totally isolated. I started this blog thinking I would have a lot more to say, however, I do not. I'm just trying to ease back into this blogging thing. Welcome to Middle of Nowhere folks. It's not much, but it's home.
-Tenacious Tenor
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
My Past Life
This phrase has been on my mind alot over this past week. Whenever an Elder or Sister here talks about something they did before their mission, they preface the story with "in my past life", and tell whatever tale it is. Thats such an interesting comment to me. This email is going to be short because I have alot to do today, but here is the basics of my thoughts and such this week.
When you enter the MTC, you feel like yourself, but with a name tag and suit. (or dress) After a few days of diligence and obedience, you start to feel someone else taking you over, and the Spirit guiding more that you do. As you humble yourself (im still working on that one) it becomes obvious to you, and people around you, that this is no longer your life. You have given everything over to the Lord. You have given up all worldy things, nice bed, nice showers, (dont ask) clothes, family, friends, all of it. And as a missionary, you live fully the Law of Consecration. For anyone out there who doesn't know what that is, basically it's that you give all you have over to the Lord, and trust that he will provide for the things that you need. As a missionary, this is what we do. We literally enter ourselves into a different life. A new life, as it were.
I think about my time outside the MTC, (i know ive only been here two weeks, it feels longer) and it's weird. It's like watching someone else's life. When I think about dates I went on, or people I hung out with, jokes I thought were funny, it all seems different. Even last night as I was trying to fall asleep, I will normally start humming. I was humming the Spirit of God, instead of Ben Rector, or Maroon 5. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure I will enjoy more music than just hymns when I am no longer a missionary, but it's interesting how involuntary that change was.
I feel very confident that the love I feel for my teacher here at the MTC will be continuous, even when I get home. Will I look him up and become best friends? (NO, because Taylor is my best friend) Maybe we won't be friends. But I will continue to love him and the things he has taught me, even the things that aren't directly related to Spanish or the Gospel.
I say this because I have a story. It's a story that Brother Pitcher told, but something I have been thinking about alot.
When Brother Pitcher was serving his mission, he was in his last area with his last companion, and they were sitting watching the sunset one day, (not something you often have time for, so they took advantage of it) and as he was thinking, he turned to his companion and said, "Elder Keller, I'm scared." "Why is that Elder Pitcher?" His response to that was something that took me by surprise, and has stuck in my mind ever since I heard this.
"I'm afraid to go home to my friends. I'm afraid that we will go back to the way we were before our missions. That scares me. We are all good people, and are serving faithfully, but I'm afraid of what will happen if that changes."
This is something that I had never been afraid of before, but I am now. I sincerely hope that we don't change back to the people we were. We were all good people, but I can already feel myself changing for the better, and I hope to always continue changing upwards. I hope that for the people at home not serving yet, or maybe not at all. Always change for the better. Always make tomorrow better than today. Always.
And I'm warning you all now, when I get home, I will be different, and I hope to stay that way. If I'm not different, then I have failed in my purpose as a missionary.
I love you all.
The Church is True, your body is a Temple, don't do drugs.
-Elder Gifford
When you enter the MTC, you feel like yourself, but with a name tag and suit. (or dress) After a few days of diligence and obedience, you start to feel someone else taking you over, and the Spirit guiding more that you do. As you humble yourself (im still working on that one) it becomes obvious to you, and people around you, that this is no longer your life. You have given everything over to the Lord. You have given up all worldy things, nice bed, nice showers, (dont ask) clothes, family, friends, all of it. And as a missionary, you live fully the Law of Consecration. For anyone out there who doesn't know what that is, basically it's that you give all you have over to the Lord, and trust that he will provide for the things that you need. As a missionary, this is what we do. We literally enter ourselves into a different life. A new life, as it were.
I think about my time outside the MTC, (i know ive only been here two weeks, it feels longer) and it's weird. It's like watching someone else's life. When I think about dates I went on, or people I hung out with, jokes I thought were funny, it all seems different. Even last night as I was trying to fall asleep, I will normally start humming. I was humming the Spirit of God, instead of Ben Rector, or Maroon 5. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure I will enjoy more music than just hymns when I am no longer a missionary, but it's interesting how involuntary that change was.
