Chris’ Mission–East Lansing with Elder Larsen

Well, my first day as a Zone Leader and we got carried away with this thrusting stuff. We were out the door at 9:30 door knocking and we didn’t get home till nearly 4:00. But it was a pretty successful time and we were even able to teach one guy a first discussion. He was sort of wicked out, but he has potential. So we had a good door knocking experience. There were two people that turned us away and then called us back. Just like the “Labor of Love” video. Awesome. We came back and had lunch and then headed out just checking people tonight. There are some good people that have great potential. I am excited about getting this area rocking. We also got tons of phone calls today. I never answered, but Larsen was on the phone constantly when we were home. We got to hear about all the problems. But I guess that’s why we are here - to deal with those. Friday, November 19

This was such an awesome day. We put on a youth mini-MTC that was so cool. It started at 8:30 in the morning and ended at 7:00 at night but the long time went very fast because it was such an enjoyable day. We began with a brief orientation and then talks by President and Sister Waite and also Bishop Devries. They all did great. Then we split up into 5 different districts and we had 5 different sets of missionaries teaching classes on door knocking, finding, the commitment pattern, teaching, and on missionary life. They all went very well. We had a fantastic lunch and more classes and then we split up into companionships with each missionary taking two different youth to go door knocking with. I took three guys with me. They were awesome guys. They weren’t scared at all and I only knocked on one door myself during the whole two hours. They were so excited and fearless and positive that it was a wonderful experience for them and me. We got a few good call backs and met one awesome guy who we are teaching the first discussion to on Tuesday. It was neat. Then we headed back, had a short dinner and then a sweet testimony meeting. The spirit was so strong as those young people got up and shared their experiences and their testimonies and their desire to serve a mission. Many of them shed tears. One young man in particular shared a beautiful testimony. He was the rebellious sort who did not want to be here or to participate. But he grudgingly came and was made to participate. But as the spirit touched him during the meeting, he got up in front of the podium, sobbing uncontrollably and promised his best friend that he would go on a mission. His friend had expressed concern and hope for him a few minutes before and it was wonderful to see the friendship and love and strength that these two shared and displayed. That one young mans testimony made it all worthwhile. It was just an incredible day and one that I never will forget. I love my mission so much and the wonderful experience it provides. It was so cool to be a leader and an example and a missionary. Those kids really looked up to us and it was a neat feeling. Missionary work is the greatest. After it was all over, we stayed for a ward “Sing Along”. It was cool - lots of good entertainment. So it was an awesome day. I also have to mention that the Bishop of my new ward, Bishop Devries, is such a stud. He is the epitome of what a bishop should be. I already love the guy and hope to get to know him well during my stay here. He is really mission minded and supportive of us. He will help us a lot, I can already tell. Saturday, November 20

Another awesome day in Lansing. We meet at the church every Sunday morning at 7:30 for PEC with the leaders of the Ward. It is a cool meeting. My respect for Bishop Devries really increased. He is always so in control and so spiritual. He cries softly with tears but still in control of the situation. It really shows his love and concern for his ward. Anyway, church was really awesome as well. During Sunday School, all of us missionaries took all the primary kids while all the members stayed in the chapel. There, the AP’s, Elder Wright and Raybould gave all of the members the Set a Date program. All of the members filled out a 3X5 card with the date that they selected so we got a big stack to deal with. It is going to be so cool, because now the members will be excited and missionary minded. As long as we follow up and keep them excited and focused, we will see much good come from it. We are going to rock this place. Being a Zone Leader is really cool, but is has its difficulties as well. We had to deal with a problem of a sister being harassed by an Elder here. There is going to have to be some action taken for sure. We are taking it to President Waite tomorrow to see what he suggests. But I saw that dealing with other people problems is one of the things I get to look forward to as a Zone Leader. Sunday, November 21

P-days here are going to be pretty sweet. Today we were out shopping and running errands by 8:00. We were all done by 9:30 which is totally cool. We went to Br. Stineback’s at 10:00 to help him move to an upstairs apartment. It was pretty fun and good to help him out. Then we headed to the church and played some awesome basketball. All the missionaries consolidate on the court at 1:00. We played 5 on 5 full court and we had some pretty good players there. Monday, November 22

This was a pretty hard day. I was pretty tired all day - it was hard to stick with it. We went door knocking for about 4 hours, checked all our call backs, and then we are at a loss on what to do. There just isn't much going on here. I really need to get this area going. I know the blessings will come as we continue to work hard and be obedient. The members are really cool and they will be getting involved also. But we need to keep on trucking so that we can receive the blessings. Tuesday, November 23

This was supposed to be a totally rocking day We had 2 good appointments set and dinner at the Olive Garden with Olga. Our solid baptism projection had to cancel and postpone for about 2 weeks. HE may be getting anti, but I sure hope not. Then we went out door knocking for a couple hours and had no success. Then we could never coordinate a time to talk to President. But we finally made it to the Olive Garden, but Olga had gone to a different one. So then we had to wait until after our appointment with Margaret Rice before going to dinner. We had an awesome dinner and a fantastic time. Olga is the greatest. I really miss her a lot and especially will when she goes to Argentina. Wednesday, November 24

Happy Turkey Day! Today was Thanksgiving but a pretty lame one. We weren’t allowed to do anything so we just lounged around for a lot of the day. But I did get some good letters written. Thursday, November 25

This was a sweet day. We went out door knocking and got a couple call backs and we checked all of our referrals for the third time this week. But is was pretty good by Stonegate standards. Then this evening we got to be ushers at the ballet “The Nutcracker”. We just took tickets for a 45 minutes and then we grabbed a seat and watched the rest of it. It was totally cool. Saturday November 27

This was a good Sabbath day. I had a good time at church. I met a lot more of the members and felt the spirit and renewed my covenants. It was cool We had an appointment with a lady today but she dogged us so we checked call backs and met with Jamie Lyon. She is a totally awesome lady. She basically asked what we believe and I took over and bore testimony and told her about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon and as I did, I feel the spirit so strong. It was so rad. We also explained just about every basic principle of the gospel from tithing to temple marriage to the word of wisdom. It was a sweet discussion. She isn’t ready to hear the discussions, even though we basically snuck in the first one. But she is very interested in attending church and checking it out. I feel pretty good about her. This evening was just dealt with totals and problems in the zone. Oh the joys of being a Zone Leader. i really need the Lords help here. We need to get this zone moving. Sunday, November 28

This was the sweetest P-day ever. All of my buddies were here because of Zone Leader Conference - Christofferson, Bush, Eric Johnsen, and many more. It was awesome to hang out with the guys and to play ball with them, We had tons of good players - possibly the best hoops of my mission. And I was totally ripping it up. I played really good both offensively and defensively. It was just awesome. Tonight we had dinner with the Bennetts and then we taught Margaret Rice and talked with her about her baptism. Monday, November 29

Today was Zone Leader Conference and it totally rocked. It was such an awesome meeting. All of the missionaries there are hard working studs. We all can pretty much understand the purpose of missionary work and the higher law so ZLC is just a laid back but spiritual discussion opportunity. President Waite would just start us off on topics to discuss and we would all talk out solutions. And President was constantly making jokes and cracking me up. It was totally sweet. The APs also did a good job with teaching us and talking about things. I was especially impressed by Elder Powell once again. The mission is going to miss him after this month. But ZLC was all that I expected it to be. I really felt the spirit and really got motivated and excited to do the work. I also had an interview with President Waite and that was really nice to visit with him and to get some advice from him. It was also sweet to talk with some of these other awesome missionaries to get to know them better. And Christofferson and I started planning our BYU future together. We are going to be rooming together for sure. He is such a stud and an awesome missionary. Well, it was just an excellent day all around. I need to take the things I learned and apply them and then also pass them on my my missionaries in this zone. I want to be a good leader and a good missionary so much. And I know with the Lords help, I can be both. Today was another testimony builder for me as to how divinely important this work is and how blessed I truly am to be a part of it. Tuesday, November 30

Well, the past few days have been kind of lame because we were on Zone Leader trade offs with two trunk lazy missionaries. Elder Dunlap and Elder Graybill. They both go home this month and so they just got stuck together to pass the time and rot away. But we were back in our area today and we had a sweet day. We went door knocking for 2 hours in the rain this morning but didn’t have much success. But then when we were checking call backs this afternoon, we caught Beth and Terry home and taught then the first discussion and it went very well. They both have the desire to find out if the Book of Mormon is true and they are looking for the church in which they want to raise their children. And we have just the church. It was a sweet discussion. We also picked up our Christmas tree tonight. We got a pretty good looking one. I also PCd the guy who sold us the tree. He was pretty cool and he could be a great contact. Larsen was planning on doing it but his opportunities ran out and so I had to take over. Tonight, we started talking about the General Authorities and the prophets. It strengthened my testimony once again of these grand men. I know they are prophets of God, and it is just that simple. We also talked about being honest - so honest that we have no pride, no arrogance, no worry about what others think, but only pure humility. This is the point we must reach in order to truly understand the atonement of our Savior. I want to understand it. I want to know so much that he lives and that he loves us. That is my highest goal. To have that pure knowledge for I love him and want to obey him and serve him and know him. This is his church and his work. And I love it. Saturday, December 4

This was a very sweet Sabbath day. We had Stake Correlation early this morning and that was a neat meeting to attend. In attendance was the Stake Presidency, the Stake Mission Presidency, President and Sister Waite, the APs, and me and Larsen. We reported on our zone and we were able to report some good numbers. We had 12 baptisms which they were really excited about. But that number will continue to rise to the point where this stake is going to grow so fast. I am really excited to be where I am right now. Church was great as well. Bishop Devries got up and bore the sweetest testimony. He is so excited about missionary work and what is going on with it. All three meetings were good. Then I ran our Ward Correlation meeting for Br. Stineback. Then we went to the Jordan’s home. We taught Kendra Jordan’s friend, Tazita, the first discussion. It went so well. The spirit was so strong throughout our entire discussion and she has a very pure heart and a real desire to find out if it is true. It was probably the smoothest first discussion I’ve ever taught. Because the spirit was so present. Then we ate dinner at Sister Ederer’s which was awesome.Then we prepared our trade-off agenda and our weekly newsletter which we will be sending out to our zone each week. And finally tonight was the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. President Hinckley was fantastic. The music of the Tabernacle Choir is so powerful. It was a sweet day. Sunday, December 5

This was only a partial P-day, but it turned out so great. We went to the mall today and I did some Christmas shopping and also bought myself a new suit. it was on sale for $100, regular $275 and I liked it and talked myself into it. It is sweet and it is getting altered this week so I should have it for Zone Conference on Saturday. I’m excited and I did need a new one pretty bad. Anyway, we did some things at the office and then went out teaching discussions. We read the Book of Mormon with Beth and Terry and it is going really well with them. They want to believe and they do believe and will be baptized. I have great faith in them. Then we taught Jennifer the first discussion. She is really confused and doesn’t know what she believes, but she is already starting to change slightly. And we know what the scriptures say about making a mighty change - it all starts with a simple change. Then we ran to the Bennetts and had a good dinner with their awesome family. Then we taught Margaret Rice the rest of the second discussion. What a day. Monday, December 6

This Zone Leader bit really takes a toll on my time. I haven’t even had time to think about writing in my journal this past week. So let me try and hit the highlights. On Wednesday and Thursday, we were on trade-offs with Stoker and Heiner in St. Johns. They are a couple of great missionaries. They both have a great desire to work hard and be obedient. They are both going to be great leaders in the mission. We did a lot of service with them. One member up there is re-building a house so we hung some sheetrock for him. It was pretty fun. I like to do things like that. We also did service at a welfare place. It really made me feel blessed to have been raised the way I was. I am a very lucky guy. Elder Heiner and I also taught a discussion to a members husband. He has never shown interest in the gospel but he agreed to hear the discussions. And we were able to spark an interest in him by talking about where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. The three big questions. It was a great discussion. On Friday, we had a very busy day. We had District Leader conference in the morning. That was a good meeting. We have some strong district leaders and this was good to inform them of their duties and to discuss ways to improve our zone. I conducted the meeting and played the piano and led a discussion with them about a bunch of things. It was really beneficial to us as Zone Leaders. Then we had our zone P-day. There was a bit of murmuring going on throughout the day, but I think overall, everyone had a good time and it was a good experience. I know people became better acquainted and better friends because of it. I know I had a good time. We ended up having 1/2 the gym playing basketball and the other half playing volleyball. I played some volleyball but I was attracted to the basketball too much so I finally went over and rocked the court. I played really good and humbled Elder Heiner and a couple of others pretty well again. If I keep improving, I am going to be pretty good. But anyway, the biggest problem today was dealing with Elder Walker. He is a big selfish baby and a terrible missionary with the worst attitude. Elder Larsen doesn’t do a good job getting things going using his authority so I have been having to take control more and more. And I had a lot of talks with Elder Walker today. I hope I can help him to be a good missionary. But first he must have that desire. The biggest problem was getting people to go where assigned tonight. But it went pretty good.

