Well the 4th out here was an interesting, but enlightening experience. For missionary work there was absolutely nothing accomplished. We aren't allowed to proselyte on holidays, so we spent the day with members. We had a really good BBQ with a member family, the Js, they have a son ready to leave on his mission in 2 weeks. He is going to Australia. We also got to go and watch a fireworks display at the local park. It was a very good show, and it made me think and realize how much this country means to me, and how much I love it here. They played the Army song, and I started to miss home a little. I can't wait to serve.
We were able to go to the temple on Thursday, which was a great experience as usuall. I love the peace and quiet of the temple, and how you can always have a better day after going. It has a great Spirit, and it was good to recharge. I wish we could go more often, but I'll have to wait for that too.
Friday I had an interesting experience. We had dinner with a young family, and afterwards we went to see some members close by. One of the families we saw was an older couple with no children. She is apparently less active, and is antagonistic against the Church. She told us how she would be embarrassed to bring a friend to Church because of how noisy it is with the children. She then started to say how corrupt everyone is, and how she would give up her membership in a heartbeat if it wasn't for her husband. She told me that I only "knew" because I have been raised in it, and didn't have enough life experience to know better. I was able to bear my testimony to her of how I knew, and what it meant to me, I told her that she didn't know what I had been through, and while I may not have as much experience as others, my experience has comfirmed the truth to me over and over. At the begining of our conversation I shared Jacob 6:12, and how its important to do what we know to be right, and "be wise". Looking back I'm sure that I was led by the Spirit to share that, and hopefully it will do some good. Its sad to see people like that that let others imperfections destroy their testimony.
Sunday was a long day, but I learned a few cool things. One is that when adversity comes we need to have already decided how we would handle it. Just like the decision to not smoke needs to be made long before you are offered a cigarrete, the decision to be happy in trials needs to be made long before the trials come. When the time for decision is come, the time for preparation is over.
We also talked about Alma 22-25, and the people of Ammon burrying their weapons of war, and how we need to apply that to ourselves by burying all of the things that keep us from our Heavenly Father, and lead us to sin. Sometimes its easier said that done, but when its out of sight and out of mind, then we will be far less likely to fall into bad habits.
Reverence was the last topic. We discussed the purpose of a white shirt and tie, and how it shows respect, and reverence. The bishop mentioned that if we ever have a question of what we should wear we should look at the prophet, and follow his example.
I'm doing good. I spent $95 at Columbia. I bought a new jacket, and some rain pants, so when it starts to rain again I will be prepared. Right now summer has finally come. We have had blue skies all week, and 80-90s too. Its been nice. They say that it lasts about a month, and then it starts to rain.....until next July.
Thats all. Love you.
Elder Schultz
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