I feel very confident that the love I feel for my teacher here at the MTC will be continuous, even when I get home. Will I look him up and become best friends? (NO, because Taylor is my best friend) Maybe we won't be friends. But I will continue to love him and the things he has taught me, even the things that aren't directly related to Spanish or the Gospel.
I say this because I have a story. It's a story that Brother Pitcher told, but something I have been thinking about alot.
When Brother Pitcher was serving his mission, he was in his last area with his last companion, and they were sitting watching the sunset one day, (not something you often have time for, so they took advantage of it) and as he was thinking, he turned to his companion and said, "Elder Keller, I'm scared." "Why is that Elder Pitcher?" His response to that was something that took me by surprise, and has stuck in my mind ever since I heard this.
"I'm afraid to go home to my friends. I'm afraid that we will go back to the way we were before our missions. That scares me. We are all good people, and are serving faithfully, but I'm afraid of what will happen if that changes."
This is something that I had never been afraid of before, but I am now. I sincerely hope that we don't change back to the people we were. We were all good people, but I can already feel myself changing for the better, and I hope to always continue changing upwards. I hope that for the people at home not serving yet, or maybe not at all. Always change for the better. Always make tomorrow better than today. Always.
And I'm warning you all now, when I get home, I will be different, and I hope to stay that way. If I'm not different, then I have failed in my purpose as a missionary.
I love you all.
The Church is True, your body is a Temple, don't do drugs.
-Elder Gifford
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Oy!
Let's get down to the nitty gritty. No messing around. Let's put all our cards on the table. This is the single hardest thing I have ever done in my entire life, and it's beautiful. The Lord is humbling and teaching me in so many ways. I have limited time, so things may seem scattered, but I'll do my best.
The language is hard, as expected, but it helps that my Spanish teacher in high school refused to speak English, much like my teacher in the CCM (spanish abbreviation for MTC) I have already learned more than I ever thought possible, and I've only been here one week. Crazy to think that this is only week 1. Time in the CCM is different than anything you have ever experienced. The minutes are long, the hours are eternities, the instruction time is longer than Lucas's legs! But the days and weeks are so short. I honestly feel like I got here yesterday. The Lord blesses His servants in this way. If the time was long, no one would ever make it. He gives us time during the day that seems like eternity, because it feels like that's how long it will take us to learn. And He's right, but at the end of the day, you lay down in your bed and feel you just woke up. It's a beautiful paradox we have been blessed with here.
In other news, I am currently DL, and that's a ridiculously rewarding blessing. I can personally feel the Lord's love for each of the Elderes y Hermanas in my district. They are all fantastic. My companion is Elder C. We have both spent at least the last few years living in our own rooms, so naturally we butt heads a little, but the Lord rewards effort. You try and be nice, and compromise, and He will make it easier for you to do both. My testimony has grown so much, and I feel so priveleged to be able to share it in two languages now. It's still a little disfunctional, but The Spirit helps me out alot. (thankfully)
The last time I bore my testimony was to our first investigator last night. (YES! IT HAPPENS THAT FAST!) Our first time meeting P was on day 2. DAY 2 PEOPLE! Since then we have met with her three times, and are meeting with her again tomorrow. She has been baptized twice in other churches, and right now our biggest struggle is explaining to her why those weren't valid, and why she needs to get baptized in our Church. One of our Zone Leaders, Elder S, told me a story, and it's exactly how I feel all the time with P. He and his companion had a particularly hard investigator a few weeks ago, and he had no idea how to teach him. Between the language barrier and the closed personality of the investigator, it was becoming very frustrating for him. It was scheduled to be one of their last meetings with him, and Elder S was completely out of hope. He and his companion prayed about it, and received help to put together a quick plan, but it didnt seem to fit the entire time, so Elder S stood up in the middle of his living room, held up the Book of Mormon, and bored testament of it. He told me it was one of the strongest testimonies he had ever born. At the end of his testimony, he put the book down in the investigators lap, (less than gently) and simply stated, "ES VERDAD!!!" meaning, "It's True" and walked out with his companion close behind.