Alright, I’m finally to Saturday. Today was an awesome day. Our Zone Conference started at 8:00 and only lasted 4 hours but it was dang sweet. Elder Larsen conducted, and we both did a training session. I discussed being BOLD and Personal Contacting. I think we had a pretty good discussion. And my talk was on companionship Planning Sessions and love between companions and all that kind of stuff. It went really well. I was kind of nervous this morning because I had lots of good thoughts on my subject and the spirit led me on how to present it and it went extremely well. I felt good about it and I got lots of compliments as well. The Aps and President were both pleased with Zone Conference as a whole. It went well and I feel relieved that it is over. A lot of stress came this week with all the organization we have been trying to do. But now our meetings are over for this month. The Stake put on a dinner and a great program for us. It was a very enjoyable time. And after that, we taught Jennifer. She is progressing very well, which is a bit of a surprise. But her view are changing and she is already starting to love the Book of Mormon. Also tonight, we taught Margaret Rice part of the third discussion. She is getting better each time we visit her. Her retention rate is improving. Well, it was a sweet week. Very hectic, however, so I’m ready for a long winters nap. Saturday, December 11

Today was a little less hectic but still pretty busy. Welfare meeting and church were both great, and we also got to give a baptismal interview for one of the AP’s baptisms. We spent quite a bit of time with Elders Raybould and Wright today. I sang in the University Choir with them and they came with us to Sister Ederer’s dinner and to decorate the Christmas Tree. That was lot so fun as well. We did have two teaching appointments fall through today as well or else it may have been a perfect day. We also did some paperwork at the office - we were there all alone for a time. It was pretty cool to have free reign there. Sunday, December 12

This was a pretty alright week. We were on trade-offs from Tuesday morning until Friday night and I forgot my journal. So this will just be a quick review. First on Monday, we cut our P-day short and taught Jennifer Cox and Beth and Terry. It was pretty cool. We watched the Tree of Life animated video and it should help them quite a bit. Basketball was alright also but I’ve played better. Tuesday and Wednesday we were in Charlotte with Elder Utley and Izaat. Neither of them are hard workers and I just didn’t feel too motivated to go in and door knock them for 10 hours a day so it wasn’t very productive. They didn’t have a single thing planned.

On Thursday and Friday, we were in Jackson. They were much better trade-offs. We got some good things done and we had a good time. Elder Gyori and Harmon are some good missionaries. On Saturday, it felt good to be back home in our own area again. We got some good work done and some things we needed to accomplish. And tonight was the Ward Christmas party. There was good food and it was pretty fun. Monday, December 13 - Saturday December 18

The past three days have been so busy but really awesome as well. On Sunday, we were at the apartment for only 30 minutes between 7:30am and 9:30pm. It was really hectic from PEC to Church to correlation meeting to a discussion with Tazita to home teaching with Br. Stineback to the Stake Christmas Concert. The best concert I have been to in a long time. The music was really enjoyable. It was a good day. P-day went pretty well. There were too many people trying to play ball but it was still fun. We had a great evening at the Bennetts. Dinner was great and then we watched Cleon Skousen’s video on the Annunciation and Nativity. It was very informative. Tuesday we taught Jennifer the 2nd discussion and she is progressing along very well. She knows that she needs to change her life and she is going to start to make those changes. Sunday, December 19 - Tuesday, December 21

We had another great day. We taught Tazita the third discussion and she accepted everything very well. The spirit is always so strong when we teach her. That is obviously a good sign. I think she will definitely be baptized. Tonight I had the opportunity to give the Baptismal Interview to Marilyn Wilson, a lady that we gave to Elder Larson and Hunker to teach. That is always a neat opportunity to be a judge in Israel. I enjoy giving interviews. But I noticed myself being very selfish about her. Me and Larsen could have taught her but she was like 1/2 block out of our area. So we did the honest thing and gave her to the other two. It was the right thing to do and I’m glad we did because they needed a boost. Wednesday, December 22

CHRISTMAS ADAM!! I can’t believe how fast everything is coming and going. We had a sweet time today all day. We went to the Bennett’s house and they gave us free reign in their kitchen and we went crazy and baked two awesome desserts. I baked Peppermint brownies and Larsen cooked divinity. It was lots of fun and the Bennetts are just an awesome family. They are all their kids home for Christmas, except for their son on a mission . And they are all a lot of fun. We also had dinner with them and then we went caroling to our investigators. It was so fun and a really good experience for all of us as well as for those we visited. We visited Jennifer, Kari and her kids, Shawn and his family, and Jamie Lyon and her family. They were all really excited to see us. Thursday, December 23

Christmas Eve. Today we had a pretty great time. We went to the Winders and watched Aladdin which was way fun. That show is the sweetest. There was also a party at the Smith’s tonight with a bunch of people from the Ward. The Bishop’s family, the Snyders, Hills and a couple others. It was pretty fun, mostly because I took Alison, the Bishop’s 4 month old baby and held her all night. She is a very sweet baby. We had the St. John Elders stay with us tonight, Elder Stoker and Heiner. So when we got home, we bore our testimonies and then sand Silent Night and had our nightly prayer. It was a sweet spiritual experience. I have been able to ponder on the true meaning of Christmas much more this year than in years past and it is a good feeling. I do know that Jesus was born in a manger and that he lived and also died for me and all of my brothers and sisters. I love him so much for all that he has done for me. And I hope that I can serve him well through the rest of my mission and throughout my life. That is why I am here. I know he has many sweet things in store for me as I continue to conform my will to his. I am sleeping on the couch so I can stare at the Christmas lights all night and for to reminisce on the past present and future. I love Christmas so much. It is the best feeling. Friday, December 24

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I can’t believe it is over for another year. And no I can start singing, “I’ll be home for Christmas”. That is pretty cool. I did have a fun Christmas. My family called about 8:30 and we opened presents together and then just talked on the phone until 11:00. It was so great to hear them and talk with them. I love my family so much. I totally scored on the presents. This is my list. Christmas suspenders and tie, Christmas socks 2 ties, 2 socks Franklin page refill, Daniel and Nephi and Gadiantons and the Silver Sword tapes, U of U cap, Joseph the Prophet tapes, blank tapes, 2 new dress shirts, soccer T-shirt, cocky shirt, Ski Utah sweatshirt, cheese and crackers, fruit snacks (Santa), a sweet watch, a blanket, scripture stickers, Our Search For Happiness book. And from Liz I got 2 sweet Eddie Bauer shirts, a stocking full of candy, a Christmas Bear, and abs of love. She is pretty awesome. After dinner at the Greens, I called Grandma Poisons house and talked to Grandma and Grandpa Polson for a minute. They are the greatest. I love them both so much. I also got to talk for another minute to everyone in the family so that was nice.

One thing I don’t understand is my relationship with my Mom. She was asking why I spent money on Liz and wanted to know what was up with her. And I don’t know why, but I just freeze up with her whenever we try to talk about things like that. I hate so bad that I do because I want to be able to talk to her about anything. I seriously feel like I learned to be closed up with her when I was young and she would hit us. I may have never been able to get over that long ago barrier. I feel like we need to work on some of the basics in our relationship. So that is going to be one of my main goals for this next year, especially after I am home. I do love her and appreciate her concern and love for me.

About 30 minutes ago, I was feeling mad and sort of bitter about what I was just writing about. But as I was thinking about it, I was listening to one of Elder Larsens new CD’s with songs all about Joseph Smith and during one song, I looked at his picture and the spirit bore powerful witness that he is a Prophet of God. I felt it with my entire body. As this truth was confirmed to be once again, I almost started crying and then the spirit really comforted me and fulfilled that role of his. I am thankful for that feeling and his constant companionship with me and for my recognition and knowledge of what those feelings mean and where they come from. It just felt so good and replaced my bad feelings with good ones. It is another neat experience that I hope to never forget. Now I am just sitting on my bed feeling so great and so much better than a short time ago. I need to always be worthy to have the spirit with me so that I can be in tune with its comforting and prompting and testifying. Well, my second Christmas in the mission field is now over. And next year, I will be back home. This has been a very special Christmas and I hope all those following can be as spiritual as this one. I love my Savior with all my heart and know he lives. In his name I testify, Amen. Saturday, December 25

Well, Christmas is officially over until next year. We had a good day. Church was cool as usual and we had a sweet dinner with the Wahls. We had a baptism which we attended tonight. I played the piano and said the invocation. Sunday, December 26

I am dead tired. I got worn out playing hoops. I had to guard Chad Rasmussen for much of the day. He is 6’10” and used to play for Wake Forest. He really wore me down. But i did pretty well. But most of my energies were focused on defense so my shooting was off. We taught Margaret Rice the rest of the third discussion tonight. She is doing pretty well. Monday, December 27

We didn't get up and go jogging again today and I was really struggling to stay awake while I read the Book of Mormon. We shared two videos with Tazita today. We showed her the animated Joseph Smith story and The Savior in America. I think they both helped her a lot. She did have some misconceptions about the BOM and what it was. We are teaching her the 4th tomorrow. We also visited Jennifer today and read the Book of Mormon with her to keep her going on that commitment. She is doing well also. We had dinner with Bishop Devries. He is so awesome. I hope that I see him for eternity because then I will know I am in the right place. He is a great bishop. Tonight we taught Margaret Rice the 4th discussion. She is getting better and better at retaining what we teach her. She is progressing. Tuesday, December 28

This was a sweet day. We taught Tazita the fourth discussion and it went very well. She continues to progress rapidly and I think the 4th will help her a lot. She is coming to church on Sunday and that will be good as well. Today was Zone Leader Conference and it was totally sweet once again. We had Johanson, Smith, Eddington, and Stuck stay with us last night so we had a fun time last night and this morning all together. At ZLC, we talked about a lot of important things and I learned a lot. It is also the sweetest spirit there because we do have the best missionaries there and so we all bring the spirit with us and just create a definite power. As we bear our testimonies, it is powerful. I shed a few tears and it was so sweet. Some of the highlights were President and Miner wrestling, feasting - Elder Raybould, and my favorite part was once again was when we just talked about everything informally. It is way cool. And I wasn’t one of the new guys this time, so I could act like I knew what was up. Then we stayed at Presidents and he gave Larsen an interview forever and then he talked to us both for a long time. We talked about the zone and our missionaries and it was a very positive talk. I totally got pumped up for the work and for the zone. ZLC and talking to President just does that to me. I enjoy being a Zone Leader and being able to attend meetings such as this. It’s neat to be able to know I am trusted by President and by the lord to be a leader in the building up of is kingdom. I love this work and wouldn’t trade the lessons I’m learning for the world. Thursday, December 30

Happy New Year! New Years Eve and New Years Day have been pretty fun. We met a couple of investigators and gave the smoking program to Jennifer, but other than that, the weekend wasn’t too productive for missionary work. We spent time with the Pippins on both Friday night and Saturday and we even got to watch the Rose Bowl on TV. Wisconsin, led by a returned missionary QB, won the game over UCLA. It was a pretty good game. The other thing we did for much of the weekend was work on our bi-annuals. We spent a long time reviewing and reciting scriptures. I ended up getting 200 recited, so that makes me a Super Missionary. That is pretty sweet, but I should have double by the time I go home. I will be memorizing 1 scripture a day and I will be reviewing about 10 per day so that should really help me in all I do, especially as I teach the gospel. I can’t believe it is already 1994. At the beginning of this year, I didn’t think it would ever come. But it is here and I am excited to make this the best year ever. Monday, January 1