I wish that was something I felt confident doing, or something that the Lord inspired me to do. We have been taught to carefully choose words and doctrines, and only to say something if we feel divinely inspired. We teach not with our own knowledge and power, but through the Spirit. We are but vessels in the Lord's work.
I would give you advice to prepare yourself for the CCM, but there honestly is none. Nothing but the Lord's hand can prepare a person. Just make sure you are humble enough to ask for him to prepare you. It works. I pray close to a million times a day, about half of that in Spanish. I have a constant prayer going on all the time. It's literally the only thing I have that I feel confident in, is my relationship with my Heavenly Father. Make sure you develop one of those, because you're going to need it.
Before I sign off, I want to throw out and invitation. This is not a spiritual invitation in any way. MAIL!!!!!!!!!! I want mail. Letters are like mana from heaven. Receiving a package is like winning the lottery! I will try my best to respond personally to anything I receive, but you can know for sure I will be eternally grateful for it! Letters! Packages! As my British roommate says, "I'm dying for some post and parcels!"
Renae, Elisha, Mama Hill, and Dad. I have received letters from you, and will work on replies during the rest of my time. You are blessed people.
The Church is True, your body is a temple, don't do drugs!
The language is hard, as expected, but it helps that my Spanish teacher in high school refused to speak English, much like my teacher in the CCM (spanish abbreviation for MTC) I have already learned more than I ever thought possible, and I've only been here one week. Crazy to think that this is only week 1. Time in the CCM is different than anything you have ever experienced. The minutes are long, the hours are eternities, the instruction time is longer than Lucas's legs! But the days and weeks are so short. I honestly feel like I got here yesterday. The Lord blesses His servants in this way. If the time was long, no one would ever make it. He gives us time during the day that seems like eternity, because it feels like that's how long it will take us to learn. And He's right, but at the end of the day, you lay down in your bed and feel you just woke up. It's a beautiful paradox we have been blessed with here.
In other news, I am currently DL, and that's a ridiculously rewarding blessing. I can personally feel the Lord's love for each of the Elderes y Hermanas in my district. They are all fantastic. My companion is Elder C. We have both spent at least the last few years living in our own rooms, so naturally we butt heads a little, but the Lord rewards effort. You try and be nice, and compromise, and He will make it easier for you to do both. My testimony has grown so much, and I feel so priveleged to be able to share it in two languages now. It's still a little disfunctional, but The Spirit helps me out alot. (thankfully)
The last time I bore my testimony was to our first investigator last night. (YES! IT HAPPENS THAT FAST!) Our first time meeting P was on day 2. DAY 2 PEOPLE! Since then we have met with her three times, and are meeting with her again tomorrow. She has been baptized twice in other churches, and right now our biggest struggle is explaining to her why those weren't valid, and why she needs to get baptized in our Church. One of our Zone Leaders, Elder S, told me a story, and it's exactly how I feel all the time with P. He and his companion had a particularly hard investigator a few weeks ago, and he had no idea how to teach him. Between the language barrier and the closed personality of the investigator, it was becoming very frustrating for him. It was scheduled to be one of their last meetings with him, and Elder S was completely out of hope. He and his companion prayed about it, and received help to put together a quick plan, but it didnt seem to fit the entire time, so Elder S stood up in the middle of his living room, held up the Book of Mormon, and bored testament of it. He told me it was one of the strongest testimonies he had ever born. At the end of his testimony, he put the book down in the investigators lap, (less than gently) and simply stated, "ES VERDAD!!!" meaning, "It's True" and walked out with his companion close behind.
I wish that was something I felt confident doing, or something that the Lord inspired me to do. We have been taught to carefully choose words and doctrines, and only to say something if we feel divinely inspired. We teach not with our own knowledge and power, but through the Spirit. We are but vessels in the Lord's work.
I would give you advice to prepare yourself for the CCM, but there honestly is none. Nothing but the Lord's hand can prepare a person. Just make sure you are humble enough to ask for him to prepare you. It works. I pray close to a million times a day, about half of that in Spanish. I have a constant prayer going on all the time. It's literally the only thing I have that I feel confident in, is my relationship with my Heavenly Father. Make sure you develop one of those, because you're going to need it.