This was such a hectic day, but it was so awesome. We were up until 12:00 last night because we had to take all our totals we got until 10:30 and then add them to our month totals, type it up all nice, and get ready for Stake Correlation. Then we picked Elder Foote up at 7:00, cruised to the office to make copies of everything, and then ran to our 7:30 Stake Correlation Meeting with the Stake Presidency and the Stake Mission Presidency. We had a good meeting there. Then we ran out to Park Lake to talk to Shawn for a bit. Then we headed back to the church where we would stay until 8:00. We had Ward Correlation with all the Ward leaders at 10:30, church at 1:00, Ward Mission Correlation at 4:30, the baptism of Margaret Rice at 6:00 and a district meeting at 7:30. Then we went to the Bennetts and had some dinner with them before we headed home. Wow! What a day. The highlight was definitely Margaret’s baptism. The spirit was very strong and it was really great. Bishop Devries baptized her and I was able to confirm her and it is always a neat experience for giving the gift of the Holy Ghost. What a blessing to have the priesthood and be worthy to use it. This was a fantastic day and I am sure to have many more like them. Sunday, January 2

P-day was alright yesterday. Good basketball. We ate at the Hills and talked to Glen Hill about why he hasn't been baptized. He has been active for about 12 years but he wont join the church. It is strange. Hopefully we can get I'm to use his head a little. He also takes institute courses and even had a calling at one time. Today we had a meeting with Elder Foote about the zone. We need to get it going. We have the biggest slackers in the mission. We had Sister Chapman go with us today to see Jennifer and to see Beth and Terry Rhodes. But neither appointment was there so we didn’t get to teach anyone with her. Tonight we ate at the Bennetts again. They are an awesome family. Tuesday, January 4

This was a pretty sweet day. We taught Tazita and showed her the movie, “Mountain of the Lord”. It went pretty well. We have to get her committed and hopefully get her family involved as well. The rest of the day we checked referrals and did Zone Leader paperwork and checked on all our call backs. Wednesday, January 5

We were on trade-offs today with North Lansing Elders Marshall and Larson. They are both pretty good missionaries. I worked with Elder Marshall and we had a very productive day. We did some paperwork this morning and then checked tons of referrals and taught a new member lesson and had a lot of fun in the new fallen snow. We woke up today to about 4 inches of powder and it kept snowing pretty heavy all day. It was totally sweet. We were sliding all over both on foot and in the car. Tonight we went out in our gents and did some hooky-bobbing and crazy driving. It was such a blast. Thursday, January 6

Today is my 15 month mark. I can’t believe how fast the time goes We were still in North Lansing today but not too much happened. I passed Elder Larson off and did bi-annuals with hi. Late this afternoon, we went and Larsen did a baptismal interview for a guy. It was at the Living Center, so I talked to the Jenks and we scored a dinner from them. Tonight I listened to a tape on Joseph Smith. I have been thinking about him and all he did and the Lord keeps sending me strong confirmations on him and the work he performed. I know that he was a prophet of God. Friday, January 7

It was the coldest day today. With wind chill, it was less than 10 degrees below zero. The wind jus cut right through us. We were out checking call backs and stuff and it was freezing even just walking from the car to the door was too cold. We also took down the Christmas tree today. Tonight I gave the baptismal interview or Shannon Hendsley. She was taught in Jackson and it was a pretty good experience to interview her. She was really quiet at first but I got her to open up some. I enjoy giving baptismal interviews because it is always a spiritual experience and I get to share my testimony. Shannon said yes however to the four questions, and so I called up President Waite and took her over to get interviewed by him. Then we just hung out and talked with President and Sister Waite for a long time. They are such great people and it is always enjoyable talking to them. Saturday, January 8

Lets see, what has been going on the past few days. Sunday was a very good day. We attended 2 baptisms that evening. The spirit is always strong at baptism services. P-day was pretty cool. My shot was deadly but we had to leave at 3:00 for an appointment so I only got to play for 90 minutes. Tuesday and Wednesday we were on trade-offs with Chamberlain and Hawes in Grand Ledge. They are both good missionaries with a strong desire to work, and we had really good trade-offs with them. We totally went through trials of our faith with both of them. Me and Chamberlain were together on Tuesday and were just dropping people left and right. But our last appointment of the night was with a totally awesome family. And with Hawes, we were getting persecuted but we stuck with it and in the last 30 minutes of our 3.5 hours of door knocking, we finally got 2 Personal Contacts. So I learned that we need to be sure and stick with it, show the Lord we won’t give up, and then he will bless us. I know this is true. Wednesday, January 12

Last night we had a really good District Leader Conference. Our District Leaders are all strong. We have Elder Chamberlain, Stoker, Larson, and Dupont. We discussed tons of really good things and it was a very beneficial meeting for us as Zone Leaders. I think it will help the District Leaders in their duties as well. Thursday, January 13

Today was Zone Conference. I was conducting and it turned out to be a very good meeting. We took care of all the business in the morning so that wasn’t the best part of the day, but after lunch, we got into some good discussions about PCs and scripture study and some other good things. While discussing PCs, I committed everyone to get 5 PCs every day and we also got on our knees to commit to our Heavenly Father. It was pretty cool. Overall, Zone Conference was pretty spiritual and uplifting. In groups, I was in charge of talks so I went around and heard some good talks from the missionaries. After Zone Conference, we stuck around while President gave interviews and I played the piano and big group of us sang songs. It was lots of fun and we all had a good time and became more unified. It was a fantastic day. Friday, January 14

Today was a great day. This weekend, the weather was the coldest I have ever been in. It barely got to 1 degree either day. And with wind chill, it was down about 25-30 degrees below zero. It was freezing and we were not out in the weather except for church and meetings and when we absolutely had to be. So I got some good studying done her in the apartment. Last night, I couldn’t sleep until about 2:00 and finally a sincere prayer helped me to feel better and to sleep well. Then in PEC this morning, Bishop Devries shared a scripture 2 Nephi 26:11 which says that the spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man. And he basically shared that we must continually repent and keep our spirits clean so that we can be led by the spirit. It was exactly what I had been praying about last night and the counsel was greatly appreciated by me. Bishop Devries is a great man and I always learn a lot from him. Then I prepared myself for the great opportunity of partaking the sacrament. I love partaking the sacrament each week. Then tonight, President Robison in a general priesthood meeting talked about being one in heart with the Lord and he gave some excellent counsel as well. I love hearing the words of inspired servants of God like Stake President Robison and Bishop Devries. Me and Larsen also had a very interesting discussion tonight about preparing for the second coming and things that will be happening. There are bad things coming upon this nation and the world and the only constant will be the church and staying close to the guiding principles of the gospel by listening to the prophets and staying in tune with the spirit of the Lord. Doing these things will ensure my safety and my happiness. I’m grateful for the security that it gives me to know what I can and must do. As I do these things I will be led with y family to dwell with God in Celestial Glory. Sunday, January 16

This was an alright P-day. We got all our preparation stuff done this morning, then we went to our Isaiah class that President Andrews is teaching at the institute building. That is going to be a sweet class. I hope to learn a lot because it is dang interesting and I have very little knowledge in that area. Basketball was pretty good today, I had a really fun time there and I played good ball. We ate at the Bennetts again tonight. We always have a good time there. Monday, January 17

The past few days have been good ones. On Tuesday, we had to get our LOF at Montgomery Ward and they took 2 hours and wasted some of our day. We had dinner with Bishop Devries family tonight. They are such a neat family. He really knows how to raise a family. They also had a neat missionary experience a couple days before when they talked to a guy about the Book of Mormon and they included him in their family prayer and talked to him a lot while he was waiting for a ride. They are just a neat family. Wednesday and today, we were on trade-offs with East Jackson. We had some productive days. Me and Dupont even projected a lady for their area. Vance and Dupont are a couple of good missionaries. They are a bit goofy, especially Vance, but they are working hard and seeing lots of success. Elder Gyori and Lee hit a deer a few weeks ago and got some meat off of it so we had some venison tonight. Thursday, January 20

I wish I could make more time to write in my journal, but its been really hard lately. But anyway, the past few days have been awesome. On Friday and Saturday, we had the best proselyting days. I finally kind of took over and decided what we should do and then took Larsen out and did it. Larsen just isn't the leadership type of guy. So I’m most going to do it now because our totals have sucked lately and my conscience doesn't like that. But Friday, we got some good things done. We checked all our people and got some appointments set up for this week. Then Saturday, I was just excited to go out and work hard and get excited to go out and work hard and get our 5 PCs. I had a hard time getting to sleep Friday night because I was so excited. So on Saturday, we went out and got 5 PCs in a matter of hours while door knocking. Then we walked out on the ice and contacts some ice fisherman. That was a perfect PC situation because we were able to just talk with them for a while and build a relationship of trust, and they they were asking questions us about the church. One guy was even going to try to come to church on Sunday, but he didn’t make it. Saturday, we also met with an old PC, Ramon Pena from the Christmas tree lot, and we showed him Our Heavenly Fathers Plan and he is very interested. So it was a fantastic day. Saturday January 22

Sunday was awesome as well. We had breakfast with the Green family - that was good. Church was sweet and then tonight we had a First Presidency broadcast entitles Behold your Little Ones. It was a very powerful message and it taught me a lot about how I want to raise my children. The spirit was very strong there. I also had a long talk with President Waite today which was very beneficial. Something is going to happen with transfers but I’m not sure what. We had a zone P-day today and we went to Washington Park and went ice skating. It was tons of fun. Elder Gyori was a good skater, but other than him, I was probably the best. We had a blast playing tag and goofing around. I think everyone enjoyed it. Tonight, we ate at the Bennetts of course. I had a good time there and we got into some good conversations. They are neat people to be with. Monday January 24

This was an awesome day, we taught Ramona Pena the first discussion and the spirit was so strong. It was incredible. After we discussed what the spirit was and told him to look for it. Every once in a while, he would say, “I’m feeling it” with a big grin. It was really neat. We basically projected him - asked him to be baptized, and he said yes. He is awesome - I’m so glad I opened my mouth and Pc’d him back at the Christmas Tree lot. It sure paid off. He will be baptized. Today we also changed the thermostat in the car. It was pretty easy and it only took us two tries to get it right. Tuesday, January 25

Transfer calls. We got a call today and Larsen is getting moved just like I though and like President told me. But the lame news is that I’m going also. Yep - I’m getting transferred. Our area here is getting whitewashed and I’m mad about it. This is so lame. President is changing to only 1 Zone Leader in each zone, but it should be me. A few weeks ago on P-day, we were playing half court basketball so others could play Volleyball. Walker and the other basketball Elders were asking me constantly to kick the volleyball players off the court so we could play full court basketball. I finally talked to the volleyball players and asked nicely, and we started to try and compromise, but I was stubborn and the Larsen and Larson combo were being jerks, and we made a bit of a scene. It wasn't pretty but we did compromise and then I went over to the side mad at them. I realized I shouldn’t have asked them to leave as the spirit left me. My conscience was immediately eating away at me and I sincerely felt bad. By the time they played their last game, I felt so bad that I didn’t care about playing basketball and couldn’t get into it. I was all ready to apologize and then I had an interview with President Waite. We had a good talk but I didn’t feel very good. He told me his plans, that Larsen was getting transferred and that I would be the only Zone Leader. On the way home, I apologized to Larsen - it was hard to do but necessary. And after some more struggling in prayer, I started feeling better and putting it behind me. Well, the APs made the scene over volleyball a big issue with President and that hurt my reputation. President brought it up with me at church and we discussed it for a while. That really made me feel better. I was taking full responsibility and accepting it in full humility because I really did feel bad about it. But President seemed kind of cold toward me. I don’t know, but I got a real feeling that the incident destroyed his image of me. Also, Larsen must have been saying something bad about me behind my back because President already had the idea that all I cared about was basketball. I tried to only say good things about Larsen to President even though this has been my hardest companionship by far. But I don’t want to be the type of guy who cuts people down behind their back. But now I wish I would have been straight up with President because Larsen cut me down while I tried to build him up. Now I feel bitter. I am especially mad because it got me transferred and made me look bad. It is making me feel rebellious but I really want to apply what I have learned from Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and be proactive about all of this rather than reactive. I need to keep a good attitude and not harden my heart or else my mission wont be what I want it to be. I don’t know what President has in mind for me anymore. But I just want to thrust my butt off. My new companion, Elder Maday, is going to hate me because we are going to work so hard. Except I am going to build a good relationship with him so that we love each other and work hard and have the spirit with us. I don’t know if this is a bad attitude or not, but I want to prove President wrong and show him I am his best missionary. This is my desire, I hope it is a righteous one. Because I can’t do it without the Lords help. I need him to be successful. So I am going to have a good attitude and work my hardest and give my all to the service of the Lord. As I do this, the spirit will be with me, I will see success, and I will feel good about myself and this work. Wednesday, January 26

Chris’ Mission–Ludington with Elder Douglas

My first full day of Ludington. We got some good work done. We checked call backs all morning. Elder Mogle got this area really moving and so we have some good solid call backs. We met some really nice people. Then, after lunch, we door knocked two streets for a couple of hours. We didn’t have any success at all, but it was good to be out among the people. Learning 1 - humility and 2 - diligence so we can add the 3 - prayer of Faith and see much success. We are really going to do it. Tonight, we met “Grandma”. A really cool member who is old and loves us missionaries. She is nice. Douglas gave me a haircut also and it looks good. We are going to do awesome here.      Friday August 27

We had a great day today. I woke up at 6:00am, did some push-ups, read the book of Mormon for about 45 minutes, had companion study, read about 6 chapters in the Bible, and read 4 sections in the Doctrine and Covenants. It was totally awesome. I was so in tune and feeling the spirit and learned so much from feasting on the scriptures. I love the scriptures. But I was so into them that I didn’t get us out working until 10:00 instead of 9:30. We went out and did some door knocking and found a couple really cool people. Their names are Esther and Bill and they are engaged and are going to hear the first discussion tomorrow. We met the lady who was baptized last Sunday. Her name is Kay Battice and she is nice. Then we taught Ann and Darrell Jolly. We showed them What is Real and helped them to set a date for their wedding and baptism day. It is going to be on Sept 18th so that will be cool. Then we went and visited the Overholts. They are awesome. We visited with them for a while and she asked us if we would like to stay for dinner. So we ate with them and then we played the piano. She is really good and has lot of good music. We did totals after that. This is a sweet place.      Saturday August 28

Church was awesome today. There were about 30 members present today and I guess that is a good Sunday. There was a visiting family called the Mauntz family and they did the program. They did a good job. The 7 year old girl Marin spoke and 17 year old Alan and the dad Carl all spoke on obedience and did great. I felt the spirit. In Gospel Essentials, I found out I had to teach as it began so I grabbed the gospel principles book and glanced at the topics. Prophets of God jumped out at me so I taught Kay Battice and Marie Smogeleski about them. I really felt the spirit as I testified of prophets. Then we had a cool priesthood lesson which Pres. Overholt taught. Church was cool. Tonight we had an awesome companion inventory. We set some cool goals that are tough but attainable. We are ready to do a sweet job. Then we drove up to Hart and we are going to P-day up here tomorrow.      Sunday August 29

Pretty good P-day. We were going to go fishing but got rained out so we did our laundry and stuff first. Then we went fishing and had a blast. We caught tons of fish but the only one big enough to keep was a sucker that Elder Smith caught. Then we played some basketball. WE had a good dinner tonight at “La Fiesta” and then we had a sweet district meeting. We were goofing around a bit, but after my thought and challenge (Marks of a Man), and during testimonies we were all spiritual and serious. The spirit was there. Our months baptismal goal is 13 for our district. Tough but attainable. So we need to work hard to accomplish that goal.      Monday August 30

We got to talk to Ann and Darrell and hep them continue to prepare for their marriage/baptism. And tonight we met with the Miller family and had dinner with them. They are really cool. We should be able to help them prepare for their baptism even though it will be postponed for a while.      Tuesday August 31

Today was awesome. We were out all day among the people, where the virtues are, and we had some good things happen. The morning was unproductive but that had to happen to get us back into the spirit of the work - it was a trial of our faith. Then we read 3 Nephi 27 with Ann and Darrell and it really helped them, I think. They are getting ready. Then we were led up the street to check on some call backs. As we passed a bar, we received some ridicule and mocking from its inhabitants. But of course we just kept going. But then we heard a voice behind us saying softly, “Are you Mormons?” We turned to face a sobbing woman. I answered yes and began talking with her. Apparently she is a member - was baptized a long time ago. She was drunk but seemed sincere as she pleaded for us to help her change. It was really cool because if we hadn’t been there at that time, we would have never met her. IT really showed me why I wrote down the quote this morning from Already to Harvest that says, “Be where you should be, when you should be there”. I really learned the importance of that. We are meeting with Judy White tomorrow night to start her on her new path of life. She needs it and wants it.      Wednesday September 1

We had a good day today. The zone leaders surprised us with a visit. We were just getting ready to go door knocking so we didn’t mind too much. I went with Elder Koford for the day and we got some good things done. We went door knocking in the rain and talked to a couple cool people. We checked a bunch of call backs and had our appointment with Esther and Bill changed to tomorrow night. I feel good about them. tonight, we went door knocking some more and met some really lame people but one couple that seem pretty cool. It was great to be out among the people - where the virtues are. I love door knocking and missionary work.      Thursday September 2

We continued our Zone Leader trade-offs today. I was with Elder Lytle. He is pretty cool. We had a really successful time door knocking. In just a few short blocks, we contact tons of people, gave out a few books, and found some good call backs. One guy is even going to try and come to church on Sunday. So it was pretty awesome. We also talked to Marie Smogeleski and got her to set a baptismal date for Sept 12. So it was a productive trade-off. The other two didn’t do much work, but we had a great time working . My testimony and effectiveness increased. If I ever go Zone Leader, then I will go into areas and try to get them motivated to go out and work hard. Then I will show then how to do it. I haven’t had very many zone leaders that do this - but it is so vital to the mission. Missionary work is so awesome - I love it more than anything. And I love being a thruster missionary - it is the only way to go.      Friday September 3

Today was so awesome. We thrusted all day. We met with the Millers and had a good lunch with them, and then an awesome discussion. We committed them to fast and we began our fast with them by saying a prayer which I said. They will be coming to church and I think they will be ready for baptism soon. We watched “What is Real” and read about Peter walking on the water. It was a great discussion. Then we drove to Manistee and worked the afternoon and evening there. WE did some door knocking and found some really cool people. One guy was just a total stud. We talked to him for quite a while. The first half of the street was really tough but we stuck with it and were blessed with some good call backs. Our totals for the week were pretty sweet. We met a few of our goals - and we will meet all of them this next week. This area is awesome. Manistee is a cool place too, It is ripe for proselyting.      Saturday September 4

Today was awesome. Whenever I am fasting, I am just so in tune with the spirit. I learned so much and felt so good all through church. I shared my testimony during sacrament meeting and taught the class for Gospel Principles again. Then President Overheat taught a great priesthood lesson. It was just awesome. Then we had a great correlation meeting and a good discussion with Kay Battice. We showed her “How Rare A Possession” and her brother Duayne also saw some of it after which we have him a Book of Mormon. We gave the sacrament to Grandma and then ate lunch and headed to Hart. Once here, I got to give the baptismal interview to Federico Ceruvo. He didn’t speak any English, so Elder Hunsaker had to translate for me throughout the interview. But it was totally awesome. The spirit was present and I found him ready to be baptized. We then stayed for the Spanish branch sacrament service. It was all in Espanyol and very interesting. But the same spirit was present. Then was the baptismal service of Jose Martin and Federico Cuervo. Pretty cool. It was a great service. I played the piano for it and was blessed with the gift of tongues - it was hard to play in Spanish - ha ha. It was an awesome Sabbath Day - Bueno!      Sunday September 5

Sweet P-day. We did our laundry and stuff in Hart and then headed to good old Muskegon. The first thing we did here was go to the Mall. It was closed and on the way back to the car, we realized the keys were locked inside it. We were struggling to get it open. Then Smith and I went to find some rubber bands and said a prayer that the Lord would help us. And then we got it open. A strange way to see the power of prayer, but it does work. Then we played some pretty good basketball at the church. Biehler and Hunker are both pretty good. Then we played some good soccer. That was totally awesome. We played 5 on 5. Biehler and Georgianna both played high school. In fact, I played against Biehler in the 1990 quarterfinal game. He played center half for Taylorsville. He is pretty good. Me and him were on the same team an we killed the other guys. We won by about 15 goals and I scored about 10 of them It was a blast. We also played some World Cup Soccer - Sweet. Then we showered and got cleaned up and visited Dick Poe. It was fun to see him.     Monday September 6

Happy 11 month mark! And it was quite the happy day. Zone Conference was totally awesome. It was totally motivating and inspiring. We heard some great counsel from President and Sister Waite and Elder Mogle and the Zone Leaders. They all basically rebuked the zone in a loving way. And the zone definitely needs it. But the flattering part was that my name kept being brought up as an example to follow - as the ones doing it right. It was pretty cool. It doesn’t help my humility much, but I don’t think it really hurts it either. I am proud to be a good missionary and hope

e I can continue that throughout my mission. I also had a good interview with President Waite. We discussed my district, but the rest of the interview was spent with President praising me. It felt pretty good. He told me about plans for me going zone leader, AP, and then getting back out in the field which sounds great to me. But I really need to focus on the here and now, and not worry about those leadership positions. They will come with the Lord deems me ready. It was a sweet zone conference. Oh year, Elder Keyte Behunin from Silver Moccasin is in my zone. He is a green down in Hudsonville. It was a total surprise to see him. He is a stud. Tonight we had a great district meeting. The district is really pulling together and working hard. I basically challenged the rest of the zone to keep up with us - but they won’t be able to . Because we are going to rock the world. See spiritual meetings. Then I passed off Elder Hunsaker on his discussions. Now we are back home in Ludington.      Tuesday September 7

We now have 4 baptisms coming up in the next 1.5 weeks. We talked to Ann today and she is pretty much ready. Everything still seems to be going through really well. We also taught Marie and Tom Smogeleski and Tom has now committed to be baptized on Sunday with his mom. SO that is really cool. We also did some door knocking and checked a lot of call backs today, but it wasn’t too successful. Then tonight we went to the Millers and read Alma 34 with them. I chose that chapter because it is pretty harsh on those who procrastinate their repentance - like the Millers. So I hope it sunk in a little bit. They are a cool family but have some bad habits but hopefully soon we will be able to help them change. If they don’t show some progression, we may need to drop them.      Wednesday September 8

Sister Laura Pomeroy is going to be a good missionary. We started training her this morning. We taught her part of the first discussion and taught her a lot of deep doctrine. It was really cool. I love getting deep in the doctrine. We didn’t have much success today. In fact, we had one appointment call back where we found the Book of Mormon thrown out in the dirt. It really made me mad to see it treated that way because I love that book. Tonight, we ate at the Rasmussen’s. They are a cool family. We need to work hard and find success tomorrow.      Thursday September 9

Today was Douglas’ 6 month mark. His bump day and it was a sweet day. We had a good time over at Grandma’s house. She ordered us a pizza and we watched MoTabs “Christmas Classics”. That was awesome - Christmas music and scenery from Utah. Then we watched “Mountain of the Lord” and i love that movie. Then we went out to the pier to burn Douglas’ tie. The water was splashing over the walk but we dared it and we got soaked. My pants and shoes and socks and soaked all the way through. It was a successful tie burn, but mine was better - me and Sullivan back in April in the blessed area of Cheboygan.      Friday September 10

Today was rough. Douglas woke up with a migraine and slept the entire afternoon while I read 200 pages of “Church History in the Fulness of Times”. It is a sweet book. I also got everything set for the baptism tomorrow.      Saturday September 11

Today was rad. We had a high councilman visiting today and he was pretty cool. He was Brother Bruce Skidmore. Church is always really cool. We got to bless the sacrament again today - twice, because we also brought it to Grandma. We had lunch with Ann and Darrell and got everything going with their wedding and baptism. It all seems to continue to go smooth. But the best part of today was the baptism of Marie Grace Smogeleski. Her son Bill Broughton performed both the baptism and the confirmation and did a good job. He wasn’t very well prepared so we helped him a lot with it. But he got the job done. It was a really good service. Sister Gosa from Muskegon and Sister Rasmussen both gave good talks. President Overheat conducted and I gave the closing prayer. The interim was filled with the movie “Labor of Love” - awesome. It was all great. I think it really helped Tommy come closer to his decision. He should be baptized soon. Tonight we had a good district meeting and I practiced the piano for quite a while. I am getting pretty good at playing the piano - and I love it. I can now play most of “The Shepherd” by Michael McLean by memory. If I could only sing well. Sweet day.      Sunday September 12

P-day, but it was kind of lame. I have felt pretty sick all day. I hate being sick. We went fishing this morning but didn’t have any luck at all. WE caught a few small perch but that was it. Me and Hunsaker played ball at the church. Tonight we had dinner at the Sufuentes household. They are cool. The little girl Carol came in and said that I was going to baptize her. It was kind of funny but I felt bad for Brother Sufuentes.      Monday September 13