Before I sign off, I want to throw out and invitation. This is not a spiritual invitation in any way. MAIL!!!!!!!!!! I want mail. Letters are like mana from heaven. Receiving a package is like winning the lottery! I will try my best to respond personally to anything I receive, but you can know for sure I will be eternally grateful for it! Letters! Packages! As my British roommate says, "I'm dying for some post and parcels!"
Renae, Elisha, Mama Hill, and Dad. I have received letters from you, and will work on replies during the rest of my time. You are blessed people.
The Church is True, your body is a temple, don't do drugs!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Start of Another Adventure
Tonight ends my first night in the MTC. It seems like so long ago when I was dropped off. Let's start from the top.
I got my badge and ID card
I dropped my luggage off in my room.
I went to Spanish Class, ya, that fast.
I met my companion, Elder C. He is from Cedar Hills, UT. He is going to Dallas, Texas, when everyone else in our room is going to Chicago. We try not to tease him too much;) He is a great guy and I am already starting to feel the Lord's love for him. I think we are going to get along nicely. He and I will balance each other out.
I (miraculously) understood our teacher in class. He did not speak a word of English the whole day, and I understood 98% of what he was teaching. He talked a lot about our purpose and how important it is that we give 100%. Giving 99% is not enough and giving 101% will pull 1% from something else that needs our 100% focus. Lucas, Landon, remember that.
I went to a welcome devotional from the MTC presidency. They talked to us about not getting overwhelmed and to be ourselves.
"What e'er thou art, act well thy part."
I had dinner. It was decent. Food is food.
I had some time to unpack.
I then went with everyone to our first teaching opportunity. There were somethings that shocked me and some beautiful testimonies born.
I met my zone leaders, Elder S and Elder G. It's a good thing I don't deal much with the coordinating Sister, because she doesn't seem to like me much.
Now, I am back in my room for the night. I've unpacked and prepared myself to stay for the next 6 weeks. Here goes nothing.
It should be interesting. Everyone tells me to make it to Sunday and I will be Okay. It's a good principle for life too. If you can just make it to Sunday, it'll all be Okay.
P-day is Tuesday, so I will be e-mailing you then. I need to go write in my journal and such.
Love you all,
The Church is True, your body is a Temple, don't do drugs.
-Elder Gifford (Tenacious Tenor)
I got my badge and ID card
I dropped my luggage off in my room.
I went to Spanish Class, ya, that fast.
I met my companion, Elder C. He is from Cedar Hills, UT. He is going to Dallas, Texas, when everyone else in our room is going to Chicago. We try not to tease him too much;) He is a great guy and I am already starting to feel the Lord's love for him. I think we are going to get along nicely. He and I will balance each other out.
I (miraculously) understood our teacher in class. He did not speak a word of English the whole day, and I understood 98% of what he was teaching. He talked a lot about our purpose and how important it is that we give 100%. Giving 99% is not enough and giving 101% will pull 1% from something else that needs our 100% focus. Lucas, Landon, remember that.
I went to a welcome devotional from the MTC presidency. They talked to us about not getting overwhelmed and to be ourselves.
"What e'er thou art, act well thy part."
I had dinner. It was decent. Food is food.
I had some time to unpack.
I then went with everyone to our first teaching opportunity. There were somethings that shocked me and some beautiful testimonies born.
I met my zone leaders, Elder S and Elder G. It's a good thing I don't deal much with the coordinating Sister, because she doesn't seem to like me much.
Now, I am back in my room for the night. I've unpacked and prepared myself to stay for the next 6 weeks. Here goes nothing.
It should be interesting. Everyone tells me to make it to Sunday and I will be Okay. It's a good principle for life too. If you can just make it to Sunday, it'll all be Okay.
P-day is Tuesday, so I will be e-mailing you then. I need to go write in my journal and such.
Love you all,
The Church is True, your body is a Temple, don't do drugs.
-Elder Gifford (Tenacious Tenor)
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Elder Gifford's address
Logan has officially left for two years. If you would like to send letters or packages to Elder Gifford his address for the next six weeks is:
Elder Logan Dee Gifford
MTC Mailbox #285
IL-CHI 0401
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793
I am sure he would love any and all mail. I will post any correspondence from him here for your viewing pleasure.