I had district trade-offs and went with Elder Hunsaker today. We had a good day. We went to the Old Folks home for service and talked to a pretty cool investigator for a while. And the biggest thing we did was have a baptism. We had to perform the baptism of Jose Martin again since they didn’t use his full name last Sunday. I memorized the baptismal prayer in Spanish so I could be a witness. We helped the Sufuentes make tamales this evening. It was fun. There are some cool people here in this area of Hart. We wrote letters to President today and I gave a little advice concerning Smith and Hunsaker. I wonder if Smith is ready to take over this area, but we will see next week.      Tuesday September 14

We finished up our trade-offs with Hart. They weren’t as productive as I had hoped. But I got them a little motivated to get up on time and set some other good goals. So that was good. One of their members, Br. Brown, drove us up here to Ludington and here we door knocked for a couple of hours and met a few cool people. Then tonight Sister Pomeroy took us out to the Millers and we laid it on the line with them. I read 2 Nephi 9:21-24 to them and talked about the “Plan of our Heavenly Father” chart that I always use with people. Then we read 2 Nephi 31:13, 17-21 and discussed that. And throughout the whole discussion, I feel that I was sweetly bold. I expressed love and then told them that we had taught them everything then needed to know and it was now up to them. I explained that as much as I wanted to, we couldn’t do it for them. They have to work out their own salvation. Hopefully some of the things we shared will help them to open their eyes and maybe they can get themselves to church. I know they can if they will allow the Lord to help them. They are a great family and I will be praying for them.      Wednesday September 15

Only 100 days until Christmas. Awesome! We are just trying to get the wedding and baptism all ready. We talked to Ann and Darrell today for quite a while to make sure everything is all set and we got the “temporary Membership Record” all filled out. Everything is coming together but they are nervous and worried about everything. We had an enjoyable evening with the Overholts. We had an awesome dinner - Lasagna. Then we worked on the baptismal schedule and I played some more of “Phantom of the Opera” on the piano. I am going to buy the sheet music for sure. I would love to master that music on the piano. The Overholt’s are so talented, smart, spiritual, and cultured people. It was great to visit with them. We talked a lot about church history and I was able to share a lot because of the book I have been reading. I just finished reading about the martyrdom of the prophet Joseph Smith. He had a rough life. He is a major stud and I know with all my heart that he is a prophet of God. The more I learn of him the more I know that to be true. The things he faced and overcame are just incredible. He accomplished the things he was sent here to do and I am ever grateful for that. He opened up the final dispensation in its fulness and because of him - I know the truth and have the opportunity to apply it to my life. I love the gospel and I love the Prophet Joseph Smith. One of the man who was with the Prophet Joseph shortly before his martyrdom was Dan Jones. He was promised by Brother Joseph that he would yet fulfill his mission to Wales and he then had an awesome mission. He was a fearless man and was bold with everyone he met. A quote about him is, “Dan Jones had an interesting missionary technique. He feared no one and he moved with boldness. Working with a handful of missionaries, he witnessed a remarkable harvest”. So I is one of my heroes. He is another man that I want to be like. I love the gospel - it is so great. I brings me such heartache to read of the early saints and their sufferings. But it brings me such joy as I can see the fruits of their labors in the joy that me and my fellowman have because of the gospel which they helped to establish.       Thursday September 16

Today was awesome but tiring. I read a lot from the Church History book and I love it. We had good studies in the morning. I truly love the Book of Mormon. and I am really enjoying the Bible also. We went to the Jolley’s to help them prepare for tomorrow. We cut tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, celery, onions, pickles, cucumbers, etc. We sat there for a long time but I think it really helped them out. Then we headed to the church to help Sister Pomeroy with the decorating of the church for the reception and stuff. We finally got home tonight at about 11:00 and I am tired. But it looks like everything is pretty much all set. I am really excited for everything. I get to be an usher at the wedding, accompany Laura Pomeroy as she sings, and say the closing prayer. Then I will be playing the music for the baptism, doing the actual baptisms for both of them out in Lake Michigan, and giving a talk on the Holy Ghost. I am just so excited for all of it. The water will be cold, but it will be such a neat experience. Just now, Kay Battice called us from up North where she is going to school. We had given her brother a Book of Mormon a few weeks ago and he is reading it and will start taking the discussions now. That is so rad. I love being a missionary. So many opportunities always arise - and it is nice to hear the fruits of our labors. I love it.      Friday September 17

Well, this had to be one of the best days of my whole mission. It was so great. My spirit is seriously aching - it is sore - and I love it. We got out at 9:30 and headed to the church. There we just made sure everything was all set and I practiced “Where Love Is” a few times. Then people started filing in and as an usher, I sat them in their pews. Everything went smooth. I did great on my song - played it better than I ever practiced it. That was another great opportunity for me. The wedding was beautiful. Ann and Darrell really love each other. President Overheat did a great job also. Then I gave the closing prayer for the service and was inspired to say some good things. I had a good time participating in their marriage.

And then was the baptism. As I changed into my whites, I was just filled with the Holy Ghost and it is still with me tonight. As we went though the proceedings and the talk and drive to the lake, I was just filled with excitement and anticipation. Then we were all gathered on the beach. The weather was beautiful. Gorgeous blue skies with wisps of white clouds. The water was fairly calm with small waves rolling in. And then Darrell and I proceeded into the water. I was expecting it to be much colder than it was. It actually felt very nice and refreshing. We waded out till it was almost waist deep and turned to face the congregation. We got all set and I said the prayer. As I raised my right hand to the square, I was just filled with power and I uttered the baptismal prayer loudly and boldly. I then completely immersed Darrel Eugene Jolly and we headed back towards shore. As we started back, some people started clapping and cheering for Darrell. It was really cool. Then I led Ann Marie Jolly out and repeated the process once again. The power and the spirit was the same with her. It was possibly the greatest experience of my life. Out in the vast blue of Lake Michigan - filled with the power and spirit of God - performing the sacred ordinance of baptism for two of my brothers and sisters so that they can begin their journey home to our Heavenly Father. AWESOME! Then we returned to the church and watched my favorite show, “What is Real”. I love that show. Then I gave a talk on the Holy Ghost and Elder Douglas confirmed them. He did a good job. It was a sweet baptismal service. Following the baptism, we retired downstairs for the reception and that was very enjoyable. There was great food and great company. The entire day just went smooth. It was nearly perfect and a day I will never forget. And now I need to work toward having many more of them. Today was too Awesome to not get another one soon.      Saturday September 18

Today was pretty sweet. We had a great time at church. I took Ann and Darrells kids - Chris and Gregory - during most of the second and third hour because they don’t have a nursery teacher. I had a good time watching them and playing with them. They are cute kids. I love babies and kids. I can’t wait to be a Dad. Douglas took another nap today - he sleeps a lot. We visited Grandma Withey and then Sister Pomeroy took us to Hart where we attended their Spanish service and then headed to Muskegon.       Sunday September 19

P-day! We went to the “Y” today and played some pretty good basketball and wallyball. We also had a ping pong tournament. It was raining the whole day and so we decided to play soccer and football in the rain. It was such a blast. In football, me, Hunsaker, and Smith killed Biehler, Georgianna, and Larson. We totally rocked their world. We played 2 hand touch and I was busting heads. I caught 5 touchdowns passes and I ran 1 interception back for a TD. Plus I probably had 20 tackles and put everyone on their butt whether I was on offense or defense. Tonight we visited with Dick Poe and had a good spiritual talk with him. I left him with my drawing of “the Plan of our Heavenly Father” and I hope that will help him.      Monday September 20

We had pretty good day today. We taught a new member lesson to Ann and Darrell with Sister Pomeroy. They are going to be some great members of the church. We cooked hamburgers and corn on the cob for dinner tonight. Well I better go do my pushups and sit ups so I can be buff.      Tuesday September 21

Well, we didn’t get a transfer call so I will be sticking around for another month. That is pretty cool. I’m not ready to go zone leader yet. I have a lot of areas to improve myself in before I can totally help others. But if I work hard, I will be there soon. We went to the hospital and volunteered to do service there. We signed up for working on the floor every other Wednesday and we will also be helping with office work on the other Wednesday. They have had bad experience with missionaries just disappearing and not showing up when expected so the lady was hesitant about us signing up, but I convinced her hat we would be dependable. I am excited to work in a hospital. Maybe it will give me a taste of it as a profession. I am fort of leaning towards medicine of some sort right now. Tonight we got dropped off in Manistee and we spent the evening there checking call backs and doing some door knocking. It was a rough night. We met some unpleasant people. But I must lean that humility - and door knocking is a good way to do it.      Wednesday September 22

We went this morning and worked out at the West Shore college. Then this morning we went to just check call backs. Then Sister Rasmussen took us out to her place and fed us such an awesome lunch. It was more like a dinner. While there, we watched a move on President Ezra Taft Benson. It was totally awesome and really strengthened my testimony of him. As it talked of him, I was touched with the burning of the Holy Ghost as it testified to me once again that President Benson is a prophet of God. I know that will all my heart. And I am also gaining a stronger testimony of each and every prophet we have had in this dispensation as I read about them in the Church history book. They are awesome men. This afternoon we went door knocking and ha d pretty rough time of it. The people weren’t too receptive. But we door knocked a house where Andy was hanging out. Andy is an apostate member who doesn’t do the church scene but is a cool guy. We went with him and had dinner and just talked with him for quite a while. He is pretty cool. And I hope that we can help to bring him back. We also watched a video called “Ancient America Ruins” talking about possible Book of Mormon sites and stuff. It was really neat and informative. I also talked to Elder Douglas before that about the Book of Mormon and explained to him that he has received an answer that it is true and discussed ways that the answers could come. It was a really productive day - out among the people, and we were spiritually strengthened. I was a bit timid as we started door knocking but I stuck with it and I felt strength and boldness coming into me. It felt good to overcome some negative feelings and have good ones.      Thursday September 23

Today was pretty cool. We learned how to do volunteer work at the hospital. We took flowers and gifts around to the patients, brought them newspapers, and just ran errands. It was pretty cool. Tonight, we went down to finish door knocking a street. We didn’t have much success but on the way, I stopped and started talking to a girl named Andrea on the street. She was pretty cool and we talked for a good 15-20 minutes. I gave her a book of Mormon and had a nice chat.      Friday September 24

Today was Christmas and I didn’t even celebrate - what a slacker. Today was a great day, just not too productive. We worked out, then had breakfast with Andy and his “little woman”. Then we visited Sister Beatty in the hospital, had dinner with Ann and Darrell. Then we had a great companion inventory. I have been wanting to slap Elder Douglas around lately, but I have committed myself to show brotherly love towards him no matter what. It may be hard, but I can do it animist do it if I am to have the spirit like I want. I also had a great mail day - a letter from Justin Burrup and Elder Dickinson and a package with a tape from Liz. Life is so incredibly awesome.    Saturday September 25

We had a very small attendance at church today but it was still a good spirit filled testimony meeting. I bore my testimony and it has really grown strong. I love my testimony. The rest of the day we checked referrals and visited with Sister Withey (Grandma) for a while. Tonight the Hart Elders were supposed to show up but now they are coming in the morning.      Sunday September 26

Well, it wasn’t much of a P-day. In fact, it pretty much felt like a normal day. We went and played hoops and worked out at the gym, but then we got changed and went to Sister Rasmussens and then to visit the Carsons. It took a long time. Then I wrote some letters and tonight we went jogging. We ran four miles and it felt good.      Monday September 27

Today was pretty cool. We went and had a good workout this morning. I am sore, but I really want to be in good shape and looking good. Sister Pomeroy took us shopping and we spent a lot of the rest of the day helping the Jolly’s paint. I love serving others and helping others. We also have service tomorrow at the hospital so we have too much of it this week, but the Ammon principle is a good one. Tonight, we went to see Marilyn Brault and showed her “Mountain of the Lord”. She is ready to be baptized - I don’t know why she isn’t already. We are going to have to get her going. I spent a lot of today with babies and little children. They are just fresh from our heavenly father and are so easy to love. I can’t wait to have children of my own. That will be so cool. Being the best father in the world is my goal.      Tuesday September 28

Today, me and Douglas worked really hard. We door knocked a street for over 3 hours and found some inactive members. They are Todd and his Mom, the Dancy family. We got acquainted with visited with them for a while. Todd will be coming to church for General Conference with us on Saturday and we will be eating dinner with them and having a discussion next Tuesday. We also taught Marilyn Brault basically the third discussion and it went really well. She has a testimony of the book of Mormon so she shouldn’t be letting these other things stop her from being baptized. I think we will help her go under the water. We also visited with Andy for a while tonight. He is a total study. We have a good time with him.      Thursday September 30

I can’t believe it is already October. Holy Cow. The zone leaders came last night and I spent the day with Elder Stringham. He is a cool guy. We traveled to Manistee and delivered a book of Mormon to a pretty cool area referral. We also did some checking up on people and a little door knocking as well. It just feels good when you are out doing the Lords will. I love missionary work - and General Conference is tomorrow. SWEET!      Friday October 1

I love General Conference. I love hearing the words of the prophets and apostles as they speak to us. And today was just an awesome, spiritually uplifting day during which my spirit was edified and my testimony has grown immensely. The spirit of the Lord has been with me and my knowledge and understanding have been increased. WE heard from Elders Joseph B. Wirthlin, Neil A. Maxwell, Russell M. Nelson, Boyd K. Packer, and James E Faust and numerous members of the seventy They gave great messages and the overall tone of the meeting was on families. They are engraining that into us, how important parenting and families are. Then tonight, we finally got to hear from President Monson and President Hinckley. President Monson received the Bronze Wolf award from the scouting organization and shared much on the scouting program. It reminded me of my love for that program and all of the things I have learned from my involvement in it. I look forward to many future scouting experiences. Then President Hinckley spent 30 minutes bearing testimony of everything he knows to be true. It was the most powerful testimony I have ever heard. I do know that he is a prophet of God and I proudly say once again, “I love that man”. The spirit was poured upon me as he bore testimony of the very things of which my testimony consists of. I tried to take notes, but I was too enthralled with his spirit and power and love to take notes effectively. I am so thankful for the instruction I received today and am resolved to take those things and use them in my life. I am also resolved to never miss a priesthood session, they are too awesome to miss. I love this work, and I truly love the General Authorities.    Saturday October 2

The continuation of General Conference and it was excellent as expected. WE heard awesome talks from Hinckley through Richard G. Scott. It was just totally awesome and uplifting, there is no other way to describe it. President Hinckley is seriously my hero. In between sessions, they had a luncheon going on but we had to miss it because we took a video and BOM out to a referral clear out in Baldwin. Elder Douglas didn’t want to go out there at all. But we had to and I’m sure glad we did. He was a really nice guy who does need some help and he may be receptive. Sister Pomeroy was nice enough to drive us out there. Tonight, we had a pretty sweet district meeting and had some good talks here in Hart about the gospel and many other topics. We have a really cool district here, everyone gets along and likes each other.      Sunday October 3

Well, let me try and catch up on what has been happening here. Monday morning, we drove our car down to Muskegon to get it fixed, but we didn’t make it. The oil was draining faster than we could pour it in so we had to stop at a rest stop and get towed in. It really sucked. So we got them fixing it and we did P-day in Muskegon. The only thing we really did was play soccer and football and just hang out. Then we found out the car wasn’t going to be fixed so Hart got a ride back and we stayed in Muskegon. Tuesday I went and worked with Elder Stringham. We taught an awesome 1st discussion to a guy and had good luck checking referrals as well. I also spent some time with Lyle. But then we found out the car was not going to be ready until tomorrow. Dang. I had the APs drive us up to Hart and today we had the first day of our district trade offs. They went really well. I worked with Elder Wright and he has a real strong desire to work. He is dang cool, also. Tonight we got the car back and visited a 7th day Adventist church and listened to a sermon on “The King is Coming”. It wasn't too apostate. Now we are finally home in Ludington. Tomorrow is my hump day - AWESOME! Wednesday October 6

HAPPY HUMP DAY! Holy cow! This is really unbelievable. I am halfway through my mission. It is half way over. I am over the hump and on the way down. It is so hard to believe. The past year has been totally awesome and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I have had some awesome experiences and have grown so much. I have matured incredibly, strengthened my testimony immensely as well as my knowledge of the gospel. I know the power behind missionary work and I know how important the work is. I had a good “Hump Day” celebration. I opened a package from home and it was just like a birthday. I got 2 shirts, a tie, deodorant, socks, toothbrush, shampoo and certs. I wrote letters to Elder Sullivan and Christofferson wishing them a happy hump day. And tonight I got a phone call from Eve Oneil. That was totally awesome to talk to her and Esther. My parents also sent me a tape in the package and I got to hear from my family, Justin Burrup, Wes, Luke, and Wayne. It was the coolest tape. After dinner, we went out to the pier and I burned by shirt. That was a total blast and it burned dang good. SWEET! Well, I am so glad to be out here on a mission. I have had an awesome first year and I am going to make the second year even better. I know how to be an awesome missionary, and I am going to continue to be one. I am taking all that I have learned this past year and applying it so that I can be my best self. I am going to make my goals hard to achieve, but I will reach them. I am glad to be 1/2 way done, but sad at the same time. I can’t wait to go back and see my family and friends, but I love serving my Heavenly Father as a missionary. So the only thing I can do is make the most of my time. If I do that, I will be happy. Here’s to another great year!      Thursday October 7

We had good studies this morning. We went out and checked call backs. I called all of our referrals because we got some new ones today and I got some good appointments set up for next week. Tonight we drove and checked our referrals and met with one lady. So it was a productive day. These referrals will really help us to get things going better here.      Friday October 8

All I can say is that I was spiritually fed today. It was the first day of Stake Conference and it was rad. Elder Kikuchi was the visiting General Authority and he is without a doubt, a mighty man, A spiritual giant, a total stud. We attended the leadership meeting, the priesthood leadership session, and the adult session. Elder Kikuchi stressed bringing the inactive members back and he wants the priesthood holders to use us missionaries more so that they can be more productive. He called us up to the front and it was awesome to stand up there next to him. In the adult session, we heard good messages from some great people the spirit was definitely present. And then Elder Kikuchi spoke. He began by having us sing Hymn #157, Thy Spirit Lord, has stirred our souls”. That was cool and then he proceeded to give the most powerful talk I have ever witnessed in person. He talked about us and our diving worth and potential. He talked about the savior and his last days. He took us step by step from the last supper to his atonement in the Garden to his resurrection and appearance to Mary Magdalene. His witness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is so powerful and real. I know that he knows that Jesus is the Christ and that knowledge that he has strengthens my testimony. He spoke of the sisters, daughters of our Heavenly Father, and how important they are. I have a greater love for my sisters and mother and future wife because of his words. I was very impressed when he spoke of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve and when he bore testimony of them and their love for us. He said this with tears in his eyes and it manifest plainly to me that he spoke the truth. The spirit was very strong upon me as he spoke of our Savior and bore testimony of him. I truly am on a spiritual high. He shared much more with us but these were some of the highlights. At the conclusion of his words, he had us sing “As I Have Loved You” because he shared a great story about that and it was the Saviors final teachings to us. And as we stood and sing aloud, the spirit overpowered me and I couldn’t help but get watery eyes - as I was surrounded by my choice brothers and sisters all singing about love. The love in that chapel was indescribable. After we all sang it, Elder Kikuchi then sang it alone. Then during the closing prayer, I did feel my saviors love and tears streamed down my face as we unitedly prayed to him. It was sweet. I love Elder Kikuchi and I know he is a servant of God. President Waite also gave some good works in his talks. In the last sessions, he asked all of the us full time missionaries to stand up and I stood with pride as he described us as the best missionaries in the world. And as he told the people that we are here to serve them. It was really neat. I was really touched as President Waite tearfully shared his love for us with the people in this stake. It was totally cool. Another awesome day in the mission field that I will never forget. I am totally pumped up and charge about missionary work. I am going to totally kick butt in my labors and efforts. I don’t want to do anything to use the spiritual power that I feel right now. I want to feel good about my missionary efforts and I won’t let anything stop me. If I conquer the flesh and stay near to the spirit of God, then I will have many more days just like today. And that is truly what I want in life. I love it!      Saturday October 9

The last session of Stake Conference today was really cool. Elder Kikuchi called the people to pay tithing, not abuse the sweet sisters and to repent of many other things. He is an incredibly powerful and spiritual man, and I loved hearing him. We came back to Hart and me and Elder Wright spent much of the day together. He passed off to me and I gave him a PPI. We just had an awesome spiritual talk. We talked about so many things and we really grew closer as friends and fellow servants.      Sunday October 10

Another lame P-day, but that’s alright. We had a good district meeting this morning and then came back to Ludington. I wrote a couple letters and we visited with Andy for a couple hours. Then tonight, we had dinner and spent the evening at the Overheats. The are such great people. I love talking with them. They are so wise and just cool. I also played the piano for a while and printed scriptures out on the computer. It was a very nice night and really made the entire day enjoyable. I also started reading Dale Carnegie’s “How to win friends and influence people”. That book is so awesome.      Monday October 11

Today was awesome. One of the ideal Mission days. We talked 3 discussions, door knocked for 2 hours, and had success at it, ate Little Caesars Pizza, got mail. It was a perfect day for a missionary. We spent the morning in Manistee. We talked to Mindy Roberts, a family first referral, and got a return teaching appointment for the entire family for this Saturday. Then we went door knocking and talked to one guy, the second to last house on the street. But he was really cool so we had a great discussion with him. And tonight we taught Marilyn Brault and also visited grandma so we could watch the video Elder Douglas got from home today. And I got another tape from Liz plus a roll of film.      Tuesday, October 12

Well the success is continuing. We had a rocking day. Sister Broughton took us out and we taught the first discussion to the Lorena Bueholz. It went really well with her. And we were to the hospital for an hour and checked a referral in the afternoon. And the Hart Elders went with us to Baldwin and we had a great time out there. On the way, we stopped by Lorena's house and gave her a Book of Mormon because we didn't have one with us when we taught her earlier. I think that was the first time in my whole mission I didn't have a Book of Mormon with me. It was kind of funny. Elder Smith and I when spiritual door contacting and got2 out of 3 people to hear the five-minute message. So it was a very productive 30 minutes. They were some good people we found. And we watched family first with Debra Williams and it went really well with her. There are some good opportunities here in Baldwin. Then we drove to Big Rapids and I stopped in to see Donna and Jeni Savard. That was so cool to see them and visit with them for a while. They are awesome and it was so awesome to talk about Cheboygan and St. Ignace and the wonderful people up there. I really missed that area, but now this area is really awesome. But it was very nice to get reacquainted there. I have really made some good friends here on my mission. There are some people that really do mean a lot to me. I love my mission and I love the work I am doing. Life is awesome.      Wednesday, October 13

Today I received the greatest instruction I've ever heard in my life. I woke up first this morning at 5:00 and showered and got ready. Then I woke everyone else up and I read the scriptures. But first I got on my knees and prayed for the spirit to be with me today. I wanted my heart to be prepared to receive Elder Kikuchi's spirit and instruction and it was a worthwhile prayer because I had the spirit with me throughout the entire day. It was so sweet. I read a few chapters from the Book of Mormon, the last of which was 3 Nephi 11 and I love reading of the visit Christ made to the Nephites here. It helped to prepare me for this awesome day. I had everyone kneel at 7:00 and we said our prayer and then headed to Grand Rapids. We arrived just in time and received a spiritual feast. We heard a good message from sister Waite about putting on the whole Armor of God, the Armor of righteousness. We also heard from Pres. Waite and some good testimonies from a couple of missionaries. Then was Elder Kikuchi - the spiritual stud. He basically spoke to us from 9:00 to 4:00 with a 1 hour lunch break. And every minute was awesome. Seriously the spirit was so strong the entire day. I had the burning in my bosom constantly. Some of the principles that Elder Kikuchi focused on were OYM. Open your mouth. He gave a some relatively good weighs 2 personal contact people everywhere. 2 questions. 1. "Do know that you're Heavenly Father has a plan for you to return to live with him again". 2. "Would you like to know more". Very simple but truly effective. He really stressed obedience and how important it truly is. 100% OBEDIENCE. And of course he taught many other things and principles but they are too numerous. But I was taught well and I will be applying these things to my missionary work. I can't believe the knowledge that Elder Kikuchi has. And his understanding of the scriptures is amazing. Some day I will know the scriptures and love the scriptures like he does. That is a good goal.Elder Kikuchi is such a powerful, humble servant of God. His spirit is so strong, and encompassing. I love that man and I'm so thankful for the chance I have had to be with him today. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Awesome. President Waite also paid me a very nice complement today. After the meeting he took me aside a little bit and told me that I had to show everyone else how to do it. He had told us that soon this mission will be baptizing every week, that missionaries will be baptizing every week. That is a good goal and he wants me to be their first. He said you can already pretty much baptize every month, now I want you to get to where it is every 2 weeks, and then I want you baptizing every week. It really makes me feel good to see that he does have confidence and trust in me. The trust of your mission president is important. So that was really cool. I talked with Elder Budge a lot lately and he seemed to be kind of hinting about me becoming Zone Leader. I don't know if it is a righteous desire to be a Zone Leader or not. I don't want to aspire but I would lead to serve in that capacity. And maybe I'm just creating it all in my mind. This area is really rocking now so it would be hard to leave but maybe now I could feel good about leaving. Who knows what will happen. Tonight when we got home there was a machine phone message for us from an inactive member and her nonmember husband who wanted to hear the lessons. Holy Cow! What a blessing! We called them and they are driving into Ludington from Baldwin so that we can teach them tomorrow. Obedience brings blessings and that is all there is to it. I love being a missionary. I am receiving so many blessings in my life. This work is of God. I know that with all my heart and it will go forward no matter what. And I will do my part.      Thursday, October 14