Logan's Mom
Elder Logan Dee Gifford
MTC Mailbox #285
IL-CHI 0401
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793
I am sure he would love any and all mail. I will post any correspondence from him here for your viewing pleasure.
Logan's Mom
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Elder America
For years now, I have loved Captain America, and when anyone asked me why, I could always come up with a good reason. He's someone who had to work for what he had, He fights to protect, not just to fight. Stuff like that. But recently I realized something. The reason I love Captain America so much, is because I can relate to him.
In the recent Captain America movie, his best friend told him he should feel lucky, because soon he was going to be the last eligible man in New York City. In response, Steve Rogers said something along these lines. "There are people out there giving their lives. Why should I give any less?" Well ladies and gentleman, I feel pretty darn close to the last eligible man my age in Salt Lake City. I know it's not true, but that doesn't stop the feeling. Luckily things have changed for me over the past few months. I have submitted my application to serve, and they stamped it with approval. They gave me my assignment, and my deployment date, so to speak. I will be entering the Provo, Utah MTC tomorrow afternoon, and serving a full time LDS mission in Chicago, Illinois for the next two years. I am excited to serve, and speak the wonderful Spanish language.
I feel privileged to be serving the Lord, and feel empowered with the Spirit, like Steve Rogers was made strong. This analogy is light, and not exactly doctrinal, but its easy for me to relate to and understand. I feel like someone up there took a chance on me, and has decided to bless me with the strength I need. I'll be serving, and dedicating my life to saving peoples lives, (spiritually speaking) and making sure they are safe from the clutches of Red Skull, or the devil. It's silly, and probably juvenile that I think this way, but it's how I am, and that's not changing anytime soon.
Since I enter the MTC tomorrow, I will be set apart as a missionary this evening, and will be taking a sabbatical from the technological world. I will be signing off of Facebook, and won't be posting on here for the next two years either. However, this will be the place for my weekly updates. I've given my parents access to this blog, and they will be posting my letters on here for anyone to read, so feel free to follow this, and read up on anything you would like! If you are on my emailing list, for ease, I will be emailing the link out each week instead of the entire email.
So, until 2015, I'll be signing off.
The Church is true, your body is a temple, don't do drugs!
-Tenacious Tenor (Elder America)
In the recent Captain America movie, his best friend told him he should feel lucky, because soon he was going to be the last eligible man in New York City. In response, Steve Rogers said something along these lines. "There are people out there giving their lives. Why should I give any less?" Well ladies and gentleman, I feel pretty darn close to the last eligible man my age in Salt Lake City. I know it's not true, but that doesn't stop the feeling. Luckily things have changed for me over the past few months. I have submitted my application to serve, and they stamped it with approval. They gave me my assignment, and my deployment date, so to speak. I will be entering the Provo, Utah MTC tomorrow afternoon, and serving a full time LDS mission in Chicago, Illinois for the next two years. I am excited to serve, and speak the wonderful Spanish language.
I feel privileged to be serving the Lord, and feel empowered with the Spirit, like Steve Rogers was made strong. This analogy is light, and not exactly doctrinal, but its easy for me to relate to and understand. I feel like someone up there took a chance on me, and has decided to bless me with the strength I need. I'll be serving, and dedicating my life to saving peoples lives, (spiritually speaking) and making sure they are safe from the clutches of Red Skull, or the devil. It's silly, and probably juvenile that I think this way, but it's how I am, and that's not changing anytime soon.
Since I enter the MTC tomorrow, I will be set apart as a missionary this evening, and will be taking a sabbatical from the technological world. I will be signing off of Facebook, and won't be posting on here for the next two years either. However, this will be the place for my weekly updates. I've given my parents access to this blog, and they will be posting my letters on here for anyone to read, so feel free to follow this, and read up on anything you would like! If you are on my emailing list, for ease, I will be emailing the link out each week instead of the entire email.
So, until 2015, I'll be signing off.
The Church is true, your body is a temple, don't do drugs!
-Tenacious Tenor (Elder America)
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