We had a pretty good day. We got out and went door knocking this morning and had some success. The direct question we used is a good screening device and did show a us who would be interested. Most of the people agreed with the question, but thought they already knew enough. But we need more practice with it to make it completely effective. We met Marvin Brault today and visited with them for a while. And we taught a first discussion to Brett and Jane Fischbach. They will be attending church on Sunday and we will teach than the second after that so that will be great. Our appointment tonight wasn't home so it wasn't a perfect day but hopefully we can get back with them soon. We also visit at the Overholt's to say goodbye tonight. There really are awesome people. I wish the church here was larger. They need a break from running the show and they really deserve it.Tonight me and Douglas had a good talk. He asked me a bunch of questions which allowed me to help him as a missionary I hope. I totally used the commitment pattern on him and it works wonders. He is a good companion I have learned a lot by serving with him. I hope he will take initiative and work hard and be a good obedient missionary. I hope I have helped him.      Friday, October 15

This was the most rocking week ever. We put up numbers that can't be duplicated. We finished out the week today by having our best day of the week. We went door knocking for a couple hours this morning and it was pretty successful even though it was in the rain but we will not let that stop us. Then the Rasmussen's picked us up and took us to see the Roberts in Manistee. They are such an awesome family. The dad wasn't there but we taught Misty and the 3 kids Shiloh(12), Dustin(10), and Fawnya(6). We taught them the first discussion and it went awesome. They totally loved us. They would be such a great family in the church. The Rasmussen's then took us out to dinner, reminded me of Cheboygan at the truck stop restaurant. The Rasmussen's are such nice people. Then we taught another first discussion to Beatrice and Raymond. Beatrice was a call back from last May or so. We have checked her house many times and it finally paid off. So we rocked the world with our totals this week and we killed the Hart guys in our contest. Here was our week.

• 20 personal contacts
• 8 discussions
• 9 Book of Mormons
• 9 New Finds
• 6 Lacing Non-Members
• 5 Team Ups
• 72 Hours
• 3 Joint Teaches

It was so cool calling in numbers like that. It just feels so good to work so hard and to see the success that comes from it. And the key is obedience. We have been obedient and consistently working and made it through our trial of faith so that we could receive all these blessings. And that's all they are is blessings from the Lord. Tonight was the BYU versus Notre Dame football game and it was approved so we got to watch it. It was sweet to see Cougar stadium and the mountains and Utah and football, but BYU got killed. But BYU is still awesome. I'm pretty sure I want to attend there next year. Saturday, October 16

Today was pretty sweet. We had Brett and Jane Fischbach come to church today and it was a really good meeting. I played "More Holiness Give Me" on the piano and the speakers were visitors from Kalamazoo. There were totally cool. After church we showed Brett and Jane "How Rare a Possession" which they really liked and brother Smith brought us Kentucky Fried Chicken because of the length of the movie. What a stud! The Hart Elders arrived tonight and we had an awesome district meeting. The spirit was very strong and it was really uplifting. We also bore powerful testimony and expressed love to one another. It was sweet. Then we came home and had a great time watching Douglas' home video and my home video and just talking. It was really sweet. These guys are cool.      Sunday, October 17

This was not much of a P-day again but then again were not out here to P-day so oh well. We did some shopping and that was really about it. We went to teach Ann and Darrell a new member lesson today and then had dinner with them.      Monday, October 18

President Waite has made all kinds of changes, but I'm sure they are good ones. They did transfer calls this morning but there weren't too many changes in personnel, just in the organization. President closed off 4 zones and 8 Zone Leaders and combined them all into 5 Zones. I am now in the Grand Rapids Zone. This Zone Leaders are Elder Foote and Stringham. I am the District Leader over 8missionaries, the Muskegon district. There is us and Hart and both North and South Muskegon in my district. So there is a lot more responsibility placed on the District Leaders. I am basically like an old style Zone Leader except I am alone. But it should be pretty cool. I was kind of bummed about not getting transferred but now I know the purpose behind it. So I'm going to rock this area and take my district with me. It will be interesting to see how the new system works. I think it will be good. There is also a new total procedure. We: Totals every night and on fewer areas. We report on baptism's, projected baptism's, discussions, Lacing members, joint teaches, new finds, and that's all. My district is supposed to call me, then I called the Zone Leaders, then they call the AP's. So it is going to be a big switchboard every night. It is going to be so hectic but as soon as the kinks are worked out, it will be pretty smooth. Also, transfers are not on a special day every month. There are just going to be when President Waite fills inspired to do it. So it gives him more freedom and us less worry. He wants us to just worry about the work and not the transfers. And of course with the new total system, missionaries are going to have to be in their apartment at 9:30 to make the calls. So that will be good in helping people to be obedient to that rule. I have missionaries in Muskegon who will need help with that rule. But we will help them out with that and get them to be obedient thrusters. I am really excited about the new system and my new responsibilities. It will be good for me to use some leadership skills. And to work on improving those skills. We are totally going to thrust away to set the example for my district and to set the standard for the rest of the mission. I have to really dig down deep and give it my all, everything I've got. And I'm going to do it.      Thursday, October 21

I woke up feeling really sick today and so we slept in some but when we got out we had an awesome day. We taught Jackie Jamison and Betty and Jackie Jacobs the first discussion and it went really well. They seemed to enjoy them and were excited that we are coming back. So they are some good new finds. Then we drove over and had an awesome dinner and a great discussion with Brett and Jane Fischbach. Brett cooked us what he called his famous burritos and they were good. The meal was great and the conversation was very enjoyable. Brett is a pretty hilarious guy. We also had Egg Nog Ice Cream with them, that was sweet. And we read Alma 32 with them and talked about Faith. It was a great night. Oh yeah, after visiting people like the Jamison's, it really makes me Thankful for all of my many blessings. I truly am blessed to have been brought up with my awesome family and with the gospel. I am so Thankful for these most wonderful blessings.      Friday, October 22

Today was the saddest day. We went up to see Mindy Roberts and family and it didn't start out well at all. She started to tell us about how she didn't want to learn anymore and that she knew what we were trying to do, trying to convert them. So I basically opened it up and explained our intentions and I was bold with her. It felt so good. I talked about how important our message was and how it could answer questions that no one else could. And I said many other things that really opened her up and got her thinking and wondering. But I didn't know what to say on my own. The spirit was totally leading me and inspiring me in what to say and how to say it. It seemed to be just like George Durrant said it would. I just conveyed the thoughts that entered my heart and they worked. Soon we were off and feeling the spirit while we talked about the "Plan of Our Heavenly Father". It went so awesome. We produced in her an eager want just like Dale Carnegie taught me to do and now she is interested in continuing. As we were setting up a return appointment, she told us that she had planned on asking us to not come back, but that she had changed her mind. So we are going back on Tuesday - they are an awesome family. On the way back, we stopped at a year round Christmas store called "The Hitching Post" and that was fun. I want to go into that business sometime - own my own Christmas store. That will totally rock.      Saturday October 23

Merry Christmas! Only one more to go before the real one. This was a pretty boring P-day again. We spent much of the day with Ann and Darrell and family. We picked apples and carved pumpkins and had a good dinner. It was pretty fun.      Monday October 25

This was a totally awesome day. We spent the entire day with Sister Pomeroy, most of it in Manistee. We started the day with Mindy and Randy Roberts and had an awesome discussion with them. We watched Together Forever and the spirit was so strong. Mindy was just bawling. She then told us about how her assistant pastor really made her mad when she tried to talk to them about us and our message. He tried to give her some anti but she didn’t buy it. But she will get more so we have to teach her well. Then Randy got home and we visited with him for a while. Randy is just hilarious, he was cracking me up with his stories and jokes. And we really got serious and spiritual with him as well. We basically taught him the first - about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. He had a concern about prophets at first but I think we got them resolved and really thinking. They both said that we have really made them think and ponder over what we share. The spirit is working on them. They are awesome. We met with Terry Kimmell today. We placed a Book of Mormon with him 2 weeks ago and he is getting totally anti’d. But he is keeping an open mind so hopefully we can teach him. But he will be hard to work with. His pastor is dedicating his whole sermon on Sunday to bash us. So it will be an interesting situation. Tonight we met Melissa, a friend of Sister Pomeroys and she is cool. Her and her husband are having some real problems so we are going to show them Together Forever on Saturday. So hopefully we can help them in their marriage. Today was an excellent day. Sweet!    Tuesday October 26

Today just totally rocked. We were so busy all day. We were on the go constantly and it was great. We taught Lorena Buchholz this morning . We watched Together Forever and she totally loved that. Then we read the Book of Mormon with her so that was good. She is being prepared. I feel really good about her. Then we cruised to the hospital and did some good service there. Then we ran to Baldwin and had a pretty good evening there. We talked to Ruth Updegraff and Don Clemens and they both have good potential. Then we taught the second discussion to Brett Fischbach and that was awesome . He didn't accept the baptismal challenge but it did go well and I do believe he will eventually accept. So things are really happening. We are still seeing blessings from our obedience. Character is following through with a commitment after the emotion of that commitment has passed (Hyrum Smith). I love this work.      Wednesday October 27

Today is my year mark for being in Michigan. It has now been a year since I’ve seen my family as well. Sometimes it seems like a lot longer that that, but the longer I am away, the closer I get to returning home. I just can’t believe how fast the time goes by out here. I have had an excellent year of proselyting. I am so much improved compared to one year ago. So by the time I go home, I will really know how to do the work. It is weird to think that this has been my lifestyle now for exactly one full year. It is the normal way of life for me now. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I wouldn't know what to do. I hope the upcoming year is as great as the last one. I have to be a good instrument for Heavenly Father to use. I won’t allow anything to stop me. Today I got on a cleaning binge and this apartment is spotless. I doubt it has looked better since missionaries first moved in. We vacuumed everywhere, rearranged the furniture, and even mopped and scrubbed the entire kitchen and bathroom. It looks really good and feels good to have it cleaned and to have it different.      Thursday October 28

I was totally in the Christmas spirit today. It got me excited. Then I got 3 packages in the mail. One from the family, one from Grandma and Grandpa Polson, and one from Liz. That totally rocks. I love the mail. This was a great day. We cruised up to Manistee really early and spent a long time with Mindy and Randy Roberts. We taught them the third discussion and that went really well. They committed to come to church and I hope so much that they will accept the gospel into their lives. We also met with Melissa and Clyde and showed them the new video, “The True and Living God”. We have a return appointment to teach them the first discussion so they could be a great family as well. Tonight, we took Josh and Chris Jolly out trick or treating and that was really fun. It also snowed pretty hard tonight. That is pretty sweet.      Friday October 29

The Roberts didn't show up to church today, but other that that the day totally rocked. We had an awesome High Council speaker and he shared a great message. We got some good member referrals today at church. There is a potential family that we may be able to start teaching. We taught Brett and Jane Fischbach the third discussion and he is progressing very well. He knows the Book of Mormon is true and said he loves how our church is run. Jane said something like, “If the Book of Mormon was false, it would be the biggest lie in the world.” And Brett replied, “If the BOM were false, then the New Testament would be the biggest lie in the world.” So it is going pretty well with them. Then we got to go for a ride in his Jeep Wrangler and on a tour of Lake County. It was so fun to be in a jeep cruising around. Tonight we had district meeting in Muskegon and it went alright. Basically these Muskegon guys have bad attitudes and we need to get them turned around and headed in the right direction. Hopefully I can help.      Sunday October 31

I can’t believe it is already November. We had a tiring P-day today but it was so fun. We played a few basketball games and some racquetball at the YMCA. The whole day was basically me versus Biehler. It was good to have some decent competition. We also played some awesome football and soccer. It was such a blast. But I am worn out.      Monday November 1

I am sore today. I am really feeling it from out great workout yesterday. But it was worth it. Today was a pretty lame day until we went up to see the Roberts. Then it became awesome. We had a sweet dinner with them and then we just had a relaxed, enjoyable evening. They are such an awesome family. I feel so good about them and we are becoming fast friends. Fawnya is such a little cutie and she really likes me. They are heading to Florida tomorrow for a convention so they wont be back until Monday. But I will look forward to then so we can get them taught and baptized. And the reason they didn’t make it to church is because on the way, they saw a deer that had just been hit by a car and they stopped to get it. Randy says he will stop for $100 bucks worth of fresh meat. At least they were on their way to church.      Tuesday November 2

Today was Zone Conference down in Grand Rapids and it was so cool. We had to get up at 5:45 to get ready so we could make it on time. They got back into a more traditional Zone Conference this time with groups and everything. I had a pretty cool group and we had good talks and scriptures and then Elder Powell talked to us for a while and really helped me. He role played how to more effectively use the question that Elder Kikuchi gave us to use. It is totally cool and I will be using it all the time. Elder Powell is a total stud. He also talked to the whole zone for a while and I really like his control and the way he teaches and chastises. He is a great AP. President and Sister Waite also gave us some great counsel. But President Waite spent most of his time rebuking some of the missionaries. He spent a good 30 minutes with the Muskegon Elders. Then he took Elder Barker and Walker and yelled at them for over 2 hours. We could hear it from the other room. President Waite is a totally awesome guy who just wants to help us as much as he can, but some missionaries won’t accept his help. But overall Zone Conference was great. I really felt the spirit and it fueled me back up. Tonight we are in Muskegon with Biehler and Georgianna for trade-offs. They are all hurting each other here. They are too worried about fun and not about work. But they are good guys and I like them. I helped them make a bunch of phone calls from their area book tonight. We are going to work hard tomorrow.      Wednesday November 3

I was with Elder Biehler today and we got some really good work done. We talked to some good area referrals and set up appointments for the first discussion. So we got some good things started for them.      Thursday November 4

Today was so wonderful. At church, we had some great meetings and I really felt the spirit and it really made me feel good about my calling and what I am doing out here. I also started reading “Spiritual Roots of Human Relations” again and it really told me the things I need to be working on. I need to get back to the basics and start on Day before I can work up to Days 5-6. I am going to work on overcoming the flesh. I am going to read through the book fast this week and then study it every night one chapter a day after that. Because if I can follow all the suggestions in there, I can continue to be the type of missionary I want to be. I want to be so in tune with my Heavenly Father and I know I can do it with the help of my savior Jesus Christ. I am going to have a good day every day and make the most of my awesome opportunity to serve while I am out here.      Sunday November 7

This was probably the lamest P-day ever. But it was still enjoyable. Eve Oneal called me to tell me Jim and Tracy Pitman got baptized yesterday. That is so awesome. They were the family that I found and began teaching the last week of my stay in Cheboygan. So that was incredible to hear. For P-day, I basically just wrote letters and did laundry. Tonight our appointment dogged us so we made some good phone calls then visited Andy.      Monday November 8

This was a freakin awesome day. I had good studies. And Olga called this morning to set up a time to come take me and my companion out to dinner. We set it up for November 24th so that will be totally awesome to see her again. She goes into the Peace Corps on January 3rd so that may be the last time to see her. She is the greatest ever - a legend. Today we delivered a Book of Mormon to an area referral that was pretty cool and checked some other people. It was fairly successful but it just felt good to be out among the people doing the Lords work. Then tonight we had a sweet dinner with Melissa. She cooked up Lasagna and really had the place decked out for us and Sister Pomeroy. It was a lot of fun. Then we taught her the first discussion and it went so well. The spirit was really strong and she really took to it very well. She is open and ready for the gospel. Truly a golden contact. She feels like we have seriously been sent to her. So she is looking good for baptism. I am really excited for this area. It is really booming.     Tuesday November 9

We got dogged hardcore today. We had 2 appointments that I was really looking forward to. But neither of them happened. That is so frustrating at times when things don’t work out as planned. But it is just one of those things we have to deal with as missionaries. We also did service at the hospital today and had a good time there. We talked to some really cool people nd had some good conversations. Tonight we had dinner at the Overheats and that was awesome as usual. Dinner was delicious and their company is always so entertaining. I of course played some Phantom and I am getting pretty good. And I tried to play some Christmas duets with Sister Overholt. They were kind of hard but still cool. Things are going really good. This area is so awesome.   Wednesday November 10

We had our District Leader trade-offs with Hart today.  I worked with Elder Smith and we had a pretty good time.  We did some door knocking and also taught a fourth discussion to their projection, Alison Coons.  They are a pretty cool family.  We also met an awesome lady named Sister June who fed us lunch.  Elder Wright is borrowing the Godmakers book from her and so I have been reading it today.  It is so apostate.  I can't even believe some of the lies that are in there.  It isn't a good thing to read.     Thursday November 11

We concluded our trade-offs with Hart and they went very well.  I had an awesome PPI with Elder Wright.  We talked for a long time and about a lot of things and it was just cool.  He is an awesome guy and a great missionary and a good friend.  He also qualified on the discussions which is a sweet accomplishment.  It was great.  Things are awesome.     Friday November 12

Today was such a sweet day.  We totally rocked the world.  This morning, Brother Bill Broughton drove us out to see Andy and Lynette Archey.  They are a family who we got a referral for a Family First video but they didn't order it.  But when I talked to her on the phone, I talked her into still receiving the video.  So this morning, we took it out and showed it to her and her husband and they loved it.  They have two kids and they are a cool family.  We will be teaching them the 1st discussion next Saturday so I am really looking forward to that.  Another great family to teach.  Then we headed up to Manistee today with Sister Pomeroy.  We visited Melissa Anderson and had a really good, but deep discussion.  I don't think Elder Douglas said a word the whole time because it was all over his head.  So I just talked away and really gave her a lot of things to think about.  I hope she comes along, but she has a lot of big concerns that we will have to resolve.  But she is a really nice lady.  Then tonight, we went and had dinner with the Roberts.  They are seriously the coolest family ever.  I have such a great time with them.  We taught them the 4th discussion and it went pretty well.  They are still a bit wary and have questions but we have built a really good relationship of trust with them and I think that will be a good foundation upon which to build.  I really love their family a lot and I want them to accept the gospel more than anything.  That would make my two years worth it.     Saturday November 13

I woke up this morning from the worst nightmare.  I had a dream that because of some misunderstanding, I went home early.  In my dream, I was with Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa and it was great to see them.  But all I could think about and all I wanted was to get back out on my mission.  I woke up for real but thought I was home and I was so upset and worried about my mission until I finally realized I was still out here.  And then I had such a feeling of relief that it is hard to describe.  This is bout the third dream like that I have had in the past couple of months and it was so traumatic.  I'm not sure exactly what I'm supposed to learn from it but I have a few ideas.  I don't think that I have fulfilled my purpose out here yet.  I think there is something I must do that I have been foreordained to do and if I don't accomplish it, then I don't want to go home.  I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I must prepare myself to accomplish it by being so in tune with the spirit and by doing all the things I should be doing.  I need to focus solely on my mission and work with all of my strength, mind, and might.  I know if I do this, then I will fulfill my purpose.  And I will do it with the Lord's help.  The Roberts family did come to church today and I hope they enjoyed it.  Sister Taible was the first speaker and I just felt uneasy about her speaking.  And sure enough, her opening line was "I am going to talk about how we can become Gods."  I couldn't believe she said that.  I wonder what the Roberts thought.  But the rest of Branch Conference was really good.  The spirit was present and I think President Overholt and President Perry did a good job on their topic that we are sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.  It was a great meeting and the Roberts seemed very happy afterwards.  So I hope they were touched.  They didn't get to stay for the entire block but at least they made it through sacrament meeting.  The rest of church was great as well.  A good brother from Muskegon taught priesthood about foreordination and it was a fantastic lesson.  I learned a lot and it gave me some more things to ponder on.  I love the scriptures and the knowledge they contain.  I want to know and understand them like the apostles do.     Sunday November 14

This was a sweet P-day.  We did our usual Muskegon agenda.  Basketball and racquetball at the YMCA where I won every game.  Then we played our football and soccer and that of course was a total blast.  Tonight we went to visit the Beals and that was fun.  They called Elder Halliday since he is going home this week and it was fun to talk with him.  I can't believe one of my companions is heading home.  And my mission "Dad" at that.  He is a stud.   Monday November 15

We had trade-offs today.  I was with Elder Alder and he is not as bad as the other missionaries complain about.  Of course, I only had to spend one day with him.  We did get some good things accomplished     Tuesday November 16

Well, I just got off the phone with President Waite.  He called me to let me know I have been called to be a zone leader over in Lansing.  I will be serving with Elder Richard Larsen.  I have been pondering on being a zone leader for a while.  I couldn't decide whether it was a righteous desire or not.  I guess it was OK. I do want to be a leader so I can use my leadership abilities and God given talents for the benefit of the mission and others.  So I am excited for the new responsibilities and opportunities.  And Elder Sullivan is coming to take my place here so I know the work will continue and the Roberts and company will get baptized.

This was such an awesome but such a hectic day.  After I got the call, we got ready and packed and headed up to Ludington.  Once here, I unpacked by trade off bag and then began packing all of my bags.  I'm hoping I don't have to ride a bus at all.  If I can get a ride to Grand Rapids, then me and Elder Foote will drive to Lansing from there.  That would make it a lot easier .  But anyway, I finally finished packing at 2:00.  We went over to say goodbye to Grandma, ran some errands, and then headed to hart.  In Hart I gave the baptismal interview to Alison Coons.  It was an awesome experience.  She has a great desire to do what is right and she has been studying the Gospel Principles really hard.  So it was an edifying experience for me and I think for her as well.  We talked about some really good things and it was just dang neat.  After that, I began my saying goodbye rounds.  I started with the Hart elders to the Ludington relief society to the Chandlers to the Jolly's to the Overholts and finally to the Roberts.  Every stop was very hard and it didn't seem like it was real.  I am really going to miss the awesome Elders and fantastic members that are here.  I receive many compliments and much love.  It was especially hard at the Roberts.  I had to explain to Fawnya that I wouldn't come back for about a year and she was almost crying.  It really touched me.  She is such a sweetie and they are an awesome family.  I really love them and will miss them a lot.  But we will keep in touch and I will definitely visit them.  It was a lot harder to say goodbye to this area than I thought it would be.  This area is so flippin ripe.  There are so many golden people here.  Sullivan and Douglas should have a lot of baptisms.  It is tough to leave but I know I must move on and turn Stonegate into a ripple area now.  I am excited for the move and the new position.  It will be a lot of fun and a new opportunity for me to learn and grow and to help others do the same.  I'm outta here!     Wednesday November 17

Well, this was a pretty sweet day.  I just got all ready in the morning to Transfer.  Andy came over to say goodbye and then that study offered to drive me to Grand Rapids.  He is so cool.  We had a good time on the drive and I never even had to look at a bus.  Sweet.  It was also hard to say goodbye to Andy, the Bart man.  He left me with a sweet necklace that he has worn for like six years.  He is an awesome guy.  I will be keeping in touch with him for sure.  When I got to Grand Rapids, Elder Stringham said "Now you are one of the noble and great ones at Zone Leader Conference".  Cool - I can dig that.  From Grand Rapids, Elder Foote and I drove to the office.  It was totally cool to hang out there with the APs and especially with Elder Budge and Halliday.  I got to see them both again and that was the best.  We went and got some ice cream together.  They are seriously the biggest studs.  I love both of those guys.  My mission "Dad" and my first District Leader.  I will really miss them because they are heading on the plane tomorrow.  Wow.  I finally met my new companion.  His name is Richard Larson.  And he is pretty cool.  We got to know each other a little bit just while I was unpacking and that kind of stuff.  I will enjoy serving with him.  And it will be pretty cool as Zone Leader too.  I am really looking forward to this experience.  The apartment and the area are sweet.  I live about 1/2 mile away from President Waite.  I am ready to thrust it away and have the best 11 months of my life.  The past 13 months have been awesome, but it will only get better.  Missions rock.     Thursday November 19